West Seattle, Washington
16 Sunday
We’re continuing West Seattle Grand Parade previews, looking ahead to Saturday’s big event (rolling down California SW from SW Lander to SW Edmunds, 11 am, preceded by the Float Dodger 5K at 9:30 am). From the 85+ parade entries, some ‘wild’ sights to see:
(WSB photo, 2025 West Seattle Grand Parade)
–West Seattle Mrs. Ropers – Caftans, wigs, and bags will abound as these characters romp down the street
–Seattle Art Cars – Of all the vehicles that are signed up to be part of the parade, these will likely be the wildest.
–Seafair Clowns – The Pirates get much of the spotlight but these cavorting clowns are usually the biggest Seafair entry in the parade.
–Seattle Police Motorcycle Drill Team – Keep your feet out of the street!
–Orca Network Parade Pod – Among all the wildlife that graces us here around Puget Sound, killer whales are the top of the lineup. This advocacy group/sighting network will be marching.
–Westside School “Swimming Salmon” – More wildlife – bringing a new meaning to “school of fish.”
West Seattle is one of just a few neighborhoods in the city that still has its own summer parade; enjoy yours this Saturday – presented by the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation and produced by a small army of devoted volunteers! (More previews tomorrow.)
Tomorrow night, Belvedere Park is the place to be for the next major outdoor-music event of the summer – the first of three AMP concerts, presented at three parks over the next three Thursday nights by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, all free! The series opens with Steve Aliment and Annie O’Neill – here’s a sample of their music:
6:30 pm start time, bring a chair and/or blanket, and get ready for fun options during the show if you’re interested – a knitting circle, board-game library, and music-related crafts! The park is at 3600 SW Admiral Way, right across from the viewpoint, so best access is on all but the north side.
That was the scene at today’s low-low tide – last -3-feet-or-lower tide of summer, just after noon. Dave Gershgorn sent photos from the south end of Constellation Park.
Tomorrow’s lowest tide is still fairly low, so if you weren’t able to get out previously, it’ll still be a sight to see – -2.8 feet just before 1 pm.
6:55 PM: Thanks for the tips. A multiple-vehicle crash at Highland Park Way and Holden is reported to be blocking uphill traffic. Avoid the area for a while.
7:32 PM: No official update so far but cameras suggest traffic on the hill is moving.
(WSB file photo, King County Sheriff’s Office drone)
The Seattle Fire Department is launching a review and feedback process for its proposal to obtain and use up to three drones. The SFD announcement explains:
mThe Emergency Response Aerial Technology – or ERAT – would be used in a limited number of fire, medical or rescue responses where having an aerial view would provide greater safety for firefighter/EMTs, paramedics and residents, and increase firefighting and rescue success.
If approved by the City Council and Mayor, Seattle Fire will use ERAT for specific types of responses, including fires in buildings, brush fires, water rescues, mass casualty incidents, technical rescues, hazardous materials and energy responses.
The department is also proposing to use the ERAT for less common but high-risk operations such as marine fires, railway incidents and after a natural disaster such as an earthquake.
Had such technology been in place in 2025, Seattle Fire would have used the ERAT 2,589 times. For perspective, Seattle Fire received 197,926 calls and dispatched units to 108,763 incidents in 2025.
The ERAT will only provide a livestream of the incident to designated fire personnel. It will not be recorded, nor will other departments or members of the public be allowed to view the livestream.
The announcement opens a one-month period for comment; there’s more information, incluing short and long reports, linked from the city’s Surveillance Technologies Under Review page. One of the documents says the department would get the drones for free via a donation from the Seattle Fire Foundation, but it would expect to spend $60,000 a year maintaining each drone. The department is also having four public meetings, two in person (neither is in West Seattle) and two online – details are here.
We’ve reported on the dozens of sites where kids and teens can get free food while school is out. As noted in that story, this Friday is the day that city reps are coming to one site to celebrate the Summer Food Program. They’re planning a party 11 am-2 pm Friday (July 17) at Highland Park Playground (1100 SW Cloverdale), with free food, activities, games, family resources, and info about the Summer Food Program. City reps expected to be there include not only staff and volunteers but also District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka and Human Services Department director Tanya Kim. You’re welcome to be part of the party and/or to come get your questions about the program answered. This year it continues until August 21.
You can vote in the August 4 election as soon as tomorrow – King County Elections is mailing out ballots today.
The primary contests in which the vote will narrow down the field are for U.S. House District 7 Rep. Pramila Jayapal, who has three opponents – David Blomstrom, Gwen Kirkland, Nirav Sheth – and District 8 King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, who has two, Mia Jacobson and Nick Duda. Also on the August 4 ballot, the proposed renewal/expansion of the Seattle Public Library levy. Beyond local races and issues, perhaps the most interesting aspect of the election is contested judicial positions, particularly the State Supreme Court, which has four positions up for election this year, all of which have at least three candidates running. The entire list of who’s on King County. ballots is here (where you’ll also find links to the candidates’ websites). If you’re not yet registered to vote, here’s how. County election drop boxes open tomorrow – Voting deadline for this election will be 8 pm August 4 using drop boxes (here’s the map of where to find them), or sooner if you’re using USPS mail – the ballot will have to be postmarked no later than August 4.
Thanks to Al for the photo of a truck bearing “no parking” signs arriving this morning in The Admiral District, start of the route for Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K. Both start in Admiral and head southbound on California (the parade disperses after reaching SW Edmunds, but the 5K is round trip). The parking restrictions will take effect early Saturday morning, and they are enforced – tow trucks are unfortunately usually busy that morning – so if you would usually be parking along the parade route on California, watch for the signs and don’t ignore them! The street closure on California starts at 8 am.
If you’re not familiar with the Float Dodger 5K, it’s a pre-parade run/walk in the spirit of the Seafair Torchlight Run preceding the Torchlight Parade. West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) presents it as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank, so participants are doing good while having a good time. (Costumes encouraged!) Go here to register. There’s also a free “kids dash” to get the morning going at 8:45 am.
Afterward, settle into your spot to watch the Grand Parade, official start time at California/Lander 11 am but the SPD Motorcycle Drill Team is usually a bit earlier, ~10:45 am. Next parade-entry preview later today/tonight!
Malia sent that photo Monday night after noticing the burned chair and fire damage on the turf at Madison Middle School‘s playfield. It was long out by the time she happened onto it. When she called it to our attention, we looked for an SFD call and couldn’t find one. So we pursued inquiries with the school district and she contacted SFD, which said they would give the information to investigators, and asked that anyone with information contact SPD.
Meantime, a district spokesperson replied to us today regarding repairs and whether the damage would limit use of the field:
Damage is located outside the playing lines of the field so the field can be used while we wait on the vendor. A vendor has been contacted to provide a quote and then schedule a crew to come a repair the scorched area that is roughly a five-foot circle. Once vendor reaches back and (purchase order) is generated, the vendor will perform the repairs and access for any damage below the fibers at that time … and repair as needed. A police report was filed about the damage.
We don’t (yet) have the incident number but if you have information for investigators (via the SPD non-emergency line at 206-625-5011), the official address for Madison to which you can refer is 3429 45th Avenue SW. Madison’s turf is relatively new, and levy-funded; we covered the dedication two years ago.
(Sunrise photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s our list for today/tonight, with highlights mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – which you can preview any time:
SUMMER FOOD FOR KIDS: Some local sites are now open – see our story for locations and other information.
strong>TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor).
SPRAYPARK’S OPEN: Daily-splashing season at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
SWIMMING POOL’S OPEN: Daily operations also continue at Colman Pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm.
WADING POOLS: Two are scheduled today in West Seattle – Delridge, 12-5:30 pm (4501 Delridge Way SW) and Lincoln Park, 12-7 pm (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).
LOW-LOW TIDE: Today at 12:08 pm, it’s out to -3.6 feet. Tread lightly!
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, join players at Missing Piece (4707 California SW).
SUMMER QUEST: Today, 3-4:30 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), Xochimilco mixed media:
In this workshop led by Amaranta Sandys, you will learn how to draw and illustrate an Ajolote, an incredible salamander from Lake Xochimiloco, that regrows its limbs and organs – a process that fascinates scientists.
FREE YOGA FOR 12-STEP RECOVERY: New listing! Wednesdays for next month and a half, 5-6:30 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio and Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), no registration but MUST arrive no later than 4:55 pm.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: The free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm workshop is happening at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center), and the library is open for borrowing.
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Talk about Seattle’s growth – current and future – at the weekly 6 pm meetup at Elliott Bay Brewing (4720 California SW).
STAFF DJ NIGHT AT EASY STREET: 6-8 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), tonight’s staff DJ is Wyatt, and “every song is guaranteed to be a surprise.”
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Join the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces.
PRACTICE YOUR SPANISH SPEAKING: New local group of Spanish-language learners, dedicated to practicing it, gathers 6:30-8:30 pm at Mission Cantina (2325 California SW) – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Live, work, shop, and/or study in the Morgan Junction area? Come see and hear what’s up in your community! 7 pm at Alki Arts (6030 California SW) or online – attendance link is in the agenda document.
MAD CRAFTY: Bring your project to Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 7-9 pm.
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 5: Five West Seattle trivia venues – Seaside Grill (2820 Alki SW) has 7 pm trivia on Wednesdays, tonight’s Hollywood Blockbuster Night … Admiral Pub has trivia at 7:10 pm (2306 California SW) … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … And trivia starts at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: West Seattle’s longest-running open-mic night! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SWING IT WEDNESDAY! Swing dancing and live music at 8:15 pm at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale, South Park).
KARAOKE X 2: Megastar Karaoke with KDJ Mythikal at Max’s Triangle Pub (9454 Delridge Way SW), pm … Or, sing at Admiral Pub starting at 9, after trivia. (2306 California SW)
Planning an event, class, workshop, etc., that’s open to community participation/observation/visitation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering John Kosmach, and sharing this remembrance with his community:
It is with a sad heart that we announce the passing of our dear brother and father.
John August Kosmach, born August 19, 1955 in Seattle, passed away July 2, 2026, at the age of 70, in Kirkland, at Evergreen Hospice Care, of complications due to pulmonary fibrosis. He was the first son of Mary and August (Kossy) Kosmach.
John lived in West Seattle from when he was born to the day of his death. He was baptized at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle. He graduated from West Seattle High School.
An avid sports fan, he liked watching all sports but had a passion for the Seattle Seahawks. Through the years he enjoyed gambling, old cars, golf, pizza, and beer. He also liked to lie out in the sun and get a tan. Sometimes at Alki Beach, which he loved. In later years of our parents’ lives, John also helped out with the yard work, making it easier for them.
As a young boy, a few anecdotes happened that are remembered. One is when he was playing in the trees and got his foot caught in the “V” of a tree branch. He yelled, “Go get my Mom!”
Another event had to do with shrimp. As a boy he did not like it. One evening the family had shrimp for dinner so, not wanting to eat it, he stuffed the shrimp into his shirt and went outside walking along the sidewalk and the shrimp was falling out of his shirt. Needless to say, dad caught him.
John was not known for his culinary attributes. It was mentioned that he never used the stove in his apartment. Always preferring the quick cooking of the microwave. A chef shudders somewhere.
During his work years he enjoyed several jobs. He worked for Rainier Brewery, Shasta Beverage, and Roadway Express as a forklift driver. Also, Boeing, Stovers food truck, and Sysco warehouse.
Early in his years he signed up to be a tissue donor. Part of tissue donation is taking eye tissue. So, someone may be able to see again because of his thoughtfulness.
John is survived by many relatives. He was number four in a family of eight children.
John is also survived by his daughter Julissa Kosmach, sisters – Kathleen Kosmach-Omero, Janet Picinich (Jim), Sharon Scherer (Steve), Carol Deutsch (Gordon), Chris VanderHeyden (Mike), and Mary Theresa Kosmach. Brother – David (Kimberly) Kosmach. Nieces – Krista Zeissel (Colin), Jessica Scherer, Stephanie Scherer, Jennifer VanderHeyen, Allison VanderHeyen (Peter). Nephews – Jason Tyo, Nathan Tyo (Heather), Seth Kosmach, Nick VanderHeyen (Angelica), Joseph VanderHeyden. Also, grand-nieces and -nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents Mary (Griffin) and August Kosmach, and his nephew Jimmy Picinich (Kelli).
John chose to be cremated. A private memorial will be held for him by his family. Prayers for John are gratefully welcomed.If anyone would like to make a donation in John’s name, they can be made to Evergreen Hospice Care in Kirkland, WA.
Thank you to all who had an impact on our father’s and brother’s life.
(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)
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Today’s forecast is for more sunshine, high near 80. Sunrise was at 5:26 am today; sunset will be at 9:03 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedule Fridays and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
STREET NOTES
*If you travel to/through Georgetown, be aware that a huge wee-hours fire response [map] may still be affecting traffic.
*Up to seven weeks of work on West Marginal Way SW – here’s the announcement.
*On Saturday (July 18), California Avenue SW will be closed to traffic between Admiral and The Junction, from 8 am on (with parking restrictions kicking in earlier), until early afternoon, for the Float Dodger 5K and West Seattle Grand Parade.
BRIDGE TRAFFIC CAMERAS
A few from the SDOT map:
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
See trouble 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!
In front of a sun-dappled field full of people, Jim Edwards celebrated two anniversaries Tuesday night – 30 years for the West Seattle Big Band, which he founded and directs, and 42 years with his wife Barbara.
He even dedicated one of the songs at the band’s annual Concert in the Park to her:
“Someone to Watch Over Me,” featuring vocalist Jenaige Lane, was one of 23 songs the band performed in their no-intermission hour-and-three-quarters set, played in a new setting – the field at Grace Church. The playlist was eclectic – classics like “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” featuring vocalist Sam Henry:
As Jim said, it’s all but mandatory to have something by Glenn Miller:
And from the pop-music vein, two classics by the group Chicago – an instrumental version of “25 or 6 to 4”:
And a duet on “Saturday in the Park”:
After telling an abbreviated version of the West Seattle Big Band’s origin story (eatured here a few days ago), Jim launched the band into another anniversary commemoration – “Stars and Stripes Forever” in honor of the USA’s recent 250th:
On the eclectic side was “UFO”:
And the big-band big-sound continued wth “Mack the Knife”:
Balancing that out was summer-night serenading like “Georgia on My Mind”:
Jim also noted along the way that the timing of this concert is always a little wacky – it’s sponsored by, and a prelude to, the West Seattle Grand Parade, which he coordinated for many years, now leading its safety operation. His daughter Michelle Edwards, who took over as parade coordinator several years ago, was front and center with the band tonight as its longtime keyboardist.
Barbara Edwards is integral to the parade operation too, as its judge coordinator. But the parade is still a few days away, and Tuesday night was a time to make and enjoy music in the warm summer air.
The West Seattle Big Band’s biggest mission is to raise money for school music programs, so watch for their appearance at fundraisers as well as annual events like this and the Fauntleroy Fall Festival.
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