West Seattle, Washington
19 Saturday
6:03 AM: Good morning – it’s Thursday, February 20, 2025. One month until spring!
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
More rain in the forecast, but not as breezy, high near 50. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:07 am and 5:41 pm.
SCHOOL REMINDER
-Many schools – including Seattle Public Schools – are continuing their mid-winter break through Friday.
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 Friday night into Saturday 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!
(Added: Photo sent by Jason)
ORIGINAL REPORT, EARLY THURSDAY: Big police response to the 3200 block of SW Avalon Way, and some are asking about it, so here’s what we know so far: The call was for some kind of disturbance in a residential unit; police who got there called for backup, and that led to a “help the officer” dispatch, which more or less means everyone drops what they’re doing and rushes that way. The officers on scene quickly got somebody into custody and radioed that they were “under control” so that canceled the backup dispatch. At least two people are reported to be injured, though, from whatever was happening that led to police being called in the first place, so SFD is responding for medical assistance.
UPDATE ADDED FRIDAY NIGHT: We obtained the report narrative from SPD; here’s our summary of what it says happened:
The person who called 911 “heard a female yelling for assistance and a male yelling for her to get out,”then yelling ‘please stop,’ saying the door handle is broken and she can’t get out.” Somebody else called; they also heard breaking glass. Arriving officers also heard “multiple people screaming and breaking glass.” Police tried to get into the unit where all this was happening but were told they’d have to break the door down, which they did. The people they found in the apartment included a man, woman, and “two small children.” Police talked to people to try to figure out what had happened; it started with two other people coming over for a barbecue. Later some sort of misunderstanding erupted and that’s when the yelling started. Jealousy-related accusations were involved. People were told to leave, but the door handle stuck and they couldn’t, so that’s why window-breaking ensued. Two people jumped out of the apartment and down two floors to get away. Due to redactions in the narrative, it’s not clear who did what to who, but one person was arrested for investigation of assault, harassment, and property damage. We don’t have their name so we can’t check their status.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Though a key feature of the kitchen is a New York-style pizza oven, new restaurant The Neighborhood is not going to be a place you can pigeonhole as a pizzeria, says its proprietor.
Since our first report four days ago about The Neighborhood taking over the ex-Peel & Press space at 6503 California SW, we’ve visited the space for a chat with owner-operator Jenny Almukhtar.
Though her restaurant-to-be is in the throes of a major cleanup and refresh, it already has a friendly feeling. Jenny’s in-laws were doing some interior work when we dropped by; her mom-in-law already has contributed the chalk sketch shown atop this story. That’s not the official logo, though, Jenny explains; they will have one, and it’s being developed by an artist right now. Jenny says it’ll harmonize with the different colors they plan to use to “lighten up the space” from the woodsy ambience of Peel & Press. You’ll see a mural-style version of the forthcoming logo by the front door, place names (like California/Fauntleroy) on the wall, and some other neighborhood-ish touches in back – hopscotch markings on the way to the restrooms, perhaps. And the name will be spelled out in old tap handles that Jenny and husband Ahmed have collected over their years in the hospitality industry.
What about new tap handles, and other beverage plans? The Neighborhood is seeking a full liquor license, which is what Peel & Press had, so no basic change there. They’ll have eight tap handles, with two of them devoted to wine; four or five draft beers, with a local emphasis (something from Georgetown Brewing, maybe Manny’s, will be included, of course). Cocktails? They plan a housemade limoncello that will play a part – such as in a limoncello martini. They’re also working on a Mezcal Negroni. And a lineup of mocktails that Jenny promises will be more flavorful and memorable than just alcohol-free versions of classic drinks.
But not pretentious, she insists. The whole vibe is meant to be casual – even though you might not draw that inference from a place that will only be open for dinner, for starters. That’s not forever, she clarifies. What they want to do is start simple, get everything right, and then look at how they might grow – pop-up brunches, perhaps? Speaking of which, let’s get back to the food.
“We know Italian,” Jenny emphasizes. That includes some time spent living back east, as you’ll glean from this photo she shares of herself and Ahmed:
Italian is a cuisine that’s “easy to execute,” she adds. You’ll likely see a simple menu with several main dishes such as “deconstructed lasagna” and chicken parmigiana, plus four or five appetizers, a few salads, and the pizzas – we took a peek at the famous oven, which can bake other items too:
Baked items, of course, can be sweet as well as savory! In fact, Jenny says they’re planning a lineup of “fantastic desserts,” including tiramisu featuring the aforementioned housemade limoncello, plus butterscotch pudding, gelato or sherbet, and “something decadently chocolate.”
Back to the pizza for a moment – Jenny plans a Pizza of the Month contest, modeled after the Burger of the Month competition from her days down the street at The Bridge: Customers will suggest it, there’ll be an online vote, and the winning pizza will be a menu feature for the month. That’ll be in the spirit of the community vibe she’s hoping The Neighborhood will offer. Having been in the hospitality industry since she was 13 years old, she says it’s her second nature.
That also plays into listening to what the customers want. Aware of the chatter about how the space was potentially destined for a bagel shop, Jenny says they might try making bagels – sometime.
But first – they have a plan, and will work hard to “get it right.” If all goes well, they’ve chalked in April 2 for a grand opening.
The Alki Community Council meets most months on third Thursdays, but has had to cancel this month’s meeting – originally planned for tomorrow – due to “unforeseen circumstances.” The group’s announcement has a suggestion of what to do instead: They’re asking for people to join District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka in supporting two bills before the state Legislature, relating to a long-running Alki (and elsewhere) issue: “SB 5417 and companion bill HB 1423. This proposed state legislation would authorize the use of automated vehicle noise enforcement cameras in vehicle-racing camera enforcement zones and allow municipalities like Seattle to deploy automated noise enforcement cameras if they so choose.” The full ACC announcement includes links you can use to contact state legislators if you choose to. Noise enforcement has been a long-running issue in Alki; Saka’s predecessor, Lisa Herbold, was working on it seven years ago, though the plan back then did not involve cameras.
Thanks for the photos! A multi-colored sunset has just finished fading away – Mark Dale sent the view above, and Curry Gibson sent the view below, showing the peach that preceded the pink:
(added) Bob Spears sent a wider view of the peach-color stage:
(added) This is what Jeff Johnson saw:
And just before it all, Marc Milrod caught this rainbow through the mist:
Tomorrow, by the way, marks one month until spring!
That sign announces what’s next for the former Pearls at Delridge/Edmunds – Hagosa’s House. We got a reader tip about this pre-sign and have been trying to reach the proprietor, without luck so far, so here’s what its website says about the plan:
Hagosa’s House is a family-owned neighborhood cafe offering coffee and small bites, designed to feel like home. Named after my grandmother, Hagosa, the cafe honors her legacy and celebrates Eritrean heritage. As a Black- and woman-owned business, we are rooted in the community, starting small, growing every day, and dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming space for all.
The website suggests Hagosa’s House will open by month’s end. We still hope to reach the proprietor
BACKSTORY: Last time we mentioned the site’s past identity as Pearls was in May of last year, when a handwritten sign on the door said Pearls was closed for remodeling.
(Reader photo, Sunday)
Back on Sunday, we reported on the arrest of an 38-year-old man after a reported burglary in the 4800 block of Beach Drive SW. The City Attorney’s Office subsequently charged the suspect, Christopher D. Montano, with a misdemeanor, 1st-degree criminal trespass. At Montano’s arraignment hearing today, according to court documents, the CAO asked that bail be set at $2500, but Judge Faye Chess ordered him released on personal recognizance. According to the police-report narrative in the case file, officers found him outside the house; he told them he had only gone inside for a few minutes and hadn’t taken anything. Officers say he told them he had burglarized that house before, so he was familiar with it, and that he was homeless, staying at a shelter, but looking for someplace “quiet.” He told officers he had gotten inside just by opening a door, but the housesitter, who had left an hour earlier, told them she had locked all the doors. Montano is due back in court in four weeks.
Seattle Public Schools confirms today that Ray Garcia-Morales has officially resigned as principal of Chief Sealth International High School and from district employment. He resigned yesterday, according to this memo just circulated to the school community and provided to us moments ago by a district spokesperson:
Dear Chief Sealth International High School Community,
We are writing to share an important school leadership update with you.
Principal Ray Garcia-Morales has resigned from Seattle Public Schools effective Tuesday, Feb. 18.
The district appreciates Garcia-Morales’ dedicated leadership and service to students, staff, and the entire school community, and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.
Hope Perry will serve as the building leader for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will begin the process of searching for a permanent principal. Southwest Regional Executive Director of Schools Chris Carter will be supporting the CSIHS leadership team to ensure that students and staff are fully supported during this time.
Should you have any questions or concerns Executive Director Carter can be reached at cecarter@seattleschools.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ricardo Torres-Morales
Associate Superintendent
Seattle Public Schools
This was Garcia-Morales’s fourth school year as Sealth principal. His resignation Tuesday was exactly two weeks after the district announced Garcia-Morales was on leave after his arrest following a flipped-car crash at the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge (here’s our original coverage of that February 2nd crash). We’re re-checking the case files to see if anything more has happened
Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, Mara Haveson. Our new sponsors get to tell you about themselves and what they do – here’s Mara‘s story:
West Seattle’s #1 realtor in 2024 and managing broker of Compass West Seattle, Mara Haveson’s path has been marked by a steadfast commitment to excellence in the real-estate industry.
Mara‘s career began in Pittsburgh, PA, when she earned her real estate license at the young age of 18. By 19, she had bought and flipped her first house, and by 21, she had closed everything from single-family homes to industrial properties.
In 2001, after honing her skills in the Steel City’s competitive real estate market, Mara made the move to the Pacific Northwest. Here Mara aligned herself with one of the biggest brokerages in Seattle and is now one of the top-producing brokers in the Puget Sound area, with a consistent annual sales volume of over $35 million.
With a vision to create something truly special for her beloved West Seattle community, Mara established her own Compass satellite office in 2020, right in the heart of the action. This satellite office isn’t just a branch; it’s a beacon of expertise and integrity, offering personalized service to clients across the Seattle region.
Mara Haveson places a high emphasis on taking the time to truly understand each of her customer’s unique housing needs, an important component in the negotiations process when seeking a broker. With a track record that speaks for itself, and a portfolio of successful sales that showcase Mara’s ability to command top dollar for her listings, her attention to detail, personalized approach, and unwavering commitment ensures that every transaction is seamless and rewarding.
“I love seeing my long-term clients come back time after time as their lives progress.” Mara reflects, “A client may have bought her first condo with me, then came back to buy her first family home with me, and now she’s ready to step up to a home with a view. It’s very satisfying.”
As the #1 broker by sales volume in West Seattle for 2024, Mara‘s dedication to delivering exceptional results for her clients, in West Seattle and beyond, is stronger than ever.
Stop by the Compass West Seattle office (4531 California SW) or reach out to her team at marahaveson.com to connect about buying or selling in West Seattle!
We thank Mara Haveson for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Call or text 206-293-6302.
(Photo by Nicholas Parker)
Here’s our list of what’s happening on your Wednesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE: As explained here, an event at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) will commemorate the anniversary of the order that led to incarceration of more than 100,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry, 11 am at Olympic Hall on the south end of campus.
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT CANCELED: No reading time today because the shop is closed for its move to The Junction (they’re hoping to reopen soon).
REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
TODDLER STORY TIME AT SW LIBRARY: 3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
HOMEWORK HELP: Canceled this week since many schools are on break.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss 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). Don’t know much about the WS Tool Library? Learn about it via our recent West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlight!
FREE GROUP RUN: All year ’round! All runners, all levels, are welcome to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
YOGA AND GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
TRIVIA x 3: Three Wednesday trivia locations on our West Seattle list: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night 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.
MUSIC BINGO X 2: Two places to play on Wednesdays! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … Or, at Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo, hosted by Mingo Maniac, at 7:30 pm Wednesdays.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Ready to take the mic and show what you can do? 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, etc., 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!
Summer will be full of creative fun at Mode Music and Performing Arts and sibling Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) in North Delridge! Registration is open for summer camps – here for example is the MMPA schedule:
Graze that and you’ll see camps including Stage Combat, D&D, more. Go here to learn more about the camps.
At Mode Music Studios, rock-band camps are the heart of the summer, with sessions for ages 6-12 and for ages 13+ – learn about those, and register, by going here!
6:00 AM: Good morning – it’s Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Rainy and breezy today, high around 50. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:07 am and 5:39 pm.
SCHOOL REMINDER
-Some schools go back today after a few days of midwinter break, but others – including Seattle Public Schools – are out all week.
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 Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V
CLOSURE ALERT
-As noted here, the Highway 99 tunnel will close overnight Friday night into Saturday morning.
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!
Story and photos by Tracy Burrows
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Both Chief Sealth International High School basketball teams played must-win district-tournament games at home Tuesday night.
After the CSIHS girls’ basketball team’s tough loss to Foster High School in the opening round of the tournament, head coach Mario Martinez decided to play up-tempo ball from the initial possession of their game. The Seahawks deployed a full-court man-to-man press the entire first half and wreaked havoc on their opponent, the Lindbergh Eagles (Renton). Sealth forced multiple turnovers and kept Lindbergh from setting up their offense.
Lindbergh tried to stop Sealth’s Alysse Bland (above), but she had little problem shaking off defenders. Sealth’s smothering team defense, along with a couple of key three pointers from Bethel Bisrat and Keimani Proctor-Mills’ dynamic rebounding helped the Seahawks build a 29-20 lead at the half.
At the start of the second half, Sealth started racking up fouls that gave Lindbergh bonus free throws with over 3 minutes left in the third quarter. The free throws kept Lindbergh in the game as they cut Sealth’s lead to three heading into the 4th quarter. But Bland continued driving and scoring.
Presley Williams (above) drained two timely 3-pointers and the team iced the win 50-37. After the game, Coach Martinez was proud of the determination of the team. “If we keep playing with intensity and energy, we can make it through to the State tournament.” Next up for the Sealth girls is an away game at Cedarcrest High School in Duvall on Thursday at 7:00 pm.
Now to the boys’ game:
After a heartbreaking 69-68 loss to Renton High School on Saturday. the Sealth boys’ team played a must-win game in Tuesday night’s Class 2 District Tournament game against the Evergreen Wolverines from White Center.
After head coach Ja’Lyn Combs made an early adjustment to address Evergreen’s defensive press, the outcome of the game was never really in doubt. The Sealth boys combined outside shooting with effective inside play and led by a score of 32-24 at the half.
The Seahawks went on a quick run to start the 2nd half by forcing turnovers and making quick fast-break points. Sealth players repeatedly beat defenders to the basket and Chase Valdez (above) poured in buckets from the outside. By the end of the game, the Evergreen defense was worn down as the Seahawks notched an 83-57 win.
Chase Valdez led the team with 19 points and Taj Washington (above) contributed 13. The team moves on to play an away game on Thursday night at either Foster or Lindbergh.
We don’t cross the bridge often, so we hadn’t seen this sign until Lisa texted this photo today:
We have noticed this sign a few weeks ago. It’s so hopeful. We love West Seattle! It says “Your mistakes don’t define you.”
Love, Lisa, Ben, and Max The Third
Commentary on the crashes? The concrete? Or? Lisa says it’s on both sides of the southwest end of the bridge.
We haven’t had a chance to watch Mayor Bruce Harrell‘s entire State of the City address yet (that’s the ~50 minutes of video above, courtesy of Seattle Channel), delivered today at noon – we saw the start and the finish, but had to go check out the South Delridge gunfire scene in the middle. However, a quick look at the summary provided by the mayor’s office yielded this point of interest:
Expediting light rail expansion: Mayor Harrell will issue an Executive Order this week to support faster delivery of light rail expansion to West Seattle and Ballard. The mayor will propose legislation that could speed up delivery by more than a year and the City will create the Office of Waterfront, Civic Projects & Sound Transit, which will orchestrate up to 50 staff in supporting project design and engineering, station area planning, and more.
We subsequently asked mayoral spokesperson Callie Craighead for details, and she said those would be forthcoming in a few days: “We will be announcing the Sound Transit Executive Order later this week, so more to come on that.” The “prepared remarks” version of his speech used this verbiage:
Growing our transit network with fast, reliable service is one of my highest priorities, and Sound Transit 3 is the largest transit expansion in the country. That’s why, this week, I will issue an Executive Order to make sure the City of Seattle is taking immediate action to safely and efficiently expedite delivery of light rail to West Seattle and Ballard.
Our efforts will include a newly expanded Office of Waterfront, Civic Projects & Sound Transit, led by Director Angela Brady, which will be at the center of orchestrating a surge in staff of up to 50 City employees supporting project design and engineering, station area planning, and more.
We will propose new pieces of legislation to ease the permitting process – maintaining essential safety protections while reducing burdens and barriers to shorten project schedules. This work could save more than a year of project time.
Our region is clamoring for light rail expansion – this Executive Order represents the City’s pledge to do our part to get it done as quickly as possible.
Currently, the West Seattle expansion is projected for completion late in 2032, but there are myriad milestones to achieve first, not the least of which is funding, including federal dollars.
Yet another reason to think spring, besides today’s semi-surprise sunshine! West Seattle’s pre-pro soccer teams, Junction FC men’s club and Rhodies FC women’s club, have announced their schedules – seven home matches for Junction FC:
Five home matches for the first-year Rhodies:
Single-match tickets are on sale now, and season tickets are still available too – all from this page. Home games are set for Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
The announcement and photo are from Village Green-West Seattle (WSB sponsor):
On Monday, Henry Howard celebrated 100 years of amazing life with his friends and family at Village Green Senior Living in West Seattle. Henry has been a longtime resident in West Seattle. He has an infectious smile and amazing stories to tell. His support system found out about our community from West Seattle Blog. Help us celebrate this amazing man!! Happy Birthday, Henry!!
Thanks for the reader report and photo! One of the local high-school teams that’s in postseason competition this year has qualified for state – the West Seattle High Schoolboys’ swimmers/divers:
Members of the West Seattle High School boy’ swim team are headed to State this week – February 20-22 @ King County Aquatic Center.
The boys are wrapping up a historically successful season for the WSHS Swim & Dive program, including going 7-1 in dual meets, sending all 25 swimmers to Metros and taking 5th overall, with 12 swimmers qualifying for and participating in 3A Districts this past week. In the season thus far, team records have been set in the 200 Medley, 200 Freestyle Relay and 400 Freestyle Relay, and sophomore Tom Wrenholt set team records in individual 100 Fly and 200 IM.
Swimmers advancing to State are the 200 Medley Relay team – Tom Wrenholt (10th – Backstroke), Nate Boehmer (11th – Fly) , Jacob Lee (12th – Breaststroke), and Mason Duffy (10th – Freestyle), and alternates Luca Conte (9th), Casey Laplante (10th), Ben Wrenholt (10th), and Mac Rysemus (11th). Tom Wrenholt also qualified individually and will be competing for the second year in a row in the 100 Backstroke.
Congrats to the team and their amazing coaches Karen Boehmer and Logan Rysemus for an awesome season, and good luck at State – Go, Wildcats!
(Added: WSB photo)
12:04 PM: Police are at 15th/Cambridge [map] after a 911 call from someone who thought they heard gunfire. An officer has just told dispatch they’ve confirmed it, finding “a couple casings” in the intersection. No injuries reported so far.
12:09 PM: While they’re not certain it’s related, police told dispatch a neighbor heard “an argument between a male and female” before the gunshots. No description(s).
12:34 PM: Added photo while at the scene. The casings are actually on 15th just south of the intersection.
WSDOT has announced the new date for the next Highway 99 tunnel closure, 2 weeks after it was announced and then canceled. The new date is this Friday night and Saturday morning, February 21-22:
Both directions of the State Route 99 tunnel in Seattle will close from 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, to 6 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, for maintenance.
Washington State Department of Transportation will start closing northbound and southbound lanes at 9 p.m., with the tunnel fully closed by 10 p.m. Drivers going south on SR 99 will need to take the Harrison Street off-ramp, and northbound SR 99 drivers will need to take the Alaskan Way off-ramp. Also, the Sixth Avenue and Royal Brougham Way on-ramps will close at 9 p.m.
The closure will let crews do several important tasks, including:
-Fire-suppression testing.
-Cleaning and marking drains.
-Fixing lights.People traveling through downtown Seattle Friday night should use alternate routes.
(Photo sent by Eileen: Squid eggs on West Seattle shore near Lincoln Park)
Here’s the list for the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
BLACK HISTORY ART EXHIBIT: As reported here, the Washington State Black Legacy Institute is welcoming visitors all month for its first major public exhibit. Hours today are 11 am-6 pm. (2656 42nd SW)
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Lunch meeting, noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW). Program:
Rotary Club of West Seattle program: George Lewis and Ruth Bowling will speak about how Rotary and AdventHealth partner through Global Grants to heal disadvantaged children in Latin America born with cleft lip or palate. The specific project they will discuss is scheduled to take place in November of 2025.
STATE OF THE CITY: Mayor Bruce Harrell presents this year’s “State of the City” speech at noon at Benaroya Hall. You can watch live on Seattle Channel.
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
HOMEWORK HELP: Students can drop in for free help, 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
CHOCOLATE BEER WEEK: Actually more than a week at The Beer Junction (4511 California SW), open today 5-10 pm
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.
POSTSEASON BASKETBALL: Chief Sealth‘s varsity teams both host district playoff games tonight, girls vs. Lindbergh at 5:30, boys vs. Evergreen at 7. The West Seattle HS boys also have a district game, 7:15 pm vs. Bellevue, at Newport HS (4333 Factoria Road SE).
UKULELE PLAYERS’ EVENING MEETUP: In addition to their weekly daytime meetups, West Seattle ukulele players are gathering once a month in the evening too! 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander).
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN: 6:15 pm, meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
TOASTMASTERS 832: Join them online at 6:30 pm to work on your leadership and communication skills. Our calendar listing explains how to get the link.
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).
OPEN MIC: Signups at 6:30, music at 7 at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).
BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! – Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 6: Six trivia options for Tuesday night – 7 pm trivia with Amelia at Future Primitive‘s Beer Bar on Alki (2536 Alki SW) … 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) … and Trivia Tuesdays at Christos on Alki, 7:15 pm (2508 Alki SW).
Hosting an event, class, performance, gathering, etc.? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather March 1 and 2 for memorial services in honor of Betty Olson. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing now:
Betty K. Olson
July 15, 1933 – January 25, 2025Betty Kinney Olson, age 91, passed peacefully and unexpectedly in her home on January 25th. She was a kind, joyful, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and community member.
Betty Jean Kinney was born on July 15, 1933 to Bessie and Edward Kinney in Washington D.C. and raised with her younger brother, Ron Kinney, nearby in Arlington, Virginia. Despite being born with a malformed leg and suffering from severe childhood asthma she was an active, strong, and happy child. Betty was 9 years old when World War II began which influenced her values of hard work, sacrifice, and political awareness. Throughout her life, she loved animals and reading. Caring for a sick dog when she was a young child sparked her interest in becoming a nurse.
In order to contribute to her college education, Betty learned practical secretarial skills in high school. One of her first jobs was taking dictation for the Department of Foreign Aid in the Pentagon, which she found very interesting. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (now University) and worked in a Virginia Mason ENT clinic after moving to Seattle. In 1958 Betty took a break in her nursing career to start her family of three children, and then returned to work when her youngest child was in school. Betty had a passion for the health care of children, and worked for the Seattle School District as a school nurse for 25 years. She continued her education while working which enabled her to work more independently and make more positive changes in public health care. At the age of 43 she completed her certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and at the age of 54 she earned a master’s degree in Health Administration from the UW. Betty was a pioneer in the establishment of school-based health clinics in Seattle Public Schools, successfully operating the pilot program at Rainier Beach High School in 1988. She also helped open a children’s clinic at Harborview. Betty served her last two years of work as a Health Services Supervisor for Seattle Public Schools prior to retiring at age 60.
Betty met Seattle native Donald Olson while he was working in Maryland and they married in 1955. Upon completion of her education, they moved to Seattle where they raised their family and engaged in the beauty and activities of the Pacific Northwest including hiking, camping, skiing, and kayaking. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling to many places around the world together until Don died in 2014 after 59 years of marriage.
Betty loved being involved in Fauntleroy Church for her entire life (since moving to Seattle) where she served in ministries and committees including the pastoral search committee, the Caring Ministry Team, and the Choir.
In 2018 Betty decided to sell her house and move to Judson Park (JP) Retirement Community. It did not take long before she was involved in many aspects of the community, leading not only to the enrichment of her own life, but also that of many others. She participated in the College of Intellectual Inspiration Advisory Committee (CII), the Resident Advisory Committee, the choir, and a bridge group, among other resident activities. Betty made many friends at JP, and in particular she met her final close companion in life, Joe Grillo. She continued to travel, returning to Cannon Beach, Hawaii, and enjoying small-ship expeditions to the Arctic, around the UK, and up to Canada.
Being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was a great joy for Betty. In the midst of pursuing excellence in healthcare for children and participating in community involvement, she always made her family a priority. She shared with her children her love for the ocean with many camping trips to the Washington coast. After her children became adults and started their own families, she and Don treated the entire family to annual trips to Cannon Beach, Oregon, for 20+ summers, which will always be a treasured memory for her children and grandchildren. After moving to JP, she continued to enjoy travel, and she embraced spending time with family and friends whenever the opportunity arose. She of was an example of joy, peace, love, and hard work, and has been an inspiration to many.
Betty is survived by three children, Eric Olson (Kim), Michael Olson (Jackie), and Susan Underbrink (Jim), ten grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, two dogs (Gibbs and Kenna), and many friends.
A memorial service will be held at Fauntleroy Church on Saturday, March 1st at 1 p.m. and at Judson Park on Sunday, March 2nd at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Fauntleroy Church endowment fund.
(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)
6:00 AM: Good morning – it’s Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
It’s almost warm! Cloudy today, rain likely back by late tonight, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:09 am and 5:38 pm.
SCHOOL REMINDER
-Today is part of midwinter break for most schools – all week for Seattle Public Schools (the Vashon district too), but some other schools will be back in session tomorrow (Wednesday).
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 Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
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