West Seattle, Washington
16 Sunday
Three things to tell you about West Seattle light rail tonight:
MORE DRILLING: Thanks to Kevin Freitas for the photo of a drill rig on 39th SW between SW Dakota and SW Genesee. Sound Transit spokesperson Amy Enbysk confirms it’s theirs, spending about a week in the area doing soil sampling and installing a groundwate monitor. Here’s the official notice distributed nearby.
(Sound Transit rendering)
BRIDGE BIDDING: Community comments at today’s Sound Transit Board meeting shone light on the fact that Sound Transit has a “request for qualifications”u out right now for potential bidders to build the new light-rail-only bridge across the Duwamish River that the West Seattle Link Extension project requires. The deadline for submissions is next Tuesday, July 28. At least one analysis says the contract could be worth up to $900 million.
NEW SURVEY ABOUT NEIGHBORHOODS: A tip late today pointed out a new West Seattle light-rail-related survey just launched by SDOT and the city Office of Planning and Community Development. This one is about neighborhood planning, somewhat related to light-rail station areas (remember West Seattle now has only two, Delridge and The Junction) but also beyond – see the map above. However, it’s not about what the stations themselves should look like. Find the survey here. It’s open through the end of August. You can also offer opinions and ask questions at the city’s booth at the next two West Seattle Farmers’ Markets (July 26 and August 2).
Reminder that – as previewed here – a video crew working on a web series is scheduled to take over Hamilton Viewpoint Park tomorrow, starting up as early as 6 am and continuing as late as 7 pm. Most of the park will be off-limits to the public – see the map above for specifics of what’s happening in which areas of the park. The crew is working on a web series called “Car Show Rivalry“ and worked with the city Office of Economic Development to get a permit.
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
6:41 PM: Big sound in a little park – that’s what’s happening now in the second free show in the three-concert Admiral Music in the Parks series. Michael Pearsall is performing tonight – to be joined by friends later in the evening – at California Place Park, the bigger-than-it-looks bus-stop park next to the former Admiral Church at California/Hill.
Grab your chair and come on down – this will continue until about 8 pm, brought to you by the Admiral Neighborhood Association.
There’s bike/stroller parking, a board-game library, knitting circle, and craft activity (making maracas) again this week too -here’s a look!
We’ll add video when we’re back at HQ.
“This is neighborhood at its finest!” exulted ANA president Joanie Jacobs.
8:27 PM: The concert just wrapped up; (added) here are the final three songs by Michael Pearsall and friends:
And here’s one of his solo songs from the first half-plus of the concert:
Joanie said they counted 400 people in the park. Next week’s band is Driftwood Drive and they’ll be down the street at Hamilton Viewpoint (6:30 pm July 30).
4:58 PM: Seattle Fire crews are in the 5200 block of SW Canada Drive, just off Beach Drive, for a natural-gas leak. They’ve determined it’s “on the supply side of the line” – which is 1″ wide – and are evacuating some people nearby as a precaution. Avoid that stretch of Beach Drive (see the vicinity map) for a while.
5:43 PM: The last two SFD responders just left, and the call is closed.
Tomorrow night (Friday, July 24), on the eve of the Seafair Torchlight Parade, the Seattle All-City Marching Band – grand-prize winners at Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade – will host Band Jam at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). It’s a showcase/rehearsal for marching bands and drumlines, and you’re invited to be in the stands (free admission)! We asked with All-City Band director Dr. Marcus Pimpleton for Friday night’s lineup, and he just replied with this times-approximate schedule:
<6:00 pm Welcome/Acknowledgments
6:05-6:25 pm Rainbow City Color Guard
6:25-6:45 pm Seismic Sound Drumline
6:45-7:05 pm Soul Jambalaya Brass Band
7:05-7:25 pm Kennedy Catholic High School Marching Band
7:25-7:45 pm Neon Brass Party
7:45-8:05 pm Sumner High School Marching Band
8:05-8:25 pm Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline
8:25-8:45 pm Seattle Sounders Soundwave FC Band
8:45-9:10 pm Seattle All-City Marching Band and Alumni Band
The ACB Alumni Band is a special extra this year – as noted here previously – the ACB is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
(WSB photo)
Thanks for the tip! West Seattle’s oldest Starbucks location is closing for 10 days starting next Monday. After a texter told us about the impending temporary closure at 4101 SW Admiral Way, we contacted the company for details. Here’s what a spokesperson told us: “The Starbucks Admiral Way coffeehouse will temporarily close from July 27 through August 5 to allow for installation of a grease trap required by the city. This is a planned facilities project.” The Admiral location is one of four remaining standalone Starbucks in West Seattle after the company pulled out of Alki and The Junction in the past two years.
(Photos courtesy theater simple)
No West Seattle festivals or parades this weekend, but unique ways to enjoy the summer days and nights are on the schedule! Here’s the whimsical invitation to one of them, from the Highland Park-based “instigators” behind theater simple, inviting you to “come play” at Westcrest Park on Saturday afternoon:
WONDERLAND: Alice Adventures
theater simple invites the Esteemed Denizens of West Seattle to join them for a PRICELESS park adventure for all ages at Westcrest Park July 25, 2:15-y pm.
An all-ages accessible park adventure inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice stories. Our neighborhood Littles, Not-so-Littles, Sillies and the Wisest are invited to sojourn for an hour-ish or so with the fine inhabitants of WONDERLAND.
BRING YOUR PARASOL* AND PICNIC and
JOIN US FOR AN ADVENTURE unlike ANY OTHER!“Oh my ears and whiskers! What can happen?” one might ask –
well – one could –
FOLLOW White Rabbits
PLAY croquet with the Queen of Hearts!
SING AND SKIP with the Tweedles!
DANCE the Lobster Quadrille with the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle!
EXPLORE a Tiny House! (or follow a Tinier House!)
DRAW what you see and SEE What you Draw with the Caterpillar!
LAY UPON A FLOWER BED and be read to!COME! PLAY!! – and have some serious fun.
WHEN: July 25, 2:15-ish
WHERE: Westcrest Park, 9000 8th Ave SWSpecifically – it BEGINS in the bowl/meadow just south of the playground, between the reservoir and the P-Patch, west of the dog park )
No age or ability limitations, limited obstacles. But we will be moving about the park!DOGS are welcome if they are kept on short leashes.
Charming manners appreciated. For dogs as well.COST: PRICELESS!
(Yes, FREE. An investment in the creativity and joy of the community.)WHO:
theater simple is often Llysa Holland and Andrew Litzky. The simpletons have been producing theatrical experiences in Seattle and around the world since 1991, with their World HQ in a vintage Airstream trailer in Highland Park since 2010.We make theater.
Simple.theater simple has built a reputation for producing ensemble-based innovative and “impossible” theatrical experiences. Whether in a theater, in a park, ‘out of the ‘box’, and around the world, we aim to create work that surprises and inspires with imagination, vision and moxie.
Since its founding in 1990 theater simple has presented more than 1,500 performances of 50+ plays in six countries on five continents. One of our proudest moments here at home were creating two different adventures for 2 awesome PNW kids for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
We want to spark imagination and impact everyday creativity by meshing together ideas and art, inspiring artists and audiences alike.
So – Come. PLAY!
A humpback whale is in view off West Seattle’s shore right now, Kersti Muul tells us – currently southbound, approaching Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (4500 block of Beach Drive SW). She says, “Really surface-active earlier off Magnolia – so many breaches and pec slaps.” Please let us know if you see it!
Here are highlights of what’s up around the peninsula in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks to everyone who sends events for us to share!):
SUMMER FOOD FOR KIDS: Local sites are open – see our story for locations and other information.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, featuring and supporting students’ work. North end of SSC campus (6000 16th SW).
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily-splashing season continues today at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm, rain or shine.
WADING POOLS: The regular three Thursday pools will be open today – Lincoln Park (noon-7 pm, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) and Hiawatha (noon-5:30 pm, 2700 California SW).
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!)
NOURISHING MINDS: 1 pm service-learning opportunity at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
STRESS REDUCTION & CALMING TECHNIQUES: 1:30 pm SummerQuest event at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), learn about ways to have more calmness in your life.
ANTICIPATORY GRIEF GROUP: Monthly gathering at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW), 2 pm.
DROP-IN CHESS: The regular High Point Library Thursday event is back on today – players under 18 can drop in 4-5:30 pm to play. (3411 SW Raymond)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS – this week and every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) hosts a food truck. Tonight it’s Bai Tong on Wheels.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) needs volunteers to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks (you can take some home too). Just be there 5-7 pm!
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle.
GRIEF IS CRAFTY: 6 pm monthly craft circle for people experiencing grief, details in our calendar listing. (5446 California SW)
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run.
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by Elvis Costello tribute band Look Sharp Aim True, outdoors, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
ADMIRAL MUSIC IN THE PARKS: 6:30 pm showtime for the second free concert in this year’s Admiral Music in the Parks series, with Michael Pearsall & Friends, at California Place Park (California/Hill). Bring your own chair/mat/etc.
AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7 pm, music 8 pm, with Anna Preston, Arden Leas, Tradie, Clover, at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm trivia at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW)
TRIVIA AT THE VOID: 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight, at Revelry Room (4547 California SW) featuring DJ Chloe Harris starting at 8 pm.
KARAOKE AT MAX’S TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm to closing time. (9454 Delridge Way SW)
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview list? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Seattle Parks is recruiting again for its corps of volunteer Seattle Urban Nature Guides – here’s how to become one!
Become a Seattle Urban Nature Guide This Fall
Do you love spending time outdoors? Are you passionate about connecting people with nature? Join Seattle Parks and Recreation as a Seattle Urban Nature Guide (SUN Guide) and help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Seattle Urban Nature Guides lead hands-on environmental education programs for school groups, families, and community members in parks across the city. Along the way, volunteers build valuable skills in public speaking, leadership, environmental education, and group facilitation while becoming part of a welcoming community of volunteers and staff.
As a SUN Guide, you’ll receive FREE training in environmental education techniques and equity-centered teaching practices before leading engaging programs in Seattle’s forests, beaches, playgrounds, and other natural spaces.
Applications for our Fall 2026 Seattle Urban Nature Guide Training are now open!
Apply by August 4, 2026, to be considered for this fall’s volunteer training cohort.
For additional information about the volunteer role, training schedule, and program expectations, please review the attached Seattle Urban Nature Guide Position Description.
Questions? Email PKSNatureFieldTrips@seattle.gov
7:12 AM: Texter reports broken-down bus in right lane of EB bridge.
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, July 23, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
After a one-degree-below-record 95-degree high yesterday, today could be almost 20 degrees cooler – chance of more showers this morning, then sunshine and mid-70s. Sunrise was at 5:36 am today; sunset will be at 8:54 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 updates.
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 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!
Police are questioning a driver suspected in what was described as a series of hit-run crashes in the Alki area leaving other vehicles damaged. Officers were still assessing the damage as well as investigating the suspect for possible DUI. They caught up with him after his Chevrolet Tahoe apparently became immobilized from too much damage, and stopped on Duwamish Head. If you have information for police, or discover more damage, the incident # in this is 26-215311
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