West Seattle, Washington
05 Sunday
With Halloween now less than two weeks away, we’re continuing to spotlight what is, and isn’t, happening:
WESTWOOD VILLAGE: As with The Junction and The Admiral District, this annual business trick-or-treating is canceled, the center’s management announced today. They’re having an online photo contest instead – details here.
GRACE CHURCH: The church at 10323 28th SW is having a Fall Festival on Halloween, with afternoon drive-thru trunk-or-treating followed by a drive-in movie:
Grace Church Fall Festival – Trunk or Treat and Drive-In Movie Showing of Monsters, Inc.
3 pm – 5 pm, Drive Thru Trunk or Treat, 5 pm – 7:30 pm Drive-In Movie
Join us for the 2020 Grace Church Fall Festival! Stop by the Drive Thru Trunk or Treat for candy and spooky delights and then come back for a fun, family-friendly drive-in movie experience at 5 pm! The People’s Burger food truck will be on site providing food for purchase beginning at 4pm.
Price: Free – Grace Church will be collecting non-perishable food for donation to the White Center Food Bank upon arrival.
Where do I get tickets? Tickets are required for the Drive-In Movie and can be reserved here. No tickets required for drive-thru Trunk or Treat
Other details and safety measures:
Food for purchase will be available from The People’s Burger food truck. Masks are required when you are outside of our vehicle.
Candy will be available via a socially distant car drop-off. Trick or Treat!
P.S. We’re still collecting decoration locations to launch a list later this week! westseattleblog@gmail.com with or without a photo – thank you!
Halloween is two weeks from tonight. The Duwamish Tribe Longhouse has just announced that it’ll welcome trick-or-treaters in pandemic-era style, with drive-up trick-or-treating. 2-5 pm on Halloween (Saturday, October 31st), you’re welcome to drive/ride into the Longhouse’s parking lot at 4705 West Marginal Way SW to get a “Halloween goodie bag.” Just one thing the Longhouse asks in return: “It’s critical that we keep our communities safe this holiday season, so please wear a mask in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.”
P.S. We’re still collecting decoration locations – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Halloween is now 2 1/2 weeks away. By reader request, we’re compiling a list of West Seattle decoration locations to visit – so many are already in the spirit! Thanks to everyone who’s already sent tips since we first mentioned this last week. In case you missed it, we wanted to publish this reminder – let us know where you’ve seen exceptional Halloween displays, and whether they’re best seen by day or night (illuminated) or both – photos appreciated but not mandatory. westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
When we mentioned this last week, a comment discussion spun off on the topic of trick-or-treating, and whether families plan to do it this year. Opinions were mixed. We’ve since heard from one reader “wondering what the consensus is around trick or treating? … We plan on lowering candy down in a bucket from our deck into our yard.” Public Health-Seattle King County is recommending “other options,” but if you do decide to trick-or-treat and/or hand out treats, the agency has some safety tips. What’s your plan?
Thanks to Forest for the reminder to remind you that there’s no USPS mail today, and post offices are closed, because of the federal holiday for Columbus Day; it’s a bank holiday, too (though not a mandatory observance). At the local/state level, though, this is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, without closures (aside from the ongoing pandemic-related changes).
Halloween is three weeks from tomorrow. In this year when so many have already made displays for passersby to enjoy, from chalk art to window-dwelling bears and beyond, we’re already noticing more Halloween decorations than usual. And we’ve received a few requests to provide a Halloween version of what we usually do at Christmastime. “It would be awesome to have a list of houses decked out for Halloween that we could drive by,” suggested Jenny via email. So if you have – or are going to have – or see someone else with – a well-decorated house/yard/apartment window/business … let us know. Photos are great, but if it’s just a tip, please describe whether it’s a lit display (we’ve already seen some excellent ones that aren’t, so people would want to know to go by before dark). westseattleblog@gmail.com or text our hotline, 206-293-6302 – thanks!
One month before Halloween, The Admiral District has this announcement:
Admiral District merchants of West Seattle regret to announce that the annual “Trick-or-Treating” event for 2020 has been cancelled. While this longstanding Admiral neighborhood tradition has grown in popularity each year, and continues to be a West Seattle family favorite, the safety of our neighbors comes first. COVID-19 continues to impact families and businesses in the West Seattle community. Admiral District businesses have implemented CDC and King County recommended guidelines during this time. Thank you to all of you who have continued to support our establishments during the pandemic. We are still here, and we appreciate your business.
Trick or treating in the Admiral District has been 100% volunteer-supported by the businesses operating near the intersection of Admiral and California Ave SW for over 20 years. We look forward to bringing this longstanding tradition back to our neighbors in 2021.
Thanks for your support.
The Admiral District
Junction business trick-or-treating is also canceled, replaced with a 10-day virtual Harvest Fest.
Thanks for the.photos and videos from two local musical performances on Labor Day:
UNDER THE BRIDGE: Every so often, you might notice someone playing under the bridge, west of the 5-way. If it’s an entire band – it’s probably Felonious Monk:
Rose Feliciano sent the pic and video after spotting them playing last night:
As the short clip shows, the band even drew a bit of an audience, despite the location.
ON PUGET RIDGE: Thanks to Lisa Kauffman for photos and video from a performance at Puget Ridge Edible Park on Labor Day afternoon:
Thaddeus Spae and Richard Dean were the featured musicians, with a guest turn by Stu Hennessey:
Here’s video of Spae:
If you haven’t been to PREP – check out our August story!
(Sunday sunset – photo by Elaine Dale)
Good morning. Holiday notes:
TRANSIT/TRAFFIC
–Metro is on a Sunday schedule
–Water Taxis are not running
–Sound Transit buses and light rail are on a Sunday schedule
-If you’re going to an area of the city with pay-station street parking, note that there’s no charge today
-Delridge RapidRide H project: No work today
-Check traffic cams here
POLITICS
-Citywide caravan urging City Council to override mayor’s budget-cuts veto starts with 1 pm stop at Duwamish Longhouse
WEATHER
Warmer today. Might get into the 80s.
In our coverage last night, we asked for photos of fireworks debris readers found today. First, from Phil at Westcrest Park:
2:07 PM: From Christie at Highland Park Elementary:
From a texter at Alki Beach:
Next one is from Therese in The Junction:
She notes, “Partial debris pile from ONE household’s “celebration” in the alley directly behind Courtesy Tire, which went on until after 2:30 a.m. The smell is terrible, and of course it is impossible to pick up all the little bits.” Toxic, too. Photos from other areas? Send them and we will add – thank you.
ADDED 5:20 PM: From Jackie, near White Center:
Jackie says, “t was 3 am before the bombing stopped. I’ve never before seen residential fireworks the size of a case of beer.” Next, from Kayoko, at North Shorewood Park’s parking lot:
And from Laura at EC Hughes Playground:
(Photo by Brittany Philbin)
Good morning and happy Independence Day! Because of the pandemic, all the usual local events are taking this year off. So we have a few notes (interspersed with local photos of our national bird, the Bald Eagle):
TRANSIT: Metro is on the usual Saturday schedule.
PARKS: Here’s the city list of what’s closed/open.
ALKI CLEANUP: As previewed here, you’re invited to join in, 10 am-2 pm.
LOW-LOW TIDE: Way out to -3.0 feet at 10:56 am.
(Photo by Sharon Wada)
FIREWORKS: Not here (illegal, and city/port parks are trying to dissuade them), no shows visible from here (Lake Union show is canceled, Three Tree Point show is canceled, Bainbridge show is canceled, Vashon show is canceled).
LUNAR ECLIPSE, SORT OF: One will be happening tonight after 8 pm but even if the sky’s clear, you won’t see anything but the full moon, Space.com explains.
(Photo by Lynn Hall)
We’re working as always, so if you have a photo, tip, lost/found pet, westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you and stay safe!
It’s not even dark, and people are illegally setting off fireworks, scaring those you can’t calm with an explanation – particularly pets. 
The Seattle Animal Shelter‘s advice for helping your pets this time of year (published last year, but unfortunately perennially relevant) is here, with advice such as “Leave pets at home and inside,” “Create a home sanctuary,” and “Identification is essential.” No matter what you do, your pet might still bolt if s/he gets the chance; if you lose or find a pet, remember that we have had a Lost/Found Pets page on WSB for 12 years – send us info (westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302) and a photo, if available. But no matter how much care you take with pets, there are still animals affected because their “home sanctuaries” are those same outdoor spaces where people are setting off explosives – our beautiful birds, for example. Thanks in advance for your consideration. (WSB shop cat Miles, 20 and declining, thanks you too.)
(Thursday night sunset, photographed by Jan Pendergrass)
Since the Fourth of July is on Saturday, today is the “observed” holiday, so it’s a three-day weekend for many. First, the transit/transportation notes:
TRANSIT: Metro‘s on a Sunday schedule; the Water Taxi‘s not running.
TRAFFIC CAMERAS: See them here.
BRIDGES OPEN? Check here.
Now – what’s happening (or not) today/tonight:
MOST GOVERNMENT OFFICES CLOSED: Though many offices/facilities are still closed anyway because of the pandemic, take note that services generally won’t be available today.
YES, THERE’S MAIL: USPS observes the holiday on Saturday.
LOW-LOW TIDE: Way out, to -2.6 feet, at 10:12 am. Tread lightly!
#SAYTHEIRNAMES VIGIL: Announced by North Delridge neighbor Nancy:
Please join us to show support for our Black friends, family, and neighbors, and to #SayTheirNames
What: #SayTheirNames
When: Friday, July 3rd, 5:30-6:30 pm
Where: Pedestrian overpass on Delridge at the Delridge Community Center/Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.Please remember to wear your masks!
CORNER BAR: Highland Park Improvement Club‘s doing it virtually, 7 pm, with a livestreamed performance by KO Electric – you’ll be able to watch/listen here.
PARK LIGHTS: On until 11 pm at four local Seattle Parks fields, to dissuade fireworks use.
11:16 AM: The announcement is from Seattle Parks – we’re just mentioning the local fields on the list:
Seattle Parks and Recreation will turn on field lighting on ballfields throughout the city on the evening of Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 to protect the surfaces. The ballfield lights will be turned on at approximately 8:30 p.m. and most will be turned off at either 10 p.m. or 11 p.m., depending on the field.
The lights will be turned on to discourage the use of fireworks. Fireworks are illegal in the city of Seattle and will destroy the artificial turf on the fields or surrounding facilities. The approximate replacement cost for the synthetic surface based on per average full-size field (110,000 square feet) is $1.2 million. All the fields have been renovated in the past several years and benefit field users including players of soccer, football, baseball, Ultimate Frisbee, and lacrosse.
The fields will be monitored by security from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Lights at the following fields will be turned off at 11 p.m.:
Delridge Playfield, 4458 Delridge Way SW
Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave. SW
Walt Hundley Playfield, 6920 34th Avenue SW
West Seattle Stadium, 4432 35th Ave. SW
4:11 PM: The Port of Seattle has a plan too – received from spokesperson Peter McGraw: “Port police will be closing T105, T107, and Jack Block Parks around 3 p.m. this Saturday to prevent possible property damage related to firework use. The parks will reopen on Sunday morning.”
Shop/drink/dine local for Father’s Day! We’ve been asked about local food/beverage opportunities for the big day this Sunday (June 21st). So far, we have three from the WSB inbox:
OUNCES (3809 Delridge Way SW): Barbecue & Beer noon-5 pm on Father’s Day – “local NWTXBBQ will be at Ounces smoking up some tasty central-Texas-style bbq, featuring their specialty mesquite dry-rub smoked brisket and other goodies!” More info here.
Also, all weekend (Friday-Sunday) at Ounces, you can support the Lafayette Elementary PTA via any purchase made at the taproom (mention Lafayette) or online (click the Lafayette checkbpx when purchasing at www.ouncestogo.com.)
ROOT-BEER FLOAT KITS: As previously mentioned, the Alki Elementary PTA is “supporting Husky Deli, The Beer Junction, and Safeway on Admiral as we sell pre-orders of DIY ROOT BEER FLOAT KITS for drive-thru pick-up at Husky Deli (4721 California SW) on Father’s Day, June 21st. Info and ordering at alkipta.square.site.
JET CITY BEIGNET: “In addition to our regular Sunday pop-up on 6/21, we’ll be offering some fabulous and delicious Father’s Day beignet gift boxes that will include a maple bourbon sauce made by Green City Kitchens and add-on options of ice cream or sorbet from Seattle Sorbets and roca by Renee’s Roca. All of the items we are offering are made by small WS businesses. You can find the boxes and details here.”
Any other Father’s Day food/beverage specials? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 so we can add to the list – thank you!
Thanks to Vietnamese Cultural Center director Lee Bui for the photo: “Flowers and fruits to honor the heroes at Fallen Soldiers Memorial at Vietnamese Cultural Center today. Special for heroes of the Vietnam War.” (The center at 2234 SW Orchard is open to the public weekly during non-pandemic times.)
Last night, we mentioned Taps Across America after a few readers told us about it. Here are some videos sent by participants:
The sender tells us that’s “Chris Svehaug playing Taps on Tillicum. He’s standing in front of his Norwegian immigrant grandfather’s 48-star flag. Ole was a proud American who served in the Navy in WWII.” … Below, West Seattle High School juniors Henry Parker on baritone sax and Jonah Elbaum on trumpet
A clip from Fauntleroy:
(added) One more West Seattleite – Kevin Freitas:
And through the quirks of the internet, our preview from last night led to a few people from other areas of the U.S. sending us their clips. This one from North Carolina has special merit – 95-year-old World War II veteran Henry W. Hoell Sr., his wife of 79 years Rosa, grandson William Gore playing the trumpet and his children, Lydia and Naomi.
The original announcement noted that CBS will share some of the videos on its national newscast tomorrow night.
Usually right about now on Memorial Day, local veterans and other community members would be gathering at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor) for the annual remembrance ceremony. It’s not happening this year, so instead, you’ll find American Legion Post 160 commander Keith Hughes, an Army veteran, at the post (3618 SW Alaska) with the traditional poppies. If you’re in the area, he’ll be there until about 5 pm.
(Bald Eagle, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Good morning. Notes for the holiday:
TRANSIT
Metro: Sunday schedule
Water Taxi: Not running
Sound Transit: Sunday schedule
TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Our page highlighting local cameras is here
SDOT’s map with cameras and alerts from around the city is here
(Bald Eagles, photographed by Dan Ciske)
POPPIES
Stop by American Legion Post 160 (3618 SW Alaska) if you are out – details in our preview, including BBQ food – with a discount for veterans – next door!
TAPS ACROSS AMERICA
3 pm – play if you can!
(WSB photo: Flags on graves at Forest Lawn)
Though Memorial Day will happen without the traditional ceremonies this year, here’s a way to pay tribute, if you play brass – “Taps Across America.’ We hadn’t heard about this until mentions in email and via Twitter tonight. Steve Hartman of CBS News came up with the idea – inviting people to play “Taps” at 3 pm local time tomorrow, wherever they are. If you can record it, you’re invited to send it to him (see the end of this story) – and we’d be happy to feature you here too (westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302)!
(WSB photo from May 2019)
This Memorial Day will be without most of the traditional West Seattle observances. No flags in The Junction; no service at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor). But we do have this announcement from American Legion Post 160 commander Keith Hughes:
As you are all aware, we are still under the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, so there will not be any of the usual Memorial Day activities/services. However, on Monday I will be at the Legion Hall with Memorial Day Poppies (9 am-5 pm), and there will be a Texas BBQ Food Cart (Veteran owned and operated) next door at Mountain to Sound Outfitters that will be giving 25% discounts to Veterans & Families from 1 PM to 5 PM. In addition to the Vets Discount, he also donates a percentage of his net to the DAV Emergency Fund. If you happen to be out that day (for an essential trip), please ware your face mask and stop by for a poppy.
Post 160 is at 3618 SW Alaska.
12:05 PM: Procrastinating on those Mother’s Day flowers? An update from the Lafayette Elementary PTA benefit-bouquet sale:
We have 20 bouquets left to sell! Call or text Jenny King at (206) 637-1004 to place your order – $30 each, pay here. For every bouquet sold, $5 will be donated back to school.
Your flower bouquets will be ready for pickup Today (May 9, 5-7pm) or Sunday morning (May 10, 8:30-9:30am). Pick-up location: 4224 Beach Drive SW, Seattle. NO CONTACT PICKUP.
2:05 PM: All gone!
Announced tonight by organizers:
It is with heavy hearts we announce that the 2020 West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade is CANCELLED due to COVID-19.
We have been honored to carry on this 25-year-long tradition these past few years and look forward to 2021, when we can all celebrate together again.
In support of all the small businesses in West Seattle that normally sponsor this parade and ensure the tradition continues, we will be donating $250, the amount we would normally be spending on our permit application fee right now, to the West Seattle Small Business Relief fund. If you are able, please considering making a donation here rather than the parade this year.
If you’re new to the area – the parade fills several streets in North Admiral wth walking, riding, and rolling kids and their families on Independence Day morning, and is followed by sack races and other activities at Hamilton Viewpoint Park – here’s our coverage from last year.
Haven’t lined up your Mother’s Day flowers yet? From the Lafayette Elementary PTA, another opportunity to buy them and help both the growers and students:
Treat the special someone in your life to a beautiful Mother’s Day flower bouquet from local farmer Chao Chang Gardens in Snohomish. In addition to helping a local flower grower, a portion of your purchase will support Lafeyette Elementary PTA. For every bouquet sold, $5 will be donated back to school.
Your flower bouquets will be ready for pickup Saturday evening (May 9, 5-7 pm) thru Sunday morning (May 10, 8:30-9:30 am). Pick up location: 4224 Beach Drive SW, Seattle.
NO-CONTACT PICKUP. PLACE YOUR ORDER BY THURSDAY, MAY 7, 4:30 PM.
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