West Seattle, Washington
23 Saturday
6:12 PM: Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex is hosting a huge free concert right now – All-City Band Jam‘s return to West Seattle, where ACB director Dr. Marcus Pimpleton founded it, a showcase for marching/brass bands on the eve of the Seafair Torchlight Parade. It could run until 9 pm.
8:50 PM: Just ended. We’ll add video from all 9 groups when back at HQ.
ADDED: Here’s one of the two sports-team-support bands that performed, Sound Wave (official band of Seattle Sounders FC):
And from the Seahawks, here’s Blue Thunder (which led the crowd in the call-and-response “Sea!” “Hawks!” before they were done):
Tons of drums all night long – including the Seismic Sound drumline:
Two brass bands were on the bill – the Blowout Heavies opened the night:
Chaotic Noise Marching Corps were a crowd favorite – with their description proclaiming them a “renegade marching band” and noting that part of their performance is “havoc”; even their outfits were a bit, well, chaotic:
And of course, marching bands … Kennedy Catholic, seen last weekend in the West Seattle Grand Parade:
Rainbow City, which brought a mashup of four ensembles:
Sumner, a huge band with middle-schoolers as well as high-schoolers:
And of course the hosting All-City Band, grand-prize winners in last weekend’s West Seattle Grand Parade and preparing for tomorrow night’s parade downtown. Their director Dr. Pimpleton confessed to the crowd that he secretly dislikes parades and enjoys Band Jam as a chance to enjoy marching bands without the unnecessary parade trappings! Here’s their full set:
(Compare to our video of the 2009 ACB performing at the very first Band Jam!) The ACB is practicing at NCSWAC this summer, as well as hosting Band Jam there, because Memorial Stadium downtown is off-limits while being overhauled; Dr. Pimpleton said he’s pretty sure that means Band Jam will be in West Seattle next summer too.
Whenever we get advance word of road work and other things likely to affect traffic, we include them in our morning traffic roundups (published around 6 am weekdays). But the following three bits of information are all new since this morning’s roundup:
THE AVALON/YANCY ‘CLOSURE’: A reader told us about the signboard saying Avalon/Yancy [map] would be closed all day Saturday. We asked SDOT about it; they said it wasn’t their project, so they pointed us to AA Asphalting. A spokesperson there clarified that this is not a full road closure – there will be officers and/or flaggers there to get drivers/riders/walkers/etc. around the work that will be done. SDOT meantime verified that this work will affect the east (Yancy) side of the intersection.
REPAVING ON OLSON: While we were communicating with SDOT, they dug up word of an all-weekend repaving project on Olson Place SW, near Arrowhead Gardens:
Olson Pl SW between 1st Ave S and 2nd Ave SW [map]
Saturday July 26th and Sunday July 27th, 2025
8 AM – 5 PM
*Weather permitting• SDOT will remove and repave the top 2 inches of the street at the location listed above.
o The project will connect to previous SDOT paving projects on 1st Ave S and Myers Way S.
o SDOT constructed new curb ramps at Myers Way S and 2nd Ave SW in support of these paving projects.• Sidewalk access will not be impacted.
• Traffic Impacts:
o The travel lanes on Olson Pl SW will be reduced and shifted during work hours.
o Access between 2nd Ave SW and Olson Pl SW will be closed during work hours.
▪ SDOT will have a flagger at the intersection and will allow access to the extent possible, but only intermittent access will be allowed.
▪ Access between 2nd Ave SW and Myers Way S will not be affected.
o All streets will be fully open during non-work hours.
Here’s the official notice.
HARBOR AVENUE’S TORCHLIGHT PARADE CONNECTION: Thanks to Kathy for sending word that the annual no-parking signs are up along a stretch of Harbor Avenue in advance of Seafair Torchlight Parade entries heading to and from a parking area at the port. We haven’t been by to see the signage yet but the parade is tomorrow night on the newly overhauled downtown waterfront, and in some years past there’s been a convoy across the West Seattle low bridge related to this.
Not to say the proprietor of Harold’s Fitness is going to ignore his advice and quit working out – but Harold Calkins is closing the West Seattle business through which he’s continued to coach others well into his 80s. Longtime member Petra just sent word that the gym at 5908 California SW will be the scene of a community celebration tomorrow (Saturday, July 26) at 2 pm. Harold “has retired and the gym will be shutting down this weekend,” she explains. The party is open to “anyone who is part of that community to come pay respects to Harold Caulkins, visit old friends, and say goodbye to this West Seattle institution.” It’s a potluck, so if you’re going, bring something to share. Harold has been in the fitness business for 65 years!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Lucky Sushi is rolling toward North Delridge.
We discovered this thanks to a reader who texted about seeing that window sign somewhere on the east side of a mile-plus stretch. We’ve always loved a good mystery, so we set out to narrow it down. Within 24 hours we were talking by phone with proprietor Mikko Yamaguchi about the plan for the south space at 5216 Delridge Way SW [map].
He already runs Lucky Sushi at 5020 Rainier Avenue S., opened a half-year ago, and says he’s had many orders from West Seattle, so he says the expansion seems natural, observing that the sushi market here doesn’t seem maxed out. This is a relatively small space in a new live/work building, so he’ll offer takeout and delivery (no dine-in), focused on sushi and boba tea.
Yamaguchi expects to keep prices reasonable with relatively low operating costs (for example, he’ll be most of the labor), plus the pickup option will save you what he observes are ever-rising delivery fees. But, capitalizing on another recent trend, he plans to be open late, looking to start with hours noon to 11 pm, seven days a week. (He says all his previous restaurants have been open late, and that’s contributed to their success.)
This is sushi with another twist. He says the inspiration for the name “Lucky Sushi” comes from his background setting up sushi bars in small casinos/card rooms. He plans to have a wheel for customers to spin after orders of a certain level, and they’ll have a chance to “win” something – a discount on their current or future order, for example.
Also in keeping with the theme, the classic paw-up “lucky cat” will be part of the decor (see the photo above), which he says will overall be the “cutest” sushi shop you’ve ever seen.
Back to the food – he promises vegetarian and vegan options, which he says are popular at the Rainier Avenue location. But the most popular menu item at all his previous restaurants has been the “Chef’s Roll,” which he says includes shrimp tempura, crab, seared salmon, spicy mayo, green onion, and more.
Now, the big question – how soon will Lucky Sushi open? As with all new businesses, that depends in large part on inspections and permits. Yamaguchi is hoping for mid-September.
Perhaps the timeline will work out; he says he’s long been “lucky in life.”
SIDE NOTE: The space next door to the future Lucky Sushi is still available for lease; contact broker Susi Musi if you’re in the market (she’s also representing office and café spaces in the new Keystone development in South Delridge).
(Blue Angels and West Seattle, photographed from Queen Anne last year by Monica Zaborac)
Yes, it’s that time of year, already. The Blue Angels are based at nearby Boeing Field while in Seattle for the Seafair Air Show, so we usually publish info about their schedule for those who want to be forewarned, whatever the reason. Usually one jet arrives early for media and dignitary ride-alongs, but the main group arrival has been announced by Seafair as around 1:30-2 pm on Wednesday (July 30). Their practice shows will be Thursday and Friday (July 31-August 1), and their official shows as part of Seafair’s big weekend will be Saturday and Sunday, August 2-3. This year they’ll be the airshow finale both days so they’re not scheduled to fly until around 3:35 pm. The Museum of Flight is having its annual Jet Blast Bash both days (admission is charged unless you’re a member) and that will include a view of the runway as they take off, but they’re not parking the jets out in the open south of the museum any more – they’ll be elsewhere at Boeing Field, where Seafair is selling tickets to their famous “walkdown” ceremonies Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
(Thursday’s Alki sunset, photo by Mike Burns)
Here’s what’s happening, 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.
KNIFE-SHARPENING POPUP: Kneighborhood Knives is back at Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW), 10 am-5 pm. Tomorrow too! $12/knife.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: The spraypark is open every day 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WHITE CENTER LIBRARY GUILD SIDEWALK SALE: Support library programs by shopping this rummage/book sale 11 am-4 pm. Tomorrow too! (1409 SW 107th)
LOW-LOW TIDE: -2.6 feet at 11:52 am.
WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY LOCAL TASTE & TENT SALE: First of three days to come shop the tent sale and taste the wares offered by dozens of vendors, noon-5 pm. (California/Fauntleroy)
WADING POOLS: Lincoln Park (noon-7 pm), Delridge, and Hiawatha (both noon-5:30 pm) will be open today, because the city expects some sunshine and warmer temps this afternoon.
COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water pool is open to the public today, noon-7 pm.
SEATTLE TERIYAKI HISTORY & MORE: See this new exhibit at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) while the museum is open noon-4 pm today.
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
ALL-CITY BAND JAM: Marching-band performances at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 6 pm, showcase in preparation for the Seafair Torchlight Parade (among other things). Free. Update from All-City Band:
The lineup will feature performances by:
– Seattle All-City Band
– Seattle Sounders Sound Wave
– Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline
– Kennedy Catholic High School Marching Band
– Sumner High School Spartan Marching Band,
– Chaotic Noise Marching Corps
– Rainbow City
– Seismic Sound Drumline
– The Blowout HeaviesCome hungry as we will have several food trucks selling concessions beginning when doors open at 5.
DUBSEA FISH STICKS: 6:35 pm home game vs. the Gumberoos is sold out!
AT THE SKYLARK: 6:30 pm, All Hype “3D” West Coast Tour w/ Everything’s Fine, Swim Down, The Rat Utopia Experiment at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW). $10/door, all ages.
COFFIN BREAK AT EASY STREET: Live revival release record party for Coffin Break at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, free, all ages.
FULL LIFE CRISIS: West Seattle band plays Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th, in White Center) at 8 pm.
FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE: 8:30-ish pm at Maarten Park (42nd SW/SW Juneau), “Wall-E” is the free movie, popcorn provided!
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Sessions spins tonight! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating with live music – tonight, sing and skate! Skateraoke with Baby Ketten Karaoke – 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $18 cover/$5 skates.
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!
Earlier this week, Public Health – Seattle & King County announced that paralytic shellfish poison had been detected on Vashon Island shores. Now it’s expanded further north to West Seattle beaches, so the department sent this warning:
Paralytic shellfish poison has been detected at unsafe levels from Alki Beach south to Dash Point State Park, as well as along all of the beaches on the eastern shores of Vashon-Maury Island, including Quartermaster Harbor. As a result, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has closed these areas to recreational shellfish harvesting. People should always check the DOH shellfish safety website before harvesting shellfish.
Paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) has been detected at unsafe levels from the north point of Alki Beach in Seattle south to Dash Point State Park in Federal Way, as well as along all of the beaches on the eastern shores of Vashon-Maury Island, including Quartermaster Harbor.
As a result, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has closed these shores to recreational shellfish harvesting. For beaches in these affected areas that are already closed year-round to shellfish harvesting, this notice serves as an added health warning. This closure is an expansion of the PSP recreational shellfish harvesting restriction announced on July 23, which included Quartermaster Harbor only. People should always check the DOH shellfish safety website before harvesting shellfish.
Working with partners, Public Health – Seattle & King County is posting advisory signs at beaches warning people to not collect shellfish. This announcement applies only to recreational shellfish. Commercial shellfish harvesting sites are monitored and regulated separately. Commercial shellfish harvesters should check the advisory status on DOH’s Commercial Shellfish Map Viewer.
Species of shellfish affected
The closure includes all species of shellfish including clams, geoduck, scallops, mussels, oysters, snails and other invertebrates; the closure does not include crab or shrimp. Crabmeat is not known to contain the PSP toxin, but the guts can contain unsafe levels. To be safe, clean crab thoroughly and discard the guts (“butter”).
What’s the risk?
Anyone who eats PSP-contaminated shellfish is at risk for illness and death. PSP poisoning is caused by eating shellfish containing this potent neurotoxin. A naturally occurring marine organism produces the toxin. The toxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing.
A person cannot determine if PSP toxin is present by visual inspection of the water or shellfish. For this reason, the term “red tide” is misleading and inaccurate. PSP can only be detected by laboratory testing.
Symptoms of PSP
Symptoms of PSP usually begin 30-60 minutes after eating the contaminated shellfish but may take several hours. Symptoms are generally mild, and begin with numbness or tingling of the face, arms, and legs. This is followed by headache, dizziness, nausea, and loss of muscle coordination. Sometimes a floating sensation occurs. In cases of severe poisoning, muscle paralysis and respiratory failure occur, and in these cases, death may occur in 2 to 25 hours.
If symptoms are mild, call your health care provider or Washington Poison Center (800-222-1222), and Public Health (206-296-4774). If symptoms are severe, call 911 or have someone take you to the emergency room immediately.
Always check before harvesting shellfish
Recreational shellfish harvesting can be closed at any time for multiple reasons, including rising levels of PSP or pollution. Therefore, harvesters are advised to call the DOH Biotoxin Hotline at 800-562-5632 or visit DOH’s shellfish safety website before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Puget Sound.
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, July 25, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly cloudy, high near 70. Today’s sunrise was at 5:38 am; sunset will be at 8:52 pm.
ROAD WORK, TODAY + WEEKEND
-Repaving continues today on California SW between Holly and Frontenac; SDOT tells us this is phase 1, with phase 2 scheduled to start next Thursday.
-Crews are working on curb ramps for all four corners of 60th/Admiral, and that’s closing 60th during work hours as well as affecting bike lanes near work crews.
-The major nighttime work ahead on and around 16th SW in White Center continues – details here.
-Admiral Bridge work continues, with both directions now carried on the south side.
-One weekend note – a reader pointed out the illuminated signboard regarding a closure at Avalon/Yancy tomorrow (Saturday, July 26). We have an inquiry out to SDOT.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF is back to 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).
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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