PARADE PREVIEWS: What to know about traffic, parking, bus reroutes Saturday ; plus – meet your Grand Marshal

The West Seattle Grand Parade is is less than 36 hours away! Two more previews before this night is out:

(Seafair Pirates in 2019 West Seattle Grand Parade)

PARADE TRAFFIC: The parade starts at 11 am at California/Lander and heads south on California to Edmunds, and it’s preceded on that route by the Float Dodger 5K, starting at 9:30 am. The street closures and bus reroutes start earlier. Here’s what to know:

*Bus reroutes start at 5 am – you can see the changes for C Line, Route 50, and Route 128 buses by going here

*Street-closure signs are staged as early as 6 am

*No-parking enforcement starts at 7 am – please move vehicles before then

*Police start fully closing California from Admiral to Edmunds at 8 am – it’s a phased closure that will be complete by 9 am

*To travel north alongside the parade route, use 45th Avenue SW from Erskine to Oregon, 44th Ave SW from Oregon to Stevens, 45th Ave SW from Stevens to Admiral Way

*PCC (WSB sponsor) is accessible from 44th and Stevens, but don’t exit north through the alley; Admiral Safeway is accessible from Admiral Way SW and 42nd Avenue SW; you’ll have to exit back to Admiral Way.

GRAND MARSHAL: In addition to Erik Bell riding in the parade as the Orville Rummel Trophy winner, you can cheer for Grand Marshal Whitney Moore. She is about to leave the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce after two years as its executive director – two years during which energy and resiliency was vital, to help local businesses get through the pandemic and bridge closure. Whitney was hailed when she started the job as bringing “talents in community engagement, leadership, innovation, and a passion for small businesses” as well as “many years of leadership, communications, event planning, and strategic marketing experience.” Her future plans include completing a children’s book! Lately she’s been presiding as the Chamber celebrates its centennial, and by riding in the Grand Parade, she’s part of a tradition that’s been around almost that long. We asked for her thoughts on being this year’s Grand Marshal: “I’m honored to be the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade in West Seattle, Best Seattle! This is such a fun event and I love how many people it brings out to our local businesses year after year. West Seattle is the best community to be a part of and I’m humbled to be leading this year’s parade down our iconic California Ave SW.”

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VIDEO: Double bill at season’s second Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented Summer Concert @ Hiawatha

July 20, 2023 10:20 pm

| Comments Off on VIDEO: Double bill at season’s second Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented Summer Concert @ Hiawatha

| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photos, video)

Another idyllic night on the east lawn of Hiawatha Community Center, as the comeback season continues for the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s summer concert series. Tonight, a double bill – Midpak:

And the School of Rock:

So many student musicians on that part of the bill, we got a group pic too:

Next Thursday night (July 27th) at 6:30 pm, the ANA presents this year’s third and final concert, with Ranger and the Re-Arrangers. Free, everyone welcome, bring your own chair/blanket!

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Fire at Westcrest Park

July 20, 2023 9:41 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

Thanks to everyone who sent photos from what Seattle Fire dispatched as a “brush fire” sweeping across a slope at Westcrest Park about an hour ago. SFD sent Engine 11, which was on scene for about 20 minutes.

No injuries reported, and no word on the cause – SFD did not send its investigator – but it’s a reminder of just how dry things are right now.

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Park-site status, five City Council candidates’ pitches, more @ Morgan Community Association

July 20, 2023 6:21 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photo – future Morgan Junction Park Addition)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Though it was close to the end of the meeting, an update on the nine-years-in-the-making Morgan Junction Park expansion site was the major news at last night’s quarterly Morgan Community Association meeting, held online and facilitated by president Deb Barker.

MORGAN JUNCTION PARK ADDITION: Kelly Goold from Seattle Parks said they got a lot of good comments at last month’s Morgan Junction Community Festival regarding the park addition. “The funding has returned for the project,” he reminded MoCA, so Parks dusted off the shelved original design and added possible new features such as active recreation (like skating). Money for the site cleanup – it formerly held a dry cleaner – is still available and they are still hoping to get that done within a few months. “Some kind of landscaping” will follow. including potentially “a big sentinel tree.” Then they’ll bring down the fence and open the site to some kind of public use until full development. About 400 people have responded to the survey – still open online – in addition to the hundreds they talked with at the festival. So what’s been holding up the cleanup? Getting the shoring designed, planning the digging of “a big hole,” etc., Goold said. As for the timeline for the park development itself, “that’s at least a year and a half out.” Spring 2025 is the current estimate. No further public meetings planned any time soon – once the survey closes, a new schematic design will be assembled. MoCA plans to invite Goold to the next meeting (October 19th). The city bought the site in 2014 for $1.9 million; within the ensuing two years, the businesses that had been in a building on the site both closed, and the building was demolished.

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES: All eight were invited. The five who showed up got to speak. Each got a 10-minute spot, primarily spent on self-introduction, with time for a question or two after that. Here are our summaries of what they said:

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen F-250 pickup

July 20, 2023 6:06 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Just sent by Debbie and Steve:

Sometime between 5:50 pm July 19th and 5:30 pm today, our pickup was stolen, parked on the street by our house (near 39th & Thistle). We are currently trying to report it to the police. It is a 2004 Ford F-250 Super Duty.

We’ll add the police report # when available. (update) It’s 23-205610.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: 4 more outdoor local events, from wrestling to opera

July 20, 2023 4:33 pm

| Comments Off on WEEKEND PREVIEW: 4 more outdoor local events, from wrestling to opera

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

While most of the rest of the nation is hotter than usual, our temperatures remain “seasonal” – so it’s prime time to enjoy being outdoors. Here are four unique local events that arrived in the WSB inbox recently (not even all in our calendar yet)

RAT CITY RUMBLE: Another block party in White Center! Lariat Bar is leading this one, 11 am-5 pm Saturday, with 16th SW closed between 98th and 100th, and wrestling matches – in keeping with Lariat’s theme – among the highlights. Here’s the announcement published on our partner site White Center Now.

S2S FEST: Peace Peloton presents a festival of food/drink, music, and arts/crafts at Seacrest Park (1660 Harbor SW), 3-10 pm Saturday. You can RSVP for free by going here.

SOULFEST BLOCK PARTY: Starting at 4:30 pm Saturday, music, food, and fun will fill the site of this unique celebration in Seaview. Ticket link, music lineup, and more are in our calendar listing.

(Seattle Opera photo by Sunny Martini)

OPERA IN THE PARK: Sunday at 10 am, in Highland Park (1100 SW Cloverdale), Seattle Opera will present “our 2023 touring production, Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World, a 35-minute-long bilingual opera written for youth audiences. This interactive piece features an updated text that moves seamlessly between English and Spanish.” Read more here about the event (which will be repeated August 13th if you can’t go this Sunday).

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Seattle Public Schools closures? District sets date for West Seattle community conversation

July 20, 2023 2:48 pm

| 20 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

As reported here earlier this month, Seattle Public Schools will have community meetings around the city next month to talk about a plan that could lead to school closures/consolidations starting as soon as fall 2024. They promised to announce the meeting dates/locations this week, and have just done so. From the announcement:

During these meetings, senior leaders will connect with our community to envision what a well-resourced school looks like. SPS staff will share a presentation, respond to questions, and facilitate group discussion.

Your feedback will help guide future district planning. This fall, we will review your feedback and develop an inclusive and equitable plan.

SPS has the opportunity to reimagine a system of well-resourced schools that is safe and equitable. Our goal is to offer students the support, the programs and resources, and the inspiration they need to succeed in the neighborhoods where they live.

(Meeting dates/times of West Seattle relevance:)

Southwest Region: Madison Middle School commons/lunchroom, Thursday, Aug. 10, 6 p.m.
Location: 3429 45th Ave. SW

Online: Teams Meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 5:30 p.m.

Translation and interpretation services will be provided at each meeting based on request. American Sign Language (ASL), Amharic, Cantonese, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese interpreters will be available. After the online meeting, a recording will be posted to the district website. We hope you can join us! Take a moment to RSVP or send us your questions. Complete the RSVP to request accommodation for the meetings by Monday, July 31.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Residential robbery/assault; stolen gold Accord (update: found)

July 20, 2023 2:02 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes:

RESIDENTIAL ROBBERY/ASSAULT: According to a police-report summary made available today, there was a residential robbery on Wednesday. The report number with the summary cross-references to an incident reported shortly before 6 am Wednesday in a multi-unit building on the 1100 block of Alki Avenue SW: “Officers responded to a robbery that occurred at the residence. The (robber) hit the victim with the gun and then took items from the bedroom to include jewelry and the passport of the victim. The (robber) then fled in a vehicle from the scene.” No description of the robber or vehicle was included; we’re trying to find out more. (added) So far, archived audio from the incident includes a partial description of the robber/attacker and vehicle as a Black man with shoulder-length dreadlocks, wearing a white T-shirt and “basketball shorts,” leaving in a blue Mustang. (Added) SFD says its medics treated a 63-year-old man for injuries from the assault; he declined to be taken to the hospital.

STOLEN GOLD ACCORD: The photo and report are from Elana:

Last night between 10 pm-6 am on the 8600 block of 31st between Trenton and Cloverdale, our vehicle (1991 gold Honda Accord, license plate CGH4946) was stolen out of our driveway and on the way out they backed into our other vehicle, which was parked on the other side of the street. The police report number is 23-204950.

8/11 UPDATE: Found.

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BIZNOTES: Ex-fitness garage; Alki Kayak Tours discount; Tails to Astonish anniversary sale; Women’s World Cup watch parties

July 20, 2023 12:01 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle business notes:

EX-FITNESS GARAGE: One of the locations on our long watch list of future business (and other) sites is 5659 California SW, a former auto shop that most recently was home to fitness businesses. Readers noticed that the “for lease” sign came down and the building was repainted. We’ve been trying to find out whether that meant a new tenant had been signed. Today we caught up with the building’s owner, who says no, no new tenant yet – they decided to spruce up the building before continuing the search for one, and that’s what the paint job is all about.

ALKI KAYAK TOURS DISCOUNT: Want to see West Seattle from the water? Alki Kayak Tours (1660 Harbor SW) has an offer:

Are you new to West Seattle or just interested in exploring our coastline and learning about the history of the “Birthplace of Seattle”? Join us for a sea kayak tour on Elliott Bay to the Alki Point Lighthouse and back. We begin at Seacrest Marina, and after an introduction to the gear and technique, paddle to the Alki Lighthouse to explore the West Seattle shoreline. Common sightings of sea lion, harbor seals, jellyfish, and seabirds will keep you scanning the horizon as you paddle past historic site of Luna Park and the original 1851 landing of the Denny Party and land at the lighthouse for some tide pooling in some of oldest bedrock in the NW. (Yes, there is a fault line that is visible just south of the Alki Lighthouse, and the anemones and moon snails have made it home.)

We have offered this three-hour tour since 2005 and if you’re comfortable with a few hours of outdoor activity you should be fine. These are not tippy river kayaks, but stable 21′ NW Kayaks that cut through the water and travel with relative ease. We are offering the Lighthouse Tour Locals discount for those interested in joining us at $99. So use Code “WSlocal” to book your Alki Point Lighthouse Sea Kayak Tour and come see why we live in West Seattle.

TAILS TO ASTONISH ANNIVERSARY SALE: Happy second anniversary to West Seattle’s only comic-book shop! Tails to Astonish (4850 California SW) is having a sale the next two days:

Big sales on back issues and used trade paperbacks & hardcovers!

Friday, July 21: 11:30-7:00
Saturday, July 22: 11:30-7:00

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP AT OUTER SPACE SEATTLE: Just out of the inbox – Outer Space Seattle (2820 Alki SW) is having family-friendly watch parties for the Women’s World Cup games tonight, tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday of next week. Free admission for adults and babies under a year old, $14 for kids 1 year and up. Times and teams are on this page of the Outer Space website.

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Alki Community Council, Admiral concert, Delridge ‘volunteer hangout,’ more for your West Seattle Thursday

July 20, 2023 10:15 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Laura Goodrich – squirrel near Longfellow Creek)

Here’s what’s happening today/tonight:

FREE TREATS: Today’s the day that HomeStreet Bank (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) is celebrating National Ice Cream Month, and spotlighting business client Full Tilt Ice Cream, with free ice bars all day, plus a drawing. Open until 5 pm.

SPRAYPARK OPEN: Daily operations continue at Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.

SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Here’s the list of local sites where free food is available for kids on weekdays this summer, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.

HIAWATHA WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-5:30 pm. (2700 California SW)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, noon-7 pm – here’s the schedule of sessions.

ART POP-UP: First of three days at 4500 California SW – open until 10 pm; details here.

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.

THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), Lumpia World will be visiting.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run!

VOLUNTEER HANGOUT AT OUNCES: Get some goodies and meet some good people – visit Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) 5-8 pm and learn about volunteer power at Delridge Grocery Co-op – details in our calendar listing.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at The Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.

SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA: The series of free concerts presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association continues with Midpak and School of Rock performing at 6:30 pm on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center (Walnut south of Lander). Bring your own chair/blanket/picnic!

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: The ACC‘s regular monthly meeting is at 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) or online (connection info is in our calendar listing). SPD usually attends ACC and topics tonight are likely to include Sunday’s crash and the longrunning push for more traffic calming on Alki and Harbor Avenues.

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Levi Said and Anthony Lee Phillips perform at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. No cover. All ages.

THURSDAY NIGHT CORNHOLE: Go play at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm.

HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH: Final week for the return of this hit musical at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor). Our calendar listing includes the ticket link.

There’s even more in our calendar!

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CONGRATULATIONS! Softball champs head to state

July 20, 2023 9:25 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Thanks to Ryan for the photo and note:

The West Seattle Little League 9-11 girls won districts against Renton and are on to the state tournament!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info

July 20, 2023 6:01 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, July 20th.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high around 85. Today’s sunrise was at 5:32 am; sunset will be at 8:58 pm.

(Wednesday sunset photo by Chris Frankovich)

LOOKING AHEAD

The West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K this Saturday (July 22) will close California SW for several hours, morning to early afternoon, from Admiral to Edmunds, as well as some side streets. Take the no-parking signs seriously – violators will be towed.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – Back to regular schedules – check here for advisories. Note extra C and H Line trips for this weekend’s Taylor Swift concerts.

Water Taxi – Also planning extra late-night runs for this weekend’s concerts. Regular service today, though.

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service. Check Vessel Watch to see where the boats are.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – alternate route across the river:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!

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