West Seattle, Washington
23 Saturday
(Google Maps Street View image)
The parking lot shared by High Point Library and the Neighborcare Health clinic has been a hub of trouble and concern for years – with incidents like this – and it’ll be the subject of a community-safety meeting in two weeks. We were asked to help get the word out, so here’s the announcement:
Community Safety Meeting : High Point Neighborcare & High Point Library Parking Lot
Thursday, September 4, 2025 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
High Point Seattle Public Library – 3411 SW Raymond StCommunity safety meeting with the hopes of hearing from community members in the High Point area about concerns related to this parking lot. All are welcome.
Organizers hope to have representatives from not only the library and clinic, but also SPD, High Point community groups, the Seattle Housing Authority, and City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s office.
Four outdoor movies ahead to enjoy late summer in West Seattle! And three of them come with a pre-movie bonus activity:
(Photo courtesy Camp Long)
CAMP LONG’S CHOICES, WITH A BONUS: That’s the view of Camp Long‘s movie screen from atop Schurman Rock. The park was planning on three outdoor movies but hadn’t announced which movies they’d show – until today – plus they’ve added a pre-movie activity. From Camp Long’s Matt Kostle:
We are starting this Friday with The Wild Robot and going every other Friday after that, so the lineup looks like this:
Friday, August 22nd: The Wild Robot
Friday, September 5th: Inside Out 2
Friday, September 19th: Jumanji (1995)All movies start after dusk as soon as the projector is bright enough!
Before movies start in the evening, we will have free-to-the-public rock climbing on Schurman Rock. This will be put on through support of our Camp Long Climbing Corps volunteers! We will have the area roped off but will have signups down at the bottom of the rock where the trail opens to the field. This will run approximately from 5-7 pm before movies and will then have a break while we tear down before it gets too dark and while we are setting up the movie equipment. So come, get some rock climbing in for a bit, and take a break to get settled in before the movie starts!
Once again all of this is possible through the generous work of our Camp Long Advisory Council!
MAARTEN PARK MOVIE REMINDER: This Friday also brings another movie in the mini-park by West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd SW/SW Juneau). The reminder was sent by Marcy:
This Friday is Movies in the Park, featuring “The Emperor’s New Groove.”
Kicks off at sundown.
Free! Invite your friends!
Let’s fill up Maarten Park!
Bring your own chair and/or blanket. Maarten Park’s final movie of the season will be “Star Wars” Episode 4 on September 12.
5:01 PM: There’s no formal traffic alert about it yet but the low bridge is closed for surface traffic – bicycle traffic in particular is backing up – and a texter says it’s been closed for more than 20 minutes. We’re checking with SDOT.
5:09 PM: Just got this reply, “There is an issue and maintenance in the way. Don’t know ETA on reopening and what the issue is. It is stuck.” It was already set to be shut down all next weekend (starting at 7 am Saturday, August 23) for work to repair a part that SDOT explains “controls how fast the bridge opens.”
5:19 PM: The live camera shows the bicyclists are going around the bridge gates. Not an option for the motor-vehicle drivers, who are turning around to leave the bridge.
6:40 PM: Not fixed yet and no ETA from SDOT yet.
9:40 PM: Open again. We’ll follow up tomorrow on the cause.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Uncertainty.
That’s the word that arose again and again during a West Seattle small-business roundtable discussion this afternoon, led by Seattle Port Commission president Toshiko Hasegawa with state Commerce Department director Joe Nguyen. They talked at Gary’s Place on Alki with the arcade’s owners Elyssa and Matt Cichy, Greg Whittaker of Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) and Alki Kayak Tours, Dave McCoy of Emerald Water Anglers, Julie Mierzwiak of Realfine Coffee, Dan McKisson of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union, Rachel Porter of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Chris Mackay of the West Seattle Junction Association, and Jordan Crawley, who operates Alki Beach Academy and is on the WSCC board.
The purpose of the by-invitation gathering was to find out how tariffs are affecting small local businesses. This is how it began, starting with an explanation by Lindsay Wolpa of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, the cargo-shipping joint port authority of Seattle and Tacoma – and continuing with remarks by Hasegawa – whose port presidency also means she’s co-chair of the alliance’s managing members – and Nguyen:
The uncertainty really hits hard as businesses try to plan in advance, not knowing what will be happening, how things will be changing, how prices will be changing. You can get some of the sense of that listening to this excerpt of the conversation, starting with Whittaker, whose shop focuses on seasonal merchandise – mountain and water gear:
McCoy said he deals with about 140 vendors, and around 120 of them have raised prices from three to 11 percent “since the tariff war began.” Some have tried to absorb it, but have warned that they eventually will have to pass it on. And less revenue for businesses, because of higher costs, means less money to employ people. McCoy, whose shop is focused on fishing and other outdoor gear and apparel, said “volume” is all that’s been keeping him afloat.
The tariff situation isn’t just a matter of one country here and one country there – McCoy and Whittaker talked about merchandise made with materials from a multitude of countries: “It’s so complex, I don’t feel like I have any control.”
For the Cichys, buying what they need to run arcades is a challenge too. “We’re blowing our budget to get what we need,” said Elyssa. Matt added, “We don’t know what kind of price increase we’re going to face. … It’s stressful.” So far, they are trying to avoid passing price increases through to their customers. “We’re trying to make an accessible place for everyone.”
It’s not only about prices/costs, observed some of the participants. “Uncertainty decreases innovation,” Whittaker said.
Hasegawa and Nguyen asked the business owners what kind of resources they use to find out about tariffs, about loan/grant opportunities, and other information vital to keeping their doors open. The two business organizations represented at the gathering – the Chamber of Commerce and the Junction Association – talked about how they try to help their members with that.
But ultimately, it would be ideal if this weren’t happening at all, said Nguyen: “What’s frustrating is that this is all so unnecessary.”
Further up the supply chain, McKisson talked about how longshore workers are affected. Port cargo traffic has been “volatile,” it was noted earlier, and that volatility translates into work uncertainty for those whose jobs depend on shipping.
He wasn’t the only one who talked about how the situation has affected employees – their wages don’t go so far because of the rising prices in the greater economy, and they have to focus on essentials, maybe even get a second job. Hasegawa expressed admiration for their efforts to keep their businesses going and keep their staffs employed. “So much resilience,” she observed, then asking: What kind of community support are you getting/giving?
Business owners talked about encouraging customers to support other local businesses too, trying to find ways to help people understand the importance. Business organization leaders spoke about the events they’ve organized to bring people into local businesses, such as The Junction’s festivals and Wine Walks.
When a chance for media Q&A arose at the end, we asked Hasegawa what she planned to do with/about all the stories she’d heard during the roundtable. She said the port and NWSA are continuing to directly communicate with the federal government about the effects that tariffs and other policies are having, and that’ll also happen during a trip next month to D.C.
But ultimately, local advocacy and support will make the biggest difference, Nguyen suggested: “We can’t control what happens in the White House, but we can control what happens in our neighborhoods.”
Il Nido, the restaurant that operates in the landmark Alki Homestead/Fir Lodge building at 2717 61st SW, has just announced a temporary closure for emergency repairs. Here’s the announcement they sent us to share with you:
Dear Il Nido guests: We are closing Tuesday, August 26th to Monday, September 1st for emergency repairs to our kitchen floor. Please pardon this inconvenience, it is always our pleasure to welcome guests, but this is an unavoidable occurrence. We are hoping to reopen on Tuesday, September 2nd.
If you would like to help us reopen Il Nido by purchasing a Gift Card online, we would love your support! Your purchase will cover costs for labor, food, and beverages as we finish repairs. Once we reopen, redeem your Gift Card for dinner with us. Despite being busy, our margins are slim and this closure is financially challenging. We aim to complete repairs quickly without borrowing money. Many Seattle restaurants have closed recently, highlighting industry challenges. The Il Nido team values being part of the West Seattle community and wants to keep welcoming you to the historic Fir Lodge cabin.
Cameron Williams & Chef Katie Gallego
Il Nido Restaurant at the Alki Homestead
Owners-Partners
(The hard-hat crows are a reference to the restaurant’s logo, which includes a crow; “Il Nido” is Italian for “the nest.”)
Another stolen vehicle to keep watch for. The report was sent by Tricia:
Stolen Silver Gray 1991 Jeep Cherokee on 8/19/2025 – approximately 5:45 pm Westwood Village (by Target)
Plate CLX-6750
If spotted in Seattle, SPD says call 911 and give the Police Report number: 25-239625
The next Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup is exactly one month away – Saturday, September 20, 9 am to 3 pm in the lot at 9140 California SW. It’s a chance to drive up, ride up, walk up with no-longer-needed items and drop them off, free. That is, provided they’re on the “will accept” list for the church’s longtime partner in this twice-yearly event, 1 Green Planet. The list can vary so check out the one provided specifically for this date:
Here’s a PDF version of that same list.
The report was sent by Kate:
Yesterday at approximately 2:45 PM [near 22nd/Trenton], we heard a commotion in our backyard. When my husband looked outside, he saw two teenage boys throwing rocks at our windows. He ran out to confront them, but they had already fled.
We decided to drive around the area to see if we could find anything and soon encountered a neighbor who reported that the same individuals had thrown an object and shattered the rear windshield of her car.
As we continued driving, we spoke with several other neighbors who shared similar experiences. Based on what we gathered, the incidents appear to have started around 2:20 PM near SW Thistle and the alley between 22nd Ave SW and 24th Ave SW. The teenagers then moved southbound down the alley, throwing rocks, soda bottles, and other objects at homes and vehicles, eventually ending their path at SW Henderson Street.
A police report has been filed (Incident # 25-238883). If anyone has video footage or additional information and would like to share, please feel free to add it to the incident report.
The image is a cropped screengrab from security video.
(Tuesday sunset, photographed by Gene Pavola)
Here’s our list of quick reminders about what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly as featured on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUMMER FOOD: Go here for info on multiple sites/times/days in West Seattle where kids can get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks during summer break – last week of the program.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (this is a last-minute reminder, so set your calendar for next Wednesday morning if interested!).
KIDS’ STORY TIME AT WEST SEATTLE MERCANTILE: 10:30 am, story time and crafts, this week inspired by the book “The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!.” (3270 California SW)
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW)
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
ALSO AT HIGHLAND PARK PLAYGROUND: Learn to break! Beginners welcome too. Free 11 am class. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: The open-every-day season continues at Lincoln Park‘s outdoor, heated salt-water pool! Noon-7 pm; see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WADING POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), the wading pool is expected to be open noon-7 pm.
REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, 2-4:30 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix that broken gizmo instead of tossing it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
SUMMER DRAG BINGO: 6 pm, play at Pine Lake Cellars (5405 California SW), check first to get a reservation.
OPEN STUDIO AT POTTERINGS: 6 pm, stop in and let your creative self be free! Our calendar listing has the sign-up link and details. (3400 Harbor SW)
FREE ART CLASS: 6 pm, pay what you can, all levels invited to explore watercolors at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).
FREE QI-GONG CLASS: 6 pm, meet at south lot of Lincoln Park. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly happy-hour meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: An energetic way to enjoy your evening – join the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome.
ALSO AT WS RUNNER – MARATHON TRAINING INFO: The free training session for intermediate/advanced runners who want to get ready for the Seattle Marathon is tonight at West Seattle Runner, 6:30 pm.
GAMES IN THE PARK FOR GROWNUPS: 6:30 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), meet in the north lot.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
MUSIC BINGO x 2: at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm, and monthly MINGO at Three9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), 7:30 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday list: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) at 7 pm … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 8 pm … Quiz Night also starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and it’s an 8:30 pm start for trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: You can be in the spotlight – 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SALSA & BACHATA CLASS: Open-level class with BALORICO at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW), 8 pm.
Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The next Intergenerational Theatre Project has adult participants and is ready to welcome teens too. Here’s the announcement:
CALLING ALL TEENS
for the Fall session of the BAYFEST Intergenerational Theatre Project!
Open-to-All Intro Session Saturday, August 23
Would you like to perform and have fun with people of all ages?
7-10 teens and 7-10 senior adults, chosen by BAYFEST for this exciting, fun and collaborative project, will form the Fall 2025 “Intergen” Cohort, following the success of our first cohort this past winter/spring. The group willmeet every few weeks over several months (usually on a weekend morning) in West Seattle for a fun, meaningful learning process, using theatre games and exercises, guided discussions, participant writing and collaboration. The project will start with an open-to-all intro session (no obligation to continue) on Saturday, August 23rd from 10 AM – 1 PM at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle Street) NO THEATRE EXPERIENCE NECESSARY and the Project is COMPLETELY FREE to all chosen participants!
Questions? Contact director Robert Shampain at bayfestyouththeatre@gmail.com.
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, then clearing, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:12 am; sunset will be at 8:11 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Overnight Highway 99 tunnel closures for resurfacing are scheduled to continue tonight – details here.
–Admiral Way Bridge seismic work continues.
-The low bridge is scheduled to close this weekend, starting at 7 am Saturday, continuing as late as 10 pm Sunday.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, and on other weeknights with Mariners home games.
STADIUM ZONE
Sounders FC hosts Club Puebla, 8 pm.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
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!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Rachel Glass didn’t know what to do.
Like many people she’d spoken to about the federal changes, cuts, contractions, orders in the past half-year, she felt scared and overwhelmed. She observed that people who felt the way she does were asking, what are the Democrats doing? How are they stepping up?
She realized, “We can’t leave it all to leaders – we have to do stuff too – we have to step out and start fighting back.”
So she took action. Glass is first vice chair of our area’s largest political organization, the 34th District Democrats, as well as chair of its Programs Committee. She decided to plan a program that could bring hope and information, restore some of the dignity she feels the Trump Administration has “taken away … everything is so cruel, so humiliating.” The program, she thought, could inspire and bolster courage and empathy.
This would take more than an hour. More than two hours. More than three hours.
Her program is going to span 25 hours.
“Bend It Like Booker” will start at 10 am Saturday (August 23) and run just past 11 am Sunday (August 24), at the Machinists Union Hall in South Park. The time span, and part of the title, are inspired, Glass explains, by New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker‘s 25-hour speech on the Senate floor last March 31-April 1, deemed the “longest individual floor speech ever delivered.” The “Bend It” part of the title is after the soccer movie “Bend It Like Beckham.”
“Bend It Like Booker” won’t be any one person’s marathon speech; Glass has dozens of speakers lined up. No open mic, but she doesn’t envision it as a passive audience-sits-and-listens event; she hopes those who attend will talk to each other, learn from each other, and enjoy music and food, “because we’re going to be up all night!” She knows many won’t be able, and/or won’t want to devote 25 hours to it, so “Bend It Like Booker” also will be streamed, so people can attend from anywhere. “Wherever you can, whenever you can, however you can!” Glass declares.
She feels that “celebrating who we are as a people” is “a way we can fight back – fight for our dignity and humanity.” The speakers will do that by telling their stories, she says, in the way that Sen. Booker spent his 25 hours telling the stories of hundreds of people. Glass also has been collecting stories that will be read during “Bend It Like Booker.” As for those telling their own stories, many on Glass’s speaker lineup are people you might not have heard of – see the names and topics here – there will be some well-known political leaders too, including state and local Democratic luminaries.
She’s tried to contact Sen. Booker to invite him too – at least to provide a video greeting – but hasn’t yet heard back. Hope springs eternal.”This is something bigger than all of us. … We’re going to stand together, find our courage and motivation.”
And, she says, learn from people whose experiences have parallels, like a couple that came here from Russia. And learn from those who’ve been directly impacted by federal cuts and changes already, like someone whose job at the Veterans Administration was cut.
They’re charging a $10 donation for either in-person or online donation, to cover costs. If you’re attending in person, the doors really will be open for the entire 25-hour span, whenever you want to show up; the hall is at 9125 15th Place S. [map].
(Seattle City Light photos)
8:15 PM: “It’s an insane mess down here.” That’s how one resident describes the scene as Seattle City Light crews continue working to reconnect more than 40 North Delridge homes that have been without power for about 18 hours, since tree trouble took out lines and poles in and around the 4800 block of 26th SW around 2 am.
City Light says it’s hoping to get everyone back on “early tomorrow morning.” According to SCL, they’ve had to replace multiple “severely damaged poles” – the resident says the damaged poles stretch from Delridge Playfield to SW Hudson. and says one house is damaged too. Here’s the current outage zone:
The outage originally cut power to more than 6,700 customers but most of them were back on relatively quickly.
12:29 AM: The 44 in North Delridge are still out, per SCL’s map.
8:37 AM: Still out; crews have worked through the night, neighbor Hillary notes in a comment below.
11:32 AM: Neighbor Michael says the power came back around 9 am (after 31 hours); we’ve been off the desk a while, but checking the SCL map, the outage is indeed now shown as fully resolved.
Just wrapping up on SW Henderson west of 35th SW, The Birdhouse‘s dinner pop-up benefiting the Fauntleroy Fall Festival was a hit. When we stopped by for photos around 5:30, the line for the order/pick up window stretched around the corner. Tables – loaned by DSquared, whose Reed Haggerty is a festival organizer – were full of people dining from the barbecue-centered menu and chatting with neighbors.
The Fauntleroy Community Association doesn’t present the festival but supports it and was part of an info-table there too:
The donation box is a reminder that the festival runs on donations and volunteer power – it’s exactly two months away, on Sunday, October 19, 2-5 pm in and around Fauntleroy Church, YMCA, and Schoolhouse.
Need material for an outdoor project before the colder, darker season rolls in? West Seattle Landscape & Stone Supply (WSB sponsor) wants to share the news that they’ve upgraded their online ordering for you:
West Seattle Landscape & Stone Supply keeps growing!
Paul here with West Seattle Landscape & Stone Supply to tell you that our website keeps growing. Your best option for bulk material delivery, keeps getting easier!
-Up-front pricing on every product by the cubic yard or ton
-Filter & sort our entire catalog by type, price, color, and size
-Estimate quantities with confidence; every product page shows coverages per yard or yields per ton
-Request your materials with a few clicks, no commitment necessary, totally free!
-See for yourself at www.westseattlestone.comPaul & Jeff still do old-school customer service by following up with you to confirm everything and answer any questions you have before we set up payment and your delivery appointment.
There’s still plenty of beautiful summer weather left, so grab your shovel and get in touch – we’re ready to rock & roll!
With gratitude,
Paul & Jeff206-763-7625 | wslandscapesupply@gmail.com
(WSB photo, The Mount concert, August 1)
This year’s Summer Concerts at The Mount (WSB sponsor) will go into the books as just one concert. For the third consecutive week, The Mount has sent word they have to cancel:
Due to recent COVID-19 cases and recommended health precautions, the Summer Concert originally scheduled for August 22 at Providence Mount St. Vincent has been canceled. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution to prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents and community.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back to the concerts next year!
The one concert that did happen was back on August 1, when Danny Vernon presented The Illusion of Elvis (WSB coverage here). The canceled concerts were to feature a Frank Sinatra tribute, a country group, and a big band.
(Added: WSB/WCN photo, today)
As we first reported in June, the former KFC/A&W at 16th/102nd in White Center is becoming a Wendy’s. A spokesperson for the franchisee just sent word of the opening date. From the announcement:
The new Wendy’s location, situated on the corner of 16th Avenue and SW 102nd Street, is scheduled to open on Friday, August 29, bringing Wendy’s signature “Fresh, Famous Food” to even more guests in the community.
The new restaurant is designed with the modern customer in mind, featuring:
-Digital ordering kiosks
-Dedicated mobile and delivery pick-up points
=An enhanced pick-up window experience …In addition to serving great food, Wendy’s proudly supports the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption®, which works to dramatically increase the number of adoptions of children waiting in North America’s foster -care system.
Dave Thomas was the founder of Wendy’s, which started in 1969. The franchisee that will operate the White Center restaurant, WTC Ventures, has more than 90 other Wendy’s, including the one in Burien.
(2024 WSB photo)
West Seattle’s last big festival of summer, the Admiral Block Party, is now only four days away. It’s happening in the street, California Avenue SW north of SW Admiral Way, all day on Saturday, with a Friday night “Pre-Party” as the street closes Friday afternoon for setup. No repeat of last year’s chilly, soggy weather – the forecast is for sunshine and 80s!
Not only will the temperature be up from last year – so will the number of vendors and organizations you’ll see in the street. More than 30 this time, compared to 20+ in 2024. Here’s the list we just received from Dan Jacobs of the Admiral Neighborhood Association, which is presenting the Block Party (now in its third year, previously called the Admiral Funktion):
Alki Bike and Board
Sam Day Illustrator
West Seattle Bowl
West Seattle Food Bank
A Living Canvas
Lafayette Elementary PTA
Anytime Fitness
Fit Bar Superfood Cafe
Dippys Ice Cream
New Leaf Bistro
West Seattle Coworking
My NecessiTea
Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce
Timeless Kitchen Design
The Little Merle
Hoste
la La’s lemonade
Admiral Neighborhood Association
Emerald City Threads
Verdant Crumb
West Seattle Mercantile
Julie Morgan Ceramics
PMA Magazine
Seattle Police SW Precinct
Seattle Fire Department
Firefly Beauty Collective
Seattle Emergency Hubs
Club Branching Out
Wading Bucket
Fostering Growth LLC
The Admiral Theater
Sopranos Pizza and Pasta
The booths will open at 10 am Saturday and will stay open until at least 6 pm (after that, it’s up to the individual vendors/organizations when they want to wrap up). Main-stage music starts at 11 am and will go until about 9 (last act is the Cult tribute band Sun King, starting around 7:45). (Enjoy music and sidewalk cafés during the Friday Pre-Party too!) Come hang out with your neighbors, support and learn about your local businesses, enjoy food and drink … and the summery weather. See you there.
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
Another late edition of the daily reminder list, thanks to very-early-morning breaking news – here’s what we have, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH TRANSFER STATION CLOSURE CONTINUES: Through month’s end – if you have to haul something, find an alternative, or wait.
SUMMER FOOD: This is the last week for multiple sites availablein West Seattle for kids to get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks while school is out, as noted here.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are invited to 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.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: In operation every day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch meeting at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW) spotlights Impact West Seattle.
COLMAN POOL: The outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is also open, with sessions between noon and 7 pm. Fee.
WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is the last city-run wading pool in operation, noon-7 pm. Free.
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING CANCELED: 2 pm weekly meeting is canceled as the council’s recess continues.
COMMUNITY NOTARY DAY: Need something notarized? Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) is hosting another Community Notary Day, 4-6 pm.
FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL BENEFIT BBQ BLOCK PARTY: 5-7 pm, SW Henderson is closed in front of The Birdhouse (35th/Henderson, west side of intersection), for a dinner pop-up with part of the proceeds going to the Fauntleroy Fall Festival (which is now two months away)! Our preview includes a menu link; the “block party” plan includes tables and chairs so you can dine there!
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 bring your own.
FREE DROP-IN ROCK CLIMBING: As previewed here, West Seattle park Camp Long (5200 35th SW) is offering free climbing at Schurman Rock on Tuesday nights this month! Two sessions, first come/first served, 5-6 pm and 6:30-7:30 pm, and you can arrive up to half an hour early to get your spot.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS! The monthly evening get-together is scheduled tonight at 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander).
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: At 6:15 pm, meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
CREATE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), register in advance to work on your project(s).
PFLAG WEST SEATTLE: Monthly meeting of this support group, 7 pm at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill).
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has details on registering before you go.
BINGO X 2: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW) … Talarico’s Pizzeria also offers 8 pm bingo (4718 California SW).
OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).
TRIVIA X 4: Four places for Tuesday night trivia – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW).
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather September 13 to remember Denise Small, and are sharing this remembrance with her community:
To Denise Small’s friends and family, she was a positive force, a loyal friend, a hard worker dedicated to her goals, an amazing sister, daughter, partner, and friend, someone who never gave up, whose “lists contained lists,” and whose legendary catchphrases included “Make it happen for yourself!” and “Everybody’s a winner!” “Work with what you got!” “Spin it up!”
To all of them, Denise Small is enormously missed.
Before Denise left this world on May 29, 2025, she spent every moment of it living her life to the fullest.
Born in Tukwila, Denise went to school in the Highline School District at McMicken Heights Elementary,
Chinook Junior High, and Tyee High School, where she graduated in 1985.Denise dove straight into the business world, earning a degree at ITT Peterson and eventually joining the Minolta company in Seattle, where her top sales earned her a spot in the President’s Club for five years in a row.
At Minolta, Denise met Jill Keeton, who remembers, “Denise was in a role that was foreign to me—a member of the diva club that I admired from afar. But we clicked.” What followed were 26 years of “friendship that was unwavering. Nothing was off the table in discussion. Trust. Kindness. Laughs. Tears. Frustrations. Worry.” Denise and Jill traveled together, enjoyed meals everywhere “from crazy Denny’s to the sophisticated Top of the Mark,” and on many adventures, Denise would remind Jill with one of her famous catchphrases, “We got this!”
Denise’s love for travel was legendary; she shared in recent years that she didn’t need to make a bucket list because she’d already visited so many places across the Pacific Northwest and the world. Jill remembers trips to Rome, Paris, Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas, San Francisco, and LA, as well as “Spa days. Band days. A TMZ bus trip and seeing Leonardo di Caprio’s house. No whys needed — it was all fun.”
A favorite trip of longtime friend Chris Assau was to Chile, where his father, a concert pianist, was being honored with a museum. “Denise got on Chile TV on a late-night TV show discussing classical music,” he recounts. “It was an unprepared cameo!”
Denise was known for hitting “any spa, anywhere, anytime,” says her partner Randy. “Denise loved it all. In recent years, she loved our annual trip to the Sol Duc hot springs in Olympic National Park.”
Randy first met Denise at Seattle nonprofit Northwest Center (NWC), where Denise worked for 21 years before retiring in 2024. Denise was devoted to her work at NWC, which provides services to children and adults with disabilities, making a huge impact on the organization’s marketing efforts and helping make NWC’s iconic Big Blue Truck a regional household name.
Denise progressed through roles as NWC’s Business Development Manager, Director of Marketing, Senior Director of Operations of The Big Blue Truck, and eventually Vice President. She was known for her marketing and operations know-how and her ability to plan and execute incisive strategy and complex, multi-channel campaigns while enlisting countless coworkers and myriad business and media contacts to ensure success. She led Northwest Center’s 50th anniversary marketing campaign including brainstorming creative strategy and securing major media sponsorships.
“Denise brought an open, creative, never-say-no attitude that made for an amazingly good time on any business development project that involved her,” Randy remembers. He loved Denise’s positive energy, a sentiment shared by many who knew her.
While Denise loved exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states in her vintage Pleasure-Way camper van, you could also spot the camper on many summer days in scenic areas like Alki Beach. A longtime West Seattle resident, Denise adored West Seattle Summer Fest, where for several years she hosted a booth for The Big Blue Truck. She frequented neighborhood art walks, plant sales, outdoor movies, concerts, and nearly every restaurant, coffee shop, store, and nightspot the area had to offer. Denise participated in many West Seattle Community Garage Sale Days with her friend Chris, including the most recent sale on May 10, 2025. She also got the most out of what she called “deck life,” enjoying family, friends, and her beloved parakeets on her sunny front deck, perched on a hill with views of lush firs and the top half of Mt. Rainier.
Even when Denise was going through cycles of cancer tests and treatments, she remained a loyal and involved sister, daughter, and friend. She took trips to Montana to visit family, treated her dad to steak and lobster dinners and theater events prior to his death in 2018, and acted as a caregiver and advocate when her mother’s health began to decline. And she never seemed too tired to share one more story, stay for one more nightcap, enjoy one last number from the band, or try one more new thing: on her last New Year’s Eve, Denise tried a King Crab leg for the very first time.
“Denise will be remembered as the ginger she was, as a baller, as the person who spun it up [another famous catchphrase] and made it happen,” says her sister Jody Huber.
“She was my compass, taught me what was important in life,” says Chris.
And when Randy sums up what advice he thinks Denise would want everyone to take, he also sums up her remarkable spirit: “Do not hold back. Do what you dream of. Make it happen for yourself.”
Denise Small left this world surrounded by loved ones, of whom there were many. She will be greatly missed by her loving partner Randy Stockton, mother DeAn Small, brother Darrin Small, sister Jody (Greg) Huber, and nephews and niece Shawn, Dalya, and Ben. She was preceded in death by her father Richard Small. Her absence is keenly felt by countless friends including Jill, Natalie, Lydia, Chris, Laura and Nicole, her little birds, and legions of friends and colleagues across the Seattle region in the disability, marketing, media, nonprofit, and business communities.
A celebration of Denise’s life will be held in West Seattle on September 13th, 2025, at the Dakota Place Park Building from 12 to 4 pm, 4304 SW Dakota.
(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)
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Let us know if you encounter any flashing signals or other holdovers from this morning’s big but mostly short-lived power outage.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:11 am; sunset will be at 8:13 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Overnight Highway 99 tunnel closures for resurfacing are scheduled to continue tonight – details here.
–Admiral Way Bridge seismic work continues.
-The low bridge is scheduled to close this weekend, Saturday-Sunday, August 23-24, for cylinder work. (We’ee re-verifying specifics with SDOT.)
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, and on other weeknights with Mariners home games.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
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!
2:17 AM: More than 6,800 customers are out, mostly in north West Seattle. Cause unknown so far.
2:22 AM UPDATE: Apparently it’s a tree into wires in the 4800 block of 26th SW. SFD is en route.
2:33 AM UPDATE: SPD dispatch also has broadcast a report of a “split pole” in the 4700 block of 25th SW. … Previous outage was this same time of the morning, 2 am-ish, last Wednesday; in that one, a tree fell into a line south of The Junction, affecting 2,000 fewer customers than this outage.
2:43 AM: The firefighters that just arrived told dispatch “multiple trees, multiple lines” are down and suggested they warn City Light this is going to be “a big job.” … Dispatch just told SFD that the outage has “affected a pump station” which in turn might mean lower water pressure.
3:01 AM: Two people have texted that their power’s back on; still waiting for SCL map to update. In many outages (like last Wednesday), some get their power back relatively quickly, others are hours later.
3:06 AM: Map now updated – fewer than 300 customers still out, mostly in North Delridge:
There’s also a pocket of 16 customers still out on Alki, west side of Duwamish Head.
9:26 AM: City Light shows 40+ customers still out. A reader has sent photos of the scene:
Summer’s not over yet!
Tonight’s golden sunset – and some pink highlights – was captured by three photographers. Above, from David Hutchinson; below, from Doug Eglington:
And from Curry Gibson:
We note the sunset times (sunrise too) in the traffic roundup every weekday morning, and we’re a little sad to see that the last 8 pm sunset is a week from tomorrow.
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