West Seattle, Washington
16 Sunday
Sound Transit‘s proposed service plan for next year and beyond would drop ST Express Route 560 service to West Seattle, which among other things has been a way for people to get to the airport without transferring. The proposed change is mentioned in the Morgan Community Association‘s newest newsletter, and explained as follows on the ST website:
Route 560 would no longer serve stops in West Seattle, ending at Burien Transit Center. In turn, frequency between Burien and Bellevue would increase as follows:
Weekdays: Every 20 min (daytime), every 30 min (evenings)
Weekends: Every 30 min all day (double current service)
For trips between Westwood Village and Burien, King County Metro’s RapidRide H Line serves all current Route 560 stops in this segment. The H Line runs every 7-15 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends.Burien Transit Center will also be the future western end of the Stride S1 Line, which will replace Route 560 as early as 2028.
Passengers looking to go from West Seattle to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport can take the H Line to connect to Route 560. Passengers can also take King County Metro Route 60 to connect to the 1 Line.
ST is running a survey about this and other proposed service changes; you can go here to participate. Route 560 service to/from West Seattle is already less than it used to be; it used to run to The Junction from Westwood Village, but cut that section in 2013 while increasing frequency of its runs to/from Westwood Village. If the plan to drop West Seattle remains in the ST service-plan proposal, the ST Board would vote on it in November.
West Seattle Baseball has two announcements for players and families – first, they’re launching Bigfoot Baseball Camp; second, Coach Ballgame is returning to the Pee Wee Fields. Here’s info about both!
Bigfoot Baseball Camp Brings a New Kind of Summer Ball to West Seattle
Bigfoot Baseball Camp is officially launching this August in partnership with West Seattle Baseball, offering young players a week-long, confidence‑building baseball experience led by former Stanford and professional player Sean Flikke. Running August 10–14 at the West Seattle Pee Wee Baseball Fields, the camp blends high‑quality instruction with character development, teamwork, and the joyful spirit of Sandlot baseball — creating a summer environment where players ages 5–12 can grow their skills, strengthen their mindset, and fall even more in love with the game.
Learn more here; register here.
Coach Ballgame is back at the Pee Wee Fields on August 30
The National Sandlot Tour is a throwback to the Old School Neighborhood baseball game. Kids will learn the basic skills of the game in a no-pressure environment and have an outrageous amount of fun. Each kid will get a nickname, hear inspirational stories of Baseball legends, and build character by learning what being a ball player is all about.
Register here.
For more information about either program and questions, please reach out to communications@westseattlebaseball.com
If you’ve never been – the Pee Wee Fields are in Riverview.
Seattle City Councilmembers voted today to put the renewal of the Seattle Transit Measure – doubling the current sales tax that pays for extra transit service – on this November’s ballot. Today’s vote followed a review process before an all-council committee chaired by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka. You can read the text here. The council announcement of today’s vote summarizes what the measure will do if voters pass it:
The 2026 STM is funded by a 0.3% sales tax and is expected to generate approximately $138 million annually over the next 10 years. If passed, the new STM is anticipated to boost Seattle’s transit from approximately 180,000 bus trips per year (in the expiring measure) to 280,000 bus trips per year – a 47% expansion of service. In addition, the measure will make key investments in:
-Expanding the transit access program to provide fully subsidized transit passes for an additional 12,000 Seattle residents;
-Allocating funding to support the recommendations of the King County Regional Transit Safety Task Force;
-Providing funds for accessibility infrastructure projects that will make the transit network more equitable; and
-Prioritizing electric transit service in the Duwamish Valley and South Seattle.
The current measure, funded by a 0.15% sales tax, expires next spring.
As noted when the expansion was announced by Mayor Katie Wilson last month, it also would raise some money for the city’s support of West Seattle light rail and other in-city Sound Transit projects.
Now that the council has given its approval, the mayor has to sign it to officially finalize sending it to voters. She says she’ll do that at a City Hall event next week.
(2025 WSB photo)
Just a quick reminder that the second of three free Admiral Music in the Parks concerts is two nights away – Thursday (July 23) at California Place Park (California and Hill). The little park next to a bus stop is bigger than you think, and series-presenting Admiral Neighborhood Association leaders estimated 350 people showed up for last year’s AMP concert there! This one, like that one, will feature West Seattle musician Michael Pearsall “and Friends.” Like last week, extra features offered by ANA will include bike parking, a board-game library, craft activities, and a knitting circle. All you do is show up with your own chair, mat, blanket, etc. (and picnic dinner if you feel like it) – the music starts at 6:30 pm Thursday.
(USS Cincinnati, hoto by Gary Jones)
2:22 PM: The kickoff event for Seafair‘s two biggest weeks is happening now – the Parade of Ships, passing West Seattle on the way to the downtown waterfront, a few hours later than previous years. The participants weren’t announced in advance, unlike past years, and only one US Navy vessel is in view – USS Cincinnati, a littoral combat ship – with US Coast Guard (including USCGC Stratton, WSML 752) and Seattle Fire boats accompanying it.
(USCGC Stratton, photo by David Hutchinson)
Tomorrow and Thursday, ship tours will be offered at Pier 66 downtown, 10 am to 7 pm each day – here are the details on how that works.
(Photo by Gary Jones)
2:38 PM: The Navy confirms that USS Cincinnati is the ship on which they’ll offer tours. Here’s a Navy info-sheet about it. It’s homeported in San Diego; the Stratton is based in the Bay Area.
6:03 PM: As discussed in comments, a cruise ship was at Pier 66 this afternoon so the Fleet Week ships couldn’t dock immediately after the “parade.”
That photo sent by Ian shows USS Cincinnati is headed back in right now, and VesselFinder shows USCGC Stratton is also eastbound in Elliott Bay.
ADDED: From the afternoon “parade,” Wyatt sent theseviews from Pier 62:
This one includes the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter that demonstrated search-and-rescue procedures:
While the air isn’t too murky – yet – online air-quality maps show the influence of wildfire smoke drifting this way; the Puget Sound Clean Air map, for example, shows many sensors in West Seattle now showing “moderate” air quality.
(Added: Monday sunset photo by Janelle Otterholt)
Last night, most were still “good” despite telltale signs of smoke such as the deep pink-red color of the setting sun. This is expected to persist at least a few days, so take care depending on your sensitivity level. The biggest fires right now are in northeastern Washington.
The city Film Office wants you to know that Hamilton Viewpoint Park in North Admiral will be mostly off-limits to the public all day and part of the evening this Friday (July 24), for what might sound like a loud party. It’s actually going to be a series shoot, the city explains – here’s what crew and cast will be doing:
Production will be filming for a web series titled “Car Show Rivalry” at Hamilton Viewpoint Park. The filming activity will play out like a large-scale car show, with cars on display, a cheering crowd, dancers, DJs, and more.
To facilitate production needs, Seattle Parks & Recreation has approved a full closure of the park for the duration of the day. Pedestrians will not be denied access to the park itself, but much of the park will be restricted during the filming [see map above]. The parking lot will be closed completely to vehicle traffic and parking. The production is obtaining a Temporary Noise Variance from the City for early hours work (6:00 am to 7:00 am). Neighbors who need any special access or accommodations should reach out to the production contact … and we will gladly assist.
That’s a reference to information in this official notice
Last night just before midnight, police got a call about gunfire in the 8800 block of 9th SW – but the subsequent dialogue with dispatch suggested some concern about a false report. A few hours later, we got a message suggesting gunfire had been verified after all. So we asked Seattle Police for the report narrative, and here’s what they provided:
On July 20 at 11:50 p.m., officers responded to the 8800 block of 9th Avenue Southwest, where a man experiencing a mental health crisis and said that someone had shot into his home, and he fired back from inside his apartment. That man called several times the previous night alleging that people were stalking him and had Molotov cocktails, which was not the case.
As officers arrived, they observed what appeared to be bullet damage to the suspect’s window and a bullet hole across the courtyard in another apartment. Officers convinced the suspect to walk outside unarmed and placed him into custody. They then performed a welfare check in the suspect’s apartment and the apartment with the bullet hole across the courtyard. There were no injuries. A gun was later recovered, and the suspect was booked into King County Jail for the weapons violations.
According to the jail roster, the man who was arrested is being held for investigation of unlawful firearm possession,
Thanks to Al for the artichoke-flower-and-bee photo! Here’s our list of event notes/reminders/listings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at 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.
SPRAYPARK SEASON: Daily operations continue at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) – free, scheduled 11 am-8 pm daily.
SEAFAIR PARADE OF SHIPS: As previewed Monday, they’ll be passing West Seattle around noonish, heading to the downtown waterfront – Navy and Coast Guard vessels, but organizers have yet to announce which ones. UPDATE: The downtown Parade of Ships time is now 3 pm, so the West Seattle sighting won’t be before 2 pm, and a Seafair spokesperson tells us the participants will be announced during a 2 pm media event downtown.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW; WSB sponsor); today’s program is “George Washington Speaks: Vern Fykholm appears as George Washington and will answer your questions to the first President of the United States.”
SOUTH PARK SPROUTS GARDEN CLUB: Explore the natural world at South Park Library (8604 8th Ave. S.), noon-1 pm.
BEGINNING A NATURE JOURNAL: Today’s Summer Quest project is at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), noon.
WADING POOLS OPEN: With sunshine and warm weather, West Seattle’s regular wading-pool lineup will be open – noon to 7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way, upper park near the north lot) and at EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden).
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, daily sessions continue at the outdoor saltwater pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SUMMER QUEST – KEEPING A NATURE JOURNAL: 12 pm to 2 pm, workshop at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
CHESS CLUB: All levels! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
OTHER EVENTS AT THE CENTER: Dozens every week! Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Regular weekly 2 pm meeting; here’s the agenda, which explains how to participate, in person or remotely.
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 have your own.
TUESDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB: Alki Kayak Tours and Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) are presenting this weekly event for stand-up paddleboarders – details here – 5:30 pm. (1660 Harbor SW)
INTERFAITH FREEDOM VIGIL: Weekly, 5:30-6:30 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza candlelight vigil open to all. (61st SW and Alki SW)
STORY TIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm at Delridge P-Patch (5078 25th SW), story time followed by a garden activity.
PLAY ALONG IN THE PARK: 6 pm, third of four Tuesday nights during which you are invited to play with the West Seattle Community Orchestras at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) – see our calendar listing for specific groups and times. Not a musician? Come watch/listen!
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, “Unplugged: A Musical Gathering” at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
OPEN MIC: 6 pm signups, 7 pm music at the open mic hosted by Levi Said at Tim’s (16th SW and SW 98th) in White Center.
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
OPEN CHOIR REHEARSALS: 6:30 pm Tuesdays at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), come sing with the Boeing Employees Choir, even if you aren’t a Boeing employee – the link explains how to RSVP.
PAST, PRESENT, & ELSEWHERE: Album-listening sessions at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), every Tuesday night, 7-9 pm.
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 7 pm – lots of info in our calendar listing.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group meditation at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.
BINGO! Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 4: Four Tuesday trivia venues – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free, hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW).
KARAOKE AT POGGIE TAVERN: 9 pm Tuesdays, until 1:30 am, your turn to sing! (4717 California SW)
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Looking ahead to next school year – just weeks away – the Rotary Club of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) hopes you can help with this year’s Pencil Me In for Kids school-supply drive. Here’s how:
Pencil Me In For Kids (PMIFK) is a West Seattle Rotary-sponsored project that has provided basic school supplies to West Seattle K-5 students in need since 1995. Their 31st annual School Supply Drive runs through August 1.
You can help by donating supplies that elementary school students frequently use. High demand items include folders with pockets (e.g., Pee-Chees), washable markers (fine tip, wide or slant tip, black and color markers), and colored pencils.
Collection boxes are located at Brookdale Admiral Heights Senior Living, Fauntleroy Church & YMCA (9140 California SW), and West Seattle Thriftway (California & Fauntleroy).
“In addition, monetary donations allow us to buy school supplies at a discount and help hundreds of K-5 students in West Seattle,” said Sue Lindblom, former owner of Illusions Hair Design, who founded Pencil Me In For Kids 31 years ago and continues to coordinate the annual drive. “Online donations can be made via the West Seattle Rotary Foundation (bit.ly/3Uio6rh) and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.” (Note: Select Local Projects on the drop-down list and type “PMIFK” on the notes.)
Hosted by the Rotary Club of West Seattle, PMIFK is one of several local Rotary projects that support children, youth, and schools, including Music4Life (collecting orchestra and band instruments for K-12 music programs) and a variety of scholarships and awards. Learn more at westseattlerotary.org/projects/local.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The National Weather Service‘s Heat Advisory alert is in effect at 10 am, until 11 pm tomorrow. The official forecast: partly sunny, patchy smoke, high mid-80s. Sunrise was at 5:33 am today; sunset will be at 8:57 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. Today, pavement-repair work is expected at the Fauntleroy terminal, 7 am-3 pm.
STADIUM ZONE
*The Mariners‘ homestand continues with another 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!
| 46 COMMENTS