West Seattle, Washington
16 Sunday
After 911 callers reported hearing up to 15 gunshots in High Point, responding officers found a group of people who told them someone shot at them and they shot back. This happened less than half an hour ago around 32nd and Myrtle. Police told dispatch they’ve found some casings in a field (at Walt Hundley), but no injuries and no damage; they checked out a gun that records show as legally owned by one person in the group. The only description of the alleged instigators is that they were in a dark-colored vehicle.
Last reminder of the night that tomorrow (Saturday, July 18) brings the West Seattle Grand Parade, preceded by the Float Dodger 5K. Two scenes from this afternoon as hundreds prepared to participate:
The photos above and below are from Arlene Rubin, who happened upon this group outside a home in the Lowman Beach area where this group was working on their entry for the parade.
The Lions Club of West Seattle and local VFW Post 2713 are parade regulars. Meantime, we stopped in West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) this afternoon as they offered three hours of packet pickup and in-person registration for tomorrow’s Float Dodger 5K, which is presented by WSR with proceeds benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank.
More than 500 runners and walkers are registered to head out from Hiawatha Playfield at 9:30 am, down the parade route on California SW and back.
You still have time to register, either online or at Hiawatha right before tomorrow morning. After the Float Dodger – which is preceded by a free Kids’ Dash at 8:45 am – pick your parade-watching spot and settle in! There’ll be an announcing station in the Admiral area for the first time, one of four along the route. And whether you’re going or not, remember that California SW closes from just south of Admiral to just north of Dawson – a few extra blocks for staging and dispersal – at 8 am.
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The City of Seattle’s Summer Meals Program commemorated the season of service with a community-wide celebration at Highland Park Playground today. Bordering the park’s popular playground and spray park were some temporary inflatable games like archery and soccer, as well as a couple bounce houses drawing a line of kids eager to jump in.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also referred to as the Summer Meals Program, has been around for more than 50 years. Last year, it served over 80,000 meals to kids under 18 during the summer months, as we reported previously. The program currently operates out of 50 locations throughout the city, including the site of today’s event.
The day was jam-packed with fun, free activities for neighborhood kids, but its purpose was not forgotten.
“Ultimately, we want to make sure that they’re also getting fed,” said Shukri Olow, the Human Services Department’s Youth and Family Empowerment Division director.
Free food was at the heart of the celebration. A tent at the front of the space staffed by SFSP – and briefly by District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka – handed out meals to awaiting kids and, today, to their families as well. They had a couple lunch options to choose from, as well as the opportunity to take a regular or chocolate milk – the latter being most popular. A bit over halfway through the event, they had handed out 55 meals to kids.
“[I’m] so proud to help support from a council perspective, making sure that it’s well resourced, well funded,” Saka said of the Summer Meals Program. “Making sure our kids are fed is an important priority to me in my office. It means a lot to me personally as someone who relied on receiving similar services in the past.”
Families in attendance reflected on how the summer meals have come in handy after a long day at Highland Park burning off energy. Local mother Yanet brought her two children to the celebration. While waiting in front of the bounce house, she recalled how convenient the Summer Meals Program has been for her 9-year old daughter: “I’m really grateful for the program. It’s one of the best from Seattle.”
“If you come in the afternoon, you can get a snack. My kids love the snack,” said Kelly, who has two kids at Highland Park Elementary. She added that she and her kids come to the spray park often, and get the meals afterward.
Kelly hadn’t heard in advance about today’s celebration, but after making the discovery, texted friends and families in the neighborhood.
“This is really just an intention to celebrate with the community, raise awareness of the program, and make sure people are aware of the resources,” said Maggie Thompson, deputy irector for the Human Services Department.
As a reminder, the program is open to all kids ages 1-18 – no ID, proof of address, application, or paperwork required. The program will last until August 21, at the locations, dates, and times listed here.
3:40 PM: West Seattle has great art events all year long – from the monthly Art Walks to the annual Art Tour – but this is the most scenic setting in which to view and buy it: The three-day Alki Art Fair began this afternoon, with dozens of artists and crafters in booths by the bay, each one a mini-world set up and tended by the artists themselves:
You can come to the Alki promenade (60th/Alki westward) to explore until 8 pm (stay for the sunset an hour later!). The Alki Art Fair is also a music festival, with a live lineup you can peruse here. More first-day coverage to come!
5 PM: Above is this year’s official Alki Art Fair T-shirt – you’ll find merch at the booth right by the Bathhouse, where a silent auction is happening this weekend too. And we took a closer look at some of the art:
The miniatures above are by Sachisunny Creation. Looking for candles? That’s part of what The Remontant is offering:
Angela Liu is selling her surrealist pencil art:
They’re just a few of the 100 artists lining the promenade. Tomorrow’s the Alki Art Fair’s biggest day – 10 am to 8 pm (with music starting at noon)!
We’re less than 24 hours away from this year’s West Seattle Grand Parade, which starts at California/Lander at 11 am Saturday, heading southbound on California SW to SW Edmunds at the south end of The Junction. Here are more quick notes on what you will and won’t see (barring last-minute changes):
*Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum is set to bring its inflatable model of the PBY-5A “flying boat,” seen above in a museum photo from last fall’s Auburn Veterans Day Parade.
*Folkloric dancers – Panama Folklore Seattle is new this year; Joyas Mestizas are returning.
*Marching bands – the stars of summer parade season, the All-City Marching Band (celebrating their 75th anniversary tonight in West Seattle!), will be there, as well the Kennedy High School Marching Band and Cheer Team from Burien.
*Also cheering – Both the Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS Cheer Teams are in the lineup.
*Biggest entry? Holy Rosary School usually has a sizable entourage but this year plans upward of 200 people, according to parade organizers.
Many, many more! As noted above, parades always have the chance of last-minute changes. And that goes for this one – the Seattle Police Motorcycle Drill Team has canceled at the last minute, parade organizers tell us. So on the “loud entry” scale, you’ll have to settle for the Seafair Pirates‘ cannon!
Remember, the day begins with the Float Dodger 5K on the parade route starting at 9:30 am – not too late to register to run or walk, and if you’re already signed up, you can pick up your packet early, 3-6 pm today at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), which presents the Float Dodger as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank.
A reader who hadn’t driven the West Seattle Bridge at night in a while messaged us this week, startled by how many of its lights were out. Wire theft affecting the bridge has long been an issue, but it’s hit the headlines again multiple times recently, particularly with the Gregory Galitzeck case (still not back in custody). And we got this reader report on Thursday from Jeff:
Just wanted to share that I came across 3-4 people collecting stolen wire at 10 am … Thursday 7/16, at the dead end of Marginal Place SW under the West Seattle Bridge. One wore a day-glow work jacket. They were meticulously laying it out and coiling it up to load it into a dark green SUV, the trunk of which was nearly full already with other obviously stolen wire. I called police and reported it. The operator took plenty of details and said dispatch had been notified. I had to get to work and was getting noticed by the guys so I didn’t stick around to see if the cops actually arrived (in time) to do anything. …
I think if SPD sent someone to patrol through there every other morning they’d catch people red-handed. These thieves are utterly brazen, doing this calmly in broad daylight. Looked like they’d been at it for at least half an hour given the amount already packed up, and weren’t in any hurry as I spent about 15 minutes circling and calling it in. It just makes me so mad we don’t seem to do anything to stop these guys inflicting 10x or 100x the cost damage (and safety hazards of dark roads) of the measly few hundred bucks they get from wrecking our public infrastructure.
We don’t know what if anything transpired from Jeff’s 911 call, as we don’t have an incident # to follow up on. But we did contact City Light with several questions about the overall bridge-wire-theft situation. The replies are from utility spokesperson Julie Moore.
She said there had been no new reports of bridge wire theft in the past few weeks. We also had two big-picture questions:
We asked about the status of reviewing/planning/adopting increased security to prevent/deter this kind of theft/vandalism, and whether anything had been done recently. Here’s the SCL reply:
We continue to employ theft prevention measures including installing tamper-proof handhole lids, welding access doors, or placing ecology blocks in front and over electrical facilities to prevent unauthorized access. We took these measures when we repaired damage impacting the lights on the bridge last fall. The recent incidents involved access doors and handholes in different locations. As we make repairs, we will take similar steps to prevent future tampering and theft.
We also asked about the latest on the repair/replacement plan for damaged/stolen bridge-light wiring. Here’s the SCL reply:
The damage that resulted in the West Seattle Bridge streetlight outages was extensive and included many panels along the bridge as well as the off and on ramps to both the bridge and Spokane Street Viaduct. Fully assessing needed repairs and then making those repairs requires lane closures for the safety of the public and our crews. We are actively working with SDOT on a traffic control plan. We do not have an estimated timeline for full restoration.
So – the bridge will remain dark for some time. The problem may be unsolved, but it’s nowhere near new; for historical context, here’s what they told us about theft-proofing attempts last year; And our archives note that former District 1 City Councilmember Lisa Herbold addressed the problem in 2019.
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The photo and report are from Emily in Highland Park:
This bike popped up on our block this week. After checking with neighbors, we suspect it was stolen and dumped.
It’s a Magna Mountain bike with 15-speed shifting.
If it’s yours, please nessage us and we’ll connect you.
(Blue Wave Lacecap Hydrangea, photographed by Lisa Ruiz)
Here’s our highlight list for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Open 10 am-3 pm on the north end of the main campus of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
MEDICINAL PLANT WALK: Climate Week event, 10 am at Lincoln Park. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SUMMER FOOD CELEBRATION: 11 am to 2 pm at Highland Park Playground (1100 SW Cloverdale), celebrate the program providing free food for all kids and teens while school is out, with games, activities, and family resources – all welcome.
BABY STORY TIME: 11 am at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily-splashing season continues at Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
WADING POOLS: Hiawatha (2700 California SW) and Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) are open noon-5:30 pm today, Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open noon-7 pm.
COLMAN POOL: Noon to 7 pm today, swim in the outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) – here’s the session schedule.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: 12:30-2 pm, practice with other adult learners at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
ALKI ART FAIR BEGINS: 2 pm to 8 pm, first of three days for the waterfront celebration/sale featuring local artists (roster here) and music (lineup here) on the Alki promenade, starting at and stretching mostly westward from Alki Bathhouse. (2701 Alki SW)
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle.
ALL-CITY BAND 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: 5 pm dinner and auction at South Seattle College‘s Brockey Center (6000 16th SW) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the citywide student marching band that delights thousands each year, especially in parade season.
KENYON HALL OPEN MIC: Monthly open mic/a> with 6 pm signups, 6:30 pm performances (7904 35th SW), all ages.
(added) SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: GreenStage presents “Coriolanus,” 7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), free.
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Gracie Abrams listening party, 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
BINGO: 7 pm Classic Bingo at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7, music at 8, for Carmela, Rachael Nicole, Rae. 21+. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
SPINNING: Revelry Room (4547 California SW) is back post-festival to regular Friday night spinning, with DJ Shonuph, starting at 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, Totally ’80s Skate with DJ Josh, 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.
MEGASTAR KARAOKE: 9 pm at Max’s Triangle Pub (9454 Delridge Way SW).
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or ongoing calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Their seasons are over but West Seattle Junction FC and Rhodies FC players’ community involvement continues – part of it is this upcoming weeklong summer camp:
Looking for a fun and active way to spend the last weeks of summer? Join Junction FC & Rhodies FC Summer Soccer Camp at Delridge Playfields from August 3–7, running daily from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM.
Players will enjoy a full week of skill development, small-sided games, fun competitions, and confidence-building activities led by Junction FC & Rhodies FC coaches and players. Camp is open to players of all skill levels and is designed to help every athlete improve while having a great time.
*August 3–7
*9:00 AM–2:00 PM
*Delridge PlayfieldsRegister today and finish your summer on the pitch with Junction FC & Rhodies FC!
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, July 17, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Much calmer forecast today – mostly sunny, high in the low 70s. Sunrise was at 5:29 am today; sunset will be at 9:01 pm.
(Wednesday sunset photo by Curry Gibson)
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 (tonight!) and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
WEEKEND NOTES
*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 (9:30 am start) and West Seattle Grand Parade (11 am start), both southbound on California from Admiral to The Junction
*No street closures, but Alki will be extra-busy with the Alki Art Fair on the promenade this afternoon/evening plus Saturday and Sunday.
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!
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