West Seattle, Washington
07 Monday
Two more reader reports. First:
Around 6:00 pm, an attempted car robbery on 51st Ave SW next to Genesee Hill Elementary.
3 individuals – 2 white males wearing black ski masks, black snow pants and black and white ski coats, one female wearing a N95 mask — attempted to steal our black 2006 Audi.
They were driving a white 4-door Hyundai Elantra, no license plates.
One male was inside the car and was able to start the car when we ran after them, they were able to get away and drive toward Genesse Hill street.
They looked young, possibly in their late teens. This has been reported to the police.
Report # is 25-174087. And separately, we received this report:
Reported this evening around 8 PM on June 23 by a neighbor:
Corner of California Ave and Holly St. right on the corner where the hair salon is across from McDonalds…
A white Hyundai Elantra with paper temp WA plates – and 4 what looked like young people speed down that street past me toward Fauntleroy – and all 4 were wearing black ski masks, and they flipped me off as they drove by.
Didn’t see where they went as by the time I got to the corner, they were gone.
Please be on alert; the vehicle could’ve been stolen or involved in a burglary.
Sent by a reader who asked to remain anonymous:
Today at approximately 3:00 pm I was heading south on Walnut near the Hiawatha wading pool. I sensed someone was following me but I didn’t turn around to look. There was no one in the park that I could approach as a safe zone. As I approached Stevens I could still hear the individual behind me.
When I reached Fairmount and Stevens I turned and I saw a man with a knife in his hand asking for my bag. I offered my bag of groceries but he wanted my backpack. I told him no several times and he backed away as a couple was approaching nearby.
Description: White man, late 20s, early 30s, brown hair. I think he had facial hair but not 100% certain.
Wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt with the hood on.Knife blade was approximately 5″ with a light wood handle. The knife was not your standard kitchen knife but perhaps a hunting-type knife??
He was last seen walking west on Stevens toward WSHS. I spoke with a police officer and a report was filed.
We’ll take this opportunity to remind you of two more free SPD-led personal-safety classes next month:
Thursday, July 17th
6 pm – 8 pm
At the SW Precinct – Community Meeting Room – 2300 SW Webster St
Register here : wsjunction.wufoo.com/forms/r1okt4zf1moho5sMonday, July 28th
6 pm – 8 pm
Virtual – Teams link to be provided before event
Register here : wsjunction.wufoo.com/forms/rus05xi17w2lnw
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
West Seattle Junction FC drew their fourth match of the season Sunday against Tacoma Stars FC. But what has been an otherwise difficult month of games had a bright spot: A community event hosted by Junction FC to highlight local artists, coinciding with their newest merchandise release, a line inspired by well-known West Seattle muralist Desmond Hansen.
(Photo by Erik Sandvik)
It was a tensely fought game with three injuries, mostly springing from a series of close shaves in both team’s goal boxes. Junction FC managed to keep up a strong defense, as goalkeeper Liam Ryan fended off several close calls in the first twenty minutes, and pressed the offense with an especially close shot by James Lear at the thirty-minute mark. The game resulted in yet another draw for both teams, though Junction FC managed to hold up with one player out of commission for the second half of the match.
Sunday’s match also marked the release of Junction FC’s third kit (a version of the team’s uniform fans can purchase and wear) inspired by Seattle muralist Desmond Hansen. The kit draws from his experience as a street artist, moving from graffiti into professional mural painting. “I’ve designed my own shirts, but never a jersey,” Hansen said. “I knew I wanted to do something colorful and incorporate actual spray paint.”
The jerseys incorporate layered spray-paint effects, giving them an identity unique to Hansen’s style, and to the West Seattle artist community.
(Photo courtesy Junction FC)
During the game, attendees were able to browse through several artist stalls set up behind the bleachers, purchase Junction FC merchandise and add to the community mural. The artist alley was a mix of established painters, community organizations and up-and-coming artists. At the end of the alley was Lora Radford, the lead artist of Potterings (WSB sponsor), a new pottery studio in the Harbor Avenue ActivSpace.
Radford started doing pottery as a form of self-expression, and as a self-described “community builder,” wanted to bring the experience to her community. Since opening in May, she’s been able to help people without any prior experience enjoy pottery.
“I decided that potters needed a place,” Radford said, “If you took a pottery class in middle school and you want to make a gift for a friend or a piece for yourself, this is the perfect place. That’s what we’re about.”
Further up the alley was Sunshine Arts and Crafts, owned by artists Marcia and Dennis Schramm. They moved back to West Seattle recently from Colorado, and have found painting as a hobby in their retirement. Marcia has been painting with acrylics for three years, and Dennis painted a set of Seattle-themed lazy susans.
Setting up an elaborate metalwork piece across the walkway, West Seattle native Jerry Austin is the founder of Mindful Metal, specializing in metalwork installations that utilize recycled metal pipes. Austin started his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Finally, sitting next to the Junction FC booth was Johnny Gillespie. Sunday’s event was his first time tabling. Gillespie has been drawing since he was a kid, and focuses on artwork that centers on animals.
Next home match for Junction FC (0-4-4) is Sunday (June 29) at 2 pm vs. Portland Bangers – tickets are available here.
(SDOT camera image from Sunday, via X)
4:37 PM: Among the weekend incidents we’ve been following up on today is the hours-long westbound lane closure that backed up traffic on the Spokane Street Viaduct (the official name of the east half of the West Seattle Bridge) on Sunday. It wasn’t announced in advance, and was only explained as “construction work.” So today we asked SDOT for more information, and whether any other work would follow. Here’s what we just received via email:
Crews were doing emergency repairs on the Spokane Street Viaduct to inspect and fix crash-cushion barriers damaged in an incident. It wasn’t possible to provide advance notice — but we understand the disruption this caused and appreciate the public’s patience.
There will be follow-up work needed to complete the repairs. That work will be scheduled in advance, and we will share the details publicly once we have confirmed dates.
We’ve asked for more information on the “incident” in question, as we’re not seeing anything logged in the hours before the emergency work.
5:37 PM: An SDOT spokesperson replied to that followup: “The damage was caused by a previous crash. Crews made the repairs Sunday because that was when the vendor was available, and they needed to be on site as well.” That reopens the question of why no advance alert.
(Screengrab from SDOT camera)
3:43 PM: Avoid the Highland Park Way hill for a while. SFD has arrived to deal with a very smoky car vehicle fire that’s in the southbound lanes just north of Holden.
3:47 PM: Now that the smoke has cleared, the vehicle with the fire appears to be a food truck. Both sides of the street are blocked right now. No word of any injuries.
3:54 PM: The live camera shows uphill traffic still waiting north of the crash scene; firefighters have asked that police be dispatched to help sort out the traffic situation.
3:56 PM: And now traffic is getting by, one lane each way.
5:43 PM: The burned truck (we couldn’t see its name) has been towed, but city crews have remained to deal with the foamy mess in the outside uphill lane, but they may be clear soon.
You’ll probably want to mute that video clip, as the sound is mostly a quite-shrill burglary alarm. But that’s what was happening at the Admiral restaurant/bar Arthur’s at about 4:45 am Saturday, says proprietor Rebecca Rice, who provided the video, explaining that she called 911 when she got an alarm alert and saw the burglar on her live cameras. Police responded quickly, she says, and detained someone nearby, but they couldn’t be positively identified and so had to be released. She adds:
The (burglar) got away with cash and a couple of laptops, and they caused serious damage to our front and office doors. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and we were able to reopen the same day — but it’s a heavy hit at an already difficult time for small businesses like ours.
We’re grateful to nearby businesses who shared camera footage and neighbors who checked in. Hoping someone might recognize the person or have additional information.
If you have any information, the police report # to refer to is 25-171464.
Three quick business notes today:
(WSB photo after sign went up in April)
JUNCTION HARDWARE: We reported back in February on this locally owned store’s switch from affiliation with True Value to affiliation with the ACE co-op. This Saturday, the store at 44th SW/SW Edmunds will formally celebrate the change, at a “grand reopening” party, 10 am-2 pm (June 28). That starts with a ceremonial ribboncutting and includes demos by grilling experts, and more, as detailed in our calendar listing.
SEATTLE HEARING SERVICES MOVING: Audiologist Dr. Jo Munson wants you to know that the clinic’s West Seattle offices are moving: They’ve been in Morgan Junction but are moving further north, to 5036 California SW. The new location will open this Wednesday, June 25.
SEATTLE BEAUTY MOVES: Another local service has moved office locations – Seattle Beauty is now at 4050 SW Admiral Way, Dr. Desiree Wood tells us. Her office previously was in The Junction
Less than three weeks until the peninsula’s biggest party of the year, West Seattle Summer Fest! This year student artists have a unique chance to be part of it – and just one week left to apply for the opportunity. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
Do you have a student who is passionate about art and interested in showcasing their work to the community? We’re excited to invite student artists to participate in the upcoming West Seattle Summer Fest on Saturday, July 12th.
My name is Molly Ryan, and I serve as the Director of the West Seattle Art Walk. One of my primary goals is to foster student engagement in the arts, and I’m thrilled to share that the West Seattle Junction Association is partnering with us to support this initiative.
This year, we’ve received approval to display student artwork along the construction fencing on California Ave SW near SW Oregon St. This unique outdoor gallery will allow student artists to share their creativity with thousands of festival attendees.
We are currently accepting submissions and plan to select 50–70 pieces representing a variety of ages and grade levels. While we wish we could showcase all submissions, please note that not all entries will be selected due to space limitations. We will notify selected participants during the first week of July.
To ensure that artwork is ready to be displayed outdoors, we kindly request photos of the completed pieces with each submission. This helps us confirm that the work is presentation-ready for hanging along the fence.
If you have students who may be interested, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or submissions.
Thank you for supporting young artists in our community!
Here’s the link for applications – the deadline is June 30, one week from today.
(Seen on the West Seattle Garden Tour – photo sent by Marina Clough)
Here’s what’s on our highlight list from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (are we missing something? let us know!):
COMP PLAN/REZONING PUBLIC HEARING: The City Council’s all-day hearing is under way, as previewed here; see the agenda for info on how to sign up to speak, remotely or in person. Watch live via Seattle Channel.
FAMILY STORY TIME: Southwest Library‘s 10:30 am story time is open to wee ones and their parents/guardians/caretakers. (9010 35th SW)
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: Continuing through Labor Day, the outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is open every day, noon-7 pm. Fee.
WADING POOLS: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden) will be open today, noon-7 pm. Free.
CRAFTING & CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm, Monday is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too!
LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: You don’t have to grieve alone. 6:30 pm at Mama Be Well Healing Studio, join a group with Listening to Grief. Registration/fee info here. (4034A California SW).
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Three places you can play tonight! 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ALKI MEDITATION: Every Monday – doors open at Alki UCC at 6:45, and the meeting is from 7-8:30. (6115 SW Hinds)
POOL TOURNAMENT: The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starts at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: More Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Live music on Monday nights – jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE Love to sing? 9 pm Mondays, you can sing karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks to everyone who sends info for our calendar – if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photo from 2018 Laps With Lou at Pathfinder)
You have another chance this week to help retired teacher Lou Cutler make kids’ wishes come true as a longtime Make-A-Wish volunteer. Lou led all-day walk/run-a-thons at Pathfinder K-8, first as its PE teacher, then as its retired PE teacher, every June for ~20 years, celebrating his June birthday by running or walking the same number of laps as years of life he’s celebrating. The Pathfinder events ended two years ago but Lou found other ways to raise money for Make-A-Wish, including a walk on the Boston Marathon route last October, and this week he’s walking again. Here’s the announcement he sent us:
I had thought that when I finished the Boston Marathon walk last October as a fundraiser for MAW, that would be the final fundraising walk for MAW, as doing the walk without the Pathfinder students didn’t offer the joy that I had felt for 20 years doing the run with the students.
However, over the past few weeks, I have seen several amazing Wishes come to completion and I saw how much joy it brought the family and that was the exact motivation I needed to inspire me to recreate the 13.1 mile walk I did on my 70th birthday in 2021 and I will follow the same route on my 74th birthday on June 25th, starting in the Pathfinder parking lot at 12:00 and walk up the Genesee hill to Avalon and follow that to Alki and at the south end of Lincoln Park we will return to Pathfinder via Fauntleroy.
Over the past 21 years, the MAW benefit walks/runs have raised over $100,000 and have funded many, many Spectacular Wishes and there are still many Wishes on the horizon that need funding and once again I will count on the generosity of people to help make these Wishes become a reality.
You can support Lou’s efforts at site.wish.org/goto/lapswithlou2025
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to the first Monday of summer, June 23, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly sunny, high in mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:12 am and is now getting later each day; sunset will be at 9:11 pm, as late as it gets (and staying there through Saturday).
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet. M/V Salish serves as the “bonus boat”. One more week until three-boat service is expected to relaunch (next Monday, June 30).
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, plus weeknights with Mariners home games (and some other events).
…
ROAD WORK
-If you’re driving 35th SW through Gatewood, no-parking signs are up for a few blocks warning of “construction staging” this week, and the NB 21 stop at Elmgrove will be closed 9 am-3 pm daily.
STADIUM ZONE
–FIFA Club World Cup game with Sounders FC vs. Paris Saint-Germain FC at Lumen Field today, noon.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
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