West Seattle, Washington
16 Sunday
Sent by frequent photo contributor Bob Burns:
He is almost always on Alki in late afternoon, ready to wave and smile at all who greet him.
I asked if it was OK to post on The Blog, and he said OK.
9:40 PM: Thanks for the tips. We’re still pursuing details of this crash at 35th and Brandon, south of Camp Long, but we do know the traffic disruption was fairly short-lived – medic crews cleared quickly after being dispatched around 8:50 pm. A tow truck’s already there.
9:49 PM: We’re checking with SFD on the driver’s condition. Reviewing the radio archives, dispatch told officers the driver might have had a medical problem.
6 AM: SFD says the driver, a 40-year-old man, was in stable condition when taken to a hospital.
Two coyote sightings to report – first, we got two separate reports from 45th and Holgate this past hour of what’s alost certainly the same coyote – Sean sent a phto:
I wanted to alert y’all that I spotted a coyote just now wandering in Admiral on 45th and Holgate at 7:30 pm. A lot of cats live on that block so I want to make sure people are aware!
George’s note came in after Sean’s, but his sighting was a bit earlier: “Just pulled up at my home and saw coyote in broad daylight walking down sidewalk on SW Holgate St between 44th and 45th SW. It headed east on Holgate, then took a left turn when it reached California SW and headed north past assisted living facility.”
UPPER FAUNTLEROY: This texted photo came with a report about a sighting last Wednesday:
This was at 45th and Hemlock, east of and uphill from central Lincoln Park.
Not sure what to do if you see a coyote? Find simple advice here.
A couple readers mentioned the start of key work today on the years-in-the-making Hiawatha Play Area move. Bruce Curtis sent a photo and report with a bittersweet take on one aspect:
This morning the neighborhood’s favorite playground equipment came down. Hiawatha’s big swings left us today. I’ve seen countless babies put in the “bucket” swing, perhaps the first time and mom gently swinging them while taking pictures. Two girls meeting on the swings while talking endlessly and no phone out! Seeing little ones running to them only to wait for the parents to pick them up and put them in. Very popular meeting place. Totally indestructible from the late night visitors. They will be missed. Though will be replaced with short plastic things.
Goodbye.
Similar swing-set swaps have happened at other park over the years (here’s Lowman in 2008). Seattle Parks announced last month that construction would begin this week.
(Photo courtesy Alki Kayak Tours)
With a Heat Advisory in effect tomorrow and Wednesday, and more warm days ahead here in the heart of summer, you might be planning ways to keep cool. Alki Kayak Tours – sibling business of WSB sponsor Mountain to Sound Outfitters – is offering daily guided sea kayak tours leaving from its home base at Seacrest Pier in West Seattle 1660 Harbor SW). This page lists what’s available and how to book. Times and days vary, for options including the Elliott Bay Tour, Alki Point Lighthouse Tour, Sunset Tour, and the once-a-month Full Moon Tour, all two to three hours long.
Seattle Night Out 2026 is two weeks from tomorrow – Tuesday, August 4th – a time to gather with your neighbors and focus on neighborhood safety. The city grants permission to close non-arterial streets for block parties, but you need to register in advance, and the deadline for that is one week away – Monday, July 27. So far, SPD’s Southwest Precinct Crime-Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite says, the SW area (West Seattle and South Park) has 180 block/building parties registered – #2 out of the city’s five precincts, though this is the smallest one. You can register yours by going here.
(2025 Parade of Ships, photo by Gary Jones)
U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships will pass West Seattle shores around noon tomorrow (Tuesday, July 21) on their way to the Seafair Parade of Ships along the downtown waterfront. It marks the start to Seafair Fleet Week, which as usual will include ship tours. We’re still awaiting word on which ships will participate; in recent years, it’s shrunk from what previously was a contingent of at least three U.S. Navy ships as well as U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard vessels; Canada didn’t participate last year and isn’t mentioned in this year’s advance info either. When we get word of the participants, we’ll add it here; you can find basic tour info here for 10 am-7 pm Wednesday and Thursday at Pier 66 downtown.
(Sunrise photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUMMER FOOD DRIVE: Continuing daily at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor) – our story has the list of what they most need.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 11 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
SPRAYPARK OPEN: Daily splashing continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), whatever the weather, 11 am-8 pm.
WADING POOLS OPEN: With sunshine and warm weather forecast, West Seattle’s regular Monday wading-pool lineup will be open – noon to 7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way, upper park near the north lot) and EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden).
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, daily operation continues at the outdoor saltwater swimming pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
NO CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: Weekly 2 pm meeting is NOT happening again this week – per the council schedule.
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUPS: 6:30 pm, weekly group gatherings for people experiencing grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee. Before you go, RSVP/register here. (4034 California SW)
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too! $5.
PRACTICE SPEAKING SPANISH: 6:30-8:30 pm, this informal group meets at Future Primitive Brewing in White Center (9832 14th SW), all welcome – just be ready to speak Spanish while participating!
ALKI MEDITATION: Two ways to get contemplative on Monday nights – first, meditation at Alki UCC, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: And there’s – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
COMEDY AT OTTER ON THE ROCKS: Adam Tiller headlines the monthly show this time, 7 pm, ticket link in our calendar listing. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 2: Two venues offer you the opportunity for trivia tonight! 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) and 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
POOL TOURNAMENT: The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska, entrance on California)
PINBALL TOURNAMENT: Register at 7, play at 7:30, at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: End your Monday with a song – karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Big thanks to everybody who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Driving past 4752 California SW before dusk last night, we noted the windows remained papered, the doors were closed, no sign of the announced Taste & Best restaurant grand opening today. Then our original tipster noticed a change in the banner and sent this photo this morning:
The new opening date, July 24, is Friday. We noted here last week that the owners also were opening a Taste & Best in Shoreline last Wednesday; we haven’t made the trip to see, but a social-media post suggests they did open.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, July 20, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The National Weather Service has a Heat Advisory alert for 10 am Tuesday through 11 pm Wednesday – but today is forecast as becoming mostly sunny, with a seasonable high in the upper 70s. Sunrise was at 5:32 am today; sunset is now happening before 9 pm – tonight it’ll be at 8:58 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. That’s also where you’ll find this FYI:
If you’re driving through our Vashon or Fauntleroy terminals early next week, please expect delays as we repair pavement on the docks. Construction crews will be at the Vashon terminal on Monday, July 20 and at the Fauntleroy terminal on Tuesday, July 21.
Work will start around 7 a.m. and be completed around 3 p.m. both days. Vehicles will be directed around the work areas.
STADIUM ZONE
*The Mariners‘ homestand continues with a 6:40 pm game vs. Cincinnati.
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!
| 12 COMMENTS