West Seattle, Washington
16 Sunday
While on our way to the 49th SW fire, we learned we’d missed real-time texts with photos including the one above, showing the smoke from a house fire in White Center, miles away. Once we figured out the vicinity, we went there for a look. In case you saw the smoke too and wondered, the report is on our partner site White Center Now.
8:18 PM: Thanks for the tip. Seattle Fire has a full response at a house in the 5000 block of 49th SW [vicinity map]. Updates to come.
8:21 PM: We’re en route. SFD says the fire is under control.
(Added: WSB photos)
8:37 PM: They’re dismissing some of the responding units. As seen in our photo, no smoke visible now. An SFD lieutenant told us no one’s been hurt and preliminary indication is that this might have started as a kitchen fire; they’re investigating.
9:10 PM: Four units remain logged to the scene; the fire is out.
7:48 PM: Thanks to the commenter who mentioned this: The West Seattle low bridge is experiencing malfunctions again tonight. This time, SDOT says, the bike and foot path is usable, but the bridge is closed to vehicles. We had asked SDOT today what caused last night’s two-hour closure and have yet to receive that information.
8:29 PM: Just checked the live traffic camera – the bridge is open again.
(WSB photos, video)
6:48 PM: Driftwood Drive is playing classic hits of the past few decades as they open the final concert of the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s Admiral Music in the Parks series.
Again this year, ANA rotated the shows – which were all at Hiawatha pre-pandemic/pre-renovations – between three lesser-used Admiral parks, and tonight it’s Hamilton Viewpoint (1120 California SW), with Elliott Bay and the downtown skyline as the backdrop behind the band.
Lots of room to dance, and as usual, lots of little kids are doing that, but grownups are welcome to dance too. Walk or roll here and you’ll find special attended free parking for your wheels (strollers too). Bring your yarn and needles for the knitting circle, or come borrow from the board-game library. And bring your own chair/mat/blanket. The show’s on until about 8 pm. It’s free thanks to donations (if you want to chip in, go here), volunteers (including the ANA board members who do the coordinating – Meagan Loftin and Dan Jacobs) – and community co-sponsors (including WSB).
8:03 PM: The concert is wrapping up; Driftwood Drive is playing an encore song right now. ANA says they counted 800 people here for the concert. They actually have one more live-music event this summer – the Admiral Block Party on August 22, with music the night before too – see the lineups here.
(Added: WSB photo – Interim Chief Andre Sayles at West Seattle event last March)
3:41 PM: You’ve probably heard reports since last night – starting with this one on PubliCola – that Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes was probably out. Now it’s official. The news release from Mayor Katie Wilson‘s office just landed:
Today, Mayor Katie B. Wilson accepted a letter of resignation from Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes. Chief Barnes was appointed by Mayor Bruce Harrell in late 2024 and has made substantial contributions to public safety in Seattle.
“It has been an honor to serve the Seattle Police Department and this city,” said Chief Barnes. “The men and women of this department show up every single day with professionalism and dedication, and what they did in the aftermath of the Bite of Seattle tragedy reflects the very best of who they are. I am proud of them and I have deep faith in the future of this department and in the vision for community-based policing that is taking root here. Seattle is committed to building a department that is truly connected to the communities it serves, and I believe in where that work is headed. I hope this transition gives the city and this department the opportunity to return full focus to what matters most, addressing youth gun violence and preventing more tragedies. That work is too important, and Seattle deserves nothing less.”
“Chief Barnes has served this department and this city with dedication, and I am grateful for his service,” said Mayor Wilson. “The courage and professionalism that the officers of the Seattle Police Department showed deserves to be honored. I share Chief Barnes’ hope that we can return our focus to addressing youth gun violence and ensuring that every family can feel safe in their neighborhood and across the city.”
The mayor is appointing Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as Interim Chief of the Seattle Police Department. Deputy Chief Sayles brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, including serving as Chief of Police in Beloit, Wisconsin. In 2025, Sayles joined the Seattle Police Department as Deputy Chief of Administration and Investigations. Under his oversight, SPD’s Gun Violence Reduction Unit and homicide detectives have continued to close difficult cases, including the arrest of a suspect in the fatal shooting of two teenagers near Rainier Beach High School. The mayor believes he is the right Interim leader for SPD in this moment and to ensure continuity while we conduct a thorough search for a permanent chief.
“My vision for public safety in this city is grounded in transparency, trust, and genuine collaboration with the community,” said Mayor Wilson. “Keeping people safe requires trust, and trust requires that this department shows up in neighborhoods every day, builds relationships with residents, community organizations, and small businesses, and is accountable to the people it serves.”
“This situation is very difficult, and I admire the mayor for acting decisively to move forward and rebuild strong and engaged leadership inside the department so SPD members can build trust with the communities they serve,” said Sue Rahr, former SPD Interim Chief and retired Sheriff.
The mayor will hold a press conference tomorrow morning at 11:00am at City Hall to introduce Chief Sayles and provide information on the process for a permanent chief.
Before the mayor’s announcement, three City Councilmembers including District 1’s Rob Saka sent statements saying that if Barnes’ departure was true, they’d be disappointed (particularly by what they said was the mayor’s lack of communication with them).
4:32 PM: Added above is a photo we took of now-Interim Chief Sayles at SPD’s community-safety discussion at Southwest Teen Life Center in March; he opened that meeting (WSB coverage here), at which Barnes didn’t appear until later. As announced then and recently reiterated, the city plans another version of that meeting on August 12; we’ll be checking to see if that plan is still on given the chief change. Meanwhile, four more city councilmembers issued a joint statement saying they’re disappointed by Barnes’s ouster; you can read all the council statements here.
Help babies and toddlers stay dry and healthy! You can do that by donating diapers to local nonprofit WestSide Baby during their “Stuff the Bus” reprise outside The Junction’s QFC store (the bus is on 42nd north of SW Alaska) until 6 pm. Will, Morgan, and Mari are there to greet you:
Just bring boxes/bags of diapers to the bus, and that’ll help fill its seats and aisle!
“Stuff the Bus” was a much-loved donation method for WestSide Baby years ago, and they’ve brought it back for the nonprofit’s 25th anniversary year. If you miss today’s drive, make a calendar note to help “Stuff the Bus” when it visits Westwood Village QFC (25th and Barton) on Saturday, August 29, 11 am-3 pm.
If you’re one of the almost-250 Night Out block/building-party hosts signed up with SPD, swag bags are ready for you to pick up at the precinct Monday, the day before Night Out. The update and photos are from the precinct’s Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite:
Today, with the help of the SW Precinct Captain, interns, and Before the Badge recruits – we have prepped 800 swag bags for our community. Pickup day is on Monday, and Night Out is Tuesday!
Jennifer says almost 1,000 Night Out parties are registered citywide – and a fourth of those, 247, will be in the Southwest Precinct area (West Seattle and South Park). Swag pickup time on Monday at the precinct (2300 SW Bebster) is noon-2 pm; party time on Tuesday (when you’ll find many side streets closed to through traffic) is 5-9 pm.
Morning dawned early for the tribal canoe families who arrived at Alki Beach on Wednesday for an overnight stopover along this year’s Canoe Journey. Thanks to everyone who sent photos from the morning departure; the one above, and the two below, are from Greg C:
Next, Dave White spotted canoes passing the Fauntleroy ferry dock:
And Chris Frankovich saw canoes in the distance from The Arroyos, plus a passing tug:
Tonight’s host is the Puyallup Tribe; the final destination of this year’s journey is hosted by the Nisqually nation, which will host the canoe families through Wednesday.
11:54 AM: If you’re in the Lincoln Park vicinity, watch for a humpback whale; Kersti Muul reports a sighting off Point Williams (where Colman Pool is). Not clear yet whether it’s southbound, northbound, or just hanging around.
11:56 AM: Just as we published that, she had an update: “Breaching in the Vashon/Fauntleroy ferry lane now, so must be southbound.”
(Photo by Gary Pro – a visit from ‘three young Cooper’s Hawks’)
Now that this morning’s big outage is resolved, we can bring you our daily list of what’s up around West Seattle 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!):
MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS SALE: In honor of Seafair, sale through Monday! (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor)
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, plant sales featuring and supporting students’ work. North end of SSC campus (6000 16th SW).
NO PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Not happening today at West Seattle (Admiral) Library.
BLUE ANGELS TODAY: According to a Seafair spokesperson, “The Blue Angels will perform two practice runs on Thursday, July 30th from approximately 11:00 AM-1:00 PM and 3:30 PM-4:40 PM.” You’ll likely see/hear some West Seattle flyovers, and particularly during the second session, you’re likely to see area airports’ traffic re-routed, which usually means more commercial jets over West Seattle.
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily splashing season continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
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).
‘THE DISABILITY PARADOX’: Documentary screening at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), 1 pm.
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.
STUFF THE BUS FOR WESTSIDE BABY: Help local babies/toddlers by bringing packages of diapers to “Stuff the Bus” that WestSide Baby will have parked outside Junction QFC (4550 42nd SW), 2-6 pm.
DROP-IN CHESS: The regular High Point Library Thursday event is sheduled 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 Pizza Maniac.
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.
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB, WITH PICKLE PARTY: 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 – tonight, bring your favorite pickles too, for a “pickle party” afterward.
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by Cami Voss & Fricken Chickasee, 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 third and final free concert in this year’s Admiral Music in the Parks series, with Driftwood Drive, at Hamilton Viewpoint Park (1120 California SW). Bring your own chair/mat/etc.; special parking for bikes and strollers, plus other special features including board-game library, crafts, knitting circle.
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 Baby Van Beezly 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!
(SCROLL DOWN/REFRESH FOR UPDATES, INCLUDING REPAIR PROGRESS AND BUSINESS CLOSURES)
5:08 AM: Thanks for the tips. Power has gone out for more than 4,400 homes and businesses, according to the Seattle City Light outage map. Updates to come.
5:13 AM: If you’re hearing sirens, there are police responses for businesses where alarms were set off because of the outage.
5:32 AM: Finally hearing word of the apparent cause – tree trouble in North Admiral, per police radio. Texter elaborates that it’s near 47th SW and SW Holgate, “a couple of tree limbs down in alley … One limb on the ground. Big one on the wires.”
5:56 AM: A texter in The Junction reports power restored. The map should show soon the extent of that. … And a moment later, it’s updated to show 1,980 customers still out; we’ll add the map screenshot shortly. … Here it is (we do this for the record, as outages vanish from SCL’s site once they’re over):
6:19 AM: WSB senior contributor Christopher Boffoli has gone to the scene and talked with City Light. First, here’s the tree:
Christopher says they have to call in a specialized crew to reach the problem, so they’re guessing it might take a few hours to resolve the rest of the outage (11 am-ish, though that’s an estimate, so could be sooner, could be later). Meantime, he’s also been through the heart of the Admiral business district and says it looks like power is on there – signals working too – but further north is where signs of the outage are apparent.
6:58 AM: Now there’s a transformer fire at 47th/Genesee – and we had a flicker all the way down here in Upper Fauntleroy. No idea if this is related. … But the outage has just grown again.
7:11 AM: Above is a screenshot of City Light’s map for the newly expanded outage zone – which appears to be the same as the original outage zone.
8:11 AM: No updates since then but now that we’re getting further into the day, please remember that dark signals = all-way stops. Also, any information on business status would be appreciated. Via text, Carl just reported that in the heart of The Junction, the west side of California is out but the east side is on. … This comment suggests same situation for at least part of The Admiral District.
8:50 AM: The newest photos are from Bill, who reports that the City Light truck shown above is now on scene. He also sent this view of the tree limb on the wire.
Still 4,400+ out.
9:19 AM: Our crew in The Junction reports California/Alaska’s signals are still out but California/Oregon is working (California/Edmunds too). Back in the outage zone, Bill reports the City Light crew “is making good progress” and sent this photo:
Back to The Junction, our crew says most east-side-of-California businesses ARE open, with power, and is checking the west side next.
9:44 AM: The entire west side of California between Alaska and Edmunds is out, including Bakery Nouveau, Top Pot, and Husky Deli, per our crew. Headed north next.
9:56 AM: West side of California between Alaska and Oregon – most are closed BUT while Easy Street’s café is closed, they’re open for shopping, cards and Venmo only. … Traffic-signal updates from Admiral – out at 47th/Admiral.
9:59 AM: Looks like at least some of the power is back – our crew says the California/Alaska signal just came back on. SCL map should update shortly. … Map shows 1,565 homes/businesses still out, Admiral area.
10:21 AM: And now it appears everybody’s back on.
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