March 2025

The warnings issued in advance by many meteorologists called for lightning (we got that and thunder) heavy rain (to be honest it did rain heavily for a little while) but the most dramatic prediction was for everything from quarter size to two inch size hail. 

Broadcast outlets talked about how hail is formed. Car dealers were interviewed about facing potential large scale damage. People were told to stay indoors. Winds were predicted to be as high as 58 mph.

Acting on that prediction people across the area sought protection for vehicles, seeking garage storage, blankets, car covers, put away all loose objects and then we waited. 

The lightning showed and yes a bit of hail did fall south of Seattle and possibly elsewhere. It was a bit breezy. But no huge gusts in Seattle. So it looks like we collectively dodged a hailstorm. There was a power outage south of White Center for 150 people expected to be fixed relatively soon.

You have the opportunity this coming Sunday to do something fun that truly helps people. 

The Plunge for Patterson will see as many as want to participate in a dash into Puget Sound to raise funds for the-EB Research Partnership, a global non profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Epidermylosis Bullosa.

- WHERE: Alki Beach, Seattle, WA

- WHEN: Sunday, March 30th @10AM

- HOW TO JOIN: There is a minimum donation required to join the Alki Plunge. Plungers aged 13 and up must donate at least $25 per person to plunge. Donations can be made online in advance or at check in on March 30.

Beginning in April 2025, Washington State will implement what is being described as its strongest ever protections against catalytic converter theft. This development comes as a result of the passage of ESHB 2153, a bill that was a top legislative priority for King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion.

Over several legislative sessions, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office actively collaborated with the Washington State Legislature to develop and secure the passage of legislation aimed at combating the increasing problem of catalytic converter thefts, which have significantly disrupted the lives of residents in King County and across Washington.

Both Washington State and the Trump Administration are making cuts to food banks which will affect thousands here locally. Westside Seattle asked Mark Coleman with Food Lifeline to respond to some questions about those impacts.

information from King County Metro

Starting March 31, King County Metro Fare Enforcement Officers will ask riders for proof of fare payment on buses and streetcars. Friendly, verbal reminders will be given to riders who did not pay.

Metro first will focus fare inspections on RapidRide routes, other high-ridership bus routes and the Seattle Streetcar.

Information from District 1 Seattle City Councilmember Rob Saka

Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1) and Seattle Parks and Recreation (PARKS) Superintendent AP Diaz would like to provide some updates to the West Seattle community on the status of projects happening at Hiawatha Community Center and Playfield. Hiawatha Community Center construction is progressing and is set to continue through the summer of 2025, with an anticipated reopening in January 2026.