West Seattle, Washington
20 Friday
If you’re going to join in the region’s largest community garage-sale day – but you’re not registered yet – hurry! The registration deadline for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025 is now one week away, 11:30 pm next Thursday (April 24)! Registration gets you on the map and in the guide for the 20th-anniversary WSCGSD, 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 10 (you can add hours or even days to your sale, but that’s the basic window for everybody), coordinated by us at WSB. More than 330 sales are signed up as of tonight, all over West Seattle and a bit beyond (we have a couple White Center signups so far), and a wide variety not only of merchandise (the sales whose listings we’ve reviewed so far include a boat and a classic car) but also of treats – besides the classic lemonade stands, we have one sale offering sourdough bread and sourdough chocolate-chip cookies! Be part of the fun, meet your neighbors, convert some not-needed stuff into cash. Clicking here takes you to the registration form; whether you’re selling or shopping, check in here on Saturday, May 3, one week before WSCGSD, when we’ll launch the map and guide.
Thanks to Andrew Trujillo from Ounces – one of the West Seattle businesses facing relocation because of Sound Transit light rail – for the update that both houses of the State Legislature have now passed HB 1733, raising the limit for relocation compensation from $50,000 to $200,000:
Sharing a big win for businesses impacted by light rail. Huge credit goes to ABA (Alki Beach Academy) and the other businesses in North Delridge (Mode, Ounces, Skylark, etc.) for voicing and advocating for more realistic support for displaced businesses. Also thanks goes to the city’s small business advocate and state legislators who sponsored it.
The bill’s original sponsors included one West Seattle legislator, 34th District Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon. The State Senate’s final vote Wednesday was unanimous. Next, it would go to Gov. Ferguson for his signature.
Today marks exactly six months since the sudden death of WSB co-founder Patrick Sand. The Admiral Neighborhood Association has chosen to honor his memory and spirit with a new community award, and nominations are open! Here’s the announcement from ANA:
Introducing the Patrick Sand Admiral Neighborhood Community Advocate Award Honoring Unseen Dedication in the Admiral District
The Admiral Neighborhood Association (ANA) is proud to introduce the inaugural Patrick Sand Admiral Neighborhood Community Advocate Award, a new annual honor celebrating an individual whose in front of as well as behind-the-scenes service and commitment have made a lasting impact on the Admiral District of West Seattle.
This award is named in honor of Patrick Sand, a tireless community supporter whose quiet, consistent advocacy helped shape the vibrant culture of our neighborhood — from the early years of the West Seattle Art Walk to supporting beloved community traditions like Summer Movies on the Wall. Patrick exemplified what it means to give back, and we are excited to recognize those who follow in his footsteps.
About the Award
The Patrick Sand Neighborhood Advocate Award will be presented each year to a person who demonstrates outstanding service to the Admiral District. This award focuses on recognizing sweat equity—the time, energy, and effort people invest in our community — not financial contributions.
Eligible nominees may be individuals who live, work, volunteer, or own a business in the Admiral District. Nominees do not have to live in West Seattle, but they must contribute meaningfully to the neighborhood. Current ANA Board Members are not eligible for the award, but ANA members are.
Nomination Process
• Nominations Open: Now
• Nomination Deadline: May 15, 2025
• How to Nominate: A nomination form will be available at connecttoadmiral.org. Community members
are encouraged to submit their nominations online.Selection & Recognition
Nominations will be reviewed by a team of Admiral neighbors, who will select one outstanding individual based on their demonstrated commitment, positive impact, and ongoing involvement in the Admiral community.The winner will be announced and celebrated on stage during the Admiral Block Party on August 23rd.
Join Us in Honoring Community Champions
This is your chance to lift up the unsung heroes who make the Admiral District such a special place to live, work, and play. Submit your nomination and help us shine a light on those who do the work when no one’s watching — just like Patrick did.
Thanks in advance to everyone who nominates one of West Seattle’s many amazing community advocates for this award!
3:55 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a midsize response to the 9600 block of 50th SW in the Brace Point area [vicinity map] for a garage fire. The initial dispatch described it as a “small gasoline fire in a motor” that spread and caught the structure on fire.
3:58 PM: The first arriving units declared it a “working fire” so they’re sending more units, increasing this to a full “fire in building” response.
4:00 PM: The fire is now declared “under control” so they’re canceling the plan for a larger response. … Firefighters tell dispatch the fire is fully confined to a detached 20 x 20 garage.
4:17 PM: Firefighters just told dispatch the fire’s out (“tapped”).
(WSB photo, April 2024)
That’s some of what divers brought up during their annual underwater cleanup around Seacrest last year. It’s happening again this Sunday morning, and that means a delayed start to West Seattle Water Taxi service that day. Thanks to Karen for the tip – she reported a sign about the schedule change, so we checked with Al Sanders at Metro. He tells WSB:
The Seacrest Dock will get its annual underwater cleaning Sunday morning April 20. Service will be suspended during the cleanup. Volunteer divers and staff from Seattle Dive Tours will go under the dock and pull away debris that is a hazard to both the water taxi and the people diving around and near the dock. Service to West Seattle will be suspended Sunday morning, but sailings will resume Sunday afternoon from Pier 50 starting at 1:30 p.m.
Sanders says Metro plans to send out an alert about this tomorrow (Friday).
As noted in today’s highlight list, this is opening day for the new Gene Juarez Salons & Spas location at 4730 California SW in the West Seattle Junction. They’re also the newest WSB sponsor, so here’s their message for you:
Gene Juarez Salons & Spas now open in the Alaska Junction
Gene Juarez Salons & Spas is thrilled to officially open its doors today in the heart of the Alaska Junction. This boutique-style location brings the brand’s signature sophistication to the neighborhood, offering a full suite of salon and skincare services in a modern, intimate setting.
The new salon features a dedicated barber, expert haircuts, coloring, and specialized services for textured and curly hair, as well as hair extensions. The spa side includes facials, waxing, lash and brow treatments, all delivered by a dedicated team of professionals in a relaxing, tranquil environment. Many of the artists and therapists are West Seattle residents, thrilled to work in this new location.
Commitment to Quality
The foundation of the Gene Juarez brand is training and ongoing education. All of the artists and therapists are highly trained, with salon pricing dependent on each artist’s level of experience. All services are guaranteed; if a guest is not happy, they may return for a complimentary correction service.
Commitment to Sustainability
Gene Juarez continues its commitment to sustainability at this location. At least 95% of all beauty service waste is recycled through a partnership with Green Circle Salons. The organization also makes regular updates to its products and vendors to reward sustainable brands with its high volume of business, most recently launching Davines, a B Corp premium haircare line supported by regenerative farming practices.
Community Support
April 22 – 27: 20% of net sales will be donated to West Seattle Food Bank. The salon will also be collecting food and other household good items for WSFB this week
April 29-May 4: 20% of net sales will be donated to WestSide Baby, and we will be collecting diapers and other critical items for WB this week
Located across from Bakery Nouveau and next to Chipotle, the salon is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Appointments can be booked online at genejuarez.com or by call/text at (206) 279-5777.
We thank Gene Juarez Salons and Spas for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com – thank you!
Sound Transit‘s West Seattle Link Extension project still has a variety of uncertainties – awaiting the federal Record of Decision, for example (still projected around month’s end) – but there’s something new: Advance word of the call for station artists. We were asked to share this announcement:
STart: SOUND TRANSIT ART PROGRAM
FOR ARTISTS: LISTENING AND INFORMATION SESSIONS—PLANNING FOR ARTWORK IN THE WEST SEATTLE LINK EXTENSION PROJECTSDates and Locations
Wednesday, May 7, 6-7 pm, Seattle Public Library, Delridge Branch
Thursday, May 8, 6-7 pm, Seattle Public Library, High Point BranchRSVP by May 2, 2025
Please RSVP by emailing start@soundtransit.org.Meeting Purpose
In the coming months, the Sound Transit Art Program (STart) will be hiring artists to create artwork for the future West Seattle light rail stations. STart wants to hear from West Seattleites about what is important to them in their neighborhoods while art projects are being developed. In addition, STart seeks to inform West Seattle artists about how they can apply for inclusion in an Artist Candidate Pool for art project consideration.
Listening and information sessions geared toward artists will be held in two West Seattle branches of the Seattle Public Library from 6-7 pm on Wednesday, May 7 (Delridge) and Thursday, May 8 (High Point). The conversation and content will be the same each evening, offering two opportunities for participation on different nights.
About the West Seattle Link Extension Artwork Opportunities
STart incorporates artwork in its stations and facilities to create welcoming spaces for passengers, and to contribute to the character of the communities connected with light rail. At these listening sessions, STart will describe what is known about the West Seattle Link Extension (WSLE) stations, and how artwork will play a key role in making its planned Alaska Junction, Avalon and Delridge Stations distinct and memorable. Hearing about the neighborhoods where the stations will be located is valuable to STart. The stations are currently in design and planned to be in service in 2032, connecting West Seattle with the existing Link 1 and 2 Lines. You can learn more here.
STart is working to identify locations for permanent integrated artwork and long-term rotating displays of temporary artwork. Due to the layout of the West Seattle stations, most of the opportunities will be for two-dimensional works that will be translated into a durable medium—such as cut metal, glass, porcelain enamel or mosaic—either fabricated by the artist or a third-party fabricator contracted by STart. This can be a chance for painters, photographers and printmakers to be part of the stations’ public art display. There may also be a few opportunities for works of sculpture to serve as station landmarks and draw passengers to entrances.
Artist Candidate Pool Application
STart will soon accept applications to create a pool of artist candidates for future commissioned permanent and temporary public art projects. Application materials will focus on artist’s past work, not on proposals.
This Artist Candidate Pool will be used to identify and review candidates for opportunities at the Alaska Junction, Avalon and Delridge Stations currently planned for the WSLE. Selected artists for the Artist Candidate Pool will not be under contract with Sound Transit and are not guaranteed a commissioned public art project but will be eligible as candidates until May 31, 2028. STart reserves the right to use the Artist Candidate Pool for additional art opportunities on other Sound Transit projects and to reopen the application process as needed to support additional development projects.
STart projects are developed to welcome passengers to our stations, help them find their way and relate the stations to their surrounding communities. Artists selected for STart opportunities should expect to adhere to those goals.
Questions? Please email any questions and/or interest in the Artist Candidate Pool to start@soundtransit.org.
Four more daylight-sighting reports, all received Wednesday evening:
GATEWOOD: This one was sent by Jess:
Watched a healthy looking coyote wander in front of our house down SW Othello just now! Moved quickly, and safely crossed 35th.
NEAR BRACE POINT: From a reader near 47th/Brace Point:
At 530 pm in front yard about 4 feet behind the chair I was sitting in…heard the sound of pots toppled and vegetation being brushed, turned around and saw the (coyote’s) rump passing by. Got up, walked around the landscape to follow it toward the street, yelling out in the event pets or children were nearby, where it was now standing in the middle of the street…brief standoff/stare and it headed south a couple houses and east up SW Brace Point… Be safe…and loud if necessary…
ALSO BRACE POINT AREA: We’ll spare you the gory video, but Rick R sent a clip of a coyote dining on a squirrel, also Wednesday evening.
UPPER FAUNTLEROY: From Alex, near 38th/Henderson:
I just wanted to share that around 5:45 pm (4/16) I saw a coyote around 38th Ave SW and SW Henderson St while out on a walk. The coyote was heading east along Henderson before turning to walk North along 38th. I was on the opposite side of 38th, and the coyote crossed over to the side I was on, so they didn’t appear afraid of me, but didn’t do anything to actively approach me, just walked by me after crossing.
Our 15-plus-year archive of coyote reports is here. We share them for awareness, not alarm – and in hopes everyone will read the expert advice on coexisting with them.
(Sun setting behind Mount Jupiter – photographed by Dan Ciske)
Another spectacular sunny spring day! Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
HOLY WEEK: Many of the churches that sent us their schedules have Maundy Thursday services tonight. Here’s the ongoing list.
GENE JUAREZ OPENS IN WEST SEATTLE: Today is the first day for the new Gene Juarez Salon & Spa (4730 California SW; WSB sponsor) in West Seattle, hours 9 am-7 pm.
FAUNTLEROY FERRY TERMINAL BRIEFING: WSF is making its presentation to the Seattle Design Commission right now – if you missed our preview and aren’t already watching, you’ll find the video link here.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Spring is now in its fourth week! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to get the latest on where they’re playing today.
SPORTS: – No local high-school games/matches on the schedule today.
DROP-IN CHESS: Spring-break event at High Point Library! 4-5:30 pm. All skill levels. (3411 SW Raymond)
POSTCARD HAPPY HOUR: Postcards 4 Democracy invites you to drop in at Great American Diner & Bar (4752 California SW) 5-7 pm for the monthly evening edition of this long-distance advocacy event.
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 C. Davis Texas BBQ.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: This is also an every-Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: HPCS is also the starting point tonight for running 3 miles, or walking a shorter path, in the neighborhood near HPCS with the Run Club, leaving from the store at 6:30 pm, returning for beverages – 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!
JAZZ & BLUES OPEN MIC: New 5-8 pm open mic at Northwest Wine Academy on the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) north side.
(added) RAT CITY ART AND FOOD WALK: Plenty to enjoy on this gorgeous night, all around White Center and South Delridge, 5-8 pm. See the venue and artist list here!
GET RAINWISE! Are you eligible for subsidized rain-garden or cistern improvements? Links are in our calendar listing for tonight’s 6 pm webinar.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: This group’s 6 pm weekly Thursday run departs from The Good Society in Admiral (California/Lander).
PASSOVER: Sixth night. One local church is hosting a seder – look for Bethany Community Church on our list.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Should be another awesome night to walk – 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).
SUMMER SAFETY IN ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL’S SPOTLIGHT: 6:30 pm at Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki), guests from police to park rangers will be there for updates and Q&A. In-person only; details in our preview.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Single-release concert! Your Local Getaway Driver, Concrete Island, Carson Daniel, Chirality, doors at 6, music at 7. $10 at the door. (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 spinning early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Tophone, starting at 7 pm.
‘ATHENA’ AT ARTSWEST: Second week of the run begins, 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), for “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.
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!
9:03 AM: Kersti Muul tells us orcas are headed northbound along west-facing West Seattle, close to shore off Brace Point. Let us know if you see them!
9:07 AM: Now nearing the Fauntleroy ferry lanes.
If you have a young soccer player in the household who’s “looking to take their game to the next level,” here’s tryout news about local leagues:
Highline Soccer Association (HSA) is a community-based soccer program that provides competitive and recreational teams for its members.
Competitive soccer
Teams are formed by Birth Year through a Tryout process.
Highline Premier Football Club
Highline Premier FC offers year-round, competitive soccer led by nationally licensed coaches. For the 2025/26 season, we are forming teams in both the Washington Premier League (WPL) and the Regional Club League (RCL), providing community-based, top-level development opportunities across the community.
Highline Premier Tryouts: Organized by Age Group (players born from 2007-2018) Apr 22 – May 15
Questions? Reach out anytime; we’d love to connect at highlinepremier.com/join.
HSA Select
HSA Select plays in the North Puget Sound League (NPSL). These players train more frequently with higher expectations than the Recreational player and volunteer licensed coaches go through an application process.
Highline Select Tryouts: Organized by Age Group (players born 2007-2016) May 1-17.
Learn more about HSA Select or contact us at hsaselect@gmail.com
Recreational Soccer
If your child is looking to play soccer recreationally, the Highline Soccer Association (HSA) offers two Recreational Soccer Clubs — West Seattle Soccer Club and the Highline Soccer Club. Registration for spring soccer has closed; registration for fall soccer will open in May/June.
If you have questions about which club is the best path forward for your kid, please reach out to the Highline Board of Directors – highlinesoccer@gmail.com.
Tryouts are at six locations, four in West Seattle/White Center.
8:38 AM: SFD is checking out a possible fire on a bus pulled over and evacuated on the eastbound bridge near the 99 exit. The bus was smoking per a photo sent by a reader but isn’t any longer and they’re not finding any evidence of fire.
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, April 17, 2025; for most schools in the area, spring break continues.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
More sunshine expected again today,, high in the low 60s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:16 am and 8:02 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule has begun, with later-in-the-evening sailings Fridays and Saturdays.
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Salish is serving as the “bonus boat”.
ROAD WORK
-The Admiral Way Bridge’s outside lane on the eastbound/southbound side remains closed.
-King County Roads says the SW 104th work is over in White Center.
-With the nice weather, projects may pop up without warning – please let us know if you see one affecting traffic.
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: 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!
(Schematic for planned ‘skate dot’ at Morgan Junction Park site)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
11 years after the city bought the Morgan Junction Park expansion site – currently a fenced-off hole – the project’s budget has shrunk.
You might call it the case of the missing million (dollars), according to project advocates. And that’s where we’ll start our report on tonight’s quarterly meeting of the Morgan Community Association, facilitated at a new-to-MoCA venue – West Seattle Church of the Nazarene – by president Deb Barker.
MORGAN JUNCTION PARK EXPANSION MISSING MILLION?: MoCA learned about the downsized budget during Q&A with Seattle Parks‘ newest planner on the project. Jonathan Garner was a guest via Zoom, in the wake of recent news that the park’s opening date was delayed yet further. They need to “get back to filling the pit” – where contaminated soil was removed on the expansion site, formerly a dry cleaner and mini-mart – with a few conversations to have soon with SDOT for “a clearer understanding of the path forward and the timeline to resolve all the issues,” hopefully by September 1. The “SDOT issues” have to do with that department turning over to Parks what is Eddy Street right-of-way between the current park site and addition.
Meantime, Garner said, they’re changing the design to work with the “budget that we have.” This is a big deal for what’s been in the project spotlight for a couple years, getting a skateable area into the plan, a process led by the Morgan Junction All-Wheels Association, formed after local skaters of all ages created a guerrilla skating area on the long-vacant site. Garner said Parks is working with MJAWA – who had several reps at the meeting – to “find a path forward for the skate spot.” Why is it in question? he was asked, given all the work – including volunteering and donations – that had gone into getting it into the plan. Funding is the problem, Garner said. On one hand, he said, “We’re committed to taking the design work Grindline has done and bringing it into the park itself” – but he also said “we cannot confidently say that we can construct the skate spot … we are working on ways to find the funding,” which he said will require grants and fundraising. He said Parks “is committed to building the skate dot” … someday.
If the skate dot isn’t the top priority for new park features, what is? “Our priorities right now are to fill the hole and have greenspace open and available for the public to use.” Phase 2 is pathways and benches to make the space accessible, and “future phases will come on as funding is available.” That’s a big change from past plans, in which “filling the hole” and putting grass over it was nothing more than a bridge from cleanup to park. Along with the skate dot, the expanded park was supposed to have a play area, but Parks doesn’t have money for that either, said Garner.
Though Garner said he didn’t have information on the project’s original budget, MJAWA cited city reps having told them $2.2 million, back when funding was “restored” after a pandemic pause. Now, Garner said, the budget is $1.2 million. Asked what happened to the other million, Garner said he doesn’t know. Another attendee said, is there anything that can be done to encourage the city to provide more? Garner noted the city’s having budget trouble as it is, and they’re being very “cautious” because of the federal situation as well. “We know what we can put back and have (a space) for the community to use by the end of the year.” MJAWA noted the construction budget for the skate dot was $180.000. Garner suggested that wouldn’t be the full price, saying there are other costs to “fit it into the park,” bringing stormwater systems up to code, and more.
Garner also said they’re planning on a community meeting to show what they’re planning to do with the funding they have. An attendee said Seattle Parks shouldn’t bring their favored solution but should instead get early feedback and design from that. The new contract, Garner said, would involve site monitoring, design services “to redesign within the budget that we have,” and then construction management. MoCA hopes to bring him back for an update in July.
MORGAN JUNCTION EV CHARGING LOT UPDATE: Also from the long-delayed-project file, Lizzie Kay from Seattle City Light was a guest (via Zoom) for this update and Q&A. She went into some background on the project on an ex-substation lot between Morgan and Fauntleroy, which will have eight fast-charging stations, four Tesla-owned and -maintained (on the west side), four City Light-owned and maintained (on the east side), all open to the public.
In case you wondered about the sirens – Seattle Fire sent a midsize callout to a reported garage fire at Delridge/20th, near the South Delridge 7-11, but firefighters just told dispatch it turned out to be a “rubbish fire” so they’re dismissing all but one crew.
Robyn reports this happened last night:
At about 8:40 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, I was standing with my dog at the beach railing on the sidewalk south of Alki Beach and Beach Drive (south of the Alki Point Lighthouse, in the Healthy Street area, where I live). I was pulling out my phone to take a quick picture of the mountains and a tiny bit of light left from sunset when I noticed two white cars, sedans, slowly driving south on Beach Drive.
They stopped behind me and as I partly turned I felt something hit my back multiple times. The reporting SPD officer, German R. Barreto, thinks it was probably an airsoft gun. I knew I’d been shot at least 6 times but I wasn’t hurt, and neither was my dog.
I turned and saw the cars continue south and then turn back to head north. I quickly took my dog and dashed across the street to a neighbor’s home.
We are fine and safe, and not hurt. But SPD asked me to report this to the blog in case someone else recognizes the cars or has had a similar incident. Apparently there are incidents of people shooting each other like this as a game. Like what the heck, people?
Please use incident report 25-101461 to report to SPD if you have any information. It was all over in a few minutes, really about 30 seconds, and that’s all the information I have. Thank you, everyone, and stay safe out there!
(WSB photos by Christopher Boffoli unless otherwise credited)
5:38 PM: Thanks for the tips. Emergency responders are at the scene of an SFD “rescue extrication” callout for a flipped vehicle. Avoid the area – 46th/Admiral Way. Updates to come.
5:47 PM: Actually it’s a car on its side, as our photos show. SFD says two people have been rescued from the car and that firefighter/medics say both are in stable condition.
6:01 PM: Photos show at least three vehicles involved – the one that went sideways, a UPS truck, and from another angle sent by a nearby resident, an SUV with front-end damage.
(Photo sent by nearby resident)
6:16 PM:Westbound Admiral is reopening, police are telling dispatch. Eastbound remains closed pending tow truck(s). Meantime, Christopher Boffoli has been at the scene for WSB; he spoke with the UPS truck driver, who reports being tangentially involved – the two other vehicles collided and then slid into the truck, which had minimal damage. Christopher has also confirmed that only one of the two people rescued from the sideways car was taken to the hospital, and that was via private ambulance, so her injuries were not considered life-threatening.
6:31 PM: Now eastbound Admiral is reopening too.
ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: One driver, a 73-year-old woman, was arrested and booked into jail for investigation of DUI. Police say the woman taken to the hospital is 96 and was a passenger in the arrested driver’s car. According to the police narrative we obtained this morning, they both were in the vehicle that went sideways and were the two people extricated. Police say multiple witnesses told them that the “vehicle begin traveling through the intersection, bypass the lane of congested westbound traffic and collide into (the other vehicle) which was traveling in eastbound lane.” They took the driver into custody after observing signs they interpreted as impairment; they say she reported having a “large” alcoholic beverage with dinner at an Admiral restaurant. In addition to the arrest for investigation of DUI, the report says she was cited at the scene for failure to yield at an intersection.
(WSB photo)
After reader tips, we headed to Don Armeni Boat Ramp at noontime and found work crews finally doing major work on the float replacements. We checked with Seattle Parks, whose spokesperson Karen O’Connor confirmed to WSB, “Bellingham Marine has mobilized at the site and is beginning repairs to the float system. We anticipate the work to be completed by the first week in May. SPR requested the fabricator open one side first, so at least we can restore partial service in April.”
(Seattle Parks photo)
Don Armeni has been without extended dock floats for almost half a year, since the then-newly-installed floats had to be removed because of “abnormal wear.” Parks has since elaborated on the problem as “the hinges between the floats (were) failing and the concrete on the floats (was) spalling and cracking.”
Thanks to West Seattle photographer Steven Rice for these images of sightings today:
Above, he says, that’s “Vietnam’s CB-8022 (formerly USCGC Mellon) as viewed from the north end of West Seattle around 11:30 this morning.” (A smaller US Coast Guard vessel is in the photo too.) Mellon was decommissioned by the USCG five years ago; at the time, it was to be transferred to Bahrain. It is reported to have been acquired by Vietnam in 2023.
Steven also sent this montage of “four shots taken around 12:30 from the north end of West Seattle today. This is the third time I’ve heard and/or seen it since April 4th. Apparently it’s an F-15SA used for various types of training exercises.”
We’re still researching, but F-15SA is reported to be a Boeing-built fighter jet that flies for Saudi Arabia.
Two incidents at West Seattle’s biggest parks:
ALKI ARREST: Police arrested a 30-year-old man early today and explained the incident via SPD Blotter:
At about 6:12 a.m., dispatchers received a report of a man with a weapon harassing females near Alki Avenue Southwest and 63rd Avenue Southwest. Officers responded and found a man matching the caller’s description walking south on Alki Avenue Southwest. Police detained him, identified him as the suspect, and took him into custody. Officers recovered the knife at the scene.
A 48-year-old woman told police the suspect had approached her earlier near the Alki Bathhouse while she walked her dog. She said he shouted something unintelligible and growled at her before walking away when she told him to back off. Police said the man later approached a 16-year-old and two 17-year-old girls, yelling at them, brandishing a fixed-blade knife, and making disturbing comments about sexual assault and the devil. The girls stepped back to distance themselves, and a witness intervened before the suspect walked away. No one was injured during the incident. Officers booked the man into King County Jail for investigation of malicious harassment.
Reminder, the Alki Community Council will focus on beach safety at its meeting tomorrow night, 6:30 pm at Alki Bathhouse, as previewed here.
LINCOLN PARK ARREST: A reader asked about a police response in the Lincoln Park north lot around dusk last night. We requested the report narrative today. The report says two officers noticed a “suspicious vehicle” – a Hyundai – in the park lot. Two people appeared to be asleep inside; ignition damage was visible, along with a beer can and narcotics pipe. The two, a man and woman, were awakened; the driver turned out to have a suspended license out of Burien, and showed signs of impairment, according to the report. Police had trouble determining the car’s status; it wasn’t reported stolen, and the driver claimed he had bought it about a week ago. It was registered to someone in Puyallup wh told them by phone that he had sold it months ago, but the driver found in it at Lincoln Park wasn’t that person. Police eventually booked the driver for investigation of DUI. The woman was not suspected of any crime – she told police the man had picked her up off the street and invited her “to party” – and was released. He, meantime, is still in jail.
(File photo of current terminal/dock)
Construction of the Fauntleroy ferry terminal replacement is still a few years away – except for signalizing the entrance/exit intersection sooner – but planning is at full speed, and city reviews are part of the project. Checking agendas, we discovered that project reps will brief the city-convened Seattle Design Commission tomorrow morning (Thursday, April 17). The commission has a hybrid meeting – in person at City Hall’s Boards and Commission Room, online access too (the viewing link is on the agenda page). The meeting starts at 8:30 am and the Fauntleroy briefing is set to start at 9:30 am, with listed presenters including WSF’s John Vezina and Charles Torres with consultant Laura LaBissoniere. The commission meeting is not expected to include a vote or public hearing but it’s of interest if you want to see how WSF is describing the project at this stage, particularly aesthetically (which is an obvious focus for the Design Commission).
11:38 AM: As the saying goes, there’s a first time for everything, and this is the first time we’ve received an announcement like this for publication. Sent by Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite:
The SPD Training Unit will be hosting a DUI Green Lab on Friday, May 9th.
We are looking for volunteers (Age 21 and over) to consume marijuana and allow Officers to practice Standard Field Sobriety Tests on them.
This is a great opportunity for Officers to learn from consumers in a controlled environment; and for the volunteers to learn about their own tolerances, and learn about the testing process for DUIs.
Volunteers will consume marijuana in whatever form they prefer (edibles, vape, smoking, etc.) and will be paired up with an Officer in the class.
The Officer will observe how the volunteer’s impairment changes over time and the Officer will run some basic tests on the volunteer, to simulate DUI testing.
The volunteers would be asked to arrive at our SPD Training Facility in SODO at approximately 9:30am, and the training should be finished by about 4pm.
We ask the volunteers to provide their own product (with receipts, if possible).
We will provide lunch and snacks.
We also ask the volunteers not to drive to or from the training, but we can provide transportation, if necessary.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering can contact me via email (Jennifer.Satterwhite@seattle.gov) and/or via text 206-471-2849.
The training is relevant because an increasing number of DUIs involve this type of impairment.
5:04 PM: Jennifer says the volunteer spots are all full, adding, “Thank you, West Seattle!”
(Sunrise photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s our list of your options for the rest of your Wednesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULES: We’ve added more to our list of what local churches are doing this week. (Still not too late to add – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)
EASTER PICTURES WITH A REAL BUNNY: Photo sessions all day until 4 pm at Three Little Birds (3270 California SW)
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore’s new location. (4522 California SW)
SIGN-MAKING: West Seattle Indivisible will be at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) noon-7 pm for sign-making in advance of Saturday’s West Seattle street-corner rally.
REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, 2-4:30 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).
RESTAURANT OPENING: As we reported over the weekend, new restaurant The Neighborhood opens tonight, 3-9 pm. (6503 California SW)
TODDLER STORY TIME AT SW LIBRARY: 3-3:30 pm, come enjoy story time with your toddler(s)! (9010 35th SW)
TEEN TRIVIA: 3:30-5:30 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), a special spring-break event for teens 14-19. Bring your own team, or join a team of up to five teens when you arrive.
SPORTS: Chief Sealth IHS plays baseball vs. Ingraham at 4 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
HOMEWORK HELP: Library event canceled this week because it’s spring break.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: 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).
COMMUNITY SAFETY MEETING: 6-7 pm, Village Green-West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) invites everyone to a community-safety conversation with Seattle Police. Bring your questions and/or concerns.
AVALANCHE AWARENESS: Learn about it without leaving West Seattle! Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) hosts a workshop tonight – our calendar listing has more info and the registration link.
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Open invitation to the group’s weekly meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW). This week, the group has a guest: “Dionne Foster will be joining our meeting to discuss her candidacy for Seattle City Council Position 9.”
FREE GROUP RUN: 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)
MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Project updates and much more at the quarterly MoCA meeting, 7 pm at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd SW & SW Juneau) – see agenda toplines (and get the remote-attendance link) in our preview.
KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), $35.
MUSIC BINGO x 2: Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm, or monthly MINGO at 7:30 pm at Three9 Lounge (39th SW & SW Oregon).
TRIVIA x 3: Three Wednesday trivia locations on our West Seattle list: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm … Quiz Night also starts 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.
PASSOVER: This is the fifth night.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Ready to step up to the mic? 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
If you are 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!
(File photo, West Seattle Big Band)
Another spring “good time for a good cause” that you should know about – a little more than one week away at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW)! Here’s the announcement:
The Madison PTSA Music Boosters would like to invite students, their families, and community members to a Swing Dance & Auction Fundraiser on April 25th, from 6-9 pm at Madison Middle School!
We have a lively event lined up, featuring performances by our very own Concert Band, Jazz Bands, Choir, and Orchestra, with a special performance by guest West Seattle Big Band! Tickets include a free Swing Dance lesson. Pizza and drinks available for purchase as well as an abundance of bake sale treats, thanks to our Madison parents!
Tickets are $20 presale or $25 at the door. All proceeds go to the Madison Music Boosters, which directly supports the Madison Middle School Music Department. This event is important, because it pulls in the majority of the funds that the music department needs annually for things like instrument replacement, concert accompaniment, instrument accessories, music books, sheet music, repairs, tuning, scholarships, travel costs, and more. Given how the arts continue to impact our collective human experience, our community is playing a part in supporting younger generations in taking up the torch (or instrument, as it were) to continue the rich tradition and cultural legacy of music.
An ADA-accessible entrance is on the south side of Madison Middle School, nearest to the U-shaped parking lot outside of the gym structure. Elevators will be made accessible for the event, which will be held in the Madison Commons, one level below the main floor.
Ticket link: signupgenius.com/go/60B094FA4A92BA7FA7-55669130-swing
If you already know you can’t attend and you’d like to simply donate to the Madison Music Program, please do so here: www.madisonptsa.com/madison-music-boosters
Questions? Email the Madison Music Boosters at madisonmusicboosters@gmail.com
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