West Seattle, Washington
20 Friday
(WSB file photo, SPD at Alki on a summer night)
As we’ve reported, the city is moving toward an earlier closing time for Alki Beach Park this spring/summer – and beyond. But what else is planned to address safety concerns as warmer weather brings more people to the regionally renowned beach? The Alki Community Council invites you to this Thursday’s monthly gathering, this time at Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki), to hear from and talk with a panel of people working on the issue. Here’s the ACC announcement:
Reminder: Alki Community Council Meeting – Thursday, April 17th
Special Summer Safety Prep Meeting* New Location: Alki Bathhouse
* New Start: 6:30-8 pm (In-person only)We’re switching things up this month as we take it to the beach—right where it matters most. Our meeting at Alki Bathhouse is all about the beach: how we can protect it, and the people who live and visit here.
As we prepare for a busy summer with environmental and ongoing safety concerns—amid a 300+ officer shortage—you’ll hear directly from those on the front lines of guardianship of both people and our parks.
What makes this meeting special? We’re bringing together voices from 8th grade changemakers to top city leaders—all committed to keeping Alki safe, clean, and cared for.
Speaker Lineup:
Explorer West Middle School 8th Graders – Youth-led action item.
Captain Krista Bair, SPD SW Precinct commander
Jon Jainga, Seattle Parks Security & Emergency Mgmt.
Tracy Cramer, SPU Clean City / Litter Abatement
Seattle Park Rangers
Dave Delgado, Seal Sitters –– Wildlife crisis responseBring your questions and concerns, and join us to help keep the place we love safe and beautiful.
Two weeks after helping lead the Seattle “Hands Off” demonstration, West Seattle Indivisible says they’re staying close to home for the next National Day of Action this Saturday, with a preparation event tomorrow. Here’s the announcement we received:
West Seattle Indivisible Street Rally for Democracy!
Our first mass mobilization on April 5th blew wind in the sails of weary advocates, and rekindled hope in our hearts. We are committed to further West Seattle’s momentum and strengthen our resolve by stepping out of our homes to greet one another with a shared message – this administration must be stopped!
Date : April 19th
Time: 12-2 pm
Where: Admiral to Morgan Junction
Events Leading Up To 4/19
SIGN MAKING PARTY: WED April 16th. High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond). 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Let’s do this again – super fun together! Bring supplies and slogans to share, as will we! Hosted by, and more info at: westseattleindivisible.com
SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP: THURS April 17th. High Point Library. 5:30 – 7:30pm
Learn how to turn your smart phone into an aesthetic tool to document your Corner Rally experience! Free!
In the heart of The Junction, the Center for Active Living is “the center of it all,” with dozens of classes and programs every week, many open to the wider public, not just the seniors the center has long focused on serving. As with other nonprofit institutions, the center needs community support now more than ever, and you’re invited to help with that while having fun at its annual benefit breakfast, with food and music. It’s happening at 8 am Tuesday, May 6 – three weeks from today – at the Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds). You can register here to be there!
With nine days to go until the April 24 deadline for registering to be on the map for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025, we’re reviewing the listings so we’ll be ready to make the map and guide as soon as the list is final. The first seller to register has an early lead on most-memorable description: “Aging hipsters not cool enough for this stuff – come and get it!” We’ve just hit 300 registrations, and among the most popular types of offerings, a quick search reveals we already have 43 mentions of kid stuff, 31 mentions of art (including the ever-popular annual glass-art sale!), 27 mentions of camping gear, 25 mentions of baby-related items … but even more common than any of those, we have 44 sales with descriptions mentioning “vintage”! Chances are good that no matter what you’re looking for, someone will have it. The big day of sales all around the peninsula is Saturday, May 10, 9 am-3 pm (with some sales choosing to start earlier and/or end later and/or add an extra day). So far we have two confirmed sites that are offering spaces to people who need somewhere to sell their stuff – Fauntleroy Schoolhouse and Hotwire Coffee; please contact them directly if interested. If you’re registering your own sale at your own location, this link will take you to our form! If you’ll be a shopper, watch for the map and guide one week before WSCGSD. More updates to come!
Last month, West Seattle’s only overnight shelter – Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle – announced it would stay open for overnight operations, at reduced capacity, year-round. Now that plan has changed. Just received from shelter manager Keith Hughes:
I want to thank all the people who have helped us on a continuous basis. As you know, Westside Neighbors Shelter typically offers cold-weather emergency overnight stays on cots in the Legion Hall auditorium from November through March. A few weeks ago, out of an abundance of compassion for those in need, we decided not to eliminate overnights once the weather grew warmer. We continued to offer breakfast, dinner, and overnight stays for 40 people.
However, with the new political reality and economic uncertainty in our country, donations to us and other organizations have dropped while the number of people who need help has grown. We found our resources so rapidly depleted that we realized we can’t afford to run the shelter full-time right now. For the survival of the shelter, we must return to our original model: starting Saturday, April 19, the shelter will once again function as a Warm Up Center only, 7 am to 11 am every day, and including a hot breakfast.
So many of our clients stop by my office each day and say, “Thank you for what you’re doing for us.” Our goal is to someday provide services year-round, full-time, to our neighbors who need help with basic day-to-day living. I am determined to make this a reality, with help from donors and volunteers who want to make a difference. If you’re interested in donating food, clothing, or money, or if you’re interested in volunteering, please see our website: www.westsideneighborsshelter.org.
(Photo by Susan Whiting Kemp)
Here’s what’s happening on your Tuesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if you’re a first-timer.
HOLY WEEK AT LOCAL CHURCHES: We’ve added more listings here – it’s not too late to send yours (westseattleblog@gmail.com).
BLOOD DRIVE: Some slots are still open for this all-day blood drive in West Seattle with a tasty incentive – find the link in our calendar listing.
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
HOMEWORK HELP: Canceled this week because of spring break.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
WEST SEATTLE HS BASEBALL AT T-MOBILE PARK: As previewed here Monday, tonight’s the night you can go to T-Mobile Park and see the defending state-champion West Seattle High School Wildcats play the Highline HS Pirates – free! Game time is 6 pm. (As also noted in our preview, though not required for attendance, you can buy Mariners-Guardians tickets for June 14 and support the team.)
UKULELE PLAYERS’ EVENING MEETUP: Monthly 6 pm gathering at Good Society (California/Lander).
UNPLUGGED, A MUSICAL GATHERING: 6-8 pm acoustic-music get-together at C & P Coffee (561 California SW; WSB sponsor).
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN: Lots of light in the evening as sunsets get later – 6:15 pm, meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
FREE DANCE LESSON: At the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), Westside Dance with Dean:
Tuesdays through April 15 (tonight!)
Swing 1: Intro to East Coast Swing 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Swing 2: Dancing to the Blues (a traveling dance) 7:45 – 8:45 p.m.Brush up on your dance skills with our next six-week dance series. Instructor Dean Paton leads these live partner-dance classes in Swing 1 & 2. No partner is necessary, both singles and couples are welcome. Join the fun and meet others in the community!
More information here.
WEST SEATTLE TOASTMASTERS 832 HYBRID MEETING: 6:30 pm, the club now offers you the chance to meet in person at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 California SW) or online – our calendar listing explains both!
MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has details on signing up before you go.
BINGO X 2: Play – free! – Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW) … Talarico’s Pizzeria also offers 8 pm bingo (4718 California SW).
TRIVIA X 6: If you’re a quiz whiz, tonight is your night – six trivia options for Tuesday night – 7 pm trivia with Amelia at Future Primitive‘s Beer Bar on Alki (2536 Alki SW) … The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) … and Trivia Tuesdays at Christos on Alki, 7:15 pm (2508 Alki SW).
WEST SEATTLE PFLAG: First anniversary! 7:30 pm meeting at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill).
Hosting an event, class, performance, gathering, etc.? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Announced by Special Olympics of Washington – a big event happening here in a week and a half that needs lots of volunteers (and spectators too):
Come support and cheer on your Special Olympics WA (SOWA) athletes at their upcoming athletics competition on Saturday, April 26! Hundreds of athletes, coaches and volunteers from King County and Cascade areas will be convening at the Southwest Athletic Complex near Chief Sealth HS to participate and compete, and we need your help! Learn more about the event here and how to get involved as a volunteer here (we still are looking for 200+ hands!). Athletes will compete for a spot at SOWA’s State Spring Games at the University of Puget Sound on June 20-22. Reach out to volunteer@sowa.org or Lindsey lcornish@sowa.org to learn more!
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, April 15, 2025, and for most schools in the area, spring break continues. Plus, it’s federal tax-deadline day.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
More sunshine expected,, low 60s high. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:19 am and 7:59 pm. (Tomorrow brings the first 8+ pm sunset!)
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle servicen; 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”. … Also, WSF has launched an “online open house” for feedback on changes to the two-boat Triangle Route schedule once the route is regularly back to a three-boat schedule, expected June 30.
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.
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!
The video is from WSB contributing photojournalist Dave Gershgorn, who has had more than his share of wildlife encounters lately – a coyote closeup on Saturday, these bunnies today. He thinks they were having a turf war; that seems more likely than a get-acquainted session. Here’s a photo from their wrestling match:
Think you know all about our resident rabbits? Check the state fact sheet!
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports from the weekend:
ONLINE SALE TURNED ROBBERY: We heard fragments of this on Saturday but not enough information to report until we could obtain the police narrative today. After setting up an online sale of clothing items via Instagram, an Arbor Heights teenager told police the “buyers” showed up and robbed him of the items at gunpoint. This happened at a house near Arbor Heights Elementary, according to the police narrative, around 1 pm Saturday. The robbers were described as Hispanic, male, in their teens or 20s, one “with a high fade haircut with curly brown Afro type hair on top,” another with “black/brown curly Afro style hair,” another with a black ski mask, no other descriptive factors for the fourth. After arranging for the sale, one person came to the victim’s door, he told police, and asked the victim to gather all the items – five hoodies, three T-shirts, and one pair of sweatpants – and bring them to a car outside. When the victim did that, he said, the other three robbers got out of the vehicle with handguns and pointed them at the victim. demanding he hand over the items. After he did so, the report says, they ordered him to go back in the house and get more clothing to give them. When he got back outside, the robbers were gone. Police note that the Instagram account through which the sale was arranged was “blocked and deleted … shortly after the incident took place.” The report says the robbers’ vehicle was captured on at least three nearby security cameras but redacts the description; though as we noted the incident audio is fragmentary, it did describe the vehicle as a red or maroon Escalade with darkened windows. While investigating this, police note, a King County Sheriff’s deputy contacted them to say, according to the SPD report, “they were investigating a very similar robbery involving selling items on Instagram, with a similar vehicle description and suspect description.” That happened just before 4:30 pm Saturday. The SPD report # is 25-097663; the KCSO case # is C25-011252.
STREET ASSAULT: This reader report involved an incident reported on 51st SW around 10 am Sunday.
Person in this (video) assaulted a female pedestrian in Seaview at 10 AM. Stayed on site harassing bystanders and witnesses for ~10 minutes. SPD arrived too late to confront him. Riding kids’ purple BMX bike. Notify SPD if you see him.
Both the reader and the incident audio indicate the victim did not need medical attention; incident audio described the suspect as “grab(bing) her.” If you have any information, the incident number is 25-98420.
Washington State Ferries says it’s expecting to restore regular three-boat service on Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth (the Triangle Route) June 30. When it does, the 2-boat schedule it’s been running these past few years will become a backup schedule – and WSF is revising it. So they’re asking for comments right now via an online open house you’ll find here, open through this Friday, April 18. (If you want to cut right to the proposed schedule changes before commenting, find them here.)
Two baseball notes from West Seattle High School (which won the state championship last year). First, you can watch the Wildcats play at T-Mobile Park tomorrow night (6 pm Tuesday, April 15), free!
As part of the program that gives them the spotlight at the stadium, the team offers tickets for an upcoming Mariners’ game – $30 to see the M’s play the Cleveland Guardians two months from tonight, 6:40 pm June 14. You can buy those ticket(s) online by going here!
“The 25th season of West Seattle Landscape and Stone Supply grows in a new direction!” That’s how one of our newest sponsors begins their message for you about what they do:
West Seattle Landscape & Stone Supply (formerly E-green Landscaping and Materials) is happy to announce the start of its transition to new ownership this year!
You may remember us from our start as a landscape contractor in 1999 or visiting our materials yard on Delridge Way SW we opened in 2003. Jeff Detweiler and his partner Andrew worked tirelessly to beautify many outdoor spaces – one rockery retaining wall, garden bed, and tree planting at a time. In 2015 we shifted to a delivery-only business where we’ve defined ourselves with a huge selection of materials, convenient small-yardage deliveries, and the agility to get into the tight driveways and alleys found around the homes of West Seattle.
Jeff Detweiler, now 67, says “it’s time for another chapter of my life,” and is pleased to announce that effective later this year, his friend and employee Paul Thomas will take over the reins of the business.
Paul has had the privilege to work with Jeff on many landscaping projects, while also co-managing two small farms in Kitsap County where they collaborate daily on managing nearly 30 acres of land.
Paul left his first career in tech and marketing behind to jump at the opportunity to get hands-on with farming and all that goes with it – gardening & crop management, nurturing fruit trees, and looking after animals (sheep, and horses), all with organic and regenerative farming practices centered in this work. Paul also built our new website last year, which features an easy to use online quoting tool and streamlined communications with customers.
These experiences combined with Paul’s excellent driving skills and small-business chops make him well-suited to operate West Seattle Stone, and keep the rocks-a-rolling! He is excited to lead West Seattle Stone into our second quarter century.
Many things won’t change, and our focus remains on helping folks in West Seattle get the products they need for their landscape design, construction, earth work, and gardening needs while staying small and efficient so that we can do it at affordable prices.
If you want to start an order, or just send Jeff some well-wishes as he heads toward greener pastures – he’d love to hear from you at 206-763-7625 – call or text! You can also email us directly at wslandscapesupply@gmail.com, or visit us online at www.westseattlestone.com
We thank West Seattle Landscape and Stone Supply 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!
Another brown-water report today. Carol reports via email, “Brown water in lower Gatewood. Evidence of hydrant testing along 44th Ave. SW.” That’s one main cause, as opening a hydrant – whether for testing or for fire-related use – stirs up the “sediment” (aka rust) in the line. But even if you think you know the cause, if your water is discolored, be sure to report it to Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800.
Part of the money from the voter-approved Seattle Transportation Levy is intended to make a dent in the huge number of blocks around the city that need sidewalks/walkways. Ten or more blocks will be built in South Delridge in the next few years, and SDOT has just announced a walking tour to get your thoughts about where:
Want to see new safe places to walk in the South Delridge neighborhood? Thanks to the Seattle Transportation Levy we can build at least 10 blocks of new sidewalk or walkway in South Delridge. Please join us for a neighborhood walk and share with us where you would like to see new walkways and/or sidewalks.
Date: Wednesday April 23rd, 2025
Time: 5:00-6:30 pm
Location: Gather at Westwood Village at vacant storefront near Daiso (used to be Lauren’s Jewelry – 2600 SW Barton St, Suite #E4) and then walk the neighborhood with us!Kids are welcome!
Rain or Shine
Here’s a flyer further explaining the plan. A similar walking tour was held last month in North Delridge.
(Today’s sunrise, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s our “what’s happening” list for this sunny Monday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
HOLY WEEK: Our list of local churches that have sent their schedules is here. (Not too late to add – westseattleblog@gmail.com)
BABY STORY TIME: Noon today at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), geared toward little ones up to 18 months old.
LOW TIDE: Nice day for a beach walk, with a -0.4 low tide at 12:37 pm.
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: See City Councilmembers preview what’s ahead for the week, 2 pm. The agenda explains how to watch (no public-comment period at this meeting).
HOMEWORK HELP: Canceled this week since it’s spring break.
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players included!
LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm at Mama Be Well Healing Studio with Listening to Grief. Registration/fee info here. (4034A California SW).
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Three places to play tonight! … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW) … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MEDITATION AT ALKI UCC: Every Monday – doors open at Alki UCC at 6:45, meeting is from 7-8:30. (6115 SW Hinds)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: More Monday night calming – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
PASSOVER: This is the third night.
SPORTS: One home game – baseball at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – West Seattle HS vs. Ingraham at 7 pm.
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: The Alley features music on Monday nights – jazz with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Monday nights, singers welcome for karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks to everyone who sends info for our calendar – if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Gatewood Elementary is getting ready for its third annual Gator Fair in May, and student volunteers are an important part of the plan, so the search is on! Here’s the announcement sent to us to share:
Volunteer opportunity for Seattle Public Schools middle- and high-school students to earn service hours:
Gatewood Elementary is hosting the 3rd annual Gatewood Gator Fair on Saturday, May 31st, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and is looking for volunteers to set up and break down the event, run carnival games, help out at booths, etc.
The event is rain or shine and the community is invited.
Volunteer shift is 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. You will be provided a lunch break and food to eat.
Sign up at signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AAA92AA3F8C43-56222128-gator#
Questions? GatewoodGatorFair@gmail.com
School address: 4320 SW Myrtle Street, Seattle, WA, 98136. Parking in the neighborhood
Public transportation: Rapid Ride C line stop is Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Myrtle St.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, April 14, 2025, and for most schools in the area, it’s spring break.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
A sunny week is expected,, mid-60s high. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:22 am and 7:58 pm. (Wednesday brings the first 8+ pm sunset!)
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle servicen; 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”. … Also, WSF has launched an “online open house” for feedback on changes to the two-boat Triangle Route schedule once the route is regularly back to a three-boat schedule, expected June 30.
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.
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!
(WSB photos by Oliver Hamlin)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
At a time when federal support for cultural institutions is being downsized dramatically, events like the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s spring fundraising gala this past Friday matter more than ever.
Newly promoted executive director Elizabeth Rudrud – SWSHS’s lone paid staffer – addressed the situation in her speech during the event at Salty’s on Alki: “Our theme tonight is ‘storytellers,’ so I am starting with my favorite quote from the novelist and essayist James Baldwin. He wrote: ‘American History is longer, larger, more beautiful and more terrible than anything anyone has ever said about it.’ History is written by many voices. Yet we acknowledge the renewed efforts by some to erase important stories of our past. I want you to know two things. First, this is an unoriginal idea. And second, it doesn’t work. By being here tonight, you are reaffirming the power of storytelling.” We started recording her speech just as that opening was ending:
(WSB video – apologies for the shadow problem)
Rudrud spoke of the SWSHS’s partners. One of them was represented by a guest speaker, Humanities Washington CEO Julie Ziegler, told the stark tale of getting word that the federal government was canceling almost $10 million in vital funding that already had been allocated to our state by Congress:
As Ziegler said, supporters can do more than donate to try to help – they need to “speak up,” she urged, and tell Congress to ensure that the money (which she said is reportedly being diverted to a presidentially decreed “Garden of Heroes”) goes to where it was promised.
The gala showcased some of what SWSHS’s supporters make possible – including projects working with youth. Melissa Bacon spoke about the High Point Video Club – working with East African teens, many of whom are Chief Sealth International High School students, recording oral histories of High Point residents.
They’re hoping to collect 30 of those histories over the next two years. Gala attendees also heard firsthand from one young historian, Pedro – an intern at the <strong>Log House Museum, where the historical society is headquartered – who’s working on a different history project – the history of Seattle teriyaki!
His interviewees so far have included the man basically credited with inventing Seattle teriyaki almost half a century ago, Toshi Kasahara.
And gala-goers also got intel about what’s expected to be a transformative future museum exhibit (with funding from Maritime Washington National Heritage Area), from its designer Chris Fiala Erlich:
The highlight of the evening was toward the end, when five unique experiences were auctioned off, with energy and humor provided by auctioneers and longtime SWSHS supporters Clay Eals (a former executive director of the organization) (below center) and Mike Shaughnessy:
Eals noted that he was most heartened to see the room filled with new faces as well as familiar ones.
The highest winning bid was $3,000 for the opportunity to make your own Husky Deli ice-cream flavor and then invite a crowd to the deli afterhours for a party to enjoy it. Husky proprietor Jack Miller himself was there to talk more about it and to recount some Husky history.
Another of the experiences auctioned at the gala was a guided West Duwamish Greenbelt tour with Chief Sealth descendant Ken Workman, who has served both on the Duwamish Tribe council and the SWSHS board
He had welcomed the crowd early in the evening:
The walking tour went for $1,000, which also was the winning bid for a “speakeasy pizza party” at a secret West Seattle location. Legendary nature photographer Art Wolfe donated a tour of his almost-as-legendary West Seattle garden; that went for $1,300. And historian Peder Nelson will lead a West Seattle music tour for a $700 bidder (an extra-special deal because a $75 Easy Street Records gift card is part of it). Speaking of music, West Seattle’s own The Potholes provided the evening’s soundtrack:
The gala concluded with a paddleless version of fundraisers’ traditional “raise the paddle” invitation for attendees to commit to additional donations. As co-auctioneer Shaughnessy had suggested before the auction, “this is the time to double down to keep the Historical Society and Log House Museum open.” If you weren’t at the event but would like to offer support, you’ll find a link here.
You can also learn more about SWSHS and the museum – a historic building in its own right – by visiting noon-4 pm Fridays and Saturdays (61st/Stevens), and/or signing up for one of the popular Alki walking tours they’re offering again this spring/summer.
A texter just reported brown water at a residence on Erskine Way, west of The Junction. Nothing current or recent on Seattle Public Utilities‘ water-trouble map, nor have there been any fires today; as always, if it happens to you, be sure to report it to SPU at 206-386-1800. We appreciate getting word too!
(WSB photo, last month)
It’s not quite on the scale of what semi-old-timers will recall as The Hole, but a hole is what the Morgan Junction Park expansion site has been for a while, thanks to an interdepartmental permit snafu, and that’s one of the long-delayed city projects that’s on the Morgan Community Association quarterly-meeting agenda this Wednesday (along with the EV-charging lot that’s now delayed again – until next year). MoCA will meet this time at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd and Juneau) – here are the agenda toplines sent by president Deb Barker:
Morgan Minute Updates
● SW Precinct, Updates from SPD
● Gatewood Gator Fest is May 31st
● Highland Park Way status
● One Seattle Plan current focus
● Help Stock the Morgan Junction Park Free LibraryNew in Morgan Junction
The Fine Baking Company, 6969 California Ave SWCommunity Business
● Morgan Junction Electric Vehicle Charging Station: update by Seattle City Light
● Morgan Junction Community Festival on June 14th
● Morgan Junction Park Soils Remediation status: update by Seattle Parks
● Meet SW Precinct Community Service Officers (CSO’s)
● Status of pedestrian safety projects for Fauntleroy Way SW at Rose Street
Wednesday’s MoCA meeting starts at 7 pm; you can attend online too – here’s the link.
The photos and report were sent by Alyson:
Celebrating West Seattle High School alumni Sandra and Martin Monk’s 40 years of marriage, family and community service at their home away from home, the Alki Masonic Hall. West Seattle Big Band offered a wonderful soundtrack for a memorable night that we will take with us for many years to come.
If you haven’t been to the venue – it’s actually in The Junction, and while it hosts many events each year, its main role is home to Masonic groups including Alki Lodge 152, whose leadership Martin Monk has long been part of.
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
PORCH PROWLER: Dennis sent this after it happened around 9 last night:
Just captured this person walking our property on our Ring system. We are at 36th and Barton. Our house is for sale and our home alarm is set, but I wanted to share this with our community. This individual walked to both sides of our home.
Police were dispatched but did not find the suspect.
CAR BREAK-IN: Reported by Nancy:
On Wednesday this week, my 2018 Toyota Tacoma pick up truck was parked in front of my house (in the 3400 block of) 48th Ave SW. Going outside, I found the driver’s-side window was smashed. There were pieces of safety glass outside on street as well as inside the truck. I know to keep nothing visible in truck but they crawled in & found my husband’s REI jacket under back seat.
Strange: I did find Registration for 2013 Subaru , owner (in the 3000 block of) 48th Ave SW under my truck.
COMMUNITY MEETING WITH POLICE: If you have questions or concerns to bring up with police, particularly regarding the Westwood area, Village Green-West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) invites you to a community-safety meeting Wednesday (April 16), 6 pm, with guests including Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite. RSVP requested but not required – you can just show up.
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