West Seattle, Washington
10 Tuesday
As previewed here last night, Mayor Katie Wilson has gone public with her proposal for the Seattle Public Library levy’s renewal/expansion, which she wants to send to voters on the August primary ballot. At $410 million over seven years, it’s almost double the $219 million levy that’s expired, which in turn had almost doubled the $123 million levy it followed. From the announcement today:
… The proposed 2026 replacement levy would further critical funding for The Seattle Public Library over seven years, from 2027 through 2033. It would replace the expiring $219.1 million 2019 Library Levy, which currently accounts for one-third of the Library’s total budget.
“Seattle is a city of readers. From toddlers discovering their first stories to seniors finding connection and lifelong learning, our libraries belong to everyone,” said Mayor Katie B. Wilson. “Investing in our libraries means investing in every community member, and in the shared public spaces that help our city learn, grow, imagine, and thrive together.”
If voters approve the 2026 Library Levy, it will invest in access, programming, collections, building maintenance, and technology and online services across Seattle’s library system. Key investments include:
-Open hours at all 27 neighborhood branches
-More physical, e-book and audiobooks for readers of every age
-Expanded technology and online services to support learning, job access, and connection
-Building maintenance and capital improvements to care for library spaces citywide
-Additional facility and janitorial resources to keep our libraries safer, cleaner and more welcoming for everyone“We thank Mayor Wilson for putting forward a levy proposal that reflects community needs and interests and invests in Library open hours, collections, programs, buildings, and technology,” said Chief Librarian Tom Fay. “We look forward to working in partnership with Mayor Wilson and City councilmembers through a public process that will ensure this package is something all Seattle residents can be proud to support in August.”
The proposed 2026 Library Levy proposal will be reviewed by a select committee of the Seattle City Council, which will be chaired by Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) … If the updated package is approved by Council, it will go to a final vote of the people on the August 4, 2026 ballot. Learn more about the proposal at spl.org/2026Levy
The proposal is under the title “Read. Grow. Belong.” Our area has four SPL branches – south to north, they are Southwest (9010 35th SW), High Point (3411 SW Raymond), Delridge (5423 Delridge Way SW), and West Seattle (2306 42nd SW).
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Whether you agree with their view of upcoming city upzoning or not, residents of one West Seattle neighborhood have advice for you: Find out what’s planned for where you live – don’t assume someone would have contacted you directly to let you know about changes.
The next round of upzoning involves what’s called the Centers and Corridors legislation, which the City Council will consider when it resumes meeting as the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan – next meeting 2 pm Thursday, March 19, with its first of two standalone public hearings set for 9:30 am April 6. The focuses include the areas that will become housing/business hubs known as Neighborhood Centers and areas that are considered “transit corridors”; the city says the legislation is meant to:
… implement the vision in the One Seattle Plan by increasing our capacity to build apartments and condos more widely in areas with access to transit, shops, and services. This legislation would rezone land in newly designated Neighborhood Centers, in new and expanded Urban Centers, and along frequent transit corridors.
That’s the map included in a city report on the proposals, which we wrote about after the city released them in January. That story led residents of 39th SW north of Morgan in upper Morgan Junction [map] to look into what was planned for their street – using the city’s interactive map.
They discovered, Scott Roberts told us, a dramatic contrast between their side of 39th remaining Neighborhood Residential, and what the other side of their street would be zoned for, Lowrise 2. He provided these before and (potentially) after views to demonstrate what he called an “abrupt zoning edge”:
We talked with him and neighbors along their street recently, after one of those neighbors contacted WSB. Their blocks of 39th have many long-time residents; Roberts and his wife have been there 26 years; another neighbor who joined the conversation has been there 29 years; yet another has lived there more than 80 years. (Some newcomers too; yet another told us they’ve lived there three years.) The neighbors have dinners and take trips together and consider each other family. “We’ve put our hearts and souls into this neighborhood,” Roberts says, expecting to live in their 1912-built home for the rest of their lives.
They also expected it would remain a quiet, not-so-dense neighborhood. And they think the proposed zoning change on the west side of the street is based on a mistaken view of how the area fits into the future vision.
They say their street, a long stretch of 39th SW between Holly and Juneau, doesn’t qualify as a “corridor”; it’s just east of Fauntleroy, but buses don’t run there. The closest bus route is the 128 on the SW Morgan hill at the south end of their street. Roberts has done copious research; he and neighbors commented when the proposal was reviewed by the city Planning Commission last month. He’s contacted multiple city offices; so far, he’s heard back from Brennon Staley with the Office of Planning and Community Development, plus an offer to chat with District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka during his in-district “office hours.”
In correspondence with Staley, Roberts noted it’s not just about height but also about other factors including a 50 percent reduction in required setback in Lowrise 2 – five feet, compared to ten feet for NR – compared to Neighborhood Residential, plus what he describes as “predatory developer pressure,” with property owners already being besieged by builders wanting to buy their homes, even before the rezoning is approved.
Staley’s replies included that the zoning difference was “fairly minor,” with four-story “stacked flats” actually allowable in both zones, plus the observation that the street is 60 feet wide, which he suggested provides “significant separation.”
If the zoning difference is “fairly minor,” Roberts countered to Staley via email, then why rezone at all?” What was “single-family” has already been upzoned, on this block and throughout the city, to at least four units on most if not all parcels, and some neighbors already have added “backyard cottages” (detached accessory dwelling units aka DADUs). Jeff, the 29-year resident, says he’s always been “excited about growth” and even recalled voting for the monorail expansion that once was planned to end at a station half a mile away.
Roberts and his neighbors also say they’re aghast that this change was proposed for their neighborhood – and other changes in other neighborhoods – without direct notification. They’ve been making flyers to circulate. And they’re hoping to convince city leaders to change the plan for their block, as they did with boundaries for some Neighborhood Centers, such as Endolyne before the proposed Centers and Corridors legislation came out.
The ultimate decision is up to the City Council, which starts the review next week and is expected to finalize the Centers and Corridors legislation in July. If you have anything to say about the plan, Roberts and his neighbors note, “Time is of the essence.”
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Basic info on the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan, and its baseline meeting schedule, can be found here. When individual meeting agendas are set – usually a few days in advice – you’ll find them here. Don’t know how to contact councilmembers? Go here.
(Sunrise photo by Mike Burns)
Here are our event notes/reminders/listings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE PLAYSPACE AT CHURCH OF NAZARENE: 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 happening today, 10 am-noon. (10300 28th SW)
SUPPORT SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE CULINARY STUDENTS: Otter’s Den Food Truck pop-up 10:30 am–12:30 pm – Clock Tower main campus square. (6000 16th 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 artist Saya Moriyasu . (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.
WHERE DOES IT GO? Visit High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) between 2 and 4 pm to get practical advice on reducing waste.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: 3:30 pm baseball jamboree with Chief Sealth IHS, Nathan Hale HS, Cedarcrest HS at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
TILDEN DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: 4-8 pm, get food from/at West Wings (2329 California SW) and tell them you’re supporting Tilden School (WSB sponsor) so they’ll get a share of the proceeds!
RESTAURANT POP-UP: Crave is at The Neighborhood, now every Tuesday (6503 California SW), 4-8 pm or until sold out.
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
KINDERGARTEN TOUR: Fairmount Park Elementary (3800 SW Findlay) welcomes prospective kindergarteners and their families tonight, 5-6 pm. No RSVP necessary.
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.
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 6 pm board meeting at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: First of two free concerts this week! 6 pm at Chief Sealth IHS (2600 SW Thistle).
WESTIES RUN CLUB SPECIAL RUN: The club is teaming up with Orca Running Club at 6 pm at Lincoln Park‘s Little League field. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS: Monthly gathering, 6 pm at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor).
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.
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Come see what’s up – and what’s coming up – in the neighborhood, and meet more neighbors! 7 pm at Admiral HUB (4320 SW Hill), with special guests from the city’s CARE Team.
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!
7:20 AM: Thanks for the tips about the crash scene cleanup with City Light on northbound 35th north of Thistle. Log shows it happened just after 3 am. No major injuries. (Added: SFD says they treated a 19-year-old and that he was taken to the hospital by private ambulancw; they confirm the driver crashed into a utility pole.)
7:46 AM Texter reports Admiral, bridge-bound, is backed up in a big way.
7:55 AM: High bridge EB crash, center lane by NB 99 exit, no injuries.
8:18 AM; Texter reports Delridge to the bridge is backed up seriously too. (But not their H Line bus.)
8:34 AM: Fauntleroy backup to the bridge too.
8:36 AM: SDOT says bridge crash has cleared.
8:51 AM: Reports keep coming in about backups on other routes. West Marginal Way too (texted photo below):
9:03 AM: Police radio reports a crash at Avalon/Bradford (just south of the bridge).
Earlier:
5:59 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, March 10, 2026, second day of a 3-day repair closure for the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge. The South Park Bridge is the major detour for those coming from the south:
The West Seattle low bridge is an alternative too.
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..
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Rain/snow mix possible this morning, says the forecast again – high in the mid-40s, brisk breeze again too. Daylight Saving Time is here, so our sunrise is at 7:31 am; sunset at 7:07 pm. Ten days until spring!
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for any changes to the 3-boat schedule.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes.
MORE SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
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.
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!
The next major city levy to expire will be the one that provides a third of the funding for the Seattle Public Library system. We’ll find out tomorrow what Mayor Katie Wilson wants to ask voters to approve to replace the levy when it expires at year’s end. The mayor is scheduled to announce her library-levy proposal at 12:30 pm Tuesday (March 10). The expiring levy was put forward by then-Mayor Jenny Durkan in 2019, a seven-year, $213 million levy that in turn replaced the seven-year, $123 million levy passed by voters in 2012. If you want to know how levy money’s been spent, here’s a page devoted to that info. After the mayor’s announcement tomorrow, the City Council starts reviewing it at 9:30 am Wednesday as the Select Committee on the Library Levy; you can comment at the meetings as well as at a public hearing April 2nd.
Four biznotes from food providers!
THAI-U-UP IN HIGHLAND PARK: Last year, we reported that the owners of the former Morning Star Market site at 9th SW and SW Henderson were exploring ideas for the lot including food trucks. Tonight we got a tip that one is there for a test run – the Thai-U-Up truck, 4-8 pm daily for two weeks. (That’s the truck that was at the 30th/Roxbury gas station for years.)
CRAVE IN MORGAN JUNCTION: The Filipino street food pop-ups by Crave at The Neighborhood in Morgan Junction are now happening every Tuesday instead of every other Tuesday, 4-8 pm or until sold out. (Tuesdays are a night The Neighborhood, at 6503 California SW, would otherwise be closed.)
DINNER AT THE ALHADEFF: With its renowned Culinary Arts program, South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) is famous for food. Its sit-down Alhadeff Dining Room is offering three nights of prix-fixe dinners next week, 6 pm March 17-18-19, by reservation, $45/person. Above is the Wednesday menu (18th); see the Tuesday (17th) menu here and the Thursday menu (19th) here. For reservations, email david.hatfield@seattlecolleges.edu.
WINE DINNER WITH DARBY X DRIFTWOOD: Driftwood Restaurant co-proprietor Jackie Mallahan sends word they’re selling tickets for a multi-course dinner April 23rd on their terrace (2722 Alki SW) in partnership with West Seattle Junction-based Darby Winery: “Guests will enjoy a multi-course chef’s menu paired with Darby wines, guided by the winemaker and Chef Dan Mallahan. Throughout the evening, you’ll hear stories from the cellar and the kitchen, ask questions, and experience the collaborative spirit that makes each pairing shine.” Tickets are $150, available here.
(WSB photos)
With spring less than two weeks away, garden prep work is top of mind for many people – including high-school students at Summit Atlas in Arbor Heights. They’re launching the second year for the school’s giving garden, created by AP Environmental Science students last school year:
Mondays are club days in the afternoon study-hall period, and that’s why the Gardening Club was out at work on the southwest side of the campus, with two special visitors:
At center is Denis Sapiro from the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle and at left is Erik Bell from A Cleaner Alki. Denis was there to present a $100 grant to the club, which is working to raise $500 to support its work this year; Erik brought tools from his legendary cleanup operation, including a weeding tool that was in use in a very special section of the garden:
That’s “Jeni’s Garden,” we were told, named for a classmate who died. It’ll be filled with purple flowers, because that was Jeni’s favorite color. The rest of the garden, upslope from this section, will be focused on produce to be donated to local food banks; the students, advised by educator Ayla Wilk, are raising seedlings including peas, tomatoes, and cabbage.
We’re almost through day 1 of the three-day closure of the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge. Since buses do usually use the bridge, some readers were wondering why no reroute advisory had appeared. We asked Metro, whose spokesperson Jeff Switzer explains:
Routes 113, 131 and 132 are rerouted during the state’s emergency work; however, buses continue to serve every one of the bus stops for these routes and no bus stops are missed.
In this situation, we don’t issue a transit alert as, from the riders’ perspective, there isn’t an impact to where they board or exit. We appreciate riders’ patience while we reroute around this important emergency work.
Overview
131 and 132: Regular route southbound from Downtown Seattle to Burien Transit Center; switches to the South Park Bridge traveling northbound from Burien to Downtown Seattle.
113: Regular route to Shorewood from Downtown Seattle; switches to the South Park Bridge traveling to Downtown Seattle from 26th Avenue SW/SW 116th Street
This closure is supposed to end by 8 pm Wednesday (March 11), at which time all northbound lanes will be open, though the temporary 25 mph speed limit will continue. A longer repair closure is expected next month, and a full bridge deck replacement next year.
By students, for students! This spring, the first-ever West Seattle Math Competition will challenge middle-schoolers to test their skills. An organizer’s parent asked us to share this announcement – if there’s a middle-school student in your household, be sure they’ve heard about this, because signups are happening now!
West Seattle Math Competition is a small group of middle school students who have been competing in the Math Counts competition throughout their middle school careers – and they have decided to put together their own math competition! They have designed their own website and have written all of the problems themselves. It is very impressive what they have done and myself and the other parents involved are very proud of them.
The competition is put together BY middle school students and is FOR middle school students. The competition will be held at the Admiral HUB in West Seattle (the old Admiral Church building) from 12 PM to 5 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Registration is OPEN and will close on April 18, 2026. This event is for ALL middle school students grades 6-8. Kids can sign up individually or as teams of 2 to 4. If you check out their website, there is a ton of information about signing up, how the competition is structured, as well as sample problems within the Registration tab.
Find all that by going here.
Whether you’re selling or shopping, if you’re planning to be part of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day this year, we are here to remind you it is exactly two months away: always the second Saturday in May, and that’s relatively early this year, Saturday, May 9! WSB has coordinated WSCGSD since its fourth year (2008); it’s not just one big sale, but rather hundreds of sales of all sizes (more than 500 last year) all around the peninsula and a bit beyond, depending on who decides to sign up. We’ll open registration on April 1 and keep it open for a little over three weeks; watch for the announcement here when we’re ready, then get ready to browse, buy, and/or sell 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 9, 2026!
Though the Sound Transit Board is still weeks/months away from decisions about revising West Seattle light rail to get the projected cost closer to the available funding, a new city survey about station-area planning is out today. The survey only asks about Delridge and Junction station areas, a further reminder that the Avalon station is in the cost-cutting crosshairs. The survey is from the city Office of Planning and Community Development, which has planning processes under way for the Junction station area and Delridge station area, and that’s reflected in the survey, which only asks about those two, and includes this map – note that the areas of focus go far beyond the immediate vicinity of even just those two station locations:
Here’s how the survey is explained:
The City of Seattle’s Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) and the Seattle Department of Transportation are kicking off a Station Area Planning effort in the West Seattle Junction and Delridge areas.
“Station area planning” is separate from Sound Transit’s light rail station design and construction. While Sound Transit determines where and how stations are built, the City of Seattle’s role is to work with communities to decide what happens in the neighborhoods that are ½ mile to 1 mile from the stations over the next 20 years. This includes decisions about housing, transportation, places for community to gather, safe streets, job access, and local businesses.
How to be involved
Take a brief community survey. Share your insights and experiences by March 27, 2026: bit.ly/StationAreaSurvey
The survey deadline is March 27. A major touchpoint ahead in Sound Transit planning, meantime, is the board retreat March 18, by which time the board is supposed to receive cost-cutting “scenarios” for projects including West Seattle light rail.
That video shows a burglar trying unsuccessfully for a minute and a half to pry open the drive-up/ride-up window at West Bay Coffee and Smoothies (2255 Harbor SW) around 5 am today, before the glass finally breaks. The video was provided by proprietor Jennifer, who tells WSB, “Nothing major stolen – milk, orange juice, music speaker and our terminal for cashing customers out.” West Bay is open but still awaiting the window replacement. Here’s another look at the burglar (who as seen at the video’s end had an accomplice) and car:
If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 26-065511.
Thanks to Jerry Simmons for the almost-spring photo! Here’s what’s on our list for the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-4 pm drop-in help at Alki Masonic Center. (4736 40th SW)
BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW). Free.
‘SOLUTIONS, NOT RESOLUTIONS’: Weekly speaker series continues with 1 pm presentation on “Benefits of Advanced Planning” at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW). Our calendar listing explains how to RSVP.
GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Cookie Booth season continues – find your nearest sellers here!
FREE HOMEWORK HELP: Drop-in assistance for K-12 students at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:45 pm.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too!
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group gathering for people experiencing grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee; before you go, RSVP/register here. (4034 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 3: Three venues for trivia/quiz tonight! 6:30 and 7:30 pm at Easy Street Records, it’s Music Quiz Monday … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
MEDITATE IN ALKI: Monday night meditation at Alki UCC is back this week, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)
CHESS NIGHT AT MISSION CANTINA: 7 pm in the upstairs mezzanine: “All levels of chess players welcome. 5- and 10-minute games, over the board chess.” (2325 California SW)
POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players! You can enter The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
MEDITATE IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 9 pm Mondays, karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Big thanks to everybody who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
8:55 AM: A texter reports three orcas in Elliott Bay, “way in next to container wharves!” Let us know if you see them too.
4:05 PM: Thanks to Steven Rice for sending photos from this morning’s visit, which he says happened fast!
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, March 9, 2026, the scheduled start of a 3-day repair closure for the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge. One major detour for people coming from the south will be across the South Park Bridge:
The West Seattle low bridge is an alternative for crossing the river, too.
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.
BUS REROUTES: Metro hadn’t posted any as of early today but check here.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Rain/snow mix possible this morning, says the forecast – high in the upper 40s. Daylight Saving Time is here, so it’s unrise at 7:33 am; sunset at 7:06 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for any changes to the 3-boat schedule.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes.
MORESPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
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.
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!
11:59 PM: Arguably the highest-profile meeting in West Seattle this coming week will be Wednesday (March 11) at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle), when Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes visits for what’s promised as a “community conversation” about public safety.
The meeting is part of a monthly series rotating around the city. Checking the SPD events calendar, we see another one planned in West Seattle at 6 pm August 12th at Delridge Community Center.
12:25 PM MONDAY: Crime Prevention Coordinator Matt Brown tells WSB he just got word the chief won’t be in attendance, so the meeting will be led by Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair. We’re following up to ask why the chief can’t be there, as this has been in the works for months.
Thanks to Stewart L. for the photos of a drone show over the downtown waterfront tonight, as seen from Harbor Avenue. With Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle, the show commemorated the 10th anniversary of the finale of the two-season Disney-produced animated series “Gravity Falls,” and the launch of a new “visual history” of the series, a book titled “The Art of Gravity Falls.”
(It was meant to be seen from the Overlook Walk on the waterfront, so the images visible from here were reversed.)
SPD says a shooting victim who showed up at Harborview Medical Center early Saturday was apparently shot on Alki. Police converged on the hospital around 3:40 am Saturday after getting word the 24-year-old had walked in with a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
(SPD photo, police outside Harborview early Saturday)
They couldn’t talk to the victim, who was rushed into surgery, but they found and stopped the car that had dropped him off. The two men inside said the shooting happened during a gathering at 57th/Alki and that they didn’t know the person who they said walked up and shot the victim. They said they put the victim into their car and drove to the hospital. The police summary has no description of the shooter, only that they were in a “white car” that left inn “an unknown direction.” After hearing all this police say, officers went to the beach and found “evidence.” If you have any information, the incident # is 2026-63655. That’s the second night in a row with a violent incident on Alki, after this Thursday night robbery/assault.
(Photo courtesy Cascadia Pipe Band)
That’s the Cascadia Pipe Band, who you’ll likely see – and hear! – if you’re in The Junction next Friday night, March 13 (plus one Admiral stop). They’re planning a West Seattle Pub Crawl, starting at 5:30 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW) and wandering The Junction until heading to The Benbow Room in Admiral to end the night. Their announcement explains it’s more about performing than drinking:
Cascadia Pipe Band, a local Scottish pipes and drums band, will be doing a St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl–style performance through the West Seattle Junction and into the Admiral District on Friday, March 13. Throughout the evening, the band will rotate through several participating bars and restaurants, playing short, high-energy sets to bring some festive spirit, foot traffic, and excitement to the neighborhood.
Cascadia performs at community events, parades, and competitions throughout the Seattle area, and events like this help the band raise funds to travel to Scotland to compete in the World Pipe Band Championships. We tied for 6th place last year! It should be a lively way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend while supporting local businesses and bringing a little bagpipe cheer to West Seattle.
You’re invited to join them, for one stop or all – kilt, pipes, and/or drum not required.
(WSDOT photo)
The northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge‘s two right lanes have been closed for more than two weeks, and starting early Monday morning, the entire northbound bridge is scheduled to close for three days. As announced back on Wednesday, this will be the first phase of a three-phase plan to repair cracks in the bridge deck’s steel grates – first repairs, then in April replacement of nine panels, then next year, full bridge-deck replacement. Again, this is all on the northbound side, which is 40 years older than the southbound side. The closure will start at 5 am Monday and is scheduled to end by 8 pm Wednesday; during the closure, people headed toward NB 509 from the Roxbury corridor will be pointed toward S. Cloverdale and eastward to the South Park Bridge. Once this closure’s over, all NB lanes of the bridge will be open, but the temporary 25 mph speed limit will remain in effect until after the April work – no start date for that yet.
(Recent view of Blake Island in the mist)
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Looking across Puget Sound from west-facing West Seattle, Blake Island, once known as Smugglers Island, is an easily identifiable part of the view, tucked between Vashon and Bainbridge, It’s just 4 miles from Alki Point. Long a destination for motor boats, kayakers, and Argosy boat tours, its future is starting to come into focus for the state parks department, as it assembles a master plan for the island. Now it’s seeking input from the public and tribal governments about the four options they are considering.
(image today from Blake Island Marina camera)
Irregularly shaped and including 1,127 acres of forested land and adjacent waters, Blake Island features a marina, moorage buoys, campsites, trails and Tillicum Village, which was the destination for those Argosy excursions until 2021. Argosy closed their concession agreement then “due to challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic,” and the island has just been accessible by private boat or kayak since then.
The master planning project comes at a time when visits to the park are down after the concession closure — a little more than 31,000 day-use visits in 2025 compared to almost 80,000 in 2019, when Argosy was still in the picture. More facilities and better access will mean more visitors, but a different kind of experience for those who have taken the trip in recent years and are used to just 200 people on the island on a busy day in July. That is part of why parks is asking the public to weigh in. They are looking at big-picture questions, like whether Tillicum Village could/should be renovated or a full-service restaurant added, how to improve the deteriorating marina, or just remove it entirely, and whether the state should look at an expansion of available buildings, services and access. State planners have clustered these into four main alternatives in a slide deck shown during a community meeting last month in Port Orchard:
“Back to Nature” removes marina
• Intentional reduction of facilities
• Retreat approach to climate change
• Marina no longer invested in
• More natural experience
• Predict lower visitation
“Rustic Retreat” funds improvement of the marina, but no new concessions
• Natural state
• Contrast with urban surroundings
• Rustic experience
• Improved access
“Concession” identifies concession area and needed infrastructure
• Continuation of Tillicum Village scale concession
• Long-term lease
• Educational or entertainment programming
• High visitation
“Recreation” explores state parks facility expansion
• Expansion of recreational facilities
• Additional overnight accommodations
• Lodge building and cabins
• Opportunities for large groups and events
The Blake Island master planning alternatives survey is available online until April 30th along with a public comment form. Parks expects to identify a staff-recommended alternative by the spring, with additional planning and work on the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist plus more opportunity for public input during that time frame. Lastly, the final Master Plan document is expected to go to the State Parks and Recreation Commission in the fall. Parks staff was not able to reply to questions about funding sources for the project options in time for this report.
ADDED TUESDAY: Washington State Parks Communications Manager Sarah Fronk got back to us today to say that there is not yet funding in place for any of the Master Plan options. She says, “The Master Plan will guide future decisions about development and investment at the park and projects that could be undertaken when funding and resources are available.” Public input on the staff-selected alternative will include a public meeting, which is not yet scheduled.
As noted earlier, it’s International Women’s Day. One way to celebrate: Register for a free workshop West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) and community partners are offering in a week and a half. From West Seattle Runner co-proprietor Lori McConnell:
This is an event for women who run and walk and work out to come together to learn more about ways to support our unique health needs. Thursday, March 19th, 6 pm.
This year, we will be supporting a charity. We chose Girls on the Run! They will be at the event so you can learn more about the program, ways to volunteer, support and more. West Seattle Runner will be donating 10% of sales for the evening to Girls on the Run.
We will have 3 presenters. Michelle Babb MS, RD, CD, is a registered dietitian who holds a Master’s degree in nutrition from Bastyr University. She provides clients with the tools they need to achieve optimal health through nutrition education, creative fitness, and emotional balance. We have asked Michelle to speak about nutrition as it pertains to hormones of the female athlete.
Lina Sims, PT, DPT, is passionate about women’s health and related pelvic-floor conditions. Her interest in women’s health comes from her own pregnancies and postpartum experiences with her two children. Lina will be teaching us pelvic floor exercises.
Dr. Stefie Deeds, MD FACP, a board-certified Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine specialist in West Seattle, will cover perimenopause/menopause (Role of HRT for joints/sleep), strength training needs (bone health/ what the research shows), and the role of recovery/sleep in performance.
We will have Seattle Sports Performance at the event so you can learn about an opportunity for strength training.
Rosemary, owner of Nailspa2u, will be here to help with healthy tips for Healthy Feet. While her schedule is often full, maybe you can slide onto her calendar…she is talented and skilled in treating runner’s feet and lost nails from all those miles.
We will have a demo fleet of Brooks bras! Justine will get you fitted in a bra and we will do a couple laps at the track to wear test them. We will also raffle off a couple bras! We also will provide snacks and beverages.
Again, this is all free, but WSR requests RSVP so they can plan – email lori@westseattlerunner.com – then be at the shop that night, 2743 California SW.
Even before the arrival of spring, families are finalizing school plans for next fall. Three of the peninsula’s Seattle Public Schools have opportunities to visit:
LAFAYETTE KINDERGARTEN TOUR: Lafayette Elementary will be hosting a Kindergarten Tour for incoming kindergarten families tomorrow morning (Monday, March 9), at 8:15 am. The announcement says “the tour is a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to see the school, learn about the kindergarten program, and ask questions.” Lafayette is at 2645 California SW.
FAIRMOUNT PARK KINDERGARTEN TOUR: On Tuesday evening (March 10), Fairmount Park Elementary is offering a kindergarten tour. Just be at the school (3800 SW Findlay) at 5 pm.
LOUISA BOREN STEM STILL HAS SPOTS: No planned tour this week, but you can schedule a visit. Here’s the announcement sent by the Louisa Boren STEM K-8 PTA:
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
Boren STEM is at 5950 Delridge Way SW. General SPS enrollment info is here.
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