West Seattle, Washington
18 Monday
The photos are from Bill, one of several people who have emailed us in the past few days to report that tragedy has befallen a rogue West Seattle art installation – the trailside tribute to Rolf Neslund, “patron saint of the broken bridge,” placed and announced in September 2020, half a year into the West Seattle Bridge’s closure. The sculpture and its pedestal have gone sideways.
(Tipsters’ assessment is that it fell because its wooden pedestal rotted, not because of vandalism.) If you’re new around here, Neslund was blamed for the 1978 ship collision that forced the old West Seattle Bridge to be replaced. He subsequently retired and was murdered by his wife in 1980. HistoryLink summarizes the strange story. Anyway, the sculpture was nothing official – it was announced by a mysterious person claiming to be ‘Lars Fujikawa of the Delridge Maritime Historical Society.” The first installation was stolen barely a week after its placement; the replacement was installed by “Lars” (and friends?) about a month later. So the question arises now, in pixels rather than a Bat-signal in the sky – “Lars,” where are you? Can you make Rolf an upstanding sculpture again? (We emailed the account from which the sculpture news arrived in 2020, but no acknowledgment so far.) Or – anyone else able to ride, sail, etc., to the rescue?
SUNDAY UPDATE: Rose, the first person who sounded the alarm about this, has taken Rolf and plaque into protective custody. If “Lars” – or anyone else interested in helping – sees this, email us and we’ll connect you.
That’s the start of the largest of five events comprising Loop the ‘Lupe today at Walt Hundley Playfield in High Point, steps away from Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose social-service community work benefits from its proceeds. Those runners were off on the Family Wave of Loop the ‘Lupe’s 5K obstacle course; below, the smaller group for this year’s new addition, an Elite Wave with two extra obstacles for those seeking even more of a challenge – a barrel crawl and teeter-totters:
The other events were the 5K Fun Run, Senior Saunter, and Youth Dash – but since Loop the ‘Lupe is the only local 5K offering obstacles, they’re the main attraction:
Organizer Brian Callanan said registration passed 700 people, the biggest Loop the ‘Lupe in its seven-year history. Lots of community business participation, too, such as Hannah from HIIT Lab leading the pre-race warmup:
West Seattle School of Rock provided student musicians to keep the event rocking:
WSB was a community co-sponsor of the event, as were other local businesses including WSB sponsors Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle, West Seattle Runner, and Verity Credit Union.
By the time we got to West Seattle High School for this afternoon’s return of the All-School Reunion, everybody was in breakout rooms. But if you like classic cars, you can take a look at another component of the revived reunion – the mini-show just outside the north side of the school. Our photos above and below show classic MGs of different eras.
And a classic Ford:
At 7 pm, the alumni party moves to Whisky West (6451 California SW) for the afterparty, until midnight, featuring WSHS alums who are members of The Nitemates. P.S. If you missed it previously – current WSHS students are organizing a car show for June 17th.
5:16 PM: Seattle Fire has a water-rescue response headed by land and sea for a kayaker reported in trouble off 5200 block of Beach Drive.
5:19 PM: And the kayaker is reported to have made it to shore. … so they’re canceling the response.
We’re continuing to keep track of brown-water reports, since there’s no public log for them. This afternoon, Dani reported, “Just letting you know that we’re experiencing brown water. We notified SPU and they let us know they are doing maintenance on a fire hydrant that will affect the water for anywhere from 1-24 hours. For reference we are near Alki off Admiral and Lander.” Earlier we got a report of a hydrant-testing sighting but no accompanying water discoloration at the time. If it happens to you, report it to SPU ta 206-386-1800.
Beautiful afternoon for an outdoor concert – as Sounds from Around the World Festál continues at Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska). Boka Kouyaté and The Djeliyah Band started the day.
They were the first of four bands/performers scheduled to perform until 7 pm.
Comfort Food is scheduled to be onstage now, followed by Lion of Judah Band at 5 pm. The event was produced by Janean Wyvold of Urgent Africa:
This is one of three free community events funded by neighborhood-recovery grants the city made available through the West Seattle Junction Association.
(Also published on partner site White Center Now)
(WSB/WCN photos)
With a nonstop slate of entertainment, 100 vendors, sidewalk food and beverage cafés, a kids’ area, and more, we’d call this the biggest White Center Pride Street Festival yet. 16th SW is closed to vehicle traffic on the blocks both south and north of SW 98th. At the north end, DJ Baby Van Beezly was spinning:
At the south end, Aleksa Manila was leading story time by the King County Library System van:
Steps away, there’s wrestling outside Lariat Bar:
At 16th/98th, you’ll find the White Center Pride organizers – we photographed Kyle, Eliot, and Terry:
Stop by their booth to find out more about WC Pride, including the online silent auction to fund future outreach work, and the optional bracelets you can buy for local specials during the festival. P.S. The vendors include community organizations and businesses from West Seattle as well as White Center. And West Seattle Pride events are ahead too – watch this category of our event-calendar listings.
Thanks for the tips, and to Erin for the top photo. The front of the AT&T store at Jefferson Square is smashed in – but this was NOT a burglary, it was a crash. The car is still in the store:
(WSB photo)
No injuries. One witness says it was apparently a case of gas pedal/brake pedal confusion but we were unable to confirm that with police.
Thanks to Brandy for the photo! Another event happening right now, spotlighted in our daily list, the Gator Fair at Gatewood Elementary (4320 SW Myrtle). Brandy notes, “Lots of booths, music, prizes, and fun. Goes until 2:30 pm. All welcome!” Indoor science fair and art walk too.
From the Key Club at West Seattle High School:
We are currently doing a book drive for Books for Africa. We have locations open for book donations – the West Seattle High School library, New Leaf Bistro, and Paper Boat Booksellers.
They’ve collected 500 books so far and need at least 500 more.
This morning, the fishing action at Seacrest is on the pier instead of from the pier. Until 11 am, kids under 14 are welcome to try their luck – poles provided – at the portable pond the West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club has set up and stocked with trout:
This is an annual tradition that the club offers as a chance for kids to learn about fishing, free. Seacrest is at 1660 Harbor SW (home of the Water Taxi, Alki Kayak Tours, and Marination ma kai).
(Friday evening photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Welcome to the first weekend of June. Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s happening!
KIDS’ FISHING POND: West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club presents the first event of the day!
On Saturday, June 3rd the West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club will be back hosting the annual Free Kids Fishing Derby at Seacrest Park and Marina, located at 1660 Harbor Ave SW. The trout fishing pond will open at 8:00 am and conclude at 11:00 am, and fishing poles and bait will be provided for free to kids age 14 and younger. No pre-registration or fishing experience is required!
The West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club in association with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have been hosting the Kids Fishing Derby at various locations in West Seattle since 1934. Kids and their families can all enjoy a morning on the waterfront while the kids enjoy their fishing opportunity. For many this will be their first fishing trip! For more information go to wssportsmen.org.
LOW-LOW TIDE, WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists will be out 9:30 am-12:30 pm at Constellation Park (63rd/Beach) and Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), as the low tide goes out to -2.6 feet at 11:02 am.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 9:30 am-3 pm, the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center will be open, selling a vast variety of student-grown plants. (6000 16th SW, north end of campus)
SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: Back for a third year, this farmers’ market on the grounds of Hope Academy (9421 18th SW) is happening weekly this year, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, prioritizing vendors of color and presented by African Community Housing & Development.
SOCCER FUNDRAISER: The HPFC Girls 2010 soccer team is having a fundraising yard sale 10 am-2 pm, including beverages and baked goods. (49th/Genesee)
GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY GATOR FAIR: Free family fun at Gatewood Elementary (4320 SW Myrtle), 10:30 am-2:30 pm, outdoors and indoors, including a science fair and art walk!
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Get info about Marco’s music here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
LOOP THE ‘LUPE: Five fun events at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle) benefiting Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s social outreach work – the obstacle course “Elite Wave” at 11 am, the obstacle course “Family Wave” at 11:30 am, 5K fun run at 11:45 am, Senior Saunter at noon, and Youth Dash at 1 pm. Plus beer, food, and music. If you aren’t signed up yet, you can register on site. (WSB is a community co-sponsor of Loop the ‘Lupe.)
SOUNDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD FESTAL: World-music festival in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska), 11 am-7 pm, free – see the lineup here and read about them here!
MORE THAN A MEETING: Food and fun are also promised at the EPA’s all-day in-person meeting to help you provide comments on the cleanup plan for the Duwamish River’s east waterway. Drop in for as much or little as you can. South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Georgetown Campus Building C (6737 Corson Ave. S.)
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
SPRAYPARK OPEN: Highland Park Spraypark is open daily, through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WHITE CENTER PRIDE STREET FESTIVAL: 11 am-midnight, 16th SW is closed to vehicles and open to revelry in the heart of downtown White Center for this year’s White Center Pride Street Festival, with performers, vendors, food trucks, wrestling, a kids’ area, more – here’s the schedule.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM CLOSED: It’s usually open Saturdays, but not this weekend or next.
VISCON CELLARS: 1-6 pm, visit the tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – selling wine by the glass or bottle. Learn about their wines here! (5910 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL ALL-SCHOOL REUNION: It’s back! All years’ WSHS alums are invited to visit the school 4-7 pm to reconnect with old friends. (3000 California SW)
AUTHOR READING: Presented by Salaam Cultural Museum, West Seattle author Amal Sedky Winter reads from her new book “Escape to Aswan” at 4 pm at Cherry Street Village (720 25th Ave., Capitol Hill).
DUBSEA FISH STICKS’ OPENING NIGHT: Sold-out crowd will be at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd) for the “first fish” at 6:20 pm to start the collegiate summer baseball team‘s first game of the season, vs. the Gumberoos.
WSHS REUNION AFTER-PARTY: 7 pm-midnight at Whisky West (6451 California SW), the celebration continues after the West Seattle High School All-School Reunion. Live music with alum members of The Nitemates!
If you have a show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? for our calendar … please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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