West Seattle, Washington
07 Monday
This weekend marks the end of an era at Fauntleroy Church – Bronwyn Edwards is ending nearly two decades as the church’s music director. Her successor starts next week, as Judy Pickens tells us:
After a nationwide search, Fauntleroy Church, United Church of Christ, has found its new music director close to home. On July 1, Zachary Fitzgerald, a doctoral candidate at the University of Washington, will take the baton from retiring director Bronwyn Edwards.
Zachary earned master’s degrees in choral conducting and vocal performance from Kent State University and is nearing completion of his doctoral degree in vocal performance. His career has included church music director, vocalist, teacher, and instrumentalist (oboe, English horn, and saxophone). Along the way, he deepened his passion for opera and musical theater.
In addition to coordinating music for Sunday services, Zachary will devote the summer to getting better acquainted with the 439-member congregation’s existing choirs and ensembles and plan new performance opportunities, including for children, to start introducing in the fall.
Edwards, meantime, also is retiring from her role with the Boeing Employees Choir, but plans to continue composing and teaching.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Summer has just begun, but winter fun was part of the discussion when the Alki Community Council met last night. The meeting at Alki UCC was facilitated by ACC president Charlotte Starck, and started with a discussion of public-safety issues.
PUBLIC SAFETY: A member of the SPD Community Service Officers team presented crime stats, with major categories down. Of particular note, she said confirmed-gunfire incidents in West Seattle total 50 so far this year, down three from 2024. Alki has had three such incidents so far this year, down from four in the same time period of 2024. (Our archives show four, the most recent one two weeks ago, so she may have been citing stats through the end of May.)
Concerns voiced by attendees included a perceived uptick in reckless driving by motorcyclists, and “takeover” situations – one attendee said she got trapped in one of the latter at Chelan/Spokane on June 13. We took this traffic-camera screenshot taken as it was breaking up:
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The attendee hadn’t seen a police response but we recall officers showing up that night, as shown on the live camera, as the traffic-stopping gathering was dispersing. Others surfaced concerns about reckless driving on Admiral; Starck wondered what it would take to get that street designated as a “racing zone” in hopes that would boost its eligibility for enforcement.
Also, a resident campaigning for speed humps/cushions on 63rd Avenue SW said he’s been videoing speeders to put together an argument for why the raised pavement is needed.
ALKI ‘NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER’ REVIVED? The ACC isn’t advocating any particular position on the Comprehensive Plan changes before the City Council and hasn’t had a discussion on whether to do that, Starck noted. But one attendee brought up a proposal to amend the current legislation by adding more Neighborhood Centers, possibly to be formally introduced by a councilmember later this summer. A walking tour might precede that. The attendee identified herself as pro-housing and said she has lots of family members in this area and would like them to have more housing options. Another attendee noted that the originally proposed heart of a possible Alki Neighborhood Center was 61st/Stevens, right by the Log House Museum (as we first reported when city leaders unveiled the rezoning proposal last October).
ALKI LIGHT POSTS: Starck said these had rusted hangers on them dating back more than a decade – so 16 posts on Alki Avenue between 55th and 59th are getting repainted by the city over the next few weeks, a small move toward “bringing back the vibrancy.” This is a case of “if you see something, say something,” to get something fixed, she reminded attendees.
ALKI BEACH PRIDE: Starck read a message from Alki Beach Pride co-organizer Stacy Bass-Walden seeking people to help with the flag unfurling on August 10 – much like this one we covered last year:
(WSB photo, August 2024)
The date for Alki Beach Pride this year is August 16. The event time is noon-8 pm; Alki Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic between 57th and 61st, from early morning until late night.
ALKI CHRISTMAS SHIP VISIT: The ACC got early word of this year’s date: On December 18th, off Salty’s at Alki, 5:50 pm-6:10 pm, and then off Alki Beach that same night, 8:40 pm-9 pm. Last year the ACC synergized an event on Christmas Ship night with lights and other festive touches on shore, including treats at businesses, which saw hundreds of visitors, so this year the ACC plans something even bigger. They’re working on a grant application right now and will likely call for volunteers when fall gets closer. (Side note: The date chosen by Argosy for the Christmas Ship visit is considered good news because last year, you might recall, it happened before Thanksgiving!)
More quick items:
ALKI ART FAIR: Briefly mentioned – it’s coming up July 18-20.
BUSES: In going-around-the-room discussion, there was a mention of interest in two Alki bus-service issues – restoring the 37, and moving the bus stop at Alki/61st (possibly around the corner to 61st south of Alki), an issue that surfaced during the mayor’s tour of Alki businesses last month.
SCHMITZ PARK CREEK RESTORE: A rep of the group who was in attendance said they’ve just received their first grant, and it’s for education. Weed pulling is under way, and tours of the park are also in the current plan.
WHAT’S NEXT? Watch alkicommunitycouncil.org for word of the next meeting, tentatively set to be in person only on the third Thursday in July – July 17.
As explained by the state Transportation Commission, which sets rates for charges such as ferry fares and highway tolls, you’ll pay a bit more to use the Highway 99 tunnel starting Tuesday:
When toll rates were initially set on the SR 99 tunnel in 2018, the Commission included a plan for 3% toll rate increases to take effect every three years, subject to review and possible adjustment by the Commission (WAC 468-270-073 & WAC 468-270-040). The purpose of these planned toll rate increases is to manage ongoing cost inflation and ensure the facility generated the necessary revenue to meet legal requirements.
On May 13, 2025, the Commission approved the next 3% toll rate increase, which will take effect on July 1, 2025.
As summarized here, “Tolls will increase by 5 cents during off-peak and morning hours. Toll rates will increase by 10 cents during evening peak hours.” You can see the current and new rates in tables on this page. Again, the changes kick in on Tuesday (July 1).
Two newly released police reports in West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon:
BRIDGE GUNFIRE: This happened night before last but we just got confirmation by procuring the police-report narrative today. Police found casings near the crest of the West Seattle Bridge after a westbound driver late Wednesday night reported seeing someone “hanging out the window” of an eastbound vehicle, firing a handgun into the air. The car was described as a gold Ford sedan. Police did not get word of any injuries or damage.
SHOPLIFTING CRACKDOWN: Police have mentioned “emphasis” operations at Westwood Village previously. This SPD summary says officers from two precincts did it again this past Tuesday:
At 1200 hours, South patrol, and Southwest patrol participated in a multi-store retail theft operation at Westwood Village. Officers teamed with loss prevention representatives from Marshalls and Target to identify and then apprehend shoplifters. Six arrests were made between the two stores and the recovery of stolen merchandise. One of the six arrestees was also booked for a felony warrant. This was a team effort by GIU detectives, patrol, and partnership with the loss prevention employees at the two businesses.
We’re pursuing further information to see who was booked and/or charged.
Thanks to Steven Rice for the photos as the littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords arrived in Elliott Bay today.
Vigor has a $55+ million contract to work on the Gabrielle Giffords, named for the former Arizona U.S. House member who survived an assassination attempt 14 years ago. She visited the ship at the Harbor Island shipyard when it was previously here for work four years ago.
It’s not quite lemonade-stand weather. So this enterprising trio has set up a Pokémon-card stand instead! One participant’s parent sent us the photo, noting you can find them until 3 or so by the 38th SW/SW Barton standpipe in Upper Fauntleroy.
Love to walk? You’re invited to be part of a new event, The West Seattle Saunter, on Saturday, July 12. Organizer Holden coordinated The Seattle Super Saunter last month and tells WSB, “We got about 200-300 people to walk the whole city in the pouring rain for our first event and I felt bad we did not get to include West Seattle on the day.” So this one is devoted to the peninsula: “The West Seattle Saunter is about a 12-mile walk which will begin at the West Seattle Water Taxi pier and then go along Alki, head to Lincoln Park, go up to Myrtle Reservoir Park, and then finish at Alaska Junction for Summer Fest,” which will be on Day 2 by then. This is a free community-building event, and you can register by going here and/or here.
Thanks to Yma for telling us about this: We subsequently checked and learned a broken hot-water tank is to blame for a temporary shutdown of all of the service counters at the Admiral Metropolitan Market this morning. We reached the bakery counter by phone and were told the tank should be repaired within the hour, but it will take some time for the service counters to ramp back up, depending on what they sell.
(Photo by Steve Bender)
Here’s our list for your Friday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: The center is open for plant-shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
FIREFIGHTER STORY TIME: 11 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), geared toward teaching fire safety to very young children in a fun way, usually with a chance to see the firefighters’ gear and engine.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: The spraypark is open every day 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOLS: The city says this afternoon’s cloudy, cooler forecast means the wading pools will stay closed today.
COLMAN POOL: Closed to the public for a swim meet; back to regular schedule Sunday.
SEATTLE TERIYAKI HISTORY: See this brand-new exhibit at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) while it’s open noon-4 pm today.
LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -3.1 feet at (updated) 12:51 pm.
THE BEER JUNCTION’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY: Celebrating all weekend with a new beer release among other things. (4511 California SW)
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
(added) U-GOD SIGNING AT EASY STREET: 4 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW):
We welcome U-God from The Wu-Tang Clan, for a signing, meet & greet, a day before the Wu takes over Climate Pledge Arena! on Saturday (ft. Run The Jewels, tickets still available!) …
ALL AGES SIGNING. 21+ to drink. No purchase necessary
JAZZ/BLUES JAM AT KENYON HALL: By and for student musicians and young pros, 6 pm doors, 6:30 pm music during the last edition of Kenyon Hall‘s monthly jam before the venue’s summer repair/maintenance break! Free.(7904 35th SW)
MAKE A MUG AT RAIN CITY CLAY: 6 pm – signup link is in our calendar listing. (4208 SW 100th)
POTTERS’ BOOK CLUB: Create with clay while discussing a book! 6:30 pm at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW).
‘THE EFFECT’ AT ARTSWEST: Second week for the new play directed by Mathew Wright, 7:30 pm. Our calendar listing has the ticket link.
DRAG KINGS AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Emerald City Kings Ball Pride at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), advance tickets sold out, check availability at the door.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Peg tonight! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating with live music – tonight, LORBO, Anthers, Spanghew – 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $18 cover/$5 skates.
PRIDE COCKTAIL FUNDRAISER: All month long, through Monday, Mioposto (2139 California SW; WSB sponsor) offers a special cocktail, The Sylvia River-ita, with half the proceeds supporting Lambert House.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The West Seattle Food Bank‘s Taste of West Seattle is three months away but there are three ways to become part of it now – including one, if you’re a food/beverage purveyor, with a deadline today! Here’s the announcement:
Now Signing Up Restaurants for the 2025 Taste of West Seattle!
Early Bird Perk Deadline: June 27 (today!)
West Seattle’s most beloved neighborhood food festival, The Taste of West Seattle, returns on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at The Hall at Fauntleroy — and restaurant sign-ups are now open!
This annual community event brings together hundreds of food lovers to celebrate the local flavors that make West Seattle shine — all while raising critical funds for the West Seattle Food Bank.
This year, restaurants that sign up by June 27 (today!) will receive a special early-bird perk:
– Placement on the official event poster
– Extra promotion in advance press, email campaigns, and social media“When local restaurants join The Taste of West Seattle, they’re not just showing off what makes their food special — they’re stepping up for their neighbors,” said Robbin Peterson, Development Director. “This event raises critical funds to help West Seattle families stay nourished, clothed, and housed. It’s a delicious way to do real good, right here at home.”
Why Participate?
-No booth fee to participate & you’ll get to meet hundreds of potential customers
-You like winning! “Best Taste” trophies will be awarded in 5 categories
-Your support directly fights hunger and homelessness in our communitySupport the Cause as a Community Sponsor
The Taste of West Seattle is also seeking community sponsors to help bring this beloved event to life. Sponsorships are a great way to show your company’s local pride, gain visibility, and make a direct impact on West Seattle families. Opportunities start at just $300, making it accessible to small businesses, teams, and organizations that want to give back. Email robbin@westseattlefoodbank.org or visit the WSFB website to learn more.
Tickets On Sale Now!
Tickets for the event are now available to the public here.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, June 27, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, chance of showers, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:13 am; sunset will be at 9:11 pm.
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”. Three-boat service is expected to relaunch early Monday morning – here’s a preview with info we requested from WSF.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later runs on Friday (tonight!) and Saturday nights, plus weeknights with Mariners home games (and some other events) …
WEEKEND NOTES
16th SW in downtown White Center will be closed to traffic Saturday for the Taste of White Center … Alki might be a little congested on Saturday, with the Seafair Pirates Landing in early afternoon … Huge event downtown on Sunday, the Pride Parade, starting 11 am down 4th from Union to Denny ,..
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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