West Seattle, Washington
28 Friday
(2025 WSB photo, Firefighter Story Time at Delridge Library)
We’ve talked a lot about two big events happening Tuesday (August 4) – the election and Night Out – but there’s another notabl, albeit much smaller, event that day: One of the periodic Firefighter Story Times at a local library. These are chances for preschoolers to get to see firefighters and their gear up close, so they might be less scared if they ever have to meet them in an emergency situation. Firefighter Story Times rotate between libraries and this one is at the South Park Library, just over the ridge from West Seattle, and children’s librarian Miss Bea invites all area preschoolers, families, and caregivers to attend, 10:30 am Tuesday, 8604 8th Avenue South [map]. (No registration/RSVP required – just show up.)
Via email: 2012 black Volkswagen Tiguan stolen from 63rd Ave SW near Alki Ave on Saturday afternoon, 8/1, between 1 and 2 p.m. The license plate # is CHN2244. If anyone saw this happen, or sees the car, please let us know. A police report has been filed: 26-225968.
There’s been no word yet if another vehicle was involved, but a scooter rider – described as a man around 60 years old – fell in the 8400 block of 1st Avenue South [vicinity map], just west of Highway 509, and was seriously hurt. Medics just told dispatch he is regaining consciousness, but that stretch of 1st is blocked by the response for now.
5:08 PM: Thanks to Erin for the photo from the Blue Angels‘ downtown flyby during their final 2026 Seafair Airshow performance, wrapped up this past hour. Though yesterday’s wind left them grounded, this afternoon’s clouds and short-lived showers weren’t enough to stop today’s show. They’re scheduled to stay on this side of the continent for much of the month of August, with their airshows the next three weekends in Alaska, Oregon, and Montana. (For those interested in watching their Seattle departure, we’re asking.)
6:30 PM: Thanks to Alki photographer David Hutchinson for sending these views from Don Armeni Boat Ramp:
ADDED MONDAY: Thanks to tipster Angelo for calling to say the word at the Museum of Flight is that they’ll fly out at 2 pm today.
The photo and report were sent by Bob:
This bike has been sitting outside of Buddha Ruksa and Metropolis on Genesee for a couple days.
Our archive of found-bicycle reports is here.
There’s been some chanting and some honking, but otherwise the “Rally for Eduardo” demonstration just south of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market has been relatively low-key. We counted about 30 sign-holders when we got here around 11:15. They’re on the corners and lining the barricaded crosswalk on the market’s south end, where shoppers are strolling by too.
Some participants are marching in Walk-All-Ways when the pedestrian signal is on. Though there are usually demonstrations every Sunday, this was organized by a different group to call attention to Eduardo Aguirre Esparza, the local contractor arrested by ICE north of Morgan Junction a week and a half ago, as reported here. There’s an info table on the KeyBank corner with flyers about his situation as well as local immigrants-rights and rapid-response networks.
We asked an organizer if there’s been any update on this case, and she said as far as they know, he’s still in a detention facility in El Paso, and his family is continuing to push for his release and raising money to support that effort, as well as simply trying to get proof that he’s OK.
Ian and Nora from SDOT are at the KeyBank corner right now with information about Admiral’s planned Lander Pedestrian Street project. This is for the stretch of Lander between Good Society and Lafayette Elementary. The project is still in the very early stage – not even in the official design stage yet – but SDOT is trying to get word out about it, and this is part of the second phase of public events (here’s the flyer). Next one is Wednesday, August 12, 4:30 to 6:30 at the future project site – a “community design charrette.” We asked the SDOT team if the Good Society’s longtime “streatery” is staying, and they said yes. There’s general info about projects like this on this page of the SDOT website. P.S. If you don’t find them at the corner, they might be moving into a booth at the Farmers’ Market, they told us a short time ago.
(Saturday evening photo by Carol Ann Joyce)
Here’s what’s happening on this first Sunday in August, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:
CHINOOK FISHING: Don Armeni Boat Ramp opened at 3 am today for the third day of the season, so if you see a ton of trailers there – and/or boats in the bay – that’s what’s up (as first reported Friday).
WEST SEATTLE RUNNING CLUB: New listing, but not a new group! 8:30 am, meet at Alki Statue of Liberty (61st/Alki) to run with friends old and new.
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club is running from Alki Coffee Co. (2738 Alki SW) today, 9 am.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
RALLY FOR EDUARDO: 10 am-2 pm, California/Alaska, demonstration in support of ICE detainee taken from West Seattle a week and a half ago. BYO sign(s).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Now in summer produce-and-products season, 10 am-2 pm, California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska.
SDOT AT THE MARKET: Along with the vendors, you’ll find an SDOT booth where they’re talking with people today about the Lander Pedestrian Street project in Admiral.
SUNDAYS IN THE ALLEY: While you’re in The Junction, check out the returning weekly summertime party behind Carmilia’s (enter through 4528 California SW)! 10 am-3 pm. Food, vendors, music.
MASTER GARDENERS CLINIC: Back at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm.
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS SALE: In honor of Seafair, sale through Monday at Mountain to Sound Outfitters! (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor)
SPRAYPARK SEASON: Daily splashing at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open today! Need a tool but don’t need/want to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to find it at, and borrow it from, the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESIST: 11:30 am-1:30 pm, weekly action in The Junction.
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, daily public sessions at the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WADING POOLS OPEN TODAY: Forecast is for sunny and 70+ so these two city-run wading pools should be open, both noon-7 pm: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden).
MAKE A PINATA: Summer Quest free piñata-making workshop at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), 2-3:30 pm.
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: You’re welcome Sunday afternoons at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
(Friday photo by Stewart L.)
BLUE ANGELS: Assuming the weather cooperates, final day for the Seafair Airshow, which is performed for a crowd at Lake Washington, but you will usually get a few glimpses of the Blue Angels from West Seattle. They fly at 3:30 pm again today (which usually means commercial air traffic is diverted over south WS), taking off from, and landing at, Boeing Field just east of here.
SIP & SCULPT AT MR. B’S: 6-8 pm, monthly art event at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).
BLACK TEA AT REVELRY ROOM: 7 pm-midnight, nighttime tea service with host Jack Sanders, info and RSVP here. (4547 California SW)
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: Trivia starts at 7:30 pm – free to play, and you can win prizes. (4302 SW Alaska)
SCREAM TIME: 8 pm on the beach at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), Scream Club Seattle gathers again to get it all out, loudly and briefly.
LIVE JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, music to wrap up your weekend – jazz with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Organizing, or assisting with, an event that should be on the WSB community calendar – whether one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Not only did today’s wind ground the Blue Angels, it swept away the giant beach ball during the Alki Beach Pride preview flag event today. But there was a happy ending – we’ll get to that in a bit. First: Alki Beach Pride is celebrating its 12th anniversary, organized by Stacy and Jolie Bass-Walden of Alki, and will be an all-day festival two weeks from today. In advance of that, they again gathered dozens of people at the beach to unfurl giant flags lent by Seattle Pride (which you’ll recall honored Stacy with a major award this year) and Seattle Pride Fest. The event began with the arrival of Dykes on Bikes:
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
Then everybody headed from Blue Moon Burgers across the street to the sand:
The flags were rolled out:
Among the volunteers – District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka:
The giant beach ball joined the party:
As the video atop this story shows, plenty of pep talks, and coaching on doing “The Wave” with “The Flags,” before the ball caught the breeze and flew away:
The ball seemed a potentially lost cause:
The celebration carried on anyway, back at Blue Moon, with DJ Brick the Doll:
Then later in the day, we learned from Alki Beach Pride tonight, the beach ball was recovered and returned:
So all’s well that ends well. This was only the start of the celebration – on Saturday, August 15th, noon-8 pm, the heart of the beach will be alive with music, vendors, food, and community – find the lineups here as the day gets closer.
8:57 PM SATURDAY: Thanks to everyone who’s sent tips about and photos of that sailboat at Constellation Park. Comparing photos with this one we published last Monday, we’re confident in saying it’s the same boat. According to archived SFD radio, their Rescue Boat 5 checked it out twice this afternoon in the 2 pm vicinity, found no one aboard, consulted with the Coast Guard, and notified dispatch it’s a “derelict boat.” As for what happens next, we’ll be inquiring – disposition sometimes takes a while, as you might recall from this saga last year.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON: Thanks to Ted for the photo of the boat this morning. No official updates yet on how this will be addressed.
6:59 PM: Thanks for the tips about a big police/fire response in Riverview. This was originally dispatched as a shooting but the “scenes of violence” SFD response was canceled quickly because no victim was found. They’ve been investigating a report that the victim left the scene in a green pickup truck.
7:14 PM: We’ve gone to the scene in hopes of finding out more about the originally reported circumstances. Our crew says it appears there was gunfire – shell-casing marker placards are visible in the Riverview Playfield parking lot. (Photo added above.)
MONDAY AFTERNOON: We asked SPD for the narrative and received this one-line summary: “A man fired his personal firearm at a vehicle after one of the occupants pepper-sprayed him” along with a note that the incident will be featured on SPD Blotter shortly.
TUESDAY AFTERNOON: The SPD Blotter post wasn’t published until a short time ago. It says:
Detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred in the Riverview Neighborhood on Saturday evening.
Around 6:45 p.m., officers responded to a 911 call from the victim, a 39-year-old man, who said that he had shot at someone. The victim said that he confronted three suspects who he believed were using narcotics in their vehicles near the Riverview Playfield. After speaking to two suspects in a truck, the passenger pepper-sprayed the victim as the truck drove away.
After being pepper-sprayed, victim fired his handgun in the direction of the truck, then called 911 to report the incident.
Officers located the truck and observed a male attempting to hide the bullet holes with duct tape. Officers interviewed the 40-year-old man, who was the driver of the truck, but could not locate the passenger.
Detectives with the Gun Violence Reduction Unit will be conducting the follow-up investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.
The SPD incident # is 26-226140.
(WSB photo, some of the instruments donated last year)
Got one or more musical instruments you don’t need any more? The Rotary Club of West Seattle will accept them in The Junction next Saturday on behalf of Music4Life. As they were last year, Rotary volunteers will be on the KeyBank corner aain, 10 am-2 pm, “to receive and acknowledge donations of gently used musical instruments for repair and refurbishing, to enable students in need to participate in school music programs.” All orchestra and band instruments – especially cornets, clarinets, flutes, and violins – plus guitars will be accepted. The announcement notes:
Many people have lovingly used musical instruments in their garages or attics, or in storage. When reminded, they ask themselves “Why am I still carting this instrument around?” Music4Life understands that some people have precious memories of their used musical instruments. We do not want a reluctant giver. We instead want donors who appreciate the unique value of instrumental music in the life and education of a child-and want all children, regardless of family need, to experience it. Music4Life partners with preferred, local professional music repair shops for discounted restoration of these instruments. At last year’s event, we received 56 instruments to restore and distribute.
So if you have an instrument that fits the description – and if you would be a joyful giver, just bring it to the southwest corner of California/Alaska, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, August 8.
(Photo by Dawn Roeder, from Thursday’s Blue Angels practice flights)
Thanks to Andy for the tip! Just announced by Seafair – the Blue Angels will NOT fly today because it’s too windy. Here’s the statement Seafair posted:
Due to current wind conditions, today’s U.S. Navy Blue Angels performance has been canceled.
Safety remains our highest priority. We appreciate your patience and understanding, and look forward to resuming Seafair Weekend programming tomorrow.
They had been scheduled to go up around 3:30 pm for their second-to-last show of the festival. Tomorrow’s forecast is for much-lighter breezes than today.
This is your last weekend to vote in the August 4 election – ballots are due in drop boxes by 8 pm Tuesday (and if you plan to use USPS mail, do that ASAP to increase the chance it’ll be postmarked by Tuesday). In addition to the Seattle Public Library levy renewal/increase, there are four major races on your primary ballot – for Washington State Supreme Court. Each has at least three candidates, so the primary votes will narrow each race down to two for November. If you have no idea who to support, this might help – the nonpartisan nonprofit League of Women Voters’ Seattle-King County chapter sent word of the LWV’s short video interviews with the candidates. They’re all linked from this page. TVW also has video interviews – start here.
P.S. The West Seattle ballot drop boxes – plus ones in White Center and South Park that might be more convenient if you’re in south WS – are all mapped here. All close at 8 pm Tuesday.
Two notes regarding ongoing ICE operations in our area:
That photo is from one of multiple readers who messaged us about ICE officers detaining someone in Arbor Heights around 10 am. This was reported to be near 39th SW and SW 107th. One witness says, “They just took someone without asking any questions.” The officers were in vests marked POLICE/IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT and were masked and in unmarked vehicles. No information so far on the person they are reported to have taken away. This happened not far from where another arrest was reported in June.
Meantime, a protest is planned in The Junction tomorrow over the recent West Seattle arrest (reported here) of local contractor Eduardo Aguirre Esparza. Organizers have sent this flyer for the event, 10 am-2 pm Sunday near the Farmers’ Market.
You just might find something to do on our Saturday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
(Elliott Bay at sunrise Friday, photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
CHINOOK FISHING: Don Armeni Boat Ramp opened at 3 am today for the second day of the season, so if you see a ton of trailers there – and/or boats in the bay – that’s what’s up (as first reported Friday).
RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: 8:15 am, get your weekend going with an at-your-pace run. (2743 California SW).
FREE MEDITATION: For a calm start to your Saturday, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am, free – details in our calendar listing.
CAMP LONG FUNDRAISER: Today’s the second of three dates with two times the high-ropes course at Camp Long is open as a fundraiser, 9 am and 1 pm sessions. (5200 35th SW)
WEST SEATTLE TAE KWON DO: August’s first class is 9:30 am at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW), all levels welcome.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: New location this season! 10 am-2 pm, shop for fruit and vegetables, prepared food and beverages, artisan body care, more … (9th SW and SW Henderson)
DACHSHUND WALK: 10 am Saturdays, bring your dachshund to Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki) for a group walk.
MASTER GARDENERS AT DELRIDGE HOME DEPOT: Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm – take them your toughest garden questions and get free expert answers! (Delridge/Orchard)
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: Back today, 10:30 am, free, in-person, active writing group – see our calendar listing for info on how to participate.
ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: 11 am, meet at Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) after registering here.
SPRAYPARK SEASON: Rain or shine, the season continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
ALKI BEACH PRIDE PREVIEW FLAG-WAVING: 11:30 am, meet up at Blue Moon Burgers (2504 Alki SW), then head to the sand – dozens of volunteers needed to help unfurl/wave two giant Pride flags as a preview to the Alki Beach Pride festival (two weeks away) – just show up!
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, swim in the outdoor saltwater pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW); rain or shine, here’s the session schedule.
WADING POOLS: Since today’s forecast says clouds/showers are possible, the two West Seattle wading pools usually open Saturdays might not be; call the hotline at 206-684-7796 to check after 9 am – if they do open, it would be Hiawatha (2700 California SW) noon-5:30 pm and Lincoln Park noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Monthly Saturday postcard-writing session at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room and Wine Bar offers student-produced wines, tasting flights, and casual food pairings while supporting hands-on winemaking and hospitality education. Each tasting and purchase directly contributes to student production, education, and training opportunities.
FREE MASSAGE CLINIC: The walk-in clinic is back at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.
(Friday photo by Bob Spears)
BLUE ANGELS: UPDATE – Canceled because of wind. Second of three days for the Seafair Airshow, which is performed for a crowd at Lake Washington, but you will usually get a few glimpses of the Blue Angels from West Seattle. They fly at 3:30 pm again today (which usually means commercial air traffic is diverted over south WS), taking off from, and landing at, Boeing Field just east of here.
SALSA DANCING ON ALKI: Lessons and dancing, starting at 4:30 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza, details here.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, Circle of Songs monthly showcase at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
BASEBALL: 6:05 pm, final home game of the season for the DubSea Fish Sticks at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, vs. Elevate Northwest. Online tickets sold out (but you can check at the stadium).
BANDS AT THE SKYLARK: Matt Kolbe, Chalk Murphy, Corey and the Tribe at The Skylark, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, $10, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘INFERNO’ AT KENYON HALL: Experience a historic film with a live score, 7:30 pm, details and ticket link here. (7904 35th SW)
REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: 9 pm with DJ Jenngreen. (4547 California SW)
SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING: 9 pm to midnight, skate at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 (plus $5 skate rental).
KARAOKE AT TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm Megastar Karaoke at Max’s Triangle Pub (9454 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday night karaoke with Rone, 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Planning a West Seattle event that’s open to the community? Tell us about it; calendar listings are free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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