West Seattle, Washington

16 Tuesday

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month : 06/2022 293 results

PHOTOS: West Seattle Pride March 2022, ‘for our youth’
June 26, 2022 5:58 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB photos)

More than 100 people, from kids to seniors, took a spirited walk along California Avenue SW this afternoon during the third annual West Seattle Pride March. Its founders, married couple Monica Colgan and Autumn Lovewell, led the way after a short, emotional speech to the crowd:

Lovewell told the crowd, “We do this for our youth, first and foremost – they need our support, especially with what’s going on in our country” – a renewed attack on LGBTQIA+ rights. So the show of support matters more than ever.

Along the march route, from Morgan Junction Park north to California/Findlay, there were shows of allyship – from people standing along the sidewalk, to drivers honking their horns and cheering as they passed. One local church expressed its support by joining in the march.

A little whimsy along the way, too:

All this unfolded even as the city’s Pride Parade rolled through downtown, and amid the year’s hottest temperatures so far:

At the end of the route – the march segued into a celebration inside the air-conditioned event space that Lovwell and Colgan operate next to their businesses Youngstown Coffee Company and HeartBeet Organic Superfood Café:

The music supported the day’s theme – songs like Madonna‘s “Respect Yourself.” Lovewell and Colgan founded the local Pride March shortly after taking over Youngstown in June 2020, reminding everyone then, as they did again this year, that “the first Pride was a protest, not a parade.”

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Mini-heat wave still expected to end after tomorrow. So what about the holiday weekend?
June 26, 2022 4:28 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(WSB photo – Saturday beachgoers on Alki)

4:28 PM: The National Weather Service‘s afternoon forecast update is in, and it’s still projecting a high in the 90s on Monday, with the heat advisory continuing in effect until late Monday night. Tuesday might not even get out of the 60s. So what about the Fourth of July weekend? The NWS says it’s still too soon to predict with confidence, but they’re tentatively forecasting clouds for at least part of the weekend.

5:26 PM: Today’s high so far at Sea-Tac is 90 degrees – but that’s cool compared to last year, when the June 26th high was 102.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Hit-run vehicle abandoned; package thief strikes shortly after delivery
June 26, 2022 1:44 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Hit-run vehicle abandoned; package thief strikes shortly after delivery
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

HIT-RUN: Aaron reports that vehicle was left behind after an early-morning hit-and-run in Sunrise Heights: “We heard a neighbor’s vehicle get hit at 3:14 this morning. The car involved was abandoned on the sidewalk at the corner of 31st and Myrtle, and the 3 occupants fled north on foot through Walt Huntley Playfield.” It’s since been towed. If you have any info, the SPD incident # is 22-163181.

PACKAGE DELIVERED, THEN TAKEN: From Jessica and AJ:

I’d just like to spread the word for the neighborhood of 27th and Thistle to keep an eye out for a package thief. They hit us immediately after the package was dropped off at 12:20 pm today.

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SUMMER: West Seattle YMCA adds more swim lessons
June 26, 2022 12:53 pm
|    Comments Off on SUMMER: West Seattle YMCA adds more swim lessons
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

The summer’s a great time to get in the water – as long as you can do it safely! Swim lessons tend to fill up fast around here but the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) tells us they’ve added some. The announcement says, “At the Y, we are committed to water safety and ensuring that every youth in the West Seattle community has the opportunity to learn to swim. We have added some additional Swim Lesson options during the day for the remainder of the summer season!” To find open sessions, scroll down this page until you get past the ones that are marked “full.” You can also visit the front desk at the Y in The Triangle, 3622 SW Snoqualmie.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: Here’s what’s happening
June 26, 2022 6:30 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Friday night photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s what’s ahead for your sizzling Sunday:

ROAD-WORK REMINDERS: SDOT expects to finish building curb ramps at Dumar/Orchard: “This work will include pouring concrete and paving the road in front of the curb ramp. We expect to begin as early as 8 AM and conclude by 5 PM. We do not anticipate any major traffic impacts.” Also today, “we’re pouring concrete for the lane divider on SW Spokane St in the vicinity of 11th Ave SW near Harbor Island. This is phase two of three phases to repair the damaged lane divider. We anticipate this work to begin as early as 8 AM and conclude by 4 PM. Traffic impacts include closure of the East Marginal Way S and the lower SW Spokane St ramps. There will be a detour in place for those traveling in the area.” Plus WSDOT continues its “Revive I-5” SB lane closures for expansion-joint work.

PINEAPPLE FIESTA RUN: First time at Lincoln Park, this 5K/10K benefiting educational programs gets going at 8 am.

FIELD DAY: Continuing until 11 am, local ham-radio operators welcome you to their 24-hour “open house” in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) – see our report from last night for more info; this link has the schedule,

CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s list here.

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN TOUR: 9 am-5 pm, but if you haven’t already bought a ticket, sorry, it’s sold out!

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, find fresh food – produce, meat, fish, cheese, beverages, baked goods, and prepared food – and plants at the weekly WSFM. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

DEMONSTRATION FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS: Abortion-rights supporters are planning to march at California/Alaska 10 am-11:30 am. Organizers explain here, “We are just two pissed=off moms that want to bring this community together to mourn, find solace, organize and protest the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade. This is a peaceful gathering (be respectful of the local businesses and market) wear green, bring signs, your voice, and water.”

LITTLE LEAGUE ALL-STARS TOURNAMENT: West Seattle Little League‘s baseball and softball all-stars have started competition with the 12s baseball tournament WSLL is hosting at Bar-S (64th and Admiral), Today’s first game is at 10 am, public welcome – see the bracket here.

POP-UP MARKET: 11 am-4 pm at Future Primitive Brewing (9832 14th SW in White Center), the monthly market includes local growers and makers – among them, West Seattle’s Cascadia Wicks candlemaker, who’s donating 10 percent of today’s sales to the Northwest Abortion Access Fund.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Only city-park wading pool open today in West Seattle is in central upper Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day (weather permitting).

COLMAN POOL: The outdoor pool on the Lincoln Park shore (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open noon-7 pm.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum< is open on Alki, and you can visit noon-4 pm, (61st/Stevens)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: Weekly tours are back, as reported here. First tour at 1 pm, last at 3:45; here’s how it works.

WEST SEATTLE PRIDE MARCH: West Seattle’s own Pride March, 2 pm to 4 pm, sponsored by Youngstown Coffee and HeartBeet Organic Superfood Café. The four-block march will end at those businesses, after starting at 2 at Morgan Junction Park (6413 California SW). Organizers note, “The short march is great for families and pets too! Walk, skate, bike, dance, or stroll the route with your friends and family. Celebrate our LGBTQ community here in West Seattle!” They also add here, “Pride was and still is a protest! Feel free to bring your signs and frustrations with you.”

WEST SEATTLE CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: Monthly meeting at 3 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – our calendar listing has details on this month’s meeting.

MIKU, AND THE GODS. At 3 pm, it’s a matinee performance of this world-premiere play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), tickets available here. (Read our story about playwright Julia Izumi here.)

(ADDED) GUN-SAFETY BENEFIT: At Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW): “Show up for gun safety! This Sunday from 4-7 pm join your neighbors at Highland Park Corner Store for a benefit for Everytown for Gun Safety. Enjoy live music from Echo Ravine (featuring West Seattle residents and former members of Band of Horses) and smash burgers from Farmboy. All proceeds from Future Primitive’s Nazi Punks F* Off draft will go to Everytown – and reps from Everytown and Moms Demand Action will be there in case you want to get more involved.”

NEED FOOD? White Center Community Dinner Church serves a free meal (take-away available) at 5 pm Sundays at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge (9050 16th SW).

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.

SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Have an event to list on our calendar? We update it daily – email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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UPDATE: Another ‘full response,’ this time for house fire on Fauntleroy Way
June 26, 2022 2:15 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

2:15 AM: Another Seattle Fire “full response” has just been dispatched, this time to the 7500 block of Fauntleroy Way SW [vicinity map]. Updates to come.

2:18 AM: This one is described as a deck fire. Everyone is reported to be safely out.

2:24 AM: The fire is reported to have spread to the house. Fauntleroy is blocked both ways in the area.

2:28 AM: The fire is reported to be under control.

4:21 AM: SFD has now closed this call too.

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UPDATE: Big response, small fire on SW Portland Court
June 26, 2022 1:57 am
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Big response, small fire on SW Portland Court
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

1:57 AM: Seattle Fire has a “full response” headed to a possible house fire in the 2500 block of SW Portland Court [vicinity map]. Updates to come.

2 AM: One of the first units on scene reports light smoke.

2:04 AM: They’ve assessed it as a “small wall fire.” All five people who were home are reported to be out safely. … The response is being downsized.

3:02 AM: This call is now closed, meaning all SFD units have left the scene.

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HAPPENING NOW: Local hams reach out to neighbors near and far on Field Day
June 25, 2022 11:24 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

With a field full of antennas and a parking lot full of trailers and tents, three local ham-radio groups are teaming up for this year’s Field Day, which continues into the night and until late tomorrow morning on the north side of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor). It’s a chance to educate the public and also part of a nationwide contest.

As Greg (W7GFW) was doing while we were there this evening, the radio operators are logging as many contacts as they can make. Different atmospheric conditions and different radio bands make for varied chances to reach others far and near. There are two main ways to make contacts, we’re told – either “search and pounce,” seeing which frequencies have activity and jumping in, or “run a frequency” – choose where you’re going to hang out and wait for others to come find you.

Ham radio continues to grow in popularity, we learned from Eric Linxweiler, who showed us around and explained much of what was going on. All ages, too – he works with Scouts and says his troop has several newly licensed hams. Another aspect of Field Day is testing out your setup and equipment, with an eye toward being able to operate off the grid in case of catastrophe:

Hams have long been working on disaster response – Cindi Barker explained one program they’re working on at Field Day, involving volunteers relaying messages from region to region, email sent over radio waves, to help reconnect people if disaster breaks regular communication methods:

You’re welcome to stop by tomorrow morning before Field Day ends around 11 am – they even have a tent where visitors can “get on the air” and see what it’s like. But if you can’t get out there this weekend, reach out any time to the West Seattle Amateur Radio Club (one of the three Field Day participating groups, along with the Puget Sound Repeater Group and Seattle Auxiliary Communications Service).

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READER REPORT: West Seattle Action Activism Fair @ C & P Coffee
June 25, 2022 11:03 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Thanks to Kathy Rawle for sending the photo and note about yet another of the two-dozen-plus events that were on our Saturday list:

(Photo by Jonathan Rawle)

At C&P Coffee today. More than a dozen action groups, and lots of people and energy.

The participating groups are on the flyer shown in our calendar listing.

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About those fireworks to the west
June 25, 2022 10:24 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

If you too are hearing fireworks off to the distant west – it’s the return of the Bremerton Bridge Blast fireworks show, fired from the Manette Bridge in east Bremerton.

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SUNDAY PREVIEW: Two West Seattle marches
June 25, 2022 8:44 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

The lineup for tomorrow won’t be anything like the 26-note list for today – but it will feature two West Seattle marches:

DEMONSTRATION FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS: In the wake of the small spontaneous protest at Walk-All-Ways on Friday, abortion-rights supporters are planning to march there Sunday morning, 10 am-11:30 am. Organizers explain here, “We are just two pissed=off moms that want to bring this community together to mourn, find solace, organize and protest the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade. This is a peaceful gathering (be respectful of the local businesses and market) wear green, bring signs, your voice, and water.”

PRIDE MARCH: If you’re not going downtown for the Pride Parade, be part of West Seattle’s own Pride March, 2 pm to 4 pm, sponsored by Youngstown Coffee and HeartBeet Organic Superfood Café. The four-block march will end at those businesses, after starting at 2 at Morgan Junction Park (6413 California SW). Organizers add, “The short march is great for families and pets too! Walk, skate, bike, dance, or stroll the route with your friends and family. Celebrate our LGBTQ community here in West Seattle!” They also add here, “Pride was and still is a protest! Feel free to bring your signs and frustrations with you.”

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: USS Nimitz, on its way home
June 25, 2022 7:15 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

(Photo by Michael Fischer)

Thanks for the tips and photo! Seven weeks after it headed out for training, the Bremerton-based aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) returned home this evening, visible from West Seattle before it turned into Rich Passage.

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VIDEO: Highland Park Improvement Club celebrates ‘restart, rebirth’ at Reset Fest
June 25, 2022 4:08 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

(WSB photos/video)

4:08 PM: “We’re going to rebuild this club!” That’s the promise Highland Park Improvement Club president Rhonda Smith made, exuberantly, to neighbors gathered for what could have been a sad anniversary but instead is a joyful look ahead.

(HPIC president Rhonda Smith and City Councilmember Lisa Herbold speaking at Reset Fest)

One year after the fire that gutted HPIC’s building, you’re invited to a party in the park raising rebuild money as HPIC’s Reset Fest continues at Riverview Playfield (7226 12th SW) until 7 pm. Lots of live music, which started with a hard-rocking set by The Black Tones:

(They had to play early because guitarist Eva Walker has a show on KEXP tonight, we’re told, 6-9 pm.) The party’s on the south side of the Riverview field – you can’t miss the canopies. Look for the merch table, too!

The cost of an all-new HPIC (here’s our most recent coverage) is likely to be about $2 million, club leaders say; they’re planning to pursue grants but still need considerable community support for the 103-year-old club to continue and even expand its role as a community hub. Reset Fest – with food and games, too – is on until 7 pm.

7:35 PM: Added/substituted some photos and video. If you want to support HPIC, by the way, you can do it here.

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From the ‘in case you wondered too’ file: About that high-altitude flyover
June 25, 2022 3:21 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

(Photo by John Applegate)

You couldn’t hear them, but if you happened to be looking at the sky a few hours ago, you might have seen those five jets’ high-altitude flyby. Several people asked us about it, and our photographer at the Seafair Pirates’ Landing saw it too. No airshows or scheduled flybys, but one reliable source – Woody’s Aeroimages – says those were “fighters returning home from exercises in Alaska.” The Air Force has indeed just wrapped up the Red Flag 22-2 exercise, primarily flying from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska (near Fairbanks – here’s a map).

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PHOTOS: Seafair Pirates land at Alki Beach, first time in 3 years
June 25, 2022 1:16 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)

1:16 PM: Another West Seattle summer tradition returned moments ago at Alki Beach, as the Seafair Pirates landed aboard the Global vessel Prudhoe Bay.

(This photo and next by David Hutchinson)

As previewed here, this year’s landing is a “scaled-down” event – no accompanying all-day festival with vendors and activities, just the Pirates mingling with fans.

More photos later.

8:05 PM: As promised:

Scurvy selfies could be had:

The crowd was (a)vastly less dense than in past years:

Trinkets were offered to some on shore:

The Pirates will be busy with parade season soon too – this year’s returning parades include the West Seattle Grand Parade just four weeks from today, July 23rd, and the Seafair Torchlight Parade a week after that.

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WEEKEND SCENE: 31 food/drink options at Taste of White Center
June 25, 2022 12:18 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | White Center

The booth on the northwest corner of 16th/98th is one of three places you can buy $5 tickets for the Taste of White Center, benefiting the White Center Food Bank – each ticket gets you one of the special menu items that 31 establishments are offering – here’s the list:

The participants are all flying red balloons:

The Taste of White Center (which includes 4 South Delridge participants) is on until 4 pm, but take note that some venues are starting late – for example, Tomo, at left above, has a sign saying it’ll open at 2 pm (it’s offering smoked sable fish congee), and Good Day Donuts is participating until 2 (their menu item is listed as simply “surprise”). The other two ticket booths are outside Mac’s Triangle Pub at 16th/Delridge/Roxbury and outside Patrick’s Café and Bakery at 15th/100th. Along with the $5 taste tickets, you also can buy tickets for a drawing that’s also benefiting WCFB – two round-trip Alaska Airlines tickets.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Business burglary
June 25, 2022 10:51 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Business burglary
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Jen at Alki Kayak Tours (based at Seacrest Pier) sent the report and photo:

Our SUP closet was broken into (overnight Thursday into Friday) – damaging the door and busting part of the latch where the padlock slides into. Boards were stolen. If anyone has any information or saw anything, please call us, 206-953-0237.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 26 notes!
June 25, 2022 6:34 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

One epic Saturday has arrived. Might be hard to find a spot on the beach by yourself like the little critter in David Dimmit’s photo. Our list of what’s up stretches all across the peninsula – here are highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:

ROAD-WORK ALERTS: SDOT will be working on curb ramps at Dumar/Orchard St intersection and says, “This work will include pouring concrete and paving the road in front of the curb ramp.” Also, WSDOT continues southbound I-5 lane closures for expansion-joint work.

FREE PRENATAL WORKOUT: Expecting? You’re invited to a free FIT4BABY prenatal fitness class followed by Q&A with a physical therapist, 9 am at Alki Statue of Liberty (61st/Alki).

QIGONG AND MEDITATION IN THE PARK: 9:30 am in north Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), explained in our calendar listing. By donation (fundraising for Puget Soundkeeper Alliance).

DANCE-A-THON FOR SOLES4SOULS: Also a fundraiser – 10 am at Move2Center Studio (3618 SW Alaska) – or online! – enjoy a free dance workout for your donation to the global nonprofit Soles4Souls.

SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: Twice-monthly market focused on food grown and made by BIPOC farmers and entrepreneurs, 10 am-2 pm at Hope Academy (9421 18th SW).

ADMIRAL WAY CLEANUP: 10 am, meet at Belvidere Park (3600 SW Admiral Way) and join in a community cleanup.

ALKI BEACH CLEANUP: 10 am, meet at Alki Bathhouse to join this beach cleanup sponsored by Corona, United by Blue, and Oceanic Global.

FREE SHREDDING & FOOD DRIVE: 10 am-1 pm in the alley behind 3727 California SW, Movement Mortgage invites you to bring your shreddables along with a nonperishable-food donation.

LITTLE LEAGUE ALL-STARS TOURNAMENT: West Seattle Little League‘s baseball and softball all-stars start competition with the 12s baseball tournament WSLL is hosting at Bar-S (64th and Admiral), first games at 10 am, public welcome.

MORNING MUSIC: Marco de Carvalho and Friends, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

TASTE OF WHITE CENTER: 11 am-4 pm, tour White Center’s restaurants and help the White Center Food Bank by buying $5 tickets, each of which will get you a special dish or drink at participating establishments – details in our calendar listing, including where to get your ticket(s).

(added) FREE PIZZA: Thanks to Susan for the tip – Pagliacci in The Junction is among the participating locations for free slices 11 am-3 pm.

FIELD DAY: Starting at 11 am, local ham-radio operators welcome you to their 24-hour “open house” in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) – see our preview for more info; this link has the schedule for talks/info sessions,

WADING POOL SEASON BEGINS: First city-park wading pool to open for the season is in central upper Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day (weather permitting).

COLMAN POOL’S 7-DAYS-A-WEEK SEASON BEGINS: From today through Labor Day, it’s daily operations (except for a few swim-meet dates in July) for the outdoor pool on the Lincoln Park shore (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Open to visitors noon-3 pm, as noted here. (2234 SW Orchard)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society museum is open on Alki, and you can visit noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)

SEAFAIR PIRATES’ LANDING: Be at Alki Beach (usually around the Bathhouse, 60th/Alki) to welcome the ambassadors of summer skulduggery. The landing – “scaled down” from past years’ festival-esque events – is expected in the 1-1:30 pm vicinity, but this time is always approximate.

HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB RESET FEST: On the one-year anniversary of the fire that gutted Highland Park Improvement Club‘s building, HPIC invites you to nearby Riverview Playfield (7226 12th SW) as they look down the road (literally and figuratively) to a new building. Music, food trucks, beer garden … and they advise being there promptly at 2 pm for “famous musicians” leading off the performances.

WEST SEATTLE ACTION ACTIVISM FAIR: 3 pm at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), reps of 10+ activist groups explain how you can make a difference.

BARTON P-PATCH PIZZA NIGHT: 4-7 pm, enjoy handcrafted wood-fired pizza and music in the community garden at 34th/Barton,

DUBSEA FISH STICKS: See the DubSea Fish Sticks at 6:05 pm vs. the Northwest Honkers, Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd) – ticket info here.

LISA CRAZE & GUY NELSON: Singer and guitarist performing at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. No cover.

THE GO JANES WITH AUNTMAMA: Songs and stories at 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – our calendar listing has info on how to reserve your spot.

PRIDE DRAG SHOW AT ADMIRAL PUB: Celebrate Pride with Dolly Madison, 9 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California S).

PRIDE DRAG SHOW AT BOX BAR: “Out at the Box,” 10 pm at Box Bar (5401 California SW), $10 suggested donation.

Something to add, for today/tonight or beyond? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Here’s what you’ll see and hear at Field Day 2022
June 24, 2022 9:09 pm
|    Comments Off on WEEKEND PREVIEW: Here’s what you’ll see and hear at Field Day 2022
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from Field Day 2018)

Yet another big summer event returning after a pandemic hiatus: Field Day, whose organizers say you could call it “Ham Radio’s Open House.” And a big open house it is, spanning 24 hours, tomorrow morning through Sunday morning, this time in the north parking lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). You can drop by for one or more of many presentations on topics from “Making a Family Communication Plan” to “Solar Power and Batteries” – the full schedule is here – or take advantage of a chance to take a turn at the mic. You can also just listen in as local hams participate in the contest that’s at the heart of Field Day – “where operators attempt to make as many two-way radio contacts as possible during a 24-hour window.” Three groups are participating – West Seattle Amateur Radio Club, Puget Sound Repeater Group, and Seattle Auxiliary Communications Service. Ham radio has seen a surge in the past few years, they note – 775,000 licensed hams in the U.S. now, up nearly 50,000 since 2019. You can stop by between 11 am Saturday and 11 am Sunday to see what it’s all about.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Suspect charged in Delridge murder; also believed responsible for other early Monday shooting
June 24, 2022 6:44 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

When we first reported on the Monday morning shooting that killed 56-year-old Anthony Gonzalez at a Delridge encampment, we mentioned police were investigating another shooting in a similar time frame, at 16th/Cambridge. Today the charging documents for Mr. Gonzalez’s accused killer, Jaycee C. Thompson, reveal police believe he’s to blame for the other shooting too. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged Thompson, who is 43, with second-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, attempted second-degree robbery, and second-degree unlawful firearm possession. The charging documents note the case remains under investigation and so charges might be upgraded or added, but for now, here is the story that prosecutors and police tell in those documents, describing what they call “a multi-location violent crime spree in West Seattle”:

Late Sunday night, several people were gathered in the alley behind the South Delridge 7-11 when Thompson drove up in what was later found to be a white work van stolen from Bothell. Thompson got out holding a “pistol-grip shotgun” and walked toward them. One of them, a man who says he’s a friend of Thompson’s, says the suspect seemed “agitated” and demanded money. The friend thought Thompson was joking – until he hit him with the shotgun. Less than an hour later, a 35-year-old man was shot at 16th/Barton (previously reported as 16th/Cambridge) and taken to a Burien hospital but immediately transferred to Harborview; he’s undergone multiple surgeries for removal of buckshot – associated with a shotgun – from his abdomen. That detail aside, the documents don’t say why Thompson is the suspect in that shooting. But a short time later, 911 calls started coming in about the 26th/Juneau encampment shooting. That’s where the kidnapping charge comes in; as we reported in our first followup, upon arrival at the camp, Thompson is reported to have held a man at gunpoint and demanded to be taken to “Gonzo” (the murder victim’s nickname). A witness who was in the victim’s “makeshift structure” talking with him when Thompson burst in said the suspect asked something like “Where’s the money and drugs?” but didn’t even wait for an answer before shooting the victim in the face, killing him. That witness said Thompson let them go, at which point they ran out into the encampment and told everyone to run because he had just killed “Gonzo.”

On Tuesday night, after a tip, they arrested Thompson near where the “spree” began in South Delridge. The stolen white van was found at 25th/Cloverdale. Police were still awaiting a warrant to search it when the court documents were written but reported that a shotgun was visible through the windows. Thompson remains in the King County Jail with bail set at $5 million.

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UPDATE: Abortion-rights demonstration in The Junction
June 24, 2022 5:58 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

5:58 PM: Protesters upset about today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade are marching in the heart of The Junction right now. Several people asked us throughout the day if a protest was planned in West Seattle; we didn’t get advance word of this but a participant sent word a short time ago so we went over to The Junction to verify. There’s a protest happening downtown right now too.

7:30 PM: Just went back through The Junction a few minutes ago; the demonstrators have dispersed.

ADDED SATURDAY MORNING: Just got word another demonstration is planned for 10 am Sunday at Walk-All-Ways.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire on West Marginal Way
June 24, 2022 5:42 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Police were investigating a report of gunfire on West Marginal Way around 3 pm. We asked for information and just got their summary:

Officers responded to a shooting near Highland Park Way SW and W Marginal Way SW. Upon arrival, they located the victim and his vehicle. The victim’s vehicle had three bullet holes in it. The victim stated he observed drivers of two older sedans racing each (other) from the Chelan Cafe heading southbound on W Marginal Way SW. The victim, who was not involved in the racing, stated that when he caught up to one of the vehicles he confronted the driver and passenger about the reckless driving. Heated words were exchanged between all parties and ended when both the driver and passenger of the Honda Civic shot at the victim’s vehicle. The suspects then fled the scene heading southbound toward Tukwila. Shell casings were recovered at the scene and a bullet fragment from the victim’s vehicle. No injuries to the victim.

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From the ‘in case you wondered too’ file: Here’s why Hiawatha Community Center won’t be reopening any time soon
June 24, 2022 3:51 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photo)

The closure of Hiawatha Community Center has ripple effects this summer – including these two: When wading-pool season starts tomorrow, Hiawatha won’t be opening because of the center closure; also, the Admiral Neighborhood Association can’t resume its summer-concert series because Hiawatha’s unavailable as a venue. A few readers asked us recently for a status report on the community center, so here’s what we have found out from Seattle Parks. They’ve been waiting for approval of a half-million-dollar federal grant (via the Federal Emergency Management Agency), according to Parks’ Kelly Goold, who says that’s about a quarter of the funding for the work to be done at Hiawatha. Rules of the grant, Parks says, prohibited work from starting before the funding was received. Goold says they “believe we will have approval shortly.” Then they can put the project out to bid. If they don’t get the grant? “We will proceed with the project but will complete less project work.” A bit of preparation has been done, Goold says – primarily “hazmat removal.” Once construction starts, it’s expected to take about nine months – so if all goes well from here, Hiawatha might be ready to reopen next summer. The project as described by Parks will include “electrical repairs, water and sewer pipe replacements, furnace and water heater repairs, roof replacement, and more.”

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