West Seattle, Washington
23 Friday
The voting’s over, the vote-counting has begun. King County Elections has released the first round of results. First, the races in which the top two will appear on your November ballot, with all but one incumbent in second place so far, and no one in third place anywhere close to the top two:
SEATTLE MAYOR: Top two are Katie Wilson 46%, Bruce Harrell* 45%
full results
Katie Wilson 44,457 46.21%
Bruce Harrell 43,160 44.86%
Joe Mallahan 4,640 4.82%
Clinton Bliss 1,275 1.33%
Ry Armstrong 996 1.04%
Isaiah Willoughby 473 0.49%
Thaddeus Whelan 424 0.44%
Joe Molloy 402 0.42%
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL CITYWIDE POSITION 8 Alexis Mercedes Rinck* 75%, Rachael Savage 15%
full results
Alexis Mercedes Rinck 68,078 75.24%
Rachael Savage 13,503 14.92%
Ray A. Rogers 4,328 4.78%
Jesse A. James 2,534 2.80%
Cooper Hall 1,333 1.47%
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL CITYWIDE POSITION 9 Dionne Foster 54%, Sara Nelson* 39%
full results
Dionne Foster 50,521 53.69%
Sara Nelson 36,786 39.10%
Mia Jacobson 3,366 3.58%
Connor Nash 3,135 3.33%
SEATTLE CITY ATTORNEY: Erika Evans 51%, Ann Davison* 37%
full results
Erika Evans 48,290 51.13%
Ann Davison 35,136 37.20%
Rory O’Sullivan 5,983 6.34%
Nathan Rouse 4,702 4.98%
KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE: No incumbent in this race. Top two are County Council President Girmay Zahilay with 40%, County Councilmember Claudia Balducci with 30%
full results
Girmay Zahilay 103,471 40.39%
Claudia Balducci 77,590 30.28%
Derek Chartrand 32,085 12.52%
(John Wilson 23,897 9.33% – “suspended” campaign too late to be removed from ballot)
Rebecca Williamson 6,072 2.37%
Amiya Ingram 4,707 1.84%
Bill Hirt 4,701 1.83%
Don L Rivers 2,674 1.04%
And the two ballot measures being decided in this election:
SEATTLE CITY DEMOCRACY VOUCHERS LEVY RENEWAL: Passing with 56% approval
KING COUNTY PARKS LEVY RENEWAL: Passing with 70% approval
These represent just under 19 percent of county voters’ ballots; so far the county has received 24 percent of voters’ ballots. Next round of results, Wednesday afternoon.
5:47 PM: Whether on a waste bin, A-board, repurposed construction sign, whatever’s handy, that’s the sign of the night. Be mindful of more than 200 authorized street closures for Night Out 2025 neighborhood parties, through about 9 tonight. We’re out visiting a few but would also love to add your photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text to 206-293-6302. First one in – Alyson on Angeline Street says they’re aiming for a waste-free block party:
6:20 PM: Just visited Rosalie‘s neighborhood east of West Seattle High School.
They’re playing games as well as putting together a potluck. And this might be tonight’s only block party with bees!
One neighbor is a beekeeper, and others, Rosalie included, have gardens the bees adore. Here’s the neighborhood group photo:
7 PM: It’s a Night Out tradition to visit JoDean‘s neighborhood in Arbor Heights:
Quiet neighborhood, so not much has changed since last Night Out:
They’re just enjoying a potluck and hanging out in the street.
7:06 PM: From WSB contributor Jason Grotelueschen, who’s also made some stops – pic of the night, a “foam party” for kids at the White Center gathering at Steve Cox Memorial Park:
7:39 PM: Via text, here are Seaview neighbors from the 5600 block of 47th SW:
8:52 PM: Thanks to the readers who tipped us that part of the legendary Seattle All-City Band would be performing at a few local parties tonight. Jason caught up with them at one stop – his video starts with some explanation of what they were up to, so if you just want to forward to the music, go to 3:40 in:
We’re told the performances were part of a fundraiser, and five West Seattle stops were among 20 around the city made by four groups from ACB. In West Seattle, they got around via school bus:
Founder Dr. Marcus Pimpleton was there to direct them (as also seen in our video clip):
Our photos were from 51st/Hanford. Thanks to Lindsey Pearsall for this view from their stop at her Upper Alki block party, which also had SFD in attendance:
Another band we encountered on Night Out: Los Flacos, performing in Delridge at the SW Willow block party:
The event was also a debut for Sustainable Music Northwest, whose community-building mission seemed to synergize nicely with the intent of Night Out. Here’s our group photo of the neighbors who gathered there:
On to other parties: Thanks to Allison in Arbor Heights (on 36th SW) for the neighborhood portrait:
And Jenn sent photos from 13th SW between Cloverdale and Thistle, with an SFD visit:
Firefighters from Station 37 visited Darren‘s party (thanks for the pics!) in Arbor Heights, SW 105th between 35th and 39th:
This party also did some serious grilling:
Thanks to everyone who shared photos, and to those who invited us to stop by their parties!
(Reader photo, last Thursday night)
Five days after 36-year-old Aren Oleson was arrested after allegedly firing a gun repeatedly in his South Admiral apartment, investigators say he’s facing misdemeanor charges rather than felony charges.
He was originally suspected of unlawful firearm possession, a felony, but prosecutors say SPD determined that Oleson had had his firearms rights restored (he had been described by SPD as a convicted felon but we still don’t have details of his record), so the six guns found in his apartment apparently were not illegally owned after all. And since no one was injured by the gunfire, police and county prosecutors determined the case was not a matter of felony assault. However, the City Attorney’s Office, according to the jail docket and court file, has charged Oleson with 10 misdemeanors, including obstructing a public officer, possession of a controlled substance, property damage, multiple counts of reckless endangerment, and aiming or discharging a firearm. A spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says that felony charges could still be considered if additional evidence is found that leads the SPD investigating detective to refer the case. Meantime, the two officers are still talking about the case and, according to the KCPAO spokesperson, “working on what steps they could take for public safety with all available options under the law.” Oleson remains in jail in lieu of $150,000 bail.
Tomorrow’s your first chance to learn about two of three ways West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) will help you train for this year’s Seattle Marathon (November 30). The announcement:
West Seattle Runner is providing FREE training programs for the Seattle Marathon. We will have 3 different options:
–FULL Fit, a free group training program for the Seattle Marathon, for beginners and intermediate as well. The kickoff date is August 9th at 8 am. The info session is August 6th at 6:30 pm
–GET Fit, a free group training program for the Seattle marathon for getting people off the couch to do a half marathon. The kickoff date is August 16th at 8 am. The info session is Aug 6th at 7 pm
–GOT Fit, a free group training program for the Seattle marathon for intermediate to advanced half marathoners. The kickoff is August 23rd at 8am. The info session is Aug 20th at 6:30pm
All info sessions and kickoffs are starting at West Seattle Runner. All programs are free – email lori@westseattlerunner.com with any questions!
1:46 PM: When multiple readers mention a cable/internet outage, it’s usually fairly big, so we’re making note of this one: Readers in north West Seattle say their Xfinity/Comcast service is out, and that the map (which we can’t see because our area’s not affected) says more than 500 customers are affected, with restoration expected by mid-afternoon.
3:17 PM: The reader who was first to tell us about the outage says it’s resolved. Let us know if you’re still out.
3:55 PM: We have an email report of the outage persisting in at least part of Alki.
For the second time this week, we have a reader report about a bicycle stolen from a West Seattle porch:
Stolen Gravel Bike – August 4 @ 10 p.m.
A REI Co-op ADV 2.2 bike was stolen from a home at the intersection of 16th Avenue SW and SW Myrtle Street last night around 10:00 p.m. The bike was locked on the front porch of the home, and two people broke the lock with bolt cutters. The owner of the home heard it in time to confront one of the thieves, but the other had already gotten away with the bike. The two people were both male, medium build (no taller than 5’8″), slim, and had dark hair and brown skin. The man who was confronted was wearing a red hoodie, held a black bike helmet, a shoulder bag, and a notebook. He spoke only in Spanish. The owner didn’t get a good enough look of the the man who got away with the bike to give more details about his clothing.
The ADV 2.2 bike is a white/gray gravel bike. It has two fenders, a rear rack, and two water bottle cages.
The incident was filed with the Seattle Police Department – case number 25-222264.
If you have any information, please contact the owner at 804-690-2835.
(Harbor seal, photographed at Constellation Park last month by Susan Kemp)
Election Day tops our list for your Tuesday – if you still haven’t voted, the best way to return your ballot and ensure it’ll count is to get it into a King County dropbox (West Seattle has four) by the 8 pm deadline. Here’s our most-recent reminder about what you’re deciding.
The other big event today/tonight is Night Out, the national occasion for block and building parties to meet and mingle with your neighborhoods in the spirit of safety, solidarity, and resiliency. If you don’t know yet whether anyone near you is having a party, many of the hundreds registered in West Seattle are on this map. If you’re not planning to attend one, remember that many blocks will be closed to through traffic during the general window, 5 pm-9 pm. We’ll be out visiting some parties, and also welcome your photos – the neighborhood group shot is a tradition! – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302.
P.S. If you’re looking for a party to attend, you’re invited to SW Willow between 23rd and 24th in Delridge, where Sustainable Music Northwest will be presenting live music with Los Flacos, 6-9 pm.
Here’s what else is happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUMMER FOOD: Multiple sites are set up in West Seattle for kids to get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks while school is out, as noted here.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New participants as well as returnees are invited to this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: The outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is also open, with sessions between noon and 7 pm. Fee.
WADING POOLS: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden) are scheduled to be open today, noon-7 pm. Free.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch at West Seattle Golf Course with a guest speaker talking about Maritime High School and the Seattle Maritie Academy. (4470 35th SW).
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 2 pm weekly meeting, open to public comment in person or online. The agenda explains how to watch/participate.
MAKE TEOTIHUACAN MASKS: This free program intended for ages 7-12 will teach them about these Indigenous people as they make paper masks. 3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW) – our calendar listing has the registration link.
FREE DROP-IN ROCK CLIMBING: As previewed here, West Seattle park Camp Long (5200 35th SW) is offering free climbing at Schurman Rock on Tuesday nights this month! Two sessions, first come/first served, 5-6 pm and 6:30-7:30 pm, and you’re welcome to arrive up to half an hour early.
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
MIOPOSTO ADMIRAL TURNS 10: Music and specials tonight to celebrate the Admiral restaurant’s 10th birthday, starting at 6 pm. (2139 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN: Tonight at 6:15 pm, meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has details on signing up before you go.
BINGO X 2: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW) … Talarico’s Pizzeria also offers 8 pm bingo (4718 California SW).
OPEN MIC: Otter on the Rocks welcomes you to the stage! 7 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
TRIVIA X 4: Q: Where can you find trivia in West Seattle on Tuesday nights? A: These four places – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW).
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather Sunday (August 10) to celebrate the life of Clive McCoy, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:
Clive McCoy passed away July 16, 2025. He was 61 years old. Clive lived a full life and was a gift to all who met him. Clive had Down Syndrome. He started school at age 3 at the Northwest Center. He attended Grandview School and graduated from Tyee High School in 1984.
Clive then went to work at the Seattle Bagel Bakery for many years in the kitchen. He took his job responsibilities seriously and was proud of the work he did. When Clive was no longer able to work, he participated in local day programs. Clive lived with two roommates and care givers helping with activities of daily living. It was a model for semi-independent living.
Clive will be missed. He was our little brother, an integral member of our family. Clive loved his family and his church. A Celebration of Life will be held at Tibbetts United Methodist Church, 3940 41st Ave SW, on Sunday, August 10 at 2 pm. Memorials can be made in memory of Clive to Tibbetts United Methodist Church.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Easy Street Records, it seems, is known for softball hits as well as music hits. Proprietor Matt Vaughan sent the photos and report:
The Easy Street Wreckers won the ISL Softball Co-Ed City Championship . This marks the 4th time in 6 years! They are also celebrating 20 years as a team! Trailing by 5 going into the last inning, Easy Street rattled off 12 unanswered runs to take the trophy. The ASA Industrial Softball League includes 16 small businesses throughout Seattle. Big props to The Lariat, great bar/ lounge in White Center. Seattle’s first and only pro-wrestling-themed bar! Congrats to Georgetown’s 9 LB Hammer – they won the 2nd Division trophy.
MVP went to South Seattle College Political Science Professor and avid record collector, Larry Cushnie.
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, August 5, 2025 – primary Election Day.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Partly sunny, high in the mid-70s. (Rain forecast for tomorrow!) Today’s sunrise was at 5:52 am; sunset will be at 8:37 pm.
NIGHT OUT REMINDER
Tonight is Night Out, and many residential streets will be closed for block parties.
ROAD WORK
-As suspected, that was just a pause in Admiral Bridge top-side work.
-Crews are working on curb ramps for all four corners of 60th/Admiral.
-The major nighttime work ahead on and around 16th SW in White Center continues – details here. Here’s the latest.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. 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 other weeknights with Mariners home games.
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!
| 97 COMMENTS