West Seattle, Washington
13 Thursday
That photo is from West Seattle Indivisible, taken last Sunday morning, when about 80 people showed up to commiserate and strategize in the wake of the “big bill” that was just passed by Congress and signed by the president. This Sunday, WSI gathers again, this time with a guest appearance by a local leader – here’s the announcement we received tonight:
West Seattle Indivisible is honored to welcome Mayor Bruce Harrell to our General Membership Meeting on Sunday, July 13, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon @ California).
At our gathering on Alki last Sunday, high interest was expressed in learning more about what we all can do to prepare for increased ICE presence in our city and our neighborhoods. Mayor Harrell was able to arrange his schedule to share the city’s stance and strategies with our group; he will be with us from 3:30-4 pm.
Remember that this weekend is West Seattle Summer Fest and parking in the Junction area will be challenging. Doors will open at 3 pm to allow ample time to get settled in order to start promptly at 3:30 pm.
Thanks to Katherine for the photo and report:
The combined West Seattle/Southwest Little League Juniors Softball All-Stars have advanced to the semi-finals of the Juniors Softball State Tournament with a 9-7 win today over the team from Redmond/Sammamish/Eastlake. The team has won three games so far in the state tournament, the most wins at state of any softball all-star team in the history of West Seattle and Southwest Little League!
West Seattle/Southwest Little League plays against the team from Shoreline/North Central/Queen Anne Little League tomorrow [Friday] at 6 pm at Northshore Athletic Fields in Woodinville.
Come cheer them on!
6:52 PM: An Amber Alert just buzzed on cell phones across the region, and it’s for a child reported to have been taken in White Center. We don’t have details yet but here’s the poster:
(update: image removed)
More info shortly.
7:03 PM: According to this post, the child has been found. As is our standard policy with resolved missing-person cases, we’re removing the image. (We still have no other info about the circumstances.)
9:28 PM: King County Sheriff’s Deputies found the car at 6th SW and SW 102nd; the thief/kidnapper is still at large, according to KCSO: “The child was found safe about an hour after the car was taken – she is safe and reunited with her mother … Deputies are currently looking for the suspect.”
5:16 PM: The Junction is the place to be, starting now and continuing until Sunday night – West Seattle Summer Fest is officially Friday-Sunday but the streets are closed now for festival setup, plus early sidewalk-café activity, and it’s West Seattle Art Walk + The Art of Music night, all combining for Summer Fest Eve. Buses are rerouted too. We’re headed that way soon for updates!
6:25 PM: One of the sights you’ll see in Junction streets right now – stilt walkers! Or if you’d rather just watch the festival setup, wander north of SW Oregon, where the Summer Fest main stage is taking shape:
We found out from Junction Association executive director Chris Mackay that if you wander a bit further north, you’ll find out Itto’s is cooking paella tonight! Meanwhile, lots of wandering going on:
And be sure to duck into the West Seattle Art Walk venues, too – we photographed West Seattle watercolorist Carrie Scroggins at Jet City Labs:
(Jet City has DJs all festival long, tomorrow through Sunday!) We’ve seen two bands, too – Aurora Ave is rocking the KeyBank Plaza corner at California/Alaska:
And the St. Bees Duo is at John L. Scott (4445 California SW) with some nostalgia.
They’re one of the five Art of Music acts – and The Junction is hosting bonus music tonight too (like Aurora Ave!). We’re heading back out to see what else is up ….
8:38 PM: More scenes from tonight – Golden Hart at Great American Diner and Bar, part of The Art of Music:
Noticed a line for Husky Deli ice cream:
On the same block, Mashiko‘s streetside booth had a list of what they’ll be selling, including shave ice:
Poggie Tavern was decked inside and out with jellyfish:
Speaking of food and drink, remember it’s on SW Alaska WEST of California this year, and the parking lot behind KeyBank will have space for you to sit and enjoy your food/beverage:
The Kid Zone, meantime, is on Alaska EAST of California, where these colorful cords are awaiting their role in setting up the inflatables (you can buy tickets online in advance):
The festival runs 1 to 8 pm Friday (music to 11), 10 am to 8 pm Saturday (music to 11), and 10 am to 5 pm Sunday. We’ll be there for continuous coverage all 24+ hours of the festival – see you in The Junction!
(WSB photo, last month)
You might remember the uproar when SDOT announced in May that not only would it convert the Duwamish Head angled parking to parallel parking, it would likely add more than 100 new parallel spaces in the 1200 to 1700 blocks of Alki Avenue SW. At first SDOT attributed the proposed addition to City Councilmember Rob Saka – whose budget action last year set aside $175,000 for the angled-parking-to-parallel conversion as well as “to restore parallel-only parking to Alki Avenue SW adjacent to (the Duwamish Head) location” – but he then said he was not in favor of “restoring” that parking. SDOT proceeded with a survey and promised a final decision after that. The final decision is in today, and it’s “no additional parking.” The survey results were part of today’s announcement; SDOT says it received 882 responses, and since it wasn’t a yes/no survey, its summary does not have a count, but ultimately concludes that more people were against the parking expansion:
The West Seattle Parking Adjustments Survey results reveal a divided consensus among participants regarding the addition of parking to the water side of Alki Ave SW. A significant portion of respondents expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact and aesthetic disruption, emphasizing the need to preserve Alki’s natural beauty and pedestrian-friendliness. On the other hand, many saw the lack of parking as a hindrance to accessibility, particularly for visitors and families, which could negatively affect local businesses dependent on tourism and foot traffic. Overall, there were valid arguments on both sides, with more people opposing.
Bottom line, says SDOT, with that decision, that particular project is complete: “The proviso directing SDOT’s existing budget to implement changes is limited to parking adjustments, so nothing further is planned at this time.” (We’ll be asking them how much of the $175,000 remains, if it was supposed to go toward parking restoration too, and what it’ll go toward instead.)
3:28 PM: That’s the poster circulated by the FBI in January about a serial bank robber that authorities now allege is 24-year-old University District resident Leena Chang. We reported Tuesday night on the arrest shortly after Monday’s holdup at the WaFd Bank north of The Junction, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has just sent documents showing that Chang is charged in eight cases, the same ones mentioned in our update, including two in West Seattle – last January 13 at US Bank in The Junction, and this past Monday’s WaFd Bank holdup. Chang has no criminal history, according to the charging documents, which summarize the allegations:
The defendant engaged in a series of well-planned bank robberies for over a year. As time went on the defendant became emboldened and confident in her skills. She started out covering nearly all of her face, to include using a face mask to obscure her identity, but soon she relied on only a head covering and glasses (and possibly a wig).
(Montage of surveillance images, from charging documents)
She began to arm herself with a hyper-realistic airsoft gun in order to increase the likelihood of success. The State is charging 8 counts of robbery or attempted robbery, 1st degree at this time, but it is clear from the certification that there is at least one additional robbery in another county.
While financial gain was a likely motivation for these crimes, the evidence shows the defendant also took an immense amount of personal satisfaction from her ability to rob banks and outsmart law enforcement. She bragged to a friend about her “work” and spoke about it freely. In her apartment, investigators found a notebook containing information from two of the robberies, including saved demand notes.
(Image from charging documents)
But the most astounding find remains the saved FBI wanted bulletin of the defendant, which she had begun to sketch and paint with watercolors. The fact that she was a focus of a significant law enforcement investigation appears to have been a source of great pride for her.
small>(Image from charging documents)
As time went on, her robberies became more frequent, with six occurring since January of 2025 (including a robbery out of county). By early July, she was the target of this investigation, with police preparing to make an arrest. Then she robbed yet another bank. Police waited near her apartment for her to return and were able to arrest her, still in possession of her disguise, the demand note and the cash taken from the bank.
The charging documents have many images, even apparent robbery notes to which Chang signed her name; we’ll add a few shortly. Chang remains jailed in lieu of $500,000 bail and is due to be arraigned July 23.
If you – or a student in your household – can spare some time, this volunteer project is looking to sign up a hundred volunteers! Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
We’re looking for 100 volunteers to work together (kids more than welcome!) to help with safety and aesthetic improvements to the exterior and playground at Louisa Boren STEM K-8.
Need volunteer hours for middle or high school? We’re happy to sign any forms to confirm your volunteer hours.
Sign up below to join us on Friday, July 18 and/or Saturday, July 19, 9 am – 5 pm.
Volunteer sign-up: signupgenius.com/go/10C0549A9A823A0FEC43-57389089-louisa
Looks like we’ll have sunny days before, during and after – making it perfect painting weather. We have lots of approved projects to knock out, so bring friends – let’s get it DONE!!
Questions? Email cheandrie@stemk8pta.org
The school is at 5950 Delridge Way SW.
Tonight through this weekend, West Seattle Summer Fest in The Junction is in the spotlight. The music doesn’t stop there, though. One week from tonight – Thursday, July 17 – you’re invited to the first of three free Thursday night concerts in the Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented Admiral Music in the Parks series. Here’s a reminder from ANA:
Get your picnic blankets ready for the first concert of Admiral Music in the Parks 2025! Join the Admiral Neighborhood Association on July 17th at 6:30 PM as we gather at Belvedere Park for an evening of PNW country-tonk with Lookout Mountain Lookout.
Then mark your calendars for our other concerts:
6:30 PM on July 24th at California Place Park where we will welcome back West Seattle favorite Micheal Pearsall and Friends.
6:30 PM on July 31st at Hamilton Viewpoint Park as we close out AMP 2025 with The Flaming Pies and the music of John, Paul, George and Ringo.
New this year, you can join Seattle Yarn’s knitting circle at each event.
Thank you to our business sponsors, including our “Producer” partners: West Seattle Realty, Timeless Kitchen Design, and West Seattle Grounds, and our individual donors who make this event possible.
To find out more about AMP, visit us here.
This is the second year that AMP is happening in parks that aren’t often used for events – worked out great last year, so ANA is doing it again! Belvedere Park is at 3600 SW Admiral Way. (WSB is media sponsor for the concert series.)
We start with two huge events tonight!
WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST EVE: This is “locals’ night” before the three-day festival, with the streets closed for Summer Fest setup and sidewalk cafés open, plus music performances and more, even face painting! Come down after 5 pm and wander! We’ve previewed it multiple times already, so here again are those links with everything to know:
–Street-closure timeline, with first closure as early as 2 pm
–Calendar listing with lineup
–Full list of live music
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: This is also happening, not only in The Junction – where it enhances Summer Fest Eve – but also in other areas of the peninsula, from Alki to Morgan Junction. Here’s the venue list, for art and/or food and drink specials:
Individual venue and artist previews are listed here. All seven The Art of Music performances, 6-7:45 pm, are previewed here.
Here’s what else is happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Clouds or sun, it’s the heart of gardening season! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open today and every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOLS: The city says it’s expecting sunshine and warm-enough temperatures this afternoon to open the wading pools, so that means Lincoln Park will be open noon-7 pm and Delridge and Hiawatha will be open noon-5:30 pm. Free.
COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) will be open noon-7 pm – see the schedule here. Fee.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to get info about where they’re playing today.
DROP-IN CHESS: Teens are welcome to come play at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:30 pm.
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Momo’s Kebab.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: The monthly 6 pm online speaker series focuses tonight on totem poles, with Rebecca Albiani; our calendar listing has info on how to get the viewing link.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), the Westies Run Club is resuming the Thursday community run tonight.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Prefer to walk instead of run? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
’90s TRIVIA: Monthly event at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7 pm.
‘THE EFFECT’ AT ARTSWEST: Final week begins for new ArtsWest production “The Effect“ at 7:30 pm. Tonight is sold out – check here for tickets for other performances before the run ends Sunday. (4711 California SW)
DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Supreme La Rock, 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
A 17-year-old girl and 15-year-old boy are in juvenile detention, accused in the Puget Ridge stabbing attack on a 17-year-old girl early July 5. (We originally reported the attack here.) Seattle Police say this morning that the suspects were taken into custody by Marysville Police as a result of the SPD investigation of the attack. According to documents we’ve obtained from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, both appeared in court Wednesday afternoon. The KCPAO says the judge found probable cause to hold them for investigation of attempted second-degree murder. A decision on charges is likely tomorrow; their next hearing is tentatively set for Monday. According to a crowdfunding page created by the victim’s sister, she was attacked at the home of her 83-year-old grandfather, and in addition to seriously injuring the victim, the attack caused major damage at the house.
6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, July 10, 2025, West Seattle Summer Fest Eve – the intersection in the traffic-cam view above will be closed to vehicles starting just hours from now.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, then clearing, high near 70. Today’s sunrise was at 5:22 am; sunset will be at 9:06 pm.
SUMMER FEST EVE!
-In The Junction, parking restrictions start this morning, and street closures for West Seattle Summer Fest start rolling out this afternoon (see today’s timeline here); then through late Sunday night, California will be closed north (to Genesee) and south (to Edmunds) of SW Oregon, and SW Alaska will be closed between 44th on the west side and 42nd on the east side.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule today, but Summer Fest reroutes through The Junction will start once the street closures start.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has resumed three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, and on weeknights with Mariners home games (and certain special events).
ROAD WORK
-Three weeks of major nighttime work ahead on and around 16th SW in White Center starting next Wednesday – details here.
-16th SW speed cushions have been installed near Cloverdale and near Trenton; here’s our story on what else is on the way.
-Admiral Bridge work continues, with one lane each way across the bridge
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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