West Seattle, Washington
20 Friday
Spring is a beautiful yet precarious time – and if you’re heading into the mountains, awareness and education can be life-saving. An informational event Wednesday at Mountain to Sound Outfitters in The Triangle (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) can help – here’s the announcement:
Mountain to Sound Outfitters is collaborating with local mountain-guiding company Mountain Madness to host a springtime avalanche-awareness workshop! Attendees will learn tips and techniques for spring backcountry ski travel and gain insight into the unique challenges springtime avalanches present. One of Mountain Madness’s certified guides will be available to answer any questions attendees may have. Refreshments will be provided as well!
The event will start at 6 pm on Wednesday 4/16. Tickets are $5 and the money spent on tickets can be used toward the purchase of any backcountry-specific gear sold at M2S.
People can purchase tickets with this link.
If you see unusual activity off Seacrest, the US Coast Guard tells us they “will be conducting an oil spill EXERCISE off West Seattle near the water taxi pier today. This training ensures our responders are proficient when handling an actual pollution emergency.”
If you’re out by the water on this sunny Sunday, you might see whales. Kersti Muul tells us two groups are in the area – one that’s been “on a kill” east of Eagle Harbor, then slowly drifting northbound, another in Colvos Passage (west side of Vashon Island). Let us know if you see them from here!
(Photographed on Genesee Hill by Janelle Otterholt)
More sunshine expected today! Here’s our list of options, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
RIDE FOR MAJOR TAYLOR: This fundraising ride will bring hundreds of bicyclists through West Seattle, White Center, and beyond today, as early as 7 am – here’s our preview.
PALM SUNDAY: Our list of churches who’ve sent us their lineup of Holy Week services includes several for today.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Today’s run leaves from Uptown Espresso-Delridge (Delridge/Andover), 9 am.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece. (35th/Roxbury)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, with spring produce (lots of greens!) plus beverages, flowers, cheese, yogurt, fish, meat, prepared hot food, baked goods, nuts, dried peppers, garlic, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
BEACH GRIEF WALK: Join Listening to Grief for a walk on Constellation Park beach at 10 am.(63rd/Beach)
DUWAMISH TRIBE LONGHOUSE & CULTURAL CENTER: The Longhouse is open for visitors, 10 am-5 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
RALLY TO SAVE THE CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU: 10:30 am-1:30 pm at California/Alaska in The Junction, supporters including workers are rallying in support of the watchdog agency CFPB (here’s the latest on why).
FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am Sundays, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool to get your project going? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
NEED A NOTARY? Get notarized free at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 11 am-1 pm.
FEEL LIKE SINGING? Drop into the Alki Community Choir‘s open rehearsal 11:30 am-1 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) – info in our calendar listing.
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Enjoy your Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
‘SEATTLE READS’ PRESENTS A POETRY POTLUCK: 2-3:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond):
Join an informal gathering to listen to and read poetry aloud. Inspired by this year’s Seattle Reads selection “You Are Here,” select two or three favorite poems related to the natural world and share them out loud with the group. This is a feast of words, rather than food.
EASY, FUN, FREE PREPAREDNESS: Attend today’s “Ready Freddy Prep Party,” 2:15 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) with preparedness guru Alice Kuder.
‘ATHENA’ MATINEE: “Theater plus fencing!” is what ArtsWest (4711 California SW) promises with its new production “Athena“; our calendar listing has play info plus the ticket link for today’s 3 pm performance.
MUSICIANS FOR THE WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), enjoy live music meant to encourage monetary and nonperishable-food donations for WSFB.
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: 3:30 pm performance with The Half Brothers at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), “Seattle’s premier purveyors of skewed bluegrass.” More info and ticket link here!
PASSOVER: Second night.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: End your weekend with Sunday night music provided by the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photos by Dave Gershgorn)
The first major egg hunt of the season was graced with sunshine on the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse grounds this afternoon. Fauntleroy Community Association volunteers hid 600 eggs filled with non-candy treats – and then let the egg-hunters run wild:
Photojournalist Dave Gershgorn was there for WSB, to capture the excitement:
A few eggs had special prizes – so families paused to peek inside:
The FCA got out ahead of the rest of the egg-hunting pack.
Next weekend, your options are many:
–Lincoln Park at 10 am Saturday with Eastridge Church
–Delridge and High Point Community Centers at 10 am Saturday with Seattle Parks
–Three hunts at Ounces on Saturday afternoon – noon for ages 4-8, 3 pm for ages 3 and under, 5 pm for grownups
-Some local churches also have egg hunts on Easter Sunday – we’re continuing to add to our listings.
(Are we missing yours? Email the info ASAP to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)
Heads-up to expect more bicyclists on West Seattle and White Center streets tomorrow (Sunday, April 13) – Cascade Bicycle Club‘s annual Ride for Major Taylor starts on the White Center Bicycle Playground 7 am-8:30 am and will take hundreds of riders on one of two courses – either circumnavigating our peninsula via its waterfront streets (with an Alki rest stop), or (updated) a White Center/Tacoma/Vashon/West Seattle route. You can see the route maps (26 miles or 62 miles) by going here. If you’re not registered, unfortunately, it’s too late – no same-day signups, according to Cascade, which explains that the ride honors “the legacy of Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor, the Black World Cycling Champion … as a fundraiser for Cascade Bicycle Club’s education and advocacy programs, including funding for snacks at after-school Major Taylor Project Clubs as well as support for Major Taylor Project students’ participation in the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic.”
Thanks to Bob Spears for the photo of Norwegian Bliss as it headed out on this year’s first Seattle-to-Alaska cruise this afternoon. As previewed here Thursday, this is the first of 298 expected cruise-ship calls at Seattle’s three berths (two in Magnolia, one downtown) between now and mid-October. According to the season schedule, the second one is Monday, when Carnival Spirit sails from Pier 91. It carries up to 2,100+ passengers, about half the capacity of Norwegian Bliss.
Four weeks from today – on Saturday, May 10, 2025 – it’s the 20th anniversary of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, one huge day with hundreds of sales all around the peninsula. WSB has coordinated Garage Sale Day since its fourth year (2008); this year, we opened registration on April 1 and will close it on April 24, so today is the midpoint. More than 250 sales of all sizes are registered already, with locations and listings (up to 25 words describing their sale). Once registration closes, we use the addresses and descriptions to make a numbered map and printable guide that will be available one week in advance, so that shoppers can plan where to go – even if you just check out who’s within walking distance and go meet neighbors you don’t already know. It’s a busy day of person-to-person recycling as well as neighborhood mingling. If you’re planning a sale and haven’t registered yet, here’s where to go.
ORIGINAL SATURDAY STORY: Driving through Morgan Junction earlier this afternoon, we spotted the sign going up for The Neighborhood, the restaurant opening in the ex-Peel & Press space at 6503 California SW, so we diverted to check in on its status. The Neighborhood is opening Wednesday (April 16), co-proprietor Jenny Almukhtar confirmed. We first talked with her back in February for an in-depth look at the plan – and now they’re down to finishing touches:
As planned, Jenny and husband Ahmed – with lots of assistance from family members – have lightened up the interior (the wall color is “Morocco Red,” Jenny notes). They’re working on the back deck too (not yet furnished):
As first announced, they’ll be open 3-9 pm Wednesdays through Sundays for starters, maybe a bit later some weekend nights, with a menu spotlighting Italian fare, including pizza.
ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: Tonight The Neighborhood is having a “friends and family” trial run – they invited us to stop by, so we just did that for a quick photo:
The photos on the south wall have been added since we visited yesterday. Again, official public opening is Wednesday (April 16).
1:27 PM: More daytime coyote sightings today – first from Megan in Gatewood:
While out walking my two small dogs today, I came face to face with a coyote that was heading south on the alley between Kenyon and Monroe. It was very quietly following a gentleman who was also walking his small dog. The coyote was quite big and very healthy looking. It was not afraid of us and clearly wanted to get closer to our dogs. We yelled at it to scare it off and it circled back three different ways, keeping its sight on us. Two other neighbors came by and stood with us and I suspect our group was then big enough for it to lose interest. It continued south.
It was a beautiful and smart animal but also an important reminder to be mindful while walking our pets.
A few blocks south in Upper Fauntleroy, Erin spotted this one not far from California/Thistle:
She reports it “went right for some outdoor-enclosure rabbits at a neighbor’s house.”
Also in Upper Fauntleroy, this report came in last night after our earlier report about daylight sightings – from Delia:
When my son and I were walking home from the bus stop at 2:53 pm (Friday), I witnessed a large coyote running north on 39th Ave SW at the intersection with SW Tillman.
It seemed to be following a couple (who were wearing their infant in a front carrier). At first, I thought it was their off-leash dog, but when I realized what it was, I alerted them. They turned and had to stare it down until it turned around and ran east down SW Tillman toward SW 37th Ave. I was able to capture these photos, and my Wyze camera captured it as well. (Then) around 4 pm, my next-door neighbor texted me that he saw it again while he was mowing. So it appears to be hanging around the area. Sharing to help spread awareness for folks to keep an eye on children and pets. There were several young kids walking home around the time I saw it.
So what should you do if you see one? Expert advice is here – including, don’t run.
ADDED 3:30 PM: A bit further south, WSB contributing photojournalist Dave Gershgorn spotted and photographed this one near the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, where he was heading to cover today’s Fauntleroy Community Association egg hunt for us:
Dave last saw it at 42nd SW and the curve north of the schoolhouse where Barton becomes California.
ADDED SATURDAY NIGHT: One more Upper Fauntleroy sighting, from Shay, who emailed around 6:30 pm, when it was still light out:
Just had a coyote visit us in upper Fauntleroy (Donovan & 37th). It trotted down our street and headed towards 36th & Cloverdale. Seemed healthy and nonchalant but it definitely surprised us! It’s the first one we’ve ever seen during the day or this closely. You can see it here headed up our neighbor’s steps as it passed through their yard.
(WSB photos by Jason Grotelueschen)
Never a dull day at Easy Street Records in the heart of The Junction, but as previewed in our Saturday list, this one is really jumping – it’s Record Store Day, which offers special deals, treats, and sights. WSB contributing journalist Jason Grotelueschen sent a few scenes:
Making an appearance for just a few hours, that’s the legendary touring van used by The Melvins, featuring art by Kurt Cobain. Past the van and on down Alaska, people were still lined up as of about an hour ago:
Inside the shop, Easy Street proprietor Matt Vaughan is the busiest man in showbiz, with freebies as well as sales – he told us about 500 people were in line when the store opened at 7 am!
Vaughan said some of the hot albums of the day (all of which sold out quickly after the store opened) included Wicked: The Soundtrack (purchased by the first two people in line), Gracie Abrams, MJ Lenderman, Charli XCX/Billie Eilish, Oasis and The Cure.
The shelves continue yielding treasures, curated and restocked by staff including “Upstairs Andy” Nelson, Easy Street’s “vinyl czar:”
Outside, legendary Seattle music scene photographer Charles Peterson shared stories (of the early days of Mudhoney, Nirvana, Green River, Sub Pop Records etc) with a crew from Julien’s Auctions, as the van makes its last public appearance before it goes to auction in New York City in late May:
Easy Street is open into the evening – this year’s RSD show features SYML, already sold out, so if you see a crowd at the corner tonight, that’s what it’s all about.
NOON UPDATE: Still a good crowd of people waiting to get into the shop (the line is shorter than it was this morning, though – it stretches to the alley near Darby Winery) as of noon.
(Friday sunbreak, photographed by James Bratsanos)
Second Saturday of April, and if you’re not leaving town for spring break, many options await! First, a transportation reminder:
WATER TAXI SPRING/SUMMER SCHEDULE STARTS: Starting tonight, the West Seattle Water Taxi has later sailings on Saturday (and Friday) nights. Here’s the announcement, including the schedule.
Now, the happening-Saturday highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
RECORD STORE DAY AT EASY STREET: It’s the biggest day of the year at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), which opens at 7 am for the special day’s special deals – with a free donut for the first 100 people in line (and other freebies) – and hosts a sold-out show by SYML tonight. If you’re there early, you might also get to see the legendary Melvins‘ van.
SATURDAY GROUP RUN, ANNIVERSARY EDITION, AND MORE: 15th anniversary celebration continues at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am:
Mizuno and Superfeet group run at 8 am. You can try out Mizuno and Superfeet on your run. We will follow up the run with donuts and chocolate milk afterward.
Mark Bouma, owner of Lake Washington PT West Seattle, will be on site doing 1:1 assessments from 8:40 to 10:30 am. We will have Hawthorne Massage doing chair massage 10-12.
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s sanctuary/studio (3618 SW Alaska).
TLC FOR PUGET PARK: Meet at 19th/Dawson at 9 am for trailbuilding and blackberry removal. All ages welcome. Details and signup link here.
INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Then at 10 am, join others for the full weekly walk in Lincoln Park (also meet at 47th/Fauntleroy).
‘WEST SEATTLE RESISTS’: New weekly rally in The Junction, 10 am-noon, all welcome, as explained by organizers here.
BOOK GROUP AT THE MOUNT: As previewed here, all are welcome to come discuss “Don’t Walk Away,” 10 am, at Providence Mount St. Vincent. (4831 35th SW)
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Susan Pascal, Jamie Findlay, Chris Symer, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
GRIEFSHARE: If you have lost someone close to you, this is for you. 13-week series continues today, 10:30 am, Grace Church (10323 28th SW).
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30-11 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), meant for kids 0-5.
ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: Second one of the series is sold out! If you did get a spot, 11 am is when to meet at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens).
FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW) – but if you don’t already have a slot reserved, you’re probably out of luck.
FAMILY READING TIME: 11 am family reading time is back at new home of Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW).
UW BEACH VOLLEYBALL AT ALKI: Second and final day of the Huskies’ only tournament at Alki Beach this season. They split a doubleheader on Friday and open today’s play at 11:15 am – more info here.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
PLANT SWAP AT HOSTE: 12 pm-4 pm, a master gardener from West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor) will be at Hoste in Admiral (2332 California SW) – drop in with potted plants and/or propagations for the community plant swap.
FAUNTLEROY EGG HUNT: First major egg hunt of the season! 1 pm at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), presented by the Fauntleroy Community Association, free. Littlest kids go first, hunting for prize-filled (no candy) eggs.
MAKE CERAMIC BIRD FEEDERS: 1-3 pm at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW) with Frances – our calendar listing explains how to preregister.
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
FREE MASSAGE: Walk-in clinic at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.
LIVE AT C & P: The Tune Tourists, 6-8 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
PASSOVER BEGINS: First of eight days/nights for the Jewish festival. (Any community events in West Seattle this year? Please let us know!)
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Doors 7, show 7:30, pianist Ray Skjelbred at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7, show 8, The Nightshift, Sinking Dolls, The Commute bring indie rock to The Skylark, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘ATHENA’ AT ARTSWEST: Third performance, 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), for the new production “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.
OUT AT THE BOX: Drag show at Box Bar (5401 California SW), 9:30 pm. No cover. 21+.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Spinning starts at 9 pm with Soul Focus FM at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW)
MACHINE LEARNING DANCE EVENT: Monthly West Side dance event at Lumber Yard Bar (9630 16th SW, White Center), 9 pm-2 am – this month’s details are here.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Want to sing on your Saturday night? 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome to be listed on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
New hope that redevelopment might finally happen at the long-vacant strip-mall/restaurant sites in the 5200 block of California SW. The demolition permit was renewed back in February; now two expired construction permits are being reviewed for renewal, and the city permit system has the explanatory notation “Ownership is working to obtain funds to move forward with the project.” The project as first proposed back in 2017 was for 18 rowhouse-style townhouses. Then in 2023, a senior-living complex was proposed instead, but that was scrapped. It’s been almost nine years since the strip mall’s previous major tenant moved further north into The Junction; as for the two ex-restaurants, the former Papa John’s closed in 2017, and Thaitan (on the corner) closed in 2019. Records indicate the combined redevelopment site hasn’t changed ownership since around the time of most of the closures.
From SPD Blotter, an arrest last night in the 5400 block of Delridge. Police say they arrested a 33-year-old woman and booked her into the King County Jail for investigation of robbery “after she reportedly stole hot coffee … and then threw (it) at a clerk when she was asked to pay.” They say the 45-year-old clerk suffered “severe pain” and had a “bright red face, neck, and chest.” SFD treated him but he declined a trip to the hospital. The suspect is accused of filling two cups wth hot coffee and leaving with one around 9 pm; the clerk said he followed her outside and asked her to pay – then, he said, she threw the coffee at his face and chest. Police found her nearby and arrested her. We don’t have her name, but checking the jail roster, we see a 33-year-old woman booked late last night who is still behind bars, bail set at $3,000.
That’s the scene inside Jet City Labs, one of the two epicenters for tonight’s Rock Walk – check-in spot as well as a place you can still get a ticket if you didn’t buy one in advance for the sip-and-stroll event raising money to maximize music at West Seattle Summer Fest. At the door of JCL (4547 California SW), say hi to a man who knows a thing or two about music, proprietor Derek Moon:
His venue also is hosting one of tonight’s beverage providers, Offset Ciderworks. While briefly in The Junction, we also stopped in at another participating venue, Easy Street Records, where you’ll find Brennan and Paige from Sleight of Hand Cellars on the café stage:
Easy Street is gearing up for a huge day tomorrow – open at 7 am Saturday for Record Store Day. But in the meantime, if you’re not already on the Rock Walk, go get a ticket at Jet City or at John L. Scott (4445 California SW), and enjoy your 12 choices from among 30+ adult-beverage providers at 30 venues – listed here – and know you’re giving a lift to Summer Fest, now just three months away! Rock Walk is on until 9 tonight.
Two more sighting reports sent to us, first one just after 1 pm today:
Big coyote spotted on 31st and Thistle. It just tried to follow a friend who was walking a small dog.
That one came in anonymously via text. The next one was via email, reported by Tim Van Liew on Thursday:
Taking a walk through Camp Long … and as I approached the golf course access road, I observed 3 coyotes out on the greens.
As always, our standard reminder: We publish coyote sightings for awareness, not alarm; expert advice on avoiding conflicts includes “never run from a coyote” and don’t enable their access to food – from unsecured garbage to unattended small pets. Read more here.
That photo wrapped up a celebration today at West Seattle High School – and at the heart of it is what’s directly over the athletes, school staffers, and sports mascots who gathered for the group shot: A newly unveiled banner in honor of national recognition for WSHS’s Unified Sports program:
As shown in the close-up photo, it now hangs in the WSHS gym next to a banner recognizing the program’s achievements in recent years. Special Olympics of Washington explains it in this excerpt from their announcement of today’s banner unveiling:
For its work in empowering students to be agents of change in their school and community, West Seattle High School (received) a Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools National Banner …
West Seattle is one of two schools in Washington to achieve National Banner status in 2025 and is the first school in the Seattle school district to receive this recognition. To add even more kudos, West Seattle also made the ESPN Honor Roll, which is a national list of schools recognized by ESPN and Special Olympics for their efforts in creating inclusive environments for students with and without intellectual disabilities. Only one high school is selected from each state and West Seattle was recognized for Washington.
A Unified Champion Schools National Banner is a major achievement for the entire school for meeting 10 standards of excellence. These national standards revolve around inclusion, advocacy and respect; they include implementing sustainable programs around Special Olympics Unified Sports (where students with and without intellectual disabilities train and compete as teammates), inclusive youth leadership and engagement throughout the whole school.
We were invited to cover the student-organized all-school spring pep assembly this morning during which the banner was unveiled following cheers led by former Seahawks player turned Special Olympics ambassador Ray Roberts:
As shown in the clip, WSHS’s Unified Sports coordinator Rachel Myers was honored too. We also recorded a longer version starting with students talking about the program before the assembly heard from Special Olympics of Washington president/CEO Mary Do, who reminded the school community, “You made this happen” (she speaks starting 5:20 into the clip):
The National Banner status was first announced last fall, at which time the school noted the banner itself would arrive in spring.
Sent by Danny:
My 2019 red Kia Sportage was stolen off of Fauntleroy and Juneau yesterday, License plate # CKT6250. Front driver’s handle is missing. 25-96523 is the incident number.
Call 911 if you find it.
Story by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Summer visitors to some of West Seattle’s most popular parks will likely have slightly fewer hours to enjoy them.
As we’ve been reporting (including last week, and a couple of weeks before that), Seattle Parks had been considering “permanent seasonal” reductions (Memorial Day to Labor Day, for all upcoming summers) to the hours during which several parks across the city are open, including our own Alki Beach Park and Don Armeni Boat Ramp, as well as a permanent reduction in hours for Hamilton Viewpoint Park.
On Thursday night, the city’s advisory Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners held a public hearing and vote, and the board unanimously approved the proposal, which now goes to the Parks superintendent Anthony-Paul (“AP”) Diaz (who was in attendance on Thursday night) to issue a final decision, which would be followed by necessary city clerk filings and then updates to parks signage and websites.
Of the impacted Seattle parks that are specifically in the West Seattle area, the now-approved proposal calls for:
The meeting on Thursday was a “hybrid” forum, with the board and a handful of in-person attendees gathering downtown at Seattle Parks HQ, while others joined online via Zoom. Public participation was light, with two “general commenters” who signed up and offered thoughts about overall parks concerns, but zero commenters signed up or in attendance to speak specifically about the proposed hourly changes. However, commission members did make reference to some emailed comments from West Seattle residents, as well as “comments on the West Seattle Blog,” summarized as such:
From last month’s meeting slides, here are two tables showing the city-wide changes that were proposed and now approved:
Commissioners noted that the rationale for the changes included fire safety (particularly for Alki and Golden Gardens), managing late-night noise and problematic “non-boating activity” on the boat ramps, and aligning hours and resources with SPD and other resources. Commissioners added that although public commentary on the issue was minimal, the department had done the best it could to get the word out via their web and social channels, and in local news and blogs and social media. Two commissioners suggested the need for a future “comprehensive approach” to park hours, noting that numerous parks (such as Ravenna) have late-night hours but minimal/no lighting, which probably should be evaluated, and others agreed.
In Thursday’s meeting, commissioners discussed the general positive sentiment about the proposal among board members, and among the (admittedly small) number of comments gathered online and via email (again, there was nobody signed up to comment at Thursday’s meeting). Based on that, they agreed to call for a vote rather than to delay a vote to a later meeting (the board meets again on April 24), and the motion then passed unanimously.
Aside from the park-hours discussion, there were a handful of other West Seattle mentions during other portions of the meeting agenda:
(Photo sent by Betty – the art is a gift that appeared in her Little Free Library)
Here’s our Friday highlights list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Arbor Heights event canceled today and next Friday, for spring break.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Spring plant-shopping time! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) cam
BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT: Two days of play begin today at 11 am for the University of Washington team’s only home tournament of the year at Alki Beach. Here’s a preview with info on the schedule, home and visiting teams, and more.
FREE TAX HELP: Free help at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), 11 am-4 pm, but appointments were reported to be all booked up, so check with the branch before visiting.
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
ROCK WALK: Tonight’s the night for Rock Walk, a sip-and-stroll event around The Junction to raise money for West Seattle Summer Fest music, with dozens of participating businesses and beverage providers paired up (see the list here). Online ticket sales are closed but you can still get tickets at the two check-in locations after 5 pm, Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) or John L. Scott (4445 California SW).
HISTORICAL SOCIETY GALA: 6 pm dinner and auction at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW) to support the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. Online registration is closed but check with SWSHS if registration will be available at the door.
SONGWRITERS AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: This month’s Songwriters’ Showcase tonight at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, all ages, no cover.
ANNIVERSARY RUN: Help West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) kick off its 15th-anniversary celebration with a 6:15 pm New Balance tryout run, followed by treats.
KENYON HALL CABARET: 6:30 pm monthly drag showcase at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).
SPORTS: One local game – baseball at 7 pm, West Seattle HS vs. Seattle Prep at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. (2801 SW Thistle)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7, music 8 – Caudal Peduncle, Margo Adrift, B.E.L.. $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘ATHENA’ AT ARTSWEST: Second performance, 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), for the new production “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Hershe 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: dj big peach, Dr. Wam & The Tone Zone, Schmutz.
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!
(File photo – trail in Puget Park)
If your Saturday isn’t all booked up … volunteer slots remain for a work party at Puget Park, 9 am-noon tomorrow (Saturday, April 12). From the invitation:
Excited to host you all at Puget Park for a little park volunteer fun. Appreciate you all coming out. We will be re-constructing a bit of trail and removing some invasive blackberries. All ages OK.
What to Bring
Gloves, water, snack & proper attire (may get muddy). I have gloves if needed and plenty of tools. Also please note there is no bathroom on site.Where to Meet
19th Ave SW & SW Dawson
If you can go, please register here ASAP!
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, April 11, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Your Friday forecast has a slight chance of morning rain, then sunshine this afternoon, mid-50s high. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:27 am and 7:54 pm. (Wednesday brings the first 8+ pm sunset!)
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle servicen; spring/summer schedule, with later-in-the-evening sailings two nights a week, starts Saturday (April 12).
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.
-The daily SW 100th closure in White Center, 15th to 16th, has been extended through the 18th, according to King County Roads. (Thanks to Gill for the heads-up.)
BUSY AT THE BEACH
–UW beach volleyball hosts a tournament at Alki today and tomorrow. Play starts at 11 am.
SPRING BREAK
–Seattle Public Schools are out on spring break next week.
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!
Friday’s the night that you can sip, stroll, and help the West Seattle Junction Association raise money to raise the bar on West Seattle Summer Fest music. And the weather looks fairly promising for the first-ever Rock Walk, described by WSJA as “a night of different tastes from wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries – with all proceeds supporting live music at Summer Fest.” If you didn’t already buy tickets, online sales are closed BUT WSJA tells us you can still get in on it – buy your ticket at one of the check-in locations:
Jet City Labs – 4547 California Ave SW
John L. Scott Realty – 4445 California Ave SW
Rock Walk (and last-minute in-person ticketing) starts at 5 pm Friday. (Summer Fest is just three months away, BTW, July 11-13!).
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