West Seattle, Washington
04 Friday
(File photo, courtesy Bull Stewart Alki Beach Classic)
This Saturday marks the 30th anniversary of a sports tradition – the AAU Bull Stewart Alki Beach Classic, which organizers describe as “Seattle’s longest-running outdoor strength-sports event.” Featured sports include push-pull powerlifting, a team double-deadlift event, tire flip, ammo-box carry, and farmer’s walk, starting at 9 am Saturday (August 22) on the beach near the Bathhouse (2701 Alki Avenue SW). Here’s the announcement from organizers:
This milestone 30th anniversary event welcomes competitors of all ages and abilities — from first-time novice lifters to AAU World Champions. The event is drug-tested and sanctioned by the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union).
Hosted by Andrew “Bull” Stewart — AAU Washington State Strength Chairman & Director, 15-year National and World drug-free powerlifting champion, and co-owner of Columbia City Fitness Center in Seattle. Bull has hosted this beloved West Seattle beach event every year for 30 years, and it remains one of the most unique and inclusive strength sports competitions in the Pacific Northwest.
If you’re interested in competing, go here. Interested in supporting/sponsoring the event, including via donating prizes and gift certificates? BullStewart@hotmail.com or 206.854.2678. If you’re a prospective spectator, admission is free – just visit the beach on Saturday.
Thanks to Al for the tip. Endolyne Joe’s in Fauntleroy is closed until Thursday (August 20) for floor refinishing. The sign posted at the restaurant says they expect to reopen at 4 pm Thursday, in time for dinner service.
The holder of that $2.5 million Lotto ticket sold at Admiral Safeway hasn’t claimed it yet, a spokesperson for Washington’s Lottery told us today. But thanks to a reader tip, we’ve learned of a multimillion-dollar coincidence – this isn’t the first Lotto jackpot ticket sold in West Seattle this summer! The July 5th $3.8 million jackpot was won by a player who bought their ticket at the California/Andover mini-mart. And the market’s owners got a $38,000 because of the big win.
2:42 PM: Orcas are headed northbound, currently off Lincoln Park, reports Kersti Muul, who tells us, “Some just passed by (Colman) Pool!) And they’re close to this side of the Sound.
3:47 PM: Photos added, thanks to a reader.
This happened around 9:17 pm last night, and we obtained the report narrative from Seattle Police today: They say a man reported that he was robbed at gunpoint at an ATM at the BECU branch in The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW). Here’s the narrative, as redacted by SPD:
XXXX had arrived at the BECU and parked his vehicle on the street. He entered the BECU where there are two ATM machines in a vestibule area. He had $1,200 in 20-dollar bills that he wanted to deposit into his account. The ATM only allows for 30 bills at a time so he deposited $600 and was waiting for the machine to process the amount when he heard someone shouting behind him. (The victim) turned around and saw the suspect standing in the doorway pointing a black handgun at him.
XXXX believed the gun to be real and realized the suspect was shouting at him and demanding his cash. XXXX handed over the remaining $600 cash but the suspect demanded that he take out more cash. XXXX told the suspect that he couldn’t access more cash because the ATM was still processing his deposit. The suspect continued to demand more cash so XXXX stepped to the side to show the suspect the ATM screen.
The suspect fled from the doorway and ran to a dark-colored mid-size sedan that was parked in front of the entrance. The suspect entered through the driver’s-side door and was last seen driving away southbound on Fauntleroy. XXXX was unable to see if there was anyone else inside the vehicle.
XXXX confirmed the suspect description, stating the suspect was shorter than him at approximately 5’7″ to 5’8″ with a thin build. Although the suspect’s face was mostly covered by a face mask, XXXX believes the suspect to be in his late teens to early 20’s and possibly East African [also black long-sleeved hoodie, black “slouched” pants, black shoes] … XXXX also confirmed that there was a witness to the robbery, who briefly followed the suspect vehicle before returning to BECU. …
The witness called also had called 911, and spoke with police during their investigation. The witness told them the robber’s car had “rear-end bumper damage that was covered in tape”; the report says it also had a burned out tail light and no plates. If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 26-243984.
11:43 AM: Police checking out multiple 911 calls about possible gunfire south of The Junction have just confirmed it. Officers report finding casings in an alley west of California SW, near California SW and SW Brandon. No reports of injuries. 911 callers said a small black car might have been associated with this.
11:58 AM: The possibly involved vehicle is also described as having “heavily tinted windows” and might have been spotted “driving erratically” near Fauntleroy and California, so police are on the lookout.
(WSB photos)
12:09 PM: Our photographer found police in the alley north of Brandon, with casing-marker cards in the grass:
If you have any information, the SPD case # is 26-244528.
(Recent photo of two Bald Eagles, sent by Samantha)
Here’s our list of event notes/reminders/listings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUMMER FOOD DRIVE: The food drive is continuing daily at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor) – our story has the list of what is most needed.
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.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: No lunch meeting this week – annual membership picnic.
WADING POOLS OPEN: With sunshine and warm weather expected this afternoon, 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, last week of the season).
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)
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.
RESTAURANT POP-UP: The Neighborhood (6503 California SW) hosts Mariscos Panda again today, 3-8 pm.
CREATIVE SKILLSHARE NIGHT: 4:30-7:30 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
‘IT TAKES A VILLAGE’: Community conversation about safety and gun violence in High Point, 5-7:30 pm at Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW), details in our calendar listing.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases. “Wine wars” in the spotlight tonight – Northwest vs. France.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving 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)
NO INTERFAITH FREEDOM VIGIL THIS WEEK: But organizers say they’ll be back after a few weeks off.
STORY TIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm at Delridge P-Patch (5078 25th SW), weekly story time for kids, followed by a garden activity.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, “Unplugged: A Musical Gathering” is for acoustic musicians and singers of all genres! At C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
OPEN MIC: 6:30 pm signups, 7 pm music – weekly 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.
PAST, PRESENT, ELSEHERE: Listen to full albums at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 7 pm.
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 7 pm – lots of info in our ongoing 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 weekly 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 to play, prizes. (2306 California SW).
KARAOKE AT POGGIE TAVERN: 9 pm until 1:30 am, your turn to sing! (4717 California SW)
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!
Family and friends will gather next month to celebrate the life of Pam Paxton. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing now:
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Pamela “Pam” Paxton (formerly Pam Johnson, née Pam Odegard), who passed away on July 14, 2026 at the age of 79.
Pam was a native of West Seattle, graduating from West Seattle High School in 1965. She then went on to own the Styling Studio Salon, for many years located on Admiral Way. Pam eventually relocated to Des Moines, WA, where she opened Entourage Salon and Spa.
Pam loved life and touched so many in her own way. She loved her family, friends, and her clients, who were also considered family to her.
Pam is survived by her husband, James Paxton, her daughters Tracy Johnson and Michelle Toombs, and her granddaughter Ava Toombs.
There will be a celebration of her life at a private residence in Des Moines on September 12, 2026. If you would like to attend, please send an email to Michelle.toombs7@gmail.com for more information.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast is the same as most recent days – eventual sunshine, high in the mid-to-upper 70s. Sunrise will be at 6:09 am today; sunset will be at 8:15 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.
BRIDGE TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Here are four bridge views from the SDOT map:
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view (reminder, closing this weekend):
1st Avenue South Bridge (NB closes again this weekend):
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!
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