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Did you feel it? Small earthquake shakes Vashon and vicinity
March 18, 2025 12:37 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Earthquake | West Seattle news

We didn’t feel it, but after belatedly seeing an alert about a 3.3 quake centered under south Vashon Island at 11:10 pm, we heard from someone on Alki who did. (And if you did, you can tell the U.S. Geological Survey about it here.) Here’s the quake’s infopage; note that the basics about the quake might change by the time you see this – the magnitude was upgraded from 3.2 to 3.3 just while we were writing, and the depth was revised from 13 to 15 miles. This map showing quake history in the area suggests Vashon Island has been quake-free for quite some years, till this.

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FOLLOWUP: Beach Naturalist program’s future still a mystery, but clues are surfacing
March 17, 2025 11:56 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(File photo, Lincoln Park)

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

With only about 2 months before the traditional start of the Beach Naturalist program at Lincoln Park, Constellation Park, and other beaches around the region, the Seattle Aquarium tells WSB there are “no new updates” about their plans to revise the popular low-tide program. But clues are starting to surface.

As we reported last month, the program is on “pause” and being reconfigured, following layoffs due to the Seattle Aquarium’s reported budget shortfall. The Aquarium says the program, which has included full-time and part-time seasonal staff overseeing hundreds of volunteers, will “look different” but has been slow to share details. While Aquarium staff works to “reimagine” the popular program, some of the seasonal staff who were laid off are talking about organizing their own program.

The Aquarium has organized and trained Beach Naturalists for more than 20 years, assigning staff and volunteers to beaches from Dash Point to Shoreline, both during daytime and occasional evening mega-low tides. It has attracted a dedicated group of volunteers, many of whom are on the same beaches year after year, and who are passionate about the way the program makes the Aquarium’s educational outreach available to anyone who can go to the beach, even if tickets to the Aquarium itself may be out of reach financially. The Aquarium has also paused its Cedar River Salmon Journey program, which relies on volunteers at the Ballard Locks and other locations to teach about the migration and life cycle of salmon. The pause in the two programs has left all of those volunteers largely in limbo for the last few months.

Now a “listening session” is planned by the Aquarium for volunteers of both programs next week. An email to volunteers sent a week ago indicated the program is intended to become a collaboration between the Aquarium and several other marine-focused educational groups. A followup email sent last evening makes mention of the potential for a much scaled-back program, with just a handful of low-tide events a year. That email also stated that the volunteer trainings that are usually scheduled in March will not happen at all this year. The Aquarium did not answer questions about the specifics when asked.

Some of the staff laid off in January feel they can’t wait indefinitely to hear about plans that they think are unlikely to include them. “None of us expect to be rehired,” says Bill Rogers, one of the 20 part-time seasonal staff known as “beach captains” who managed volunteers in the field. Knowing that the beach captains were laid off signals what Rogers expects will be a big change to the program, so he and others are now organizing to bring together those who are interested in making sure there are as many naturalists at beaches on as many days as possible during the very low tides. It would also provide an opportunity for volunteers and former staff who feel blindsided by the way the changes to the program are being handled and are upset enough they wouldn’t go back if invited. Rogers noted, “It hurt a lot of people personally.”

Exactly what shape a new naturalist program might take is uncertain. A formal work meeting in early April with interested volunteers may help focus both structure and mission. “Will it be a group or a club? We have to work that out,” says Rogers, who was looking forward to his 13th season as beach captain and 15th in the program, “The plan is to still be involved.”

As for the Seattle Aquarium, it’s also dealing with the impending arrival of a new CEO and the first operational year of its Ocean Pavilion, part of a $160 million project.

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BIZNOTE: New plan for the former-and-future Shack
March 17, 2025 8:29 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Luna Park | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

When we reported last month on the closure of The Spot, the property owners told us, “Another small business is already slated to open (in that space at 2920 SW Avalon Way) in the coming months.” Tonight we know what that business will be. In harmony with a historic sign atop the little building, the business there before The Spot was called The Shack – and that’s its future name too. This time, it’ll be operated by veteran restaurateur Heong Soon Park, who bought Luna Park Café next door last fall. His plan for The Shack? Park says, “We are planning to open a coffee and matcha cafe and still call it The Shack to continue the legacy of the building. We do not have the timeline yet, but we are hoping to open the door by June.” They’ll keep operating Luna Park, too, and are planning on a Luna Park Festival this summer – more to come on that.

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WEST SEATTLE ART: New ‘Fun in the Sun’ mural along Admiral Way
March 17, 2025 6:07 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photo courtesy Brenda Walden, who is at right above with artist Jamie Allaire and city rep Nathan, who installed the plaque)

By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

A plaque put up this morning at the stairway on Admiral Way at 49th SW was the finishing touch for a weeks-long community mural project.

The stairway had only been complete for a few months before it was hit with graffiti vandalism, recalled area resident Brenda Walden. In response, Walden reached out to the City of Seattle with the idea to fight the vandalism with art. “Not only did I want to do something that celebrated the Alki community, I wanted it to be a welcome sign for folks who are coming into Alki,” which is just downhill from the mural site.

(WSB photo)

The mural, titled “Fun in the Sun at Alki,” blends more than a dozen colors in a portrait of Alki Beach with the mountains behind it and, of course, orcas. The design, created by local artist Jamie Allaire, was voted on by the community. The project was supported by the City of Seattle and A Cleaner Alki, the renowned volunteer group that aims to create a “cleaner, safer, more welcoming community in which to live.”

More than 30 volunteers showed up to help paint, some as young as four years old. “It was awesome to see such an incredible and positive response to the mural,” said Walden.

Allaire, a former teacher and set designer, said she drew on her experience to help direct the project and keep every volunteer engaged. “It was important to us that people of all skill levels and ages could contribute,” Allaire said. The mural was first sketched out in chalk, with sections labeled by numbers, corresponding to a color. Then, volunteers could fill in the blanks using the listed color, almost like a coloring book.

In the future, Walden and Allaire hope to paint the stairs themselves, allowing the mural to stretch all the way up the hill. According to Walden, they’re “just waiting for a dry day to do it.”

To prevent graffiti vandalism from damaging the mural, it has been given a special anti-graffiti coating, which allows paint to be safely cleaned off without harming the mural underneath. Walden and Allaire hope this will ensure the mural stays up for as long as possible, serving as both community artwork, and a visual welcome to people headed for the Alki area.

For more information about Jamie Allaire’s artwork, you can find her website here.

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ST. PATRICK’S DAY SCENE: Fancy footwork in West Seattle, courtesy of Comerford School of Irish Dance
March 17, 2025 4:39 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

You can imagine that St. Patrick’s Day is busy for dancers from West Seattle-based Comerford School of Irish Dance. More than a dozen of the school’s students spent much of the day performing, including this stop this afternoon at the Center for Active Living in The Junction, where a standing-room-only crowd filled the upstairs hall:

The Comerford School’s Mike Nagan told the audience a bit about the school, which holds classes Tuesdays and Thursdays at the West Seattle VFW Hall in The Triangle (3601 SW Alaska).

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Two West Seattle routes lose trips, one gains trips for Metro’s next service change March 29
March 17, 2025 2:59 pm
|      45 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Metro has just announced the changes coming with its next semi-annual “service change” on March 29. For West Seattle, Route 56 and RapidRide C Line lose trips, while RapidRide H Line gains trips. Here are the route-by-route links and explanations:

Route 56 (map/schedule here)
This route will see a reduction in trips that are currently funded by the Seattle Transit Measure. This route will have 1 fewer trip each weekday during the morning commute hours. These service hours will be re-invested in other routes to better meet the City’s policy goals and equity commitments.

RapidRide C Line (map/schedule here)
This route will have fewer trips during afternoon commute hours. This includes a reduction in trips that were funded by the voter-approved Seattle Transit Measure. Buses will still come about every 10 minutes or more frequently on this route. This change is to support Seattle’s equity goals, better align with transit need and demand, and be consistent with Metro’s RapidRide policies.

RapidRide H Line (map/schedule here)
5 trips will be added on weekdays and 3 trips will be added on Saturday and Sunday. These additional trips are funded by the voter-approved Seattle Transit Measure.

The full systemwide list of changes is here.

P.S. There’s no mention again this service change of some unresolved West Seattle issues – two suspended routes (37 and 55) and proposed stop changes for Route 125. We are checking with Metro.

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ST. PATRICK’S DAY SCENE: West Seattle’s green stripe refreshed
March 17, 2025 1:44 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day in West Seattle if we didn’t get a chance to visit 41st Avenue SW north of Admiral Way to check whether the mysterious green stripe has been refreshed. Yes, it has, and our photo above shows the proof. Who does this? Still a mystery … but a commenter in the ’00s said it dates back to the ’70s! (The Seattle Irish Week celebration downtown includes a green street stripe too, but that’s done a bit more ceremoniously.)

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Seattle Public Schools looking for a new superintendent, again
March 17, 2025 11:37 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Seattle Public Schools will be launching another superintendent search. Dr. Brent Jones announced this morning that he is leaving in early September. His announcement says highlights of his tenure include that “recent research has found that we have achieved accelerated academic recovery from pandemic declines at a significantly faster rate than Washington state as a whole or compared to similar districts in the state”; not mentioned, a key lowlight – last year’s scrapped school-closure plan.

Dr. Jones has been running the district for almost four years, since starting work as interim superintendent in 2021. At the time, he was only expected to fill that role for 14 months, but he became “permanent” superintendent instead. His announcement today says that “Further details on the superintendent search process will be announced in the coming weeks.” The announcement follows the Seattle Schools Community Forum website reporting Sunday that Dr. Jones might be leaving as his wife had accepted an out-of-state job.

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Irish food, dance, and music for St. Patrick’s Day, and other West Seattle Monday highlights
March 17, 2025 10:00 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Schmitz Park, photo by Christopher Boffoli)

On the day where everybody can be honorarily Irish, St. Patrick’s Day, here are three West Seattle celebrations:

IRISH DANCE: All are welcome to watch dancers from the Comerford School of Irish Dance perform at the Center for Active Living, 1:15 pm. (4217 SW Oregon)

IRISH FOOD AND DRINK: Here’s what’s up at Circa (2605 California SW; WSB sponsor):

Tonight we will have a special menu in addition to our regular menu with dishes including corned beef, shepherd’s pie, Irish soda bread, and Guinness brownies. Drink specials, lots of decorations, & plenty of The Pogues will be playing. One of our biggest nights of the year!

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

Also on the list today, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

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.

TELEPHONE TOWN HALL: 6 pm, “telephone town hall” with 34th District state legislators (participating from Olympia), as previewed here. If you don’t get the call with the option to participate, you can call 855-756-7520 and enter 120781# when prompted for the extension number.

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: Not meeting tonight.

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

COMEDY NIGHT! The monthly show at Otter on the Rocks, produced by West Seattle-based Cozy Comedy, features Davey Wester. 7 pm, check here for tickets ASAP. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

(added) BANKS, LIVE AT EASY STREET: Received this afternoon from Easy Street Records (4559 California SW):

“We are excited to announce that BANKS will be at Easy Street Records for an in-store performance and signing on March 17th at 7:00 PM! ALL AGES, FREE show. MUST order/purchase a copy of BANKS new album ‘Off With Her Head’ (on LP) from our website to guarantee admission to this exclusive event! PLEASE select IN-STORE PICK UP ONLY at checkout, your order will be ready the day of the event.

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Three Monday night sessions! … 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 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 sends info for our calendar – if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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BIZNOTE: Another new Westwood Village tenant
March 17, 2025 9:06 am
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

As we’ve noted many times before, Westwood Village generally only “announces” new tenants by putting them on its frequently updated map. A reader spotted another one that’s appeared – a UPS Store is shown as taking the vacant space on the north side of the breezeway, next to John L. Scott Westwood (WSB sponsor). West Seattle’s previous UPS Store was in Jefferson Square, where the space re-branded after losing its UPS Store affiliation in 2023. We’re checking with the company to see if there’s a timeline for opening the WWV space, which previously held a paint-and-sip studio.

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Winter’s final Monday
March 17, 2025 6:01 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, March 17, 2025; spring officially arrives at 2:01 am Thursday.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast – more rain expected, high near 50. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:17 am and 7:18 pm.

ROAD WORK

-In White Center, the 16th SW closure at 104th continues, with detours.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi – Regular 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!

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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.

Read More

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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
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   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
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   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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