West Seattle news 68915 results

Orcas in Elliott Bay

Thanks for the tips about orcas in Elliott Bay this morning! Kersti Muul tells us at least six are now off Alki Ave.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Post-holiday Monday, with Seattle’s last World Cup match

6:07 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, July 6, 2026, with the final Seattle World Cup match this evening.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunny today, high in the mid-70s. Sunrise was at 5:19 am; sunset will be at 9:08 pm.

SEATTLE WORLD CUP MATCH #6

USA vs. Belgium, 5 pm at Lumen Field (“Seattle Stadium”). Starting at 12:30 pm, this area near the stadium will again be off-limits to motor vehicles:

A sizable “March to the Match” will proceed southbound on the downtown waterfront starting at 3 pm, and various street and ramp closures will be implemented in the area.

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’s the announced plan for today/tonight:

West Seattle Route to provide additional service on Mon Jul 6 to support World Cup Match from 8:45 AM to 10:30 PM. Boats will depart from both docks approximately every 20 minutes.

*Please note, if a boat hits capacity, it will depart early.

Barring major breaking news, we plan to be at the Seacrest dock in the early afternoon to report on the crowd/wait.

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!

UPDATE: Water-rescue response off west end of Alki Beach

9:20 PM: Seattle Fire has a water-rescue response headed to Alki Avenue and 64th SW after a report of someone hanging onto a capsized watercraft – possibly a kayak, per dispatch – about 50 yards offshore.

9:29 PM: SFD responders report another kayaker appears to be towing in the person who was in trouble, or trying to.

9:34 PM: Rescuers, including an SFD boat, are deciding where to take the kayaker once he’s out of the water.

9:36 PM: They’re going to move a medic unit and battalion chief to Don Armeni Boat Ramp and take the kayaker there for evaluation.

10:15 PM: The kayaker was reported to not need/want further treatment and their kayak was to be returned to them at Don Armeni. … Adding a photo of the SFD rescue boat, and kayak, posted in a comment.

Seattle’s last – and biggest – FIFA World Cup match is tomorrow. Here’s what to know about getting downtown, and more

By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The 2026 FIFA World Cup’s Seattle leg will come to a close tomorrow with the USA v. Belgium match kicking off at 5 p.m. The two teams will be competing for a place in the quarterfinals – the USA’s first time in this position since 2002.

In light of the big day, the city will continue some of its previous game day traditions, but also plans additional street closures, fan zone operating times, and watch parties in anticipation of larger crowds tomorrow. Here’s what to know if you’re going to or through downtown, whether you have match tickets or not:

Fan celebrations will commence at Pier 58 tomorrow morning starting at 10:30 a.m. accompanied with DJs, fan activations, food, drinks, and more.

Fans are invited to participate in the USA “March to the Match” taking off from the pier around 3 p.m. SeattleFWC26 recommends that fans without tickets to the match itself remain at Pier 58, or will be directed to exit the march before the crowd reaches Seattle Stadium.

Some changes will be made to fan celebrations including the opening of the Pioneer Square Pedestrian Zone (map above) 30 minutes earlier, at 12:30 pm, and a new watch party in the Chinatown-International District dubbed “Kicking it in the CID.” The party will be hosted at Hing Hay Park, with doors opening at 4 p.m.

SDOT plans to close additional streets including portions of Alaskan Way beginning in the early afternoon and lasting through the duration of the march. (Details here.) Additionally, the northbound SR 99 exit to Dearborn Street and Alaskan Way will be closed until the march is out of the area. Generally, SeattleFWC26 recommends that for traveling downtown, drivers should consider taking the I-5 or SR 99 tunnel.

For West Seattle residents looking to get downtown, the West Seattle Water Taxi route will be providing additional service from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Boats will depart from each dock – Seacrest here, Pier 50 downtown – every 20 minutes, but the King County Water Taxi advisory notes that if boats hit capacity, they will depart early.

If you’re not heading downtown but want to watch the match with other fans, we checked around for watch parties; Ounces already has one in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, and other venues planning watch parties include Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), West Wings (2329 California SW), The Westy (7908 35th SW), Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW), and The Bridge (California/Graham) will be showing the match. (Any place else? Let us know and we’ll add.)

WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Seaview, Puget Ridge sightings

Two coyote sightings, both with photos:

SEAVIEW: Adam sent this today:

I know that coyote sightings have increased this spring and summer. This one was farther north and we suspect it may be the one that we think killed our cat a month ago. It was about 5:50 PM on the 5th. It was spotted on the corner of Southwest Brandon St and 44th Ave Southwest near the West Seattle Nursery.

My concern is there are families and pets walking around and are vulnerable to a predator like that. Fortunately, it did have a fear of humans and my wife and I chased him down south toward Graham St.

Another warning to those in the neighborhood to keep their small animals indoors or monitor them if they are out. Our beloved cat Buster wasn’t so lucky.

PUGET RIDGE: KH saw this one at 16th/Holly last Monday around 6:30 am:


You can scroll through our 19 years of archived coyote sightings here.

Here’s how West Seattle Summer Fest will change next Sunday’s Farmers’ Market

That’s the view looking through the barricades at the north end of today’s West Seattle Farmers’ Market, toward where the market will be held next week on the final day of West Seattle Summer Fest. It’s standard now for the market to be located one block north of its usual spot on Summer Fest Sunday, but this year it’ll be a bit different, because – as we first reported last month – SW Oregon will be closed to through traffic at California, so you’ll be able to move seamlessly along the entire stretch of the festival grounds. The block where you’ll find the Farmers’ Market on Sunday is where you’ll find the main stage on Friday and Saturday. And the extra festival space on SW Oregon means “wraparound” outdoor cafés for Shadowland, Dumplings of Fury, and Snapdragon, plus bonus food vendors – with offerings including sandwiches, ice cream, and “pineapple drinks.” The Farmers’ Market hours will be the same as always, 10 am-2 pm, and overall festival hours on Sunday will be 10 am-5 pm. More previews in the days ahead, as we get ready for Summer Fest Eve on Thursday (streets close by 4 pm to start setup) and the festival beginning at 1 pm Friday.

Brown water reported in Alki area

Just got a note from an Alki resident reporting discolored water. No incidents on the Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map, so this could be sediment (rust) stirred up from hydrant use (SFD has certainly had a busy 24+ hours). If you notice it, always report it to SPU’s round-the-clock center at 206-386-1800, as there’s also always a chance it could be first indication of a system problem.

UPDATE: Crash on Harbor Avenue

1:48 PM: Thanks for the tips. Multiple SFD units and SPD are at a crash scene near Salty’s (1936 Harbor SW); no details of the crash yet but avoid the area for a while.

2:21 PM: This crash involved a car driver and motorcycle rider. We’re checking with SFD regarding injuries. SPD radio indicates the scene is not yet clear.

3:47 PM: Traffic map indicates the street is no longer blocked.

9:40 PM: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo says the rider is an 28-year-old man who was in serious condition when taken to a hospital.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen burgundy Vanagon (update – found); also – found license plate

Two reports:

STOLEN VANAGON: Hilarie hopes you might help find her classic van, stolen from the street overnight:

Our beloved 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon was stolen from outside our home last night in West Seattle. This van means a lot to our family and has been part of countless adventures over the years. We’re hoping our community can help us find it.

Vehicle Description:
• 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon
• Dark burgundy color
• Washington plate: 918 YSU
• Distinctive Vanagon body style with tinted windows
• Tow hitch on rear bumper

Stolen from the Arbor Heights area of West Seattle. If you see it parked anywhere, driving around, listed for sale, or have any information at all, please … contact the police immediately. Even the smallest tip could help.

We’ll add the SPD # when we get it.

5:13 PM UPDATE: Hilarie says her van’s been found!

FOUND LICENSE PLATE: Megan wonders if this might have belonged to a stolen car:

She saw it in the grass along 60th SW between Hanford and Hinds.

READER REPORT: ‘My hero’

Every year, we hear about the loud fireworks of the Fourth followed by quiet volunteerism on the Fifth, as neighbors go out to clean up after those who left debris and trash behind. Andrew sent this photo of one in action:

I caught this neighbor red-handed cleaning up the beach at Lincoln Park after last night’s … festivities…

She’s my hero! Thank you, Neighbor!

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: What’s up, post-holiday

Thanks to David Hutchinson for the photo of last night’s Lake Union fireworks, seen from Seacrest. Our post-holiday Sunday has a short event list; here’s what’s on it, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds) invites you to its monthly pancake breakfast, 8:30-10 am.

NO SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club is taking a break this holiday weekend.

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.

ANNIVERSARY SALE: West Seattle’s only comic-book store Tails to Astonish (5633 California SW) will be open 10 am-2 pm for the conclusion of their 5th anniversary sale: “Select back issues are 80% off sticker price or if not priced just $1 each or 10 for $2.50!!!! Plus, all kids get 1 FREE book!”

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open every Sunday year-round on California SW between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in early-summer produce-and-products season – lettuce, greens, microgreens, peppers, mushrooms, beans, garlic, fruit (strawberries, cherries, blackberries, apricots …), more – and many options for baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, poultry, fresh- and pre-prepared foods, nuts, condiments, pasta …

NO MASTER GARDENERS AT THE MARKET: Volunteers are taking a break this holiday weekend.

FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)

SPRAYPARK SEASON: Daily splashing at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open today! Need a tool but don’t need/want to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to find it at, and borrow it from, the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

WEST SEATTLE RESIST: Regular weekly West Seattle Resist Sunday sign-holding event, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)

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)

WADING POOLS OPEN TODAY: Forecast is for sunny and 70+ so these two city-run wading pools should be open, both noon-7 pm: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden).

WELCOME ROAD WINERY: You’re welcome Sunday afternoons at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor; note we haven’t yet confirmed today’s hours)

SOCCER: West Seattle Junction FC plays at home vs. FC Olympia, 2 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), get your ticket(s) here!

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 3-5 pm, Circle of Songs unplugged music at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

MODERN CLASSIC BOOK CLUB: 3 pm at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW), “Fight Club” is this month’s title.

‘WISH YOU WERE HERE’: Closing-day matinée performance of ArtsWest‘s play, 3 pm – online tickets are sold out but you can go to the box office in person before the show to get on the waitlist. (4711 California SW)

BLACK TEA AT REVELRY ROOM: 7 pm-midnight, late-night tea service with host Jack Sanders, info and RSVP here. (4547 California SW)

UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: Trivia starts at 7:30 pm – free to play, and you can win prizes! (4302 SW Alaska)

LIVE JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Music to end the weekend! 8-10 pm, jazz with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).

Organizing, or assisting with, an event that we could add to the WSB community calendar – whether one-time or recurring? Please email the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

FOURTH OF JULY: Fireworks blamed for multiple fires; traffic detours for fireworks-watchers; early-morning Morgan Junction crash

9:15 PM: That corner of 34th/Barton is just one of several where Seattle Fire crews have had to put out fires blamed on people throwing fireworks out of car windows or moon roofs and driving away. The photos are from Arlene, who was passing through when she saw this burning shrub:

She also saw what might have been the ignition source, lying in the street:

Shortly after, SFD had a similar call at nearby 35th/Cambridge, another of at least five West Seattle “brush” or “rubbish” fires in which fireworks are suspected, and it’s not even dark yet. We’ll update as the night goes on.

10:10 PM: SFD just had a short-lived “rubbish fire” call at 57th/Alki; earlier tonight, there was a report of a trash can on fire at or near the same spot.

10:20 PM: SFD is now dispatching to a small “brush fire” on Fauntleroy near Edmunds.

10:29 PM: With Alki usually jammed with people watching the partial view of the downtown fireworks, police radio indicates they’re detouring traffic as is usual, to try to lessen the jam once everyone tries to leave simultaneously. That includes a closure of the Harbor offramp from the West Seattle Bridge for a while.

10:36 PM: They’re having some trouble with that – the hill between Hamilton Viewpoint Park and Harbor Avenue is reportedly choked with vehicles pulled over to see the fireworks, so detouring Harbor Ave traffic that way is problematic.

They’re also diverting traffic away from northbound California north of Admiral (traffic-cam screenshot above.

10:50 PM: Dispatch for “grass fire” at 9th SW and SW Roxbury.

11:37 PM: Traffic patterns are going back to normal, officers have told dispatch. Meantime, some West Seattle SFD crews are going to a big fire on the other side of 509 in northwest South Park, in the 8100 block of Occidental. … A few minutes later, SFD had its third “full response” in the city (this one plus one in North Seattle and one on Beacon Hill) and they’re stretched thin.

12:15 AM: Police are converging on the 2600 block of Alki for a report of a big fight and someone bleeding. … They found a 35-year-old man with some facial cuts and bruising and are also trying to break up the rumble.

5:50 AM: One serious crash reported early this morning – thanks to the reader who sent the photo of a crash on Fauntleroy Way SW just southwest of Fauntleroy/California around 3 am. This initially drew a “rescue extrication” response. We have an inquiry out to SFD about injuries.

11:19 AM: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB that four people were treated after that crash but none needed/wanted to be taken to a hospital:

21-year-old male in stable condition
18-year-old male in stable condition
18-year-old male in stable condition
18-year-old male in stable condition

ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: A reader says gunfire was mixed in with the fireworks mayhem on Alki, and the first few seconds of their video – far left of screen – shows it:

We’ll be following up Monday on various fronts.

COUNTDOWN: Two weeks until West Seattle Grand Parade 2026

(WSB photo from 2024 West Seattle Grand Parade, YMCA’s award-winning entry)

Before we return to Fourth of July coverage – a reminder that we’re exactly two weeks away from this year’s West Seattle Grand Parade! On Saturday, July 18, the parade proceeds southbound on California Avenue SW, starting at 11 am at SW Lander in The Admiral District and proceeding to SW Edmunds on the south end of The Junction. You can pick a viewing spot anywhere along the route to watch marching bands, performers, community organizations, schools, and other entries (the Seafair Pirates among them). The parade is presented by the Rotary Club of West Seattle Foundation, powered by volunteers, donations, and sponsorships. And if you really want to supercharge your day, you can run or walk in the Float Dodger 5K on the parade route before the parade – 9:30 am; thi is presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank – register here!

VIDEO: Fourth of July Alki reminder of what ‘the values of Lady Liberty’ are all about

(Photo sent by Steve McWilliams)

Those are some of the Lady Liberty Project volunteers who came to Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza at noontime today for a demonstration/presentation that began with a solemn procession, morphed into a dance party, and concluded with the recitation of The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus, the poem on a plaque at the real Statue of Liberty in New York. If you weren’t at Alki to see this, watch this video by Clay Eals to see how it unfolded:

The Lady Liberty Project describes itself as “a collaboration of friends who want to inform, inspire, and ignite awareness of the values of Lady Liberty with music, dance, poetry, stories and song.”

FOURTH OF JULY SCENE: Log House Museum storytelling

(Photos by Dave Gershgorn for WSB)

Even during the Log House Museum‘s temporary closure for exhibit installation, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society has contiued offering reasons to visit. Today – Fourth of July storytelling with Eva Abram, who regaled a small but rapt audience with folk tales and stories from American history:

Next up for SWSHS is the monthly online Words, Writers, Southwest Stories presentation, 6 pm Thursday (July 9), with Michael Houser talking about the National Register of Historic Places.

READER REPORT: Fourth of July lemonade stand on Genesee Hill

Another summer tradition – the lemonade stand. Just got that photo via text with word that the entrepreneurs will be at 54th SW and SW Genesee – selling lemonade and baked goods – “until 4:30 or 5!”

VIDEO, PHOTOS: See the 2026 West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade!

(WSB video by Tracy Record)
With SPD motorcycles in the lead, followed by a privately owned historic fire engine (more about that later), West Seattle’s only Fourth of July parade strolled and rolled through North Admiral this morning to start the holiday. The Admiral Neighborhood Association presents the West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade, which our video above shows in its entirety; president Joanie Jacobs spoke briefly pre-parade, followed in our clip below by anthem singer Kavya Bhatkar and this year’s guest elected official, Seattle School Board president (and Admiral entrepreneur) Gina Topp:

(WSB video by Jason Grotelueschen)
ADDED 2:07 PM: Now, WSB photojournalist Torin Record-Sand‘s photos from the parade, and the Hamilton Viewpoint Park funfest that followed. First – like many a parade, this one had convertibles:

Others rode on two wheels:

Some paraders got parental assistance:

Pets paraded too:

And some signage was sighted:

Some shirts made statements, too:

Over at the park, food and treat trucks drew crowds:

So did the activity booths featuring parade sponsors including Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care (also a WSB sponsor):

They offered a tea activity:

Steps away, on the park green, the sack races were a highlight as always:

The joke-cracking race emcee was local lawyer Imants Holmquist again this year:

Two more notes: First, about the fire truck. It’s a 1942 American LaFrance, owned by West Seattle resident Bill Ayer for the past 37 years:

And the parade was supported for the first time by volunteer communicators from the West Seattle Amateur Radio Club – among them, Ron Zuber, who we photographed along the route:

The club also supports the West Seattle Grand Parade (which is just two weeks away!).

P.S. The Admiral Neighborhood Association has more big summer events to come – Admiral Music in the Parks concerts July 16, 23, and 30, and the Admiral Block Party on August 22.

FOURTH OF JULY SCENE: West Seattle Junction flags

That’s one of dozens of flags lining The Junction today after volunteers put them in place this morning. This is one of several holidays each year when the West Seattle Junction Association brings them out. They’ll be up until volunteers return to take them down after 4 pm. WSJA, the nonprofit merchants’ association, relies on volunteer power for a variety of tasks – if you want to help, here’s how.

What to know about your West Seattle Fourth of July 2026

(Nature’s own fireworks – Friday night photo by Kevin Stock)

Here’s info we’ve gathered on what’s happening and what’s not on this Independence Day holiday. (More to add? Please text us – 206-293-6302.)

CHANGES/CLOSURES: For transit/transportation, >Metro buses are on their regular Saturday schedule with some extra late-night service; King County Water Taxi is on its normal Saturday service; so are Washington State Ferries; Seattle street parking is free; libraries, banks, USPS are closed. Here’s the Seattle Parks holiday roundup.

WEST SEATTLE FOURTH OF JULY KIDS’ PARADE: 10 am start from 44th SW/SW Sunset, just show up and you’re in this short, non-motorized parade, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, winding a few blocks through North Admiral neighborhoods and then to Hamilton Viewpoint Park for sack races, game booth, treat and food trucks (as listed in our parade preview). Note: Please do not park on the parade route.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: New location! 10 am-2 pm, shop for fruit and vegetables, prepared food and beverages, artisan body care, more … Here’s who to expect this week. (9th SW and SW Henderson)

MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

FREE WRITING GROUP TAKES HOLIDAY BREAK: No meeting today.

ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: What better holiday for learning about history? Register here, then meet at the Log House Museum (61st SW and SW Stevens) at 11 am.

ALSO AT THE MUSEUM – FOURTH OF JULY STORYTIME: 11 am-1 pm, storytelling, crafts, lemonade, free!

SPRAYPARK SEASON: The season continues at Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)

BASEBALL: Holiday home game for the DubSea Fish Sticks at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, 11:05 am, vs. the A’s. Online tickets are sold out but you can check at the ball park!

COLMAN POOL: 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)

ALKI LADY LIBERTY PROCESSION: Noon on the Alki promenade, explained here.

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park – the forecast is for sunshine and 70+ degrees – so this pool should be open, noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS: Seattle’s one and only show is the Seafair Fourth of July fireworks over Lake Union, 10:15 pm, partly visible from north-/northeast-facing West Seattle. (Want to watch on TV? Channel 13 this year.) Vashon/Maury Islands have a fireworks show too.

NO REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: Closed for the holiday.

NO SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING: Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW) is closed tonight, Sunday, and Monday for floor resurfacing.

Planning a West Seattle event that’s open to the community? Tell us about it; calendar listings are free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Aurora glimpsed from West Seattle

Thanks to the texter who sent that photo and word of a camera-visible aurora within the past hour. Checking this skywatching site, we’re indeed in the zone.

Do homeowners need a ‘Do Not Solicit’ list to fend off unwanted purchase offers?

By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

At its next meeting, a City Council committee will continue considering a proposal targeting unwanted solicitations for homeowners to sell their property.

The Housing, Arts, and Civil Rights Committee‘s special meeting this week included discussion of an ordinance that would establish a “Do Not Solicit” list, allowing people to opt out of being contacted regarding selling their property.

The legislation was introduced by citywide Councilmember Dionne Foster as a means of stopping the “calls and incessant visits” that have been causing some longtime Seattle residents anxiety and angst. It also works to prevent homeowners from unintentionally selling their homes well under market value.

“We are seeking to protect people’s peace of mind, but also their existing wealth,” Foster said. “As well as people’s opportunity to take advantage of what they already own.”

Foster’s office has implemented a survey gathering information from Seattle residents regarding the “frequency and impact of unwanted solicitations from real estate professionals and wholesalers.” She detailed some survey participants explaining they felt “hunted” and “circled by vultures.”

In these cases, solicitation can take the form of mail, oral communication, or electronic communication. It encompasses attempting to purchase, acquire any interest, or convey residential property, according to the presentation given by analyst Jennifer Labreque.

Penalties for violation of the “Do Not Solicit” list include a $1,000 for a first violation, and $2,000 for any subsequent violation occurring within 12 months.

The list would be maintained and penalties enforced by the Seattle Office of Civil Rights. If passed, the legislation will go into effect on June 1, 2027.

Some concerns were raised by councilmembers surrounding getting the word out about the program – resulting in its underutilization. Additionally, actually being able to identify solicitors and being able to enforce the ordinance.

“We need to be just as aggressive as the people on the other side,” said Chukundi Salisbury, a panel member from Black Legacy Homeowners. The legislation would need to be reiterative – adapted to combat solicitors who would seek ways to work around the policy.

Salisbury emphasized that the work leading up to this initiative is not new, referencing his “This House is Not For Sale” campaign from 2020. He stressed that residents finally need to have the “no” mean something.

Real estate agents raised concerns during the meeting’s public-comment section, asking that the city exempt agents from the legislation. Angie Mykel wanted to emphasize the difference between licensed agents and wholesalers “making money in the margins.” Overall though, the response to the proposed ordinance was positive.

The proposal is currently planned to be on the agenda for the next Housing, Arts, and Civil Rights Committee meeting on July 8th. You can submit comments to councilmembers or sign up for public comment at the next committee meeting using this link.

Missing this bicycle?

Abandoned on a planting strip in Seaview:

Yours? Contact us and we’ll connect you with the finder.

VIDEO: Holiday-weekend kickoff at HPIC’s First Fridays

The Blowout Heavies Brass Band is providing the soundtrack tonight at Highland Park Improvement Club‘s First Fridays gathering on the past-and-future HPIC site at 12th/Holden. We counted about 100 people having a great time, including everybody helping judge the 18 pies entered in the Bake-Off:

Flavors ranged from “plumberry” to chocolate pecan – right about now, they’re tallying votes and deciding who gets these:

Tonight’s First Fridays party had savory treats as well as sweet:

$7 got a plate in what was dubbed the “Bite of Southwest Seattle.” The party goes on until about 8:30 tonight:

All ages – there’s a little play area for kids too. Next First Fridays celebration: Friday, August 7.