LIGHT RAIL: More cost-cutting possibilities presented at Sound Transit Board retreat – including ‘deferring’ West Seattle

| Sound Transit | West Seattle news

4:19 PM: Sound Transit Board members spent much of today in an all-day “retreat” meeting in Tacoma (open to the public in person but not streamed). But now that it’s over, the Seattle City Councilmember who’s on the board is sounding the alarm about new proposals for cost-cutting options. We’ve already told you about the increasing likelihood the West Seattle Link Extension plan would be trimmed to two stations – Delridge and The Junction (cutting Avalon). Councilmember Dan Strauss has issued a post-retreat news release sounding the alarm about three possible “approaches” staff presented to the board. His main point of alarm was that none of the three approaches would extend light rail to Ballard (which is in his district). Looking at the retreat slide deck to see what’s suggested for West Seattle in the possible approaches – you’ll see the first one would build to The Junction, as most recently discussed, as part of a plan to “keep (current projects) moving”:

Second would “defer final design and construction” of the West Seattle extension entirely as part of a plan to focus on “regional connectivity”:

And the third would “phase” all light-rail projects, starting with building West Seattle light rail only to Delridge:

Here’s the full slide deck including these “approaches.” You’ll also see a page analyzing the potential approaches’ effects on ridership and travel time, among other things. No votes were taken today; it was just a discussion of possibilities. While Councilmember Strauss’s news release focused on Ballard, another councilmember who’s not on the board – Dionne Foster, the newest citywide rep – issued one with support for keeping West Seattle and Ballard in the plan, and board member King County Executive Girmay Zahilay also sent a statement, including “We must keep projects moving forward – as promised to voters a decade ago. The longer we delay, the more it will cost.” The board’s next meeting is March 26, a week from tomorrow.

5:45 PM: We sought comment from King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, the only West Seattle resident on the ST Board. She has issued this statement:

I stand united with my North King County Sound Transit board colleagues in our commitment to delivering light rail to West Seattle and ultimately to Ballard, and we need the spine completed between Everett and Tacoma. To do so, we cannot work within the confines of limited information or stagnant revenue, nor can we accomplish further cost-savings measures if we don’t move forward with authorizing additional design work for some of our highest impact projects. The scenarios presented by Sound Transit today were not proposals to make cuts — they were intended to serve as the basis for conversation, and more analysis for the Board’s consideration is clearly needed. The cost savings work the Sound Transit team has done on the West Seattle plan shows what’s possible when we demand creative thinking and aggressively pursue cost-saving options: properties avoided, ridership retained, and billions saved. Now is the time to build on this momentum, move forward on shovel-ready West Seattle, and roll up our sleeves to explore all options to deliver light rail to Ballard and the spine so that this generational project delivers on its full potential.

Councilmember Mosqueda is organizing another West Seattle light-rail forum on April 1, as previously reported here; tomorrow (Thursday, March 19) District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s Transportation, Seattle Center, Waterfront Committee has a roundtable about light-rail business displacement, as previously reported here.

BIZNOTE: Mr. B’s Mead Center celebrating 1st anniversary, now a center for much more than their namesake beverage

March 18, 2026 3:49 pm

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| Delridge | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Over the course of its first year, Mr. B’s Mead Center has evolved into another kind of center:

Community.

Dropping in to talk with Mr. B – Brandon Eller – and Mrs. B – Krista Eller, we learned that’s what Year One has brought.

As you might have noticed on our Event Calendar – not to mention theirs – Mr. B’s Mead Center, in what used to be Center Tool Rental at 9444 Delridge Way SW, is a hub of happenings. (That includes their first-anniversary party this Saturday [March 21], 2-8 pm.)

“Lots of art events – it’s a really inclusive space.” Particularly because they don’t charge for use of the space.”They keep their profits; we sell mead,” reasons Brandon. The no-charge policy applies not only to public events but also private parties – from birthdays to memorial services.

Though they didn’t expect this evolution, they’re pleased to facilitate it. “It’s what the community wants,” Brandon says.

They’re also happy to support new artists, and new events, with affordable fees for participants. One example that’s just launching, a Sip and Sculpt session on first Sundays, $15 for participants, whose finished work will be. professionally fired. (Next one, April 5.)

They’re also working with White Center Solidarity, hosting some of their events, like a mending session.

Live music is part of the mix too – “often it’s their first show, or if they’re new to the area.

They’re also supporting new businesses – like in-the-works Duchess Mini-Café (here’s our previous report on that), soon to open on their site – and collaborating with White Center winery Wolfpack Cellars (WSB sponsor).

Speaking of beverages, we wondered how the reception has been for the first mead-focused venue in the area. Customers are embracing it as “something different” that they’re “glad to have nearby,” Brandon reports. (The original Mr. B’s Meadery is still humming along in Fremont, in case you find yourself on that side of the city, though Brandon admits they have been focusing more on this location.)

They say they’ve received the same kind of reception that they’ve been offering to the artists, vendors, and others they’ve opened their doors to – encouragement and support. And they’re hoping to offer more – Krista has applied for grants to support more classes and pay performing artists. For year two, Brandon’s goal is to be able to save money for more repair work that the space needs – “we did a lot of small repairs” to get open and stay open, but now the ex-tool shop needs a little more love.

What’s ahead in the immediate future? They’ve been participating in the Rat City Art and Food Walk – third Thursdays during most of the year, though it’s been on winter hiatus – and plan to host 17 artists for its return in April. But before then, stop by Saturday to wish them happy anniversary (or check Mr. B’s out sooner – tonight, for example, is the weekly Rock Band Gaming night!).

UPDATE: Orcas and gray whale in Elliott Bay (photos added)

March 18, 2026 1:58 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

1:58 PM: Just in from Kersti Muul, a report that southbound orcas in the Seattle ferry lanes are heading into the bay, so likely most visible from north-facing West Seattle. Let us know if you see them!

3:09 PM: A commenter says the orcas were in view near the downtown waterfront. Meantime, Kersti says a gray whale is now reported in the bay too, off West Seattle’s Anchor/Luna Park.

6:25 PM: No photos of the gray whale so far but thanks to the two photographers who’ve sent photos of the orcas – looks like some boats in the bay got great views! First two below are from Steven Rice:

Steven says the male (big dorsal fin) is T46E “Thor.” … Robin Sinner sent this photo:

COUNTDOWN: Two weeks until West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day registration begins

March 18, 2026 1:21 pm

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| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Sale season – garage sale, yard sale, deck sale, sidewalk sale, wherever – is almost here, and so is registration time for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (coordinated by WSB since its fourth year in 2008). This year’s sale day is Saturday, May 9 – always the second Saturday in May – and registration opens on Wednesday, April 1 – so this is your two-week warning! WSCGSD is not one big sale, but instead, hundreds of sales of all sizes (500+ last year), all around the peninsula. Sellers sign up with addresses and sale descriptions (up to 20 words) for a small fee (same fees as always – no price increases ever!); we make a map and listing guide, available in clickable and printable versions, published one week before sale day so shoppers have a chance to make a plan. It’s not just about selling and buying; we hear from people every year who just look to see where the nearest sales are, and walk over to meet more neighbors. Registration will be open for three weeks, but we advise signing up sooner rather than later, since every year we hear from people who procrastinated and missed the window (we have to get working on the list right after closing registration, and can’t make late additions). On April 1, you’ll see an announcement here, with the link, when registration begins!

West Seattle’s 2026 egg-hunt lineup. (Volunteers wanted, too!)

March 18, 2026 11:56 am

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| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(Pre-Easter bunny photographed by Al)

Though they weren’t listed in the first release of the Seattle Parks spring community-center brochure, the city IS presenting egg hunts at local CCs this year. That’s part of what we learned while compiling the West Seattle egg-hunt lineup.

FAUNTLEROY, MARCH 28: As we’ve mentioned a few times already, the Fauntleroy Community Association is again presenting an egg hunt at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), 1 pm Saturday, March 28. (Egg-hiding/preparing volunteers still welcome – email organizer Candace at blueyvette47@gmail.com)

ALSO ON MARCH 28: The West Seattle Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is having a community egg hunt at 1 pm at its campus north of The Junction (4001 44th SW).

SEATTLE PARKS COMMUNITY CENTERS, APRIL 3-4: Parks provided us with this list – Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW) at 6 pm April 3, and Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW), High Point (6920 34th SW), and South Park Community Centers all at 10 am Saturday, April 4.

HIGHLAND PARK, APRIL 4: New egg hunt, which also is welcoming volunteers:

11:30 am | Saturday, April 4th | Highland Park Elementary Playground (1012 SW Trenton)

A neighborhood Easter egg hunt for all ages! Join Bethany West Seattle and families from Highland Park Elementary, try Dubsea Coffee‘s new blend benefiting the White Center Food Bank, and enjoy Tip Top Ice Cream from Highland Park Corner Store. If you’d like to Volunteer for this event as an individual or an organization, here is the form. More information / RSVP can be found here.

FAUNTLEROY, APRIL 5: At about 12:20 pm, after the 11 am Easter service, Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW) will host a hunt for eggs hidden around the church grounds.

Any to add? Email us the info at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

20 event notes on our list for your West Seattle Wednesday

March 18, 2026 9:58 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Recent photo of juvenile Bald Eagles by Rainer Klett, just because we needed a blue-sky view today)<

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s happening today/tonight:

REMINDER – WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks start from 47th/Fontanelle (so if you didn’t see this in the calendar and missed it because of our late list today, here’s your reminder for next week).

TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor).

PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, play at the new location of Missing Piece (4707 California SW).

MOVIE AT THE LIBRARY: 2:30 pm, free all-ages movie “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey,” at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), popcorn and hot cocoa provided.

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: No home games/matches on the Metro League schedule today.

ART WORKSHOP: Drop-in art for kids with Rec ‘N The Streets at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 3-4:30 pm.

DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

GET AN ORCA LIFT PASS: If you’re eligible for free/reduced-fare transit, you can get enrollment help at High Point Library 4-6 pm today. (3411 SW Raymond)

INTERESTED IN HIGHLY CAPABLE PROGRAM AT ALKI ELEMENTARY? Tonight’s the community meeting about the plan for the program to serve West Seattle and South Park students at rebuilt Alki Elementary starting this fall, 5 pm, at Alki’s temporary Schmitz Park home (5000 SW Spokane).

ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Repair your broken item instead of throwing it out! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Want to talk about our city’s growth, present and future, as the City Council gets ready to review round 2 of rezoning? You’re invited to this 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).

KUNDALINI YOGA: Now at 6 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Get moving at midweek – go on the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces!

HUM-IN PROTEST: This gathering will be protesting via sound vibration, 6:30-7 pm Wednesdays at Junction Plaza Park (42nd SW and SW Alaska).

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)

MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

TRIVIA x 5: Five West Seattle trivia venues tonight starting at Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), 7 pm, free to play … 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), free to play, cash prizes … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … And trivia starts at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: The stage is yours at West Seattle’s longest-running open mic! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: Sing at the pub starting at 8:45 pm, after trivia. (2306 California SW)

Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Breakfast with a side helping of memory-sharing! YMCA’s Camp Colman breakfast has something extra this year

March 18, 2026 8:59 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Though it’s more than an hour away, the YMCA‘s historic Camp Colman holds a special spot in many West Seattleites’ hearts. This Saturday (March 21), you’re invited to visit for a special breakfast – and a special way to share your memories. UW graduate student Chelsea Gabzdyl, who notes that “Camp Colman was established in 1912 to give West Seattle kids the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors,” explains what’s happening Saturday:

On March 21st, Camp Colman will be hosting its beloved “Goop Breakfast,” a long‑running camp tradition where families and alumni gather for updates about camp, reuniting with fellow campers, and a delicious meal of french toast with goop! The event offers a fun, very visual opportunity to highlight a quirky local tradition while also showing how regional camp programs continue to support West Seattle families and youth. Anyone coming to this event needs to RSVP so there’s enough french toast!

This event will also be the main event for my thesis project! There will be:

-a video/audio recording studio available to share stories, favorite songs, etc.
-a timeline to add memories to.
-a “wish wall” for hopes/dreams about what camp should be like in the future.
-a peek into the “History Box” full of items from the people who have cared for and about camp since its start in 1912.

This will also include items from a collection of items donated to MOHAI.

Chelsea says this project is truly a labor of love: “I grew up in West Seattle and have been a proud ‘Colman Kid’ since I was six years old.”

Go here to RSVP!

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Last Wednesday of winter

March 18, 2026 6:03 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (Spring starts Friday morning!)

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

Rainy, breezy forecast yet again – high in the mid-50s. Sunrise at 7:15 am; sunset at 7:19 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, winter schedule through April 10.

Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for any changes to the 3-boat schedule. Schedule changes starting Sunday – Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth gets 3 boats on weekends too.

Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):

1st Avenue South Bridge (fully open but 25 mph speed limit):

Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.

See trouble 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: Highway 99 tunnel reopens after emergency closure

March 18, 2026 12:05 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| Highway 99 tunnel | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(‘Live’ image from camera inside south end of NB 99 tunnel)

12:05 AM: Received from WSDOT:

Both directions of the State Route 99 tunnel in downtown Seattle are closed … for emergency maintenance.

There is no estimate when the tunnel will reopen.

WSDOT’s short notice did not hint at the reason for the maintenance, although it arrived in an email whose subject line mentioned “testing.”

2:05 AM: WSDOT just announced the tunnel has reopened. We’ll follow up this morning to see what the “emergency” was.

9:53 AM: A WSDOT spokesperson replied, “We needed to close the SR 99 tunnel last night for unplanned emergency maintenance on life safety systems. When we do this type of maintenance, our standard operating procedure is to close the tunnel.” We’re asking for specifics on followup – particularly, which “life-safety system” broke?

11:00 AM: Nothing “broke,” clarifies WSDOT’s RB McKeon, with whom we subsequently spoke by phone. During maintenance work that crews were doing on the tunnel’s operating system last night, “there can be a loss of communication with our Transportation Management Center,” and to ensure that wouldn’t happen with traffic in the tunnel, they closed it until the work was done.

Rotary Club of West Seattle gets environment briefing from regional leader

March 17, 2026 11:56 pm

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| Environment | Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

“There are folks who are climate deniers, and there are folks who are climate alarmists. The alarmists think that we’re going to be ending humanity in the next 25 years, which is not going to happen. We’re going to adapt.”

This was an assertion made by this week’s Rotary Club of West Seattle speaker, Dave Spicer. Spicer, a Rotarian for 40 years, is currently serving as chair of Rotary District 5030’s Environmental Sustainability Committee; he has done extensive work through Rotary on 57 water projects and humanitarian aid trips. (Here’s more on his background.)

His presentation covered all things environment – situating the audience in our current situation, both locally and globally, and delving into widespread environmental issues before beginning to discuss potential mitigation strategies, and wins.

Spicer outlined the fundamental reason that climate change is happening: the release of fossil fuels into the atmosphere. He explained that methane gas and carbon dioxide are working together to contain heat within our atmosphere, after which he explained the physical effects.

In our state, he noted, Washingtonians are experiencing flooding and water scarcity simultaneously, in different regions. A drought has plagued Eastern Washington for 4 years, while some Western Washington residents experienced extensive flooding in December, damaging 4,000 homes, leading to the evacuation of 100,000 people.

On a global scale, a lot of the damage outlined by Spicer concerned oceans, especially damage to coral reefs, which provide a habitat for 25% of the marine population. He called the potential for the coral reefs to continue on this trajectory as “quite cataclysmic”. The Ph is also lowering in the ocean due to warming, and concern lies in how this temperature rise will affect the frequency of hurricanes and marine life in general.

He then moved to outline how this environmental deterioration has had, and will continue to have, an impact on man-made societal structures. Insurance and deductibles for businesses are going up because of the increased risk for destruction of property due to extreme weather events – weather events that result in at least $1 billion in property damage. The damage from the floods in December was estimated at more than $182 million, for which Governor Ferguson submitted a request for federal help.

Climate change has also had an impact on human health issues, Spicer said, including potential risks for people with respiratory issues and higher risks for skin cancer in extreme heat. He also referred to the term “Climate Trauma,” saying it has emerged in mental-health spheres as a diagnosis.

As it may read now, Spicer acknowledged the anxiety-inducing nature of our current climate crisis. “I don’t mean to be overwhelmingly sobering… but I do want you to have a sense of the trajectory,” he said. “There are a lot of positive trends. Renewable energy is in many countries, including our own area and other parts of the country; [these energy sources] are really on the increase, primarily air and solar.” He emphasized the importance of nuclear power, noting that currently 10 percent of Washington State’s power is nuclear.

In the legal realm, Spicer brought up the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which incentivizes industries to move forward on the use of solar and wind power, and encourages the transition to domestic energy sources. Additionally, a 2024 Montana Supreme Court ruling upheld a landmark climate ruling concerning state residents’ constitutional right to a clean environment.

On an individual level, Spicer gave advice on several actions people can take to reduce their own environmental harm. These include taking a carbon-footprint test, educating yourself about climate change, and smaller individual actions such as turning temperatures down at night, taking shorter showers, using electric vehicles or public transit, among other suggestions.

“It’s not going to go away, It is going to get worse, but we can mitigate it. Spicer said. And there’s potential for all of it to play a role for our children and our grandchildren, because 50 or 100 years from now, if you don’t do enough, you will have let them down. That’s the reality.”

After those closing thoughts, Spicer answered three questions, all that organizers said time would allow.

The first question was about concern over the current administration’s disengagement with national and international climate matters. “What will be the impact of our dismissive attitude over four years?”

Spicer began by noting that the United States is home to some of the “best creative entrepreneurial energies, some of the most incredible scientists, and some of the finest people in this field.” He added that these people are now being limited in their involvement to be part of the solution. “Those regions like ours that are richest have to figure out a way to support those that are most impacted.” Spicer emphasized that since our country helped to create this problem, we have a responsibility to come to the aid of those most affected by it.

The second question acted more as a statement, expressing concern over the direct impact of fossil fuels on nations and wars. The Rotarian said, ‘We’re going to have more of that if we don’t wean ourselves off oil,” to which Spicer agreed.
“We can’t extricate gas overnight,” he said. He talked about the necessity to develop a plan for the next 20-30 years to transition to solar, wind, water, and nuclear power. “It just absolutely has to happen, frankly.”

The last question pertained to Rotary members specifically – whether a Rotary program exists to educate populations about the impacts of climate change who don’t necessarily acknowledge it. Drawing from his extensive experience as a Rotary member working around the world, Spicer observed that the last 10 years have been “mind-shaking” for most people. He explained that most Rotarians understand the extent of the crisis, specifically mentioning branches in Asia and Africa who diligently take care of their ecosystems.

SIDE NOTES: One Rotary member recommended the book “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler to learn more about what a country in a water crisis looks like. Another mentioned extensive New York Times coverage on the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica and the effects of its dwindling.

The Rotary Club of West Seattle meets most Tuesdays at noon. Here’s what to do if you’re a non-member interested in attending.

GRATITUDE: On a final note, ‘The Art of Music’ coordinator says thanks

March 17, 2026 8:59 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Terra Nova Duo during The Art of Music at Alki Arts, October 2024 WSB video)

Covering the West Seattle Art Walk almost every month for more than 15 years, we appreciated the second Thursdays in recent years that were also graced by The Art of Music, mini-concerts coordinated by John Redenbaugh. This week he announced that the series won’t return this year after all, and sent this message of gratitude to the community, especially the musicians and others with whom he collaborated:

The Art of Music Bids a Farewell

After a meaningful and memorable run, the time has come to announce that The Art of Music has come to a close; the final Art of Music performances were presented in December 2025.

If you’d like to take a look at who performed for The Art of Music over the years you can go to:
wsartwalk.org/category/art-of-music and scroll back through the pages to find descriptions and some listening links.

Background

Thanks to the support of then-West Seattle Junction Association (WSJA) Executive Director Lora Radford, the Art of Music performances were inaugurated during 2019, presented on behalf of the WSJA and scheduled to concurrently complement second Thursday Art Walk evenings.

From 2019 through 2025 (with a pause during 2020), The Art of Music brought live performances to West Seattle’s Second Thursday Art Walk evenings, adding another creative dimension to those community gatherings while showcasing the talents of many outstanding musicians.

What began in the Alaska Junction grew to include performances throughout the greater Morgan Junction and Admiral District neighborhoods, creating a broader stage for musicians and a richer experience for the community.

(In addition, The Art of Music had co-presented annually, with local musician Sue Quigley, the Muse Fest: The Power of Women’s Voices music festival from 2022 through 2025.)

Thank You to All Who Made The Art of Music Possible

Over the years, financial support for The Art of Music and Muse Fest: The Power of Women’s Voices came from a variety of generous contributors, including the West Seattle Junction Association, the Admiral Neighborhood Association, the Morgan Community Association, Darby Winery, Beth G Homes, Canna West Seattle, and Tim’s Tavern.

Thank you to the West Seattle Junction Association, the West Seattle Blog, and Westside Seattle for publicity/promotion provided over the years; and special appreciation goes to David Redenbaugh for his invaluable design of all Art of Music fliers, to Helen Halpern for her time and expertise in consistently posting information about Muse Fest and The Art of Music, and to David Wall (Urban Analog) for his design of the 2024 and 2025 Muse Fest fliers.

Thank-yous are also due WSJA Executive Director Chris Mackay and WSJA Marketing and Events Director Stacie Woods for their roles in supporting The Art of Music (and Muse Fest) performances.

In summary, my sincere thanks go to all past performers, venues, individuals, supporting sponsors, publishers and organizations whose contributions, participation, and support made The Art of Music possible.

With Gratitude and Best Wishes,
John Redenbaugh,
Project Coordinator, The Art of Music (2019-2025)

WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Corned beef and greenery at two West Seattle venues on St. Patrick’s Day night

March 17, 2026 6:38 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS culture/arts

That’s Meaghan Haas, proprietor of Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), rechristened Highland Park Pub for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities that continue until 8 pm.

There’s Irish music in the background, and special menu items:

You’ll also find special menu items tonight at Circa (2605 California SW; WSB sponsor):

As shown in our daily highlights list this morning, special decor too:

Circa is open tonight until 10. (The regular menu’s available too.)

CONGRATULATIONS! Chief Sealth IHS Mock Trial wins districts, headed to state. Two ways to cheer them on

March 17, 2026 5:25 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Friday and Saturday, Chief Sealth International High School students who won the district competition in Mock Trial will make their case at state. Teacher and team adviser Rebecca Neil sent the report and photos, and word of two ways you can cheer them on:

(Chief Sealth’s 1st-place team)

Students from Chief Sealth International High School are headed to the Washington State Mock Trial Tournament after an outstanding showing at this year’s district competition in Kennewick.

(Chief Sealth’s 2nd-place team)

Chief Sealth’s Mock Trial program placed 1st and 2nd at districts, with the first-place team advancing to the state tournament. Having two teams finish at the top of the competition is a significant accomplishment and reflects months of preparation, collaboration, and student leadership.

Mock Trial is a rigorous academic program in which students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses, developing skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and legal reasoning through simulated courtroom trials. Students prepare extensively outside of school, practicing examinations, refining arguments, and competing in a highly structured courtroom setting.

The team will compete at the Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma on Friday–Saturday, March 20–21, and community members are welcome to attend:

Pierce County Superior Court
930 Tacoma Ave South, Tacoma

Competition Schedule (Chief Sealth – Team B):

Friday, March 20 – 6:30 PM
Saturday, March 21 – 9:00 AM
Saturday, March 21 – 12:30 PM
Saturday, March 21 – 4:00 PM

Students have also been fundraising to support travel, lodging, and registration for the tournament and have already raised more than $4,000. They are currently working to close the remaining gap to fully fund the trip.

Community members who would like to support the team can do so here:
http://tinyurl.com/csmtdonate

We are incredibly proud of these students and the way they are representing Chief Sealth and the West Seattle community.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car prowler pepper-sprays victim

March 17, 2026 3:52 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Reader report from a Fauntlee Hills resident:

Given it was dark and the person was likely watching my husband, we wanted to alert our neighbors to be extra vigilant when going out to their cars in the early morning or late at night. At approximately 5:15 AM this morning my husband was loading the car up with his backpack and made another trip into the house to grab another load. When he came back to the car, someone was in the front seat of the car trying to steal the backpack and anything else they could find in the console. My husband began slamming the car door on the prowler and then pulled him out of the vehicle and pushed him to the ground and began to hit the car prowler repeatedly. The prowler proceeded to pepper spray him before getting away and running down the alley. Given the timing of prowling the car immediately after it was loaded, the prowler was likely watching/observing and waiting for their opportunity. Suspect is a Black man, 20s, 5’10”, average build, wearing heavy bulky dark clothing.

We’ll add the police report # when available.

WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: These 3 want you to know enrollment is still open for next year

March 17, 2026 1:30 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Three West Seattle schools asked us to let you know that enrollment remains open for next school year:

LOUISA BOREN STEM K-8: This Seattle Public Schools PreK-8 at 5950 Delridge reminds families:

Louisa Boren STEM PK8 still has a few spots left for the `26-27 school year!

*SPS will be accepting late School Choice applications through March 31st, 2026*

We are a SPS PreK-8 Option School in West Seattle that uses Project-Based Learning with a STEM focus. If you’re looking for a smaller environment, hands on learning, strong community and a unique curriculum our school may be a great option for your family!

Please reach out to tours@stemk8pta.org to schedule a time to come check us out, or with any questions!

Learn more about our school: stemk8pta.org

(WSB file photo)

PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN AT WEST SEATTLE ELEMENTARY: WS Elementary, also part of Seattle Public Schools, wants you to know that enrollment is open for Pre-K and kindergarten – this flyer has more info. The school is at 6760 34th SW.

A CHILD BECOMES … PRESCHOOL: The nonprofit, secular preschool is in a new home at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) and has an enrollment announcement for next school year:

Is your little one ready for a year full of discovery? A Child Becomes Preschool has a few remaining spots for our Fall 2026 classes! We provide a warm, creative environment where play is the priority and every child feels at home.

Ages: 2.5 – 5 years
Highlights: Sensory play, outdoor exploration, and music
Curriculum: A balanced curriculum that supports the whole child: socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically using hands-on experiences and intentional teaching

Secure your spot for September! Visit achildbecomes.org or call 206-932-4642 to schedule a tour. We can’t wait to show you around our new home in Alki!

West Seattle transportation-safety advocate to lead bike-lane ride Saturday

March 17, 2026 11:50 am

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| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

The timing is coincidental but given this morning’s 20-years-later observance of bicyclist Marvin Miller‘s death, we wanted to mention a safety-spotlighting ride this Saturday (March 21), in case you hadn’t already seen it in our Event Calendar. West Seattle transportation-safety advocate Stu Hennessey has organized a ride “to get out and enjoy our growing bike-lane infrastructure.” The 24-mile route starts on the bike path behind the Chelan Café (3527 Chelan Avenue SW) – meet at 10:45 am – and heads along a route including Georgetown and downtown – the interactive route map is here.

UPDATE: Crash near southwest end of westbound West Seattle Bridge

March 17, 2026 10:14 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:14 AM: Police are responding to what was dispatched as a one-car spinout, reported in the area where we’ve been tracking spinouts before, near the Walking on Logs pullout toward the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge. No serious injury or major traffic effects reported; the dispatcher has mentioned twice that the driver thinks she spun out on “an oil slick” in that area.

11:22 AM: Both westbound lanes will be temporarily closed at the scene while a tow truck removes the vehicle.

11:31 AM: The lanes have reopened.

The North Admiral green stripe, St. Patrick’s Day festivities ahead, and what else is up for your West Seattle Tuesday

March 17, 2026 9:54 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Mike Burns for the photo of the refreshed green stripe on 41st Avenue SW north of Admiral Way, an annual St. Patrick’s Day mystery – attributed to unidentified leprechauns – and tradition! Meantime, we’ve been covering St. Patrick’s Day events since Friday, and today’s highlight list starts with what we have for today/tonight (if we’re missing anything, westseattleblog@gmail.com, thank you!):

CIRCA CELEBRATION: From breakfast through dinner, find special menu items and a festive atmosphere at Circa (2605 California SW; WSB sponsor); see the added dinner menu in our calendar listing. Irish music and decorations too.

(Added: WSB photo)

Open until 10 pm.

IRISH DANCE PERFORMANCE: Dancers from West Seattle’s Comerford School of Irish Dance will be at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon) at 1 pm.

HIGHLAND PARK PUB: Every year on St. Patrick’s Day, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) is transformed. Be there 5-8 pm for this year’s festivities: “Join us for corned beef sandwiches and loaded baked potatoes, green beer and mint ice cream, plus Irish tunes.”

Now, our other event notes/reminders/listings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE PLAYSPACE AT CHURCH OF NAZARENE: Rather play indoors on this gray day? Open until noon for little ones and their caregivers. (42nd SW and SW Juneau)

KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: This weekly event at at Bridge School Cooperative Elementary is also happening today, 10 am-noon. (10300 28th SW)

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon Tuesdays, lunch meetings at West Seattle Golf Course, today with District 5030’s environmental chair Dave Spicer . (4470 35th SW)

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

OTHER EVENTS AT THE CENTER: Dozens every week! Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.

CITY COUNCIL: At 2 pm, the council holds its main weekly meeting. Today’s agenda explains how to comment and/or watch.

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Two West Seattle HS games at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), softball at 4 pm vs. Roosevelt, baseball at 7:30 pm vs. Kennedy Catholic.

RESTAURANT POP-UP: Update – canceled this week.

DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 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.

INTERFAITH PRAYER VIGIL: Continuing weekly, 5:30-6:30 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza. (61st SW and

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: Monthly evening gathering, 6 pm, rotating locations – our listing has the email address you can use to find out where! (Update: Whisky West – 6451 California SW – per comment below)

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

OPEN CHOIR REHEARSALS: 6:30 pm Tuesdays at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), come sing with the Boeing Employees Choir, even if you don’t work for Boeing – email in advance to RSVP.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), details in our calendar listing.

WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group meditation at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.

BINGO: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 5: Five places where you can play trivia on Tuesdays – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm 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 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW) … Trivia at Christos on Alki (2508 Alki SW), 7:15 pm.

If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!