Video: 10-minute 'private' fireworks show from barge off Beach Drive

Mike July 20, 2013 (10:05 pm)

jesus christ I forgot about this, i nearly called 9-1-1. It sounded like somebody got shot right outside my house.

Machel July 20, 2013 (10:08 pm)

Super obnoxious and scaring the crap out of all the animals…poor idea on whoever thought of it. Sounds like a war zone and I’m quite a ways away. Boooooooooooooo!!!!

Resident3 July 20, 2013 (10:12 pm)

Any guesses on the cost of this show? I live near Roxbury and I can hear it over here. I think it’s over now.

Aaron Hobson July 20, 2013 (10:27 pm)

Best 10 minute firework show ever

Hockeywitch July 20, 2013 (10:28 pm)

Great show… Perfect view from my balcony. Thank you for sharing your fireworks with the rest of us.

shed22 July 20, 2013 (10:28 pm)

Wow! What a show!! Congratulations to those celebrating (I heard yells of “Happy Anniversary” but not sure if it is related) and thank you for a wonderful and memorable experience.

CR July 20, 2013 (10:30 pm)

I live close by and was shocked to see fireworks going off. I called 911 and was told that the people setting off the fireworks had a permit…clearly, I wasn’t the first person who called to complain. I find it problematic that fireworks can be lit off like this without sufficient public notice. People with dogs know to prepare for the Fourth of July and New Years, but now any old day someone can light offf fireworks with no notice so people can at least prepare their dogs?

In addition, as a local paddler I am also concerned about water pollution. It is well documented that firework shows over water pollute the water and harm living things in the water.

I don’t think private fireworks shows like this should be permitted. They are a Nuisance to neighbors, a terror or unprepared dogs, and exploit our beautiful West Seattle waters with pollutants.

http://environment.about.com/od/healthenvironment/a/toxicfireworks.htm

A Nearby Resident July 20, 2013 (10:38 pm)

There was about a three week notice given by hand and here, on WSB.

I thought it was a wonderful display and am very happy to have had a chance to see it from my house.
Displays like that usually cost anywhere from 10-15k per 10 minutes, I do believe!

Cathy July 20, 2013 (10:40 pm)

I didn’t know about this since I just got back in town. I jumped under my bed and kissed my ass goodbye !
I certainly hoped those at the part enjoyed it.

fiz July 20, 2013 (10:48 pm)

Crying over the loss of a dear friend tonight. I spoke her name with each burst.

WSL July 20, 2013 (10:50 pm)

CuRmudgeonly much? ;)

Bornonalki July 20, 2013 (10:52 pm)

We loved the show!!! It was a fantastic fun beautiful sight!!

We read the blog and knew this show was happening, took our dog home, shut the windows and went and had a good time!

Thanks for the oohhhhs and aaawwwws!!!!

Paula T July 20, 2013 (10:52 pm)

Big thanks to the fireworks show tonight! Loved sitting on a blanket right under them :)

@ CR who was compelled to called 911. It is interesting you write comments on WSB tonight but failed to see the very public notification three weeks ago and several reminders the last two days! Read the blog, and you will know the story and that there were permits, and clean up plans. Sheesh…

Krista July 20, 2013 (10:53 pm)

I wanted to share a big thanks to those who put on this show that allowed those of us nearby to view/enjoy it. My mom unexpectedly passed away on the 4th this year and I was too heartbroken to go out and watch the fireworks or celebrations. To view this from my deck tonight was amazing and something I will remember for a long, long time. Thank you!!

Peanut July 20, 2013 (10:53 pm)

It was gorgeous!! We were given prior notice on the WSB, but forgot. Perhaps a reminder notice? One of our dogs peed on the carpet sadly, but the view from the roof was fabulous!! Thank you for letting us share in your celebration even though our dogs were completely freaked out. Summer in Seattle !!

Alki Resident July 20, 2013 (10:54 pm)

Owww! Ahhh! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! Thank you Beach Drive resident for letting us enjoy your celebration!!! :)

JM July 20, 2013 (10:54 pm)

Ditto x 1000 to Mike and CR!! Totally not expected, got us out of bed and our poor dog went crazy. Pretty close to home and no warning (missed it in the blog)! My daughter said she and her husband were awakened thinking their house was being broken into. Can anyone arrange for special fireworks for any occasion at any time of the year in any neighborhood?? Really?? Not a fan.

WD July 20, 2013 (10:56 pm)

Great show! Even better than some of the sponsored 4th of July fireworks shows. We were watching down at Me Kwa Mooks Park along with about a hundred others. All of us went into applause afterwards. Thanks to Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering for the heads-up notice three weeks ago through WSB and for sharing it with others!

ruse July 20, 2013 (10:59 pm)

@CR, I completely agree about the water pollution. I just paddled by there today and saw tons of wildlife (Seal Pups, Jellyfish, myriad species of birds). In a city where we have laws against getting too close to Seal Pups, it seems strange that the same city permits small bombs to go off above them and then pollute their habitat. As a side note, I think this is what happens when Rich people watch The Great Gatsby.

Hockeywitch July 20, 2013 (11:00 pm)

There was 3 weeks notice given about this event and a number and email address provided for people with concerns/complaints etc. So if you are a WS Blog reader, you knew about it..**rolls my eyes** I did notice that someone over in the Junction area decided to light off some illegal fireworks of their own while the show was going off (I videoed the whole show and have the illegal ones caught too)… Call 911 on them… at least the ones over the Bay were legal.

Don July 20, 2013 (11:01 pm)

I wonder if I missed something on the Blog. Prior to the fireworks, maybe over 50 large paper bags lit up with some sort of fire launched from the boat launch. Some of them really went a long way in the air

WSB July 20, 2013 (11:16 pm)

Don – sounds like Sky Lanterns. We never get notice of those. They are sold year-round as something for people to send out to celebrate special occasions, though I know there is some controversy over the prudence of that …

NonConforminCitizen July 20, 2013 (11:02 pm)

@ CR, there was PLENTY and I MEAN PLENTY of notice given, so unless you’re a hermit who lives in the deepest bowels of the 7th realm of Hell there is no way on this earth that you did NOT know about this private show. You obviously have a computer and an internet connection which then would lead to the certainty that you DID KNOW about this yet you have a personal disdain for fireworks whether from a bad childhood experience or the the fact that you are one of the many in this city who oppose anything that is enjoyable or appreciative in any way. I’m sure you’re also one of those who complains when a fire truck passes by your house with sirens blaring.

GET OVER IT, and perhaps learn the meaning of tolerance, who cares that your night of self loathing and solitude was disrupted by a private show that was enjoyed by many, I myself included.

I am tolerant but I cannot stand people like you who complain JUST TO COMPLAIN!

BS July 20, 2013 (11:02 pm)

complete BS!

Alki Resident July 20, 2013 (11:04 pm)

@CR. A 3 week notice was given: https://westseattleblog.com/2013/07/post-fourth-fireworks-private-show-off-beach-drive-on-july-20th

I missed the notice too &, initially, the cat & I were a bit freaked out but she’s fine now and me, my neighbors & a few random cars driving by that pulled over enjoyed the show. I thought it was very considerate, kind and generous for the Beach Drive resident to give notice & “share” their private fireworks. Judging by the clapping afterwards, so did the others in my neighborhood.

Alki2 July 20, 2013 (11:08 pm)

@hockeywitch “So if you are a WS Blog reader, you knew about it..**rolls my eyes**” // We didn’t know about it and we are blog readers…caught us by surprise. And did I mention, we are blog readers…

Last53BusRider July 20, 2013 (11:09 pm)

There was plenty of notice given for this display. There is probably no one in West Seattle more self-absorbed and living in a personal bubble than me – but even I got to know about it via WSB and by paying attention to a notice posted by the mailboxes of my apartment building on Beach Drive. I wandered out at 9:50 and got to Emma Schmitz Park just in time for the start. Great fireworks. Happy, mellow Beach Drive crowd doing what it does best – relaxing in beach chairs and enjoying a rare, free show.
When I got home, I found my cat hiding in her “safe place” – but once she realized the loud bangs were done with, she got over it and came out. She was actually far more bothered by the loud neighbors we had to live with last summer.
I would say it was it was a great end to a great July day.

Seattle Sue July 20, 2013 (11:12 pm)

This confirms the fact that I need to keep tuned in to the WSB. However, my opinion is that we don’t need more wasteful spending when people living among us are homeless. And what about the huge black cloud that it caused and the disturbed wildlife, pets, and habitat?

A fan July 20, 2013 (11:12 pm)

It was absolutely amazing! I hope they had a wonderful anniversary and party!!! thank you for letting us share in the festivities!! We have a newborn and did not get to see the fireworks on the 4th. We had a front seat view. So happy. It was loud but we were more than prepared. Not only did they give notice through the blog and other avenues but the catering company went door to door and gave out letters with all of the information and numbers for the company and the city on Friday. They not only followed the rules and laws but went above and beyond to make sure that people were aware. And yes, with the right permits and following certain laws and regs people can celebrate a special anniversary with fireworks.

West Seattle Hipster July 20, 2013 (11:15 pm)

Great show! Thanks for the advance notice WSB!

Homedk July 20, 2013 (11:17 pm)

This isn’t a comment re the environmental impacts, but rather the show itself… I enjoyed it, as I had a great view from our kitchen window. .
My impression is that a lot of fireworks were packed into that 10 minutes. Unless they were choreographed to some music that that I wasn’t aware of, it would have been nicer to have them spread out over a somewhat longer timeframe so as to savor them & build some anticipation toward the finale.

Cid July 20, 2013 (11:19 pm)

I was able to watch it from Gatewood, and thought it was great.

Cranky Westie July 20, 2013 (11:22 pm)

I hated it. It reminded me that my shabby life of complaining and constant moral superiority could never be as beautiful or as fun as fireworks. I hated it. G-damn Mayor McBeard and his murky plot to force us to ride bikes naked! I blame the the city of Seattle, the Seafair Pirates and the people who make the Trader Joe’s Herb Flavored popcorn in the bags that are hard to open. The super intelligent coyotes and the robots that steal my Seattle P-I every morning loved the show. Actually, I peed on the carpet. I hated it.

Ray July 20, 2013 (11:22 pm)

Yes, they can. With proper permits.

Just like any whiney self-absorbed group can stage marches in downtown Seattle. With permits. Especially at rush hour because they feel important enough to negatively impact the rest of us.

JM July 20, 2013 (11:26 pm)

Why all the anger about whether people knew about it or not? Obviously some people knew and others didn’t. I guess that’s the point. Fireworks are expected on or near July 4th and New Year’s Eve. They won’t catch people by surprise. On other days a loud booming that continues long enough to wake people up or concern them enough to call 911 is out of the ordinary.

Kim July 20, 2013 (11:29 pm)

We’re with CR. Want to celebrate your anniversary? Great! How about privately. We had enough of the fireworks on the 4th (and the days before and after). Oh, I’d heard mention of it–was I supposed to mark the date to prepare the dogs and kids for the blasts? And what about the sea life?
I find this ostentatious and selfish; I’m kind of amazed that this was allowed to proceed.

ws resident July 20, 2013 (11:30 pm)

What a fun surprise! We thoroughly enjoyed the fireworks from our house.

A Nearby Resident July 20, 2013 (11:34 pm)

Seattle Sue; There are terrible things in the world, yes, but that does not mean people aren’t allowed joy, too. You don’t know whether or not the couple who held this party donate to charities.

Hockeywitch July 20, 2013 (11:35 pm)

@Alki2….then you aren’t a thorough reader, because its been 3 weeks of notice including, as I wrote, a notice from the company putting on the show/party that you could call/email complaints or concerns… So your problem.

Fireworks fan July 20, 2013 (11:39 pm)

Amazing show, really appreciate the wonderful beach drive residents sharing it with us. The show went from 10-10:20 on a saturday night so everyone who got woken up in bed should probably move into a retirement home on the other side of west Seattle.

Matt July 20, 2013 (11:42 pm)

@Kim: “I find this ostentatious and selfish; I’m kind of amazed that this was allowed to proceed.” That’s exactly how I feel. Well put.

ruse July 20, 2013 (11:53 pm)

Ya ya, let’s make fun of people for not scouring over all WSB content and committing it to memory.

“And I am sure that I never read any memorable news in a newspaper. If we read of one man robbed, or murdered, or killed by accident, or one house burned, or one vessel wrecked, or one steamboat blown up, or one cow run over on the Western Railroad, or one mad dog killed, or one lot of grasshoppers in the winter, – we need never read of another. One is enough. If you are acquainted with the principle, what do you care for a myriad instances and applications?”

— Henry David Thoreau, Walden.

Kristen July 20, 2013 (11:57 pm)

I live in Manchester and thought the fuel depot was blowing up for a second. I checked WSB twitter and saw it was fireworks. Glad I didn’t call 911! Very happy for those who
Got to enjoy it. :) I’m sorry I missed it. It sounded fun from over here though!

Keith July 21, 2013 (12:15 am)

We had no clue about the show (checked out WSB for info, and of course it was here!) but were pleasantly surprised to see and enjoy it from our Alaska Junction home. wish it happened every summer Saturday!

DiverLaura July 21, 2013 (12:43 am)

Hey all, whatever you think of the fireworks, LOVE em or HATE em, it would be great to see folks out on the beach (Emma Schmitz Memorial Park) between 9am and 11am. We (DiverLaura and some of the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance staff) don’t know where the wind will blow the fireworks debris, but there is a very very low tide and if it has blown them inshore, our hope to clean as much of the debris up as possible. Hopefully there will be some Kayaks in the water as the debris may raft up offshore in the rip line. If that is the case, a handful of us will try and get out after the primary cleanup and scoop it up. Soundkeeper will be providing bags, grabbers and nets. T&T will be there with treats, staff and skiff.

Ajax July 21, 2013 (12:59 am)

@NonConforminCitizen, your comment indicates that you are the very definition of intolerant. If you can become that enraged and aggressive about someone not knowing about a fireworks show, you should talk to your doctor about mood stabilizers.

Castle July 21, 2013 (1:12 am)

I live in the Admiral district, a fair distance away. I also don’t follow this blog. Happened upon it while googling to see if it there was some unknown event.

Initially I was torn on the overall issue. I’m pro individuals having rights to do legal, permitted activities like this. But, I’m also a grumpy old man apparently, as I found it annoying. I’ll live though.

Had I been notified in advance I probably would have made plans to enjoy it.

I admit, I’m not sure what a reasonable method to notify people farther away is, but I believe this is an area that should and can be improved upon. Perhaps notifying local news? I probably would have caught a KOMO tweet, radio and/or TV blurb about it.

Further, I found several of the other commenters to be overly hostile when expressing their views. We should try to remember we’re all neighbors. Being an ass online is just as bad as being one in person.

Finally, a thank you to the WestSeattleBlog team for the hard work that it takes to run and provide this site. Now that I’m aware of it, I’ll try to keep tabs on it for local news.

Cheers.

Jeannine July 21, 2013 (1:22 am)

This was a private party celebrating a 30 year wedding anniversary, so we were told from a passerby at the park. It was over the top.

elisabeth July 21, 2013 (1:22 am)

I’m with CR and Kim and other objectors. In addition to my own two dogs, I am hosting two other dogs belonging to siblings this weekend. Here at 40th and Dakota it was plenty loud! All four dogs were completely freaked out. I thought Seattle had a noise ordinance? Yes, I was aware that there was going to be some kind of private show at some point, but in this age of info overload I didn’t note the exact date. What should I have done, tranq up all the dogs? Or maybe just myself? One dog, scrambling for cover, knocked over and broke a ceramic planter pot. I really hate to think of the trauma that outside animals, both wild and domestic, must have suffered.

NicMarie July 21, 2013 (1:40 am)

Sorry I missed it (not around, I knew it was happening, thanks WSB)! Can we just calm down and address real problems effecting our environment and egregious misuse of wealth, INSTEAD of throwing temper tantrums about 20 minutes? Pick your battles people, and enjoy the spontaneous happiness of others!! (Spontaneous, here, meaning 3 weeks notice.)

Cait July 21, 2013 (1:43 am)

So sad I only got to see this on video!

Rockets Red Glare July 21, 2013 (2:07 am)

Yeah, baby. Close to my house and a great show. Thanks very much.

Doggirlseattle July 21, 2013 (2:59 am)

CR, Paula T, hockeywitch, nonconformin, Fireworks Fan, I’m really disappointed in all of your replies. Is it possible for any of you to consider that a) people may follow the WSB but have too much going on in their lives/be too busy to catch every post, and therefore have a legitimate reason for missing the announcements, b) have legitimate and valid reasons for concern/frustration when hearing cracks that could potentially be gunfire or explosions (not knowing the cause), c) be concerned over the environmental impact and whether the person/people who paid for the show also paid for the clean up? Or is that all implausible and unreasonable to you? The way you all sound, your brief enjoyment is more important to you than any of those other factors, *and* others have no right to react negatively. I can only hope that you all represent a very small subsection of WS residents. Nothing has made me think twice about where I live until your comments. It’s just really shocking and disappointing.

DiverLaura- shouldn’t it be the responsibility of the people who paid for the fireworks to pay for the cleanup and prevention of pollution? Or is it more like they had their fun and leave the mess to others like you? How many people who enjoyed and defended the fireworks do you think will show up tomorrow to help you clean? BTW, it’s a wonderful thing you are doing. Thank you for being so caring and doing the right thing. I hope you get a large turnout tomorrow from other awesome people like yourself. :-)

Alkene July 21, 2013 (5:56 am)

I feel both delighted and improved to learn that I am a hermit who lives in the deepest bowels of the 7th realm of Hell, who should probably move into a retirement home on the other side of west Seattle.

Social and spatial orientation in the information age is a noble and beautiful thing.

CanDo July 21, 2013 (6:24 am)

I remember reading something about fireworks on the Blog a couple of weeks ago, but didn’t pay attention to where, when or why and last night’s show so close to home caught us by surprise. Yeah, the dogs were a little freaked at first, but they calmed down as our surprise turned to delight. Our neighborhood clapped and cheered when it ended. Thanks for sharing your anniversary with us. We’ll gladly help with any beach cleanup.

Rick July 21, 2013 (6:33 am)

Yo Cranky. You nailed it. I’d comment more on some of the comments but it’s best I don’t. However, some folks need to go back to their bubbles.

F16CrewChief July 21, 2013 (6:40 am)

This is the funniest thread I’ve read in a while. Someone actually said they jumped under their bed. People called 911? Terrible, thanks for wasting our public servants time. Pollution? Yeah, because all the cargo ships, ferries, cruise liners, and private boats are harmless…LOL. I wanna have a firework show once a week now so I can get some good reading here.

Gene July 21, 2013 (6:50 am)

To those criticizing the cost of this– who are you to tell anyone what they can/ should do with their money?? You don’t know if these folks donate to charities– volunteer at food banks? Even if they don’t — it’s their money. This was a beautiful show– there WAS plenty of notice — Happy 30th anniversary to the couple- thanks for sharing your celebration with the rest of us. In 5 years – my wife & I will be celebrating our 50 th– If we have the money- we’re going to do this — just giving notice WS!!

WSB July 21, 2013 (7:17 am)

Congratulations on 45 years of marriage, “Gene”!

Laura July 21, 2013 (7:23 am)

Beautiful show, but such a bummer that it woke up my 3 month old and ruined our one “long” stretch of sleep. Loudest was the 2nd set near the junction which was SO loud.

corey July 21, 2013 (7:26 am)

I am not a regular wsb reader so when my dog had a complete meltdown & freaked out because I didn’t know to have zanax available from the vet, I guess it’s my own fault for not reading the wsb. Who cares if a bunch of dogs (I can’t imagine mine was the only one) suffered as long as some rich people got their pretty show. Also as far as I can tell there was only one prior mention onbthe wsb, so if you didn’t read the blog that day you wouldn’t have been warned. I don’t think it’s right for a whole neighborhood to be inconvenienced for the sake of 1couple, talk about entitlement.

WSB July 21, 2013 (8:53 am)

Corey – again, not to belabor the point of anyone who missed the prior mentions, since no one is obligated to read our publication or any other news publication, for that matter, but for anyone who jumps into the end of the comment thread, I did link the previous mentions in this comment, for anyone who cares (five of them, plus the all-day alert in the sidebar yesterday, and Facebook/Twitter alerts):
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https://westseattleblog.com/2013/07/post-fourth-fireworks-private-show-off-beach-drive-on-july-20th#comment-1057853
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I’m always interested in how people would be interested in getting this kind of notification. Robocall? Text message? Direct mail? All or some of the above? If the city has any rules about notification, they might well be outdated, kind of like the “publish public notices in newspapers” laws, which still to date cost governments huge amounts of money to “notify the public” in places where few will see the “notices,” but that’s a whole ‘nother can of worms … TR

miws July 21, 2013 (7:36 am)

I’m pretty much “meh” about the professional fireworks shows. Oh sure, they can be kinda cool to watch, and “ooh” and “aah” over. I was going to watch the Lake Union Show on TV, but cable was down for two hours right around then.

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I do have concerns about pets and people, to whom the sounds can be truly traumatic. Some pets have issues well beyond being frightened for a few minutes, but being immediately reassured once their people start consoling them, or to where the pet will hide under the bed, and be perfectly fine after the booms stop.

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I also have concerns about the effect on the environment, especially when we hear from very credible folks as Diver Laura.

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Now, the illegal fireworks that make the area sound like a war zone, and redefine the date of July 4th as running from June 27th to July 11th are another story. Related to all of this somewhat, was the fireworks show at Steve Cox Memorial Field the other night.

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Despite all of the repeated notice here on WSB, when the booms started happening, I thought it was nearby neighbors again, almost felt myself cowering, and was thinking “Oh god, thought we were done with this a week ago”. After a couple minutes I remembered the schedule show, and checked here.

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All that being said, I have to give huge kudos to Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes, for going above in beyond in notifying the community at large, as well as the extra steps to connect with the immediate neighborhood.

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As I was reading the story, and then the comments, especially Diver Laura’s comment about the clean-up, I was thinking about commenting how nice it would be if T & T provided some snacks & beverages for volunteers, but wasn’t sure if there was a way to do so in writing here, without sounding snarky. Then I got to the point of Laura’s comment that T & T would indeed be there with treats, and to otherwise help.

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So, yeah. Kudos to Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes! I have long thought of them as a very upstanding, and community minded business!

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Mike

Peanut July 21, 2013 (7:50 am)

How cool! 45 yrs of marriage!! What a party! Congratulations!! It was a great , unexpected show that provided most of us sheer delight once we realized we weren’t under siege, lol. Good Lord people, be happy for those who can spend their extra income on something like that. These kinds of threads make you realize just how judgemental and bitter we can be at times. My pets were completely freaked out , and are curerently snoring away on the bed. Life is good.

Richard July 21, 2013 (8:01 am)

What a great surprise to a fun evening after watching a local guy and his band play at the other side of the beach. As I walked with a friend and stopping across from La Rustica, we were suddenly surprised by that spectacular show. My wife and kids could see it from near Bar S, I’m sure my dogs went nuts, and yes a few jelly fish probably woke up too. Great to see that most enjoyed it. Heard a small group singing Happy Birthday acoss the street from La Rustica on the beach. What a treat !

seaopgal July 21, 2013 (8:26 am)

I’m with Gene … it made me happy to see a happy couple celebrating their life together, sharing with family, friends, and their community. We loved watching from our deck near Jefferson Square and could hear the applause and roar of approval from the crowd when over.

J July 21, 2013 (8:26 am)

I thought a gun was being fired at first when this went off last night and was very concerned, especially since we have two young children. I had not received notice and want to assure you all that I don’t live in the seventh level of hell, but instead in a house that once had a wall papered dining room (which is almost the same thing, admittedly). Please don’t insult those of us who are too busy changing poopy diapers to read the blog daily and who want to share our experience of being frightened over this unusual event.

Rob July 21, 2013 (8:30 am)

I completely agree with CR! We were in bed. I was going to call 911 but figured everyone near the “illegal fireworks” had already called. It went on and on and it shook our house. Our dog began barking and we worried he would upset the neighbors!

We had not heard about any fireworks show and we try to stay up on things! The Fourth has been over for almost 3 weeks. I hope no further permits are given for events like this that can upset neighbors.

flimflam July 21, 2013 (8:33 am)

so, the folks who arranged this going to help clean up the debris also? I wonder…

let them swim July 21, 2013 (8:34 am)

@God, can you please stop lightening and thunder because it scares the animals.

Benjamin July 21, 2013 (8:38 am)

I could hear over my TV in Brownsville (that’s near North Bremerton); Wish I could’ve seen it. congratulations!

sk July 21, 2013 (8:47 am)

don’t forget those of us who live on vashon island and are not WSB followers! we had no warning. we could not protect our animals from the terror they experience from fireworks. it was a horrible night for those of us who care about our animals.

sc July 21, 2013 (8:51 am)

my take was completely different. I read WSB but had forgotten the fireworks would happen. after a few bangs I remembered but told my husband this must be what it is like in a war zone, when the “rockets” aren’t sparkly in the sky but hit the ground and hurt and kill people. it made me think about the other side of the world in a very real way.

West Seattle Hipster July 21, 2013 (8:56 am)

Congratulations to the happy couple on their anniversary, and thanks WS for posting the video.

@ “let them swim”, hilarious comment, started off my day laughing.

m July 21, 2013 (8:58 am)

Thank you to Diver Laura et al for the clean-up effort!

A Nearby Resident July 21, 2013 (8:58 am)

Yes, they arranged to have the debris cleaned up. :)

And to all the negative people; I guess I should not be surprised at all the bitterness about this. There seems to be a lot of people around here now that are just automatically angry about people enjoying themselves, and having a little extra money to spend. And heaven forbid anyone should fail to do things the usual way YOU would.
My dog hates thunder, loud motorcycles, the mailman, the ups man and many other things. I suppose I should just demand those all be stopped, too.
You live in a city with tons of people, all who have different ideas of fun, and if they are doing so legally for 10 minutes, I am sure you can handle it.
If you want 100% peace, quiet and control, move up to the woods in Snoqualmie.

A Nearby Resident July 21, 2013 (9:00 am)

WSB~ We had a hand delivered notice on our door Thursday, as well.

cj July 21, 2013 (9:02 am)

We watched the show from our tiny balcony filtered though a large very tall tree. Still it was nice to not feel so left out. Thank you to those who put on the show. We don’t have the energy to get out at battle 4th crowds so we appreciated it.

Amrakx July 21, 2013 (9:15 am)

Mahalo for the brilliant show! Same time next year?

ironic sarcasm July 21, 2013 (9:17 am)

Funny that there wasnt a single complaint about the large booming cannon fire during yesterdays parade despite it shaking the walls of houses blocks away from california. Maybe all of the armchair commentators were at the parade and therefore felt entitled to disturb the rest of us.

33Pete July 21, 2013 (9:20 am)

Awesome show. Thank you to those who put it on.

To those who complain – sorry, get a life. Really. As say hi to the grinch while you’re at it.

NVJV July 21, 2013 (9:23 am)

Private firework show – you made my evening. Crankie Westie- you made my morning. Thanks to the anniversary couple for sharing this part if your celebration with the public.

montanapup July 21, 2013 (9:38 am)

Great fireworks show last night as we live practically at ground zero. We forgot about the notice – startled at first but it was a pleasant surprise ending to my day. Actually, made my evening and my dogs werent bothered at all. Happy Anniversary with many more years to come!

BW July 21, 2013 (9:42 am)

It’s always funny when people see someone else spend a sum of money and then decide they’ve got the inside scoop on whether or not they are “rich”. Let’s see…they’ve been married for 30 years according to rumor…if they were married in their 30s, likely they are retired/retiring, and decided that they wanted to take an amount out of their retirement account and spend it on a show that would make their significant anniversary truly a night to remember. Furthermore, they did this (obviously) with the intent of sharing it with the public, who by all accounts enjoyed it (did you see the road at Me Kwa Mooks during the show?) How generous! Who said anything about being rich? Everyone has a different idea about how to spend their own money. It’s not as though it was a 2 million dollar fireworks show.

Maybe, one of the folks celebrating the event is battling cancer and this was a very special moment for them. You just never know.

Before you get up in arms over a 20 minute inconvenience (if indeed you are enough of a debbie downer to view it that way), and just consider the fact that it really isn’t that big of a deal. The animals are fine, you’re fine, if your vase broke, perhaps you shouldn’t put it in such a precarious position if you have skittish indoor pets, and remember two quotes, one from the Big Lebowski, and one from Thumper in the wonderful Disney classic, Bambi, respectively:

“Should I be held responsible every time a rug is maturated upon in this fair city?”

“If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

Bonnie July 21, 2013 (10:02 am)

I didn’t see it but knew about it in advance. I think it’s wonderful that they can have this great show for their anniversary and also allow others to enjoy it. Why do people have to be so negative?

Alki Resident July 21, 2013 (10:09 am)

@A Nearby Resident- Thank you , you nailed it. I couldn’t have said it better. Oh,the horror.

BW July 21, 2013 (10:11 am)

*miturated

Chris July 21, 2013 (10:12 am)

I had a little veteran’s moment when the explosions first went off and I ducked down below the windowsill before crabbing for the door – then realized it was unlikely that I was getting shelled and stood up to walk out front and see what was going on.

We’d been notified – or more correctly the missus had and she forgot to tell me! :)

I’m a little taken aback by the complaining. Even if you truly didn’t know about – like myself (I’ve also been on two trips in the last two weeks) a little surprise won’t kill you, or your PTSD-suffering dogs.

It was a wonderful show. The event organizers did an adequate job notifying the local neighbors, and any surprise is on our part. Yes, if you go to bed early or have PTSD-suffering dogs, you should have marked the calendar when you were notified. And its great that the event organizer is also cleaning up. Please stop with the hyperbole and criticism, and move on with your life. I’ll echo the sentiment: if you don’t like unexpected surprises like this, you should move out of the unpredictable city to 5-10 acres in a rural community.

Thank you for sharing your anniversary with us – I hope we can do something so memorable for ours!

corey July 21, 2013 (10:19 am)

I stand corrected in that it was mentioned more than once, but since I don’t read the WSB regularly, and only did so to find out what happened last night, I would suggest a mailer to notify neighbors so they can prepare their pets for the stress. To the person who wants to equate thunder or the mailman to a firework show, you ignore that you can plan for the weather by checking a forecast, or a mailman by getting a post office box, & a loud motorcycle doesn’t last for 10mins, so these are all false equivalencies. Nobody likes to see loved ones suffer unnecessarily even if they are the 4 legged variety. Last night would have required someone reading the WSB regularly to have been able to plan for this private event which is an unfair expectation. To expect neighbors to read the WSB so they can prepare their animals for a private party, and not for the party thrower to notify them at their own expense(like with a mailer) is unreasonable and puts the responsibility for the fireworks display on their neighbors and not on the people setting off the fireworks .

Doug July 21, 2013 (10:24 am)

Not appreciated here. As expected, this show led to some of the neighbors shooting off what remained of their July 4th fireworks. War zone part 2. I wonder how many people lost their pets again in the madness.

I’ll be registering a complaint with the city. This can’t go on all summer.

enviromaven July 21, 2013 (10:31 am)

I’m with “sc” on this one. The night sky looks pretty when it’s lit up with bright colors, but I’ve been in too many war zones to see explosives of any kind as fun.

Heather July 21, 2013 (10:43 am)

Omg. Crankie Westie…so bad but so funny ;)

Heather July 21, 2013 (10:48 am)

Haha! Ok Alkene…that was funny too.

Greg July 21, 2013 (11:59 am)

I can’t wait to see how these folks will be celebrating their 50th anniversary! Hope they’ll still be living here then.

JanS July 21, 2013 (11:59 am)

it was 10 minutes out of a 24 hour day. Complain? Really? I was asleep, sort of, on my couch with the TV on…heard the booms (can’t see them from here), knew what was happening, and went back to sleep.

More annoying for me is the dog who lives in the apartments across the street, and barks incessantly every morning and evening for hours on end.

WsJag July 21, 2013 (12:11 pm)

Thank you so much for the fireworks! We caught this fireworks show on a romantic drive around alki, capping off a great day on which my boyfriend of 7 years proposed!

Ronnie A July 21, 2013 (12:11 pm)

I don’t know why I can’t stop myself from reading the comments sections on these things. So many overbearing puffed-up pretentious dweebs who live to complain. Reminds me of the idiots who live downtown and complain about the lights from the ferris wheel. And the dog owners are the worst. The entire effing world does not have to cater to you and your dogs. I have three dogs in my house that freak out at various noises, but it’s just a part of life that I deal with. I’m not going to call the city to tell them to stop the garbage trucks from coming by or tell King County Metro that they need to turn off the beepers on their buses.

This couple did everything right. They notified their neighbors, they got a permit, and they arranged for cleanup of the debris. If you self-important hipsters don’t like it, just pack up your mustache combs, your underground vinyl collection, and your hemp berets, get on your fixed gear bikes and move to a vegan commune in the country somewhere.

community member July 21, 2013 (12:29 pm)

This comment thread highlights the truth of the web’s fundament question being “Why wasn’t I consulted.”

http://www.ftrain.com/wwic.html

You know, it IS possible to train your dogs to react relatively calmly to unexpected loud noises.

Breezy July 21, 2013 (1:27 pm)

Congratulations to the couple! We also celebrated our 30th this month and sorry we missed the show. And for those who are complaining, I understand the noise disturbed your evening peace. Many of you were taken by surprise because you either didn’t remember the event schedule or you never read about it. But those who have made disparaging (and judgmental) remarks about the celebrants and how they spend their money are just rude. As someone once said to me, “If I earn it, I can burn it.” Another way to look at it is they added cash dollars to the local economy via hiring and taxes. I have now started a savings plan for our 35th anniversary show!

snowball July 21, 2013 (1:41 pm)

Oh no – free fireworks!! West Seattle and its first world problems. Life is so hard. “My neighbors have more money than me and spent it in a way I consider frivolous” “My poor dogs were afraid and barked for ten whole minutes” “Something happened in my neighborhood that I didn’t know about ahead of time” You should consider yourselves lucky that these are the kind of problems you can spend your time complaining about. Chill out and enjoy life. Geez.

DJ Allyn July 21, 2013 (2:45 pm)

Honestly, I didn’t know about the show, but I love surprises. This was a pleasant surprise.

I am sure the pets and the wild life got over it. My cat, usually a skittish kittish, sat on the railing of my top deck and watched the show.

Some people just feel the need to complain about something. I complained last night because this site was down during the fireworks. I was just trying to find out what the event was.

Niceperson July 21, 2013 (2:47 pm)

What a fantastic show last nite! Thank you so much to the celebrating couple for sharing your show with us. You are to be commended for the advance notice (I saw the notice at least twice in the blog, and put it on my calendar) and for a crew to cleanup the remnants in the morning. Unlike others in WS, you are being a good neighbor with your fireworks.

To the naysayers — you obviously read the blog (or at least now do since you figured out how to post a message). Don’t fault the celebrants if you did not read at least one of the messages. I think I even saw it on the evening news, and was expecting Beach Drive to be a zoo (and was so glad it was not). Guess you also don’t know that Mandella has been ill, that something happened in the spring in the middle east, and that a cyber-guy stole a few things from the US gov and is now basically an island at an airport in a foreign country. The Blog can publish it, but if you don’t read it (only scan), don’t blame the celebrants.

I also thank the celebrants for sharing in a way that created a community event that the community did not have to pay for or travel across town to experience — it was fun to be down on the beach at 10pm with so many of my neighbors, on what capped a beautiful weather day. It was very generous of you to share your celebration with all of us. I hope that others will be encouraged to do the same. I also hope that the City gets off its duff to go after those that choose to not follow the rules (the celebrants followed every rule that I know about). THANK YOU.

DiverLaura July 21, 2013 (2:53 pm)

Update so far on the cleanup. We were out as promised, and did a sweep of the beach with T & T, which also had a skiff checking the near shore. Unfortunately we were unable to find very much fireworks debris. I did find one fuse? assembly and a handful of cardboard that was IDENTICAL to the debris we clean up at the Lake Union show (it was not a consumer grade item) So I am asking folks in west seattle to keep an eye out for stuff washing up on the beach or when you are out kayaking/boarding. It will resemble a heavy duty box that got chopped up in a boat motor and by now be a bit waterlogged. There will likely be more of the blue material tube wrapped in burnt plastic items (pictures on pugetsoundkeeper fb page).
I’m not writing this to be a pill or post blame or anything, I am asking because it is a fantastic opportunity to study the current patterns and backeddy’s in our nearshore environment , so that we can better predict where trash and debris will collect. I don’t know if it will be drifting in and out on the current (therefor seen by kayakers) or wash up on a beach. If you want to learn more about our currents and things and why I’m so fascinated by this opportunity, check out a wonderful book by Curtis Ebbesmeyer called “Flotsametrics – and the floating world”. In any event, if you happen to find stuff that looks “different” than the normal beach trash please take a picture, note time and place, and send it to me: laura (at) pugetsoundkeeper.org Lets look on the bright side of all this and use it as an opportunity for getting more folks involved via crowdsourcing and learning/research!!!!! I’m looking at this to understand more about where the floating trash ends up that comes out stormdrains, but there are so many storm drains that it is hard to isolate for a clear picture.

WSB July 21, 2013 (3:03 pm)

Thanks, Laura, I was holding the pix Patrick shot this morning till I heard some aftermath info, so we’ll publish the “be on the lookout” in the hours to come as a separate story – TR

WestSide45 July 21, 2013 (3:26 pm)

Just wanted to be comment #100.

Cr July 21, 2013 (3:30 pm)

****PETITION TO SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL FOR RESPONSIBLE PRIVATE FIREWORK SHOWS IN WS****

If you are concerned about last night’s fireworks show, please sign this petition to Seattle City Council.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/583/594/359/prohibit-irresponsible-private-firework-shows-in-west-seattle/

WSB July 21, 2013 (3:53 pm)

CR, your petition-page explanation is erroneous. The city did not “rely on a local blog” (I assume you mean WSB, though we are not a “blog,” we are an accredited, award-winning, journalist-run news publication; the name is a legacy from our origins) to get the word out. The city, frankly, didn’t have anything to do with the fact we published advance word of this. We were notified by news release issued by Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes. We weren’t the only organization they sent it to; I saw it go out on at least one neighborhood council’s e-mail list, same day we received it and published it, July 1st. By all means, contact the city with feedback, circulate a petition or whatever, but please don’t mischaracterize the context in which WSB published the alert. – Tracy

Cr July 21, 2013 (4:06 pm)

Thanks WSB. The petition site has been corrected.

****PETITION TO SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL FOR RESPONSIBLE PRIVATE FIREWORK SHOWS IN WS****

If you are concerned about last night’s fireworks show, please sign this petition to Seattle City Council.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/583/594/359/prohibit-irresponsible-private-firework-shows-in-west-seattle/

Niceperson July 21, 2013 (4:25 pm)

CR or Cr – truth in advertising — I would never sign a petition that does not disclose the identity of the originator. For all I know, CR could stand for Christ Reformists. Just sayin’.

Bornonalki July 21, 2013 (4:43 pm)

Hil-ar-i-ous!!

My late father-in-law’s poodle pooped in his lap one time when my husband, dressed as a pirate, came to the door on Halloween to “trick or treat”. (Hilarious as well!!)

I guess he hadn’t given enough notice, either!

Maybe we need to cancel trick or treating!

Had a great time at the show last night and looking forward to the day when I can celebrate with such a great display for my fellow West Seattlites to enjoy.

wetone July 21, 2013 (4:59 pm)

Great show one of the best I’ve seen !!!!!!!!!
Thank you…

Amazing how many sad people there are in this area now. Maybe I should start petitions for people mowing their lawns as the noise bothers me or maybe motorcycles and cars as I can here them drive by, how about moving the flight line as the planes fly over and it shakes up my drink. What are they teaching in school these days it sure seems people have really got delicate or is this just the type of people moving into west seattle. I really think the city counsel has more important things to do than deal with crap like this.

Gluten, Fireworks, and Helicopters July 21, 2013 (5:14 pm)

Curiosity got the better of me and I clicked on the link for the anti-fireworks petition. As of 5:11pm, there were 6 folks that had signed, and only 1 of them is from Washington. The rest are from Colorado, Ontario, Florida, Greece (?), and Mississippi.

I think that if Almost Live was still around, they could make some great segments about West Seattle and it’s “unique” citizens.

wscommuter July 21, 2013 (5:15 pm)

CR … and the rest of you grinches … in all seriousness, please … get a life.

So glad that all the other problems in your world are solved so that the only thing left for you is work on this one. By all means, let’s get the mayor’s office on the line – I’ll bet Hizzoner will be glad to condemn the event as anti-green/canine/income-sensitive …

But I digress.

To the wonderful couple who put this on – congratulations on your anniversary, and thank you for the generous gift to your community. My wife and I – and hundreds others – really enjoyed the show as a perfect mid-summer treat. Best wishes to you …

GoFisch July 21, 2013 (6:03 pm)

We had just gone to sleep over at Blake island when we heard the booms over and over again. We got up to see what the noise was and were pleasantly surprised by the amazing fireworks show. We even purposefully woke up our kids to enjoy the show!
Congratulations on your 30th anniversary and thank you for the fireworks show. They were amazing to watch from across the water! Here’s to another 30 years of marital bliss!

G July 21, 2013 (7:38 pm)

Wish I could have been there to watch it, but I was out of town (did catch a great car show in Glendale, CA last night, though).

Happy Anniversary!

Ouster July 21, 2013 (8:33 pm)

At first I thought it was the Seattle City Council booting Nickelsville folks off City of Seattle land. But then, I looked to the west, and saw an amazing display of fireworks.

Then I knew, Snickersville was not involved in something so cool.

And if they were involved, it would be asking for a big handout.

And, this post won’t last long, because TR will remove it darn near as fast as I can write it. VIVA the freeloaders at Nickelsville.

Auf Wiedersehen. hehe

Cj July 21, 2013 (8:38 pm)

Yeah – great show – curmudgeons – bend a little and get a life – hug those pets and enjoy happiness others celebrate – the communities all around got a wonderful – FREE show on a beautiful summer evening! Happy Anniversary to the celebrants!

ruse July 21, 2013 (9:44 pm)

@CR, don’t let these people’s comments get to you. Caring about the environment is nothing to be ashamed of.

Catherine July 21, 2013 (10:16 pm)

@Fiz and @Krista-
I’m so sorry for your respective losses. I’m glad that the fireworks provided you with some level of comfort.

WsBoB July 22, 2013 (1:54 am)

I could not sleep and needed amusement so I have read all the posts. I pray to god I do not become grumpy with old age. My dad always said. “Bob, life is short, live it to the fullest. Do what makes you happy. ” my brother with 2 small boys says, “Bob, you have to choose your battles, and this is not one of them. ”
Congrats to 30 yrs together. Thank you for the advance notice of your fireworks show and sharing it with the community. My wife, neighbor, and I enjoyed it immensely! The whole neighborhood applauded afterward.
I hear its quiet in Sequim except for their Lavender war…

Ex-Westwood Resident July 22, 2013 (8:17 am)

How pretentious and snobbish of some WS residents. From berating the couple on how they wanted to celebrate 30 YEARS in marriage and how much they spent, to the worry that the fireworks remains will harm the enviroment.
First off the material used in the construction of the morters is mainly cardboard and gunpowder (sulfer, saltpeter and carbon), with VERY little plastic. The cardboard is pretty much shredded and burned when the morter explodes and the rest will disolve in the salt water of Puget Sound introducing a MINISCULE amount of wood pulp in to the waters. I applaud the efforts of T&T and Laura in the clean up, and Laura’s research in the currents of Puget Sound and those that assisted.
Second, WHO the HELL are YOU to tell others how to spend their HARD earned income?!?!?! If they want to spend it on fireworks, or on a party, or heck even burning it if they want to IT IS UP TO THEM. Just because they decided to spend it on something that not only their guests could enjoy, but the WHOLE community, you feel the need to chastise them for not giving it to NV or something else equally stupid (probably the DNC or Obama). For all YOU know this couple may give THOUSANDS to various charitable organizations.
But the generating an on-line petition (that as of now has 48 signees of which ONLY 10 are from Seattle or WA, or claim to be.) takes the cake!!!
Irresponsible?!?! Irresponsible would be gettin the permit and then NOT informing ANYONE of the show and NOT making arrangements for a clean-up.
Why don’t these guys just form a group and call themselved FSWS (Fun Suckers of West Seattle)!!!!

yummy July 22, 2013 (11:03 am)

Arsenic in my crab meat is sooooo tasty!

mike July 22, 2013 (11:20 am)

I didn’t even see the display; however I am very grateful to these people for the stress they caused to their ridiculously uptight neighbors. This was a properly permitted show. If you can’t take the time to stop thinking about your cat in order to comment after proper notice is given, that’s your fault. As for being “ostentatious” this is the first time I have heard someone equate fireworks with pretense. Stupid rich people and their bottle rockets!

Brewmeister July 22, 2013 (11:39 am)

I’m starting a Petition requiring the couple who did the fireworks show to have to do it every year.

That was awesome!

elisaid July 22, 2013 (12:39 pm)

After spending the day on the BF’s motorcycle we were pleasantly surprised (I remembered reading about it after it started and we figured out what was going on.) by the show. Yes I understand that some animals and people too suffer PTSD that is set off by fireworks, however it was for a short period of time and a way to share with the community in a couple’s celebration of there 30th. Please don’t take away from their celebration you never know where life is going to take you.

community member July 22, 2013 (12:42 pm)

Ex-Westwood Resident – I was with you and totally agreeing with your diatribe until you decided to go political with it. lol, good example of pretentious.

Skye July 23, 2013 (12:10 am)

The firework show was fabulous, a wonderful treat for those of us that miss all the firework shows until the non- patriotic conservatives took over. Congratulations to the couple and thanks so much for sharing the gift with the rest of us. It’s definetly better than all the dogs we have to listen bark every night for no reason. I have a dog, he was just dandy inside lounging. Get your dogs some meds until you move to a farm. To the ones that want peace and quiet on a Saturday night, why do you live in an urban city, in the most populated metro city in the state? Move to a rural area and complain about the roosters and cows making too kuch noise…of course you would complain..it’s a given. Everyone on my block cheered and clapped in appreciation.

Skye July 23, 2013 (12:20 am)

ExWestwood, be my BFF and plz make fun of yummy who thinks the seafood is not already polluted and the ground he/ she walks on is clean of arsenic. When yummy crawls out of a hole and finds out how industry, not our residents put arsenic in West Seattle many unwise moons ago, not the anniversary couple…maybe an enlightened grasshopper moment will happen. Wow! Ruse, go clean a park, missed you at the last one.

Skye July 23, 2013 (12:23 am)

Niceperson, CR stands for conservative revolution and cramming restrictions…I can only guess these are the same people that hurt others in their quest to take away our freedoms.

Skye July 23, 2013 (12:30 am)

Snowball…the same complainers have done nothing to stop the city from taking away our west seattle streets, letting developers build high rises with virtually no parking, so that our retailers have no parking and said nothing when traffic congestion has been sky rocketed to cause more air pollution, stacking cars for the new rapid transition stations that go anywhere slow.

Ex-Westwood Resident July 23, 2013 (7:44 am)

Skye, people like “yummy” try to apply TODAYs knowledge and regulations to the past when things were different, maybe because the ramifications of manufacturing processes were not totally known.
But Here is something I need to point out…
You say “CR stands for conservative revolution and cramming restrictions” and “hurt others in their quest to take away our freedoms.” then you go on to say “the same complainers have done nothing to stop the city from taking away our west seattle streets, letting developers build high rises with virtually no parking…” but I need to point something out…
For the past 30+ years this city (and State) has been run by the Liberal Wing of the Democrat Party. Blaming “Conservatives” for the restricting of our Freedoms, the explosion of dense residential high rises without REQUIRED parking, the “Urban Village” concept, the LACK of increased road capacity, “road diets,” replacing auto lanes with bike lanes, passing policies that are nothing more than “social engineering”…etc., are ALL brought to you by Royer, Rice, Schell, Nickles and McGinn along with Revell, Hill, Locke, Sims, Triplett and Constantine, is misplacing your anger at the WRONG end of the political spectrum.

Ex-Westwood Resident July 23, 2013 (7:57 am)

Hey ruse,
Caring about the environment is nothing to be ashamed of.

You are correct, but there is a HUGE difference between “caring” about the eviroment to becoming slaves to it.
By that i mean there are people out there that will SACRIFICE ANYTHING, including lives to save an ant.
Man NEEDS to stewards of the enviroment, taking care of it. But CR is in the camp that would like to see people placed in small,dense urban areas and return to rest to the wild, untamed forest/jungles of the long ago past.
(BTW – By using the term “man” I mean no disrespect to the role that women play in the world)

sam-c July 23, 2013 (1:20 pm)

I was well notified (by WSB), but forgot to tell my husband and dog who heard it (all the way over by SSCC). told them what it was the next day when they asked. dog was fine the next day. he barks at many things these days anyway, think he’s getting cranky in his old age. I slept through it all -one of the rare moments during the night when the newborn was actually asleep. if in another year, I probably would have gone over to see the display. happy anniversary to that couple!

yummy July 23, 2013 (4:12 pm)

@yummy already knows, don’t you worry about that ;)

Bob July 23, 2013 (7:28 pm)

That was so awesome. Plenty of notice, my pets were crated and sedated — but not the cats, they watched, too!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!

Skye July 23, 2013 (10:19 pm)

Ex-Westwood. I totally agree when looking at it using definement of political parties. My use of conservative was more geared into religious extremist. The craziest protests in the last few years and extremist have all appeared to be of a religious nature, i.e. apparently if we don’t all hold the same beliefs, the narrow minded is going to form a group or start a petition to enlighten us. I just have a feeling that this out of state participation is more cult like and taking it as an opportunity to prove their set of beliefs, their formed religion.

HungryKids July 24, 2013 (8:42 am)

Interesting results on the petition – 53 persons from outside the continental US are requesting that the Seattle City Council take action to further regulate private fireworks within city limits. I have to wonder whether someone in Lebanon or the Czech Republic would really be able to tell whether the display was in West Seattle or in Normandy Park. Actually, I wonder if most pets resident in West Seattle would be able to tell…