West Seattle, Washington
02 Thursday
Bill and Guy are hoping someone has seen their art truck, stolen in Westwood:
During the night between July 1 & 2, our beloved Paisley Ranger was stolen off the street right next to our house. Even with a steering wheel lock in place. It’s a 1989 Ford Ranger. Maybe someone needed particular parts? Who knows.
Crossing our fingers for its recovery.
Police report # is 26-191061; call 911 if you find the truck.
Several people texted this morning with a report of ICE officers pulling someone over in south Arbor Heights. We have since received another report that included this photo:
The texters reported this happened on 35th SW near SW 106th, several blocks from the incident reported two weeks ago.
Just two days until hundreds of West Seattle’s youngest residents will parade through the streets of North Admiral with their families, as the Admiral Neighborhood Association again presents the West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade. We’ve checked in with parade coordinators for the newest info:
–Kavya Bhatkar (age 10), a School of Rock student, will sing the anthem.
-Title sponsors for the parade are: Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care and Holy Rosary.
-Food available for purchase including:
Seattle Pops
West Seattle Grounds
Where Ya at Matt
Empanadas El Pachi
La La Lemonade
Seattle Sorbet
Hawk Dogs
Sugar & Spoon
The parade starts at 10 am Saturday from 45th SW and SW Sunset, heads west on Sunset for a bit, turns south and then east, ending at Hamilton Viewpoint Park for a post-parade celebration with sack races, activity booths, the aforementioned food/treat vendors, and if they’re not called away to an emergency, an SFD truck to see. No RSVP or registration required to be in the parade – just show up (non-motorized bikes, trikes, scooters, strollers, etc., welcome, or just walk).
(Water Taxi riders, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks to everyone who sends events for us to share!):
THURSDAY KAYAK CLUB: 10 am with Alki Kayak Tours at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW) – details here if you want to set a reminder to join up next week!
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER CLOSED: Reopening July 9.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).
GET INFO ABOUT MEDICARE: 11 am at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily-splashing season at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm, rain or shine.
COLMAN POOL: Also rain or shine – noon-7 pm, daily operation continues at the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!) Often C & P Coffee, we’re told (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
BOOMBOX ’90s PRINTMAKING: 2 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), make a print to celebrate the ’90s music era.
DROP-IN CHESS: For young players, drop in to play starting at 4 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS this week – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Anthony’s Finn.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) needs volunteers to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks (and you can take some home too). Just be there 5-7 pm!
WEST SEATTLE ART TOUR PREVIEW: 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW), as explained in our calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
VISCON CELLARS: Along with the Art Tour preview mentioned above, this West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle.
PARK CELEBRATION: Ceremony at 5:30 pm at Veterans’ Triangle Park (where Delridge, 16th, and Roxbury meet), explained here.
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run OR track workout.
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by Jay Cates, outdoors, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
EARL ROBINSON FILM SCREENING TO BENEFIT AMP: As previewed here, 6;30 pm at Admiral Theater (2343 California SW), see the documentary about the local legend, followed by Q&A, benefit to keep Admiral Music in the Parks free.
WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: 7 pm at various locations – bring your own book, read, chat or don’t chat!
‘WISH YOU WERE HERE’: Final week for ArtsWest‘s new play, 7:30 pm curtain. (4711 California SW)
TRIVIA AT THE VOID: 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight’s musical event at Revelry Room (4547 California SW) features DJ Kingblind and Teenage Rampage starting at 8 pm.
KARAOKE AT MAX’S TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm to close. (9454 Delridge Way SW)
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:07 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, July 2, 2026. No Seattle World Cup match today – last one’s on Monday (USA vs. Belgium).
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Today’s forecast is for clouds, chance of pm rain, and a high in the mid-60s. Sunrise was at 5:16 am today; sunset will be at 9:10 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedule Fridays and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
STADIUM ZONE TONIGHT
Mariners are home, playing the Angels at 6:40 pm.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
The city cameras’ updating-framegrab feature is back, as shown on the the SDOT map, so they’re back in our morning lineup:
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
See trouble 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!
(2024 reader photo of fireworks damage on Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex turf)
Here’s the annual announcement from Seattle Parks – we’ve excised the non-local parks:
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 9 PM.
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 soccer, football, baseball, ultimate frisbee and lacrosse.
The fields will be monitored from 9 PM to 3 AM
Lights at the following synthetic fields will be turned off at 3 AM on July 3 and 4:
Delridge Playfield, 4458 Delridge Way SW
Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave. SW
South Park Playfield, 8319 8th Ave S
Walt Hundley Playfield, 6920 34th Avenue SWLights will be turned off at the following grass fields at 11 PM on July 3 and 4:
West Seattle Stadium, 4432 35th Ave. SW
Comparing this to last year’s announcement, the lights will be on longer the night before the 4th, and the “monitoring” will be an hour later.
Two texters reported new street-safety installations:
That photo accompanied a report that SDOT had painted new crosswalks at 49th/Alaska, west of The Junction. Another texter reported a crew installing new speed bumps at 31st/Holden – we went over for a photo:
We actually found two new sets of speed bumps – that one just west of 32nd/Holden, plus the set just west of 31st/Holde.
(Photo from kingcounty.gov)
A beachfront house just north of Cove Park has long been planned to be the construction office for the Fauntleroy ferry-dock rebuild. But first, the county – which has owned it since its own project in the area – is selling it to the state, and has to have a public hearing about that. Here’s the announcement sent to us this afternoon:
The Metropolitan King County Council will hold a hearing on July 14 at 1:30 pm to gather public comment on a proposed Ordinance that would allow King County to sell a parcel of land to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
The property is located at 8923 Fauntleroy Way SW, in the City of Seattle, parcel number 3524039112.
Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available upon request from the Clerk of the King County Council, Room 1200, King County Courthouse, 516 Third Ave., Seattle, WA 98104, or by calling 206-296-1020. The ordinance is also available online at www.kingcounty.gov/council/clerk.aspx by searching for proposed ordinance number 2026-0128.
A public hearing on the proposal to transfer will be held before the full Council at the King County Courthouse, Room 1001, on July 14 at 1:30 pm.
The purchase agreement is part of the legislation; it says the state will buy the house for $1.8 million.
2:43 PM: Lots of questions about Guardian One over White Center. King County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating a report of gunfire. We don’t know yet whether anyone was hurt. The reports are centered in the 12th/106th vicinity.
3:10 PM: No one injured, KCSO has confirmed, explaining they responded to “reports of what is possibly a reckless shooting in the 10000 block of 16th Ave SW. Guardian 1 is up trying to locate a suspect.”
3:22 PM: KCSO has arrested a suspect, so the response will be winding down. KCSO SWAT officers were part of the response.
3:34 PM: Deputies are looking for casings from the initial gunfire – which may have happened at multiple locations. So far they’ve reported nine 9mm casings, though we didn’t hear exactly where.
2:12 PM: Wire theft has been affecting the West Seattle Bridge lights off and on for years. Today, Seattle Police announced an arrest. Above is a police photo showing what they say was the suspect pretending to be a Seattle City Light employee. Here’s their summary, with more photos:
A 47-year-old man was arrested early Saturday after he impersonated a Seattle City Light employee while trying to steal copper wire from the West Seattle Bridge.
At about 1:16 a.m. June 27, an officer was conducting proactive DUI patrol when he drove past a man standing in the narrow shoulder of the westbound lanes on the bridge deck looking toward the water. Believing the man was possibly trying to commit suicide, the officer exited the bridge and reentered on the eastbound side. Taking a closer look at the man, the officer saw him rolling up what appeared to be wire. The officer managed to get back on the westbound side of the bridge so he could talk to the man. It was then when he saw the man carrying several spools of copper.
When the officer asked the man what he was doing the man, said he was a Seattle City Light employee. He claimed he was repairing bridge lights because of a “snag.
The man could not provide city identification. He only said he had worked for the city for about two months. The officer asked where his colleagues and work trucks were the man said they should be with him on the bridge.
The investigation revealed the man had been cutting and stealing wire from the bridge lights. Officers said he had heavy duty wire cutters, a flashlight, a screwdriver, and other hand tools on him. Police also found methamphetamine and an illegal fixed blade throwing knife.
The suspect was transported to the Southwest Precinct and placed in a holding cell. He continued telling officers that he had been a Seattle City Light employee for approximately two months.
Seattle City Light later confirmed that it had no personnel working on the bridge that morning.
The 47-year-old man was booked into the King County Jail for investigation of criminal impersonation, theft, malicious mischief and carrying a dangerous weapon.
We’re checking now on the suspect’s status.
2:32 PM: Jail records show he was released after two days. We’re checking with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
5:58 PM; The suspect, Gregory W. Galitzeck, has been charged with three felonies – malicious mischief, criminal impersonation, and theft, all in the first degree. More details in a bit.
ADDED 10 PM: Here’s one key passage from the detective’s narrative in the charging documents, along with another image:
(A City Light employee) reviewed the above photo of Mr. Galitzeck and said that it looks like he had four 100-foot coils of wire. He further said that while the value of these materials is only about $1,000, but it will cost about $100,000 in labor costs to set up traffic control on the bridge, assess the streetlights, and fix them. City Light is in the process of planning out this repair work which will be done in the future. (He) said that copper theft from West Seattle Bridge streetlamps is an ongoing problem and some of these lights were out of commission prior to this latest incident. I ran Mr. Galitzeck’s criminal history and found that has 15 arrests in Washington with the following four felony convictions: two for burglary, one for drugs, and one for escape.
Galitzeck remains free on personal recognizance and is due back in court for arraignment next Tuesday morning.
(WSB photo)
It’s been two years since we last mentioned the latest in a long line of proposals for 3257 Harbor Avenue SW [map] – which in turn was half a year after we first noticed it, and detailed the site’s history.
The developer behind that proposal, Bode, is still pursuing it, we’ve learned. We got more information on the current status of the project in an email exchange with Bode rep Rae Hendricks. Bode already has two apartment complexes in West Seattle, at 2222 SW Barton and 3050 SW Avalon Way, so this would be their third. Hendricks says the Harbor Avenue project turns on whether the city will grant a “street vacation for what is technically part of SW City View, “an undeveloped right-of-way that divides the site. This site is likely only feasible after vacating this street. … We have received positive community feedback and are optimistic about the request being granted.” (Street vacations, as you know if you remember coverage of some past West Seattle projects, ultimately require City Council approval.)
As for the current overview of what Bode is proposing: “We are expecting about 200 units total, with a mix of studios, 1-bed, and 2-bed types. This is still in flux as we work through the design and permitting processes. We do not have any off-street parking as of now, but we are aiming to support both cyclist and pedestrian infrastructure around the site. The project has a private bike storage space with ample bike parking spaces, as well as a public repair station, temporary bike parking, and water fountains for the community to utilize. We are also proposing to widen the sidewalk on SW Harbor Ave along the property to about double what it is now.”
If the street vacation is approved, Hendricks told WSB, “then we will move forward into building permitting” and construction would likely follow in a year to a year and a half.
With so many other projects on hold, we asked, why is this company able to keep building? Hendricks replied, “Living Bode is in a unique position because we are a vertically integrated firm that can mitigate cost through the entire process of developing, designing, building, and post-construction ownership. We also are working with enabling capital providers such as Amazon to help mitigate some of the risks in the current market.”
The company has more than 20 properties, according to its website. You can check in on the process for this one here.
When you see the phrase “West Seattle music legend,” you might think of, oh, say, Eddie Vedder. But long before grunge, there was Earl Robinson (1910-1991), the subject of this signal-box-portrait tribute in the Admiral District.
Above at right is artist Desmond Hansen, and at left is West Seattle filmmaker B.J. Bullert, whose one-hour documentary about the Admiral resident and West Seattle HS graduate, “Earl Robinson: Ballad of an American” will be screened at Admiral Theater tomorrow night as a fundraiser for the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s summer concert series. That series, Admiral Music in the Parks, is just two weeks away – more on that in a moment. First, in case you missed the original announcement, the benefit screening is at 6:30 pm Thursday (July 2), which happens to be Mr. Robinson’s birthday. The award-winning film features “archival footage and performances of Earl Robinson’s iconic American repertoire by Joan Baez, Frank Sinatra, Paul Robeson, Josh White, Three Dog Night, Peter, Paul, and Mary, and of course Robinson himself,” the announcement notes, and will be followed by “a Q&A with the filmmaker, moderated by local historian Clay Eals, to learn more about Robinson’s life and works.” You can get your ticket here, with proceeds supporting the free-to-watch Admiral Music in the Parks on three consecutive Thursday nights starting July 16 – scroll down this page to see the lineup of places and performers!
(Another beautiful swallowtail butterfly, this one photographed by Steve Bender)
The long holiday weekend is coming into view and things are quieting down a bit – Here’s our Wednesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – which you can preview any time – here’s what’s happening today/tonight:
SUMMER FOOD FOR KIDS: Some local sites are now open – see our story for locations and other information.
strong>TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor).
SPRAYPARK’S OPEN: Daily-splashing season at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
SWIMMING POOL’S OPEN: Daily operations also continue at Colman Pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm.
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, join players at Missing Piece (4707 California SW).
USA WORLD CUP MATCH WATCH PARTY #1: 5 pm, the USA men play Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the winner will come to Seattle for a round of 16 match. If you’re going to tonight’s Junction FC match at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (see below), come early and watch on the big screen, as detailed here.
USA WORLD CUP MATCH WATCH PARTY #2: 5 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW). Free, all ages.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: The free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm workshop is happening at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center), and the library is open for borrowing.
THE CONCERT TRUCK RETURNS: Seattle Chamber Music Society‘s Concert Truck will present a free concert at Seattle Chinese Garden (north end of South Seattle College campus, 6000 16th SW), 6 pm. Bring your own chair/blanket.
CLASSIC SF BOOK CLUB: 6 pm at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor), this month talking about “Planet of the Apes.” All welcome.
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Talk about Seattle’s growth – current and future – at the weekly 6 pm meetup at Elliott Bay Brewing (4720 California SW).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN WITH LULULEMON PRIZES: Join the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces – this week with a special addition, Lululemon prizes!
PRACTICE YOUR SPANISH SPEAKING: New local group of Spanish-language learners, dedicated to practicing it, gathers 6:30-8:30 pm at Mission Cantina (2325 California SW) – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
JUNCTION FC: 7 pm match at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex for the West Seattle pre-pro team, vs. Bigfoot FC. Ticket link is in our calendar listing.
MAD CRAFTY: Bring your project to Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 7-9 pm.
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 5: Five West Seattle trivia venues – Seaside Grill (2820 Alki SW) now has 7 pm trivia on Wednesdays … Admiral Pub trivia at 7:10 pm (2306 California SW) … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … And trivia starts at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: West Seattle’s longest-running open-mic night! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SWING IT WEDNESDAY! Swing dancing and live music at 8:15 pm at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale, South Parkk).
KARAOKE X 2: New listing – karaoke with KDJ Mythikal at Max’s Triangle Pub (9454 Delridge Way SW), pm … Sing at
Admiral Pub starting at 9, after trivia. (2306 California SW)
Planning an event, class, workshop, etc., that’s open to community participation/observation/visitation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
That photo shows 150 or so of the walkers who joined in last year’s first-ever West Seattle Saunter. A few tipped us that the free mega-walk is returning this year, and organizer Holden has since sent us the announcement:
Do you like meeting new people? Do you enjoy exploring our beautiful city? Do you love walking? Then we have the event for you! The second annual West Seattle Saunter, about a 12-mile walk beginning at the West Seattle Taxi Pier and ending at West Seattle Summer Fest is happening July 11th, 2026! It is an amazing opportunity to spend time outdoors, see the city through a new lens, and build community! The West Seattle Saunter is completely free for participants and details, like the route and pace, are flexible. Join us for 2 miles, 6 miles, or the whole walk! Register and get more information here!
The walk is set to start at 8:45 am July 11, which is the second day of Summer Fest. It’s a spinoff of the Seattle Super Saunter (which happened on Memorial Day weekend).
6:00 AM: Good morning and welcome to a new month! It’s Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with Seattle World Cup match #5 this afternoon.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The weather’s not yet back to full summer mode – partly sunny today, high in the upper 60s. Sunrise was at 5:15 am; sunset will be at 9:10 pm.
SEATTLE WORLD CUP MATCH #5
Belgium vs. Senegal, 1 pm at Lumen Field (“Seattle Stadium”). So starting by mid-morning, this area near the stadium will again be off-limits to motor vehicles:
TRANSIT TODAY
Matchday overview – Here’s the transit rundown courtesy of Metro Matters.
Metro buses – Reroutes in the no-motor-vehicles zone shown above, otherwise, regular weekday schedule.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Here are the announced changes:
A 2nd boat will be running additional service on Wed, July 1st from 9:30 AM to 6 pm to support the World Cup Match. A boat will be departing from both docks approximately every 20 minutes 2 hours before and after the game.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
The city cameras’ updating-framegrab feature is back, per a the SDOT map, so we’ve returned them to the morning lineup:
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
See trouble 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!
Arraignment hearings are now in the books for all five of the men arrested in West Seattle – though none of them live here – for allegedly arranging to pay for sex with what they thought would be underage girls. We reported a week and a half ago on the charges filed after the undercover online police operation. Four of the men were arraigned last week; a fifth waived his right to a speedy arraignment and appeared before a judge today. All five pleaded not guilty to the two felony charges filed against each, Communication With a Minor For Immoral Purposes and Attempted Commercial Sexual Abuse Of A Minor. According to the minutes filed online, all the hearings were brief, from two minutes to eight minutes long. We did learn from the arraignment documents that all five were out on bail – and the amounts varied: Bail for 30-year-old Chien-Cheng Wang of North Seattle was set at $5,000; for 32-year-old Curt R. Naraval of Spanaway, $20,000; for 45-year-old Inderjeet S. Nehal of Everett (the last to be arraigned), 21-year-old Jordan M. Kaapana-Ross of Kent, and 27-year-old Manuel C. Leggett of Burlington, bail was set at $75,000 each. All five were arrested at separate times over the course of two days at or near the West Seattle Junction Bank of America parking lot, the location suggested by the undercover detective, offering various explanations such as that was near the “girl’s” home or where the “girl” was staying with a relative. All five defendants remain out on bail and have their next hearings scheduled later in the summer.
(WSB photos, this afternoon)
If you’ve been by Alki Elementary lately (3010 59th SW), you’ve likely noticed the new school looks pretty close to done. Today we learned the date that’s been set for the ribboncutting ceremony, so you can mark your calendar: August 26. Long before then, though, staff will start moving in; according to the latest project newsletter, that begins next Monday (July 6).
Alki Elementary has spent the past three years temporarily housed at the former Schmitz Park Elementary, which will be vacant next year so some maintenance work can be done, the district told us in March.
Thanks for the tips. Via social media, the Great American Diner and Bar has announced it’s closing its West Seattle Junction location (which has long been listed for lease). Today is the last day, proprietor Glen Quadros tells WSB, while adding that the closure is temporary, in a way. First, here’s the announcement:
Dear West Seattle
There are moments in life that are difficult to put into words, and this is one of them.
After nearly nine unforgettable years, the time has come for us to say goodbye to our home on California Avenue.
When we first opened the doors to Great American Diner & Bar, we simply hoped to build a place where everyone would feel welcome—a place where good food, warm service, and genuine hospitality could make someone’s day just a little brighter. We never imagined just how much this community would give back to us.
West Seattle, you became family.
You celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, new jobs, first dates, and countless everyday moments with us. Some of you came every morning for coffee. Some joined us every Friday for happy hour. Many of you walked through our doors as customers and left as friends.
When the pandemic turned all of our lives upside down, you reminded us what community truly means. During those uncertain months, we kept our lights on and our kitchen going because we believed our neighbors deserved a familiar place they could count on. Whether it was sunshine, pouring rain, or even the rare Seattle snow, we were here—and you were there for us too. Every takeout order, every encouraging message, every familiar face helped keep us going. We will never forget that. …
When we first reported on the 4752 California SW plan in May 2017, Great American was the sixth restaurant/bar to try their luck in that space in 10 years; the one it followed, Shelby’s Ice Cream and Bistro, lasted less than six months. But Great American almost outlasted all those predecessors put together. It was particularly memorable for being open to serve customers on holiday – the lists we have assembled for many years showing which West Seattle restaurants were open on Thanksgiving and/or Christmas invariably included the diner.
However, the proprietor tells us, this isn’t a permanent farewell to West Seattle: “We will be opening in the very near future somewhere close by to continue the Wonderful tradition of the Great American Diner.” Glen also notes that he and his family operate Skillet & Vine Bistro (2800 East Madison).
ADDED WEDNESDAY: Here’s the sign now on the diner’s door:
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Thanks to David for the tip and photos showing work under way at the Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex upper softball field. The project includes a new synthetic turf field and new fencing. Lighting is also planned next year for the field, with public comment ending tomorrow — more on that later.
We reached out to Seattle Public Schools Project Manager Conrad Plyler about what’s involved in the immediate project. He says it’s one of the last two fields districtwide to be replaced in a decade-long process of removing those that have crushed rock and a crumb rubber layer under the artificial turf. Plyler explained that field surfaces need to be replaced every 10-12 years, and beginning in 2016, SPS started using a cork and sand layer in lieu of the crumb rubber, which “gets everywhere” and can impact salmon. He says the cork and sand combo is also, “more resilient for head trauma.” The fields at Madison Middle School and next to the gym at West Seattle High School were the most recent large fields to be replaced in West Seattle in 2023.
Work on the softball field started on June 18th, with removal of the old surfaces and the rubber. The new field will have a 25 millimeter “elastic layer,” then the sand and cork, and finally the artificial turf. The work is being funded by two levies — the 2025 BEX VI and 2022 Buildings, Technology and Academics/Athletics levy (BTA V). Plyler says the contractor, FieldTurf, USA, will finish the work, “no later than the start of school,” though possibly as soon as the middle of August. The contractor is performing the work under a cooperative contract that includes concurrent work on the track and field at Roosevelt High School and the track at Ballard High School.
The turf project is just the start of work planned for the field over the next year. The softball field, which Plyler says is smaller than regulation and is frequently used for JV practice, has no lighting, so SPS plans to install 6 new 70’ poles at the field next summer. Early this year, old sodium halide lighting at the Athletic Complex stadium was replaced with LED lighting that limits “glare and spillage.” Plyler says the planned softball field lights “are identical to the lights just installed.”
Plyler says because the lights are new, and as a courtesy to neighbors, SPS is going through a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) process that includes a draft environmental checklist finished this spring. That process allows neighbors and others to comment on any concerns they have about the new lights. Plyler says while the 70’ poles are tall, the LED fixtures allow light to be focused more narrowly on the playfield than shorter poles would, reducing spillage and the number of poles required. Once the comment period ends tomorrow at 5pm, the final SEPA checklist will be completed, and barring lengthy appeals, SPS will apply for city permits and install the lighting in the next round of summer levy projects.
SEPA checklist comments can be made by email to SEPAcomments@seattleschools.org – and there’s more information about this on SPS’s SEPA page; scroll down to the section for Interim or Non-School Sites.
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum on Alki has been a place to visit on the Fourth of July for various reasons over the years. After all, it’s a holiday about history! Two things to know about the museum’s Fourth of July plan this year:
(Rendering courtesy SWSHS)
-Though the original hope was to be able to open the new permanent exhibit on the Fourth, it’s still a work in progress, SWSHS executive director Elizabeth Rudrud told WSB when we checked in for a progress report. She says the goal now is a grand opening in August.
-But here’s a reason to visit on the holiday anyway: Fourth of July Storytime, 11 am-1 pm, a drop-in event in the museum courtyard:
Join us for a festive morning highlighting American icons. Experience the wonder of storytelling with Eva Abram, who brings folktales and stories from American history to life. Then get in on crafts that explore three Statues of Liberty — the original, the one on Alki Beach, and the original statue that stood on Alki Beach, coming soon to the Log House Museum.
If you’re going to the Fourth of July Kids’ Parade, this is just downhill at 61st/Stevens, and also free.
(WSB photo – All-City Band in 2025 West Seattle Grand Parade)
The Seattle Schools All-City Marching Band is a signature sight and sound of summer. And this year the All-City Band celebrates its 75th anniversary! You’ll of course see them in the West Seattle Grand Parade on July 18. But before that – two events of note, both in West Seattle – All-City Band alumni and supporters are invited to this celebration:
Seattle All-City Marching Band 75th Anniversary Banquet & Auction
Friday, July 17, 2026 | 5:00–11:00 PM
Brockey Center | South Seattle CollegeCelebrate 75 years of music, memories, and tradition at an evening of dinner, fellowship, live and silent auctions, and special recognition of the alumni, directors, and supporters who have shaped the Seattle All-City Marching Band.
Reconnect with fellow alumni, share memories, and honor the rich legacy of the Seattle All-City Marching Band.
Tickets: $75 per person
Alumni: Please register by July 6, 2026, to guarantee your banquet ticket.
Current band members and their families: Ticket sales open July 7, 2026, based on availability.
The band also invites alumni to perform with them in the Chinatown Parade on July 19 and in West Seattle at this year’s Band Jam, which is also free to spectators, 6 pm Friday, July 24, at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
For banquet tickets, and/or alumni-performance registration, go here. (And if you’d like to support the Seattle All-City Marching Band another way, you can donate here.)
(Weather Watch Park, photographed by Bob Burns)
Here’s our delayed-by-breaking-news list of event notes/reminders/listings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, first two events already in progress:
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
SPRAYPARK SEASON: Daily operations continue at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) – free, scheduled 11 am-8 pm daily.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: No regular meeting today, as the club is having its presidential installation dinner tonight.
FINAL DAY FOR AVALON GLASSWORKS: Last day open before the owners retire, noon-4 pm. (2914 SW Avalon Way)
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, daily operation continues at the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
OTHER EVENTS AT THE CENTER: Dozens every week! Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Regular weekly 2 pm meeting; here’s the agenda, which explains how to participate, in person or remotely.
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 have your own.
TUESDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB: Alki Kayak Tours and Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) are presenting this weekly event for stand-up paddleboarders – details here – 5:30 pm. (1660 Harbor SW)
INTERFAITH FREEDOM VIGIL: Weekly, 5:30-6:30 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza candlelight vigil open to all. (61st SW and Alki SW)
OPEN MIC AT TIM’S: 6 pm signups, 7 pm music at all-ages open mic hosted at Tim’s (16th SW and SW 98th) in White Center.
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
OPEN CHOIR REHEARSALS: 6:30 pm Tuesdays at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), come sing with the Boeing Employees Choir, even if you aren’t a Boeing employee – the link explains how to RSVP.
PAST, PRESENT, & ELSEWHERE: Album-listening sessions at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), every Tuesday night, 7-9 pm.
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons continue at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 7 pm – lots of info in our calendar listing.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group meditation at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.
BINGO! Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 4: Four trivia venues tonight – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free, 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, free, prizes. (2306 California SW).
KARAOKE AT POGGIE TAVERN: 9 pm Tuesdays, until 1:30 am, your turn to sing! (4717 California SW)
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:41 AM: Thanks for the tip and photos. What’s on the Seattle City Light outage map as a 7-customer outage is affecting some Westwood Village businesses. The texter sent these photos – seen on the door at the dialysis facility Davita:
And at West Seattle Licensing:
The texter says the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) child-care center is open but is having a partial outage. We’ll go over and check on other businesses as soon as we can.
10 AM: We’re there. Surveying the rest of the SW Trenton side, the Post Office is open, not affected, but the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health clinic and Total Wine & More are both closed with signs on the door. (The latter also affects bus drivers who use the restroom, the signage notes.) Total Wine sign:
And VMFH:
10:50 AM: This outage is no longer shown on the SCL map. We’ll go back a bit later to see if any of the affected businesses have reopened.
1:45 PM: Customers are going into Total Wine, but the aforementioned other businesses still have the closure signs up.
| 0 COMMENTS