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VIDEO: From transit safety to international angst, here’s what the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce heard from King County Executive Dow Constantine
March 16, 2025 11:59 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Whether he is or isn’t Sound Transit‘s next CEO, King County Executive Dow Constantine didn’t say much about ST when he spoke to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce this past Thursday.

Not that they asked him to – the announced theme was “King County Conversations,” and it was likely the last time Constantine would speak to the group as County Executive, a job he’s leaving after four 4-year terms. Here’s our video of what he said, after the Chamber’s executive director Rachel Porter introduced him; our summary follows:

He opened with some personal info, as if he were a new arrival introducing himself for the first time, rather than a quarter-century-plus veteran of elected office. He noted his dietary discipline (vegan, as was the lunch buffet catered by Peninsula Soul Food), his first job (Alki Spud), his daughter and parents’ ages (10 and nineties), among other datapoints. And he noted that he’s served as county executive through “global financial meltdowns, the pandemic, three governors, four presidential administrations, seven (Seattle) mayors … It’s been an interesting experience … the challenges we face are significant and often daunting.” Those challenges are ever-changing, he added.

First one he addressed was public safety, particularly on transit.

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WEEK AHEAD: West Seattle schools plan ‘Walk-Ins’ on Wednesday
March 16, 2025 8:44 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle protests | West Seattle schools

We’ve heard so far from educators at two three local schools organizing “Walk-Ins” before classes Wednesday morning (March 19) as part of a nationwide demonstration against education cuts. Organizers are inviting community members to join staff and students. Here’s the invitation for West Seattle High School‘s Walk-In:

Staff, students, and community members of West Seattle High School (including community businesses and supportive neighbors) will be participating in a WALK-IN to celebrate our school, and to stand against cuts to ANY of the programs that serve our precious students.

School WALK-INs are happening across the country this Wednesday, March 19, for the same reasons; to stand as communities, for our children. The format is simple. 30 minutes to an hour prior to the start of the school day, staff members, students, parents, and supportive community members (including people from local businesses that serve our schools) gather in front of the schools to show support. Signs, musical instruments, carafes of coffee or tea and snacks to share are welcome. Then, about 20 to 30 minutes prior to the school day, we march as a body into the school.

Of course, we cannot have people who are not staff or students enter parts of the building that are not right up front, directly by the exits, because we need to maintain security, and begin our school day, but we can share context, contacts, ideas, and fellowship prior to our work days beginning. If anyone from West Seattle — parents, alumni, and Beloved Community members see this, and want to join us Wednesday morning, we will be gathering at 7:45 AM in front of the school, on California Avenue.

We’ve also heard from organizers at Denny International Middle School, who asked us to share this:

This Wednesday, March 19, please join staff, students, and family/community members at Denny International Middle School at 7:15 AM (prior to school starting) in a Walk-In protest of potential cuts in funding to our public schools due to the dismantling of the US Department of Education. This will culminate at 7:35 AM with staff and students walking in to school in solidarity. Prior to the Walk-In, there will be chanting and conversations. School appropriate signs geared toward these cuts are welcome.

Denny is at 2601 SW Kenyon; WSHS is at 3000 California SW. Meantime, we’ll add to the list if we hear from any other schools.

ADDED MONDAY: We’ve also heard from Genesee Hill Elementary, which is planning “a walk-in event for March 19, starting at 7 AM. Staff, families, and students are all welcome to meet at the front of the school to rally for public schools. We are gathering to support our students and families. The rally will last about 25 minutes. We will walk around the school and into the playground.” GHES is at 5013 SW Dakota.

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WEEK AHEAD: Q&A with local legislators during ‘telephone town hall’ Monday night
March 16, 2025 6:55 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

State legislators are in the second half of a session with some huge decisions yet to be made, and you have the chance tomorrow night to hear updates from local legislators as well as ask questions and offer comments about what they should do. The three legislators who represent the 34th District – including West Seattle, White Center, and Vashon/Maury Islands – are having a “telephone town hall” tomorrow night (Monday, March 17). This is an audio-only event, 6-7 pm, with State Senator Emily Alvarado and State House Representatives Joe Fitzgibbon (who is also House Majority Leader) and Brianna Thomas. Many phones in the district should ring right at 6 pm with the invitation to join the meeting; if you don’t get the call, or if you just want to proactively call in anyway, at 6 pm call 855-756-7520 and enter 120781# when prompted for the extension number. (You’ll also find that info in our calendar listing for the “telephone town hall.”)

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LAST CALL! Final hours for West Seattle Girl Scouts’ cookie booths
March 16, 2025 5:08 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Members of Girl Scout Troop 46282 were among those selling cookies in West Seattle on this final day of the in-person cookie-booth season. WSB’s Hayden Yu Andersen found them outside Easy Street Records today, during the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. “I really like selling cookies, because we get the chance to meet new people,” said Maddie, one of the Scouts eagerly inviting passers-by to purchase cookies and support the troop. “And it helps us support the troop to go hiking, swimming, and camping.” Haley, another scout – holding a sign for Women’s History Month – added that camping is her favorite Scouting activity because it “Has a lot of marshmallows.” This troop’s booth is done for the day but if you want to run out for final $6 box(es) of this year’s cookies, other troops are scheduled (according to the online lookup) to be selling until 8 pm at all three local Safeways and both West Seattle QFCs.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Burglary at city’s Joint Training Facility
March 16, 2025 3:09 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photo. North-side JTF gate, bordering Arrowhead Gardens property; vehicle entry gate is off Myers, on east side)

3:09 PM: Thanks to the texter who tipped us to what they described as a “major break-in overnight” at the Joint Training Facility, operated by the city primarily for Fire Department training, on the southeast edge of West Seattle (9401 Myers Way S.). We’ve obtained the preliminary police summary, which says officers were called to the JTF just after 8 am today, after SFD employees discovered what had happened:

SFD personnel arrived to find a SFD vehicle at the entrance and the vehicle entry gate heavily damaged. It appeared that sometime overnight a portion of the fencing had been cut and entry made. Inside, a SFD vehicle was broken into and used to ram the door of of the engine bay where entry was gained. A SFD ax was found on the ground near the bay. Three separate trailers on the property was also broken into, seemingly by use of the ax. The SFD vehicle was then used to ram through the entry gate for the suspect(s) to exit from the property. There are some cameras present on the property and a link was provided to upload any footage. At time of this report, it was unknown what property, if any, was taken.

We have asked SFD for comment on that, as well as whether the damage etc. is affecting operations as suggested by our texter, and will add any additional information we get.

4:28 PM: Here’s the SFD statement we received from spokesperson Kristin Hanson:

In the late evening hours on March 15, there was a break-in at the City’s Joint Training Facility, which is a property shared by the Seattle Fire Department and Seattle Public Utilities. The fire department has filed a police report with the Seattle Police Department and is currently conducting an inventory of stolen and damaged items. SPD is investigating this as a burglary. A total estimate on cost of damages will likely be available later this week.

We are deeply disappointed this has occurred, especially at a facility that is utilized for training firefighter recruits on saving the lives of others.

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WEEKEND SCENE: West Seattle Runner’s 4th annual Leprechaun Leg Group Run
March 16, 2025 2:59 pm
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 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Photo courtesy West Seattle Runner)

More than 40 people came out in the early-morning chill for the 4th annual Leprechaun Leg Group Run presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor)! They started from the (mostly) green turf of Hiawatha across the street from the Admiral District shop. and wrapped up at Good Society neaerby. In addition to seasonally themed fun runs like this, West Seattle Runner invites you to show up for regular weekly free group runs too – as listed on their website’s events page (and in the WSB Event Calendar too): Tuesdays at 6:15 pm, meet at the shop (2743 California SW) and go over to the track to run; Wednesdays at 6:15 pm and Saturdays at 8 am, group runs leave from the shop.

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HAPPENING NOW: St. Patrick’s Day eve with Irish Fest at Ounces
March 16, 2025 1:25 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Hayden Yu Andersen)

Ounces Taproom & Beer Garden in North Delridge is starting St. Patrick’s Day celebrations a day early, with a host of activities today until 7 pm. It began at noon today, with an all-ages free Irish line dancing class, led by the West Seattle Irish Dancers (photo above), and a Green Fun Run along the Alki Trail.

They will be serving green beer, Irish stout, as well as green and glittery cider (courtesy of One Tree Hard Cider). This is one of the St. Patrick’s Day-themed West Seattle events featured on the list we published Saturday, as well as today’s full WS event rundown. (If we’re missing any, please let us know!)

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About the emergency response at Seacrest
March 16, 2025 10:41 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

(Reader photo)

In case you’re in the Seacrest (Water Taxi/Marination ma kai) vicinity and wondering about the emergency response, with SFD there now: According to dispatch and to the witness who sent the photo – they were on the Water Taxi, which had just left – a man jumped into the water in a suspected attempt at self-harm. The witness says the Water Taxi quickly returned to the dock, as its crew, along with divers and others, rushed to help; the witness told us via text, “I was very impressed by how quickly (the) crew reacted, very professional and efficient. They had life rings, one of them wa wearing a dry suit, and after very quickly tying the boat up, were running off with a first-aid kit. (The) boat captain showed some pretty amazing skills, racing to the dock uncomfortably fast and stopped it on a dime in the perfect position.” The man was pulled out of the water and is now getting help and will be taken to a hospital.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 20 notes!
March 16, 2025 6:16 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Recent sunrise, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are possibilities for your Sunday, including more St. Patrick’s Day-themed events:

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTHS: This year’s Girl Scout Cookie in-person sales end today! Go here to look for a cookie booth near you – multiple troops are selling at various spots, during various time slots, in West Seattle.

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER’S LEPRECHAUN LEG GROUP RUN: Meet at Hiawatha (2700 California SW) by 9 am for this wearing-of-the-green 3-mile fun run, which ends at nearby Good Society.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Today’s run leaves from Ampersand (2536 Alki SW), 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 late-winter produce (root vegetables! greens! cabbage! apples!) 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)

DUWAMISH TRIBE LONGHOUSE & CULTURAL CENTER: The Longhouse is open for visitors, 10 am-5 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am Sundays, first class free if you pre-register. Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska)

DONATION DRIVE: Warm outerwear? Blamkets? New underwear/socks? That’s part of the wish list for this month’s dropoff donation drive outside Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 11 am-3 pm.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool to get your project going, or to finish assembling a holiday gift? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

IRISH FEST AT OUNCES: Noon-7 pm celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, one day early, green beer and all. Info here, starting with two events at noon:
–Free Irish line-dance class
–Green run
Everything happens at the tap room/beer garden (3809 Delridge Way SW).

MUSIC TALKS: Free workshop for those interested in reading music and singing, 12:15 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW).

COMMUNITY CLOG-DANCING LESSONS: Final Sunday with 1 pm lessons at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).

MADISON STUDENTS’ POETRY SALON: Missed the first one (WSB coverage here)? Be at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 2 pm today to see and hear Madison MS students recite poetry!

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)

PLAY CRIBBAGE: These Sunday sessions are for more-advanced players, 2 pm at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), membership not required.

MAGICAL STRINGS: 2:30 pm St. Patrick’s Day concert at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).

‘RAIN MUSIC’: That’s the theme of today’s Music Northwest concert, directed by Dr. Jane Harty, at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), 3 pm, featuring the world-premiere work “17 Names for Rain” by Northwest composer Sean Osborn. Details and ticket info are in our calendar listing. (See the full program here.)

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Local singer-songwriter Jim Page performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) 3-5 pm today.

ASTRA LUMINA: Last night to catch the celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. Tonight, 7:15 pm and later admission times. Tickets and info here.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music – 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!

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Spanning the generations: Student visitors bring joy to seniors at Quail Park in The Junction
March 15, 2025 11:29 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle people

Spring officially starts this Thursday. But seasonal colors are already brightening the lives of residents at Quail Park West Seattle (WSB sponsor), thanks to a collaboration with local students. Betsy Henry sent the report and photos on behalf of Quail Park:

Earlier this month, a group of 7th and 8th grade students from Holy Rosary School brought residents at Quail Park West Seattle a little extra sunshine. They decorated some of the community’s doors for spring.

The gesture was part of Holy Rosary’s long-standing relationship with the senior-living community. Students in leadership classes taught by Nicole Chiodo have been visiting Quail Park West Seattle for over 5 years. During COVID, they even adapted their visits by singing songs and visiting with residents from the safety of the community’s patio.

“We love being part of this community,” said Brian Anderson, the executive director at Quail Park West Seattle. “Our residents delight in interacting with the public, especially children and youth, and we are grateful to these students for sharing their time and joy with us!”

During their weekly or sometimes twice weekly visits, the students and residents socialize, do crafts and show off their talents. So far this term, they have had a meet-and-greet, a game day, a party, and a talent show. The spring door decorations, presented on March 6th, were another creative way for students to brighten the spirits of the residents.

The students’ involvement continues to highlight the importance of intergenerational connections and the positive impact these interactions have on both the youth and seniors in the community.

“It’s amazing to see the young and the old interact,” said Chiodo. “The smiles light up the room. My students are always so full of energy after our visits, retelling the stories they learned and they can’t wait for the next visit. We love our Quail Park family and I feel blessed to share this special opportunity with my students.”

Quail Park is at 4515 41st SW, walking distance from the school.

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YOU CAN HELP: Wish list for Alki UCC’s dropoff donation drive Sunday
March 15, 2025 8:22 pm
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 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(Alki UCC photo of donations from February 2024 drive)

Every month, Alki UCC puts out donation bins in front of the church at 6115 SW Hinds on one Sunday, and circulates a wish list for dropoff donations. Tomorrow is the March donation day, and here’s what they’re looking for:

Alki UCC Donations Drive – Sunday, March 16
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front Courtyard

This month’s priorities:
-Outerwear/Men’s Outdoor Work Clothing
-Blankets
-Clean Wearable Boots and Shoes
-New Socks
-New Men’s and Women’s Underwear

We also welcome non-perishable food, hygiene products and outdoor gear.

Donations are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center. Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.

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UPDATE: Fire callout on 45th SW, false alarm
March 15, 2025 7:17 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

7:17 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a big callout to the 5200 block of 45th SW, where “a caller reports seeing flames in the living room.” Updates to come.

7:20 PM: They’re reducing the response, saying it’s possibly “a TV” that caught fire (or sparked) but nothing major, and no smoke.

7:23 PM: And now they’ve further discerned that “flames on the TV” actually was “video of flames” … so they’re canceling the whole thing.

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Fauntleroy Creek volunteers place traps, start counting coho headed for salt water
March 15, 2025 5:10 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

A salmon update from the Fauntleroy Watershed Council:

Volunteers are starting the annual spring count of coho smolts leaving Fauntleroy Creek for their two years in salt water.

(Photos by Dave Gershgorn. Above Scoutmaster James Kim and Dan Vornbrock [Ben’s dad] attach netting to the trap frame)

Last spring Ben Vornbrock supported this research by designing and building two net traps as his Eagle Scout project. This past Wednesday, family and fellow members of Scout Troop 284 put them back in at sites in the upper and lower creek to continue the research. Today, monitors were scheduled to start checking them twice daily through late May.

(Scout Naomi Bilinski helps Dan position the net so all creek flow goes through it. Superintending are Jamie Bilinski and creek volunteers Tom Trulin and Dennis Hinton)

Last spring’s smolt count was 30; the highest count since the research began in 2003 was 230.

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GO GREEN! 9 West Seattle St. Patrick’s Day highlights for tonight, Sunday, Monday
March 15, 2025 3:51 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

St. Patrick’s Day is Monday, but the celebration is spanning three days this year. If you’re looking for West Seattle (and vicinity) events all in one list, here you go! (The Saturday-night events are already in this morning’s daily list, but we’re mentioning them again …)

IRISH FEST 2: Five bands, including West Seattle musicians, are playing Tim’s Tavern in White Center tonight – doors open at 6, music at 7, fundraiser for SMASH – all ages until 10 pm. (16th/98th)

IRISH-THEMED RAINBOW BINGO: Not too late to get your ticket(s) to the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation fundraiser, 6:30 pm tonight at West Seattle Golf Course‘s clubhouse. (4470 35th SW)

LEPRECHAUN LEG GROUP RUN: Join West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) on the track at Hiawatha for the start of this wearing-of-the-green 3-mile group ruh, 9 am Sunday. (2700 California SW)

FREE IRISH LINE-DANCE CLASS: Noon Sunday at Ounces, courtesy of West Seattle Irish Dance. (3809 Delridge Way SW)

GREEN RUN: Also at Ounces, the regular Sunday run at noon is green-themed this week!

ST. PATRICK’S DAY IRISH FEST: Those two events are part of a noon-7 pm celebration Sunday at Ounces, with green beer among other things.

MAGICAL STRINGS: This duo celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with their concert at Kenyon Hall, 2:30 pm Sunday, with dancers and fiddlers joining them. Get tickets here. (7904 35th SW)

COMERFORD IRISH DANCERS @ CENTER: 1:15 pm Monday, all are welcome to come see young dancers from West Seattle’s Comerford School of Irish Dance perform at the Center for Active Living. (4217 SW Oregon)

HIGHLAND PARK CORNER STORE TURNS IRISH PUB: It’s a tradition at Highland Park Corner Store, 5-8 pm on St. Patrick’s Day (Monday), visit for “loaded baked potatoes and corned beef sandwiches, green beer, shamrock ice cream scoops, Irish tunes”! (7789 Highland Park Way SW)

More St. Patrick’s Day festivities tonight, Sunday, Monday? These are just the ones sent in for our calendar – if you forgot to send yours, do it now and we’ll add! Thanks!

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SUNDAY PREVIEW: ‘Rain Music’ concert with Music Northwest, featuring world premiere of ’17 Names for Rain’
March 15, 2025 1:59 pm
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 |   West Seattle news

Another chance this weekend to be the first to see and hear a new work performed! West Seattle’s Dr. Jane Harty leads Music Northwest, which presents a concert on Sunday appropriately titled “Rain Music,” featuring a world premiere. Here are the details:

Music Northwest presents “Rain Music” on March 16th, 3 pm, Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill). This Music Northwest Concert Series event features the world premiere of “17 Names for Rain” by Northwest composer Sean Osborn.

The concert also features music by Debussy, Chopin, William Grant Still, and Nadia Boulanger for clarinet, violin, cello, and piano in various combinations. In addition to clarinetist Sean Osborn, Northwest artists include Emily Hu, cello; Quinn Price, violin; and Jane Harty, piano. Tickets are available at www.musicnorthwest.org. Students age 25 and under may request FREE tickets by calling Music NW at 206-937-9792. (Student comps must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance). General admission is $20; Seniors $18; Students at the door, $10.

“17 Names for Rain” is the 9th piece commissioned by Music Northwest, a project which began in 2005. In 2024, our commissioned piece, “To the Invisible Listener,” in memory of Rev. Ronald Marshall by Juilliard composer Jacob Beranek, has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in Music. It was premiered in West Seattle in December of 2024. Music Northwest has received long-term support from the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture, King County 4Culture, ArtsFund, and ACMP (the Chamber Music Fund based in New York City). The Director, Dr. Jane Harty, recently served on the National Endowment for the Arts Music Panel during the Biden administration. Music Northwest is strongly committed to DEI programming, and past commissioned pieces have been set to texts by Phyllis Wheatley and Native American poets.

Music Northwest also offers annual Chamber Music Camps for both youth and adults, with gala concerts produced in West Seattle churches since 2002. For more information, please go to www.musicnorthwest.org

You can see the full program for Sunday’s concert here.

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SATURDAY WHALE-WATCHING: Orcas appear again
March 15, 2025 12:00 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

If you can spare time to whale-watch today, this might be a good time, between waves of showers – Kersti Muul texted to tell us that orcas are currently “northbound from the south end of Blake Island.” Let us know if you see them; thanks again to those who share photos/video of local sightings (westseattleblog@gmail.com)!

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Early-morning false alarm at Don Armeni Boat Ramp
March 15, 2025 10:59 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

For those who were wondering: A briefly big “water rescue response” at Don Armeni Boat Ramp this morning turned out to be a false alarm of sorts. SFD and SPD converged on the park around 6:15 am to check out a possible car in the water about 50 yards out. According to incident audio, divers/swimmers arrived, went into the water, and discovered it was not a car, but instead a rental scooter “with all its lights on.”

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 29 things to know
March 15, 2025 6:07 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Schmitz Preserve Park photo by Christopher Boffoli)

Get your Irish music on as this pre-St. Patrick’s Day weekend begins – two opportunities are part of the slate for your Saturday, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar. We start with a traffic alert:

TRAFFIC NOTE: WSDOT is closing the two right lanes of NB Highway 99 across the First Avenue South Bridge until 1 pm for bridge-deck work.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTHS: This year’s Girl Scout Cookie in-person sales end this weekend! Go here to look for a cookie booth near you – multiple troops are selling at various spots, during various time slots, in West Seattle.

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.

HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s sanctuary/studio (3618 SW Alaska).

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). ‘

MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS CLEARANCE SALE: Continuing this weekend! “We’re offering our best discounts of the season on all of our winter gear!” says Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor). Open 10 am-6 pm today.

MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Jon Wall with originals and covers on ukulele and harmonica, 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.

FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).

FAMILY READING TIME: 11 am family reading time returns at new home of Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW).

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)

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).

MAKE HANDBUILT ANIMALS: 1-3 pm, join Kristen for this session at The Clay Cauldron. Our calendar listing explains how to register. (5214 Delridge Way SW)

FREE MASSAGE: Walk-in clinic at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.

SOUTHSIDE REVOLUTION JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY: Go cheer the home team on bout night! “Legends in the Rink,” 4:15 pm-8 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW) – see ticketing and other info in our calendar listing.

IRISH-THEMED RAINBOW BINGO: “Queens of the Green,” 6:30 pm fundraiser for the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation at WS Golf Course (4470 35th SW) – get tickets here.

IRISH FEST 2: Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th, White Center) hosts five bands – including West Seattle musicians – starting at (updated) 7 pm, benefiting SMASH.

EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Roo Forrest and Friends, 6-8 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.

IRISH/SCOTTISH MUSIC AT KENYON HALL: The Home Rulers perform – doors 7, show 7:30, at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – tickets here.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 7 pm, Drew Martin presents his newest album, “Where’s Your Feet?” No cover, all ages. (4559 California SW)

ASTRA LUMINA: The illuminated walk at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge ends this weekend. 7:15 pm and later entry times tonight; ticket cost varies. (6000 16th SW)

‘MUSIC FOR THE SOUL’: Northwest Symphony Orchestra in concert at Holy Rosary (42nd/Genesee), 8 pm. More info and ticket link in our calendar listing.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Tonight – BendreTheGiant, Wind-Up Birds, Verboten, Shark Out! Doors 7, music 8, 21+, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: Spinning starts at 9 pm with Soul Focus FM at Revelry Room – check here to see who. (4547 California SW)

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday night singing! 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!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Helicopter-assisted search for carjacking suspects (updated Saturday)
March 14, 2025 11:02 pm
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 |   Crime | Helicopter | West Seattle news | Westwood

11:02 PM: The Guardian One helicopter is joining SPD‘s search for two carjacking suspects. According to emergency radio traffic it happened in the Westwood Village area, but the carjackers already have abandoned the Acura SUV they stole. They’re looking for two suspects, one described as wearing all black, with a black face mask, and a gun; they were reported to be running on 25th SW. … Officers report having stopped a possible suspect in the area.

11:11 PM: The ground search includes a K-9, so if you’re in the area, you may hear police’s obligatory announcements of that.

11:30 PM: They’re still searching, including to the north and east of WWV.

11:39 PM: They’ve exhausted the possibilities for now, so the helicopter’s leaving. No further info on the incident, but we’ll of course follow up and add any additional information when it’s available.

ADDED 12:10 PM SATURDAY: Here’s the preliminary summary from SPD:

At 2300 hours, responded to a report of a carjacking that had just occurred at the Westwood Village Shopping Center. The suspects (one armed with a handgun) approached the victims as they were standing outside the vehicle and attempted to pistol whip the driver while suspect #2 simultaneously assaulted the female passenger. The victims complied and the suspects got into the victim vehicle. The vehicle was a newer Acura, and the suspects could not figure out how to shift it into drive. The suspects panicked and fled immediately once they could not manipulate the shifter dial, and the victims managed to maintain possession of their vehicle. Containment was established and KCSO K9 and Guardian One responded to assist.

If you have any information, the incident to refer to is 25-69379.

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VIDEO: Candidates and a tribute @ 34th District Democrats
March 14, 2025 10:59 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

What the feds won’t do – any more – the locals are going to have to.

That theme emerged in a variety of ways at Wednesday night’s meeting of our area’s largest political organization, the 34th District Democrats, facilitated by the group’s chair Jordan Crawley.

First, the pre-meeting presentation featured the local resistance group West Seattle Indivisible. Then, our area’s County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda touted local government’s support for areas hit by the federal budget ax – housing, worker protections, equity:

Two of Mosqueda’s fellow County Councilmembers spoke too, but in a different capacity – as candidates to succeed King County Executive Dow Constantine, who is not running for re-election. This wasn’t a formal candidate forum; 34th DD meetings often offer the microphone to candidates who want to make their pitch.

First was Councilmember Claudia Balducci from the Eastside, who declared, “I fundamentally believe in the powe of government, especially local government, to make lives better,” before decrying the federal slashing of services and spending. “We can’t do everything, but we can protect the people most at risk,” she said, adding that local government needs to “stand up for our values,” so if the president, for example, threatens to take away funding unless those values are cast aside, go ahead and dare him.

Balducci, a Sound Transit board member, noted that she might be “most famous for fighting and winning the battle of light rail” on the Eastside, and declared, “I can’t wait to push to get light rail to West Seattle!” (That was greeted by a whoop.)

Next was County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay, whose district is in South King County. He declared the KC Executive position to be the “single most important and powerful local office in the entire state of Washington.” He also said he’s running because of the potential of our region, which welcomed Zahilay and his family as refugees from Sudan when he was three years old. He then listed challenges – opportunities on the decline, the Trump Administration “threaten(ing) every value we have,” the housing shortage – and proclaimed that the next County Executive “has to ensure that King County is a beacon of hope and opportunity for the entire nation.”

Balducci and Zahilay were the only two County Executive candidates on Wednesday night’s agenda, but not the only candidates – five others running for election or re-election took the microphone too. Two were Port of Seattle Commissioners running for re-election – and they too spoke about defiance of D.C. Position 1 incumbent Ryan Calkins said that after “mourn(ing) a bit” following the November election, “we doubled down” on commitments such as green energy:

Position 3 incumbent Port Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed also observed that “local elected officials must hold the line” during “unprecedented times”:

Three City of Seattle candidates followed, starting with mayoral hopeful Ry Anderson. They warned of the dangers of hopelessness: “We have to empower the next generation to not give up.” And about services the feds may be abandoning: “The National Labor Relations Board may be (doomed), so we need to pick that up.”

Armstrong also nodded to the civil-rights curtailments of the D.C. administration, suggesting “the best way to give Trump (the finger) is to elect a trans mayor.”

Two candidates for citywide City Council Position 9 were next, challenging incumbent Council President Sara Nelson. First, Dionne Foster told the 34th DDs that all three of the district’s state legislators already support her. She described herself as a “first-time candidate” (but former city policy adviser) and steadfast champion of “progressive values” and “real results”:

Another Council Position 9 candidate, Ray Rogers, also called himself a “first-time candidate” and spoke of people power: “With you, we can get the job done.” He promised he would work tirelessly – “the first one to get there and the last one to leave.”

We won’t know the full primary-election fields for these and other positions until after the official Filing Week in May; primary voting will end on

The final spotlight of the night shone on a former elected official, Joe Nguyen, appointed as state Commerce Director after serving a term and a half as 34th District State Senator. Aaron Garcia of the White Center Community Development Association was first to speak in tribute, declaring, “Joe showed up.” Garcia’s predecessor as WCCDA executive director, Sili Savusa, spoke too, as did Seattle Port Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa and former Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels:

The traits they celebrated differed – Hasegawa hailed Nguyen as “a progressive elected voice” while Nickels said he became a “very enthusiastic supporter” despite having told Nguyen flat-out “you’re way too liberal for me.”

NEXT MEETING: The 34th DDs meet on second Wednesdays, sometimes in person, sometimes online only, so next meeting will be April 9th; you can watch for updates at 34dems.org.

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VIDEO: Space Needle hosts GuideStar laser art
March 14, 2025 10:41 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thanks to Steven Rice for the photo of the Space Needle hosting tonight’s GuideStar laser-art installation, as previewed here earlier this week. If you had trouble seeing it from this side of the bay, the photo may hint at a reason why – the light beams were slender. Converge Media streamed the show, including spoken word and music beneath the Needle – here’s the recording:

GuideStar was created by New York-based artists Mendi + Keith Obadike, commissioned by Seattle’s Wa Na Wari.

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FOUND BICYCLE: Apparently abandoned at Alki
March 14, 2025 8:53 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Found bicycles | West Seattle news

Greg is the second reader who reported seeing this bicycle at the beach in recent days:

Found at Alki Beach, presumably stolen and abandoned child’s bike.

He took it home for safekeeping, so if it’s yours, let us know and we’ll connect you.

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THINK SUMMER (FEST): More seating! More shade! West Seattle Junction Association crowdfunding to make it happen
March 14, 2025 7:40 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

It’s a wish frequently voiced after West Seattle Summer Fest – a longing for more places to sit down and eat/drink and/or take a break from the sun. This year, the West Seattle Junction Association is hoping to make those dreams come true – with your help, as well as with some festival-layout changes. WSJA events director Stacie Woods explains, “The money raised for Seating and Shade will help us afford tables, chairs, tents and umbrellas at the festival to give folks more places to sit down, relax, eat, enjoy music and a cold beverage. We are planning to physically swap the kids’ area and the food area this year. That means the new food area will near the West Gate on Alaska with lots of new seating options as well. We are also moving the Westside Stage to the West Gate area as well so that folks can enjoy music while enjoying some food and drink.” Attending the festival remains free – donating is voluntary; if you can chip in a bit (or a lot!) to help improve it, just go here. (Also watch your favorite Junction restaurants, where you’ll be seeing table cards with a QR code for this.)

P.S. This is separate from the other West Seattle Summer Fest fundraiser announced earlier this week – ticket sales continue for the first-ever Rock Walk on April 11, with proceeds paying for festival music. (This year’s Summer Fest is Friday-Sunday, July 11-13 – and you’ll also want to set your calendar for Summer Fest Eve on July 10.)

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