West Seattle, Washington
16 Wednesday
Another business burglary, this time around 2 am today at Alki Coffee Company. We’re still awaiting the police-report narrative but co-owner Jonathan Stebbins has confirmed it – we asked if they had any security-camera images and he sent these:
If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 25-199913. The coffee shop and co-housed ice cream shop have been open just three months.
Today’s the day that King County Elections plans to start mailing ballots for the primary election, with voting ending and vote-counting beginning on Tuesday, August 5 (aka Election Day). Here’s what you’ll be asked to decide (we’re not listing uncontested positions):
CANDIDATES (all are listed/infolinked here)
Seattle Mayor (8 candidates)
Seattle citywide Council Position 8 (5 candidates)
Seattle citywide Council Position 9 (4 candidates)
Seattle City Attorney (4 candidates)
King County Executive (7 candidates, no incumbent)
Top two candidates in those races advance to the November general election. But these two, as is always the case with ballot measures, will be final decisions:
BALLOT MEASURES
King County Proposition 1 (6-year Parks Levy renewal)
Seattle Proposition 1 (Democracy Voucher 10-year levy renewal)
You can vote as soon as your ballot arrives; get it into the mail with a postmark no later than August 5, or into a KC Elections drop box no later than 8 pm August 5. Other lesser-used options too – they’re listed here.
(Photo by Rosalie Miller, who says this is a leafcutter bee napping in a calendula blossom)
Here’s what’s happening, and not happening, in the (hot!) hours ahead, mostly as featured on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUMMER FOOD: As reported here, there are multiple sites/times/days in West Seattle where kids can get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks.
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!).
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)
COLMAN POOL: The open-every-day (except this Friday-Saturday) season continues at Lincoln Park‘s outdoor, heated salt-water pool! Noon-7 pm; see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WADING POOLS: Two pools are scheduled to be open today in West Seattle – Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) will be open noon-5:30 pm; Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) will 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).
‘WILD ROBOT’ READ-ALOUD CLUB: 1 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), starting today! Info here.
PINATA WORKSHOP: 2-3:30 pm hands-on workshop, registration not required, at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Got something that’s broken? Fix it instead of discarding 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).
DRAG BINGO: 6 pm at Pine Lake Cellars (5405 California SW), hosted by Jolene Granby. Find the reservations link in our calendar listing.
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).
OPEN STUDIO AT POTTERINGS: 6 pm, get creative at the studio! (3400 Harbor SW)
POST-SUMMER-FEST ALTERNATIVE DANCE PARTY: With DJ Depeche Mike spinning 6-9 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome.
GAMES IN THE PARK WITH GROWN-UPS: 6:30 pm, meet by the kiosk at the north lot of Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW): “Come get silly with us and enjoy the laughter that erupts! Bring your awkward, frustrated, giddy or chill feelings – this is a come-as-you-are party and a friendly space to connect and play.”
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Hybrid quarterly meeting at 7 pm, at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd SW/SW Juneau) or via Zoom. Follow the link for agenda topics and the video connection.
KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), $35.
MUSIC BINGO x 2: at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm. and monthly MINGO at Three9 Lounge (39th SW/SW Oregon), 7:30 pm.
REGULAR 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) hosts Wednesday trivia at 8 pm … Quiz Night also begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: You’re on centerstage – 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
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!
A member of Peace Lutheran Church at 39th SW/SW Thistle in Gatewood sends this report/request:
Someone “borrowed” 2 planters full of bee- and hummingbird-friendly plants from our patio. We’d just like them returned. No questions asked.
We’re following up to see what kind of planters these were, in case you find them abandoned somewhere. But first, the message is for the thief/thieves.
6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The Heat Advisory alert is in effect until 10 tonight. Today’s high is expected to reach the upper 80s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:29 am; sunset will be at 9:02 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has resumed three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. 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 weeknights with Mariners home games (and certain special events).
ROAD WORK
-Three weeks of major nighttime work ahead on and around 16th SW in White Center start today – details here.
-Admiral Bridge work continues, with both directions now carried on the south side instead of the north side; SDOT still will not estimate a completion date other than “summer.”
PARKING ALERT FOR THURSDAY
Reader tells us signage at Don Armeni Boat Ramp says no parking Thursday after 11 am. We’re still seeking official info; another reader believes it’s a film shoot.
EARLY WEEKEND ALERT
The West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K on Saturday (July 19) mean parking restrictions and road closures on and near California SW from Admiral to south of Edmunds. Heed the signs – they tow on parade morning if necessary! There will be bus reroutes Saturday too.
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!
Sent by Andrew:
This wheelless bike was found in the alley behind the First Lutheran Church of West Seattle this morning. Please contact andrewg@tildenschool.org if you believe it is yours.
7:05 PM: No A/C? Get out of your warm apartment/house/townhouse and hang out at High Point Commons Park with the West Seattle Big Band, whose Concert in the Park has just begun!
Free, great music; the park is just north of Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW) and the concert will be on at least until 8:30 pm.
9:04 PM: The concert ran about 10 minutes past that! We are back at HQ now and will add video and more before the night’s out.
10:52 PM: We’re adding the clips as they’re ready. WSBB, directed by Jim Edwards, opened with Glenn Miller‘s classic “In the Mood”:
Jenaige Lane was featured vocalist on Michael Bublé‘s “Sway”:
Sam Henry was featured vocalist on Frank Sinatra‘s “Come Fly with Me”:
This instrumental number had a ’60s TV vibe going, predominantly the “I Dream of Jeannie” theme:
Another song featuring Jenaige Lane, ABBA‘s “Dancing Queen”:
The vocalists sang a duet on “Slow Boat to China”:
Between songs, Jim Edwards explained both the band’s background – rooted at West Seattle High School, supporting music education, well past 350 performances in its nearly three decades – and this concert’s ties to the West Seattle Grand Parade: Edwards himself coordinates safety and communication (and is a past parade coordinator), his daughter Michelle Edwards – WSBB keyboardist – is current parade coordinator, wife Barbara Edwards – parade judging coordinator – was at the show in support, as was parade chair Keith Hughes from the Rotary Club of West Seattle (which presents the parade). Also seen at the concert: Make-A-Wish super-volunteer Lou Cutler, this year’s Grand Marshal!
MORE CHANCES TO SEE THE WSBB: As its director told the crowd, you’ll see them at the Fauntleroy Fall Festival (October 19), holiday gig(s) TBA, and the annual Big Band Dinner Dances supporting the music programs at WSHS and Madison MS.
Seattle Public Utilities is about to start a round of testing in the Arbor Heights area that might look startling. Here’s the notice sent to us to share with the wider community:
SEWER INSPECTIONS WITH NON-TOXIC SMOKE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Seattle Public Utilities is using a testing method called “smoke testing” to find sewer leaks and/or pipe connection problems. A contractor, Pro-Vac, will be in your neighborhood blowing a colorless water vapor or “smoke” into sewer pipes via maintenance holes; the “smoke” is non-toxic and non-staining but may have a distinctive odor. “Smoke” or its odor is not anticipated to come into your house or building if your plumbing is in good working order and your “p-traps” (the U-shaped pipes under each drain) are filled with water.SCHEDULE
This work is scheduled for late July through end of August. You will receive a door hanger notice 24- to 48-hours before the inspection. Prior to the testing, consider running water for 30 seconds in all your sinks, baths, and showers and pouring water in exposed floor drains.LOCATION
The testing uses maintenance holes within the public right-of-way throughout the Arbor Heights Neighborhood. The “smoke” may travel up to 1,500 feet within the sewer pipe.IMPACTS
Homes and businesses will continue to receive normal sewer services during the inspection.
You may see or smell the “smoke” coming from maintenance holes in the street or right-of-way, sewer vents from roofs or coming out of the ground. This is normal and you do not need to do anything. You may talk with the on-site workers conducting the inspections if you have questions.
If you see or smell “smoke” in your house or building, open doors or windows to increase ventilation. The
vapor should clear within a few minutes.
If smoke continues to remain in your building for more than 5 minutes, talk with the field representatives or
on-site workers conducting the inspections. You may also contact SPU’s emergency Operations Response
Center (ORC) at (206) 386-1800.“Smoke” may have entered your building due to issues with your building’s sewer pipe vents and/or p-traps under sinks, tubs or other drains. If “smoke” came into your building that did not stop when you put water in a drain, please consider contacting a plumber to investigate possible issues with your plumbing.
Here’s the notice in PDF.
The Seattle Police Real-Time Crime Center has been mentioned multiple times in community meetings in recent months, held up as an example of how SPD is working harder, and differently, to crack cases. But what is it and what does it do? We and other media crews were invited to SPD headquarters today for an explanation and demonstration. The heart of the latter was an SPD-produced video showing highlights of how the RTCC – located in the HQ building downtown – was used to arrest a suspect after an assault in North Seattle. But first, the center’s commander Capt. Jim Britt explained how it works:
After correcting a playback problem, they then showed the video:
And before that, Capt. Britt gave a top-level overview promising privacy protections were part of their operations:
While SPD stressed that some areas in public did not qualify for privacy protection, like sidewalks, the camera system does have privacy masking for some things such as residential upper-level windows. The demonstration was preceded by comments from newly confirmed SPD Chief Shon Barnes:
Mayor Bruce Harrell and Public Safety Committee chair Councilmember Bob Kettle spoke too; Council president Sara Nelson and Councilmember Maritza Rivera were also there but did not take turns at the microphone.
The major question for us was, when will … or will … it be deployed in West Seattle cases? WS is not in immediate line for city-installed, city-controlled surveillance cameras; the next installments are set for other parts of the city including Capitol Hill and the stadium zone. But the system’s capability to tap into private security cameras, with permission, as well as other city cameras such as traffic cams is what will eventually enable its use in areas without SPD-controlled cameras.
The RTCC is currently staffed 19 hours a day (8 am to 3 am) and is expected to expand to 24/7 next year. You can read the city’s official news release about today’s event and the RTCC here.
Last month, we noted that a Seattle walking fan named Holden was organizing “saunters” around the city and that his next one would be in West Seattle. Last Saturday was the big day, and it was a success! Holden sent this West Seattle Saunter report with photos today:
Howdy Y’all,
Back on May 17th of this year, hundreds of people showed up in the pouring rain to walk the entire length of Seattle, from north to south, in the inaugural Seattle Super Saunter. Despite the weather it was a truly positive experience of folks exploring the city, making new friends, and getting some good exercise. A goal of the event was having some way of connecting disparate areas of the city together, and getting folks to experience neighborhoods that they might not otherwise see. And although we felt like the event did a good job in that aim, there was one large part of Seattle that felt difficult to include, and one that often goes overlooked by folks in other parts of the city, West Seattle.
So in an attempt to rectify not being included in the Seattle Super Saunter, we thought why not give West Seattle its very own saunter. So on Saturday July 12th and beginning from the West Seattle Water Taxi Pier, the West Seattle Saunter took its first step. The simple plan was to traverse 12 miles around West Seattle on foot and see some of the best spots West Seattle has to offer such as Alki Beach, Lincoln Park, Myrtle Reservoir Park, and Summer Fest at Alaska Junction.
At the beginning there were probably about 150 folks who came out to saunter on what ended up being a gorgeous and wonderful day. What was especially nice was to have a good ratio of folks from West Seattle and New Seattle (the mainland), probably about half and half.
Something that was also great was seeing so many folks use the water taxi. Another goal of these saunters is to encourage folks to use transit, so it was the perfect opportunity for folks to use the water taxi. The 773 shuttle also made it convenient for folks to get from Summer Fest at Alaska Junction back to the Water Taxi at the end.
Some of the highlights of the day included:
-Getting to hear about the Alki Healthy Street over at Constellation Park
-Learning about what life was like with the West Seattle Bridge being out
-Seeing a seal over at Lincoln Park, right after this woman had promised her friend there would be one
-Swarming the Super Deli Mart at 35th and Barton with our large group
-Visiting the highest point in the city and exploring the cute neighborhoods and parks near High Point
-Meeting Everett, who was 9 years old and who walked the whole 12 miles and finding out later he got rewarded with a big ice cream cone at the end
-Finishing up at West Seattle Summer Fest and enjoying all the vibrancy of the event. It was such a treat to meet so many great people on Saturday and I heard from plenty of folks that they had never been to West Seattle or that they had not been since before the pandemic.
So this felt like the perfect opportunity for people to explore and re-explore alongside the wonderful residents of West Seattle. If you were not able to make it out on Saturday, I hope you take the chance to get to see West Seattle on foot (take the water taxi too!). Although at times West Seattle can feel like an afterthought to folks on the mainland, there really is so much to see, do, explore, and enjoy out on the Peninsula, as I am sure your readers already know. I know I’ll be back soon and I’m sure plenty of folks from Saturday will too.
Thank you to West Seattle for being so wonderful and thank you everyone who showed up to make Saturday special!
If anyone would like to stay in the loop for any future saunters, you can join our email list here or follow the Instagram.
The West Seattle Grand Parade is four days away, this Saturday, July 19th, 11 am start at California/Lander, continuing south to California/Edmunds. We had the annual privilege of sitting in on the parade-lineup meeting last night with parade coordinator Michelle Edwards, parade chair Keith Hughes, parade judging leader Barbara Edwards, and past parade coordinator/communication leader Jim Edwards (who leads a band of amateur-radio operators communicating along the route). More than 80 entries are signed up this year, and for this countdown, we thought we’d mention four groups of characters expected to participate. Above in our photo from last year, the West Seattle Mrs. Ropers are expected in their caftans, wigs, and shades; also lavishly costumed will be Star Wars of Washington, taking you to a galaxy far far away for just a moment! And then you’ll of course see the two memorable Seafair performing groups, the Seafair Pirates and Seafair Clowns. More to share in our next preview – meantime, decide where you’re going to watch – there will be announcers at California/Alaska, California/Charlestown, and California/Genesee, and “watch parties” at multiple stops (like WSB sponsor West Seattle Realty at 2715 California SW, close to the start). Scroll through other Grand Parade news here!
Two people reported being held up at 61st/Alki last night around 10:45 pm. Here’s what SPD is releasing so far:
Patrol officers responded to reports of a robbery near 61st Avenue Southwest and Alki Avenue Southwest. Police arrived and investigated the incident. Officers determined that a man and woman were robbed at gunpoint by two suspects, armed with a handgun and a possible rifle. The suspects ordered both victims to the ground and stole their wallet and cell phone. The suspects fled in an older sedan with tinted windows. The suspect and vehicle descriptions matched those of another armed robbery in John sector [North Seattle] less than two hours earlier. Patrol officers conducted an extensive area check for the suspect vehicle yet were unable to find it.
(Photo by Stewart L.)
Music and more on our list for your Tuesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUMMER FOOD: As noted here, multiple sites are set up in West Seattle for kids to get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks while school is out.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New participants are welcome to join this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if you’re a first-timer.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: The outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is also open, with sessions between noon and 7 pm. Fee.
WADING POOLS: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden) are open today, noon-7 pm. Free.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch at West Seattle Golf Course. (4470 35th SW).
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 2 pm, weekly meeting, open to public comment in person or online. The agenda explains how to watch/participate.
FREE COMMUNITY NOTARY: Need something notarized? Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) is offering a free notary service today, 4-6 pm – details in our calendar listing.
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.
PLAY ALONG IN THE PARK: 6 pm, second of four Tuesday nights in which you can play along with West Seattle Community Orchestras musicians at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), or just watch/listen. Our preview has details.
UNPLUGGED, A MUSICAL GATHERING: Acoustic musicians, it’s your night at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: Monthly evening meetup to sing and play, at Good Society (California/Lander), 6 pm.
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN: Tonight at 6:15 pm, meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
TOASTMASTERS 832 HYBRID MEETING: Develop your leadership/communication skills by meeting with this group online or in person at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW), 6:30 pm – full details in our calendar listing.
MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).
WS BIG BAND CONCERT IN THE PARK: 7 pm at High Point Commons Park (behind 6400 Sylvan Way SW), enjoy the big sound of the West Seattle Big Band‘s annual Concert in the Park, free, bring your own chair/blanket to sit on.
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 signing up 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).
TRIVIA X 4: Question: Where to play trivia in West Seattle Tuesday nights? Answer: Four options – 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).
WEST SEATTLE PFLAG: Monthly meeting at 7:30 pm, Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill).
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!
This Sunday (July 20) would be a good day to tour the historic Alki Point Lighthouse if it’s on your list for this summer. Debra Alderman of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, whose volunteers handle the Sunday summertime tours, sent this announcement explaining why:
Alki Lighthouse will not be offering tours on July 27 and Aug. 3. Tours will be available July 21 and Aug. 10, Aug, 17, 24, 31. First visitors enter the site at 1 pm and last visitors enter at 3:45 pm. Free! No reservations needed! For more information about the tours, visit: wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=130-02&category=alki-pt-lighthouse
The lighthouse is right on the Alki Point shore, where Alki Avenue turns into Beach Drive.
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Noon today is when the Heat Advisory alert kicks in. Today is expected to be sunny, high in the 80s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:27 am; sunset will be at 9:02 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has resumed three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. 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 weeknights with Mariners home games (and certain special events).
ROAD WORK
-Admiral Bridge work continues, with both directions now carried on the south side instead of the north side; SDOT still will not estimate a completion date other than “summer.”
-Three weeks of major nighttime work ahead on and around 16th SW in White Center start tomorrow – details here.
-One last reminder that 16th SW speed cushions have been installed near Cloverdale and near Trenton; here’s our story on what else is on the way.
EARLY WEEKEND ALERT
The West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K on Saturday (July 19) mean parking restrictions and road closures on and near California SW from Admiral to Edmunds. Heed the signs – they tow on parade morning if necessary!
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!
Summer Fest was just the beginning – much more outdoor music to come this summer in West Seattle. Here are highlights – first one just hours away!
(WSB photo from West Seattle Big Band 2024 Concert in the Park)
TUESDAY, JULY 15
West Seattle Big Band‘s Concert in the Park, 7 pm, High Point Commons Park (behind 6400 Sylvan Way SW)
TUESDAYS, JULY 15, 22, 29
West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Play Along in the Park continues Tuesday nights all month, 6 pm, at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), for spectators as well as musicians
THURSDAYS, JULY 17, 24, 31
Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s Admiral Music in the Parks, 6:30 pm, three bands, three parks, starting this week with Lookout Mountain Lookout at Belvedere Park (3600 SW Admiral Way)
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 18-20
Alki Art Fair along the promenade, with a DJ spinning on Friday, and a full live-music lineup Saturday-Sunday (2701 Alki SW)
FRIDAYS, AUGUST 1-22
Summer Concerts at The Mount, 6 pm, starting with Danny Vernon‘s Illusion of Elvis on August 1 (4831 35th SW)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
Alki Beach Pride, with a full stage lineup TBA
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s Block Party, with a full stage lineup TBA. (California SW north of Admiral Way)
All of the above are FREE shows (in some cases with options available for $ like BBQ dinner at The Mount). Are we missing anything? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Thanks to Melissa for the photo and update:
Thought I would pass an update along about the West Seattle Little League Softball 10s playing in State in Vancouver, Washington. They are 3-0 in the tournament, playing tomorrow at 5:30 in the semifinals against Pacific Little League. Mackenzie Hart threw a perfect game and no-hitter to beat Issaquah 11-0 yesterday.
We didn’t cover these crashes in real time but after reader questions, we did get SFD info on three people injured in two incidents today:
TWO MOTORCYCLISTS COLLIDE: This happened in the midnight hour on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge. SFD says both riders were taken to Harborview in stable condition, a 34-year-old man and a 27-year-old man.
TIPPED TRUCK: Thanks to the texter who sent the photo after a tractor-trailer went sideways on the East Marginal grade-separation flyover bridge early this afternoon. SFD says a 71-year-old man was treated, in stable condition when he too was taken to Harborview.
Two neighboring businesses in the 3400 block of California SW were targeted by burglar(s) overnight Saturday into Sunday. The photos and first part of the report are from the owners of Larry’s Tavern:
Around 5 am (Sunday) there was an attempted break-in.
They were unsuccessful, but they were able to break into Prost.
We requested the police report on that burglary. It says the alarm was tripped around 5:25 am Sunday by someone who pried open the front door. They were gone by the time police arrived; the report says the cash-register till was taken but that there was very little in it, so the burglar(s) didn’t get away with much. If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 25-196665.
(WSB photo)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Steps away from the sun-splashed grounds of West Seattle Summer Fest, more than 60 people devoted the heart of their Sunday afternoon to a topic that was anything but festive.
They were invited by West Seattle Indivisible to the Center for Active Living‘s upstairs hall for what was billed as a half-hour with Mayor Bruce Harrell answering questions about the city’s response to the federal operation aimed at deporting thousands of immigrants. He instead spent more than an hour and a quarter talking with the group, mostly in Q&A, though he said he was unable to answer some questions because he didn’t expect a large crowd and hadn’t brought an entourage of assistants/cabinet members/etc..
The 66-year-old mayor – who is running for a second term – opened by acknowledging most of those in the crowd appeared to be close to his age, calling them “seasoned” and declaring, “We are unapologetically patriots.” Then he proclaimed, “What we are seeing now is one of the most offensive gestures against human rights that we’ve ever witnessed.”
He said multiple times during his appearance that at both local and national levels. discussions continue regarding “what SHOULD we do?” as well as what is possible. He mentioned a pamphlet that “talks about our values (as) a human-rights city … the 14th Amendment says, due process for all persons, not just for all citizens.”
He veered into personal territory, with the story of his Japanese-American mother’s internment resulting in him growing up “in a household where my mom said, ‘don’t trust the government’.” Then he went back to the aforementioned pamphlet, which he said contained advice such as the right not to open your door, the right to stay silent, the right not to sign anything.
The city government is dealing with federal demands too, Harrell said. observing that “the judicial body is keeping us afloat right now.”
He also had advice for those who choose to participate in protests: “We have to be loud, we need to be organized,” but also, protesters, Harrell said, should be aware they too are being watched, and that they may be infiltrated by “disruptors” whose sole intent is to cause trouble and who “are not dressed like you … but carry signs with what we believe in.” He mused that “there has to be a reason for” the federal administration’s attack on human rights, including LGBTQ people’s rights; he suggested the attacks are rooted in “a vision for this country that’s not healthy and not right.”
Q&A began shortly thereafter. “Are we safe to protest on sidewalks?” Harrell said he wasn’t certain, but audience members quickly answered, “You can protest but you can’t obstruct!” The mayor then suggested maybe the city could print a list of protest do’s and don’ts.
Will Seattle Police collaborate with ICE and federal troops in any way? “No,” Harrell replied, to both. (One attendee later claimed SPD had “cooperate(d) with ICE” at a Federal Building event and that SPD let agents “drive away with kidnap victims in the back of a van”; Harrell said the incident in question is “being investigation” and he’s so far getting “mixed information.” It was also suggested that SPD officers are getting conflicting directives from the police union and Harrell said that is currently the subject of “active discussions.”)
What can police use against demonstrators? The mayor referred to the recent filing seeking to end the federal consent decree, and said he is “confident I have the right people,” including newly confirmed Police Chief Shon Barnes, making decisions.
“What are you and SPD doing to keep people from being taken by masked agents?” This led to a somewhat contentious exchange. The mayor said he’s on record as opposed to agents being masked, “but we are not allowed to interfere” and they don’t get advanced intel on “how they are going to raid, who they are going to raid. We can’t stop an officer when we don’t know what they are going to do.”
“What about when you’re not sure who they are?” That was a reference to operations in multiple states – including one recently in White Center – in which the agents wore masks and vests simply marked POLICE, and traveled in unmarked vehicles. Questioners wanted to know how known authorities – like SPD – could even know for sure that these are authorized federal agents. “To impersonate an officer is a crime,” Harrell noted, and then suggested people call 911 if they suspect impersonation is happening. One person then asked bluntly, “Will you investigate before or after a person is taken?”
Harrell got a bit defensive as this line of questioning went on, saying he had a directive “to protect people from these illegal unauthorized ICE raids” but also acknowledging they may not know who’s “authorized” and who’s not: “Our officers are not going to get into fisticuffs with a federal agent” but suggesting that “police will come between (unverified agents and prospective detainees) to make sure a crime is not being committed.”
How can police verify that agents really are ICE? Harrell said there’s no policy/procedure on that yet because these operations involving masked, generically dressed people are a recent phenomenon. He added that “no mayor in the entire country has this figured out, this is uncharted territory” but says his administration is working on it, as are other mayors (noting that he had spoken to the mayors of Nashville and Portland the day before).
Asked about Lewis County in southwestern Washington expressly declaring itself “not a sanctuary county,” Harrell observed that “we are a welcoming state so I don’t think that’s consistent with state policy” but went on to caution that he has “84 square miles in the city to protect” and doesn’t “have the bandwidth to go out to Lewis County.”
The remainder of the questioning focused largely on what concerned people can and/or should do to help with the immigration situation. (Take “rapid response” training, one attendee suggested; WSI is offering that July 31.) The mayor said he’ll meet with deputy mayor Greg Wong “to develop an answer,” adding that he was inspired by “the energy in this room” but insisted that he’s been “focusing on the people (who’ve been) getting arrested, not the politics.” To that end, he noted, “this isn’t the only thing I have to worry about” from the federal administration – the “big bill,” cybersecurity, “lack of regulations in the AI space…I apologize if I don’t know every answer to every question but …it’s not a great time to be a mayor of a blue city, trust me, we are a big target for them.”
In conclusion, he noted again that he had shown up without an entourage – “I came here a little vulnerable, frankly” – but promised that he would fulfill the “marching orders” presented to him during the Q&A: “The biggest is to come back and strategize what we can do together.”
If you’ve noticed more charred driftwood today at Lincoln Park, note that it has been reported to police. The photos and report are from a texter:
Someone is setting fire to logs at Lincoln Park again. This is across from picnic shelter 3 on the south side.
It’s still smoldering right now and there’s also a half-burned log at the picnic shelter.
The fire did not appear to have been reported to SFD, so we suggested the texter do that, since it was “smoldering”; they reported back, “I called 911, and they transferred me to SFD, who transferred me to SPD because I think nothing was actively on fire. Then they transferred me to non-emergency, who surprisingly answered in less than 2 minutes.” (Side note, it was mentioned at a recent community meeting that the non-emergency line is being covered at least some of the time again. Nonetheless, the advice remains, start with 911.)
West Seattle writer (and more) Julia Douthwaite Viglione leads the Classic Novels (And Movies) Book Club (most recent meeting just yesterday), coaches kids to write, and also happens to be a historian/scholar. Every year she offers a Bastille Day quiz on this calendar date; this year we have a chance to feature it, so if you’re game, see the questions – and how to send your answers – by going here.
(Seen from Fauntleroy-Vashon ferry, photo by Anne Higuera)
Here’s what’s on the Monday highlight list from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (are we missing something? let us know!):
SUMMER FOOD: As reported here, there are multiple sites/times/days in West Seattle where kids can get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks.
FAMILY STORY TIME: Southwest Library‘s 10:30 am story time is open to wee ones and their parents/guardians/caretakers. (9010 35th SW)
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: Continuing through Labor Day, the outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is open every day (except for swim-meet closures), noon-7 pm. Fee.
WADING POOLS: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden) are scheduled to be open today, noon-7 pm. Free.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE INFO SESSION: 1 pm, in person at Cascade Hall. Come find out about learning at SSC! (6000 16th SW)
CITY COUNCIL: 2 pm “briefing meeting” today; see the agenda here; watch live via Seattle Channel. (No public comment at the briefing meetings.)
HEALTHY AND WEALTHY TEENS: Four-week series starts today, 2:30 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
CRAFTING & CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm, Monday is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players welcome too!
LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group, participate once, occasionally, or every week. Fee.(4034 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Four places you can play tonight! Easy Street Records hosts every-other-week Music Quiz Monday, 6:30 and 7:30 pm (4559 California SW) … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ALKI MEDITATION: Every Monday – doors open at Alki UCC at 6:45, and the meeting is from 7-8:30. (6115 SW Hinds)
POOL TOURNAMENT: The Corner Pocket‘s weekly pool tournament starts at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: More Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Live music on Mondays! Jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Mondays, sing karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks to everyone who sends info for our calendar – we’re catching up on what’s been in queue while we were immersed in Summer Fest; if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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