West Seattle, Washington
21 Tuesday
(USS Cincinnati, hoto by Gary Jones)
2:22 PM: The kickoff event for Seafair‘s two biggest weeks is happening now – the Parade of Ships, passing West Seattle on the way to the downtown waterfront, a few hours later than previous years. The participants weren’t announced in advance, unlike past years, and only one US Navy vessel is in view – USS Cincinnati, a littoral combat ship – with US Coast Guard (including USCGC Stratton, WSML 752) and Seattle Fire boats accompanying it.
(USCGC Stratton, photo by David Hutchinson)
Tomorrow and Thursday, ship tours will be offered at Pier 66 downtown, 10 am to 7 pm each day – here are the details on how that works.
(Photo by Gary Jones)
2:38 PM: The Navy confirms that USS Cincinnati is the ship on which they’ll offer tours. Here’s a Navy info-sheet about it. It’s homeported in San Diego; the Stratton is based in the Bay Area.
While the air isn’t too murky – yet – online air-quality maps show the influence of wildfire smoke drifting this way; the Puget Sound Clean Air map, for example, shows many sensors in West Seattle now showing “moderate” air quality. Last night, most were still “good” despite telltale signs of smoke such as the deep pink-red color of the setting sun. This is expected to persist at least a few days, so take care depending on your sensitivity level. The biggest fires right now are in northeastern Washington.
The city Film Office wants you to know that Hamilton Viewpoint Park in North Admiral will be mostly off-limits to the public all day and part of the evening this Friday (July 24), for what might sound like a loud party. It’s actually going to be a series shoot, the city explains – here’s what crew and cast will be doing:
Production will be filming for a web series titled “Car Show Rivalry” at Hamilton Viewpoint Park. The filming activity will play out like a large-scale car show, with cars on display, a cheering crowd, dancers, DJs, and more.
To facilitate production needs, Seattle Parks & Recreation has approved a full closure of the park for the duration of the day. Pedestrians will not be denied access to the park itself, but much of the park will be restricted during the filming [see map above]. The parking lot will be closed completely to vehicle traffic and parking. The production is obtaining a Temporary Noise Variance from the City for early hours work (6:00 am to 7:00 am). Neighbors who need any special access or accommodations should reach out to the production contact … and we will gladly assist.
That’s a reference to information in this official notice
Last night just before midnight, police got a call about gunfire in the 8800 block of 9th SW – but the subsequent dialogue with dispatch suggested some concern about a false report. A few hours later, we got a message suggesting gunfire had been verified after all. So we asked Seattle Police for the report narrative, and here’s what they provided:
On July 20 at 11:50 p.m., officers responded to the 8800 block of 9th Avenue Southwest, where a man experiencing a mental health crisis and said that someone had shot into his home, and he fired back from inside his apartment. That man called several times the previous night alleging that people were stalking him and had Molotov cocktails, which was not the case.
As officers arrived, they observed what appeared to be bullet damage to the suspect’s window and a bullet hole across the courtyard in another apartment. Officers convinced the suspect to walk outside unarmed and placed him into custody. They then performed a welfare check in the suspect’s apartment and the apartment with the bullet hole across the courtyard. There were no injuries. A gun was later recovered, and the suspect was booked into King County Jail for the weapons violations.
According to the jail roster, the man who was arrested is being held for investigation of unlawful firearm possession,
Thanks to Al for the artichoke-flower-and-bee photo! Here’s our list of event notes/reminders/listings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
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.
SEAFAIR PARADE OF SHIPS: As previewed Monday, they’ll be passing West Seattle around noonish, heading to the downtown waterfront – Navy and Coast Guard vessels, but organizers have yet to announce which ones. UPDATE: The downtown Parade of Ships time is now 3 pm, so the West Seattle sighting won’t be before 2 pm, and a Seafair spokesperson tells us the participants will be announced during a 2 pm media event downtown.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW; WSB sponsor); today’s program is “George Washington Speaks: Vern Fykholm appears as George Washington and will answer your questions to the first President of the United States.”
SOUTH PARK SPROUTS GARDEN CLUB: Explore the natural world at South Park Library (8604 8th Ave. S.), noon-1 pm.
BEGINNING A NATURE JOURNAL: Today’s Summer Quest project is at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), noon.
WADING POOLS OPEN: With sunshine and warm weather, West Seattle’s regular wading-pool lineup will be open – noon to 7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way, upper park near the north lot) and at EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden).
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, daily sessions continue at the outdoor saltwater pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SUMMER QUEST – KEEPING A NATURE JOURNAL: 12 pm to 2 pm, workshop at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
CHESS CLUB: All levels! 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)
STORY TIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm at Delridge P-Patch (5078 25th SW), story time followed by a garden activity.
PLAY ALONG IN THE PARK: 6 pm, third of four Tuesday nights during which you are invited to play with the West Seattle Community Orchestras at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) – see our calendar listing for specific groups and times. Not a musician? Come watch/listen!
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, “Unplugged: A Musical Gathering” at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
OPEN MIC: 6 pm signups, 7 pm music at the open mic hosted by Levi Said 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 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 Tuesday trivia venues – 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 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!
Looking ahead to next school year – just weeks away – the Rotary Club of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) hopes you can help with this year’s Pencil Me In for Kids school-supply drive. Here’s how:
Pencil Me In For Kids (PMIFK) is a West Seattle Rotary-sponsored project that has provided basic school supplies to West Seattle K-5 students in need since 1995. Their 31st annual School Supply Drive runs through August 1.
You can help by donating supplies that elementary school students frequently use. High demand items include folders with pockets (e.g., Pee-Chees), washable markers (fine tip, wide or slant tip, black and color markers), and colored pencils.
Collection boxes are located at Brookdale Admiral Heights Senior Living, Fauntleroy Church & YMCA (9140 California SW), and West Seattle Thriftway (California & Fauntleroy).
“In addition, monetary donations allow us to buy school supplies at a discount and help hundreds of K-5 students in West Seattle,” said Sue Lindblom, former owner of Illusions Hair Design, who founded Pencil Me In For Kids 31 years ago and continues to coordinate the annual drive. “Online donations can be made via the West Seattle Rotary Foundation (bit.ly/3Uio6rh) and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.” (Note: Select Local Projects on the drop-down list and type “PMIFK” on the notes.)
Hosted by the Rotary Club of West Seattle, PMIFK is one of several local Rotary projects that support children, youth, and schools, including Music4Life (collecting orchestra and band instruments for K-12 music programs) and a variety of scholarships and awards. Learn more at westseattlerotary.org/projects/local.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The National Weather Service‘s Heat Advisory alert is in effect at 10 am, until 11 pm tomorrow. The official forecast: partly sunny, patchy smoke, high mid-80s. Sunrise was at 5:33 am today; sunset will be at 8:57 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. Today, pavement-repair work is expected at the Fauntleroy terminal, 7 am-3 pm.
STADIUM ZONE
*The Mariners‘ homestand continues with another 6:40 pm game vs. Cincinnati.
BRIDGE TRAFFIC CAMERAS
A few from the SDOT map:
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!
Sent by frequent photo contributor Bob Burns:
He is almost always on Alki in late afternoon, ready to wave and smile at all who greet him.
I asked if it was OK to post on The Blog, and he said OK.
9:40 PM: Thanks for the tips. We’re still pursuing details of this crash at 35th and Brandon, south of Camp Long, but we do know the traffic disruption was fairly short-lived – medic crews cleared quickly after being dispatched around 8:50 pm. A tow truck’s already there.
9:49 PM: We’re checking with SFD on the driver’s condition. Reviewing the radio archives, dispatch told officers the driver might have had a medical problem.
6 AM: SFD says the driver, a 40-year-old man, was in stable condition when taken to a hospital.
Two coyote sightings to report – first, we got two separate reports from 45th and Holgate this past hour of what’s alost certainly the same coyote – Sean sent a phto:
I wanted to alert y’all that I spotted a coyote just now wandering in Admiral on 45th and Holgate at 7:30 pm. A lot of cats live on that block so I want to make sure people are aware!
George’s note came in after Sean’s, but his sighting was a bit earlier: “Just pulled up at my home and saw coyote in broad daylight walking down sidewalk on SW Holgate St between 44th and 45th SW. It headed east on Holgate, then took a left turn when it reached California SW and headed north past assisted living facility.”
UPPER FAUNTLEROY: This texted photo came with a report about a sighting last Wednesday:
This was at 45th and Hemlock, east of and uphill from central Lincoln Park.
Not sure what to do if you see a coyote? Find simple advice here.
A couple readers mentioned the start of key work today on the years-in-the-making Hiawatha Play Area move. Bruce Curtis sent a photo and report with a bittersweet take on one aspect:
This morning the neighborhood’s favorite playground equipment came down. Hiawatha’s big swings left us today. I’ve seen countless babies put in the “bucket” swing, perhaps the first time and mom gently swinging them while taking pictures. Two girls meeting on the swings while talking endlessly and no phone out! Seeing little ones running to them only to wait for the parents to pick them up and put them in. Very popular meeting place. Totally indestructible from the late night visitors. They will be missed. Though will be replaced with short plastic things.
Goodbye.
Similar swing-set swaps have happened at other park over the years (here’s Lowman in 2008). Seattle Parks announced last month that construction would begin this week.
(Photo courtesy Alki Kayak Tours)
With a Heat Advisory in effect tomorrow and Wednesday, and more warm days ahead here in the heart of summer, you might be planning ways to keep cool. Alki Kayak Tours – sibling business of WSB sponsor Mountain to Sound Outfitters – is offering daily guided sea kayak tours leaving from its home base at Seacrest Pier in West Seattle 1660 Harbor SW). This page lists what’s available and how to book. Times and days vary, for options including the Elliott Bay Tour, Alki Point Lighthouse Tour, Sunset Tour, and the once-a-month Full Moon Tour, all two to three hours long.
Seattle Night Out 2026 is two weeks from tomorrow – Tuesday, August 4th – a time to gather with your neighbors and focus on neighborhood safety. The city grants permission to close non-arterial streets for block parties, but you need to register in advance, and the deadline for that is one week away – Monday, July 27. So far, SPD’s Southwest Precinct Crime-Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite says, the SW area (West Seattle and South Park) has 180 block/building parties registered – #2 out of the city’s five precincts, though this is the smallest one. You can register yours by going here.
(2025 Parade of Ships, photo by Gary Jones)
U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships will pass West Seattle shores around noon tomorrow (Tuesday, July 21) on their way to the Seafair Parade of Ships along the downtown waterfront. It marks the start to Seafair Fleet Week, which as usual will include ship tours. We’re still awaiting word on which ships will participate; in recent years, it’s shrunk from what previously was a contingent of at least three U.S. Navy ships as well as U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard vessels; Canada didn’t participate last year and isn’t mentioned in this year’s advance info either. When we get word of the participants, we’ll add it here; you can find basic tour info here for 10 am-7 pm Wednesday and Thursday at Pier 66 downtown.
(Sunrise photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUMMER FOOD DRIVE: Continuing daily at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor) – our story has the list of what they most need.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 11 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
SPRAYPARK OPEN: Daily splashing continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), whatever the weather, 11 am-8 pm.
WADING POOLS OPEN: With sunshine and warm weather forecast, West Seattle’s regular Monday wading-pool lineup will be open – noon to 7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way, upper park near the north lot) and EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden).
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, daily operation continues at the outdoor saltwater swimming pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
NO CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: Weekly 2 pm meeting is NOT happening again this week – per the council schedule.
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUPS: 6:30 pm, weekly group gatherings for people experiencing grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee. Before you go, RSVP/register here. (4034 California SW)
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too! $5.
PRACTICE SPEAKING SPANISH: 6:30-8:30 pm, this informal group meets at Future Primitive Brewing in White Center (9832 14th SW), all welcome – just be ready to speak Spanish while participating!
ALKI MEDITATION: Two ways to get contemplative on Monday nights – first, meditation at Alki UCC, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: And there’s – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
COMEDY AT OTTER ON THE ROCKS: Adam Tiller headlines the monthly show this time, 7 pm, ticket link in our calendar listing. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 2: Two venues offer you the opportunity for trivia tonight! 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) and 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
POOL TOURNAMENT: The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska, entrance on California)
PINBALL TOURNAMENT: Register at 7, play at 7:30, at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: End your Monday with a song – karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Big thanks to everybody who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Driving past 4752 California SW before dusk last night, we noted the windows remained papered, the doors were closed, no sign of the announced Taste & Best restaurant grand opening today. Then our original tipster noticed a change in the banner and sent this photo this morning:
The new opening date, July 24, is Friday. We noted here last week that the owners also were opening a Taste & Best in Shoreline last Wednesday; we haven’t made the trip to see, but a social-media post suggests they did open.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, July 20, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The National Weather Service has a Heat Advisory alert for 10 am Tuesday through 11 pm Wednesday – but today is forecast as becoming mostly sunny, with a seasonable high in the upper 70s. Sunrise was at 5:32 am today; sunset is now happening before 9 pm – tonight it’ll be at 8:58 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. That’s also where you’ll find this FYI:
If you’re driving through our Vashon or Fauntleroy terminals early next week, please expect delays as we repair pavement on the docks. Construction crews will be at the Vashon terminal on Monday, July 20 and at the Fauntleroy terminal on Tuesday, July 21.
Work will start around 7 a.m. and be completed around 3 p.m. both days. Vehicles will be directed around the work areas.
STADIUM ZONE
*The Mariners‘ homestand continues with a 6:40 pm game vs. Cincinnati.
BRIDGE TRAFFIC CAMERAS
A few from the SDOT map:
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!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Besides big summer celebrations, this past week also brought two community-coalition meetings.
One, we’ve already reported on – the monthly Fauntleroy Community Association board meeting. Now, here’s what happened at the other, the Morgan Community Association‘s quarterly gathering, both in-person at Alki Arts (which is how we attended) and online:
UPDATE FROM POLICE: Some of what Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Pat Daly reported – the West Seattle-wide crime stats – were the same as what he told the FCA the night before. He had Morgan-specific trends, saying major crimes were down “significantly,” including rapes and gunfire (each category had 1 incident year to date compared to 2 last year), aggravated assaults, burglaries (down 55 percent), and auto theft. SPD is touting a new monthly citywide newsletter; in the first edition, Lt. Daly said, the Southwest Precinct (WS and South Park) was noted for a steeper crime drop than the four other precincts.
In Q&A time, a family asked about crashes on the Fauntleroy Way curve just southwest of the Morgan Junction business district, including one recent crash. They were interested in seeing something to slow traffic through that stretch. One member of the family had done research and said that area has seen more than 50 crashes in 20 years. MoCA president Deb Barker, leading the meeting, noted that an SDOT rep was due at their October meeting.
A local businessperson talked about trouble with street disorder and fear for their safety. Lt. Daly said police can’t address some things, such as loitering, but they can address some kinds of law-breaking behavior, so do report it. 911 also can dispatch Community Service Officers to offer people resources; CSO Jamie Heslin also was at the meeting and said CSOs work in shifts stretching from 7:30 am to 10 pm.
Last community concern surfaced in the discussion with police was fireworks. On the Fourth of July, they won’t respond unless there’s an “imminent safety threat,” but the rest of the time, “DO call us,” said Lt. Daly – then adding that it’ll still be “low priority” unless there’s a “specific safety (concern).” Nonetheless, he said, “if you call us now (post-holiday), we’ll come, it just might take us a little while to get there.”
CITY PROJECT UPDATES: Barker said Park got approval from an in-house review team to proceed to 60 percent design with the Morgan Junction Park expansion project, which will include an “all-wheels area” (aka “skate dot”) thanks to relentless community advocacy. Parks’ project manager is also continuing to work with other departments (such as Seattle Public Utilities for stormwater-management issues and SDOT for the undeveloped street end between the current park and the expansion site to its north). Barker also recapped where the EV charging lot project was – but that was superseded by City Light’s announcement the next day (as reported here) that work had to stop because of a design problem, as yet unexplained.
KING COUNTY WASTEWATER TREATMENT DISTRICT PROJECT UPDATES: Three reps from KCWTD were in attendance to update work that’s under way at and near Lowman Beach. First they offered a primer on what they do (treat 183 million gallons of sewage a day). A valve replacement at the pump station beneath Lowman is complete; now they’re working on a “force main,” explained as 250 feet of pressurized pipe, including installation of two air valves to reduce corrosion. Some of the work has required Beach Drive lane closures. This coming week, they’ll be lining the repaired pipe, which is actually one of two “force mains” running through the area. Construction will be done by the end of summer, and restoration work will follow in fall. That includes part of the park and some area that will be fenced off while replacement grass grows.
EMERGENCY HUB ACTIVATION: A big event at Morgan Junction Park is just a few weeks away – the drill to “activate” the Neighborhood Emergency Communication Hub there is happening 10 am-1 pm Saturday, August 15. The scenario will be a major earthquake; volunteers will play different roles such as residents seeking information on how to get services. The hubs – West Seattle has 15 – are pre-determined places where volunteers would spring into action in case of catastrophe, to “help bridge the gap between a disaster and when help can get to you,” said Cindi Barker, long a leader inn neighborhood-preparedness efforts. Two upcoming sessions next Wednesday and Sunday will offer training for would-be hub volunteers. They’re open to all, to either get trained or refresh your training.
BE A CASA: Speaking of volunteering, the meeting closed with a detailed presentation on the project that recruits CASAs – court-appointed special advocates – for children who wind up in the foster-care system because of circumstances in their lives. 334 kids are waiting for CASAs, so the need for volunteers – who get comprehensive training – is great. A law, social work, or child-welfare background is helpful but by no means mandatory. There are onthly info sessions online, noon on second Mondays. A CASA joined the presentation to tell her story, saying this volunteer work “fills (her) heart.” You hace to be at least 25 but there’s no upward limit; right now, there’s a volunteer in her mid-80s. The kids range in age from babies to age 11. The most important part of the work is to just listen to them and think about what their best interest really is. Interested? Find out more here.
WHAT’S NEXT: MoCA will meet on the third Wedesday in October, which means 7 pm October 21, location TBA.
Every year, the Southwest Seattle Youth Alliance surveys community members for their thoughts about substance use among youth. This year’s survey is now in circulation and they are hoping you can spend a few minutes answering the questions, so they can get the most accurate sense of community concerns when shaping programs. The survey is available in English here, in Spanish here.
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As noted in our preview coverage, the West Seattle Grand Parade dates back almost a century, founded in the mid-1930s. Local historian/journalist Clay Eals reminds us of a civic cause that spilled over into the 1989 parade – the closure of the Admiral Theater, and the campaign to save it. Film footage shot on July 29, 1989, by Ed Thorburn of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society and uploaded by Clay documents the “Save the Admiral” parade entry during pre-parade staging and during the parade; it’s 25 minutes of raw video, but if you only have a few minutes to spare, watch the last five minutes or so, showing West Seattle businesses in The Junction, circa 1989, as the parade rolls through. (That includes Easy Street Records in its old location a bit north of the current one, mentioned by this year’s Grand Marshal, Easy Street prprietor Matt Vaughan, in his comments about the tribute. (As you’ve probably guessed, The Admiral was eventually saved – though its then-owner Cineplex Odeon had shut it down half a year before the parade).
P.S. In a moment evocative of Seattle Now & Then, the Seattle Times Sunday magazine feature Clay writes – which also has its own website – one of the community volunteers who played a prominent role in the “Save the Admiral” campaign – and the 1989 parade entry – was involved with this year’s parade too. We happened to photograph her pre-parade:
At left is Deb Barker, staffing the check-in table with Kyle Edwards (brother of parade coordinator Michelle Edwards). She remains civically involved to this day, including as president of the Morgan Community Association.
That photo sent by Gary Jones landed just in time for a Bald Eagle photo gallery we’ve long wanted to do, as multiple readers have sent sightings recentlyfrom the greater Alki area. Bob Spears watched one in action off Luna/Anchor Park> during the recent low-low tides:
Several photographed eagles just hanging out on the tideflats – this is from Sara Walsh:
You’d know a juvenile Bald Eagle because their head hasn’t gone completely white yet, like the one in this photo from James Tilley:
This was an unusual view – Jeremy Gavron saw this one catch a bird and then go into the water to pull it ashore, apparently because it was too difficult to fly with:
Thanks for the photos – we have some non-eagle bird photos awaiting their turn too – the best way to send wildlife and other non-urgent photos is via email, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
ADDED 7:56 PM: And as discussed in comments, one more photo, from Jerry Simmons:
As noted here a week ago, SDOT plans to replace the curb ramps on the southeast corner of California/Alaska. They originally told us the work would start this coming week, but now we have word they’re not expecting to start until Monday, July 27. The work, which will require lane closures, is expected to take a week or less. After the initial announcement, we asked SDOT why the curb ramps are being replaced. Their reply: “Adding new pushbutton posts prompted an inspection of the area. We found that the existing curb ramps weren’t compliant with current ADA standards and are replacing them.” The new pushbutton posts were installed last fall.
The West Seattle Grand Parade is one of the city’s last community parades – and at its heart are community organizations. We’ve shown some in our previous reports on Saturday’s parade – here are more!
(First 3 photos by Oliver Hamlin for WSB)
Above, West Seattle Indivisible‘s message was simple – vote! Below, the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) wants you to get moving:
The West Seattle Tool Library‘s entry reminded paradegoers that they have hundreds of tools available to borrow:
WestSide Baby is celebrating its 25th anniversary by going back to a classic campaign – “Stuff the Bus” with diapers!
Also celebrating community support, the West Seattle Food Bank …
Invest in Youth deploys local volunteers to tutor local kids – we feature their announcements every year:
West Seattle Little League‘s district-champion softball players marched …
… with sidelines support from a proud dad, City Councilmember Rob Saka, handing out “Love Softball” stickers:
West Seattle Wildcats Junior Football and Cheer greeted fans:
SkunkWorks Robotics had a ball-tossing robot on their trailer:
Local Scouts were again part of the parade:
So were two schools we haven’t shown you yet – Our Lady of Guadalupe had a colorful LEGO-esque theme, “Building Community”:
Westside School (WSB sponsor) focused on sea life:
Impact West Seattle pools donations to boost a different organization every quarter:
Parade entries also included organizations with a long history of community work – the parade-presenting Rotary Club of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) showcased their polio-fighting wheel:
The West Seattle Eagles:
Still some parade moments to share in a final report later today! You can scroll through all our coverage, including previews (and past years!), here.
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