Today we’re welcoming our newest sponsor, Seattle Window Cleaners. Here’s what they would like you to know about what they do!

Meet Seattle Window Cleaners: West Seattle Roots, Citywide Reach

When Martin Skarra acquired West Seattle Window Cleaners in 2021 from longtime West Seattle residents Matt and Becca Bay, he made a clear promise: to continue providing the same care and quality service that the West Seattle community had grown to trust — and to bring that same level of service to homeowners and businesses across the city.

Martin leads a dedicated team committed to delivering excellent results, honest communication, and a hassle-free customer experience. For over 15 years, Seattle Window Cleaners has helped clients maintain beautiful, safe homes and properties, no matter the season.

What We Do

Whether you’re a homeowner in West Seattle or manage properties across the region, our team is ready to help. Our services include:

● Window Cleaning (inside and out)

● Gutter Cleaning

● Roof Cleaning

● Pressure Washing

Although our heart and headquarters are in West Seattle, today we service all of Seattle, as well as Snohomish and the Eastside, and we’re always just a message away if you need a free quote or have questions about your home’s exterior maintenance.

What Makes Us Different?

Our work is done by employees who have gone through some of the most extensive training our industry has to offer. This allows Seattle Window Cleaners to ensure the highest quality, safest practices, and consistent customer experiences across every job.

We are mostly known for our window-cleaning service, but many customers also use us for recurring maintenance such as gutter cleaning and roof cleaning in the fall and winter. In the last few years, we have also started installing Christmas lights under the brand name Seattle Lights.

We’re proud to have earned 603 Google reviews with a 4.9-star rating, and we believe that reputation is built on doing the small things right — being on time, cleaning up after every job, and treating every customer like a neighbor.

Ready for a Fresh Look?

If your home or building needs a seasonal refresh or you’re preparing for summer gatherings, let us take care of the exterior work so you can focus on what matters most. Our team is happy to provide a quote or schedule a walkthrough.

Request a Free Quote or reply to this post — we’d love to help.

We thank Seattle Window Cleaners for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com – thank you!

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CONGRATULATIONS! Young athletes from West Seattle RoadRunners win national championship, set record

July 30, 2025 11:47 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Thanks for the tips on this and big congratulations to the champions! This report, with photos, is from a proud parent:

Our Home Team Running Club – West Seattle RoadRunners – just took the National Junior Olympics Championship for the 11-12 year old girls 4x4x8 relay in dramatic fashion.

Records fell last Sunday in Savannah, Georgia, as the girls took home the gold and Beau Sitzmann broke the 1981 PNW 3k record. Coached by James Powell, Carson Caprara, and Devin Kemper, these girls are poised to set a new record this winter for the national cross-country championships. This is the second national championship title by these four girls in the last three years. And they go by the acronym of “B.E.S.T” representing each initial of all their names.

Beau Sitzmann (12)
Everleigh Haas (11)
Savannah Brondstetter (12)
Teagan Kemper (12)

What these girls have done in the last five years in the name of West Seattle is amazing.

Beau’s recordbreaking achievement is singled out in this event wrapup.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Here’s why the Mariners Moose was on Alki

July 30, 2025 10:57 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

The team is on the road but The Moose is on the loose on Alki Beach this morning. Well – not exactly “on the loose”; the Seattle Mariners‘ mascot had a reason for being here, a Mariners’ Kids Club event (explained here). Thanks to James Bratsanos for the photo! (The M’s, by the way, start their next homestand tomorrow.)

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Learn, play, move, help, listen, mingle, dance … and other options for your West Seattle Wednesday

July 30, 2025 9:54 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Seen by photographer Jerry Simmons off Duwamish Head on Tuesday)

Here’s our quick reminders about what’s happening, and not happening, in the hours ahead, mostly as featured on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SUMMER FOOD: Go here for info on multiple sites/times/days in West Seattle where kids can get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks during summer break.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (this is a last-minute reminder, so set your calendar for next Wednesday morning if interested!).

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW)

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

ALSO AT HIGHLAND PARK PLAYGROUND: Learn to break! Beginners welcome too. Free 11 am class. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

COLMAN POOL: The open-every-day season continues at Lincoln Park‘s outdoor, heated salt-water pool! Noon-7 pm; see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

WADING POOLS: Two pools are scheduled to be open today in West Seattle – Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) will be open noon-5:30 pm; Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) will be open noon-7 pm.

LUNCH AND LEARN – SIMPLIFY SPREADSHEETS AND REPORTS: Spend your lunch break learning at West Seattle Coworking‘s flagship location (9030 35th SW), noon, registration link and info in our calendar listing.

REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

BLUE ANGELS’ ARRIVAL: One jet arrived for the Seafair airshow on Tuesday, the other six arrive today at Boeing Field (just east of West Seattle), expected 1:30-2 pm.

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, 2-4:30 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).

‘WILD ROBOT’ READ-ALOUD CLUB: Canceled again this week.

DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: The Neighborhood‘s monthly fundraiser benefits Charcuterie by Annelise, another small Morgan Junction business, hit recently by burglars. Dine-in or take out 3-9 pm today and a portion of the proceeds will help them recover. (6503 California SW)

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: Moving programs out of the old Roxhill building, as previewed here, is on the agenda, as is an update on the superintendent search. 4:30 pm; see the agenda link in our preview story for how to attend in person or via video.

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix that broken gizmo instead of tossing it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT: 6 pm, almost-weekly tournament at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), membership not required to play.

FREE QI-GONG CLASS: 6 pm, meet at south lot of Lincoln Park. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly happy-hour meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).

OPEN STUDIO AT POTTERINGS: 6 pm, get creative at the studio! (3400 Harbor SW)

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Enjoy your evening by joining the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)

ALAIN JOHANNES AT EASY STREET: He rocked Summer Fest just a few weeks ago! Now Alain Johannes is back in West Seattle for a free show at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, all ages.

KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

MUSIC BINGO: at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

REGULAR TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday list: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) at 7 pm … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday trivia at 8 pm … Quiz Night also begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and it’s an 8:30 pm start for trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Your turn to shine – 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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YOU CAN HELP: Got a musical instrument you’re no longer using?

July 30, 2025 9:04 am

| 1 COMMENT

| How to help | Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

Don’t let your unused musical instrument(s) gather dust in a closet .., this dropoff donation drive is just a week and a half away!

West Seattle Community Day of Musical Instrument Donations to Music4Life

Sponsor: West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation (a tax-exempt org.)

Date/Time of Event: Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Location: Key Bank at Alaska Junction (Corner of California Ave SW & SW Alaska Street in West Seattle)

Goal: To receive and acknowledge donations of gently used musical instruments for repair and refurbishing, to enable students in need to participate in school music programs.

Types of Instruments Needed: All orchestra and band instruments, as well as guitars.

Most needed: trumpets/coronets, clarinets, flutes, and violins.

What is Music4Life? Music4Life is a local nonprofit organization that puts instruments into the hands of students whose families cannot afford to rent or purchase, making it possible for them to participate in school music programs.

Why Donate? Many people have lovingly used musical instruments in their garages or attics, or in storage. When reminded, they ask themselves “Why am I still carting this instrument around? Music4Life understands that some people have precious memories of their used musical instruments. We do not want a reluctant giver. We instead want donors who appreciate the unique value of instrumental music in the life and education of a child—and want all children regardless of family need, to experience it. Music4Life partners with preferred, local professional music repair shops for discounted restoration of these instruments.

Contact: Brian Waid (Rotary Club of West Seattle member):
Email: brianjwaid@gmail.com Telephone: 206-714-7535
Or Visit: Website: www.Music4Life.org or www.westseattlerotary.org

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TRAFFIC, ROAD WORK, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch

July 30, 2025 6:00 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny again today, high in the low 80s (yesterday hit 85). Today’s sunrise was at 5:44 am; sunset will be at 8:45 pm.

ROAD WORK

-Repaving is scheduled to resume on California SW between Holly and Frontenac tomorrow.

-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.

-Admiral Bridge work continues.

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 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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West Seattle man crosses one off his bucket list, thanks to the DubSea Fish Sticks

July 30, 2025 12:36 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people | White Center | WS & Sports

(Photos courtesy Quail Park West Seattle)

That’s Tommy Criswell with the DubSea Fish Sticks‘ mascot Fin Crispy Jr. at Steve Cox Memorial Park‘s Mel Olson Stadium this past Sunday. He got to make a baseball dream come true,explains Betsy Henry from Quail Park West Seattle (WSB sponsor):

A dream 70+ years in the making came true for 78-year-old Tommy Criswell, a longtime Seattle resident and lifelong baseball fan as he threw the ceremonial “first fish” at the DubSea Fish Sticks game against the Redmond Dudes on July 27th.

Criswell, who lives at Quail Park West Seattle, checked off a major item on his bucket list when he took the mound at Mel Olson Stadium in King County’s Steve Cox Memorial Park at the start of Sunday’s game.

Born in Texas but a proud Seattleite for most of his life, Criswell discovered his love for baseball at age six when his father signed him up for Little League. That early passion followed him through decades, even as he built a 30+ year career as a physicist with Boeing.

Criswell is also a devoted Mariners fan—his favorite player of all time? Ken Griffey Jr. “I loved how he’d leap into the air to catch the ball—like Spider-Man!” he says, referencing the iconic outfield catch that earned Griffey the superhero nickname in his mind.

Now, more than 20 years after attending his last Mariners game in person (a victory over the Dodgers), Criswell re-lived the magic of the ballpark in a way he never expected—on the pitcher’s mound. Criswell said it was a thrill to throw the first “fish.” When asked what he thought about the experience, he said with his characteristic sense of humor, “that was a slippery fish!”

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BLUE ANGELS: One today, six more tomorrow (plus Fat Albert)

July 29, 2025 10:52 pm

| 20 COMMENTS

| Blue Angels | West Seattle news

Thanks to Jon Anderson for that video recorded from Airport Way as Blue Angels jet #7 arrived at noontime today. The six regular performers arrive tomorrow (Wednesday, July 30), ETA 1:30-2 pm at Boeing Field, preceded by support plane “Fat Albert” around noon. This year’s officer (pilots and support) lineup is here. They’re scheduled to be up 11 am-1 pm and 3:30-4:40 pm on Thursday, and then at 3:35 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The full Seafair air show schedule is here. You can watch for free from Seafair Festival grounds on Lake Washington on Friday, but Saturday and Sunday there’s an admission charge.

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No, the tsunami alert from the big Russian earthquake does NOT include West Seattle

July 29, 2025 8:38 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Earthquake | West Seattle news

Since several people have asked about this, we’re writing one of those “here’s what’s NOT happening” stories about the tsunami alert that followed the 8.7 magnitude Russian earthquake four hours ago. The alert covers the open-ocean coast and part of the North Sound, but NOT us down here in central Puget Sound. You can find out more through the National Weather Service‘s website – for one, it has a map clearly showing the areas covered by the alert. And if you click through to alert details like these, you’ll see that even in the areas that might be affected, it’s not the cliché wall of water. But that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be dangerous – currents and surges are often what bring the danger.

ADDED: The quake’s magnitude has been revised upward to 8.8.

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MUSIC: Where to enjoy free outdoor concerts in West Seattle two of the next three nights

July 29, 2025 7:45 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

This Thursday and Friday nights, hundreds of people will be enjoying free outdoor concerts in West Seattle, as one summer series ends and another begins. And if you love classic oldies – both are tribute concerts!

(WSB photo, last year’s Hamilton Viewpoint AMP crowd)

THURSDAY – ADMIRAL MUSIC IN THE PARKS: Thursday night, Hamilton Viewpoint Park (1120 California SW) is where to be for the third and final concert in this year’s Admiral Music in the Parks series, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association (with community co-sponsors including WSB). Bring your own chair, blanket, picnic dinner, etc., for the 6:30 pm show by The Flaming Pies (a tribute to The Beatles). And if you can, also bring nonperishable food for the donation drives ANA’s been hosting throughout the series.

(WSB file photo)
FRIDAY – SUMMER CONCERTS AT THE MOUNT: For the first four Friday nights in August, Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW; WSB sponsor) invites community members to join Mount residents on the south side of the main building for a 6 pm concert. First up, this Friday (August 1), is Danny Vernon, performing The Illusion of Elvis. Bring your own chair or blanket for this show too, and if you want to bring your own dinner, that’s welcome, but you also have the option of buying a barbecue dinner The Mount will be serving up starting at 5:30 pm. For The Mount’s full series slate, see our calendar listing.

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FOLLOWUP: Plan to move programs from former Roxhill building goes to School Board on Wednesday

July 29, 2025 6:13 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB file photo)

Four weeks ago, we reported on Seattle Public Schools‘ plan to move two programs out of the former Roxhill Elementary building – now known as the “Roxhill Annex” – at 30th/Roxbury. At the time, the district wasn’t saying what the next step was, though it appeared to be moving quickly toward new homes in the coming school year for the two major programs that have been housed in the building for seven years. Now, the plan is going to the School Board. The agenda for a special board meeting tomorrow (Wednesday, July 30) has this item: “Approval of instructional site relocations for Interagency Academy and the BRIDGES Program from the Roxhill Annex.” It shines a little more light into this. First, it suggests that “safety” is the main reason for proposing the move, without elaborating. Second, it changes the plan for one program – Interagency Academy’s Southwest program is now to be moved to Southwest Youth and Family Services (4555 Delridge Way SW), which has housed Interagency students before, instead of the Columbia City location the district mentioned in June. BRIDGES, though, is still to be moved to the Chief Sealth International High School campus (2600 SW Thistle), which some have said is not appropriate because the program serves young adults past high-school age. Finally, the agenda document has a bit of updated information about the Roxhill building’s fate – it says, “The site is being evaluated for continued use for instructional purposes and is not recommended for closure at this time.” Tomorrow’s board meeting – which also includes the latest on the superintendent search – starts at 4:30 pm; the agenda explains how to watch, either in person or online/cable.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Avalon response (update – homicide arrest confirmed); gun, drugs found in DUI arrest

July 29, 2025 4:47 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two notes in West Seattle Crime Watch:

AVALON RESPONSE: For those wondering about the police response a short time ago on Avalon, radio exchanges indicate SPD has just detained someone believed to be a person who they’d been looking for in connection with a SODO homicide case from two weeks ago. More information expected later. (Update, 10:35 pm: Police have confirmed the arrest, though without mentioning that it happened in West Seattle.)

GUN, DRUGS FOUND IN DUI ARREST: From an SPD announcement this afternoon:

(Today) at about 12:15 a.m., patrol officers found a 37-year-old man passed out inside of a running vehicle in the 1900 block of Harbor Avenue SW. Officers safely removed him from the vehicle and arrested him for driving under the influence.

While investigating, police saw suspected narcotics inside of the truck. Police applied for a search warrant and it was approved by a judge. Officers searched the truck and recovered narcotics, scales, and a firearm.

(Seattle Police photo)

Officers transported the suspect to the hospital for a legal blood draw. Once completed, officers booked him into the King County Jail for [investigation of] multiple crimes including DUI, Ignition Interlock Violation, Possession with Intent to Deliver narcotics, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

The suspect, a convicted felon, is prohibited from having guns.

He’s still in jail at this hour; checking local court records, his cases in the past five years involve primarily stolen cars and unlawful gun possession.

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UPDATE: Brush fire in Camp Long forest

July 29, 2025 2:45 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

2:45 PM: Thanks for the tips on this. SFD is sending more reinforcements to a hard-to-fight brush fire in the Camp Long forest. They’ve just described it over the radio as a slow-moving 20′ x 60′ brush fire, 800 feet and downhill from their access location, which means they’re having a challenging time getting water there.

2:56 PM: Added photo from reader, showing smoke visible from Delridge to the east.

3:33 PM: Added another reader photo, this one showing the SFD apparatus staged in Camp Long’s big meadow. That’s not where the fire is – it’s in the forest on the east slope of the park. One radio exchange with dispatch and firefighters just now indicates they’re consulting a captain who’s “wildland-certified.” No word on what sparked this, but as we noted yesterday in coverage of another brush fire in a city park, the rainfall total is sharply below what’s normal by this point in the year – 27 inches since October 1, three-fourths of the normal 36 inches.

4:36 PM: We haven’t heard any further status updates, but firefighters are still in the park.

5:11 PM: They’re starting to dismiss crews.

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UPDATE: West Seattle Bridge crash

July 29, 2025 2:05 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Screenshot from SDOT traffic cam)

2:05 PM: A crash toward the Fauntleroy end of the West Seattle Bridge didn’t hit our radar until an officer just told dispatch the bridge will be closed eastbound at Fauntleroy as a result. So if you need to head out that way, wait a while.

2:25 PM: Open again. We’re checking with SFD regarding injuries; one passerby said it appeared a motorcycle was involved.

11:09 AM WEDNESDAY: SFD says the rider, a man in his late 50s, was in stable condition when transported, and that this was “reported as a motorcycle-bus collision.”

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PHOTOS: Seafair Parade of Ships, as seen from West Seattle’s shore

July 29, 2025 12:21 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

12:21 PM: We’re on Duwamish Head, near Luna/Anchor Park, as the Seafair Parade of Ships fleet approaches West Seattle’s shore, where the participating ships will turn eastward in Elliott Bay to “parade” past the downtown waterfront. Leading the way, as announced by the U.S. Navy this morning, is the amphibious-transport-dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), followed by the guided-missile destroyer USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), and U.S. Coast Guard ships we’ll ID as they come into view. SFD fireboat Leschi is headed westward in the bay to meet them, as usual.

(Fireboat Leschi, this photo and next two by Gary Jones)

(USS Somerset)

(USS Jack H. Lucas)

12:49 PM: The ships, led by Leschi with a festive spray show, are passing Duwamish Head now. … Sailors are lining the decks of both Navy ships. Helicopters are also in view on the Somerset’s deck. … The Navy tug YT801 Washtucna is between the Somerset and Jack H. Lucas. Unlike past years, they don’t appear to have Coast Guard vessels trailing the Navy ships – just one small USCG vessel in view alongside, so this is a short parade.

1:15 PM: The ships are now approaching downtown.

(Photo by Doug Eglington)

The Navy ships will be open for tours at Pier 46’s USCG facility 10 am-4 pm Thursday-Sunday – all the details are here.

ADDED 5:23 PM: Thanks to everyone who’s sent photos! The next four are from David Hutchinson – first, a USCG helicopter that flew over before the ships arrived:

Here are the helicopters we mentioned seeing on the Somerset’s deck:

Another full view of that ship:

And of the Jack H. Lucas:

Both of the Navy ships are now docked at the Coast Guard’s downtown facility, where the aforementioned tours will be held.

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UPDATE: Flipped-car crash on California at Graham

July 29, 2025 12:12 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

12:12 PM: Thanks for the tips, A crash call that SFD closed out quickly is reported to involve a flipped car, at California/Graham. No serious injuries, since SFD canceled, but avoid the area. We have a crew headed to the scene.

(Added: WSB photos)

12:38 PM: Our crew reports officers on scene confirm no serious injuries. They also report that traffic is NOT blocked – it’s going around the crash scene.

A tow truck has arrived.

1:58 PM: We didn’t get back that way to check until just now but the scene is totally clear.

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WEST SEATTLE HISTORY: See a century-old relic from Lincoln Park’s lagoon pool

July 29, 2025 11:11 am

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Mark Sears shoveled away enough sand for a good look at what’s left of the wooden pipe)

Story by Judy Pickens
Photos by Tom Trulin
Special to West Seattle Blog

In 1925, the city created the first swimming pool in Lincoln Park by enlarging a small lagoon on Point Williams. Affectionately called “the mud hole” by some, the lagoon pool served waders, swimmer, and divers until construction began on Colman Pool, which opened at the point in 1941.

The ingenious feature of the first pool was the pipe used to fill and drain it. Mark Sears maintained Colman Pool for 43 years and thought he knew every feature of the area. While walking the beach during a -2’ tide in mid-July, however, he discovered a segment of the original pipe.

The relic consists of the bottom seven wooden staves of the pipe. Each stave (likely cedar) is 1 3/4” thick and 3 1/4” wide. Mark also saw evidence of rusting iron, which could have been from the hoops that held the tongue-and-groove staves in place.

Longtime Fauntleroy resident Morey Skaret lifeguarded at the pool just prior to World War II and in his book, “Morey’s Bench,” described how the system worked:

The pipe was two or three feet in diameter and had a gate valve with a screen filter. The incoming tide would send water through the pipe to fill the pool and gravity would empty it when the tide went out. All we had to so was open and close that gate valve. We changed the water about every four days and used a chemical test to tell us when it was time.

I remember turning the wheel to open the gate valve at low tide and watching the water rush out. As the tide came in, the pool would fill in about three hours and the screen would trap sizable debris. It let in small fish, though, and shiners and candlefish would swim around along with everyone else!
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Seafair Parade of Ships (updated with Navy ship IDs), final Play Along in the Park, ‘Funky Fables,’ more for your West Seattle Tuesday

July 29, 2025 9:54 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Bald Eagle, photographed this morning by Teresa Thiessen in South Delridge)

Here’s our list for your Tuesday, 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)

SEAFAIR PARADE OF SHIPS: As previewed here, you’ll be able to see this from West Seattle’s north-facing shores, optimal viewing from the Alki Beach promenade to Seacrest and Jack Block Parks. Time approximate, usually in the noon hour. We plan on live updates as usual, barring major breaking news. Also awaiting announcement of participating ship(s) and will update here when we get that info. (11 AM: The US Navy says USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) and USS Somerset (LPD 25) are its contributions to the parade/tours.)

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 guest speaker Scott Oki on “Outrageous Learning.” (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.

SCIENCE WITH MS. C: For kids 5-12 at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 1:30-3 pm: “Each week Ms. C. will read a picture book and lead a hands-on paper engineering activity inspired by the story, like building bridges, mazes, towers, and more.”

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

AESOP LIVES! FUNKY FABLES: 3 pm performance at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW) by Idris Goodwin, free.

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.

PLAY ALONG IN THE PARK: 6 pm, last of four Tuesday nights in which you can play along with West Seattle Community Orchestras musicians at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), or just watch/listen. Our preview has details.

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).

TRIVIA X 4: Question: Where can you find trivia in West Seattle on Tuesday nights? Answer: 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!

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