10:55 PM: At right, that’s Rachel Glass, in the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 751 hall, in the 13th hour of the marathon “Bend It Like Booker” event she organized, with dozens of speakers. The person at the podium now is talking about the Constitution, and its first three words … “We the People” … noting the inclusivity of that phrase. As we walked in a few moments, Glass whispered big news … the inspiration for this marathon, New Jersey U.S. Senator Cory Booker – who spoke on the Senate floor for 25 hours last spring – plans to send a video to be part of this megastream. Meantime, the speaker is examining Walt Whitman‘s reverence for democracy – writing of “the great American lesson” and about what he envisioned doing “For you, O democracy!”

This has been under way since 10 am. WSB contributing photojournalist Dave Gershgorn stopped by in the early going, when Glass introduced U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, joining by video:

This event also can be viewed online as well as in person (yes, the doors are open on the east side of the union hall at 9125 15th Place S.) – tickets are available here.

Meantime, the speaker (Dave) has gone on to read Whitman’s work, “Song of Myself.”

11:05 PM: Glass introduces the Russian-immigrant couple, Yuri and Natasha, who she had mentioned when we spoke for a preview. They will reflect on their years in Russia and draw parallels to what’s happening in the U.S. now. They left Russia a decade ago, then spent six years in Lithuania, and have been here for four years. … Yuri spoke of his disbelief upon learning of Russia’s war on Ukraine. … Natasha, born in 1991 in Moscow, spoke of the years of hope for democracy there, and then “how it happened … a dictator was elected by the people.” In her childhood, before then, “there was free speech” – she recalled a TV series where politicians were lampooned, “and that was allowed.” But then people “were pissed off” because they’d been given economic promises that did not come true, or at least, not quickly enough. The “never-ending” war in Chechnya upset people too, she said. She spoke of how Putin emerged as an unpopular unknown – until “one event,” terrorist attacks blamed on Chechnya; Putin promised to protect people “and his rating went up.” The active war ended but attacks did not, she said. She concluded that “when you trade freedom for security, you get neither.”

11:45 PM: Yuri reclaimed the mic and said that in his view, Donald Trump is working from the same playbook that Putin and others before him used. When Natasha picked up the narrative again, she spoke about ways that Putin had taken over institutions and branches of government.

Yuri then showed Russian video of four people getting pulled off the street by police and detained for an anti-war protest – something as simple as holding a piece of paper – and then a clip of a woman taken away for a pro-war demonstration. Yuri also veered into song lyrics he said he’s working on, encompassing the loss of freedom. But, he added, “I don’t want to be right” about what he fears is unfolding here as it did in his homeland. And he showed a song video he’d been working on, about war. With that, at 12:10 am, he and Natasha prepared to leave the podium.

12:10 AM: The number of people here is up to a dozen or so. Glass is showing the video sent by Sen. Booker. He thanked them for “sparking hope.” (We recorded it off the screen and [update] have added it below.)…

She followed it up with the video sent by Gov. Bob Ferguson.

Another live speaker was about to take the podium as we departed.

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SUNDAY: Ukrainian Independence Day rally, picnic planned on Alki

August 23, 2025 7:40 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

Tomorrow (Sunday, August 24) is Ukrainian Independence Day. Not only has someone draped the Alki Statue of Liberty in the Ukrainian flag, the beach will see two related events tomorrow. A rally supporting Ukraine freedom, as Russian attacks continue, is planned for Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza 10:30 am-noon on Sunday. The organization sponsoring it, according to the announcement we received, is Ukraine Defense Support. Immediately afterward, starting at noon on the beach, the Ukrainian Association of Washington State plans a Ukraine Independence Day Celebration and Picnic, scheduled to continue until sunset.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Cargo-ship captain arrested at Terminal 5, accused of boating under the influence (update: charged)

August 23, 2025 4:17 pm

| 19 COMMENTS

| Crime | Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

Unusual news release came in this afternoon from the U.S. Coast Guard in Seattle – reporting the arrest of a cargo-ship captain this week at West Seattle’s Terminal 5:

The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) arrested the captain of the motor vessel MSC Jubilee IX for suspicion of operating the vessel while intoxicated following a boarding at Terminal 5 in Seattle, Aug 20, 2025.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound were notified by a Puget Sound Pilot aboard the MSC Jubilee IX, who reported the vessel’s captain was exhibiting signs of intoxication. The pilot and first mate operated the vessel during the transit from an anchorage near Everett, Wash., to Terminal 5 at the Port of Seattle without incident.

Upon mooring at Terminal 5, a Coast Guard boarding team and CGIS agents initiated a boarding and port state control examination. Crews administered a field sobriety and breathalyzer test to the captain, which found that he was impaired more than six times the legal limit for commercial mariners.

The captain was arrested and transported by CGIS to the King County Jail, where charges were referred to the King County Prosecutor for boating under the influence.

The vessel was detained by the Coast Guard until a relief captain was identified and confirmed. The vessel has since been cleared to resume operations.

“The Coast Guard is proud to ensure the safety and security of the maritime transportation system,” said Paul Shultz, Special Agent in Charge, CGIS Northwest Field Office. “The Pilot’s immediate intervention mitigated significant risks and ensured the safe passage of the vessel”.

The MSC Jubilee IX is a 333 meter container ship operating under the Liberian flag.

The incident remains under investigation.

So far as we’ve been able to find via research, the legal blood-alcohol limit for commercial boating is .04. We’re following up to find out the captain’s status. According to VesselFinder, the ship left Seattle early Friday and is heading to Prince Rupert, B.C.

MONDAY UPDATE: From the King County PAO, “This morning, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged that boat captain, Oleh Danylin, with Operation of a Vessel While Under the Influence.” Separate story to come.

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VIDEO, PHOTOS: Admiral Block Party 2025!

August 23, 2025 10:59 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

10:59 AM: It’s a spectacular late-summer day and we’re on site at this year’s Admiral Block Party, in and along California SW in the block between Admiral and College. Main-stage music is about to start – here’s the schedule:

Justin Kausal-Hayes – 11 am
Sad Dad Autumn – 12:00 pm
School of Rock – 1:15 pm
Michael Pearsall – 2:30 pm
Potholes – 3:45 pm
Baby Crow Flight School – 5:15 pm
Six Killers – 6:30 pm
Sun King – 7:45 pm

We’re right next to the booth for the Admiral Neighborhood Association, which presents the festival – and on the other side, Timeless Kitchen Design (WSB sponsor). Lots of coverage to come! Better yet, come on down and see who’s here!

11:36 AM: Justin Kausal-Hayes is performing mostly classics – in our clip is part of Paul Simon‘s “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard.” Sad Dad Autumn follows him at noon. … Justin was introduced by ANA president Joanie Jacobs:

She mentioned that at 5 pm today onstage, ANA will present the first annual award named after the late WSB co-founder Patrick Sand. If you’re here at 5, come to the stage and applaud the recipient (secret until then), an amazing community advocate who, like Patrick, does their work without seeking the spotlight. … ANA also is having a raffle during the festival – stop by their booth (in front of West Wings, looks like a little beige house with white-trim windows) to ask!

12:11 PM: No formal kid zone here, but lots to do – games in the street and in some booths, and a face painter right across from our booth:

Face painting is on the east side of the street, in front of Head to Toe, between the booths where you’ll find the Community Emergency Communication Hubs (stop by and find out where your nearest one is, in case of catastrophe!) and Emerald City Threads (motto, “local gear that doesn’t suck”).

12:58 PM: The music schedule has slid a bit so Sad Dad Autumn is still onstage as 1 pm approaches. Above is a a sample of their acoustic-accompanied harmonies, a fitting soundtrack for late summer. After a stop by the stage, we checked out the north end of the festival, where you’ll find a booth with two truly hot tickets you might want to get in on fast:

The West Seattle Food Bank booth still has some $5 tickets left for their “win tickets to the Taste of West Seattle” drawing, and this is your last chance to buy them – the drawing is on Monday. And of course you also can buy tickets to the Taste (September 25) directly – online too! WSFB is by the extended Arthur’s outdoor café today, west side of the street.

1:18 PM: Next to WSFB, this booth is a don’t miss:

Tired of bad news, doomscrolling, hearing about what’s wrong and never hearing about what’s right? For six years, Matthew Lee Johnston has published PMA magazine, celebrating good people and good things that are happening. So go step into the Positivity Portal here at the Admiral Block Party and be inspired.

2:40 PM: School of Rock is wrapping up onstage; Michael Pearsall is up next. Meantime, another activity option – bowling!

West Seattle Bowl, up from The Junction, is presenting the activity, promoting learning how to bowl.

3:33 PM: Another drawing you might consider getting in on while you’re here – look for this display at the Admiral Neighborhood Association booth:

$25 – to support ANA events like this one – gets you a ticket in the drawing for one of two gift boxes worth more than $500 each. The drawing will be held at 6:15, so you still have two and a half hours to buy a ticket. … Michael Pearsall is onstage; we recorded one of the songs he performed at his recent Admiral Music in the Parks concert (AMP is another ANA presentation), “These American Dreams“:

Another local favorite, The Potholes, will follow him.

4:50 PM: The Potholes have wrapped up as the vendors/activities part of the festival approaches its final hour – those of us with booths are staying at least until 6 pm (after that, it’s up to individual participants). Music will continue until about 9 pm; this block of California SW will remain closed until everything is fully cleared out overnight. But there’s still a steady stream of people, and we’re presenting the first ANA award in Patrick’s honor in a few minutes, so the Block Party goes on!

5:24 PM: The first recipient is Stu Hennessey, of Alki Bike and Board and more (Sustainable West Seattle and Puget Ridge Edible Park come to mind, as well as his Walkable Admiral) proposal. Separate story later! Meantime, Baby Crow Flight School is onstage. …

7 PM: We left the festival at 6, so we’re not there to cover its final hours. But ANA leadership was heard expressing joy in how it turned out – especially the weather, compared to last year’s soggy, chilly day. ANA’s president Joanie Jacobs also took the mic multiple times today to thank both sponsors and the corps of volunteers who helped keep it running smoothly.

(At least one person wore both hats – Paula Kennedy of Timeless Kitchen Design not only was a sponsor with a booth there all day, when pack-up time arrived at 6, she grabbed equipment left by A Cleaner Alki‘s Block Drop cleanup program and started patrolling for litter!)

9:54 PM: WSB contributing photojournalist Dave Gershgorn was there for the evening bands!

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Westside Ultimate Frisbee tryouts next week, for all high-school students

August 23, 2025 10:52 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

We’re now a week away from Labor Day weekend, and most students return to school right after that. As we’ve been mentioning, that means sports start up, too, and that’s not just the traditional sports … here’s another announcement we were asked to share – note that it’s for ALL local high-school students:

High Schoolers: Looking for a new fall sport?
Join Westside Ultimate Frisbee!

Westside is a no cut team for high schoolers in West Seattle that welcomes all genders across our JV, Varsity, and Club teams.

Join in the official start of season practices and varsity tryouts Aug 25-29.
Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m. at Lincoln Park Baseball Fields.

If you have any questions or would like more info, contact WSHSfrisbee@gmail.com

—

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Admiral Block Party, Bend It Like Booker, Roper Romp, Halloween sale, more for your West Seattle Saturday! Plus major traffic alerts

August 23, 2025 6:21 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

From early morning until late night, here’s what’s on our list for you, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, starting with major traffic alerts:

(Traffic camera showing south side of California/Admiral closure)

TRAFFIC ALERTS/BUS CHANGES; The low bridge is closed for repairs all weekend, as announced here; California SW is closed between Admiral Way and College Street until late tonight for the Admiral Block Party (more on that event below); if you have to leave the peninsula, check the revised WSDOT road-work plan. Also see Metro‘s site for route revisions resulting from closures.

GARAGE/YARD SALES: See the newest listings in the WSB Community Forums.

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) leads Saturday 8 am free group runs!

HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS SALE: Patricia‘s getting out of the Halloween business after years of spirited decorating and is selling all her gear to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank, 9 am-4 pm. (2:30 PM UPDATE: Sold out! So no second day of the sale.) (2752 38th SW)

HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am outdoor meditation at Schmitz Preserve Park (5551 SW Admiral Way) – register here.

ADMIRAL BLOCK PARTY: 10 am to 9 pm, in the closed-to-traffic street on California Avenue SW between Admiral and College, this year’s end-of-summer festival presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association is bigger than ever! Vendor/business/organization booths are open 10 am until 6 pm (or later); here’s the participant list. Live music is on the midblock main stage 11 am-9 pm – here’s the lineup:

Justin Kausal-Hayes – 11 am
Sad Dad Autumn – 12:00 pm
School of Rock – 1:15 pm
Michael Pearsall – 2:30 pm
Potholes – 3:45 pm
Baby Crow Flight School – 5:15 pm
Six Killers – 6:30 pm
Sun King – 7:45 pm
Justin Kausal-Hayes – 11 am
Sad Dad Autumn – 12:00 pm

Local restaurants have extended outdoor cafés so you can enjoy food and drink as part of the festival fun! Come hang out with your neighbors and support your neighborhood purveyors.

INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed immediately by this 10 am walk, which you can join even if you didn’t go on the introductory walk. Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.

BEND IT LIKE BOOKER: 10 am today until 11:15 am Sunday – 25 hours of stories, conversations, and community, convened by the 34th District Democrats at the Machinists Union Hall in southwest South Park (9125 15th Place South) – here’s our preview; here’s a list of some of the participants. Tickets = $10 donation; through that link, you can buy a ticket to watch online too.

FAREWELL TO FOUNDER: Sarah Skamser, who founded the Garden Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW, north end of campus), is retiring, and you’re invited to stop by and say goodbye 10 am-2 pm.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, in and around the courtyard at Hope Academy in South Delridge (9421 18th SW). Fresh produce, cooked-on-site food, body-care products, more!

MASTER GARDENERS: Have a garden-related question? They’re ready to answer! Saturdays this summer, they’re at The Home Depot (7345 Delridge Way SW), 10 am-2 pm.

MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – free weekly in-person group for writers of all levels. For location info, go here.

BENEFIT BARBECUE: “Dog Days of Summer” at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor), 11 am-3 pm fresh-grilled lunch available to benefit pet-assisting nonprofit.

LOW TIDE ARTS STUDIO OPEN HOUSE: 11 am-3 pm, drop in to visit the studio in the Fauntleroy Church/Y building – make art, enter a raffle, tour the space, look ahead to fall workshops! (9140 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE’S ONLY SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) continues daily operations through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm.

FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)

WADING POOL: The one city-run wading pool scheduled to be open in West Seattle today is Lincoln Park, 12 pm-7 pm (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, near north parking lot).

COLMAN POOL: 12-7 pm swim sessions at Lincoln Park‘s heated saltwater pool (on the shore, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: Explore the present and past at the home of West Seattle history, open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the exhibit about Seattle Teriyaki, only one week left! (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:

The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar, and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area.

BEER JUNCTION BIKE CLUB: All ages, all levels, 2 pm ride, starts and ends at The Beer Junction (4511 California SW), plus 4 pm smash-burger pop-up!

FREE MASSAGE: Walk into Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) 3-5 pm for short, specific free massage.

ALSO AT NEPENTHE: Summer mini-market starting at 3 pm!

WEST SEATTLE ROPER ROMP: Get out your wig and caftan and Mrs. Roper spirit for this annual costumed pub crawl, starting with a 5 pm meetup at Junction Plaza Park. (42nd SW/SW Alaska)

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Singer-songwriter Paul Gerard, 6-8 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 7 pm, Pete Droge performs in-store, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm (doors at 7), The Elephant Room, Karismata, Anona. 21+. $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ Shonuph at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).

SATURDAY NIGHT SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight with rotating DJ Josh and DJ NightMere, 21+, at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Closing out our Saturday list, 0 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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