(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

Somehow, a side character from 1970s-1980s TV has become a 2020s phenomenon … coast to coast, dressing up like Helen Roper from TV’s “Three’s Company” and its spinoff “The Ropers” is hot. West Seattle is not immune, as a big event today proved: We counted more than 100 Helen Roper wannabes in caftans and wigs for today’s West Seattle Mrs. Roper Romp:

Their photo-op gathering this evening at Junction Plaza Park came hours into the event, which was far more than a classic pub crawl – as organizers said, they hoped the Mrs. Ropers would come to The Junction and spend the day shopping and dining too.

There was certainly enough energy and exuberance to illuminate The Junction for hours.

More than two dozen businesses offered incentives for the caftan-clad revelers to come in and spend – and we heard reports early on that some were doing exactly that:

Hours of fun followed the park photos.

Some are still out there at this hour, raising Hel..en.

ADDED: Chris, who reports one group of Mrs. Ropers visited Phoenecia, sent this photo:

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen green Jeep Cherokee (update: found)

August 24, 2024 4:42 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | West Seattle news

The report and photo were sent by Danielle:

My 2000 green Jeep Cherokee was stolen between 7 pm 8/22 and 10 am 8/23. It was last parked on SW Sylvan Heights Dr near SW 27th Ave in West Seattle. WA plates CDJ 8680. We’ve filed a police report (# 24-237939) and checked the city impound but have no leads so far. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to find anyone in the neighborhood that had camera footage of the area. There was a Cornell sticker in the back window and a stuffed Garfield in the back drivers side window, but a more permanent identifying feature is that on the drivers side the “o” had fallen off so it said “Cher kee”. She has great sentimental value to us so any potential leads would be greatly appreciated!

Call 911 if you find it.

MONDAY NIGHT UPDATE: A reader found it.

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UPDATE: Crash on Highland Park Way hill

August 24, 2024 3:38 pm

| Comments Off on UPDATE: Crash on Highland Park Way hill

| Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

3:38 PM: Thanks for the photos and tips. A driver went off the road toward the bottom of Highland Park Way hill. SFD has just cleared without sending a medic unit, indicating no major injuries, but we’re following up.

ADDED 10:52 PM: SFD says the 36-year-old driver was treated at the scene and did not need to be taken to the hospital, after what was “reported as a single-vehicle collision into a utility pole.”

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AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE: Chilly but cheery Admiral Funktion street festival

August 24, 2024 11:36 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

11:36 AM: The Admiral Neighborhood Association wasn’t going to let a few (OK, more than a few, earlier) raindrops get in the way of this year’s Admiral Funktion street festival. It’s on right now, in the street on California SW between Admiral Way and SW College. Music starts at noon – here’s the lineup:

We’re on site at the festival – which continues until 8 pm – all day – lots of coverage to come!

12 PM: This is the place to have lunch – Admiral restaurants and bars welcome you outside or inside. Lots of specials. (Outside the festival zone, too – for example, a block south, The Good Society tells us they’ve got another smash-burger pop-up going, now until 5 pm.) And the music has begun – first up, School of Rock-West Seattle!

If you’re bringing your kid(s) to the festival, look for activities at some booths, including the Lafayette Elementary PTA:

All ages can look for festival goodies like the octopus temp tattoos from Kingtide Ink, at the ANA booth:

We’re near the Admiral Theater, between booths for two of West Seattle’s premier nonprofits. At the West Seattle Food Bank booth, you can enter their drawing for a ticket to next month’s Taste of West Seattle.

On the other side, the Log House Museum/Southwest Seattle Historical Society, where you can find out what’s new at the home of West Seattle’s history.

1:12 PM: A bit north of SWSHS, the Emergency Communications Hubs are here – they’re looking for new volunteer help with the Admiral hub, if you wat to get involved with neighborhood preparedness (check this map for YOUR nearest hub):

On the music stage, the band formerly known as Plum is just beginning their set … by announcing a new name: Slumber.

Steady stream of people here, and the National Weather Service says it’ll warm to 65 degrees.

2:14 PM: More festival freebies – go see the PCC West Seattle (WSB sponsor) booth for free snacks:

One of the major missions of Admiral Funktion is to bring together local businesses and community members. Speaking of Mission – that’s one of the local restaurants welcoming you for festival food and drink:

Admiral Pub across the street too –

And in the immediate festival vicinity, you can also check out other local faves like Arthur’s and West Wings on the west side of the block, New Leaf Bistro and Irashai on the east side. And onstage, Princess Pulpit is playing right now:

All-ages crowd!

Got a question for local police? They’re here too, at the south end of the festival zone, right by the ex-Wells Fargo corner, where we photographed Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite and Operations Lt. Nate Shopay in the early going:

3:45 PM: The summer’s busiest West Seattle band, The Potholes, are wrapping up their set:

Good crowd, too:

One of the busiest booths is the one right across from us, a sidewalk sale in front of Hosté, clothing $5 and up:

Up toward the north end of the festival zone, say hi to Julia with Honey Girl Books and Gifts – who is also an avid quilter:

Weather update – it’s drier, lighter, and a bit warmer, so if you decided not to go out earlier, might be time to reconsider!

4:48 PM: The Loveless Building has just wrapped up their set – here’s a sample:

DAD is up next at 5 pm. Speaking of “up,” the temperature’s up to 64. And in a bit of inter-neighborhood synergy, we’ve spotted a Mrs. Roper (sorry, no pic), up from The Junction (where we hope to photograph their group-pic gathering in about half an hour). This festival is on until 8 pm – most booths will be closing between 6 and 7 – so c’mon down. (And thanks to the many kind folks who’ve stopped by to say “hi” so far!)

5:31 PM: The sun has made a guest appearance!

Onstage right now, it’s DAD, doing a Nirvana cover (“In Bloom”) in our clip:

This festival is the finale to a truly event-full summer for the Admiral Neighborhood Association, after the West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade and the three-concert Admiral Music in the Parks series. Fall will bring Admiral District trick-or-treating, and the next ANA community meeting – watch connecttoadmiral.org for updates.

6 PM: Our neighboring nonprofits have departed but still lots of vendors here – and two more bands to go, starting with Novachrome.

6:40 PM: The music continues until 8, but booths are wrapping up after what’s been a fun day despite the unsummery weather! Last band up will be Secondhand Flannel at 7. Local restaurants and bars are open for dinner and beyond, too!

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SURVEY: Questions for West Seattle Farmers’ Market shoppers

August 24, 2024 10:39 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

If you shop at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market on Sundays – and/or any of its sibling markets around the city, market managers have a few questions for you! Their newest newsletter announced a survey:

The Neighborhood Farmers Markets are conducting our annual survey online this year to reach a wider audience. Your input is valuable to us! Data gathered from this survey will help NFM and the vendors who participate in our markets to better understand market shoppers and their preferences. Responses are anonymous and will not be associated with any contact information you choose to provide.

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. Please note there are a few questions for shoppers who frequent markets in specific neighborhoods. If you regularly visit one of the locations listed, please choose that market when prompted so the questions are revealed to you.

Start the survey here.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 40 notes!

August 24, 2024 6:03 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Above, that’s the newest image from the traffic cam at the scene of what will be today’s biggest event – Admiral Funktion. More on that a bit later in our list of what’s up today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

NO SSV CLOSURE: Our first 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 rain.

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 Get Fit training program – walkers, new runners, all welcome, start your three-month journey to a big event!

BIG BLUE TRUCK: Fourth 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.

GREAT CROSS-SOUND RACE CANCELED: Weather on the water won’t be safe for paddlers and rowers to make this annual roundtrip race from/to Alki.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET:Your weekly Saturday opportunity to 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 – even though we’re getting a taste of fall weather. 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!

STORY TIME AT SEOLA POND: 10 am outdoor story time with local teacher – note that we have not reconfirmed whether the weather is expected to affect this – here’s where to find the pond.

FUNDRAISING SALE: West Seattle band THEM is raising money for their first tour – with a yard sale at 30th SW/SW Webster, 10 am-6 pm.

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.

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

ADMIRAL FUNKTION STREET PARTY: The big day is here – and rain or shine, this street party is on, confirms the Admiral Neighborhood Association. 11 am-8 pm, come join the party on California Avenue SW between SW Admiral Way and SW College – live music (here’s the schedule), vendors and organizations (here’s the list), food and drink (your fave Admiral restaurants/bars are working on special offerings), other activities. We’ll be reporting from the Funktion again this year, so look for updates on WSB throughout the day.

BENEFIT BBQ: West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) is grilling Uli’s Famous Sausages hot dogs 11 am-3 pm, proceeds benefiting Seattle Humane – go get lunch!

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK OPEN: Spraypark season continues, even under the clouds – open 11 am-8 pm, free, every day through Labor Day. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

FREE COOL TREAT FOR YOUR PUP: Again today, you’re invited to 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.

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

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL CLOSED: Unlike Colman Pool, the wading pool is weather-dependent, and it won’t open today since the required 70-degree sunshine is NOT in the forecast.

SOUTHWEST POOL CLOSED: The city-run indoor pool will stay closed for repairs and maintenance until after Labor Day.

BURGER POP-UP: While you’re at the Admiral festival, wander south a bit, where The Good Society (California/Lander) has another smash-burger pop-up noon-5 pm (plus the official Funktion beer).

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

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: 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.

ART MARKET AND SMASH BROS. TOURNAMENT: Double event at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW in White Center) – shop from 3-5, play from 5-7, burger purchase gets you a free tournament entry ($5 otherwise). Grand prize awaits tournament winner!

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.

WEST SEATTLE MRS. ROPER ROMP: Join the Helens! Get into your caftan and wig and hang out with West Seattle’s Mrs. Ropers. This is now set up to be an all-day event – with a group-photo gathering at Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska) at 5:30 pm – and a variety of local businesses offering discounts and specials for COSTUMED participants dining and/or shopping starting as early as brunch – mapped here, with more details in these three graphics (here, here, here). UPDATE: Those three links were from the organizers’ page early today, but one business contacted us with an update: No all-day happy hour at Matador but they do have a special – “$10 California Ave Hawaiian Cocktail.”

POURING WEST SEATTLE: Multiple West Seattle wineries all pouring for you under one roof, 4-7 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) – get your ticket online so it doesn’t sell out before you get there!

SALSA AND BACHATA ON ALKI: 4:30 pm lesson, 5:30 pm dancing, buy your wristband when you get there – look for the dance floor by Alki Statue of Liberty (61st/Alki).

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND ART OF WALLY SHOUP: Doors 6:30, music 7 at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – details in our calendar listing. $10.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Paul Gerard 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: “A jam-packed night of music with the proceeds generously being donated to the Skylark’s relocation fund! Carl Christensen and the Lake Flora Band, Hayward Sun, Rae, and Bird Bones, plus a silent auction. At, of course, The Skylark tonight, 7 pm doors, 8 pm music, $10-$20. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT SPRUCE HILL WINERY: Amelia Day performs, 7:30 pm. Reservations required – contact info is in our calendar listing. (2960 4th Ave S., SODO; WSB sponsor)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Shonuph. (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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