West Seattle, Washington
31 Monday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
2022: RVs were cleared on Andover. A bicycle lane was installed. No RV returns.
2023. RVs were cleared on Harbor Avenue. Parking-restriction signs were installed. No RV returns.
2024: RVs were cleared on Trenton by Westwood Village. Pavement markings and parking-restriction signs were installed. No RV returns.
So, Highland Park, South Delridge, and Riverview residents asked Wednesday night, when will some sort of permanent action happen in their neighborhoods?
The question was asked because encampments – RV and otherwise – were the main topic of this month’s HPAC meeting, facilitated at Delridge Library by co-chairs Kay Kirkpatrick and Barb Biondo. With the looming concern of stormy weather on the way (thunderclaps later resounded outside the meeting room), 20 people – including city reps – showed up. In addition to reps from the Unified Care Team. CARE Community Crisis Responders, Seattle Police, two of the three members of City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s staff – chief of staff Elaine Ikoma Ko and district director Erik Schmidt.Ko said Saka has met with the mayor’s office recently to “discuss these issues.”
HPAC’s pre-meeting preview noted that the city’s assessment of how many RVs and encampments were in the area was a dramatic undercount; one neighbor did an informal survey right before the meeting. Longtime city homelessness-response rep Tom Van Bronkhorst explained what the Unified Care Team does and doesn’t. The UCT is ‘really focused on people on the streets, doing outreach to them …(and) offer(ing) them something,” he explained. “The response from the city continues to evolve as the situation changes and we learn what works and what doesn’t.” UCT also “is not a first-responding group,” he explained.”If you feel threatened, or like something bad is happening, call 911.”
Regarding RVs: “We know we’ve got a problem, and it’s a big one … the SODO neighborhood also has a big problem … With RVs, the city objective right now is not to ‘rid the city of RVs’; people living in vehicles have (legal) rights to live in their vehicles … we are not on a mission to impound every RV …. we are on a mission to keep those RVs moving … they move from area to area. Why are they here? Some of them might have family here … maybe there’s a lot of unrestricted parking … ” He paused then for questions and comments.
One attendee mentioned Find It Fix It being a “wealth of data” on which areas do and don’t have encampments, so he wants to know why there’s a problem here but not in other areas of West Seattle. … If this was to happen on Beach Drive, Admiral, Alki …” Someone else chimed in, “It wouldn’t.” He said he asks friends in such neighborhoods “where are your encampments at?” And they don’t have them. Van Bronkhorst said the city doesn’t tell people where to go. The attendee said he’s tried reporting an encampment by 18th/Trenton that “got really bad,” on a site whose owner tried to get police to trespass squatters. “They may not be pushed here, but they group here.”
Van Bronkhorst reiterated that other areas of the city – like Ballard – are heavily impacted too.
The attendee said one RV finally moved on after eight months, though he assessed its residents were more “the working poor” than “the hard-core drug users.”
If someone does not move on, Van Bronkhorst acknowledged, they don’t have consequences. Are the policies in writing? asked anther attendee. And why aren’t all parking policies – like vehicle widths – being enforced?
Van Bronkhorst described the MDAR (Multi-Department Administrative) rules, put together by a task force in 2017. Those rules spell out how to approach encampments, how they offer shelter, how they must offer to store people’s belongings, how they notify people when a removal is happening.
Why isn’t a task force convened to review those rules periodically? asked an attendee. Van Bronkhorst said he didn’t know. He then explained still more about the Unified Care Team, which has reps from all the different departments “that touch homelessness response.” He suggested referring to specific potential violations when reporting problems – like “overly wide vehicles.” He also said people might consider suggesting specifically that the MDARs be reviewed. He also reiterated that filing a Find It Fix It report is the fastest way to get something into the city’s queue for evaluating a situation and its potential hazards, among other things. Situations are assigned “points” by what they find.
What about safe lots? asked another attendee – lots that would be “truly appealing” with showers and other facilities to serve people. “I just feel like there’s no improvement … I don’t see a change.” 16 RVs, 9 vehicles, and 4 tents within walking distance of 18th and Trenton …. 9 RVs just at 9th/Henderson, said the person who’d done an informal survey just before the meeting. “How many times do we have to clean up 9th/Henderson? I want action…. I know you say you move them around … we don’t want you to (just) move them around … we want safe places where I can walk my grandkids …” She mentioned tents and intoxicated people along the pathway for which the community fought between Chief Sealth IHS and Westwood Village. Near tears, she repeated, “I want some action so people who live nearby can enjoy their neighborhood.”
The discussion continued to intensify. Everyone in the room raised their hands when asked who had submitted Find It Fix It tickets. Do more reports for a place get it more points? asked one attendee. No, said Von Bronkhorst. That attendee – who grew more furious as she spoke – talked about an encampment by Longfellow Creek and the Vietnamese Cultural Center (whose director Lee Bui was in attendance too). “They’re cutting down trees, and I would get in trouble if I did that at my house.”
Van Bronkhorst then said a problem with abating encampments was a lack of shelter, as there are “not many units” available in Tiny Home Villages. What about the completed tiny homes in storage in SODO? Van Bronkhorst said a budget issue had gotten in the way of expanding THVs. The room momentarily broke into chatter about other budget priorities. Van Bronkhorst then said things can be done to discourage RVsl someone had suggested funding for the Highland Park Way hill bikes-and-more lane be redirected, and Van Bronkhorst noted that bike lanes had been successful in discouraging RVs, just one way of “activating” space that otherwise might be re-encamped after a sweep.
So who do they suggeest “activation” to? asked Kirkpatrick, saying they’d tried making suggestions to SDOT before. Va Bronkhorst cautioned that street-side changes have to be carefully managed to avoid conflicts with residential parking needs. OK,said one attendee, then: “Why can’t they just not enforce (restrictions) for those (housed residents) like they don’t enforce everything?”
Another attendee said he was told to stop repeatedly reporting a particular situation because that would move it to the back of the queue. (Van Bronkhorst said he would look into whether that’s true.) This attendee said he had video and other evidence of drug use and production in RVs that are part of a ring. He said that outreach workers would show up and talk to the people there, and that the outreach workers were being “played like a fiddle.” What if, instead of moving one block, RV residents were told they have to move five miles?
After attendees repeated, “We want to be safe,” there were questions about what to do next, how to “take it to the next level.” Councilmember Saka’s chief of staff Ko said, “We’re bringing it to the right level – the mayor’s level.” She also said they were scheduling a “walking tour”to see “what can be done short term” for starters. They’ve also been meeting with SDOT, she said.
HPAC co-chair Kirkpatrick pressed, “We don’t want this (discussion to end here) and then we never hear again – so when are you going to come back?”
No specific promises were made, aside from a commitment that this indeed wouldn’t be the end of the discussion.
NEXT MEETING: HPAC usually meets on fourth Wednesdays; watch here for updates.
Rainbow sightings to the north late in the day! Above is from Kevin Stock, who explains, “We caught this photo of the Kittitas headed to Fauntleroy as we were docking at Vashon about 5 p.m. today.” The next view is from John-Michael Bennett III:
And from longtime WSB contributor Jason Grotelueschen at Walt Hundley Playfield:
Tomorrow’s likely to have some sunshine as well as some showers, according to the National Weather Service.
Boosters of West Seattle High School‘s state-champion baseball team invite you to join them for a dinner and auction Saturday night – and you can bid even if you can’t be there! Here’s the announcement
Come out and support the WSHS Baseball Team by purchasing your auction tickets for the 2025 Grand Slam Social & Fundraiser!
Entry: $40 (Players and kids 12 & under FREE!)
Your support helps fund uniforms, equipment, and program essentials—let’s rally together for WSHS Baseball!
Can’t make the auction? You can still bid online or make a donation to support the team! Every contribution helps!
Scan the QR code or go to WSHS Baseball Grand Slam Social & Fundraiser.
The event starts at 6 pm tomorrow (Saturday, March 29) at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds).
6:45 PM: Happening until 7:30 at the temporary home of Alki Elementary (historic Schmitz Park Elementary at 5000 SW Spokane), students’ first-ever Makers’ Market! Treats, tunes, crafts, more in the cafeteria and hallways, and a BBQ outside.
ADDED POST-EVENT: A few more photos – the student face-painters by the door were popular:
Lots of custom items for sale – personalized bracelets, for example:
And this table’s offerings included pet treats:
Musical performances were happening in the hallway. Big crowd – congratulations to all on what they’re hoping to make an annual tradition.
5:30 PM: Big response for a crash on the westbound bridge near the 1st Ave exit. SFD is extricating one injured person from one of the vehicles. If you’re headed southbound from downtown, staying on I-5 and using the exit that’ll get you to the 1st Ave So. Bridge is a better choice.
5:37 PM: They’ve rescued the trapped person.
5:41 PM: SFD says the injured person is in stable condition and will be taken to a hospital.
6:30 PM: SDOT’s traffic center says the scene has cleared.
4:37 PM: King County Roads announced late this afternoon that its closure of 16th SW is ending earlier than planned:
We’re opening early! Our crews plan to reopen the intersection of 16th Ave SW & SW 104th St today, March 28th. Expect lane restrictions & reduced parking thru April 18.
The closure was for utility work preceding a bigger project to rechannelize and repave stretches of 16th between. 100th and 106th. Here’s the backstory.
5:23 PM: Just went over to check; it’s indeed open again.
Four notes this afternoon as cuts in D.C. reverberate here in “the other Washington”:
(WSB photo, last Saturday)
CARE-A-VAN SUSPENDED: The state Health Department’s Care-a-Van mobile health service was part of the resource fair at Westwood Village last Saturday. That was one of its last stops before the state learned the feds have defunded it, tweeting this morning:
We received notice from the CDC that our funding for Care-A-Van has been terminated, effective March 24, 2025. As a result of this unexpected decision, we must immediately suspend Care-A-Van operations. Thank you to all of our requesters and community partners for your support.
SENIORS PLAN PROTEST: As noted in our West Seattle Event Calendar, we received an announcement that residents at Brookdale Admiral Heights (2326 California SW) plan a protest outside their building at 3 pm Saturday. The announcement says they’ll be protesting cuts to programs as pursued by the federal DOGE operation.
PREPARING FOR APRIL 5 PARTICIPATION: West Seattle Indivisible is leading two sign-making events this Sunday in advance of the April 5 “Hands Off” rally at Seattle Center, protesting cuts to programs/services – one at 11 am Sunday in High Point, one at 3:30 pm in Admiral. (They want to be sure you know the venues have limited space.)
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE: The City Council’s new Federal Administration and Policy Changes Committee, set up to help councilmembers stay informed on D.C. changes affecting Seattle, will have its second meeting Thursday (April 3) at 2 pm, focusing on housing issues. (This is a “select committee,” so all councilmembers are on it.) Citywide Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck sent this announcement today with details.
Today we welcome Olympic Senior Advisors as a new WSB sponsor. When local businesses join the WSB sponsor team, they have the opportunity to tell you about what they do – so here is Olympic Senior Advisors‘ story:
The senior care world can be difficult and overwhelming to navigate. There are more than 4,000 adult family homes and assisted living communities in the greater Puget Sound area alone. Families often become overwhelmed with all the choices and don’t know where to turn. They may wonder which home or assisted living is the right one and they may not know where to begin. Olympic Senior Advisors is here to help families to find the right senior-care options at no cost to the family.
Derek Esses, owner of Olympic Senior Advisors, opened the business right here in West Seattle over 6 years ago to help families find good care options and to help ease the stress of the process. After working in home health for more than 10 years, Derek has made connections with excellent providers that don’t even have public online listings. Once the business began to grow, Derek added to the team because there were more people that needed help and guidance than one person could provide. Olympic Senior Advisors values a team approach allowing the team to work together to find the best possible options for families. Several members of the team live in West Seattle, along with other team members throughout the greater Puget Sound area who are helping to find quality senior-care options for families across the region.
Olympic Senior Advisors work with all budgets because their focus is to help families first, no matter where they are financially. When working with families, the team focuses on care needs, budget, and location. Finances can be difficult for families to discuss, but it is the Olympic Senior Advisors goal to set up every family for success to avoid having to move again due to funds.
Olympic Senior Advisors is a local West Seattle company with pride in our West Seattle roots. We want to help you and your family find the best senior-care options given your needs and to help ease the stress of the process.
You don’t have to do this alone! For a complimentary consultation, call us at 206-473-7657 or email us at info@olympicsenioradvisors.com.
We thank Olympic Senior Advisors for supporting independent community-collaborative people-powered news by sponsoring WSB! If you’re interested in joining the sponsor team, please email WSBadvertising@wsbsales.com – thank you!
(Added: Photo by Robin Sinner)
Orcas are in Elliott Bay today, Kersti Muul tells us. Closer to downtown than West Seattle at last report, but that can change fast. She also says there are reports of another group off Southworth on the west side of Puget Sound. Let us know if you see any of these whales!
(Can’t get enough of the blossoms while they last! Photo by Jerry Simmons)
Here’s our Friday highlights list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Starts at 10 am and continues until 11:30 am, weekly free drop-in playtime at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
FREE TAX HELP: Drop-in help at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), 11 am-4 pm, appointments recommended.
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SPORTS: Chief Sealth IHS vs. West Seattle HS boys’ soccer at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex at 4:30 pm, which is also where WSHS plays baseball vs. O’Dea at 7. (2801 SW Thistle)
TIKIPALOOZA AT THE SKYLARK: Three bands tonight as part of this all-weekend festival at West Seattle and White Center venues, come early for dinner at 5:30 pm, stay for music at 8 pm, more info here including how to get tickets. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS’ POP-UP SOCIAL: 5:30-8 pm at Jellyfish Brewing (917 S. Nebraska) in Georgetown.
(added) JAZZ & BLUES JAM: For early-stage musicians, with house band The Jazz Sealth Trio, signups at 6 pm, music at 6:30, free, Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).
ALKI ELEMENTARY STUDENTS’ MAKERS’ MARKET: You’re invited to enjoy music, food, and shopping:
On Friday, March 28, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, we’re holding our inaugural Spring Makers Market, where our students will showcase and sell their unique, handmade creations. The event is open to the public and will also feature musical performances and food.
The market will be at Schmitz Park Elementary (5000 SW Spokane St), which is serving as Alki’s temporary home while our new school is under construction.
We’d love to see as many community members as possible come out to support these young entrepreneurs.
COMEDY AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Midnight Mystery Theater at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, all ages, no cover.
BENEFIT DINNER FOR GUATEMALA VOLUNTEERING: As previewed here, 6 pm dinner at Fauntleroy Church to raise money for local volunteers’ work in Guatemala. (9140 California SW)
LUCY DACUS LISTENING EVENT: Hear her new album, with giveaways while they last, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW).
SECOND NIGHT FOR ‘CHICAGO’ AT WSHS: 7:30 pm at West Seattle High School Theater (3000 California SW), a huge student-led production of “Chicago” continues its run – details in our calendar listing.
CIRCA OFFER FOR SHOWGOERS: If you go to “Chicago,” save your playbill and present it at nearby Circa (2605 California SW; WSB sponsor) for $5 off!
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Nostalgia B tonight! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), doors at 9 pm, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. Tonight’s slate: Kids on Fire, 1876, Old Cross.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Two weeks from tonight, “STORY TELLERS: A PENINSULA AND ITS PEOPLE” is the theme of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s gala dinner/auction. WSB is media sponsor, and we’re reminding you this morning so you don’t miss your chance to attend! Join SWSHS supporters at 6 pm Friday, April 11, at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW):
Enjoy live music from local West Seattle band The Potholes, delicious food, and a cash bar. Meet and mingle with neighbors, supporters, history makers, and those who collect and uplift the stories of the Duwamish Peninsula.
Story Tellers: A Peninsula and its People celebrates the historical society’s vision for our ongoing interpretive planning and upcoming exhibition overhaul that will transform how people experience the Log House Museum. Celebrate with us as we announce details of a permanent, interactive exhibition planned for 2026 that connects the stories we tell to our visitors’ waterfront experience, highlights stories of diverse placemaking across the Duwamish Peninsula, and encourages visitors to explore regional heritage sites.
Special guests include exhibit designer and contractor Chris Fiala Erlich and our partners at Seattle Housing Authority, whose youth Video Club is helping our historical society capture stories of High Point.
If you can’t go, you will still be able to join in the SWSHS online auction one week in advance – but some special items and experiences will only be available at the gala. P.S. The Log House Museum, at 61st/Stevens, is open Fridays and Saturdays, noon-4 pm.
6:00 AM: Good morning! Friday’s here – March 28, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Your Friday forecast is for showery and breezy weather, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:55 am and 7:34 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – West Seattle service is normal.
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Sealth serving as the “bonus boat.”
ROAD WORK
-Next week, repaving work is set for NB Delridge Way between Genesee and Dakota – details here.
-In White Center, the 16th SW closure at 104th continues, with detours.
STADIUM ZONE
–Mariners’ opening homestand continues with a 6:40 pm game vs. Oakland.
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 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!
The West Seattle High School production of “Chicago,” which opened tonight, is so big, it has its own trailer video (watch it above)! And a triple-digit total of students and others involved. Here’s the overview:
Get ready to be razzle-dazzled as West Seattle High School proudly presents Chicago: High School Edition, bringing all the glitz, glamour, and intrigue of the legendary Broadway musical to the local stage! The production continues on March 28, 29, and April 2, 3, and 4 at the West Seattle High School Auditorium. Tickets here!
Set in the roaring 1920s, Chicago follows the story of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two fame-hungry women caught up in a whirlwind of crime, corruption, and showbiz. With iconic Kander & Ebb songs like All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, and Razzle Dazzle, this thrilling production promises an unforgettable night of music, dance, and drama.
The cast, crew, and orchestra are fantastic this year and feature some very talented seniors, making this production especially meaningful. This production is one of the most ambitious and elaborate ever attempted by the high school. The set alone is a major achievement… but you have to come see it to appreciate it!
“This show is a celebration of all of our students’ hard work and artistic excellence,” said Daniel Wiener, the production’s director. “We’re thrilled to share their incredible performances with the community.”
Tickets are available at westsidedramatickets.ludus.com/index.php
Don’t miss your chance to experience this spectacular production and support the future stars of musical theater!
Along with director Wiener, the production also involves Band Director Ethan Thomas, Vocal Director Taylor Fritts, and Choreographer Sarah Brown (WSHS class of 2021), who produced the trailer. Curtain goes up at 7:30 pm. The theater is on the south side of the school, steps from the gym, at 3000 California SW.
With about two months to go until Memorial Day, Seattle Parks has just unveiled its proposed plan for Alki Beach Park and Don Armeni Boat Ramp hours this summer – and it’s proposing a permanent change for Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Deputy superintendent Daisy Catague just briefed the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners on this year’s proposed hours, pending a public hearing and vote next month. First, from the slide deck used for the briefing, here’s the list including Alki (which would have the same closing time as last summer):
“Seasonal” means Memorial Day to Labor Day, Catague explained. The key word on that slide, however, is “permanent”; for the last several years, changes have been made, always explained as a “pilot” project. Parks is also proposing a permanent seasonal change for Don Armeni Boat Ramp:
Parks also is proposing permanently shifting Hamilton Viewpoint Park hours, currently 4 am to 11:30 pm, changing to 6 am to 10 pm. Catague says there was a pilot of those hours dating back to 2015. If you want to have a say in the process, here’s the timeline:
The hearing and vote will be at meetings of the Parks and Rec Board, and you can participate either in person at Park HQ downtown, or remotely – agendas will appear here.
(SDOT camera, looking north over Delridge Way north of Genesee)
If you’ve noticed the signage on Delridge Way near Genesee and wondered about the impending “traffic revision,” today we obtained the official SDOT notice for long-in-the-works northbound repaving:
What: Street Repaving
Where: Delridge Way SW between SW Genesee St & SW Dakota St
When: Monday, March 31 – Monday, April 7. 7 AM – 6 PM each day.
*Weather permittingAt the location and hours listed above:
SDOT will replace several concrete panels in the northbound lanes of Delridge Way SW between SW Genesee St & SW Dakota St.
Parking will be restricted:
o 72 hours before work starts and parking restrictions begin, “NO PARKING” signs will be placed on the street. SDOT crews will facilitate and maintain driveway access to the homes fronting the northbound lane between SW Genesee St & SW Dakota St to the extent possible.
Sidewalk access will not be impacted.
Contact King County Metro for bus-stop impacts.o Lane shifts will be in effect 24 hours a day for the duration of the project.
Northbound traffic will be shifted to the southbound travel lane.
One northbound lane and one southbound lane will be maintained on the west side of the median.
Northbound traffic will be restricted from turning left onto SW Genesee 24 hours a day for the duration of the project.
P.S. Reader Jay pointed out that someone reprogrammed one of the illuminated signboards earlier today. We asked SDOT if security’s been tightened and haven’t yet gotten an answer to that.
3:42 PM: We’re in the Sound Transit board room at Union Station downtown, where ST board members have just voted unanimously to appoint Dow Constantine – the West Seattleite in his fourth and final term as King County Executive – as the transit agency’s CEO. The vote followed their search consultant’s recap of the process, including defense of the candidate confidentiality, and members’ reiteration of their confidence that Constantine was the most qualified and will “hit the ground running.” Board members’ remarks also acknowledged the big issues facing the agency, and one mentioned that Constantine “will not get a honeymoon” – those issues need to be addressed fast. As we reported yesterday, his starting salary will be $450,000.
He entered the board room right after the vote and is speaking next. (Added: Here are the 55 minutes of video including the discussion of his nomination, the vote, and his remarks afterward:)
4:14 PM: Constantine promised his new bosses that he will prioritize “regionality, transparency, stability, reliability, safety, and cleanliness.” He also vowed “we will navigate these choppy waters together,” alluding to the many intensifying challenges facing the agency, not the least of which is funding. We spoke to him briefly afterward; more on that after we’re back at HQ, but first, he confirmed that he’ll start work at ST on April 1 (next Tuesday) and that deputy county executive Shannon Braddock – also a West Seattleite – will take over on an interim basis until the County Council decides what to do until a new CE is chosen by voters this fall.
ADDED THURSDAY EVENING: Here are our two hallway questions, post-vote:
Here’s the Sound Transit news release with the announcement.
Listening to police radio lately, we’ve heard a lot more dispatches for officers to respond to reports of shoplifting at Westwood Village. Police are also continuing to run targeted stings, and released a short summary about another one last night, so we asked for more details – here’s the report narrative we received, in its entirety (with the suspect’s name redacted, as she is not yet charged in this case):
On March 26, 2025, Officers were conducting Retail Theft Operations, at Target (located at 2800 SW Barton), which suffers a significant amount of retail theft.
The mission of this operation is to disrupt shoplifting, the trafficking of stolen goods, criminal activity, and other criminal activity that negatively impacts the public’s quality of life in the City of Seattle.
A sworn Seattle Police Detective XXXXXXXX was inside the store’s office observing the security cameras. Arrestee xxxxxx entered the store and selected items that were displayed for sale. xxxxxx concealed items in her bag, then exited the store, passing all points of sale, making no attempt to pay for the merchandise.
Det. XXXXXXXX described xxxxxx to officers waiting to stop and arrest her. Officers subsequently stopped xxxxxx. Det. XXXXXXXX confirmed officers had apprehended the correct suspect.
Officers photographed and returned the stolen items to Target. They also obtained a receipt for the stolen items. The total amount for the items taken was $90.97.
Officers developed probable cause to arrest xxxxxx for RCW 9A.52.030, Burglary 2nd Degree. … xxxxxx was previously trespassed from Target by CW/XXXXX and was arrested by SPD on 01/09/2025 for Burglary 2nd Degree after having been trespassed and re-entering the store and stealing. CW/XXXXX immediately recognized xxxxxx as soon as she entered the store because she was just trespassed on 11/29/2024. (She) was transported and booked into the King County Jail.
The suspect is 24 years old and still in jail; she will likely have a bail/probable-cause hearing this afternoon. The original short summary from SPD mentioned two other arrests, but no details were offered on those.
(Reader photo: Sign seen in project zone July 2021)
After another outage in the Brace Point area south of Fauntleroy last weekend, we followed up with Seattle City Light regarding the long-delayed upgrade project meant to increase the undergrounded system’s reliability in the area. SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang says the project finally has gone out to bid:
The cable replacement project construction package has officially gone to advertisement (Wednesday), with contractor bids scheduled to open on April 23rd, 2025. Once bids are open, we will go through an evaluation phase and proceed with signing a contract with the successful construction company. It is anticipated that notice to proceed will be issued by early summer 2025.
There’s backstory in this WSB archive story; the project originally was set to start five years ago, and “permit problems” were cited as a major reason for initial delays. Once the work starts, the project page says, it’s expected to last almost two years.
Some recent reader reports of car break-ins/thefts mentioned car seats stolen in the process. So in case this is one of them, we’re publishing this reader report from Kay:
At the entry to the PeeWee field at Riverview Playfields- Looks too nice to be just dumped!
(Photo by Lance Mercer – seen from Lincoln Park)
Today/tonight, from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are the highlights (something to add? please let us know!):
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Spring is starting Week 2! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: 10:30 am-10 pm at MOD Pizza Westwood Village (2800 SW Barton), mention Denny International Middle School‘s fundraiser and part of the proceeds of your purchase will go toward it.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to find out where they’re playing today.
SOUND TRANSIT BOARD MEETING: 1:30-4 pm, downtown and online, scheduled to include the vote on appointing Dow Constantine as CEO. The agenda explains how to comment/watch.
SUFFRAGE FIRST! 2 pm performance at Village Green-West Seattle (2615 SW Barton), free but RSVP requested.
SPORTS: – One local high-school game tonight – Chief Sealth IHS baseball vs. Seattle Academy at Delridge Playfield at 3 pm.
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of three regular Thursday night events tonight here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Vandalz.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Also an every-Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also tonight, run 3 miles, or walk a shorter path, in the neighborhood near HPCS with the Run Club, leaving from the store at 6:30 pm – info here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!
WESTIES RUN CLUB COMMUNITY 5K: This group’s 6 pm weekly Thursday run now departs from The Good Society in Admiral (California/Lander) and tonight the Westies team up with Orca Run Club for a “community 5K.”
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: If you’re not up for running, how about walking? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC IN THE JUNCTION: 6-9 pm, Patrick Rifflin performs Thursdays at Pegasus Pizza in The Junction (4520 California SW).
OLG 8TH GRADERS PRESENT ‘FROZEN’: One night only, and the community’s invited! Doors open at the Walmesley Center at 6:30 pm, showtime at 7 pm for Our Lady of Guadalupe 8th graders’ production of “Frozen.” (3401 SW Myrtle)
OPENING NIGHT FLYOVER: If you see two U.S. Navy Growlers pass by, it’s for the Mariners’ opening-night flyover, as we noted on Wednesday. (Game starts at 7:10 pm.)
OPENING NIGHT FOR ‘CHICAGO’ AT WSHS: 7:30 pm at West Seattle High School Theater (3000 California SW), a huge student-led production of “Chicago” opens its run – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Tonight at The Skylark! Doors 6, music 7, Miscomings, Faith in Strangers, 9-5 Hyperf–k, Give Me Gold. $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet, hosted by Good Old-Fashioned Local Trivia (9614 14th SW).
DJ NIGHT: The weekend starts early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Kingblind and Teenage Rampage, starting at 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!:
Thinking of flower baskets this year? The Bridge School cooperative elementary is selling baskets as a fundraiser:
Hanging Flower Basket Fundraiser
Now through April 11Pickup date: Friday, May 2 or Saturday, May 3 at The Bridge School (10300 28th Ave SW)
The Bridge School is holding our annual Hanging Basket Fundraiser. We’re excited to offer beautiful 12″ Premium Hanging Baskets from Van Wingerden Greenhouses. Options are available for both sun and shade exposure. Add some color to your own porch, or pick one up as a Mother’s Day Gift!
Price is $45 each. Baskets will be available for pickup at the Bridge School (10300 28th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98146) on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3.
Order at /tinyurl.com/bp9ebk2w
The growers are the same ones who create the West Seattle Junction’s hanging baskets!
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, March 27, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Back to normal – more rain expected, high in the mid-50s! Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:57 am and 7:32 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – West Seattle service is normal.
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Sealth serving as the “bonus boat.”
ROAD WORK
-Utility crews have been working this week on SW Holden west of 16th and on 16th north of Myrtle.
-In White Center, the 16th SW closure at 104th continues, with detours.
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 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!
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
If you feel like there have been more reports of shootings in the last few years, it’s not your imagination. Seattle Police are responding on average to twice as many reports of suspected shots fired as they did prior to the pandemic and 20% of the citywide incidents from 2021-2023 have been in District 1, which includes West Seattle.
Why is it happening and what changes can be made to bring those numbers back down? A new City Auditor’s report on gun violence is being presented tomorrow (Thursday, March 27)to a City Council committee with an eye toward increased cooperation and more effective ways to marshal data to reduce the injuries, deaths, and fear that come with gunfire.
The Governance, Accountability & Economic Development Committee will hear the results of the audit, which was at the request of the committee Chair, Council President Sara Nelson, and Mayor Bruce Harrell. What the audit found is that while a number of different agencies, including public health, have been gathering information about gun violence, they haven’t been collecting or sharing it in a consistent way. The audit pointed to more systematic programs used in a number of other cities — Baltimore, Indianapolis, and Portland — where sharing the data regularly within public agencies, coupled with a public information campaign to address gun violence, has resulted in a significant decrease in gun incidents and injuries.
The biggest takeaway from the audit is, “communicate, communicate, communicate,” but it also urges stronger data analysis and taking advantage of any resources that are available. It pointedly mentioned that the US Department of Justice offers a 10-step “roadmap” for reducing violent crime, for which the DOJ’s Office of Justice Programs offers technical assistance free of charge to communities. Auditor’s staff took advantage of this assistance for the purposes of the audit, noting, “Before our audit, the City had not been following the Violent Crime Reduction Roadmap nor using free technical assistance from OJP.”
The question about why there’s been such an increase in guns being fired (and a similar increase in injuries and deaths) since 2020 doesn’t have a single answer. The audit does note that the number of guns stolen in the city is also up since 2018. But it focuses most on clues in the data that have the potential to yield actionable next steps. Patterns like time of year (gun violence spikes in the summer), location (a particular park or street corner), who is involved and why, whether there is other crime in the area, can help focus violence prevention efforts in specific places rather than responding to calls of “shots fired,” when it’s already happened. A suggestion to potentially bring in the city’s Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) Department was another key recommendation.
The committee meeting starts tomorrow at 2 pm in the Council Chamber at City Hall. There is an opportunity for public comment shortly after the start of the meeting for which you must register ahead of time, as the agenda explains.
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