By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The 2026 Washington State Legislature session and the 2025-2026 biennium officially ended last Thursday (March 12). Since our last update, two additional bills primarily sponsored by your 34th District legislators – State Senator Emily Alvarado, House Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, and House Rep. Brianna Thomas – have been signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson. Apart from these, five bills have been delivered to the governor’s desk, awaiting action.

SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

The following bills have been signed by Governor Ferguson are now considered session laws. This version is created by the Code Reviser’s Office, and is considered the law until the legislation is officially codified in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).

HB 2367 – Rep. Fitzgibbon
Exempts emissions from a coal facility occurring before January 1, 2026 from the Cap-and-Invest Program. Makes it so that the limitation on state agencies creating more emission performance standards on a coal facility in operation before July 22, 2011 doesn’t apply after December 31, 2025 to a coal facility subject to the memorandum of agreement. Sales and use tax exemptions for coal purchased or used at a coal facility in operation after December 3, 1969 and before July 1, 1975 are repealed.

HB 2355 – Rep. Thomas
Creates labor protections for domestic workers including minimum wage and overtime requirements. Domestic workers include any employee or independent contractor working in a private residence for four or more hours a month. Allows domestic workers to bring a private cause of action under the Washington Law Against Discrimination in some instances.

HB 2303 – Rep. Thomas
Prohibits employers from microchipping employees. An employer cannot request, require, or coerce an employee to have a microchip implanted.

DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR

The following bills have been delivered to the governor’s desk but are awaiting action. Since they were delivered within five days of the end of the 2026 legislative session, the governor has 20 days from their delivery to take action. All of these bills were delivered to the governor on either March 11 or 12.

SB 6026 – Sen. Alvarado
Certain local governments must include residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones. Prohibits requirement for ground-floor commercial and mixed-use in these zones– subject to exceptions. Prohibits local governments from imposing ground floor commercial and mixed-use requirements on subsidized affordable housing.

SB 5911 – Sen. Alvarado
The Department of Children, Youth and Families cannot apply benefits, payments, funds, or accrual paid to or on behalf of young adults receiving extended foster care as of January 1, 2027. Aims to strengthen the financial stability of persons in the care of DCYF. Specifies when DCYF can assess whether someone is eligible for such benefits.

SB 6027 – Sen. Alvarado
Changes the allowable uses for local sales and use tax for housing and related services. Changes the eligible uses of funding in the Affordable Housing for All Account. Updates the definition of emergency housing for property tax exemptions for low-income persons or victims of domestic violence.

HB 2215 – Rep. Fitzgibbon
Reduces emissions threshold determining covered entity status and compliance obligation in the Cap-and-Invest Program for certain fuel suppliers starting January 1, 2027 for suppliers that began supplying fuels after Jan 1, 2023. Requires them to report emissions to the Department of Ecology. Prohibits state from awarding a procurement contract to certain fuel suppliers, with some exceptions.

HB 2251 – Rep. Fitzgibbon
Repeals three of the Climate Commitment Act funding accounts and replaces them with the Climate Commitment Act Operating Account and the Climate Commitment Act Capital Account. Renames the Carbon Emissions Reduction Account to the Climate Commitment Act Transportation Account. Makes changes to the use of CCA funding and distribution of revenue.

NEXT YEAR

The 2027 legislative session will be a regular session, lasting 105 days, compared to this year’s short session lasting just 60 days. The 2027 session will begin on January 11, marking the beginning of the next legislative biennium.

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Winter’s last Monday

March 16, 2026 6:00 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, March 16, 2026. Spring arrives Friday morning!

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

Rainy, breezy forecast – high in the mid-50s. Sunrise at 7:19 am; sunset at 7:16 pm.

1ST AVENUE S. BRIDGE REMINDER

All lanes are open again, both ways, but the speed limit remains 25 mph.

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.

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:

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 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!

WEEK AHEAD: Alki Community Council hopes to see you Thursday

March 15, 2026 10:38 pm

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| Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

On the last night of winter, talk about spring and summer with the Alki Community Council! You’re invited to the ACC’s in-person meeting Thursday (March 19), 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds). Planned topics include crime prevention as the beach’s busy season approaches, rebooting the Block Watch Captain program, Schmitz Park Creek restoration, A Cleaner Alki volunteer work, and more. Door-prize giveaways as always. Check in on more of what’s up at alkicommunitycouncil.org.

Upper Alki weeping willow tree in danger from too much of a good thing

March 15, 2026 9:17 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news

Often, stories about saving trees involve trees in the path of development.

Not this one – a tree so wide and gangly, we have to show it to you on video rather than just a photo.

The threat to this weeping willow tree in Upper Alki is not development, but another d-word … drainage – according to its owner.

The tree is in Irene Trimble‘s yard in Upper Alki, along SW Spokane east of 59th SW. It’s a landmark – “I’ve given the community access to the tree for engagement, prom, and senior photos as well as wedding ceremonies at no charge to anyone. A lot of memories have been made here by folks in West Seattle.” She provided this photo of one couple:

Part of the tree hangs over her fence, and she’s let people into the yard to visit it.

But it’s dying because of too much underground water just inches below the south side of the yard after a shift in the flow, which she has been told is a natural phenomenon. Irene says an arborist estimates the tree will die in about a year unless the excess water is drained away and rerouted. She’s been told that can be done – for about $9,000.

A friend suggested she try crowdfunding to cover some of that cost, and set up this GoFundMe campaign.

It describes the tree as “ancient” – that’s a relative term, as willows go; Irene says this one is believed to be at least a century old. She bought the property six years ago, and says it didn’t come with any history of the tree, such as who planted it there and why.

All that’s clear is that too much of a good thing – water – is killing it. And for those who know it and appreciate it, Irene says they have a chance to help save it. At least its human fans do – it has wildlife fans too, like this video Irene provided from a duck family’s visit:

Irene says the tree is registered with Plant Amnesty as one of Seattle’s remaining “heritage trees,” and if she is able to save it, it could live to be cherished by at least another generation.

VIDEO: Irish dance, music at two early St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in West Seattle

March 15, 2026 7:02 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photos and video by Torin Record-Sand)

We stopped by two more early St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at West Seattle venues this afternoon:

At Ounces in North Delridge, West Seattle Irish Dance performed, after offering a free class this morning.

And at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), students of Tudy McLain presented an Irish music festival, including harp and flute.

The students were joined by guest performers too.

St. Patrick’s Day is still two days away, and the festivities that day will include Highland Park Corner Store transforming into “Highland Park Pub,” 5-8 pm Tuesday, with “baked potatoes and corned beef sandwiches, green beer, shamrock scoops, Irish tunes.”

UPDATE: SFD ‘full response’ for Alki fire, quickly reduced

March 15, 2026 4:29 pm

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| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

4:29 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to in the 5700 block of SW Stevens [vicinity map], across from Alki Playfield, where flames are reported coming from a shed.

4:32 PM: Firefighters assess it as an “exterior” fire and are reducing the size of the response.

5:02 PM: Our photographer is on scene and has verified with the incident commander that the fire’s out and no one was hurt.

10:40 PM: SFD tells us the cause remains under investigation.

WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: 10 reader photos

March 15, 2026 3:51 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks for all the bird photos these past few weeks! Time for a Sunday afternoon gallery. Above, five juvenile Bald Eagles in formation at Lincoln Park, photographed by Rainer Klett; below, a Pheasant – the photo is from Terry Blumer, whose daughter saw it in North Admiral:

Terry’s wife got this view of two Northern Flicker woodpeckers:

Remember the West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor) Anna’s Hummingbird eggs? Susan Whiting Kemp photographed the mom in view with babies’ beaks:

Jerry Simmons photographed a Peregrine Falcon:

A Sharp-shinned Hawk, from Carol Christian:

This is from K Smith:

Another corvid – a Steller’s Jay at Al‘s feeder:

Jon Anderson spotted a Spotted Towhee:

And Keri Watson caught a Gull with what appeared to be a snack:

Thank you so much to everyone who sends photos from around West Seattle – whether it’s a bird or breaking news, scenery or surprise sightings – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text to 206-293-6302 any time!

COUNTDOWN: Six days to this year’s West Seattle recycle, reuse, shredding event in new location

March 15, 2026 11:27 am

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| Environment | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Another reminder: The next West Seattle recycle/reuse/shredding event is now less than a week away, presented by the West Seattle Junction Association, West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, and partners next Saturday (March 21). To ensure you’re ready, we’re again publishing the list of what you’ll be able to drop off during the 9 am-noon event. And remember that the location is changing – now in the south parking lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) – drive/ride/walk in via the southernmost SSC entrance off 16th.

The list:

ACCEPTED ITEMS include:

Small propane canisters
Fluorescent tubes and bulbs
Household batteries
Clothing, bedding, curtains in good condition
Small electronics (TVs, computers, cellphones)
Small appliances (non-freon)
Foam blocks (polystyrene only)
Paper for shredding (limit: 4 boxes)
home goods and toys

NON-ACCEPTED ITEMS include:

Furniture
Hazardous waste
Bicycle/tricycles
CRT tube TVs
Mattresses
AC units
Car seats
Stained, ripped or worn-out fabrics
Automotive waste
Construction waste
Garbage, compost and household recycling items
Mismatched items (single shoes, etc.)

For suggestions about disposing of those items or others not mentioned at all, check out this Seattle Public Utilities lookup tool. And note that a wider variety of electronic items will be accepted next month at the Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup – 9 am-3 pm Saturday, April 25.

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 25 notes!

March 15, 2026 6:07 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Saturday evening off Beach Drive – photo by Bob Burns)

Here’s the event lineup for winter’s final Sunday (spring arrives this Friday!), mostly from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, but starting with an off-peninsula traffic alert:

HIGHWAY 99 CLOSURES FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY DASH: WSDOT advisory:

Several closures will affect traffic on State Route 99 from 6 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday, March 15, near the Seattle Center for the St. Patrick’s Day Dash. These include:

All lanes of northbound SR 99 from Republican to Lynn Street.
The northbound SR 99 on-ramp from Seventh Avenue/Harrison Street.
The southbound SR 99 off-ramp to Seventh Avenue/Harrison Street.

Speaking of running …

SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club is meeting at Seacrest at 8:45 am today for a Sunday Funday trail-run adventure – take the 9 am Water Taxi downtown, run back to Seacrest. (1660 Harbor SW)

FREE WEST AFRICAN DANCE CLASS: Sunday dancing! 9:30 am at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale).

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at the new location of The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open as usual on California SW between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in end-of-winter produce-and-products season – roots, greens, peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, beans, garlic, apples, more – plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, nuts, condiments, pasta, more.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES, LAST DAY: Multiple locations and times, running as late as 8 pm (use the Cookie Finder)!

WEEKEND SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), sing to hits of the ’80s, ’90s, ’00s while enjoying a buffet breakfast.

FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to find it at, and borrow it from, the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

FREE TAX HELP, BUT … 11 am-4 pm at Southwest Library, registration strongly encouraged as we’re told it’s been all booked up. (9010 35th SW)

WEST SEATTLE RESIST: Regular weekly West Seattle Resist Sunday sign-holding event, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)

LEARN A JIG: Free Irish line-dance class at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) before their St. Patrick’s Day party.

SINGING RESISTANCE WORKSHOP: Noon at Peace Lutheran Church (39th SW and SW Thistle), learn to raise your voice in songs of resistance.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY AT OUNCES: Noon-7 pm, featuring an Irish line-dance performance at 2:30 pm, get your green on at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW).

PERIMENOPAUSE MOVIE: 12:30 pm free screening and social – see “The M Factor, Before the Pause, Perimenopause” at Dragonfly (3270 California SW).

DROP-IN SEED PLANTING: 1 pm to 2:30 pm again today, drop-in seed planting for members of the Growing Gardeners Club at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor)

PLANT STICK HAPPY HOUR AT MR. B’S: “Give your greens some bling,” suggests the invite to this 1 pm event at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).

WELCOME ROAD WINERY: You’re invited to hang out at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)

TIM’S MATINEE: Festival of Friends fundraiser for Tim’s Tavern, 2 pm, all ages, tickets here. (16th SW & SW 98th, White Center)

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Trio Oscuro, 2:30 pm, piano, viola, cello, with program including Shostakovich and Beethoven works. (7904 35th SW)

GREENSLEEVES AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Irish flute and harp students’ showcase at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm, no cover, all ages.

WEST SEATTLE INDIVISIBLE: This month’s meeting focuses on community action and preparation for March 28 rally, 3:30 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW).

HONEY BUNNY PAINT NIGHT AT MR. B’S: 6 pm-8:30 pm, paint ‘n’ sip fundraiser for Special Bunny at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW). Rescue bunnies there to model for you, too. Note: Online tickets sold out; check with venue to see if there’s room.

UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: Trivia starts at 7:30 pm – free to play, and you can win prizes! (4302 SW Alaska)

LIVE JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, a jazzy way to wrap up your weekend, with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).

Organizing, or working on, an event that we could add to the WSB community calendar – whether one-time or recurring? Please email the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Remembering Shepherd D. Siegel, Ph.D., 1953-2026

March 14, 2026 11:43 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Exactly two months ago, on a sunny Wednesday, an unusual Celebration of Life filled a North Admiral home with visitors.

The honoree was present for the party – and died at its conclusion.

72-year-old Shepherd D. Siegel, Ph.D. – a close friend of our family since shortly after our West Seattle arrival in 1991 – chose the timing of his death, looming as the unavoidable end of an unwinnable battle with ALS, aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease, with which he had been diagnosed in 2024.

The retired educator and author of two books remained lively and energetic for months, even as ALS took away his physical capabilities one by one. Shep had spent years evangelizing and embodying playfulness. My late husband Patrick Sand considered Shep “the world’s oldest teenager.” Countless speakers at his pre-death party talked about the life and light he brought into their lives.

One of Shep’s books is about the Trickster, and the archetype’s depictions, from The Coyote to Bugs Bunny. Here’s a short presentation he gave almost a decade ago:

Toward the end of his nine-hour celebration on January 14, in the spirit of the trickster cartoon rabbit, guests were offered carrots to tuck into his shroud. (Or red roses.)

A week earlier, during our last private visit with Shep – who toward the end had been communicating via an eye-operated keyboard and synthesized “voice” – he granted me permission to publish an obituary with his “farewell speech,” which he delivered at his celebration via the aforementioned “voice”:

I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together.

John Lennon or Martin Buber?

As a middle child, I seek the connections that bring us all together and I encourage you to make some today.

Growing up as a Jew, I learned at an early age the paramount value of liberation and freeing ourselves from slavery, whatever our egypt might be.

Growing up in the Bay Area in the sixties, I was taken with the hippie philosophy of bringing spirituality into daily life and the human possibility for peace and love. But I also joined the Yippies to lay bare the absurdity, harm and nonsense of power itself. The political and spiritual should intertwine. And there was a war to end.

Music comes out of the earth of human relationships — the political — and reaches for the heavens — the spiritual. So I earned a credential as a music teacher.

But I ended up teaching incarcerated youth in lockup. The justice system called them little criminals and the medical model in this age of labels would use terms like emotionally and learning disabled. Unwilling to see these kids as either evil or sick, I came up with a label. I told folks that I worked with the Culturally Disgruntled. I developed an internship program, curriculum, and case management model that was proven to create career and college success for such youth.

My career as an educator was based on economically empowering youth with disabilities, because — and forgive my use of the word weak — a society is only as strong as its weakest link.

Eventually I was at the helm of vocational education for all students in the Seattle school system. I discovered how the progressive movement had forgotten this valuable form of education and its ability to build the middle class.

Yet I couldn’t help but notice how people with developmental disabilities, and the Yippies and some musicians, were in touch with their sense of playfulness. So I wrote a book about play in politics and culture.

Then I was introduced to the Trickster archetype. So I rewrote the book that became Disruptive Play. The followup was Tricking Power. Read them and my posts at shepherdsiegel.com

I had the pleasure of playing the bass instrument in TexMex, jazz, country, rock, and mariachi bands. Okay, mainly rock and roll. Thanks for listening.

And thanks for listening to the music of our friendships. God knows it’s what’s kept me going all these years. Honor me by loving each other. I am me as you are me as you are we and we are all together.

MY NAME IS Shepherd Dogfriend Siegel and I approve this message.

Shep did not have children but was a beloved godparent, uncle, mentor, friend, etc. to many kids. He is survived by so many people who loved him, including his partner Susan, a Canadian with whom he maintained a long-distance relationship that began shortly before his diagnosis. His cat Spidey is in her care.

He loved many types of music and was such a devotée of the Grateful Dead – an attendee at his celebration joked that by dying a few days earlier, the Dead’s Bob Weir was Shep’s opening act – that he wanted to be “played out” by everyone listening to the Dead’s album “Anthem of the Sun.”

Shep chose to be composted into 3 cubic feet of soil by Recompose, a process that he arranged to have started at their Georgetown facility three days after his death – on International Trickster Day, which he invented. A long-stemmed red rose that we brought home from the last visitation there is only now about to lose its petals, two full months later.

Shep’s “Fare Thee Well” event was coordinated by My End of Life Northwest, whose death doula Cassidy Bastien not only worked with Shep and his partner and caretakers but also communicated thoroughly with guests in advance about what to expect. FAQs about regulated Death With Dignity in our state are answered here.

-Tracy Record, WSB editor/publisher

Big plans for the future of our past: Southwest Seattle Historical Society invites you to upcoming gala

March 14, 2026 9:00 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| How to help | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

We can learn from and celebrate the past as we head into the future, and the Southwest Seattle Historical Society is leading the way. You can support the SWSHS and hear what’s next by attending Tides of History, its upcoming spring gala and auction – always featuring amazing items. Here’s what to know about what’s coming up:

The Southwest Seattle Historical Society is proud to preserve the stories of the Duwamish Peninsula. And its biggest annual fundraiser is just a few weeks away.

Join the Southwest Seattle Historical Society on Friday, April 10 for its annual Spring Gala and Auction, held at Salty’s on Alki. The theme, Tides of History, acknowledges the critical role of history and history-keepers, and celebrates the future of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society – including an upcoming museum overhaul. Support local history while enjoying live music, a menu of heavy appetizers, a cash bar, and an exclusive Live Auction.

An online auction will go live Monday, April 6 through Thursday, April 9 (auction donations are still being accepted!).

Guest speaker Roger Evans is the curator at the Washington State Black Legacy Institute and the project lead for the Seattle Griot Project which empowers and raises awareness of Black history through the preservation and exhibition of Black cultural heritage. The Southwest Seattle Historical Society has partnered with WSBLI since the organization moved into the Sanctuary at Admiral last year.

The gala will also honor special guests whose stories will be featured in an upcoming permanent exhibit. These guests include the Tengu Club; Carol-Ann Thornton, who was the first student of color to desegregate Alki Elementary School; and more.

The annual Gala and Auction raises critical funds for the Southwest Seattle Historical Society and Log House Museum. This year, fundraising will be directed towards a major exhibit installation.

This summer, the organization will install a permanent, interactive exhibit at the Log House Museum – a result of more than two years of planning supported by Maritime Washington National Heritage Area. The exhibit will connect the stories told at the museum to the waterfront, prioritize artifact display and interactive experiences, extend to the exterior of the museum, and highlight stories of communities across the Duwamish Peninsula.

While the work is underway, the organization will continue ongoing initiatives, including developing its Native Plant Garden (supported by the West Seattle Garden Tour), a marketing rebranding, new America250 programming, participating in West Seattle Art Walk with Alki business partners, and partnerships with youth organizations, supporting young people in documenting and sharing local history.

The Log House Museum is where West Seattle’s history lives and grows. Join the Southwest Seattle Historical Society on Friday, April 10 to raise the tides of history. Learn more and register at: loghousemuseum.org.

WSB is media sponsor for the SWSHS event again this year.

Local resistance organizers answer ‘what good does protesting do?’ and other questions @ 34th District Democrats panel

March 14, 2026 7:19 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics | West Seattle protests

By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

In the wake of violence during immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Chicago in recent months, many community groups have stepped up to ask the question: What could we do if it happened here? This was the topic of discussion during the pre-meeting program at the 34th District Democrats‘ March gathering; they invited five community organizers to speak about what they’ve learned from the past few months, and how they can apply it to organizing community-driven non-violent resistance here.

Chief among these organizers was Kenny Austin, who assembled Wednesday night’s panel. He recently created the 34th DDs’ Non-Violent Resistance Committee, which aims to research the best way to conduct such activity in the district. Joining him on the panel were Binh Truong, general manager of fieldwork for Common Power; Emily Gaggia, director of the “adopt-a-corner” campaign for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network; Laurie Reinhardt, co-founder of West Seattle Indivisible; and Devin Hermanson, founder of Defund Musk.

The panel was moderated by veteran Seattle journalist Erica C. Barnett, founder and publisher of online non-profit news publication PubliCola.

The overall question which seemed to hang in the air in back and forth between Barnett and the panelists was the relevance and results of protests by community organizations. One of her first questions regarded what advice the organizers would give for people interested in getting engaged in projects aiming to help people directly targeted by the administration.

(Reader photo, ‘No Kings’ protest in WS Junction in October)

“Sometimes it’s like ‘are we doing anything?’ I’ve read tons of snarky comments on social media etc critiquing No Kings [protest theme], asking what is it really doing? It’s doing so much. I’m the guy that takes emails, I get emails all the time, people saying ‘Wow, I haven’t come out yet, and I’ve been kinda quiet, but I drive by and see you and your signs every week and it gives me hope.’ Sometimes those people come and they stand next to us with their signs, and it’s beautiful. That’s how we build community and give someone a chance to come into it.” said Hermanson.

(WSB photo, January vigil organized by WS Indivisible)

Reinhardt seconded that one of the most important aspects of local activism is a sense of communal belonging. “There are people I call ‘on the couch,’ they are politically motivated, but not inclined to do something. And they are awash in despair, with the flood of what we’re getting every day – but the people I interact with – […] I don’t see that despair among people who are in the movement, we are joyful, we are happy, we are engaged, and united on a very hyper-local level.”

“If there’s one thing I’d add – when I hear some naysayers asking what does a march to do to help people – it shows people you care about them, you support them, especially migrant communities. It’s a powerful message to let people who are afraid know there are people who have their back.” said Austin.

The conversation turned toward the more pressing matters which organizations such as Austin’s are aiming to tackle, such as persistent fears that the Trump Administration may hamper midterm voting in multiple states. Barnett asked the participants what they would do to prevent such a thing.

While a few participants concurred that Washington state voting rights are not as endangered as those in some other states, they still said that there were ways to help, and threats to worry about. A persistent theme was making sure to help neighbors get to voting sites, as well as watch for potential interruption in such sites. (Austin noted the 2024 ballot-box arson in Vancouver, Washington.)

“If you can’t go out of state to [volunteer in organizing for states with worse voting rights], something you can do here is protect your neighbors – if a neighbor is afraid of the polls because of the law enforcement, you can help them get there and look after them.” said Truong.

Barnett closed the panel by asking what was giving the participants hope to push forward in their efforts.

Many of the participants said that simply seeing the community engagement that has come out of recent protests has given them the strength and mental fortitude they need to continue in their work. “One of the things that gives me the most joy and the most hope is to watch large mobilizations actualize […] each time [we go out to protest], the numbers have grown. […] When all you can see is heads in every direction and you’re talking to one another, and you’ve got a common vernacular, common position and perspective on the world today, you can just stand there and feel it – that gives me hope.” said Reinhardt. “If someone asked me a year ago if we were gonna see people out in the streets saying ICE out for good, 3 years ago that wasn’t there, 4 years ago that wasn’t there. [Now, seeing this response], we were dumbfounded, there were many tears shed. That keeps me sane.” said Gaggia.

34TH MEETING, POST-PANEL: After the panel concluded, the 34th conducted their more organization oriented business. These included items such as amendments to the bylaws for special elections, the appointment of a new Precinct Committee Officer (Megan Atchinson), and their future platform for the year. Notably, this last item reflected some of the same concerns that were raised in the panel: A relatively new member of the 34th objected that the platform did not include a section specifically on advocacy for immigrants’ rights. Other members agreed, and their upcoming platform will go back for further revision and deliberation at the next meeting.

They closed with a few announcements. Their upcoming 2026 fundraiser will be taking place at the recently opened White Center HUB on May 30th, between 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Their next organizational meeting will be on April 8th, and will feature tabling from local organizers in the district, organized in association with the West Seattle Joiners. As the next meeting gets closer, you’ll find more information online at 34dems.org.

YOU CAN HELP: Donations sought for 80-person breakfast at Westside Neighbors Shelter

March 14, 2026 6:22 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| How to help | Triangle | West Seattle news

That’s a view inside the sleeping area at Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle, which maxes out at 35 people except for cold-weather emergencies declared by the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, when 45 people can stay (KCRHA funding pays for extra security on those nights). Breakfast, however, is a different story, and they’ve been serving 80 people on the recent frosty mornings. So Laurie from the shelter board has forwarded this donation request list for breakfast – “the latest items we’re out of and really need”:

Ground coffee
Powdered coffee creamer
Instant hot chocolate packets
Instant oatmeal packets
Cup-o-noodles and ramen
Socks, stocking caps, winter gloves
Warm jackets

We have people come in in this weather wearing a t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers, and that’s all they have.

If you’re able to donate, dropoff hours are 7-11 am and 6-9 pm (the shelter is closed and the doors locked at other times); also, you can use this Amazon wish list to order online and have items sent directly to the shelter.

BIZNOTE: More stores join the grocery-gate trend

March 14, 2026 3:46 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Thanks for tips about changes at West Seattle’s QFC stores, adding a railing and swinging gates inside the entrance. We stopped by the Junction QFC (4550 42nd Ave SW) to find out about them.

We caught up there with manager Niko, who explained that the new gate brings the store in line with most other QFCs, which already have these installed as an “anti-theft” device to deter shoplifting. The Junction location took a little longer because of the unusual configuration of the store, with the main entrance on a corner that includes an elevator arriving from other floors.

The new railing, installed a couple of weeks ago, extends from the in-store Starbucks to the registers and has an automatic gate that swings in to allow entry. From the store side, the signage identifies it as an emergency exit only. “There’s a weird beeping sound but it’s doing what’s intended,” says Niko. Once a customer enters, the intended exit is via the register area.

The Junction QFC has also made some other changes over the years, including labeling the SW Alaska Street side entrance as an emergency door and installing a locking liquor cabinet at the front of the store. They also have a security guard on duty during the 20 hours they are open, from 5 am to 1 am. The location opened September 16, 2009, and is owned by Kroger.

Need college $? Deadlines approaching for two scholarships offered by Rotary Club of West Seattle

March 14, 2026 2:28 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

College is costly. If you or someone in your family needs help, the Rotary Club of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) is offering two scholarships – and the application deadline is approaching. Here’s what you need to know:

Did you know that the Rotary Club of West Seattle awards multiple scholarships every year? The West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation is now accepting applications for:

Gambriell Scholarship — named after the late Vern Gambriell, a West Seattle homebuilder, this scholarship is awarded to a student who could not otherwise attend college. The amount is variable.

Past Presidents Scholarship — $6,000 is awarded each year to a student from a non-Rotarian family who lives in West Seattle or attends a high school in the West Seattle area, or a West Seattle resident who is transferring from a two-year to a four-year college, or a West Seattle resident who recently earned a bachelor’s degree and is pursuing a higher degree.

For more information about the scholarships, visit the West Seattle Rotary Scholarship webpage. Note the April 1 deadline.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen hybrid Highlander

March 14, 2026 11:58 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Reader report via text:

Our Highlander hybrid was stolen last night from in front of our house on 48th Avenue SW.

License BRV0618, VIN (ending in) –77488, police report 26-70621

If you find it, call 911 and refer to that SPD incident number.

FOLLOWUP: Washington State Ferries’ revised pet policy still afloat

March 14, 2026 10:56 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Pets | Transportation | West Seattle news

Washington State Ferries’ trial balloon for a new pet policy will be floating a little longer. The changes, which started last August, have been extended to last at least until the end of the spring. That means passengers with leashed dogs will continue to be allowed in most public passenger areas until either modified rules are approved or the existing policy goes back into effect. For years, dogs outside of vehicles and carriers were limited to outdoor passenger areas, like shelter decks, which are unheated.
(A very good dog on the shelter deck, 2018)
At a WSF public meeting in January, WSF Assistant Secretary John Vezina said a permanent policy could be expected within a couple of weeks, but then WSF posted a travel alert bulletin earlier this week announcing the extension of the trial: “We will continue trialing an updated pet policy through spring 2026. Dogs on leashes are allowed in all passenger areas during this trial period, except onboard food galleys. Other pets must be in a crate or carrier. Service animals are welcome everywhere, as required by law. Livestock must stay in appropriate enclosures at all times. We are reviewing the trial policy and will provide an update on our pet policy before summer 2026.”

There are additional rules for dogs that at least partly mirror what’s expected of human passengers: No feet on the seats (big dogs stay on the floor and small ones on laps) and clean up after yourself. But crew can also direct dogs and their owners out of the passenger cabin to outside areas for behavior or safety issues.

You can give feedback on the trial policy here.

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 32 notes!

March 14, 2026 6:30 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Friday photo by Jeff Johnson)

Happy Saturday! It’s still just a bit above freezing as we start the day, but the forecast calls for some sun and a high in the 40s. Our notes for today/tonight are as usual mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Final weekend! Find times and locations for nearby cookie booths using the search tool here.

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run.

FREE MEDITATION: Get a calming start to your weekend with Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).

INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile before the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.

GET IT FIXED! Need help repairing something? Bring it to the fieldhouse at Steve Cox Memorial Park (9:30 am-12:30 pm) for today’s repair event – details in our calendar listing. (1321 SW 102nd, White Center)

SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am weekends, sing to classics and enjoy a breakfast buffet at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), ticket link in our calendar listing.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, open today! New plants in! St. Patrick’s Day sale continues today. North end of campus at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor)

STORY TIME AND CRAFTS: For the kids! 10 am at Highland Park Corner Store. (7789 Highland Park Way SW)

DAHLIA TUBER SALE: 10 am-3 pm sale. (4557 51st Place SW)

MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

VILLAGE GREEN OPEN HOUSE: Learn about senior living at Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) by visiting during today’s open house, 10:30 am-noon.

FREE WRITING GROUP CANCELED: 10:30 am free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group will NOT meet today.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), for families with kids up to 5 years old.

FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, noon-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open for community visitors on Saturdays, noon-3 pm. Free. (2236 SW Orchard)

‘CHAOS NO MORE’ WORKSHOP: 1 pm, get ready for spring cleaning! Workshop at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Special event today: “St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: Join us for mystical wine, corned beef and colcannon!”

DROP-IN SEED PLANTING: 1-2:30 pm today and tomorrow for members of the Growing Gardeners Club at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor).

CABI SHOWCASE: Fashion at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California sW), 2 pm.

LEARN ABOUT PREPAREDNESS VOLUNTEERING: Neighborhood Emergency Hubs are where you’d go in case of catastrophe – and they run on volunteer power. 2 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), come learn how to be part of yours.

FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)

‘ROOTED IN WHITE CENTER‘: At its new White Center HUB (8th SW and SW 108th), the White Center Community Development Association hosts the first official screening of its new documentary, 6:45 pm.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm at C & P Coffeehouse (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Travis Bear and Friends with acoustic music including Celtic sounds and fiddling. Free, all ages.

RANGER AND THE RE-ARRANGERS Live at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm, with “Hot Club Swing“ – get tickets here.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE MEAD CENTER: 7 pm at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), The She-Shandies, perform a special St. Patrick’s Day show. No cover, all ages.

LIVE AT TIM’S: Irish Fest 3 at Tim’s in White Center, 7 pm. $10 cover. (16th SW & SW 98th)

NORTHWEST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: “Music for the Soul” concert, 8 pm at Holy Rosary Church (42nd SW and SW Genesee), presenting “epic and uplifting pieces,” including two by Northwest composers. Tickets at the door.

REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm, Soul Focus FM with the tunes tonight. (4547 California SW)

SKATE PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Want to sing? Karaoke with Rone starts at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

Have a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar, where listings are free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!