(Added: Quick clip of lightning as it approached, recorded by Tom Trulin)
8:40 PM: You’ve probably heard the thunder even if you haven’t seen the lightning. A band of thunderstorms has arrived in our area and the National Weather Service has issued a flood alert for most of the region, in effect until 10:45 tonight, because of heavy rain accompanying the thunderstorms. The flooding isn’t expected to be major but beware of street ponding, for example. Let us know (206-293-6302 text) about any problems like downed trees or outages – in the meantime, keep everything charged!

9:51 PM: Some really close strikes in the past few minutes, so it’s a good time to stay inside.

(Added: Elissa Roche’s video captures the sound of the rain, plus some lightning)
10:28 PM: The rain has lightened and the lightning/thunder have moved on (mostly).

11:41 PM: Thanks to everyone who’s shared visuals of the lightning. The photo above is from Nicolay Thomassen, who was looking west from just north of Lincoln Park. So far no major problems anywhere in our area, and the weather is definitely a lot calmer now – though the NWS has extended the Flood Advisory alert to 2:45 am.

12:30 AM: Thanks to the texter who points out the first notable power outage in the area – 67 customers near 20th/Thistle.

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VIDEO: County reps’ Town Hall and more @ 34th District Democrats’ August meeting

August 17, 2024 8:34 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

In a month with few community meetings, our area’s biggest political organization met to celebrate results of the last election, look ahead to the next one, and hear from current officeholders.

The 34th District Democrats‘ endorsed candidates fared well in the August primary, including Alexis Mercedes Rinck, the City Council citywide Position 8 challenger with a 12-point lead over appointed incumbent Tanya Woo (both will advance to November).

The only nailbiter noted at Wednesday’s meeting was the race for state Commissioner of Public Lands, with Republican former U.S. House Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler already locking in one general-ballot spot, while Democratic King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove hangs onto a less-than-a-tenth-of-a-point lead over Republican Sue Kuehl Pederson for the second general-election spot.

State House Position 2 Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon told the group that race is vital because Upthegrove would use a “science-based perspective to manage our public lands.” All in all, Fitzgibbon – who is House Majority Leader – declared himself “thrilled” by the primary results, even though, he noted wryly, his Position 1 counterpart Rep. Emily Alvarado got more votes than he did (barely – 329) in their respective re-election races. He said Democrats expect to add to their majorities in the State House and State Senate. And he noted his own household had added “a new Democrat” when he and his wife welcomed a baby in June.

Also briefly taking the microphone, our area’s Seattle Public Schools Board Director Gina Topp. With the new school year now three weeks away, she said the district is “working hard on safety” and she hopes for an update from the SPS administration at the board’s next meeting August 28. She also is hoping that’s when superintendent Dr. Brent Jones will present his long-anticipated plan for potential school closures/consolidations (it’s not on the agenda so far, though). “Difficult choices” are ahead, she warned.

Shortly thereafter, the meeting moved on to the agenda centerpiece, a Town Hall with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Deputy County Executive Shannon Braddock, both West Seattle residents (“our administration is tilted toward West Seattleites,” he joked).

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COUNTDOWN: 1 week until Admiral Funktion street party

August 17, 2024 6:52 pm

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| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

One of the summer’s festival finales is also just a week away. The Admiral Neighborhood Association wraps up a busy summer – previously presenting the West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade and three Admiral Music in the Parks concerts – with the Admiral Junktion street party. It’s happening 11 am-8 pm next Saturday (August 24) on California Avenue SW between SW Admiral Way and SW College Street. There’s of course a live music lineup – as announced August 1st:

12 pm School of Rock

1 pm Plum

2 pm Princess Pulpit

3 pm The Potholes

4 pm The Loveless Building

5 pm DAD Band

6 pm NovaChrome

7 pm Secondhand Flannel

WSB is a festival co-sponsor. We hope to have a few more previews with other details in the days ahead. See you there!

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WEEKEND SCENE: Lucha Libre and more at SOPASUPA (South Park Summer Party)

August 17, 2024 4:26 pm

| Comments Off on WEEKEND SCENE: Lucha Libre and more at SOPASUPA (South Park Summer Party)

| Fun stuff to do | South Park | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

If you’re a fan of Lucha Libre (the showy masked wrestling style that originated in Mexico) but you missed the 2 pm bouts at SOPASUPA, good news – luchadores from Lucha Libre Volcánica will be back in the ring at 6 pm. This is part of the South Park Summer Party festival, happening in multiple spots at and around the 14th/Cloverdale intersection in the heart of South Park.

In the first bout, Sniper (wearing the black and white shirt) was victorious….

In the second bout, Red Dog (in pink and black) was the last luchadore standing.

The ring – as well as the main music stage – is behind the building on the southwest corner (right behind The Scene coffee shop). You can even buy your own luchadore mask:

Behind the building on the northwest corner of 14th/Cloverdale, you’ll find the Kid Zone, with bouncy toys:

And a coloring table:

Across 14th at the northeast corner, art and food vendors:

And a few blocks west on Cloverdale, next to the Highway 99 overpass, South Park’s skatepark is hosting festivities too. The festival’s on until 9 pm; the stage schedule is in our calendar listing.

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COUNTDOWN: 1 week until Great Cross-Sound Race from Alki

August 17, 2024 3:44 pm

| Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: 1 week until Great Cross-Sound Race from Alki

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photo, 2021 Great Cross-Sound Race)

If you’re a rower or paddler and you haven’t tried the Great Cross-Sound Race yet – this might be your year! One week from today, the annual 7-mile race heads out from Alki to just off south Bainbridge Island and back, 9 am Saturday, August 24. Sound Rowers and Paddlers organize the race and registration is open – there are categories for single, double, and triple (or more) watercraft. You can register here. (You can also watch from the Alki seawall west of the Bathhouse and cheer the racers, at a distance!) This is the first one in two years; last year’s race was canceled due to air quality from wildfire smoke.

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Another West Seattle beach driftwood fire

August 17, 2024 12:24 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Thanks to the texters who sent photos and reports of another beach driftwood fire, this time early this morning on the north beach at Lincoln Park;

The first photo was from someone who said SFD had been called; the second, from someone who wrote, “Another log burning in Lincoln Park, just south of Lowman. We put sand on it, though it’s still smoking slightly. Someone is clearly setting these and just wondering if SFD is looking into it before it causes too much damage.” We’re not seeing any police call logged for today’s fire; we asked SFD about their response, just before 6 am, but they tell us only that their firefighters “extinguished a tree stump that was smoldering.” Previously we’ve reported on fires at Lowman Beach and at Weather Watch Park.

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ABANDONED E-BIKE: Finder seeking owner

August 17, 2024 10:21 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Found bicycles | West Seattle news

Received from Kevin:

An e-bike appeared at 6 am along the side of my house (near 35th and Morgan), I’m assuming it was stolen, and I have a video of it being left there.

Light-blue VanMoof S3. Would like to get this back to its owner if they can provide a correct description and serial number (I will be calling VanMoof’s store when they open this morning, not sure if they can track down the owner, though).

If you’re missing an e-bike that matches the description, email us and we’ll connect you.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 37 notes!

August 17, 2024 6:07 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Friday sunrise – photo by Stewart L.)

Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):

NO SSV CLOSURE: First, a major traffic note – the Spokane Street Viaduct (continuation of West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) is fully open this weekend; no work because of the rainy forecast.

GARAGE/YARD SALES: See what’s listed today in the WSB Community Forums.

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.

ALSO AT WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: 8 am also brings the kickoff of the Full Fit marathon-training program.

BIG BLUE TRUCK: Third weekend of the Northwest Center‘s donation-dropoff truck‘s return to West Seattle! You’ll find it outside WaFd Bank (4102 California SW). Our calendar listing has info on what items the truck will accept. 9 am-5 pm.

FUND RUN 5K, WITH TRAFFIC ALERT: 9 am, the Salvation Army (9050 16th SW) presents this fundraising 5K, with a 1K option. SW Barton will be closed from 8th SW to 16th SW as part of the course.

HEAVILY MEDITATED: New location for free community meditation, 9 am at Schmitz Preserve Park (5551 SW Admiral Way).

TAKE A HIKE! 9:30 am, the free monthly guided hike in the West Duwamish Greenbelt begins – south end of Pathfinder K-8 lot (1901 SW Genesee); more info in our calendar listing.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: Go get fresh food from growers and makers – 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more! (9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor)

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others taking a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.

SSC GARDEN CENTER, WITH THE OTTER PUP: Summer gardening season isn’t over yet – and fall’s in view – add something new! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm. Plus: The Otter Pup is open by the center, with coffee, ice cream, and other treats!

ARTISTS’ SECONDS SALE: 10 am-2 pm at 3512 SW Charlestown, West Seattle artists’ seconds sale with Yardia and Honeyberry Studios. More info in our calendar listing.

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

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

EMERALD CITY ROMANCE AUTHOR & READER EVENT: As previewed here, dozens of romance authors are gathered in one place for an event fans will love – VIP ticketholders get in at 11, general-admission ticketholders at noon, Brockey Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), event continues until 5 pm. Ticket link and more info in our calendar listing.

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

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK OPEN: Spraypark season continues – open 11 am-8 pm, free, every day. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

FREE COOL TREAT FOR YOUR PUP: Treat your dog to something tasty and free! Noon-3 pm at All the Best Pet Care (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor), bring in your dog for a free frozen treat!

POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), bonus weekly session of long-distance advocacy, drop-ins welcome.

SOPASUPA: The South Park Summer Party is happening at and around the heart of South Park, 14th Avenue S./S. Cloverdale, noon-9 pm, with live music, beer garden, food trucks, kids’ activities, Lucha Libre wrestling, more. The schedule’s in our calendar listing.

COLMAN POOL: Open noon-7 pm on the Lincoln Park shore – find the session schedule online. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, the season continues through Labor Day for the only 7-days-a-week wading pool in West Seattle, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

HIAWATHA WADING POOL’S LAST DAY: Last day of the season today, noon-5:30 pm. (2700 California SW)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)

WEARABLE ART POP-UP: Tucker Willow is at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), noon-5 pm today.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

NEPENTHE’S WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: 3-5 pm, show up at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) with a specific problem to be addressed by massage, and you’ll get a free (gratuities appreciated) trial of their work.

FONTAINES D.C. LISTENING PARTY: 5 pm at at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), be the first to hear Fontaines D.C.‘s new album “Romance.” Free, all ages, bar open for 21+.

GRIEF-RELEASE DANCE PARTY: Help A Sacred Passing recover from a repair bill by joining this fundraising dance party, 6 pm in South Park. Ticket info in our calendar listing. (836 S. Kenyon)

LIVE MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Guitar Gil at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, no cover, all ages.

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Coral Moons with Hit It! at The Skylark tonight, 7 pm doors, 8 pm music, $15 at door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Element. (4547 California SW)

JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).

KARAOKE AT THE PIZZERIA: Saturday nights, you can sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.

West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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