West Seattle, Washington
07 Wednesday
As Duwamish River cleanup work continues, the South Park Bridge has two more overnight closures coming up, Monday night into Tuesday morning (December 1-2) and Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (December 2-3). Here are the announcement details:
The South Park Bridge will be fully closed to all vehicles and pedestrians on the nights of Monday, December 1, and Tuesday, December 2, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., while crews place clean material under the bridge. It will reopen at 6 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, with closures ending the morning of Wednesday, December 3.
During this time, the bridge will be in a raised position. This allows crews to place clean material under the bridge in locations where they dredged earlier in the construction season. Unlike during daytime construction, recreational vessels will not be permitted to pass beneath the South Park Bridge during this nighttime work. …
King County Metro Route 60, which travels over the South Park Bridge, will be rerouted during the hours of the bridge closures. King County Metro will provide Route 60 reroute information on the Metro Services Advisories page: kingcounty.gov/metro/alerts.
King County Road Services now says tonight’s South Park Bridge closure is canceled and that the work requiring the bridge closures is complete, so they’re not expecting any more. The recent closures have all been necessary because of the in-water contamination cleanup that resumed earlier this month.
The second year of Duwamish River cleanup in-water work is under way, and that means overnight closures for the South Park Bridge (shown in SDOT cam view some nights. King County Road Services has just announced the second round starts tomorrow night:
Upcoming Closure:
16th Ave S (South Park Bridge) between East Marginal Way S and Dallas Ave S
10/9, 10/10, 10/11 – OvernightThe South Park Bridge on 16th Ave S (between East Marginal Way S and Dallas Ave S) will be closed to all vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians on:
Thurs. Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. to Fri. Oct. 10 at 6 a.m.
Fri. Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. to Sat. Oct. 11 at 6 a.m.
Sat. Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. to Sun. Oct. 12 at 6 a.m.This closure is necessary for King County to maintain an ‘open’ bridge position to accommodate a barge crane for waterway work. This work could be cancelled or extended.
Please plan ahead and use alternate routes. Emergency vehicles will not have access through the work zone.
When we mentioned that the second season of in-water Duwamish River cleanup starts tomorrow, we also noted some overnight closures of the South Park Bridge are planned. The first dates have just been finalized:
Upcoming Overnight Closures of South Park Bridge
Nights of October 3, 4, 6, and 7, 2025This week, the South Park Bridge will be fully closed overnight to vehicle and pedestrian traffic for two nights on Friday, October 3, and Saturday, October 4, ending the morning of October 5. Closures will occur from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Next week, King County Road Services will also close the South Park Bridge to traffic on the following nights: Monday, October 6, and Tuesday, October 7, ending the morning of October 8. If additional dates are needed, the bridge may be closed again at night on October 9, 10, and 11. We will notify the community if these additional dates are needed.
During this time, the bridge will be in the “raised” position to accommodate dredging activities underneath the bridge. Unlike daytime construction, recreational vessels will not be permitted to pass beneath the South Park Bridge during this time.
King County Metro Route 60, which travels over the South Park Bridge, will be rerouted during the hours of the bridge closures. To learn more about the Route 60 reroute, please check Metro’s Service Advisories page. …
You can expect additional South Park Bridge closures later this fall and winter.
We don’t always cover South Park events, but this one brought in a couple reader questions: Last Tuesday night, 
the Guardian One helicopter circled an area of South Park for going on two hours, and King County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted an intensive search on the ground, including two K9 teams. There was no news coverage and no explanation to the community of what was happening, so the next day, we received a couple email questions asking if we knew. Since then, we’ve checked out the archived KCSO radio exchanges as well as asked KCSO what they could tell us. It took a few days but here’s what we were able to find out: According to KCSO, “Deputies and detectives were around the 10th Avenue S. and S. Donovan area working to arrest a suspect possibly stealing cars; Guardian 1 was up helping the search, as were the K9 units.” KCSO adds, “The car they were looking for was a silver Kia.” We don’t know if that’s the same car that crashed just before the search began, around 8:18 pm per the archived audio. There was mention of at least one person jumping fences of area homes after the crash. (One left behind a pair of shoes in one home’s yard.) Despite the extensive searching, KCSO says, “No arrests have been made at this point.” They add that if you have any information, tips are appreciated at MCUtips@kingcounty.gov.
SIDE NOTE: Though most of South Park is in the city and therefore part of the Seattle Police Southwest Precinct jurisdiction, there is a small part that is unincorporated King County. In addition, a law-enforcement agency may be working in an area outside its jurisdiction if the investigation involved something over which it did have jurisdiction.
(King County photo, 2024 cleanup season)
The second of three seasons of in-water Duwamish River cleanup is about to begin. This is for the removal of contaminated sediment, in the works for decades, involving Boeing, the City of Seattle, and King County. Here’s the overview:
Construction in the upper reach, the southernmost two miles of the site, is scheduled to occur from October to February for three years, ending in February 2027. In-water construction activities are restricted to these months to protect certain fish species. LDWG completed in-water work for the first construction season from November 2024 – February 2025, with the second season beginning October 1, 2025.
Beginning October 1, the construction contractor will begin dredging contaminated sediment near the South Park Bridge and Duwamish River People’s Park.
Compared to the first construction season, cleanup activities this season will be more visible as the work moves closer to the South Park Bridge, homes, parks, and marinas. The community can expect multiple barges and equipment working on the water, lights for safe work during dark hours, and typical construction equipment noise.
Season 2 construction hours will be weekdays and Saturdays and will occur during both the daytime and nighttime. Work hours will vary based on factors, such as tides and the type of work being conducted (e.g., dredging or placing clean material). Work will be coordinated with Tribal fishing. During the first three weeks of October, in-water construction work is not currently planned for Mondays and Tuesdays when Tribal fishing is most active.
The dredged sediment goes by barge to a landfill on the Columbia River. More background on the contamination and cleanup are here. Cleanup-work updates will be on this website, including upcoming dates – not yet finalized (we’re told the ones currently listed online are likely to change) – for South Park Bridge closures.
P.S. For backstory, see our report from last year, before the first season of this work began.
WSB PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN, VIDEO BY TRACY RECORD
State Supreme Court Justice Steven C. González was first to roll down the route of this morning’s Fiestas Patrias Parade in South Park, presiding as Grand Marshal this year. He wasn’t the only participant for whom justice resounded – another was the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps, always advocating for environmental justice:
One entry carried tributes to legendary fighters for justice and health:
Several displayed the inspirational slogan “Si si puede” (Yes, we can):
Fiestas Patrias is primarily a celebration of Latin American culture and heritage, all displayed in abundance during the parade, with multiple folkloric-dancing groups:
Culture also rolled and bounced down the parade route with members of the Eazy Duz It Car Club, too:
The vehicles representing parade organizer Sea Mar Community Health Centers‘ many branches were lavishly decorated, some whimsically with characters in the spirit of family health.
Meantime, schools participating today included Chief Sealth International High School, whose cheer team walked the route, followed by members of the 2-0 football team:
The Sealth and Denny International Middle School program Proyecto Saber had an entry too, as did Concord International Elementary, with the most pointed signs of the parade, including “No Human Is Illegal” and “Abolish ICE.” Other participants were simply exuberant:
The last major entry featured more than 50 horseback riders – and one other livestock sighting:
Relatively few government reps in the parade – District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka was in it, as were some Seattle Police and a Metro bus. After the parade, which lasted almost an hour with some long stopdowns, Sea Mar’s Fiestas Patrias celebration at Seattle Center downtown opened; it continues tomorrow.
That’s the new flooring inside the South Transfer Station in west South Park. We checked in with Seattle Public Utilities this afternoon to see if it was going to reopen on the announce revised date, tomorrow, and the reply was “yes.” Here’s the official announcement:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is pleased to announce that the South Transfer Station, located at 130 S. Kenyon Street, will reopen to the public on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, following a temporary closure for critical safety upgrades.
The project included the replacement of over 35,000 square feet of tipping floor, ensuring continued safe and efficient operations for both customers and SPU staff. With this work now complete, SPU welcomes all public customers and account holders back to the station.
SPU extends its appreciation to residents and businesses who postponed non-essential trips to the station during the closure and used alternative locations or donation/recycling options. Thank you for skipping a trip, planning ahead, and knowing where to go. Your efforts helped reduce congestion, supported a smooth upgrade process, and kept our community and workers safe. SPU appreciates your patience and cooperation.
To help keep the station running efficiently, SPU encourages customers to:
• Sort and secure loads before arriving
• Check station hours and accepted materials on the SPU website
• Use the “Where Does It Go?” tool for donation, curbside collection, and recycling options and disposal tips.
(WSB photo from 2024 South Park Fiestas Patrias parade)
In case you wondered, this year’s Fiestas Patrias celebration – presented by Sea Mar – is on this weekend, beginning with Saturday’s annual parade in South Park celebrating Latin American heritage and culture. This year’s theme is “Our Voice, Our Strength“; State Supreme Court Justice Steven C. González is the Grand Marshal this year. Dozens of entries, from folkloric dancers to horseback riders, will head eastbound on South Henderson to 14th Avenue South at 10 am Saturday (September 13), then heading north on 14th to South Cloverdale, and turning westbound. It’s a relatively short – 45 minutes last year (WSB coverage here) – but spirited parade. Sea Mar also presents a Fiestas Patrias event all weekend at Seattle Center (see the program and schedule here).
(Seattle Public Utilities photo)
When Seattle Public Utilities announced two months ago that the South Transfer Station in west South Park would close for three-plus weeks for “upgrades,” the target reopening date was August 29. We pinged SPU at the end of last week to ask if they were still on schedule for that. This morning, the reply: No. Here’s the extension announcement:
South Transfer Station Closure Extended Through September 10
Alternative Drop-Off Locations Updated for Seattle ResidentsSeattle Public Utilities (SPU) has extended the temporary closure of the South Transfer Station, located at 130 S. Kenyon Street, until September 10, 2025, to allow critical safety upgrades and give the newly replaced tipping floor sufficient time to reach full strength before reopening to the public. This essential project involves replacing 35,000 square feet of tipping floor used for waste handling to ensure safe, efficient operations and to protect the well-being of staff and the public.
During the extended closure, SPU urges customers to postpone non-essential trips and to make use of alternative disposal options. Please note the following changes:
Now through August 30: Customers with Seattle ZIP codes and small residential loads may use King County’s Bow Lake and Renton Transfer Stations.
August 31 through September 10: Customers with Seattle ZIP codes and small residential loads should instead use Seattle’s North Transfer Station.
Large trailer loads and hydraulic-lift vehicles should continue to use Seattle’s North Transfer Station or WM Eastmont during this time.
Before visiting any transfer station, SPU recommends customers:
-Visit www.seattle.gov/south-transfer-station for a full list of disposal alternatives by material type and load size.
-Confirm hours, accepted items, and fees directly with the alternative facility.
-Sort and secure all loads properly.
-Bring smaller loads and plan for increased traffic at open stations.
-Use the “Where Does It Go?” online tool to explore donation, recycling, or curbside pickup options for common items.
10:55 PM: At right, that’s Rachel Glass, in the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 751 hall, in the 13th hour of the marathon “Bend It Like Booker” event she organized, with dozens of speakers. The person at the podium now is talking about the Constitution, and its first three words … “We the People” … noting the inclusivity of that phrase. As we walked in a few moments, Glass whispered big news … the inspiration for this marathon, New Jersey U.S. Senator Cory Booker – who spoke on the Senate floor for 25 hours last spring – plans to send a video to be part of this megastream. Meantime, the speaker is examining Walt Whitman‘s reverence for democracy – writing of “the great American lesson” and about what he envisioned doing “For you, O democracy!”
This has been under way since 10 am. WSB contributing photojournalist Dave Gershgorn stopped by in the early going, when Glass introduced U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, joining by video:
This event also can be viewed online as well as in person (yes, the doors are open on the east side of the union hall at 9125 15th Place S.) – tickets are available here.
Meantime, the speaker (Dave) has gone on to read Whitman’s work, “Song of Myself.”
11:05 PM: Glass introduces the Russian-immigrant couple, Yuri and Natasha, who she had mentioned when we spoke for a preview. They will reflect on their years in Russia and draw parallels to what’s happening in the U.S. now. They left Russia a decade ago, then spent six years in Lithuania, and have been here for four years. … Yuri spoke of his disbelief upon learning of Russia’s war on Ukraine. … Natasha, born in 1991 in Moscow, spoke of the years of hope for democracy there, and then “how it happened … a dictator was elected by the people.” In her childhood, before then, “there was free speech” – she recalled a TV series where politicians were lampooned, “and that was allowed.” But then people “were pissed off” because they’d been given economic promises that did not come true, or at least, not quickly enough. The “never-ending” war in Chechnya upset people too, she said. She spoke of how Putin emerged as an unpopular unknown – until “one event,” terrorist attacks blamed on Chechnya; Putin promised to protect people “and his rating went up.” The active war ended but attacks did not, she said. She concluded that “when you trade freedom for security, you get neither.”
11:45 PM: Yuri reclaimed the mic and said that in his view, Donald Trump is working from the same playbook that Putin and others before him used. When Natasha picked up the narrative again, she spoke about ways that Putin had taken over institutions and branches of government.
Yuri then showed Russian video of four people getting pulled off the street by police and detained for an anti-war protest – something as simple as holding a piece of paper – and then a clip of a woman taken away for a pro-war demonstration. Yuri also veered into song lyrics he said he’s working on, encompassing the loss of freedom. But, he added, “I don’t want to be right” about what he fears is unfolding here as it did in his homeland. And he showed a song video he’d been working on, about war. With that, at 12:10 am, he and Natasha prepared to leave the podium.
12:10 AM: The number of people here is up to a dozen or so. Glass is showing the video sent by Sen. Booker. He thanked them for “sparking hope.” (We recorded it off the screen and [update] have added it below.)…
She followed it up with the video sent by Gov. Bob Ferguson.
Another live speaker was about to take the podium as we departed.
(WSB photo: Luchadore meets fans, at last year’s South Park Summer Party)
Several big events ahead this weekend, rain or shine – biggest in West Seattle will be Alki Beach Pride tomorrow – but you are also invited on Saturday to visit our neighbors over the ridge for SOPASUPA, the annual South Park Summer Party. This will run all day and into the evening at various locations around South Park, and a festival publicist got the details for us, including a street closure:
SOPASUPA! – The South Park Summer Party invites all to celebrate all things South Park and community development. The full-day celebration includes kid-centered activities, music and dance performances, luchador wrestling, a lowrider show, a skateboard competition, 60+ local vendors and more.
They will be closing Cloverdale from 12th – 14th Ave S. Most activities will be concentrated around this area.
Activities will be in the following locations:
Cloverdale St starting at 14th, moving East: Vendors, Artists & Community Partners
Parking Lot behind Uncle Eddie’s: Main Stage, Beer Garden, Lucha Libre Ring
Parking Lot at Burrito Express: Kids Zone
Parking Lot at Good Voyage: Food Trucks
River City Skatepark (736 S. Cloverdale): Skate Party
South Park Library: Vendors & Community Partners
South Park Plaza: Vendors & Community Partners
All Day 12 pm – 6 pm: VENDORS – KIDS ACTIVITY ZONE – SKATEPARK PARTYSPECIAL EVENTS:
KIDS ACTIVITY ZONE:
3:30 – 4:00 Seattle Fire Department Trucks
4-6 pm Free Skate Like a Girl LessonsMAIN STAGE:
12:00 PM – 12:20 Swing It Seattle Performance
12:30 PM – 12:50 West African Dance Performance
2:00 – 3:30 LUCHA LIBRE VOLCANICA show
6:00 – 7:30 LUCHA LIBRE VOLCANICA show
7:30 – Low Riders Parade (14th Ave S)SKATEPARK PARTY:
1 pm – Big Time
1:30 – Raffle
2pm – Bridge Kids
2:30 – Raffle
3pm – The Fakies
4pm Time TrialsMAIN STAGE FULL SCHEDULE:
11:00 AM – 12:00 DJ Set
12:00 PM – 12:20 Swing It Seattle
12:30 PM – 12:50 West African Dance
1:00 PM – 1:30 Opus
1:40 PM – 2:00 Her Mountain Majesty
2:00 PM – 3:30 Lucha Libre – Show 1
3:30 PM – 4:15 Ancient Robotz
4:25 PM – 4:55 Scoffs
5:05 PM – 5:50 The Pazifica
5:50 PM – 6:00 DJ Set
6:00 PM – 7:30 Lucha Libre – Show 2
7:30 PM – 8:15 Heavy Bloom
8:15 PM – 9:00 Yambambo
(Seattle Public Utilities photo)
Thanks for the tip! The transfer station (aka dump) closest to West Seattle will close for more than three weeks in August, and Seattle Public Utilities is trying to get the word out early. Here’s the announcement they’re circulating today:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) will temporarily close the South Transfer Station, located at 130 S. Kenyon Street, from August 4 through August 29, 2025, to complete essential safety upgrades and replace the commercial tipping floor used for waste handling. The closure will affect both public customers and account holders. However, contractors will not be impacted.
This critical project involves replacing 35,000 square feet of commercial tipping floor to maintain safe, efficient operations and protect the well-being of staff and the public. The station is expected to reopen Saturday, August 30, 2025, pending construction progress.
Skip a Trip, Plan Ahead, Know Where to Go
During the closure, SPU recommends that customers postpone trips to the transfer station if possible. A list of temporary alternative locations is listed on the website. These locations may have different hours, additional fees, or not accept certain items, so customers are advised to:
*Visit www.seattle.gov/south-transfer-station for a full list of alternative disposal locations by material type and load size.
*Visit the website of the alternative location to verify hours, fees, and items accepted
*Sort and secure loads properly before visiting any alternative facility.
*Bring smaller loads and be prepared for higher-than-usual traffic at other sites.
*Use the “Where Does It Go?” tool online to explore donation, recycling, and curbside collection options.
Additionally, select construction and demolition (C&D) materials must be recycled and cannot be disposed of in Seattle garbage. Materials such as asphalt, bricks, concrete, metal, untreated wood, and gypsum scrap must go to a recycling facility: DTG Hudson St., MCS Recycling, or DTG Renton. Non-recyclable C&D materials can go to WM Eastmont or Black River. Large trailer loads and hydraulic-lift vehicles should use North Transfer Station or WM Eastmont. King County stations at Bow Lake and Renton will accept only small residential loads from Seattle, and may have additional restrictions, such as fees for mattresses and limits on appliance drop-offs. View completed closure guidance and the most up-to-date information on the project timeline, alternative locations, and FAQs at www.seattle.gov/south-transfer-station.
Items Not Accepted at Seattle or King County Transfer Stations:
Radioactive and Hazardous Waste including Oil Paint (and Containers) and Household Chemicals
Ammo, Firearms, Fireworks, Flares, Explosives, Weapons
Sealed Drums, Fuel/Propane/Oil Tanks, Compressed Gas, Fire Extinguishers
Electronics, TVs or Monitors (CRTs)
Furnaces and parts, Wood stoves, Duct work
Asbestos, or material containing asbestos
Dead animals over 15 lbs (call animal control)
SewageSeattle Public Utilities appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation during this necessary closure and encourages everyone to plan ahead, travel light, and dispose smart.
If you haven’t used the transfer station, you might still know it as the huge building just south of the ramp from West Marginal/Holden onto the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge. It was built in the early 2010s.
Watching the just-concluded joint meeting of the King County and Seattle City Councils, discussing effects of federal changes, we heard a mention in passing that this year’s Duwamish River Festival has been canceled. The Duwamish River Community Coalition subsequently confirmed it – here’s the explanation they’re circulating:
The festival has been an early-August tradition in South Park for years, featuring numerous community organizations offering information about what’s happening with Seattle’s only river, as well as cultural performances and river tours. (Here’s our coverage of last year’s festival.)
Thanks to Nathan for the photos! Looking for someplace new to take your little one(s) to play? If you can get over the ridge to South Park, the play area at this brand-new park is an option. The park is South Park Plaza, on what was most recently a big gravel lot southwest of the South Park Bridge. The grand-opening celebration is happening until 2 pm, with speeches and a ribbon-cutting:
The city infopage for the project says the almost-one-acre park has been in the works for seven years, at a cost of $2.6 million.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: The missing 12-year-old South Park girl has been found safe.
Earlier:
The Reconnect South Park initiative continues, envisioning future change along the stretch of Highway 99 that bisects South Park, and if you’re interested in this, the project team invites you to answer its survey: Find the survey here. You can also look at the potential options on the RSP website. (Here’s our report on a project-milestone gathering a little over a year ago.)
(King County photos)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
You’ve probably heard many times that the Duwamish River – running along much of West Seattle’s eastern boundary – is a “Superfund site,” referring to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program, and that a multi-billion-dollar cleanup has long been under way.
Tuesday, we got a rare chance to hear specifics, as the cleanup of decades-old industrial pollution – really, more than one cleanup – marked a milestone.
A media briefing was held on the river’s shore at Duwamish River People’s Park (itself a cleaned-up site), days after work began.
The last speaker, Duwamish River Community Coalition director Paulina López, offered the most relatable context, reminding those gathered that the cleanup was about bringing the river “back to life”:
(WSB videos)
López followed representatives of government agencies and Boeing, all talking briefly about what role their agencies play. The cleanup section where polluted sediment is being scooped out right now – much of it contaminated by PCBs – is managed by King County, said Jim Bolger, whose brief words of introduction were followed in this clip by Elly Hale, (updated) one of the EPA’s project managers along with Nasrin Erdelyi:
We talked with Hale after the briefing to get details on exactly what’s happening right now. Contaminated sediment is being scooped up, placed on a barge, towed to shore, transferred to land, then loaded onto trains bound for the Columbia Ridge Landfill in Oregon.
How deep the scooping goes depends on how deep the pollution goes – the goal is to get to clean sediment, Hale said, which could be anywhere from one to six feet down. An important point she had mentioned at the microphone was that people are still advised not to eat any fish from the Duwamish River but salmon. Wondering why that’s OK but others aren’t? It’s because the others are residents, living out their lives in the polluted river, while salmon spend most of their lives out in cleaner sea water before showing up here.
Another key point of the work that’s under way is “source control” – keeping new pollution out of the river. The lead agency in that work is the state Department of Ecology, whose representative Dr. Kim Wooten spoke briefly too, along with Boeing‘s Katie Moxley and the City of Seattle’s David Schuchardt:
The in-water work that’s under way now can only last through February before taking a break until October, to protect fish. Because of that short work window, it’ll take 10 years for the operation to get to the south end of Harbor Island.
The cleanup work – planning, design, and execution – has been a quarter-century in the making. This is, to be technical, the Upper Reach of the Lower Duwamish Waterway. This page has more detail on exactly what’s happening now; Pacific Pile & Marine is the lead contractor.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
The most spectacular sight in today’s Fiestas Patrias Parade through South Park was at the end – dozens of horses and their riders.
According to the parade lineup we obtained from Sea Mar Community Health Centers, which presents the parade as well as the Fiestas Patrias festival at Seattle Center downtown, two groups participated – Folkloric Horses and Octavio Rios Horses. Mariachi musicians walked with some of them:
We also saw an aspiring rider:
The annual parade is an exuberant celebration of Latin American culture and heritage, in the month that many of those nations celebrate their independence. Before more photos, here’s our video of the entire parade, recorded at the starting point, 14th Avenue S. and S. Henderson (note the first few minutes were stop-and-start, before the parade began to flow) – this year’s theme was “Unifying Our Communities“:
The colors of flags and traditional dresses brightened the gray morning. The many folkloric and cultural groups included Joyas Mestizas, Folklore Mexicano Tonantzin, Grupo Folklore Costarricense, Grupo Folklore Grupo Folklore Salvadoreño, Somos Mujeres Latinas, and Sea Mar’s many locations:
The Duwamish Valley Youth Corps walked in the parade with environmental exhortations:
Local schools participated, including Chief Sealth International HS:
Denny International MS and Concord International Elementary marched too, as well as the Kennedy Catholic HS band (see them all in our full-parade video). One school, Whittier Elementary, came all the way from Ballard, with their unicycle team:
Wheeled entries also included the Malportados Vespa scooter club:
And with four wheels, a big turnout of lowriders from multiple car clubs, including Eazy Duz It, Lord Riderz, Family Stylez, Northwest Finest, and Panaderia la Ideal (again, you can see them all in our video):
And so many more people, including Grand Marshal Karla Mora from the Consulate of Mexico:
Marching in masks were El Diablos de Seattle:
SPD sent a delegation too (in addition to the officers who were guarding the periphery of the parade):
The parade was largely rain-free, aside from a brief bit of mist about halfway through, and lasted about 45 minutes at the starting point. Meantime, Sea Mar’s Fiestas Patrias festival at Seattle Center continues Sunday (here’s the program), 11 am-6 pm.
(WSB photo from 2023 Fiestas Patrias Parade)
If you love parades, you don’t have to wait for next summer. Tomorrow (Saturday, September 14) brings this year’s Fiestas Patrias Parade in South Park, as part of the annual celebration of Latin American cultures and heritage. More than 40 entries are scheduled to participate, including groups from Denny International Middle School, Chief Sealth International High School, and Concord International Elementary. The entries also include folkloric dancers, horseback riders, mariachi musicians, car clubs, even the Seafair Pirates. The route starts at Sea Mar Community Health Centers, which presents the parade, continues eastbound on S. Henderson to 14th Avenue S., then turns west on S. Cloverdale and ends near South Park Community Center. It starts at 10 am.
(WSB photos)
If you’re a fan of Lucha Libre (the showy masked wrestling style that originated in Mexico) but you missed the 2 pm bouts at SOPASUPA, good news – luchadores from Lucha Libre Volcánica will be back in the ring at 6 pm. This is part of the South Park Summer Party festival, happening in multiple spots at and around the 14th/Cloverdale intersection in the heart of South Park.
In the first bout, Sniper (wearing the black and white shirt) was victorious….
In the second bout, Red Dog (in pink and black) was the last luchadore standing.
The ring – as well as the main music stage – is behind the building on the southwest corner (right behind The Scene coffee shop). You can even buy your own luchadore mask:
Behind the building on the northwest corner of 14th/Cloverdale, you’ll find the Kid Zone, with bouncy toys:
And a coloring table:
Across 14th at the northeast corner, art and food vendors:
And a few blocks west on Cloverdale, next to the Highway 99 overpass, South Park’s skatepark is hosting festivities too. The festival’s on until 9 pm; the stage schedule is in our calendar listing.
For 30 years, the Seattle Public Library has welcomed volunteers to help local students with their homework during drop-in after-school hours. This year, they’re recruiting volunteers for free Homework Help tutoring at the High Point and South Park branches. Citywide, last school year, SPL says 1,100 students used Homework Help more than 4,400 times, aided by more than 180 volunteers. SPL says 60 percent of the students reported better grades as a result of the help they received. You can be part of kids’ success this year! Here’s what SPL wants prospective volunteers to know:
The Library requests a volunteer commitment for the school year, specifically from Sept. 16, 2024 through June 12, 2025. Volunteer shifts are available Monday through Thursday between 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and each shift is approximately two hours.
Volunteers must be 18 or older. Having competence in another language, especially Amharic, Tigrinya, Somali, Oromo and Spanish, is also helpful. The majority of students served by the program are youth of color, with 90% of students reporting their parents speaking a language other than English at home.
Volunteer tutors receive an orientation and additional materials about working with youth and concepts such as social-emotional learning and growth mindset.
During Homework Help sessions, volunteers help students with homework, play learning games, read to students, or work with them on academic worksheets. Volunteers work with students individually and in small groups. High-school students can get help with not just academic subjects but with other priorities such as college essays.
Because Homework Help is a drop-in program, students can show up any day to receive help, and they do not need to have a Library card to attend. Snacks are provided at every Homework Help session, courtesy of The Seattle Public Library Foundation and the Hunger Intervention Program.
Can you help? Or, have a question? You can email SPL’s Volunteer Services Coordinator at volunteer@spl.org (and find more info here). They’re hoping to hear from new volunteers ASAP as the new school year approaches, but they do also accept volunteer applications throughout the year.
Our area’s next festival is Saturday afternoon (August 3), the Duwamish River Festival in South Park. Here’s the stage schedule:
The festival is hosted by the Duwamish River Community Coalition at Duwamish River People’s Park and Shoreline Habitat (8700 Dallas Avenue S.; map). If you’re driving, parking is a bit of a challenge, so they’re offering twice-hourly shuttles from four locations, two in South Park and two in Georgetown:
Georgetown Playfield (750 S Homer St)
Oxbow Park (Carleton Ave S between 6445 & 6421)
Boeing Parking Lot (1521 S Trenton St)
Concord Parking Lot (723 S Concord St)
This festival is educational as well as cultural, and fun – you can even experience Seattle’s only river via free kayaking, enjoy and create art, and more, noon to 5 pm Saturday.
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