GET YOUR GREEN ON: West Seattle Runner’s Leprechaun Leg Group Run returns Sunday

(WSB photo, 2024 Leprechaun Leg Group Run participants)

Get your St. Patrick’s Day green on a day early and join West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) on Sunday for this year’s Leprechaun Leg Group Run. Here’s the reminder from WSR co-proprietor Lori McConnell:

This coming Sunday, March 16, at 9 am, we are hosting our 4th annual Leprechaun Leg Group Run with Good Society Brewing. We will gather at Hiawatha Track [2700 California SW] and run a 3-mile route through the neighborhood and end at Good Society. They are opening early just for us!! The start time is 9 am!!! It is only a group run, not a race! Contact the shop for questions: 206-938-0545

We are charging $1 entry fee so that we can give a headcount to Good Society and then we will give all the money to their tip jar. Wear your green! Also email lori@westseattlerunner.com with any questions.

West Seattle Runner – the peninsula’s only running-focused shop – also presents seasonal fun runs for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmastime, plus the annual summertime Float Dodger 5K before the West Seattle Grand Parade – July 19 this year. Regular group runs, too, as featured on our calendar.

Admiral and Fauntleroy gatherings, South Seattle College open house, ferry-dock briefing, WS Community Orchestras concert, more for your Tuesday

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Another busy Tuesday – here are the highlights, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:

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.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Lunch meeting, noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW). Two-part program: Students of the Month, and ShelterBox.

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE: 3:30-6:30 pm, visit South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) and discover the possibilities it offers for your education, whether you’re interested in a single class or a full degree – details in our calendar listing.

(Thanks to Amy for photo of Mallie and Lillian from Troop 44443 outside Husky Deli last weekend)

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTHS: This year’s Girl Scout Cookie in-person sales continue today, after school, but this is the last week! Go here to look for a cookie booth near you – multiple troops are selling at various spots, during various time slots, in West Seattle. (Is your troop out selling cookies? Send a pic – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)

SOUND TRANSIT BOARD COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING: 4 pm, the board’s Executive Committee holds a special meeting regarding the CEO search and may announce its recommendation. The agenda document includes info on commenting, before or during the meeting, and how to watch, in person or online.

HOMEWORK HELP: Students can drop in for free help, 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

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 COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: First of two free almost-spring concerts, 6 pm at Chief Sealth International HS Auditorium (2600 SW Thistle).

FAUNTLEROY DOCK PROJECT BRIEFING: As the online open house about the project continues, Washington State Ferries plans an online presentation 6-8 pm tonight – register here to get the link.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 6 pm board meeting at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), community welcome.

ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMEN MEETUP: 6-8 pm monthly meetup at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW).

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN: 6:15 pm, meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.

FREE DANCE LESSON: Tonight’s free! At the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), Westside Dance with Dean:

Tuesdays, March 11 – April 15, 2025
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.

First week (March 11th) is free, so come and try it out. Join the fun and meet others in the community!
More information here.

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).

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Come find out what’s up in your neighborhood! 7 pm gathering at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), all welcome – here’s the agenda preview.

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 AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! – Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 6: 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).

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!

Remembering Norma Jean Milliman, 1939-2025

Family and friends are remembering Norma Jean Milliman, and sharing this with the community:

Norma Milliman, born on July 17, 1939, peacefully passed away on February 1, 2025, at the age of 85. Born to Norman Reginald Cranage and Lillian Myrtle Cranage (née Locklin), Norma was raised in West Seattle and was a cherished member of her family and community.

Preceded in death by her two siblings, Louella Cranage and Tom Cranage, Norma graduated from West Seattle High School in 1957. She married Loren D. Milliman on March 19, 1962, and dedicated her primary career to being a loving homemaker. Together, they welcomed their children, Elizabeth in 1963 and Loren M. in 1967.

Norma returned to school and in December of 1988 earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington. Her and Loren’s love for travel took them to the Philippines and China in the spring of 1988, Sweden, and Great Britain. The family enjoyed many summer camping road trips and after Loren retired they traveled extensively around the US.

During the early 2000s Norma and Loren became snowbirds with a second home in Green Valley, Arizona. Their home base was in West Seattle for over 50 years where they created many memorable moments, before moving in 2023 to Wesley Des Moines.

Known for her patient, kind, loving, accepting, and warm personality, Norma dedicated her time to various activities, including spending time with family and friends, playing the piano and violin, genealogy, gardening, travel, and solving puzzle books. A longtime member of Tibbetts United Methodist Church, she also volunteered with Audubon, Seattle Opera, Tibbetts, and as a host family with ICYE for Ylva from Sweden, Ulrike from Germany, Cilla from Italy, and others.

Norma is survived by her loving spouse Loren D. Milliman, sister-in-law Patt Cranage, daughter Elizabeth (Ernie), son Loren M. (Janice), and four of the greatest joys in her life, grandchildren Delia, Loren A., Norman, and Patrick.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Amnesty USA, Covenant House, or Tibbetts United Methodist in West Seattle and/or United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

TRAFFIC, ROAD WORK, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Tuesday info

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Forecast – mostly cloudy, rain likely in the pm, high near 50. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:29 am and 7:10 pm.

ROAD WORK

-In White Center, another reminder that 16th will be closed at the 104th intersection starting today.

-In South Alki, work that’s either started or about to start is to prepare for the 63rd/Beach pump-station project; our preview explains (and includes a map).

-Just south of Genesee Hill, 51st Place SW is obstructed between Oregon and Alaska by that sinkhole, per the reader who sent the photo. (We’re checking on repair plans.)

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro busesRegular schedule.

Water TaxiRegular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Sealth serving as the “bonus boat.”

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: Besides 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!

UPDATE: 2 hurt in car-on-side crash on westbound Spokane Street Viaduct

March 10, 2025 11:30 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: 2 hurt in car-on-side crash on westbound Spokane Street Viaduct
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

11:30 PM: SPD and SFD have arrived at a 2-vehicle crash, with one on its side, on the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct (the east half of the West Seattle Bridge), by the 1st Avenue South ramp, as shown on a city traffic cam. Two people are reported hurt, and an SDOT response crew is on the way for what’s described as a “large fluid spill spanning all lanes.” They’re going to block the entire westbound bridge for now while this gets cleaned up.

11:56 PM: Officers are telling dispatch that they expect the closure to be “prolonged.”

12:43 AM: The bridge/SSV has reopened, per police-radio announcement.

ADDED 10:40 AM: We asked SFD about the people reported injured. Spokesperson David Cuerpo replied, “Crews treated a 26-year-old male who was in stable condition and a 44-year-old male who was also in stable condition. Both did not require transportation to a hospital and were left on scene with law enforcement.”

4 West Seattle Triangle notes: Shelter, ex-clinic, ex-store, sale

Four notes from the West Seattle Triangle area:

SHELTER: Westside Neighbors Shelter in the American Legion Post 160 building (3618 SW Alaska) had announced the end of its overnight operation for the year as of late February – but is restarting the availability temporarily later this week, since temperatures are predicted to drop below 40 degrees. From shelter director Keith Hughes:

due to the impending weather change (to below 40) we will be reopening the Cold Weather Overnight Shelter for at least 10 days starting on Wednesday night. Schedule will be 5 PM till 11 am the next morning each day. Dinner will be at 6:30 pm, breakfast will be at 8:45 am. We will be instituting several new policies for entry to the Shelter, with the intent of keeping the overnight population under 36 beds.

We have a followup question out regarding the policy changes.

EX-CLINIC: Several readers have asked about the fence that’s gone up around the former Virginia Mason Franciscan Health clinic site at 4550 Fauntleroy Way SW:

There are no permit filings for the site. Through further research, we learned that VMFH is still leasing the site, so they’re accountable for whatever happens there. We subsequently checked with a VMFW spokesperson who told WSB they have no updates to share regarding the site’s status or future.

EX-STORE: Just a reminder that Advance Auto Parts at 4505 38th SW has closed – thanks to Ian for the photo of a post-closure note on its door over the weekend:

We confirmed the store’s closure date last month, part of the company’s regional downsizing. No permit filings or public lease listing yet for the site.

SALE: Reminder that ski/snowboard season isn’t over yet, and Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) continues its big clearance sale, so you can get gear/apparel at a great price in time to go back up to the snow. The shop is open daily; hours tomorrow are 10 am to 6 pm.

FOLLOWUP: Vehicle-noise camera-enforcement bill advances in State Legislature

During today’s weekly “briefing meeting,” the City Council, as usual, got updates on the State Legislature bills the city’s been tracking. Noting that legislators are now past the midpoint – 57 days into this year’s 105-day session – the city’s legislative liaisons said that the main bill to allow a “vehicle-noise enforcement-camera” pilot program has advanced; the state House passed HB 1423 57-40. District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, who’s been advocating for that bill as a potential tool for problems in neighborhoods including Alki, asked the briefers what’s next. They said that though there’s a Senate version of the bill, the House bill is the “main vehicle” for this proposal, so it will likely have a public hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee sometime soon.

P.S. Our area’s state legislators – Sen. Emily Alvarado and Reps. Joe Fitzgibbon (who voted for the noise-camera bill) and Brianna Thomas (who voted against it) – plan a “telephone town hall” next Monday, March 17, at 6 pm. People throughout the district will get a call at that time inviting participation, but you can also call in; this page explains how.

PREVIEW: South Seattle College’s annual ‘Discover’ open house Tuesday

March 10, 2025 6:15 pm
|    Comments Off on PREVIEW: South Seattle College’s annual ‘Discover’ open house Tuesday
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

A quick reminder that if you’re interested in studying at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) – whether seeking a degree or certificate, or a continuing-education class – tomorrow’s the day to visit. 3:30 to 6:30 pm on Tuesday (March 11), you’re invited to SSC’s annual Discover Open House. The college will offer campus tours, program presentations, opportunities to speak with faculty and advisers, plus information on admissions, financial aid, and other student resources. You can RSVP here. Know before you go – review options here, from career training, college transfer, and applied bachelor’s degrees, to short-term training and personal enrichment courses. SSC is on West Seattle’s Puget Ridge, at 6000 16th SW.

Lincoln Park trail reopened

Thanks to Troy for the tip. Seattle Parks has reopened a West Seattle trail:

(Seattle Parks photo)

Good news! Our Trails Crew has been hard at work restoring the Lincoln Park North Bluff Trail, including repairing the staircase and retaining wall. We’re thrilled to announce that the trail is now REOPENED!

Thank you to everyone for your patience and support while we got everything back in shape.

ELECTION 2025: Another levy vote this year – Democracy Voucher levy renewal/increase proposed for August ballot

Another property-tax levy renewal is proposed for a vote this year. Mayor Bruce Harrell announced that he wants to renew the levy for the Democracy Voucher program, originally approved by voters in 2015 and launched with 2017 city elections. From the announcement:

checkbox.jpg… The program is administered by the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (SEEC) which sends four $25 democracy vouchers to eligible residents during municipal election cycles. Residents then donate their vouchers to qualifying campaigns, which are redeemed for the assigned value.

Since the program’s inception, Seattle has had among the highest rates of people contributing to candidates in the country. More than 106,000 residents have contributed vouchers to candidates, distributing over $10 million to local campaigns through 2024.

The program is also popular with candidates running for city office and has led to more competitive races. Between 2017-2024, 76% of candidates who appeared on the primary election ballot and 89% of candidates on the general election ballot participated in the program.

Mayor Harrell’s proposal would renew the program by levying a $45 million property tax over 10 years, costing the median assessed value Seattle homeowner about $12.20 a year. The proposal has been transmitted to the City Council for consideration and referral to voters for the August primary.

If voters approve the ballot measure, the Mayor, City Council, and SEEC will convene a workgroup in early 2026 to make recommendations on program improvements to reach more residents in diverse communities and empower local campaigns by addressing the role of Political Action Committee (PACs) in municipal elections.

The initiative that created the program was approved by 63 percent of city voters a decade ago. At the time, it was described as costing “the average homeowner about $8 a year.” raising about $30 million over 10 years.

UPDATE: House fire in South Delridge at future redevelopment site (updated Tuesday)

(Added: WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)

12:51 PM: Seattle Fire is at the scene of a house fire in the 9000 block of 17th SW. Two people are reported to have gotten out safely. Traffic is blocked in the area, on 16th too. Updates to come.

1:01 PM: An extra hazard in the area reported by SFD – downed power lines at the fire site. They also have just corrected the actual fire location’s address to 9000 block of 16th, though the originally logged address was in that block of 17th.

1:10 PM: The fire has been declared under control. SFD plans to start demobilizing some of the units.

1:22 PM: Though some units are being dismissed, dispatch has just been told that the 16th SW closure at that spot will last for a while, because of not only SFD but also City Light. That means bus detours too.

1:33 PM: The revised address actually checks to this future-development, former-fire site that’s adjacent, at 16th/Barton. (Added – as shown in this photo, with that site in foreground, today’s fire site in the background, looking northwest:)

1:42 PM: They’re reopening 16th now. The fire’s cause is under investigation.

TUESDAY MORNING: SFD says its investigation determined the fire was deliberately set. We’re following up further with SPD.

Got something to say about who leads Sound Transit next? Special meeting Tuesday, with public comment and possible recommendation

With the Sound Transit board having already interviewed candidates for CEO – the only candidate name mentioned publicly so far has been board member King County Executive Dow Constantine – this might be your last chance to offer a comment: The board’s Executive Committee is having a special meeting 4-5 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, March 11). The agenda has a comment period followed by an executive session (non-public) and then possibly a recommendation of who the committee thinks the whole board should vote on. Here’s the agenda document, which explains how to participate either in person or remotely. (You can also email a comment now to meetingcomments@soundtransit.org.) Whoever is hired will take over at a pivotal time for the planning of West Seattle light rail, among other projects.

COUNTDOWN: Two months until West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025

March 10, 2025 11:48 am
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: Two months until West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Spring is in view and so is this year’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, Saturday, May 10. It’s the 20th anniversary edition – West Seattle’s biggest person-to-person recycling day was founded in 2005 (we’ve been coordinating it since the fourth WSCGSD in 2008). Registration will open April 1. If you’re new, know that WSCGSD is not one big sale at one site, but rather sales of all sizes, all over the peninsula, so after the close of registration (which will be open for just over three weeks), we build a map that’s published one week before sale day, plus a list with the sales identified by number and address, and the short sale summary provided during registration. Official WSCGSD hours on May 10 are 9 am-3 pm, but some sellers start early and/or end late – some even add extra day(s)! – so if you’re having a sale, be sure to include that information with your registration (there’s a spot on the form).

P.S. For people with just a few things to sell, and/or nowhere to have a sale, so far we’ve heard from the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, which will have community spaces in its big back parking lot, with all proceeds going toward their fundraising for a new van. Others planning to offer community spaces, please let us know ASAP! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you.

Here’s what’s happening on your West Seattle Monday

March 10, 2025 9:49 am
|    Comments Off on Here’s what’s happening on your West Seattle Monday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

(Thanks to Emily for the weekend photo of Troop 41595’s cookie booth)

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTHS: This year’s Girl Scout Cookie in-person sales continue today, after school, starting the second and final full week! Go here to look for a cookie booth near you – multiple troops are selling at various spots, during various time slots, in West Seattle. (Is your troop out selling cookies? Send a pic – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)

BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: See City Councilmembers preview what’s ahead for the week and get briefed on current issues such as what’s happening in the Legislature, 2 pm. The agenda explains how to watch (no public-comment period at this meeting).

HOMEWORK HELP: Drop-in time for students to work with volunteer homework helpers at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:45 pm.

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 with Tamara Kubacki, meeting at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW). “Grief groups are brave and safe spaces where bereaved people can share their stories and speak their loved one’s name without fear of getting advice, platitudes, or being shut out, no matter how long it’s been since their loved one’s passing.” – you can attend once or multiple times. Fee. Preregistration requested – our calendar listing explains how.

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: It’s back, every Monday. Doors open at 6:45, meeting is from 7-8:30. (6115 SW Hinds)

MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: More Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 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 night, sing your heart out during karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

Thanks to everyone who contributes listings to our calendar – if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Dance with West Seattle Big Band at WSHS benefit Friday

(WSB video)
That’s the West Seattle Big Band at December’s Admiral Church concert. Your next chance to see/hear/dance with them is Friday at West Seattle High School and you have three more days to buy advance discount tickets – here’s the announcement:

We are excited to invite you to our 13th annual Big Band Dinner Dance on Friday, March 14th! There will be music provided by the whole music program, dinner prepared by our very own Culinary Arts program, a silent auction, dancing, and the wonderful West Seattle Big Band directed by Jim Edwards.

Dust off those dancing shoes (or not … dancing is optional) and get yourself tickets to one of the best events of the year!

Proceeds benefit the whole music program at WSHS!

TICKETS:

Dinner & Dance tickets: $30 when pre-purchased (by March 12th); $35 at the door (if available)
Dance only tickets: $10

WSHS is at 3000 California SW.

TRAFFIC, ROAD WORK, WEATHER, TRANSIT: First post-time-change Monday

March 10, 2025 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, ROAD WORK, WEATHER, TRANSIT: First post-time-change Monday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, March 10, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Forecast – mostly cloudy, more showers likely, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise/sunset, on this first weekday since the time change – 7:31 am and 7:08 pm.

ROAD WORK

-In South Alki, work could start as soon as today to prepare for the 63rd/Beach pump-station project; our preview explains (and includes a map).

-In White Center, another reminder that 16th will be closed at the 104th intersection starting tomorrow.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro busesRegular schedule.

Water TaxiRegular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Sealth serving as the “bonus boat.”

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: Besides 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!

West Seattle Junction tree updates

Tree updates from the West Seattle Junction Association:

MORE LIGHTING: The image is a screengrab from the city traffic camera pointed north from Walk-All-Ways. The number of year-round light-adorned trees in The Junction is expanding.

WSJA executive director Chris Mackay says it’s being done in three phases, with West Seattle’s own Fleming’s Holiday Lighting – the photo shows recent installation along SW Alaska; this month, trees on California will get lighting from Oregon to Genesee, and then in late March or early April, lighting will be added north of three, along California from Genesee to Dakota.

JUNCTION PLAZA PARK: You might recall our report from November, after a reader tip that someone had butchered the Junction Plaza Park tree that’s illuminated every holiday season. Strategically placed lighting managed to mask the “butchering” for the tree-lighting ceremony, but wasn’t a permanent solution. WSJA was working with Seattle Parks on that. After a reader tip, we confirmed with WSJA’s Mackay what the plan is now: Putting in more trees around the damaged evergreen: “five big winter-flowering camellias, three white and two red … this spring” and then in fall, “a true Christmas tree in the center of the green grass circle area” in the park. The city will pay for that, while WSJA will pay for the camellias. (No, we don’t yet have a site plan showing exactly where these are to be planted.)

REGISTRATION TIME! 2025 West Seattle 5K set for May 18

(2024 West Seattle 5K – photo by David Hutchinson)

It’s official! The West Seattle 5K will bring runners and walkers to the beach on May 18, and registration is open now! Here’s the announcement:

West Seattle High School PTSA, staff, and students are excited to announce the return of the annual West Seattle High School 5K on Sunday, May 18, 2025. All profits raised from the West Seattle 5K are used by the PTSA to fund classroom supply needs and student-led initiatives, as well as a monthly staffed Saturday Study Hall that benefits an average of 100 students each session.

Thousands of runners and spectators from all corners of Puget Sound and beyond have participated in this 5K in the past 15 years. In 2024, we had 1,570 participants, a 27% increase over the previous year, and we raised over $42,000 for West Seattle High School PTSA! Participants are drawn to the event by the family fun, the gorgeous scenery, a flat and fast course starting and finishing at the Alki Bathhouse, and all the amenities that Alki Beach has to offer. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in many categories.

(2024 West Seattle 5K – photo by Lynn Hall)

Coming back for a third year is a friendly competition among West Seattle High School students. The goal is to see which grade and/or club gets the most classmates to register. The winning grade or club gets out of Homeroom early for a special treat and cash ($250) to their grade level ASB. “We have heard from event runners that they didn’t know this event benefited the high school so we want to make sure to raise that awareness as well as get as many high schoolers involved as possible,” says Kelley O’Connor, event co-chair. Be sure to select your grade and club when registering.

“As you know, Seattle Public Schools is facing an enormous budget shortfall and limited funding for the programs we know our students need,” says WSHS PTSA president Holly Rikhof. “The WSHS PTSA is dedicated to funding the academic and classroom support we have long taken for granted at West Seattle High School. Until 2023, our students benefited from a levy that funded a robust tutoring program, including school-day, after-school, and Saturday tutoring. This year, we have been able, through your generous donations, to fund a monthly staffed Saturday Study Hall that benefits an average of 100 students each session, classroom supply needs and student-led initiatives.”

There are buttons on the registration page to donate to the 5k if you’d rather sleep in that morning or don’t wish to run/walk. This is a community neighborhood high school and we hope residents will feel generous in supporting the school and local students. This is a fun way to directly give back!

Registration is live now at westseattle5K.com and getmeregistered.com/WestSeattle5K

Pricing:
-Adults are $40 (5/10 raises to $45)
-Youth 19 and under are $20 (5/10 and later is $30)
-West Seattle High School students are $20 (5/10 and later is $30)
-West Seattle High School staff is free (need passcode and can buy shirt for $15)
-Kids under 6 are free (no shirt included, but can buy for $15)

We have amazing sponsors to thank: West Seattle Runner, Dragonfly, Sea Pines Physical Therapy, Neighborhood Natropathic, The Joint Chiropractic, Northup Fundraising, Punch Drunk, West Seattle Blog, and so many more. Please go to www.westseattle5k.com to see all sponsors!

The West Seattle PTSA is a 501c3 non-profit Parent, Teacher and Student Association of West Seattle High School. We provide parent education, opportunities for families to connect to the school community, and support for education through fundraising and advocacy.

Questions and sponsorship inquiries, please email: westseattle5k@westseattle5k.com.

WSB has been a West Seattle 5K co-sponsor since the very first one in May 2009!

YOU CAN HELP: Fauntleroy Community Association recruiting volunteer egg-hiders

March 9, 2025 5:14 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Fauntleroy Community Association recruiting volunteer egg-hiders
 |   Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, 2024 FCA egg hunt)

You can help make smiles like those happen next month, when the Fauntleroy Community Association presents this year’s spring egg hunt. It’s happening at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) at 1 pm Saturday, April 12, and organizer Candace Blue is again recruiting volunteers to help hide eggs at 11:30 that morning. Contact her by phone, 209-401-8406, or email – blueyvette47@gmail.com – if you can help!

WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: New video and photos

Thanks again for sharing your bird photos – and, to start this gallery, video:

Ted recorded that Barred Owl stalking a squirrel in Arbor Heights. Meantime, Samantha Wren photographed Cedar Waxwings, so beautiful we’re including two views:

From Jon Anderson, a Spotted Towhee:

Stewart L. shared his “first (Great Blue Heron) of the season”:

Steve Bender found this Belted Kingfisher at Jack Block Park:

Even bluer, Theresa Arbow O’Connor‘s “backyard bird,” a Steller’s Jay:

And our recent fog gave Tom Trulin a murky view of an Eagle and Crow at Lincoln Park:

Thanks again to everyone who sends photos, whether birds, breaking news, sightings … westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302.

WEEK AHEAD: From Hiawatha to hubs, here’s what’s planned at Admiral Neighborhood Association’s next gathering

March 9, 2025 12:10 pm
|    Comments Off on WEEK AHEAD: From Hiawatha to hubs, here’s what’s planned at Admiral Neighborhood Association’s next gathering
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

If you live, work, shop, dine, play, study, etc. in the Admiral area, you’re invited to the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s every-other-month gathering this Tuesday, your next chance to talk and hear about community issues and events. Here’s the preview provided by ANA:

Our next general meeting will be Tuesday, March 11th, 7 pm at Admiral Church [4320 SW Hill]. This month we will be joined by Elizabeth Rudrud from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, Officer German Barreto from the Southwest Precinct, and Cindi Barker from the Emergency Communications Hubs. We will also hear some updates on the Hiawatha Park renovations and volunteer opportunities for our coming events.

ANA is presenting a full slate of events again this year – the West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade, three Admiral Music in the Parks concerts in July, and the Admiral Block Party later in the summer, plus Halloween and winter-holiday happenings.

Remembering Bishop Lowell E. Knutson, 1929-2025

Family and friends are remembering Bishop Lowell Eugene Knutson, and sharing this tribute delivered March 1 by his son Peter Knutson at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, where he was ordained, later serving as the minister of First Lutheran Church of West Seattle for about 20 years, and then becoming the Bishop of the Northwest Lutheran Synod:

Lowell Knutson was born in 1929 in Hannah, North Dakota, currently population 8. He was a descendant of Norwegian emigrant farmers. His ancestors were part of a massive outmigration. Poverty and the promise of America compelled one third of Norway’s population to emigrate. Lowell’s ancestors landed at Ellis Island in the 19th Century and they moved on to the farmlands of Minnesota and North Dakota.

Lowell’s dad Lawrence, one of nine children, ran a hardware store and then later sold tractors, all in North Dakota. Times were tough. Farmers went under and so did Lawrence’s business. In 1942 the business collapsed when the tractor factory he was repping switched to tank production. Grandpa K then set out for Seattle with daughter Jerry. They made it here and Lawrence got a job in the shipyard. He called back home to Fargo and told my Grandma Ida that “all she had to do was sell the house and bring the kids out to Seattle.” Ida always laughed about Lawrence telling her that’s “all she had to do.” But she did, and brought Lowell, Bob, and Shirley out to Seattle.

Sports was the Seattle ticket for Lowell and brother Bob. They were pitcher and catcher for the Queen Anne High School Grizzlies when they weren’t delivering the Queen Anne News to a thousand customers. Lowell was halfback on the football team and played in his old school leather helmet for Coach John Cherberg in the annual Seattle vs. State of Washington football classic. He had great moves. His teammates said he had swivel hips and piano legs. Years later in his mid-60s Lowell could still juke his grandsons out of their socks.

He loved competition and didn’t like to lose at anything, including family games of Skipbo. Some years ago, when he was Bishop of the NW Lutherans, he was chosen to throw out the first pitch in the Kingdome at the Seattle Mariners game vs. Minnesota. It was Lutheran Day at the ballpark and he did not want to be embarrassed. After a week of practice with grandson Dylan he put it right across the plate to catcher Dan Wilson.

He was a good golfer too. Although one time after 12-year-old Dylan went golfing with Grandpa he came home to tell us, “I think Grandpa cheats!”

Brother Bob told me that in high school Lowell was always getting into fights. But he was always getting into fights standing up for somebody else. Once, Bob said Lowell got in trouble for a fight in the showers. Some big bully came into the shower and shoved a little guy out. Lowell then cold-cocked the bully and got sent to the principal’s office for a reprimand.

Lowell earned a college scholarship to Pacific Lutheran College. Their team was called the Gladiators. He lettered in football, basketball, baseball. His junior year he batted .407 and pitched to a 6-1 record. One story we often heard growing up was the time he was quarterbacking and threw the football out of the stadium in a game against College of Puget Sound. He threw a long bomb to a streaking receiver and a wind gust caught the football and carried it right out of the stadium. That made the papers.

He played his Gladiator basketball for Coach Marv Harshman, who later coached the University of Washington Huskies. Many years later after Lowell had become a minister and then the Northwest Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, he officiated at the funeral for Senator Warren Magnuson. During the service Lowell lost his place in the liturgy and caused some temporary chaos in the service. As we were walking out of church after Maggie’s service, Marv Harshman leaned over to me and said, “Lowell never could take signals.”

Lowell and Shirley, confirmation classmates, got married in 1951 right here at Phinney. Lowell was called to become a minister and Shirley agreed to move to Minnesota so Lowell could attend seminary. I suspect Mom had a hand in writing his papers.

He finished seminary and took his first call to Edison Lutheran Church in Skagit Valley. He was their first full-time minister and those farming families loved him. They loved our growing family — 5 kids in 7 years. Their church didn’t have much money but they built us a big parsonage amidst the pea fields and the daffodils.

Sometimes in Skagit Valley Dad would get paid in old roosters. I remember him at Roy Omdal’s farm, using a hatchet on a chopping block. As a kid it was an unforgettable sight to see those roosters running around with no heads. And later seeing mom plucking those birds in the sink.

There was one issue that came up in Lowell’s first church right away. The farmers did not want Lowell wearing his new religious vestments. They opposed “high church.”

Influenced by the 19th century teachings of the radical Norwegian lay preacher Hans Nielsen Hauge, they believed in the Dignity of Labor and Equality. As Haugeaners, they questioned the authority of the state and thought independently from the clergy. They wanted Lowell to understand that we are all equal, preacher and congregation.

But after Lowell told the farmers that his mom and mother-in-law had embroidered the stoles, they relented and told him he could wear the vestments a couple months until Christmas. After they got to know Lowell, they could see that their preacher was not on a high horse. So they accepted him vestments and all, even after Christmas.

Dad’s second call was to Everett, to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Everett was a tough industrial town that produced 2 by 4’s and toilet paper. The pulp mills made the air smell like rotten eggs. It was a labor town and people still remembered the massacre of 1916. The old single men would sit in the balcony of the church, some missing eyeballs and fingers, casualties of the mill. Sometimes the hobos would leave their cardboard camps on the railroad tracks and come up to the church looking for some help. As kids, we remember Lowell taking these rough, beaten-down guys to the corner grocer and buying them a can of beans and a loaf of bread.

Lowell ticked off some of the church elders when he endorsed a Republican for Congress in 1962. The old benefactors of the church came out of the Eugene Debs Socialist Party and did not want their minister on the wrong side of the class war. Over time, they found out that Lowell was not on the wrong side. His values were constant, even as his politics later evolved with Civil Rights and Vietnam.

What were his values? When we’d watch football on TV, I remember Lowell telling me, “you always root for the underdog.” That was his mantra. You always root for the underdog. And that’s what he did in his community service during the late 60’s and 70’s, whether working with Conscientious Objectors or other people at the margins.

He kept his faith understated. He didn’t wear it for show. He wasn’t going to tell people what to do from the pulpit. He didn’t talk God casually. He never talked theology with family, other than daily grace and the Christmas reading. He didn’t take the Lord’s name in vain, meaning he didn’t wear his Christianity on his sleeve.

The Church for him was Community. It was how you lived. It was people of all kinds. He believed you accept people where they’re at, as they are created. He enjoyed people. I was always amazed at how he could remember everyone’s name in the church.

Vietnam in Everett was a bitter time. It was not an easy thing to speak out against the war, for peace, especially in a milltown like Everett, when your own church was split, when families wanted to believe that their sacrifice was not in vain. Years later Dad wept when he watched a local documentary about the anti-war resistance during that time.

Civil Rights. It was 1971 and my brother Dave was graduating from Everett High School. The senior class was scheduled to hold its graduation party at the Elks Club, as was tradition. The Elks at that time did not permit non-whites to be members, although they granted an exception for the Senior Party. Lowell, Shirley with other parents and students decided to challenge this bigoted institution. They organized an alternative Senior Party at the Blake Island Long house. So that year there were two Senior parties as the class and the town split apart over institutional racism. Lowell and others bent that arc of justice a little bit in Everett. There were costs, but it was good trouble, as John Lewis would say.

His third and final church was First Lutheran in West Seattle. As First Lutheran minister and then later as Bishop, Lowell became a public figure in the community. He was in the Rotary Club, and in a coffee-drinking group known as the “West Seattle Senate.” The West Seattle Senate was an informal group of small business guys and locals who’d meet once a week at Vann’s Restaurant and drain endless pots of coffee as they discussed and debated local and world affairs.

Their coffee klatch roundtable became so well known in Seattle that journalists would drop in just to listen and take the community temperature on issues. Usually the topic was something like “When are we going to get a bridge to West Seattle?” or “What’s going on with mortgage rates?”

But in March 2003 when the United States invaded Iraq, the current topic was the war. Discussion was intense in the West Seattle Senate the day after the invasion. Big American flags were being hoisted high on the back of pickup trucks and on neighborhood porches. The guys were talking about the “shock and awe” on TV, the weapons of mass destruction, the dictator we were going to take out, the spectacular show of our bombs over Baghdad on CNN. Lowell sat there drinking his coffee and not saying anything. Finally he was asked, “What do you think, Lowell?” Lowell put his coffee cup down and just said, “You live by the sword, you die by the sword.”

Lowell used his civic prominence as Minister and as Northwest Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church to root for the underdog: as a trustee of the Seattle community college system , as a public advocate for a fairer tax system, as a signer of a Christian apology to Native American religious leaders for suppression of their practice, as a founder of Open Door Ministries for all genders, as a member of Lutheran Peace Fellowship.

In his last few years, it was my wife Hing’s job to call Lowell every day and let him know what channel the Mariners, Huskies, Seahawks were on. We watched those two Seahawk Super Bowls together: the good one and the one where they should have given the ball to Marshawn Lynch at the end. I distinctly remember the final seconds of that second Super Bowl . As the Hawks were poised for the win in the red zone, Wilson threw that interception on the goal line. We were stunned. Silence. Then Mom asked, “What happens now?” Then Lowell said, “Balls! It’s Over!”

Finally, let me tell you my favorite Lowell sermon in West Seattle. Every now and then First Lutheran would have a kids. service. The children would all be in the front row of the sanctuary close to the altar, sometimes with their dogs. This was the Sunday when Lowell gave the children a special sermon, just for them.

He told the kids, “I’m going to tell you a story. My sister’s husband just came out to visit our family. His name is Uncle Steff. Now yesterday we were in downtown Seattle with Uncle Steff standing next to a building. Steff doesn’t have any hair on his head and he wasn’t wearing a hat. And up above us were a bunch of pigeons. Now what do pigeons sometimes do when they’re on the edge of a building sitting above your head?”

“Poop!” the kids yelled. “They Poop! Pigeons poop!”

Lowell goes, “Yep, that’s right, they poop! They pooped on Uncle Steff’s head! Now let me tell you the lesson of that story. Every story has a lesson.The lesson of this story is: It matters where you stand.”

And that’s the Lutheran lesson we can take home from Lowell’s life. It matters where you stand.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 16 notes!

(Blossoms at The Kenney, photographed by Troy Sterk)

Got all your clocks synched up after the overnight “spring forward” time change? From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s (mostly) time-sensitive info for your Sunday:

TRAFFIC ALERT: More work likely at Fauntleroy/Alaska today.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTHS: This year’s Girl Scout Cookie in-person sales continue 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. (Is your troop out selling cookies? Send a pic – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)

WESTIES RUN CLUB: No group run today.

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!) and 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)

READY FREDDY DISASTER PREP PARTY: 11 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), preparedness coach Alice Kuder leads a free and fast party to help you take a step down the road of being ready.

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)

COMMUNITY CLOG-DANCING LESSONS: Second of three Sundays with 1 pm lessons at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).

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)

EVERGREEN ENSEMBLE CONCERT: The choral group presents a concert titled “Requiem,” described as “a stirring program that looks at the ways we confront death and tragedy through our music, and how despite the experiences of pain and despair, we can move forward with resiliency, grace, and hope.” Read more here – and get the code for a 30 percent ticket discount if you buy in advance. The concert is at 3 pm inside Holy Rosary Catholic Church (42nd/Genesee).

LADIES MUSICAL OPERA: Free concert at 3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Librarysee the program here. (2306 42nd SW)

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Local musicians Steve & Kristi Nebel with Thaddeus Spae perform at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) 3-5 pm today.

ASTRA LUMINA: Almost out of time 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 pm and later admission times. Tickets and info here.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday nights feature music with 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!