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    WS GRAND PARADE: Just two days away!

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    REAL-TIME CRIME CENTER: WS use?

FOLLOWUP: Film crew at Don Armeni Boat Ramp on busy fishing day
July 17, 2025 3:26 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

As discussed here Wednesday, some were concerned about a commercial film crew using part of the lot at Don Armeni Boat Ramp today when boaters were allowed to head out for chinook salmon. So WSB’s Anne Higuera went there this afternoon to see how things were going.

She noted at least a dozen vehicles associated with the production, which she was told is for a Ford commercial. One person returning from fishing told her he had been able to get in and out without a problem, although, in a side note, he said the biggest hassle of the day had been dealing with a new app for procuring permits. Meantime, a state officer on duty told Anne that things had been moving quickly as most people were hitting their limit soon after going out, so they returned to shore before long. All the while, the production crew continued its work on the south side of the lot, with lots of gear including a wardrobe rack.

Their permit is for work that could run as late as 1 am tonight.

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LAST CALL: Personal-safety class at Southwest Precinct tonight
July 17, 2025 2:35 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

One more event of note tonight – the next personal-safety class at the Southwest Precinct. We’ve mentioned it before; Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite asked us to remind you one more time, because they’re still taking last-minute signups for this free class:

Personal Safety Training with Seattle PD

6 pm – 8 pm tonight (Thursday July 17th) at the SW Precinct- Community Meeting Room – 2300 SW Webster St

About the Class
Learn proactive tips and steps you can take to enhance your personal safety taught by Seattle police officers and employees.

Training goals:
-Share common-sense safety tips to decrease the odds of being a victim
-Know the important role your instincts and gut reactions play
-Discover potentially dangerous situations and how to avoid them
-Learn to make a safety plan based on different environments

Notes:
-This is a facilitated discussion and lecture about crime prevention and safety.
-This is not a self-defense class.
-This class is open to individuals of all ages and most appropriate for those who are at least 14 years of age or older. For that reason, children should not attend.

Register here

The community room is on the southwest side of the precinct, right off the public parking lot.

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Cameras, lights in Morgan Junction EV lot plan, now out to bid: Morgan Community Association quarterly meeting report #1
July 17, 2025 1:03 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

Updates on Seattle City Light‘s planned Morgan Junction eight-EV-charger lot were among several major topics highlighting Wednesday night’s quarterly meeting of the Morgan Community Association, which we’re breaking into separate reports this time rather than lumping them all into one lengthy account.

First, a timeline reminder: District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka announced earlier this year that the charging lot fronting both Fauntleroy and Morgan just east of 42nd SW wouldn’t open before next spring, three years later than the original announcement. The new spring 2026 date is still the plan, MoCA heard last night:

Project manager Lizzy Kay, joining the meeting remotely, said her best guess is that construction will start in October; the project recently went out to bid. She brought information that MoCA and other community members had requested about the lighting plan for the site:

The lot’s four lighting poles will be half as high and dimmer than nearby streetlights, and they’ll be focused on a “targeted area.” Here’s a map showing where they’ll be:

Other security measures will include cameras, monitored by SCL security employees – in general, Kay said, “We are going to have more security at this site than others.” She didn’t know how many cameras, though (they weren’t part ot her planned presentation, but instead emerged as a topic in Q&A). Attendees asked what else would be done to deter vandalism and wire theft; she said the vendor ChargePoint had developed a “cut-protection technology” involving a “hardened cut-proof cable … hopefully impossible or at least harder to cut.” She also said the site would have an eight-foot Fiberglas fence; asked what would be done to deter/address tagging vandalism, she said it would be handled like other city facilities. (This is a point of particular concern, as you might recall that the site had vandalism trouble with temporary fencing that wasn’t addressed for months.)

Entry to the lot – a former substation – will only be from SW Morgan; Kay recapped why:

That led to a question about a previously revealed plan to trench across Fauntleroy Way during construction. Kay said that remained part of the plan but said it would be done “in sections” so there’s never a total closure of that busy arterial.

WHAT’S NEXT: Bids are due August 6; you can see the bidding documents for the project, which carries an “engineer’s estimate” cost of just under $800,000, by going here.

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READER REPORT: Big achievement for West Seattle ultramarathon swimmer and coach
July 17, 2025 11:37 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS & Sports

We’ve had some great success stories about local athletes recently, and here’s the latest: Local ultramarathon swimmer Denise Simens, who also coaches high-school swimmers, competed at nationals in Portland last weekend, and her friend Chelsie P sent the story and photos:

I wanted to shine a spotlight on a West Seattleite making a splash! My good friend Denise Simens just swam the Portland Bridge Swim in Portland, OR (last weekend). This event is an 11-mile long open-water swim in the Willamette River. The event was the official 2025 United States Masters Swimming Ultramarathon-Distance Open Water National Championships.

Denise improved her time from last year by 41 minutes, and took first place in her age group by 17 minutes. In addition to being ranked #1 in the Country by age group, she also finished 6th overall female and 22nd overall athlete (out of men and women). Entries were limited to the first 100 qualifiers across the country and registration closed quickly this year! The qualifying standard was to complete either a 5,000M or 5,500YD swim in less than 1:40 (an hour and forty minutes.)

For a bit of context, any swimming event over 10K is considered an ultramarathon, and the distance swum yesterday nearly doubles the distance of the minimal requirement. Next up for Denise is an inaugural event in September called the Mt. St. Helens Classic, hosted by the Northwest Open Water Swimming Association (NOWSA). This event is four ultramarathons in 4 lakes, swam in just 4 days after Labor Day Weekend.

I would like to mention that Denise is also the Head Women’s Swimming Coach for Chief Sealth International High School! She has been a West Seattle resident for nearly ten years.

Chelsie also sent the results from last weekend.

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First Admiral Music in the Parks concert and more for your West Seattle Thursday
July 17, 2025 10:16 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Pond Lily in Fauntleroy, photographed by Tom Trulin)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Whatever you’re growing, it’s the heart of gardening season! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

FILM SHOOT AT DON ARMENI: Reminder that, as reported here Wednesday, a film shoot will be happening at the south end of Don Armeni Boat Ramp‘s lot (1222 Harbor SW), until about 1 am, but the boat facilities themselves will remain open.

(added) ‘GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON’: Protest planned in The Junction at California/Alaska, 11 am-1 pm, in memory of Rep. John Lewis.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open today and every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

WADING POOLS: Three of the city’s West Seattle wading pools are operating today – Lincoln Park will be open noon-7 pm and Delridge and Hiawatha will be open noon-5:30 pm. Free.

COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open noon-7 pm – see the schedule here. Fee.

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to get info about where they’re playing today.

MOVIE AT THE LIBRARY: Southwest Library will host an all-ages screening of “The Minecraft Movie” at 2:30 pm. (9010 35th SW)

DROP-IN CHESS: Teens are invited to come play at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:30 pm.

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Marigold Wood-Fired Pizza.

WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.

POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Monthly “happy hour” for evening advocacy-postcard-writing, 5-7 pm at Great American Diner & Bar (4752 California SW).

VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!

SOFTBALL WATCH PARTY: The West Seattle Little League Softball 10U All-Stars go for the state championship tonight in Vancouver (WA), and as noted here Wednesday, West Wings (2329 California SW) is hosting a watch party at 6 pm.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Prefer to walk instead of run? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.

ADMIRAL MUSIC IN THE PARKS: First of three free Thursday night concerts presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, 6:30 pm, featuring Lookout Mountain Lookout at Belvedere Park (3600 SW Admiral Way). BYO chair, blanket, etc. And if you knit, join the Seattle Yarn knitting circle during the concert!

LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: Flür, Daughters of Venus, As You Wish, all ages, doors 6, music 7, at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm in-person meeting at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).

DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Cide, 8 pm.

Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Humpbacks in Elliott Bay
July 17, 2025 8:49 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

Three humpback whales are reported to be in Elliott Bay this morning. They were seen westbound from the marina near Magnolia less than an hour ago. Let us know if you see/have seen them!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Thursday info, with extended heat alert
July 17, 2025 6:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, July 17, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The heat alert has been extended until 5 pm today. Wednesday’s high was 94, but some cooldown is expected. Today’s high is expected to be in the 80s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:29 am; sunset will be at 9:00 pm.

ROAD WORK

-Three weeks of major nighttime work ahead on and around 16th SW in White Center have begun – details here.

-Admiral Bridge work continues, with both directions now carried on the south side instead of the north side.

PARKING ALERT

A film shoot will use the south side of Don Armeni Boat Ramp after 11 am today; it’s also chinook season. Here’s what we found out.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.

Washington State Ferries – WSF has resumed three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.

Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, and on weeknights with Mariners home games (and certain special events).

WEEKEND ALERT

The West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K on Saturday (July 19) mean parking restrictions and road closures on and near California SW from Admiral to south of Edmunds. Heed the signs – they tow on parade morning if necessary! There will be bus reroutes Saturday too. Restrictions are in place 7 am-3 pm

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Low Bridge – Looking west:

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!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another naked burglary, this time with arrest
July 17, 2025 12:44 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

One more crime report to publish before the night is out. We obtained the police-report narrative for one more commercial burglary, this one resulting in arrest.

It happened just after 4 am Tuesday morning. The report redacts the business name but refers to a “restaurant” in the 4200 block of SW Morgan, and Ezell’s is the only business matching that description. Police were called after witnesses heard glass break and saw a naked man enter the restaurant, followed by a “cloud of yellow smoke inside.”

Officers found a shattered front window, a “very large rock” on the ground next to the window, and blood droplets all around, including some inside the restaurant. They learned that a delivery driver reported seeing a man use the rock to break the window, climb through it and grab a fire extinguisher, then spraying it around the seating area, staying inside for about five minutes before leaving, walking westbound on Fauntleroy Way, with the fire extinguisher still in hand. Around 5 am, police got a call about a man matching the burglar’s description – including the lack of clothing – sitting at an apartment complex not too far away, appearing to be in crisis, clutching a “fist-sized” rock. Officers tried to get him to put down the rock; he didn’t, and would not respond to their verbal commands, the report narrative says. Eventually he got up, pulled the building fire alarm, began approaching the officers, and one of them fired a 40mm projectile at him, knocking him down. He was taken into custody and transported to a hospital; he was identified through a debit card found near him as a 27-year-old Delridge resident. He remains in jail this morning in lieu of $10,500 bail; the jail docket says he spent three days there earlier this month related to accusations of resisting arrest and unlawful transit conduct.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: RV bust nets guns, drugs (updated Thursday)
July 16, 2025 9:30 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL 9:30 PM REPORT: A narcotics investigation in West Seattle led to the seizure of an RV, drugs, and guns today. We learned about this from Southwest Precinct Officer German Barreto at the just-concluded Morgan Community Association quarterly meeting (lots of hot topics, full report to come). He said it happened at 26th SW and SW Cambridge this afternoon; at least four guns were seized, along with various quantities of suspected drugs, and the RV. Its resident could not be booked into King County Jail because of serious medical issues, he said, but the case will be submitted for charges.

1 PM THURSDAY UPDATE: We followed up with SPD, and they’ve just posted additional details via SPD Blotter:

… Wednesday’s arrest marked the culmination of an investigation into reports of drugs being purchased at the vehicle, parked in the 2600 block of Southwest Cambridge Street. In addition to dealing drugs, the RV occupants are also accused of running a fencing operation – purchasing stolen items from people and paying in cash and or drugs.

Seattle police narcotics detectives, as well as Southwest Precinct officers, say they saw foot traffic going in and out of the RV during the several weeks long investigation.

On Wednesday, officers arrested one of the RV occupants without incident. Officers coordinated to have the area cleaned and the RV removed.

In total police recovered:

159.9g of Fentanyl
38.8g of Methamphetamine
Two shotguns
Two handguns
Ammunition
Scale, phone, cash

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COUNTDOWN: Three days until West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K!
July 16, 2025 8:14 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Saturday’s doubleheader is getting ever closer – you can run or walk the Float Dodger 5K, and then watch (if you don’t happen to be among the hundreds of people set to participate) the West Seattle Grand Parade! We have a few more notes tonight, looking ahead:

(WSB file photo)

FLOAT DODGER 5K: Still time to register and avoid the last-minute price increase! The 5K starts from the field at Hiawatha at 9:30 am Saturday (July 19). Even if you’re not running/walking, come down early and visit the booths – among them, the West Seattle Food Bank, to which West Seattle Runner (which presents Float Dodger) donates proceeds. They’re offering an extra way to support the WSFB (which needs it more than ever) – a new raffle for $5/ticket, with your chance to win tickets to the September 25 Taste of West Seattle. (The WSFB’s other raffle, the Summer Raffle with prizes from local businesses, sold out for the first time ever!) Bring your $5 and look for the WSFB tent at Hiawatha on Saturday morning. And if you want to register for the Float Dodger 5K, do that here!

(WSB photo, 2024 Grand Parade)

WEST SEATTLE GRAND PARADE: Official parade start time from California/Lander is 11 am, but the leadoff group, the Seattle Police Motorcycle Drill Team, will likely start at about 10:45 am. They’re expecting at least eight motorcycle officers this year, twice the size of the comeback unit last year. One big decision if you haven’t made it already is where to watch – this year there’s an official list of “watch parties” – including:

Cherry Consignment
Falafel Salam
Hotwire Coffee
Sebastiano’s Natural Wines
WEND Jewelry
West Seattle Realty

One of those businesses has an entry in the parade too – Falafel Salam. Parade coordinator Michelle Edwards explains that the businesses on the list “are the businesses that the West Seattle Grand Parade Committee is currently aware of having and promoting a parade watch party at their business. There may be others that we don’t know about, but we are excited to see so many businesses bringing the community together for the parade and would love to know if anyone else is having one!” Email westseattleparade@gmail.com (and tell us too!). … For previous parade previews, click “West Seattle Grand Parade” under the headline and scroll through our archive!

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UPDATE: Film crew to take over part of Don Armeni Boat Ramp lot for most of Thursday
July 16, 2025 4:30 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photo)

4:30 PM: Thanks for the tips on this. Don Armeni Boat Ramp is festooned with a sizable amount of “no parking” signs that will be in effect 11 am tomorrow (Thursday, July 17) to 1 am Friday. The supplementary-info sheet on some of the signs attributes it to “filming,” which happens at the park from time to time given its incredibly scenic skyline backdrop. We asked Seattle Parks for information before we knew that, as one reader was particularly concerned, saying that tomorrow is a major fishing day. Parks tells WSB, after asking the city Film and Special Events Office, “It looks like the boat ramp will NOT be closed, nor will the ramp itself be impacted. The impacts are only to the southern portion of the lot where parking will be reserved, and that portion of the lot being fully closed after 7 pm. There will be police on site to direct traffic where needed and inform folks about what is going on. Additionally, the impacts are ONLY tomorrow. The reason the 18th is on the signage is because they are filming until 1 am.” (The contact on the signage is for a regional location scout.)

6:21 PM: A few additions directly from the Special Events Office:

-This is a commercial film production.
-The production is working in the south end of the parking lot.
-The boat ramp, north entrance, and north-end parking will be open and unimpacted, and access to launch from the ramp will be maintained all day.
-Work in the south-end of the lot includes parking space restrictions from 11:00AM Thursday to 1:00AM Friday, and through-traffic restrictions from 7:00 PM Thursday to 1:00 AM Friday.
-The production is aware of the opening of chinook salmon season and will be communicating on the day with boaters and park visitors to the nature of the parking space and access restrictions and timing.

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North Delridge gas leak, handled quickly
July 16, 2025 4:09 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Utilities | West Seattle news

Seattle Fire sent a mid-size response, and Seattle Police sent street-closing assistance, but a gas leak in the 4500 block of 26th SW has been handled quickly; SFD reported being able to shut it down within moments of their arrival. They’re checking now for gas levels or other impacts inside at least one nearby house.

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SPORTS: Two state-level updates from West Seattle Little League!
July 16, 2025 2:59 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

More big news from West Seattle Little League – Jen sent the photos and report:

What a time for West Seattle Little League!

WSLL’s Softball 10U All Stars are 4-0 in the State tournament and are in the finals this Thursday at 6 pm! While they are battling it out in Vancouver, WA – we can still unite to cheer them on locally! Our friends and WSLL sponsors at West Wings are holding a watch party on: Thursday, July 17 at 6 pm. Come cheer the 10s on and have some good food and drinks!

WSLL is honored to host the Baseball 10U State Little League Tournament from July 19 – 26 at our home field, Bar-S Playfield! This statewide tournament rotates between 13 districts, and after many years, it’s finally our turn to shine.

Even more exciting, our very own Baseball 10U All Star team won the District 7 Championship and kicks off their first game on Sunday, July 20 at 3 pm!

This event is bigger than baseball – it’s a celebration of teamwork, sportsmanship, and community spirit. Let’s come together and show visitors from across the state what makes West Seattle special!

The Bar-S fields are on SW Admiral Way north of 63rd SW.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Alki Coffee Company break-in
July 16, 2025 12:46 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Another business burglary, this time around 2 am today at Alki Coffee Company. We’re still awaiting the police-report narrative but co-owner Jonathan Stebbins has confirmed it – we asked if they had any security-camera images and he sent these:

If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 25-199913. The coffee shop and co-housed ice cream shop have been open just three months.

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ELECTION 2025: Watch for your primary ballot, with seven decisions to make
July 16, 2025 11:02 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

checkbox.jpgToday’s the day that King County Elections plans to start mailing ballots for the primary election, with voting ending and vote-counting beginning on Tuesday, August 5 (aka Election Day). Here’s what you’ll be asked to decide (we’re not listing uncontested positions):

CANDIDATES (all are listed/infolinked here)
Seattle Mayor (8 candidates)
Seattle citywide Council Position 8 (5 candidates)
Seattle citywide Council Position 9 (4 candidates)
Seattle City Attorney (4 candidates)
King County Executive (7 candidates, no incumbent)

Top two candidates in those races advance to the November general election. But these two, as is always the case with ballot measures, will be final decisions:

BALLOT MEASURES
King County Proposition 1 (6-year Parks Levy renewal)
Seattle Proposition 1 (Democracy Voucher 10-year levy renewal)

You can vote as soon as your ballot arrives; get it into the mail with a postmark no later than August 5, or into a KC Elections drop box no later than 8 pm August 5. Other lesser-used options too – they’re listed here.

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Morgan Community Association, piñata workshop, more for your West Seattle Wednesday
July 16, 2025 9:54 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Rosalie Miller, who says this is a leafcutter bee napping in a calendula blossom)

Here’s what’s happening, and not happening, in the (hot!) hours ahead, mostly as featured on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SUMMER FOOD: As reported here, there are multiple sites/times/days in West Seattle where kids can get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (this is a last-minute reminder, so set your calendar for next Wednesday morning if interested!).

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW)

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

COLMAN POOL: The open-every-day (except this Friday-Saturday) season continues at Lincoln Park‘s outdoor, heated salt-water pool! Noon-7 pm; see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

WADING POOLS: Two pools are scheduled to be open today in West Seattle – Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) will be open noon-5:30 pm; Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) will be open noon-7 pm.

REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, 2-4:30 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).

‘WILD ROBOT’ READ-ALOUD CLUB: 1 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), starting today! Info here.

PINATA WORKSHOP: 2-3:30 pm hands-on workshop, registration not required, at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Got something that’s broken? Fix it instead of discarding it! 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).

DRAG BINGO: 6 pm at Pine Lake Cellars (5405 California SW), hosted by Jolene Granby. Find the reservations link in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly happy-hour meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).

OPEN STUDIO AT POTTERINGS: 6 pm, get creative at the studio! (3400 Harbor SW)

POST-SUMMER-FEST ALTERNATIVE DANCE PARTY: With DJ Depeche Mike spinning 6-9 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW).

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome.

GAMES IN THE PARK WITH GROWN-UPS: 6:30 pm, meet by the kiosk at the north lot of Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW): “Come get silly with us and enjoy the laughter that erupts! Bring your awkward, frustrated, giddy or chill feelings – this is a come-as-you-are party and a friendly space to connect and play.”

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

MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Hybrid quarterly meeting at 7 pm, at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd SW/SW Juneau) or via Zoom. Follow the link for agenda topics and the video connection.

KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

MUSIC BINGO x 2: at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm. and monthly MINGO at Three9 Lounge (39th SW/SW Oregon), 7:30 pm.

REGULAR TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday list: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) at 7 pm … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday trivia at 8 pm … Quiz Night also begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: You’re on centerstage – 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way 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!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Thief takes church’s plants
July 16, 2025 9:02 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

A member of Peace Lutheran Church at 39th SW/SW Thistle in Gatewood sends this report/request:

Someone “borrowed” 2 planters full of bee- and hummingbird-friendly plants from our patio. We’d just like them returned. No questions asked.

We’re following up to see what kind of planters these were, in case you find them abandoned somewhere. But first, the message is for the thief/thieves.

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Wednesday watch, with heat alert
July 16, 2025 6:02 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The Heat Advisory alert is in effect until 10 tonight. Today’s high is expected to reach the upper 80s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:29 am; sunset will be at 9:02 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.

Washington State Ferries – WSF has resumed three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.

Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, and on weeknights with Mariners home games (and certain special events).

ROAD WORK

-Three weeks of major nighttime work ahead on and around 16th SW in White Center start today – details here.

-Admiral Bridge work continues, with both directions now carried on the south side instead of the north side; SDOT still will not estimate a completion date other than “summer.”

PARKING ALERT FOR THURSDAY

Reader tells us signage at Don Armeni Boat Ramp says no parking Thursday after 11 am. We’re still seeking official info; another reader believes it’s a film shoot.

EARLY WEEKEND ALERT

The West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K on Saturday (July 19) mean parking restrictions and road closures on and near California SW from Admiral to south of Edmunds. Heed the signs – they tow on parade morning if necessary! There will be bus reroutes Saturday too.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Low Bridge – Looking west:

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!

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READER REPORT: Found bicycle (frame)
July 15, 2025 10:46 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Found bicycles | West Seattle news

Sent by Andrew:

This wheelless bike was found in the alley behind the First Lutheran Church of West Seattle this morning. Please contact andrewg@tildenschool.org if you believe it is yours.

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VIDEO: West Seattle Big Band’s 2025 Concert in the Park
July 15, 2025 7:05 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

7:05 PM: No A/C? Get out of your warm apartment/house/townhouse and hang out at High Point Commons Park with the West Seattle Big Band, whose Concert in the Park has just begun!

Free, great music; the park is just north of Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW) and the concert will be on at least until 8:30 pm.

9:04 PM: The concert ran about 10 minutes past that! We are back at HQ now and will add video and more before the night’s out.

10:52 PM: We’re adding the clips as they’re ready. WSBB, directed by Jim Edwards, opened with Glenn Miller‘s classic “In the Mood”:

Jenaige Lane was featured vocalist on Michael Bublé‘s “Sway”:

Sam Henry was featured vocalist on Frank Sinatra‘s “Come Fly with Me”:

This instrumental number had a ’60s TV vibe going, predominantly the “I Dream of Jeannie” theme:

Another song featuring Jenaige Lane, ABBA‘s “Dancing Queen”:

The vocalists sang a duet on “Slow Boat to China”:

Between songs, Jim Edwards explained both the band’s background – rooted at West Seattle High School, supporting music education, well past 350 performances in its nearly three decades – and this concert’s ties to the West Seattle Grand Parade: Edwards himself coordinates safety and communication (and is a past parade coordinator), his daughter Michelle Edwards – WSBB keyboardist – is current parade coordinator, wife Barbara Edwards – parade judging coordinator – was at the show in support, as was parade chair Keith Hughes from the Rotary Club of West Seattle (which presents the parade). Also seen at the concert: Make-A-Wish super-volunteer Lou Cutler, this year’s Grand Marshal!

MORE CHANCES TO SEE THE WSBB: As its director told the crowd, you’ll see them at the Fauntleroy Fall Festival (October 19), holiday gig(s) TBA, and the annual Big Band Dinner Dances supporting the music programs at WSHS and Madison MS.

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UTILITY WORK ALERT: SPU plans ‘smoke testing’ in some West Seattle sewers
July 15, 2025 4:50 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | Utilities | West Seattle news

Seattle Public Utilities is about to start a round of testing in the Arbor Heights area that might look startling. Here’s the notice sent to us to share with the wider community:

SEWER INSPECTIONS WITH NON-TOXIC SMOKE

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Seattle Public Utilities is using a testing method called “smoke testing” to find sewer leaks and/or pipe connection problems. A contractor, Pro-Vac, will be in your neighborhood blowing a colorless water vapor or “smoke” into sewer pipes via maintenance holes; the “smoke” is non-toxic and non-staining but may have a distinctive odor. “Smoke” or its odor is not anticipated to come into your house or building if your plumbing is in good working order and your “p-traps” (the U-shaped pipes under each drain) are filled with water.

SCHEDULE
This work is scheduled for late July through end of August. You will receive a door hanger notice 24- to 48-hours before the inspection. Prior to the testing, consider running water for 30 seconds in all your sinks, baths, and showers and pouring water in exposed floor drains.

LOCATION
The testing uses maintenance holes within the public right-of-way throughout the Arbor Heights Neighborhood. The “smoke” may travel up to 1,500 feet within the sewer pipe.

IMPACTS
Homes and businesses will continue to receive normal sewer services during the inspection.
 You may see or smell the “smoke” coming from maintenance holes in the street or right-of-way, sewer vents from roofs or coming out of the ground. This is normal and you do not need to do anything. You may talk with the on-site workers conducting the inspections if you have questions.
 If you see or smell “smoke” in your house or building, open doors or windows to increase ventilation. The
vapor should clear within a few minutes.
 If smoke continues to remain in your building for more than 5 minutes, talk with the field representatives or
on-site workers conducting the inspections. You may also contact SPU’s emergency Operations Response
Center (ORC) at (206) 386-1800.

“Smoke” may have entered your building due to issues with your building’s sewer pipe vents and/or p-traps under sinks, tubs or other drains. If “smoke” came into your building that did not stop when you put water in a drain, please consider contacting a plumber to investigate possible issues with your plumbing.

Here’s the notice in PDF.

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VIDEO: Seattle Police, politicians show off Real-Time Crime Center. Will its cameras come to West Seattle?
July 15, 2025 2:40 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

The Seattle Police Real-Time Crime Center has been mentioned multiple times in community meetings in recent months, held up as an example of how SPD is working harder, and differently, to crack cases. But what is it and what does it do? We and other media crews were invited to SPD headquarters today for an explanation and demonstration. The heart of the latter was an SPD-produced video showing highlights of how the RTCC – located in the HQ building downtown – was used to arrest a suspect after an assault in North Seattle. But first, the center’s commander Capt. Jim Britt explained how it works:

After correcting a playback problem, they then showed the video:

And before that, Capt. Britt gave a top-level overview promising privacy protections were part of their operations:

While SPD stressed that some areas in public did not qualify for privacy protection, like sidewalks, the camera system does have privacy masking for some things such as residential upper-level windows. The demonstration was preceded by comments from newly confirmed SPD Chief Shon Barnes:

Mayor Bruce Harrell and Public Safety Committee chair Councilmember Bob Kettle spoke too; Council president Sara Nelson and Councilmember Maritza Rivera were also there but did not take turns at the microphone.

The major question for us was, when will … or will … it be deployed in West Seattle cases? WS is not in immediate line for city-installed, city-controlled surveillance cameras; the next installments are set for other parts of the city including Capitol Hill and the stadium zone. But the system’s capability to tap into private security cameras, with permission, as well as other city cameras such as traffic cams is what will eventually enable its use in areas without SPD-controlled cameras.

The RTCC is currently staffed 19 hours a day (8 am to 3 am) and is expected to expand to 24/7 next year. You can read the city’s official news release about today’s event and the RTCC here.

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FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Saunter success!
July 15, 2025 1:57 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Last month, we noted that a Seattle walking fan named Holden was organizing “saunters” around the city and that his next one would be in West Seattle. Last Saturday was the big day, and it was a success! Holden sent this West Seattle Saunter report with photos today:

Howdy Y’all,

Back on May 17th of this year, hundreds of people showed up in the pouring rain to walk the entire length of Seattle, from north to south, in the inaugural Seattle Super Saunter. Despite the weather it was a truly positive experience of folks exploring the city, making new friends, and getting some good exercise. A goal of the event was having some way of connecting disparate areas of the city together, and getting folks to experience neighborhoods that they might not otherwise see. And although we felt like the event did a good job in that aim, there was one large part of Seattle that felt difficult to include, and one that often goes overlooked by folks in other parts of the city, West Seattle.

So in an attempt to rectify not being included in the Seattle Super Saunter, we thought why not give West Seattle its very own saunter. So on Saturday July 12th and beginning from the West Seattle Water Taxi Pier, the West Seattle Saunter took its first step. The simple plan was to traverse 12 miles around West Seattle on foot and see some of the best spots West Seattle has to offer such as Alki Beach, Lincoln Park, Myrtle Reservoir Park, and Summer Fest at Alaska Junction.

At the beginning there were probably about 150 folks who came out to saunter on what ended up being a gorgeous and wonderful day. What was especially nice was to have a good ratio of folks from West Seattle and New Seattle (the mainland), probably about half and half.

Something that was also great was seeing so many folks use the water taxi. Another goal of these saunters is to encourage folks to use transit, so it was the perfect opportunity for folks to use the water taxi. The 773 shuttle also made it convenient for folks to get from Summer Fest at Alaska Junction back to the Water Taxi at the end.

Some of the highlights of the day included:

-Getting to hear about the Alki Healthy Street over at Constellation Park

-Learning about what life was like with the West Seattle Bridge being out

-Seeing a seal over at Lincoln Park, right after this woman had promised her friend there would be one

-Swarming the Super Deli Mart at 35th and Barton with our large group

-Visiting the highest point in the city and exploring the cute neighborhoods and parks near High Point

-Meeting Everett, who was 9 years old and who walked the whole 12 miles and finding out later he got rewarded with a big ice cream cone at the end

-Finishing up at West Seattle Summer Fest and enjoying all the vibrancy of the event. It was such a treat to meet so many great people on Saturday and I heard from plenty of folks that they had never been to West Seattle or that they had not been since before the pandemic.

So this felt like the perfect opportunity for people to explore and re-explore alongside the wonderful residents of West Seattle. If you were not able to make it out on Saturday, I hope you take the chance to get to see West Seattle on foot (take the water taxi too!). Although at times West Seattle can feel like an afterthought to folks on the mainland, there really is so much to see, do, explore, and enjoy out on the Peninsula, as I am sure your readers already know. I know I’ll be back soon and I’m sure plenty of folks from Saturday will too.

Thank you to West Seattle for being so wonderful and thank you everyone who showed up to make Saturday special!

If anyone would like to stay in the loop for any future saunters, you can join our email list here or follow the Instagram.

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