COUNTDOWN: Six days to West Seattle Summer Fest 2023. This year, more music!

July 8, 2023 11:56 pm

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| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

By this time next Saturday night, we’ll be two-thirds of the way through West Seattle’s biggest party of the year – Summer Fest! The three-day festival takes over the heart of The Junction next Friday through Sunday (July 14th through 16th), and the streets start closing Thursday pm (California from Oregon to Edmunds and for part of the block north of Oregon, Alaska between 44th and 42nd). You’ve already seen the main-stage music lineup for Friday and Saturday. But even though the main stage will be gone by Sunday (that’s where the Farmers’ Market happens, north of Oregon, on July 16th), it won’t be a music-free day: This year, the West Side Stage has been added, in Junction Plaza Park – that’s actually the east side of the festival grounds; the name is for West Side Music Academy, which is leading the programming, 11 am-7 pm Saturday and 11 am-4 pm Sunday. You can see that lineup on the same page as the main-stage schedule. See you in The Junction! (WSB is a West Seattle Summer Fest community co-sponsor.)

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YOUTH SPORTS: West Seattle Little League baseball, softball tournament time

July 8, 2023 10:20 pm

| Comments Off on YOUTH SPORTS: West Seattle Little League baseball, softball tournament time

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

It’s not only All-Star time for Major League Baseball, it’s also All-Star Tournament season for West Seattle Little League teams. Jackie Borg from WSLL shares these updates:

West Seattle Little League (WSLL) sent three baseball teams – one for each division, 10s, 11s, and 12s – and three softball teams – 10s, 11s, and Juniors (13-14-year-olds) – to compete in the WA District 7 Little League All-Stars Tournaments.

WSLL 12s baseball All-Stars won their district tournament and are state-bound! The state tournament starts on 7/15 in Poulsbo.

Juniors softball took 2nd place in the District 7 tournament.

Around town, you can catch the other WSLL All-Stars teams in play:

10s Baseball – Tournament started today @ South Highline National LL field in Normandy Park
11s Baseball – Tournament under way, with another game today @ South Highline National LL
10s Softball – District 7 Championship game tomorrow @ SWAC Upper field
11s Softball – Tournament starts 7/17 @ Issaquah HS

We will be updating the website westseattlelittleleague.com with standings as often as possible. You can also see the full schedule and check out the rosters for all teams.

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VIDEO, PHOTOS: Seafair Pirates conquer Alki

July 8, 2023 5:58 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(WSB photos/video unless otherwise credited)

We may not have year-round royals like Charles, Camilla, and company, but Seattle does have royalty once a year … during Seafair. This year’s King Neptune, radio personality Bender, tried to defend Alki Beach from the Seafair Pirates this afternoon … but somehow, as happens every year, they managed to storm the beach anyway. At about 1:10 pm, in a haze of cannon smoke, they arrived at Alki aboard the Global vessel Prudhoe Bay:

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

The Pirates disembarked near Alki Bathhouse, with hundreds there to watch – and snap photos:

After coming ashore, they were found to be bearing gifts – not plundered treasure, but instead, stickers for kids:

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

The Pirates made their way through the curious crowd, up to where their land-going vessel Moby Duck awaited, as did a ceremony in which they seized – OK, were presented – the key to the county/city, held by County Executive (and lifelong West Seattleite) Dow Constantine:

Other royalty participating in the ceremony included Miss Seafair, Savannah Parker, who took a moment to pose with King Neptune:

As for the Pirates, it was eventually “all aboard” the Moby Duck, which they’ll sail back into West Seattle two weeks from today for the WS Grand Parade.

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

The parade’s at 11 am Saturday, July 22, starting from California/Lander in The Admiral District and heading southbound on California to The Junction, preceded by the Float Dodger 5K at 9:30 am.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Kia Forte stolen near Lowman Beach (update: found)

July 8, 2023 5:29 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Nicole reports her 2020 midnight blue Kia Forte was stolen last night or early today by Lowman Beach – “near the intersection of Lincoln Park Way and Beach Drive. Was parked out on the street there and window was broken with remnants of glass on the street. This has been reported to SPD but just wanted people to be careful if parking there while visiting the beach/Lincoln Park!” License plate is Illinois CT60292; SPD report #23-192134.

MONDAY UPDATE: Found, and Nicole says a suspect was arrested.

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HELPING: Save a life while you’re at West Seattle Summer Fest!

July 8, 2023 3:06 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Next Friday, during the first day of West Seattle Summer Fest, Verity Credit Union in The Junction (4505 California SW; WSB sponsor) is offering opportunities to give a life-saving gift via a blood drive with Bloodworks Northwest. The drive is scheduled for 10 am-4 pm Friday; checking the appointment link, it looks like some afternoon spots remain. If you can donate blood, go here to sign up!

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LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Changes inside and out

July 8, 2023 12:28 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Inside the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum, there’s more room to roam – recent renovations removed an interior wall. The change was unveiled just as the museum opened its new exhibit about Longfellow Creek, featuring not only beautiful photos and other displays, but also learning opportunities for all ages:

Also new at the Log House Museum: The sixth Peace Pole installed in the area by the Rotary Club of West Seattle. We mentioned it briefly after its installation two weeks ago and visited for its dedication ceremony Friday afternoon. It’s in the garden space in front of the historic log house, facing SW Stevens just west of 61st SW:

Below are the ceremony speakers – L to R, Kerry Korsgaard from the museum’s board, programs and community-outreach director Elizabeth Rudrud, and Rotarians Christine Peak and Keith Hughes:

Keith explained the history of the Peace Pole Project, which has placed more than a quarter-million poles worldwide, and the reason the museum was chosen as a location for one:

This pole is inscribed in Lushootseed, Cantonese, Spanish, and English; the message is, “May peace prevail on Earth.” You can see it outside the museum any time; to go inside the museum, visit during regular public hours, noon-4 pm Fridays and Saturdays.

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LINCOLN PARK: Eagle Scout leads restoration and art project

July 8, 2023 11:11 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

West Seattle’s Lincoln Park has more beauty than ever, thanks in part to a local student and her Eagle Scout project. The photos and report were sent by forest steward Lisa McGinty:

Last month we had the pleasure to work with a local WSHS student, Scout Troop 284 member Heidi Kestner (below, in red hat).

As her chosen Eagle Scout project, Heidi helped organize and lead 5 restoration and art events that included the painting of our new restoration toolbox located at the north parking lot entrance.

Heidi, along with other scout members, friends. and family, removed massive amounts of ivy and blackberry and helped create space for more native plants and trees.

It was a fun marathon of restoration, art and community.

Many thanks to Heidi, her family and all who came out to help!

Want to help at a future Lincoln Park restoration event? Watch this calendar (which features opportunities at other parks too).

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Celebration of Life planned July 15th for Stacey McKelvey, 1969-2023

July 8, 2023 10:03 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather next Saturday (July 15th) to celebrate the life of Stacey McKelvey. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with her community:

Stacey Marlo McKelvey, beloved daughter, sister, auntie, cousin, and cat-mom, passed away on June 19, 2023 in West Seattle.

Stacey was born November 20, 1969 in Seattle to Laura and Bill. The following year on the same day, November 20, 1970, Stacey’s little sister Brook was born. One of Stacey’s favorite things was being able to celebrate both their birthdays together and remind people that they were born on the same day.

Stacey was a lifelong West-Seattleite who attended Gatewood Elementary, Denny Middle School, Rainier Beach High School, and South Seattle Community College. She loved waking up early, flowers (especially orchids), music and singing, movies (lots of musicals), and her kitties.

Stacey is survived by her parents: Mother Laura and Steve Neilsen; Father Bill and Debby McKelvey; her Sister Brook and Jim Amundsen; her Brother Cam and Brittany Neilsen and Niece Elianna; her Niece Melissa Jones and her Husband Kei Kawada; and her Fur Babies Black and Blue.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Stacey on Saturday, July 15th, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Camp Long, 5200 35th Ave SW.

Please send any photos or memories to StaceyMckelveyMemorial@gmail.com to share with the family.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 21 things to know

July 8, 2023 6:07 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Friday’s sunset, photographed by Gene Pavola)

Welcome to the second weekend in July – here’s the event lineup and other important info for your West Seattle Saturday:

THREE LIBRARIES CLOSED: As we reported Friday, the Delridge, High Point, and Southwest libraries are closed all weekend because of bedbugs, for which they’ll be treated on Monday.

LAST CHANCE TO NOMINATE A COMMUNITY ALL-STAR: Get your nomination in at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor) before today’s over – surely you know someone deserving!

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-2 pm, the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center will be open, with a sizable selection of student-grown plants. (6000 16th SW, north end of campus)

SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: The farmers’ market on the grounds of Hope Academy (9421 18th SW) is happening weekly, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, prioritizing vendors of color and presented by African Community Housing & Development.

GALLERY CLOSING SALE: 10 am-2 pm, on SW Lander across from Lafayette Elementary‘s playground – details in our calendar listing.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

(added) RESCUE DOGS: Got word of this just before 11 am: “Happening now! Meet and greet some great adoptable dogs from Forgotten Dog Rescue. At Addy’s Pet Shop (1022 SW Henderson St) until 1 pm today. Come pet some pups!”

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

SPRAYPARK OPEN: Highland Park Spraypark is open daily, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale-

COLMAN POOL CLOSED TO PUBLIC: The swim-meet closure continues for the city-run outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 12-7 pm.

2 WADING POOLS OPEN: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 12-7 pm, in the upper park near the north play area; Hiawatha (2700 California SW), 12-5:30 pm, in the park northeast of the community center.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM + FAMILY DAY WITH DNDA: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) 12-4 pm. Special today: Family Day with DNDA, noon-3 pm:

Get hands on with DNDA Environmental Educators and learn about Longfellow Creek. Activities include watershed models where participants can experiment with different ways stormwater and pollutants move through a watershed like Longfellow Creek and impact local salmon and salmon art projects with recycled art supplies and found objects from nature.

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)

SEAFAIR PIRATES LANDING: Around 1 pm – might be earlier or later – the Seafair Pirates arrive (pro tip: listen for the offshore cannon fire) and come ashore near Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki) to try to conquer.

BERNARD STRUBER & THE MIGHTY WURLITZER: See and hear Kenyon Hall‘s centerpiece in action, with a program ranging from from Mozart to pop, doors at 1 pm. Info, including ticket link, in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm, with student-produced wines available. North end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: GreenStage‘s second free performance of the season in West Seattle is a “Backyard Bard” abbreviated version of “Cymbeline,” 7 pm at High Point Commons Park (Graham/Lanham).

(canceled) LIVE AT C & P COFFEE: Ash Devine performs 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). No cover, all ages.

HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH: The musical continues at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor). Our calendar listing includes the ticket link.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 7:30 pm, The Maya Experience, Miranda Kitchpanich, Cullen Cochran, all ages, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

If you are planning a show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? … get it on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire on Harbor Avenue, in North Delridge

July 8, 2023 12:26 am

| 12 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

12:26 AM: Police are blocking Harbor Avenue SW by Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor) right now for a gunfire investigation. A 911 caller reported seeing someone who appeared to be shooting at cars in the area; police arrived and have reported finding both casings and “unfired rounds.”

12:52 AM: Harbor has reopened. Officers told dispatch they “recovered about 20 fired and unfired 9-millimeter casings.”

1:12 AM: Out on a separate gunfire call in North Delridge, officers told dispatch they’ve found “four shell (casings) in the 2600 block of SW Brandon.”

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