West Seattle, Washington
02 Friday
(WSB photo: Impact West Seattle’s board, Hannah Gregg, Julie Davis, Rachel Lazar, Amy Huey)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Six and a half years ago, we reported on the launch of “giving group” Impact West Seattle. In the announcement of their first quarterly gift a few months later, IWS described themselves as “an example of so many people’s desire to ‘do something’ amidst a challenging political climate and in a city facing massive growth and major challenges.”
Time has passed, but all of that still applies. And the group is going strong, we learned when Impact West Seattle leaders invited us to cover their quarterly meeting this week, at which they celebrated members’ cumulative gifts surpassing the half-million-dollar mark.
A little background: Impact West Seattle members commit to giving $100 a quarter. Where the collected money goes depends on a group vote, after they’ve heard pitches by representatives of three organizations related to their quarterly topic. The topics are chosen by the members at the last meeting of each year; members then nominate relevant organizations/agencies, and an online vote sets the three who are presented, usually by the members who nominated them.
As for the money – board members say that while people can opt in and out as their circumstances change, they’ve remained fairly steady at “about 200” members, which means a gift of about $20,000 per quarter. They generally stay away from “political or religious”-oriented recipients, and also recognize that “if a member isn’t aligned with the views of a beneficiary, they can opt out.” Most members are from West Seattle, White Center, Burien, and vicinity), and they focus on the greater Seattle area, though one upcoming meeting will zero in on potential beneficiaries in “Hyperlocal West Seattle.”
This quarter’s gathering was Tuesday night at the Center for Active Living (recipient of an Impact West Seattle gift last year). Attendees mingled for a bit, enjoying what Welcome Road Winery (WSB sponsor) was pouring, and then it was time to get down to business – after a few celebratory words from the night’s emcee, board member Hannah Gregg, with a bouquet of balloons as a backdrop.
The half-million-dollars of donations to date was “really great to celebrate,” she said, declaring that they’re looking forward to the next half-million.
Before their attention turned toward a new round of potential recipients, they listened to a recipient from last quarter, which had addressed food insecurity. Alimentado al Pueblo‘s executive director Roxana Pardo Garcia said the question her nonprofit sought to address is “why is there not a food bank that gives people what they eat?” And yet the food bank model itself needed to be transformed, too, she explained: “Our future exists because of our ability to imagine.” To the question “what did you use the money for?” Pardo Garcia had a long list, including support for small businesses and organizations that comprise “our Latino food system.” She also mentioned new needs that had just arisen – such as losing an AmeriCorps volunteer who was supposed to be helping them through September, gone because of a budget axe the Trump Administration hurled at the program.
Then came time for the night’s three presentations. These, Impact West Seattle leaders explained, are not only meant to help members decide where to direct the quarterly gift, but also to educate them about organizations and programs they may not previously been aware of. The night’s theme related to assistance for people with disabilities.
The first spotlight shone on Mainstay, described as a job-placement agency for people wtih developmental and intellectual disabilities – starting with some startling stats: 67% of people with these disabilities who don’t have a job by 21 will never have one. But with Mainstay, which is headquartered at Seattle Central College, 92 percent of job seekers found employment. It was explained that Mainstay not only coaches the potential employees, but also their prospective co-workers. As a result, the workers living with disabilities get jobs and keep them for years.
It does all this with an annual budget of just $1.2 million a year, with 12 staffers assisting more than 100 jobseekers.
When asked “what could a gift like this do for you?” the reply was that it could help Mainstay help clients who don’t qualify for funding otherwise.
Second up was Rebuilding Together Seattle, which matches up volunteers, local businesses, and community organizations to handle projects at 100 homes a year, enabling people living near the federal poverty line to stay in their homes. Maybe they need a wheelchair ramp or new flooring, for example, though not extensive projects such as new roofs. RTS assists people in a variety of categories – seniors, veterans, people living with disabilities, families. When people are approved for help, it usuallu happens within a year. The idea is that “keeping people safe and healthy in their community helps the community.” Rebuilding Together Seattle has only three fulltime staff, but will also have to figure out how to cope with the AmeriCorps cut, as they routinely had one or two volunteers from that program.
Then they heard about the Washington State Council of Firefighters Foundation‘s Camp Eyabsut for burn survivors ages 5 to 17. Jenny and her daughter Layla – a burn survivor – told the story of how the camp helped kids and teens on their “long journey to healing” – teaching them Eyabsut, which means “to rise above everything.” Layla explained that burns can leave you feeling like activities such as making s’mores or wearing a swimsuit are “risky” – until you are in a place like Camp Eyabsut, where you can be yourself. Attendance is free; the counselors are mostly adult burn survivors, and there’s on-site medical staff including therapy dogs. It’s run entirely by volunteers (including Seattle firefighters), so expenses are kept low; cost for each camper is about $1,500, so the gift would go a long way. This year’s volunteers will include the mother-daughter team, said Layla, who told the group, “The road to recovery for a young burn survivor is lifelong.”
After all three presentations, it was time to vote. Members who can’t get to the meeting can do it from wherever they are, via a QR code.
Mainstay was announced at the top vote-getter. The other two featured organizations usually benefit too, with members choosing to make their own gifts; Jenny told us Camp Eyabsut got warm words from many people she talked with after the meeting (its donation link is here – be sure to write the camp’s name in the “in honor/memory” spot – and Rebuilding Together Seattle accepts donations too). IWS co-founder Rachel Lazar told WSB that the highlighted organizations benefit in many ways: “Often our members will sign up to volunteer, or donate directly to the organizations. We have even had two members take full time roles with two of the nonprofits presented!”
So what happens now? Everyone makes their gifts via an online platform, and it sends the check. Then Impact West Seattle starts looking ahead to its next gathering – the July 28th topic will be legal advocacy, the October 23rd meeting will be the one focused on “hyperlocal West Seattle.” Along with the monetary gifts, they’re also starting food drives at their meetings, asking members to bring nonperishable food to donate.
Visitors too – here’s the upcoming meeting schedule so you can drop in to see if you’d be interested in getting involved.
One West Seattle Crime Watch note, from early today. A police officer was dispatched to the Westcrest Park vicinity around 1:30 am to check out reports of possible gunfire. The officer saw a car enter the park’s south parking lot, a red 2013 Kia Rio. After looking around for casings because of the original dispatch, the officer eventually found the car abandoned in that lot, still running, double-parked across an accessible spot and the loading area, with a punched ignition. Though it checked out “clear,” police surmised it was a stolen car whose owner hadn’t reported it yet; it was registered to an address in Tukwila, but police there were unsuccessful in reaching its owner, as of when we obtained the report this afternoon. No gunfire evidence was ever found, nor was the driver who abandoned the car, which was impounded.
Gyros on Alki is now selling earrings as well as food, in support of young entrepreneurs. The story and photo came in via text, from one entrepreneur’s mom:
The earrings are made by two local West Seattle girls — Lexi (age 11, a 5th grader at Arbor Heights Elementary) and Scarlet (age 11, a 6th grader at another school). Together, they run Shimmer & Shine, a small earring business they started about a year ago, selling to neighbors in Arbor Heights.
During spring break, Lexi and I (her mom) were at Gyros on Alki having ice cream when the owners, Ned and Sabine, came out to chat. The shop was quiet, and we got to talking about how tough it’s been for small businesses on Alki lately.
Lexi told them about her earring business and how she and Scarlet work hard making each pair by hand. She shared how much she admires Ned and Sabine for keeping their restaurant going all these years. When they asked how she usually sells her earrings, Lexi mentioned she sets up outside Arbor Heights Community Church — and to her surprise, they offered to feature her earrings inside the restaurant!
Now you can find Shimmer & Shine earrings hanging on the wall inside Gyros on Alki — they’re available any time the restaurant is open. Each pair is handcrafted and just $10.
We’re so grateful to Ned and Sabine for supporting young entrepreneurs in our community!
More than 50 wineries and West Seattle merchants are pairing up for the spring Wine Walk presented by the West Seattle Junction Association, which sends word that it still has tickets available, with two weeks until it’s time to uncork. The Wine Walk is 5-9 pm Friday, May 16. Your $37 ticket gets you 14 one-ounce tastings, a Wine Walk bottle tote bag, and a keepsake wine glass. You’ll get the chance to fill your tote with participating wineries’ bottles along the way (and there’s a free Bottle Valet service so you won’t get bogged down too soon). Check-in spots this time are Row House (4203 SW Oregon) and John L. Scott (4445 California SW). Get your ticket ASAP before they sell out – go here! (That link is also where you’ll find the list of participating merchants and wineries – the latter include WSB sponsors Viscon Cellars, Welcome Road Winery, and Spruce Hill Winery!)
As we get ready to launch this year’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day map and list in less than 48 hours, we have two updates geared toward people still looking for someplace to sell their stuff:
MAARTEN PARK SPACE AVAILABLE: The neighborhood parklet at 42nd/Juneau was already registered as a group fundraising sale – then today we got word they’re also offering space:
West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day! No yard? No problem! Maarten Park will have tables available for anyone who’d like to sign up and sell their treasures! There will also be a birdhouse-making station for kids and a lemonade stand. Donations for table use & birdhouses are suggested, and all proceeds go toward annual park maintenance costs. Text Krystal to reserve your table! 306-703-1041
Read the story of Maarten Park in our coverage of its dedication last year.
FAUNTLEROY SCHOOLHOUSE SPACE AVAILABLE: We’ve mentioned this briefly already, but the historic schoolhouse (9131 California SW) wants to ensure you know the full plan:
We are excited to announce our participation in the 20th West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day on May 10th! Our participation is not just a sale, but a crucial fundraiser to support Fauntleroy Children’s Center, the nonprofit central to our mission. We’ll also have a bake sale, a 50/50 raffle, and more activities so grab the family and start your Garage Sale Day at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse!
Our teachers have been working hard at work putting together our first sale since we opened in 1978! Take about vintage finds! We have household décor, children’s clothes from infant – 12 years old, so many toys, books, sports equipment, furniture, tools, a beautiful outdoor playhouse and more!
ACTION! Please sign up to donate items or host a mini sale with us: https://forms.office.com/r/mfZAAyBSdN
How You Can Help:
Donate Items: We are accepting donations of items in sellable condition. Please bring your items, preferably in a box or bag, on Mondays or Fridays between 5 – 6 PM at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. We cannot accept mattresses, large appliances, refrigerators, or hazardous materials.
Host a Mini Sale: Missed the deadline for the West Seattle garage sale map? Sign up to host a mini sale with us. Your participation will help us reach our fundraising goal and boost traffic for your items!
The other site offering community spaces is Hotwire Coffee; we haven’t received an update with them, so check directly with Hotwire to see if they’re all booked..
Again, West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day – the 20th anniversary WSCGSD, with 570+ sales of all sizes, all over the peninsula, registered – is Saturday, May 10; we’ll have the (interactive) map and (printable) list available starting THIS Saturday (May 3) here on WSB.
(File photo of honey bee – photographed in 2024 by Steve Bender)
Out of the WSB inbox, from Johnny:
I was just at the Fauntleroy ferry dock near the tail end of the line [near tollbooth, lane 3] and there was a swarm of bees, dozens of them, flying all over the place. They must have built a nest nearby. I didn’t dare open my windows, even on a day like this. I thought I would send that information along since it can be real dangerous for some people. I reported it to WSDOT.
We’ll be checking with Washington State Ferries but in the meantime, since this is information we publish every year, we’ll take a moment to explain that if they’re honey bees, you should notify a local beekeeper who would be interested in collecting the swarm. Here’s the Puget Sound Beekeepers Association list for this year – including West Seattle contacts.
P.S. PSBA members and others will be happy to educate you about bees at this year’s West Seattle Bee Festival on May 17 – more info on that soon!
(Photos by Will Pyfer)
It’s a winning season for one of our area’s newest high-school sports! We first mentioned West Seattle Water Polo – open to players from other schools too, not just WSHS – when players came to a meeting to ask then-School Board director Leslie Harris for district acceptance. This is now the team’s second season! Here’s the update we received, including two ways to support them – as a spectator and/or donor:
WSHS Girls Water Polo is having a winning season with a league record of 5-1, logging wins again Ingraham, Roosevelt, Shorecrest and Newport and is on pace to qualify for the Division 2 State Championship Tournament in Puyallup the third weekend in May. Sadly, the team had their first loss of the season in a heartbreakingly close 8-9 game against Mercer Island on Friday, April 25th at Medgar Evers Pool.
The team will host its first home game in West Seattle versus Bellevue at Colman Pool on May 16th at 6:20pm. Bellevue will bring both varsity and JV teams, so there will be water polo to watch from 6:20-8 pm. This Friday, the varsity team will host Roosevelt at Medgar Evers at 8:50 pm and then on Saturday the JV squad will head down to Tacoma for a full-day tournament at Silas High School.
Earlier this year, the girls held a successful Tread-a-Thon fundraiser (thanks to all our supporters) and jumped right in to a busy season, consisting of 14 games, 3 one-day tournaments, and at least 1 multi-day tournament.
The team has set up an ongoing online auction with the goal of making the team more affordable. Supporters can join the auction to bid on gift cards donated by local businesses at: paybee.io/@wswaterpolo@3
(WSB photo, August 2024 WS Boat Swap)
Ready to get out on the water? (Or maybe you’ve been out already!) Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) invites you to the annual West Seattle Boat Swap this weekend:
This community event is a great opportunity to buy and sell human-powered watercraft (Kayaks, SUPs, Canoes) and accessories!
We will have used Kayaks and Standup Paddleboards from Alki Kayak Tours‘ rental operation, as well as scratched and dented SUPs and Kayaks from Mountain to Sound Outfitters for sale at amazing Spring steal prices!
To shop, just show up at M2SO 11 am-4 pm this Saturday and/or Sunday (May 3-4). To “swap” (sell), drop off your item(s) 9 am-11 am Saturday, after signing up online.
Thanks to Kim for sending the photo of fishing boats clustered off west-facing West Seattle. As WSB archives confirm, May 1 is the annual start to recreational lingcod season. (Learn about lingcod here.) Though we haven’t been by to doublecheck yet, Seattle Parks had told us last week that Don Armeni Boat Ramp would be fully operational by today – just in time. Other big local fishing events coming up include the brief-and-popular spot-shrimp season on May 21.
(Great Blue Heron during low-low tide, photographed by Rainer Klett)
So many options! Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCHES CLOSED: This is the annual in-service training day.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Spring planting season continues. The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
MAY DAY RALLY #1: Also at South Seattle College, staff/faculty concerned about budget cuts plan to gather at the clock-tower plaza at 10 am.
SOUND TRANSIT BOARD COMMITTEE: The board’s Executive Committee meets at 10:30 am, with its first look at the first set of goals for new CEO Dow Constantine. Attendance and commenting info is on the agenda document.
NAVIGATING MEDICARE: Presentation at The Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon) at 11 am.
BELGIAN BEER WEEK: Special event continues at The Beer Junction (4511 California SW), open today noon-10 pm.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email we***************************@***il.com to get the latest on where they’re playing today.
MAY DAY RALLY #2: Old Tyme Adults for Democracy will rally on the corners at California/Admiral, 2-3 pm, to voice their concerns about developments in D.C.
LOW-LOW TIDE: Another perfect day for a beach walk. Out to -2.8 feet at 2:17 pm.
CINCO DE MAYO KICKOFF: Mission (2325 California SW) plans five days of festivities, starting with mariachi music 4-5 pm today.
SPORTS: No local high-school games or matches on the schedule for West Seattle fields today.
DROP-IN CHESS: Canceled today because of SPL closure (see above).
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 Maroom Thaim.
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!
WESTIES RUN CLUB: This group’s 6 pm weekly Thursday run departs from The Good Society in Admiral (California/Lander).
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Again this week, more good weather for walking – meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC IN THE JUNCTION: 6-9 pm, Patrick Rifflin performs Thursdays at Pegasus Pizza in The Junction (4520 California SW).
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: West Side Jam & Skylark Fundraiser!. Signups at 6, music at 7. Suggested donation $10 at the door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
DUSTY THURSDAYS: 6 pm at Tim’s Tavern (98th/16th, White Center). From West Seattle’s own Billy Joe Huels:
Dusty Thursdays concert series is returning at Tim’s Tavern 6-9pm on the outdoor stage. Each week we will feature a top local band (most hailing from West Seattle) followed by The Dusty 45s. It’s free, all-ages and everyone is welcome!
Featured tonight – Joe Ross and the Birdwatchers.
WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: This month brings another long list of venues offering you a place to settle in and read starting at 7 pm – see the May lineup in our calendar listing!
JAZZ NIGHT AT THE CENTER: Larry Knapp and friends entertain, you enjoy! 7-10 pm at The Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), $10 cover.
NORTH HIGHLINE UNINCORPORATED AREA COUNCIL: The community coalition for White Center and vicinity meets at 7 pm at the North Highline Fire Station (1243 SW 112th).
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 Teddy Ruckspin, starting at 7 pm.
‘YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN’: Opening night for the classic play at Chief Sealth International HS (2600 SW Thistle), 7:30 pm. Ticket info is in our calendar listing.
‘ATHENA’ AT ARTSWEST: Final week begins, 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), for “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.
JOKES AT THE JUNCTION: 8 pm comedy night at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW) presented by Cozy Comedy – ticket info in our calendar listing.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to we*************@***il.com – thank you!
9:05 AM: If you have a view of Elliott Bay, you might have a view of killer whales this morning. Kersti Muul reports that orcas have gone into the bay. Let us know if you see them!
(Added: Photos by Robin Sinner, from Duwamish Head around 10:30 am)
11:17 AM: They’re out of the bay and headed southwest past west-facing West Seattle, per an update from Kersti in a comment below.
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, May 1, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny and warm, high in low 70s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 5:51 am and 8:22 pm.
(Wednesday sunset, photographed by James Bratsanos)
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later-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”. P.S. Next round of community meetings – online, systemwide – have been announced for later this month.
ROAD WORK
-The Admiral Way Bridge’s outside lane on the eastbound/southbound side is still closed.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct:
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 file photo, Morgan Community Festival)
If you’re thinking about having your business, organization, or school participate in this year’s Morgan Junction Community Festival – a fast, fun festival coming up June 14 – you have a bit more time to decide. Here’s what the Morgan Community Association asked us to share with you:
The Morgan Junction Community Festival is on the horizon! Today, in conjunction with the Last Call for Festival Vendors, we’re moving the application deadline to May 15th.
The Morgan Junction Community Festival returns to Morgan Junction on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It features live entertainment in Morgan Junction Park, and vendor booths with local businesses, artisans/craft folks, non-profit organizations, and government groups in the parking lot behind Zeeks Pizza.
Vendor booth applications can be found on the Morgan Community Association (MoCA) website at https://www.morganjunction.org/festival.
The vendor application deadline is formally moved to 5:00 pm on May 15, 2025.
Vendor applications will be reviewed after the May 15th deadline, and notifications sent by May 20th. Accepted vendors will receive payment instructions with their acceptance and must pay for their booth by May 25th.
For any inquiries, please reach out to the Morgan Junction Community Festival team at mo*****@***il.com. Thank you for your support in making the Morgan Junction Community Festival absolutely amazing.
(WSB photo)
8 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police have 16th blocked for about a block (updated) between Henderson ad Barton. Neighbors believe it’s a barricaded-person situation; we’re working to find out more.
(Reader photo)
9 PM: Finally found archived audio from the original dispatch. Police responded around 5 pm to a report that a woman’s boyfriend had threatened to shoot her. She is reported to have since gotten out of the apartment safely, while the suspect remained inside.
9:16 PM: As commenters have noted, SWAT officers are now on scene too.
9:34 PM: Not resolved yet. But if you’re in the area, you might have heard loudspeaker warnings, which could eventually be followed by a tactical device that sounds explosive.
9:58 PM: They didn’t wind up doing that. But according to radio exchanges, the suspect is reported to have just surrendered and is in custody. Officers have also said they have a warrant to search the apartment, so they’ll likely be on scene a while longer.
11:59 PM: We’ve since obtained this incident summary from SPD:
At approximately 4:52 p.m., a dispatcher received a report of domestic violence threats involving a 51-year-old male suspect in the 9000 block of 16th Avenue SW. Two adult females and a child were able to safely flee the apartment without injury. The suspect barricaded himself inside the apartment and refused to exit.
As a safety precaution, nearby apartments were evacuated, and surrounding streets were closed to ensure the safety of community members. A warrant for entry was obtained for the residents to arrest the suspect.
Police coordination involved Southwest Patrol officers, Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), and SWAT, made a plan to make entry into the apartment. Officers maintained open communication with the suspect and eventually the suspect surrendered exiting the apartment and was arrested. (He was) transported to King County Jail.
ADDED THURSDAY AFTERNOON: SPD further clarifies that the suspect is accused of threatening to shoot his girlfriend’s daughter. She got out first. Her mother, police say, was grabbed and shoved by the suspect, but then also managed to escape, and after that, the standoff began. We’re trying to find out the suspect’s current status.
1:08 PM: Still in jail.
(WSB photos by Anne Higuera)
Seattle Public Library branches host lots of story times – but they don’t all have special guests like this one at Delridge Library did. More than three dozen people were there this afternoon as the library hosted Firefighter Story Time, with North Delridge’s Station 36 firefighters there to not just read, but also to educate:
Part of the goal is to show kids, in a calm non-emergency situation, what the firefighters’ gear looks like, so they won’t be frightened if they encounter them in scarier, suited-up circumstances:
The firefighters of course arrived in their apparatus, Engine 36, which the kids got to check out firsthand:
One of the important questions the firefighters asked the kids – what number do you call in case of emergency? (Not all knew it’s 911.)
4:15 PM: Several people have asked today if any protests/rallies are planned in West Seattle tomorrow (Thursday, May 1) in addition to the ones announced for downtown Seattle and elsewhere. So in case you’re wondering too: The only people we’ve heard from are the “Old Tyme Adults for Democracy,” who’ve rallied at Admiral/California previously – the sign in our photo is from their first one – and plan to be there 2-3 pm tomorrow, with a “street rally for democracy, and they invite community members to join them. (Anything else locally? Let us know.)
12:10 AM: We’ve also received word of a planned faculty/staff walkout at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) at 10 am Thursday, with a rally at the clock-tower plaza, “to protest state and district-level budget cuts on the backs of our college’s underpaid student support professionals.”
Just 10 days until West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025, this year with a record 570+ sales registered for Saturday, May 10, from Duwamish Head in the north to Seola Beach in the south, from Highland Park in the east to Alki Point in the west, and everywhere inbetween. Here’s what’s happening right now: As WSCGSD coordinators, we’re assembling the map and list so they’ll be ready to browse starting Saturday morning, May 3, one week before Garage Sale Day, so you can make your plan and/or just see what your neighbors are doing – that’s the beauty of WSCGSD, it’s a day for meeting neighbors and celebrating community. Official hours on WSCGSD – celebrating its 20th anniversary – are 9 am to 3 pm, but as you’ll see in the listings, some are starting earlier, some are ending later, some are even adding extra days. Once the map’s out, we’ll publish some subset lists – not just hours/days, but, for example, the lists of sales offering particularly popular categories of stuff, sales benefiting nonprofits, sales offering food/beverages … so keep watch on WSB in the days ahead! (We’re also busy putting up posters and circulating word of WSCGSD around the region.)
P.S. We also want to remind you that WSCGSD coicides again this year with Stamp Out Hunger, USPS letter carriers’ door-to-door food drive, so make a note to have a bag of nonperishable food to set out, if you can, before you get busy with shopping and/or selling that day!
Four quick notes from local police, conveyed by Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite:
PERSONAL SAFETY CLASS: Just announced for May 20, with registration open now:
Date: Tuesday, May 20th
Time : 5 pm – 7 pm
Location: Virtual
Register : Virtual Personal Safety Class May 20th 5-7 PMAbout the Class
Learn proactive tips and steps you can take to enhance your personal safety taught by Seattle police officers and employees.
Training goals:
-Share commonsense safety tips to decrease the odds of being a victim
-Know the important role your instincts and gut reactions play
-Discover potentially dangerous situations and how to avoid them
-Learn to make a safety plan based on different environmentsNotes:
-This is a facilitated discussion and lecture about crime prevention and safety.
-This is not a self-defense class.
-This class is open to individuals of all ages and most appropriate for those who are at least 14 years of age or older. For that reason, children should not attend.
(WSB photo: SW Precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair in foreground with Chief Shon Barnes at March’s SWPAC meeting)
NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING WITH POLICE: You’ll find police at most community-council meetings, but there’s also the quarterly Precinct Advisory Council meeting as a place to bring questions/concerns. The date for the next one is a day earlier than previously announced – it’s now set for June 3, 6:30 pm, at High Point Neighborhood House (6400 SW Sylvan Way). Here’s our coverage of the SWPAC’s previous meeting.
ONLINE COMMUNITY POLICE DIALOGUE: Another way to talk with local police, as announced today:
SW Precinct Community Police Dialogues –
Monday June 9th & Monday August 11th. Both at 5:30 pm via Zoom.
Sign up: publicsafetysurvey.org/mcpp-community-police-dialogues.html
DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY TALLY: The Southwest Precinct had the top tally in Saturday’s Drug Take-Back Day; the much-larger North Precinct collected 51.35 pounds of unwanted/unneeded/unusable medications, but SW received 60 pounds. Watch for the next date in October.
(West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails Groupfile photo)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Your role in a vision for Seattle’s largest stretch of remaining forest was the largest topic at this month’s gathering of HPAC, the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge.
Police had updates too during the meeting at Delridge Library, which was facilitated by Kay Kirkpatrick, HPAC co-chair.
RIDGE TO RIVER: While this initiative is being reinvigorated, it’s not new. Paul West, who said he had lived in the area for 25 years, explained that Ridge to River was inaugurated in 2019 “to make more connections between the Longhouse and the nearby neighborhoods,” particularly through the West Duwamish Greenbelt, a “four-mile-long corridor along the Duwamish River,” stretching south to White Center. He summarized, “We’re in the process of introducing people to the greenbelt … our goal is to make people fall in love with the greenbelt …it has a lot of existing .. and future potential.”
That love would be accompanied by community connections, West continued. Ridge to River has in its sights the entire stretch, north to south, especially underserved neighborhoods. And as a centerpiece, it’s the historical home of the Duwamish Tribe. “They don’t just think that their ancestors are in the greenbelt, they KNOW their ancestors are in the greenbelt.” And now is prime time to get more people involved with the land, the trees, the wildlife.
Some are working on that through other groups and initiatives – West and Caroline Borsenik, who also was there for the Ridge to River presentation, are also involved with the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails group, a volunteer organization that’s been improving trails in the WDG and leading community hikes through it. The trails-focused group also has produced a map, announced earlier this year.
As for Ridge to River, “We’re just getting up and running,” including their new website, city connections, and a pilot project, the first trail that will connect to the longhouse. West said they expect the first phase to take about two years to roll out. They’re also doing studies, and then next year they’ll ask the community for opinions to refine the draft plan, shaping it into a final version they hope the city will adopt for the area. About a dozen organizations are directly involved.
Borsenik told the HPAC attendees that this year’s focus is “gathering community input” and they really want to know what you love about the West Duwamish Greenbelt – or whether you even know about it. They’ll be launching a community survey in May, open through August 25, and will attend some community events (like the West Seattle Farmers Market on June 1, and the WDGT hikes). Contact info is on their website. But this isn’t just about a plan; after one is finalized, hopefully in 2027, there’ll be another phase to turn it into reality, which she acknowledged will be hard.
What about volunteer opportunities? asked an attendee. “There are groups running volunteer events right now!” said Borsenik; West had noted that the area’s been part of the Green Seattle Partnership efforts for ~20 years.
Who owns the land? another asked. Answer: Primarily multiple city departments, plus adjacent South Seattle College (WSB sponsor).
A variety of issues then bubbled into the discussion – from the long-running kiln-dust contamination in part of the area, to “sketchy people,” to a shipping container that’s long been in the forest for storage (Borsenik said “we’ve been trying to get it out of there”). Kirkpatrick also introduced an attendee she’d invited, owner of a nearby building that’s being revived as an event venue, who had temporarily activated a trail through the greenbelt between his property and the SSC parking lot rented for a recent event.
Regarding trails past and present, West explained, the ones there now were built without a central plan/vision so might not be optimally located, and some areas don’t have access at all.
Overall, “activate it and that’ll get more people interested” was a prevailing sentiment. Watch for opportunities – starting with the survey next month. (We’ll of course publish that announcement here when it’s available.)
The meeting started, as many community-coalition meetings do, with an update from Seattle Police.
POLICE UPDATE: Gunfire is the only category of crime that’s going up; in response to that, they’re doing “emphasis patrols” in North Delridge and High Point, “trying to comb this area to be sure it doesn’t happen again,” said Southwest Precinct Community Liaison Officer German Barreto. (Editor’s note: It’s been quieter in the week since this meeting.) SPD has emphasis patrols continuing in Westwood too. One attendee asked about the encampment along Barton Place; Barreto says he’s brought it forward to the Unified Care Team. The attendee said what they believed to be stolen bikes are a particular concern. Another attendee asked about the issues at 9th and Henderson, and two trucks “constantly bringing in trailers” with suspended licenses. They can’t be removed because they’re occupied, Barreto explained. “If they’re living in their vehicle, that’s their home, and we can’t take it.” But the officer clarified that if there are “no-parking” signs, vehicles can be towed. The attendee engaged with Barreto back and forth about “constant traffic” on the street at all hours. Are you calling 911? Barreto asked. No, said the attendee, but they’re recording security video. You can always call suspicious activity in, Barreto said – get the incident number when you call, and then ask for the outcome. Meantime, he mentioned the RV/trailer that was hit by a driver on Henderson a day earlier; Community Service Officers had talked with its owner/resident afterward.
WHAT’S NEXT: HPAC meets fourth Wednesdays most months – time and location might vary, so check the coalition’s new website, hpaction.org, for updates.
(River Otter, photographed at Constellation Park by James Hiersche)
Here’s our list of your possibilities for the rest of your Wednesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
COFFEE FUNDRAISER: Through 5 pm, the drive-up/ride-up/walk-up coffee stand West Bay (2255 Harbor SW) is donating part of today’s proceeds to the West Seattle High School ASB!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy at 10 am for this free guided walk in Lincoln Park.
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore’s new location. (4522 California SW)
REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
LOW-LOW TIDE: As noted in last night’s story, today’s low tide is mega-low, -3.4 feet just before 1:30 pm.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, 2-4:30 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).
FIREFIGHTER STORY TIME AT DELRIDGE LIBRARY: Bring kids 0-5 to meet firefighters and learn about fire safety, 3 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
SPORTS: No game/matches on local fields on the Metro League schedule today.
HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm drop-in help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), free.
TALK WITH SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS: Seattle Public Schools board members are touring the city for “community engagement” events, and tonight brings the one in West Seattle, 5:30-7 pm at Denny International Middle School (2701 SW Kenyon), in the library.
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).
SAKE DINNER: Three seatings of multi-course dinner with sake pairings at Upwell, with Maison V. $185. Ticket link is in our calendar listing. (4811 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).
FREE GROUP RUN: All runners, all levels, are invited 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 lineup. (7902 35th SW)
KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), $35.
MUSIC BINGO: Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 3: Three West Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday 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.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Ready for the spotlight? 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Got something coming up that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! we*************@***il.com – thank you!
If your summer-camp plans aren’t entirely locked in yet, here’s a unique opportunity – one week to learn about orcas with West Seattle-based nonprofit Killer Whale Tales:
Calling all young ocean adventurers! This summer, get ready to dive deep into the world of the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) at an exciting, action-packed week-long camp designed to spark curiosity, foster teamwork, and inspire the next generation of marine scientists, conservationists, and storytellers.
Led by Jeff Hogan, Executive Director of Killer Whale Tales, this hands-on, immersive camp will transform campers into real-life researchers, equipping them with the skills to decode orca data, crack the mystery of marine ecosystems, and tackle real-world conservation challenges. Through a mix of role-playing, creative problem-solving, and epic science games, participants will:
– Investigate real orca research data and practice field techniques like professional scientists.
– Learn how orcas communicate, form family bonds, and work together—just like a pod!
– Explore the impact humans have on the ocean, and brainstorm wild solutions to protect these majestic creatures.
– Join thrilling, hands-on games that simulate the challenges and triumphs of saving wildlife.“This camp is more than just a summer break—it’s a chance for campers to become ocean heroes, empowered to make a real difference," says Jeff Hogan. "They’ll walk away with a deep connection to orcas and a ton of new knowledge to share with friends and family.”
Perfect for future marine biologists, ocean lovers, and curious minds, this camp is a splashing good time full of hands-on learning, new friendships, and conservation action. Spaces are limited, so sign up soon to secure your spot in the adventure of a lifetime!
Dates: July 14th-18th
Location: Westside School,Register at: westsideschool.org/about-westside-school/summer-camp
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunshine returns todayy, high in low 60s (and 10 degrees warmer tomorrow!). Today’s sunrise/sunset – 5:53 am and 8:20 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, which means later-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”. Low-low tides at midday today may affect some service.
ROAD WORK
-The Admiral Way Bridge’s outside lane on the eastbound/southbound side is still closed.
STADIUM ZONE
–Mariners have a day game vs. the Angels, 1 pm.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct:
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!
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