year : 2019 3571 results

WHALE ALERT: Evening sighting

| West Seattle news | Whales | Wildlife

Just got a tip – six orcas “with a baby” in view northbound passing the Vashon ferry dock as of a short time ago. Still a good half-hour of light if you’re up for whale-watching!

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West Seattle’s only LGBTQ+ venue, OutWest Bar, to close after eight years

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

After eight years, West Seattle’s only LGBTQ+ venue, OutWest Bar, is closing. Proprietor Bob Lunke (above) confirmed it today after we stopped by to check out a tip. Bob says OutWest’s official last night hasn’t been set yet – sometime before month’s end – but they hope everyone will turn out to celebrate the bar’s run during a big going-away party on Friday, July 19th, featuring Dolly Madison and Al the DJ. Bob tells us a combination of factors is behind his decision, including the increasing difficulty of getting by in the nightlife business, with rising costs and more competition, plus the property owners have “other plans” for its future. He says he’s grateful for eight great years. OutWest has been the site of countless events beyond being a regular gathering place, including red-carpet Oscars-viewing parties and occasions like the birthday “flash mob” we covered in 2017. Before OutWest, the building at 5401 California SW was home to Westside Pharmacy for 20+ years.

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SUMMER FEST: Prepare to shop and learn during West Seattle’s biggest party of the year!

July 8, 2019 4:50 pm

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| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Four days until the biggest party of the year fills the streets in the heart of The Junction – West Seattle Summer Fest. The festival has enough going on that you can go all three days – Friday-Sunday, July 12th-14th – but a little advance planning might be helpful, so we’re continuing previews all week long. First, the booths! Since Summer Fest – presented by the West Seattle Junction Association (with co-sponsors including WSB) – began as the merchants’ summertime sidewalk sale, most year-round businesses will have sales and specials. But you’ll want to browse the visiting booths, too. They’re not all businesses, as you’ll see when you check out the list here – which features booths as well as year-round merchants’ sidewalk sales. Some will include local businesses from outside The Junction. And you will also notice on the list that some agencies and nonprofits will be at Summer Fest again this year. For example, Sound Transit will be there to answer your West Seattle light-rail questions; WSDOT will be there to talk about tunnel tolling starting later this year. And in two areas, including with us in the Info Booth at California/Alaska, you’ll find community organizations:

Friday
10am 2pm INFO Seattle Public Schools Head Start
10am 2pm INFO NAPS Doulas
2pm 6pm INFO Toastmasters of West Seattle
2pm 6pm INFO Kol HaNeshamah
10am 2pm BOOTH Sound Generations
10am 2pm BOOTH Latino Community Fund of Washington State
2pm 6pm BOOTH National Center for Science Education
2pm 6pm BOOTH 981st Bridger BPSA Scouts

Saturday
10am 2pm INFO 34th District Democrats
13-Jul Saturday 10am 2pm INFO Seattle Police Department
13-Jul Saturday 2pm 6pm INFO Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network
13-Jul Saturday 2pm 6pm INFO SR3 – SeaLife Response, Rehabilitation, Research
13-Jul Saturday 10am 2pm BOOTH Girl Scouts of Western Washington
13-Jul Saturday 10am 2pm BOOTH American Lung Association
13-Jul Saturday 2pm 6pm BOOTH Year Up
13-Jul Saturday 2pm 6pm BOOTH The Whale Trail

Sunday
11am 2pm INFO D1 Community Network
11am 2pm INFO Tenants Union of WA State
2pm 5pm INFO Fostering Together/Olive Crest
2pm 5pm INFO West Seattle Toastmasters Club #832
11am 2pm BOOTH Rainier Roller Girls
11am 2pm BOOTH Southwest Lacrosse Club
2pm 5pm BOOTH Team Gleason/Gleason Initiative Foundation
2pm 5pm BOOTH Be SMART program of Moms Demand Action and Everytown For Gun Safety Support Fund

So many reasons to visit Summer Fest, we hope to see you there all three days! Friday and Saturday 10 am-8 pm (with music running later), Sunday 10 am-5 pm. More previews ahead, including Summer Fest Eve – lots happening once the streets close for setup Thursday night.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Suspect jailed after Puget Ridge break-in attempt

July 8, 2019 2:52 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| Crime | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

A 36-year-old man remains in the King County Jail this afternoon after an arrest on Puget Ridge early this morning. From SPD Blotter:

Southwest Precinct officers responded to a report of an attempted burglary in the Puget Ridge neighborhood early Monday morning. After checking the home, officers located a possible suspect one block away carrying a loaded shotgun.

At approximately 5:00 am, officers were checking the area after responding to the home in the 1800 block of SW Dawson Street for a report of an attempted burglary.

During the area check, an officer located a possible suspect one block away, carrying a shotgun. Police arrested the 36-year-old man, who is a convicted felon and unable to legally possess firearms. Officers booked him into the King County Jail on felony charges of burglary and unlawful possession of a firearm. Detectives will handle the follow-up investigation.

The jail register indicates the suspect spent a month in jail last year on a probation violation related to a 2014 assault case. That case, records show, involved domestic violence against his then-girlfriend and their baby at their residence in southeast West Seattle. Court documents say he also has a lengthy record involving nine other felonies and six misdemeanors.

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Time for another look at every-other-week garbage pickup, 7 years after test run?

July 8, 2019 1:34 pm

| 42 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

Back in 2012, the city did a test run of every-other-week garbage pickup in a few neighborhoods including 200 households in Highland Park. Then in 2013-2014, it floated the idea of making the change citywide – but eventually scrapped the idea. Now the concept is up for discussion again. Seattle Public Utilities is on the agenda of the City Council’s Civil Rights, Utilities, Economic Development, Arts Committee – chaired by District 1 Councilmember Lisa Herbold – tomorrow to revisit the idea. No formal proposal, just a briefing and discussion looking back at the pilot, including this slide deck:

Though some things have changed in the years since the pilot – required food-scrap composting, for example, has reduced odor-producing trash – the presentation still concludes it’s not time, yet, for a new proposal to change trash pickup to every other week. However, the city “could consider providing
voluntary, subscription EOW garbage collection,” SPU suggests. The meeting featuring the discussion is set for 9:30 am tomorrow (Tuesday, July 9th) at City Hall, streamed via Seattle Channel.

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YOU CAN HELP! West Seattle Helpline’s temporary Clothesline closure, move

July 8, 2019 12:14 pm

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| How to help | West Seattle news

The West Seattle Helpline‘s clothing bank Clothesline is about to close temporarily for its move and is hoping you (or someone you know) can help:

As the West Seattle Helpline moves the Clothesline to its new location, the Clothesline will be closed July 12th to July 29th. We are also still looking for volunteers to help with the move July 15-18 and 22-25! This would be a great way for those in high school to get their service learning hours as well! If you are interested, please sign up here.

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6 for your West Seattle Monday

July 8, 2019 10:57 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(House Finch, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

A new week! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

THINKING ABOUT STUDYING HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT? 1 pm informational session at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) – find out about this bachelor’s-degree program. (6000 16th SW)

LEARN ABOUT NATIVE BEES! Seattle Public Library‘s Summer of Learning continues at Delridge Library, 3 pm – details here. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

EVENING BOOK GROUPS: Talk books at the library! 6:45 pm, West Seattle (Admiral) Library is reading “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” by Richard Flanagan (2306 42nd SW); Southwest Library is reading “Run” by Ann Patchett. (9010 35th SW)

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS: Second of four Monday nights this summer – new location for the West Seattle events in this series presented by the Seattle Chamber Music Society – 7:30 pm at the Seattle Chinese Garden on the north side of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. The evening begins with a live mini-recital, and then the speakers switch to the live broadcast of tonight’s Summer Festival concert from Benaroya Hall. Free. (6000 16th SW)

TRIVIA: 7:30 pm, free trivia with prizes at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

AND MORE TRIVIA: $2/player, 8 pm at Parliament Tavern. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

GOT SOMETHING FOR OUR CALENDAR? From community events to live entertainment at bars/restaurants, our listings are free – just send us info via email at least a week in advance – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WHALE ALERT: Humpbacks off Alki; orcas in the area too

July 8, 2019 10:21 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Whales | Wildlife

10:21 AM: Two humpback whales are in the area, reports Kersti Muul. “East of shipping channel, off Alki,” but no direction determined yet. Let us know if you see them! (Not sure you’d know what humpbacks look like? Here’s their page in The Whale Trail‘s species guide.)

1:58 PM: And now orcas are in our area too, Kersti reports – a group of transients southbound off Bainbridge.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Post-holiday Monday; this week’s alerts

July 8, 2019 6:57 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

6:57 AM: Good morning!

Alerts for this week:

AVALON/35TH PROJECT: The latest weekly update went out last Wednesday because of the holiday; among other key points, tonight’s work will include a water shutoff.

SUMMER FEST ROAD CLOSURES/BUS REROUTES: Thursday night (6-ish) through Sunday night, streets in the heart of The Junction will be closed for West Seattle Summer Fest – SW Alaska between 42nd and 44th, California SW between SW Genesee and SW Edmunds (with SW Oregon remaining open for west-east traffic). Metro hasn’t posted the bus reroutes yet but we’ll link them when available later this week, and they’ll be linked in our coverage throughout the festival too.

8:04 AM: SDOT reports a crash at Delridge/Holden blocking the NB lane.

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SPORTS: Chief Sealth International High School seeking new golf coach

July 7, 2019 10:11 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Cbief Sealth International High School is seeking a new golf coach. From Debbie Taylor with the CSIHS Athletic Department:

Longtime Golf Coach Davie Hendrix retired at the end of the 2019 school year.

This is a golden opportunity for our community area golfers to lend their talents mentoring the Chief Sealth Golf Team.

(Application information here)

Hendrix coached golf at Sealth for more than 20 years.

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Updates on Camp Second Chance & vicinity @ Community Advisory Committee:

July 7, 2019 7:39 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Myers Way | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The east side of Myers Way is being resettled by unauthorized campers, for the first time since last fall’s major sweep, the Camp Second Chance Community Advisory Committee heard today.

While that side of Myers Way is not part of the camp, nor is it an official part of the CAC’s scope, it’s a frequent topic at the committee meetings.

Chair Willow Fulton, who lives near C2C, was first to mention it during the Sunday afternoon meeting.

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SUMMER FEST: 2 things you need to know about next Sunday

July 7, 2019 6:51 pm

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| West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

That sign represents one of two things you need to know about next Sunday, which will be the third day of West Seattle Summer Fest 2019: The West Seattle Farmers’ Market will be back in its original location, the lot behind KeyBank/Bin 41/Pharmaca, since festival booths will be occupying its usual space. Same time, 10 am-2 pm.

Speaking of time, the official Summer Fest start time will be 10 am on Sunday, not 11 am as in past years – people start showing up at 10 am anyway, because of the Farmers’ Market, so the festival-presenting West Seattle Junction Association decided to go ahead and make that the official Sunday start time (as it is for Friday and Saturday, both with 10 am-8 pm festival hours and music running later, though on Sunday everything wraps up at 5). WSB is a Summer Fest co-sponsor again this year and we look forward to seeing you again in the heart of The Junction, starting Thursday night for Summer Fest Eve once the streets close!

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SWIMMING: Next Bremerton-to-Alki attempt later this month

July 7, 2019 4:46 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photo, August 2018)

That was the scene off Alki Point last August as Rose Filer became the latest swimmer to complete the Amy Hiland Swim between Bremerton and Alki Point, named for the woman who was first to do it, 60 years ago. Northwest Open Water Swimming Association president Andrew Malinak sends word the next attempt is planned for later this month:

Our first Amy Hiland Swim (Bremerton-Alki) swim of the summer is set for Saturday, 20 July 2019, and the whole crew is local.

Stephanie Zimmerman has been training at Alki for the past two years. She will be supported from the boat by Rose Filer (31 Aug 2018) and Amanda Winans (date set for September). The swim will be officiated by Lauren Boilini (26 Aug 2017).

Splash time at the Turner Joy in Bremerton is 8:30 am; anticipated finish is 2 pm at Alki Light. Tracking will be (here).

Zimmerman and Filer were among the panelists at an event we covered back in March featuring female open-water swimmers telling their stories. If successful, Zimmerman will be the sixth to complete this swim since Hiland herself (the others are listed on the NOWSA website).

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West Seattle weekend scene: Mystery rock face

July 7, 2019 2:32 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| Gatewood | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Don’t know how long ago this appeared on the southwest side of Myrtle Reservoir Park, but Giles – who sent the photos – is the first person who mentioned it to us. It’s near similar-sized boulders lining the edge of the buried reservoir, and on its side:

Looking up that word brings us here – ” shapeshifting water spirits in Germanic mythology and folklore.” (Certainly appropriate for one to “appear” over an underground reservoir.)

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NEXT SUNDAY: Special Alki Point Lighthouse tour to spotlight women’s history

July 7, 2019 12:23 pm

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| West Seattle history | West Seattle news

(2013 photo – the lighthouse’s centennial year – by Dustin T. Smith)

Toured the historic Alki Point Lighthouse yet this year? It’s something you can only do once a week, in the summer, courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers. Next week, they’re offering a special tour after the day’s regular tours end! From Debra Alderman:

Special women’s-history-themed tour at the Alki Point Lighthouse

Sunday, July 14th, 3:45-4:30 p.m. led by US Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteer docents. Come learn about women’s role in running lighthouses here in the Northwest and beyond, plus visit our 106-year-old active lighthouse and view artifacts and displays about Alki Point Lighthouse’s history.

Entrance to site is located at: 3201 Alki Avenue SW. There is a small public parking lot right outside gate. Street parking may be found south of the lighthouse along the beach. Give yourself extra time to find parking. Please arrive by 3:45 so the tour can begin promptly at 4 p.m.

Tour and site info at: www.cgauxseattle.org or contact the lighthouse tour team: alkilighthouse@cgauxseattle.org

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World Cup watching, and more, for your West Seattle Sunday!

July 7, 2019 6:07 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Wilson’s Warbler, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Your Sunday highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WATCHING THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FINAL: USA vs. Netherlands, 8 am. We’ve been asked who’s open early for viewing. We’ve looked around – not enough time to survey 100+ possible venues but here are some we’ve found:

The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska)
Whisky West (6451 California SW)
Great American Diner & Bar (4752 California SW)
West Seattle Brewing (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW)
The Westy (7908 35th SW)
The Bridge (6301 California SW)

Anywhere else? Comment or text us (206-293-6302) so we can add – thanks!

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: First, a reminder – NEXT week, it’ll be in the parking lot behind KeyBank/etc. because of West Seattle Summer Fest. TODAY, regular location in the street, 10 am-2 pm. Blueberries and peaches are expected to appear today along with all the other freshness. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)

LITTLE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT: West Seattle Little League is hosting the 10-11-12 All-Stars District 7 Tournament, continuing today, with the WSLL team scheduled to play at 11. At the Bar-S fields.(64th SW & SW Admiral Way)

TOUR THE ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: 1-4 pm, the historic lighthouse on Alki Point is open for tours with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Be there by 3:45 pm. (3201 Alki SW)

CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Got a question or concern about, or interest in, West Seattle’s city-sanctioned encampment? All are welcome at this meeting. 2 pm in the community room on the east side of Arrowhead Gardens. (9200 2nd SW)

DARRYN RAY: Spinning 78’s at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. No cover, all ages. (5612 California SW)

SEATTLE SWING DANCE CLUB: Dance and/or learn! 4-9:30 pm at Alki Masonic Center. (4736 40th SW)

AT THE SKYLARK: Long Distance Operator, Dravus, and Lights Out, doors at 5, music at 6. $5 cover. All ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

AT C & P: Evening music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), too – 7-8 pm, singer/songwriters Nelson Wright, Steve Beck, and bassist Brian Cutler. No cover; all ages. (5612 California SW)

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SUMMER FEST COUNTDOWN: This year’s raffle quilt!

July 6, 2019 9:27 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| How to help | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Six days until the start of West Seattle Summer Fest! So many reasons, big and small, that you will want to visit at least once – like this tradition, the annual quilt-raffle fundraiser!. Stina Lane-Cummings from West Seattle Quilters shares the photo and announcement:

If you love bright, modern colors, this year’s West Seattle Quilters’ Raffle Quilt is the quilt for you! Purchase your tickets (still only $1 each) at the 2019 West Seattle Summer Fest (July 12 – 14) outside the Stop ‘N’ Shop. After Summer Fest, tickets will be available at the Senior Center reception desk. Ticket sales go directly to the Senior Center. The drawing for the winning ticket takes place during Rainbow Bingo, September 27, 2019; you don’t need to be present to win.

Titled “Westside Staircase,” this year’s quilt is a striking zig-zag design in vivid batiks against a pale teal background. At 65″ x 80″, it’s a perfect throw for your sofa or bed.

West Seattle Quilters meet at the Senior Center on the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 pm to share quilting ideas and projects. Quilters of all ages, abilities, and quilting styles are welcome to join us!

Look for WSQ – and the quilt – on the east side of California just south of Oregon (maybe on your way to/from the main stage and beer garden, which are just north of Oregon). More Summer Fest previews ahead!

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If the big Southern California quakes have you thinking about preparedness, here’s 1 quick thing to do

July 6, 2019 7:52 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Preparedness | West Seattle news

With 7.1 and 6.4 magnitude quakes in Southern California the past two days, you might be thinking about preparedness, since we’re in quake country too. So here’s one simple thing to do: Know where your nearest Emergency Communication Hub is. The map above shows the ones in our area. These are spots where community volunteers will set up alternative ways of communicating, from amateur radio to paper-and-pen message boards, if we’re hit by a disaster that disrupts regular communications. They can be rendezvous spots too, so know where yours is, and be sure your loved ones know too. If you wish there was one closer to you – get involved and make it happen.

P.S. For more preparedness info, plan to visit this year’s Delridge Day festival five weeks from today – Saturday, August 10th, at Delridge Community Center Park – which will include the next Urban Survival Skills Fair, just like the one at the West Seattle Bee Festival back in May.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Swirling algae bloom

July 6, 2019 5:54 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Environment | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to Jamie Kinney for the aerial views of an algae bloom off Fauntleroy.

The state Ecology Department tracks these blooms and wants to hear about it if you spot one. Ecology also produces a periodic report on serial and surface surveys of the Sound (here’s the latest report).

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UPDATE: Why police were blocking 9th SW in south Highland Park

July 6, 2019 4:56 pm

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| Crime | Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

4:56 PM: Police have blocked 9th SW between Trenton and Henderson as they try to get someone out of a residence there. We don’t know yet exactly what happened that led to the call but police are using a bullhorn to ask that someone come out so they can resolve a no-contact-order violation. avoid the area TFN.

5:28 PN: The suspect has emerged from the residence and is now in custody, per police radio.

5:37 PM: They’re now getting ready to reopen the road.

ADDED: The 60-year-old man taken into custody was booked into the King County Jail.

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Seafair Pirates Landing 2019: Ashore at Alki!

July 6, 2019 2:19 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

2:19 PM: From the treacherous waters of Elliott Bay, the Seafair Pirates have arrived at Alki – landing shortly after 1 pm, aboard the trusty Prudhoe Bay (once again commandeered from West Seattle’s own Global Diving and Salvage, who surely know where to find Davy Jones’s Locker). This might be the only port o’ call where people run (wade) toward pirates instead of running from them:

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand from here down, unless credited otherwise)

Even if you missed the landing, the beach festival with vendors, kids’ rides, and treats continues until 5 pm:

ADDED 4:23 PM: More photos!

The tide was low, so the required wading was a little shallower than usual. On shore, a change – no roped-off area, so pirates and fans moved about at will:

Though they were of course wielding swords, we observed more smiles than shrieks:

The traditional welcome ceremony ensued:

The welcoming party included King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seafair royalty:

(Texted photo)

From left with the KCE are this year’s King Neptune, Rich Gray; Queen Alcyone, Kim Holcomb; and Miss Seafair, Andrea Diaz. (Read more about them here.) Meantime, we’re told the Pirates have left the Bathhouse in their landlubbing “vessel,” Moby Duck:

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

Two weeks from today, they will be back to “sail” down California Avenue SW in Moby Duck during the West Seattle Grand Parade (which starts at California/Lander at 11 am and heads southbound to The Junction).

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TUESDAY: From zoning to music @ Admiral Neighborhood Association

July 6, 2019 12:57 pm

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| Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Next Tuesday, all are invited to the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s twice-monthly meeting at The Sanctuary at Admiral, 6:30 pm July 9th at The Sanctuary (42nd SW/SW Lander). ANA’s announcement:

At this month’s meeting, we’ll be discussing:

1. The Seattle Planning Commission’s Neighborhoods For All report;

2. July 4th Kids’ Parade;

3. Neighborhood Outreach Survey; and

4. The Hiawatha Summer Concert Series (starts July 18th!)

Come and meet your neighbors and discuss issues and events in our area!

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ORCA ALERT: Whales visible from West Seattle

July 6, 2019 10:35 am

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| West Seattle news | Whales | Wildlife

Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip: Orcas are visible from West Seattle. Currently, midchannel southbound, north of Elliott Bay. Let us know if you see them!

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