West Seattle, Washington
23 Thursday
Tomorrow night (Friday, July 24), on the eve of the Seafair Torchlight Parade, the Seattle All-City Marching Band – grand-prize winners at Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade – will host Band Jam at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). It’s a showcase/rehearsal for marching bands and drumlines, and you’re invited to be in the stands (free admission)! We asked with All-City Band director Dr. Marcus Pimpleton for Friday night’s lineup, and he just replied with this times-approximate schedule:
<6:00 pm Welcome/Acknowledgments
6:05-6:25 pm Rainbow City Color Guard
6:25-6:45 pm Seismic Sound Drumline
6:45-7:05 pm Soul Jambalaya Brass Band
7:05-7:25 pm Kennedy Catholic High School Marching Band
7:25-7:45 pm Neon Brass Party
7:45-8:05 pm Sumner High School Marching Band
8:05-8:25 pm Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline
8:25-8:45 pm Seattle Sounders Soundwave FC Band
8:45-9:10 pm Seattle All-City Marching Band and Alumni Band
The ACB Alumni Band is a special extra this year – as noted here previously – the ACB is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
(WSB photo)
Thanks for the tip! West Seattle’s oldest Starbucks location is closing for 10 days starting next Monday. After a texter told us about the impending temporary closure at 4101 SW Admiral Way, we contacted the company for details. Here’s what a spokesperson told us: “The Starbucks Admiral Way coffeehouse will temporarily close from July 27 through August 5 to allow for installation of a grease trap required by the city. This is a planned facilities project.” The Admiral location is one of four remaining standalone Starbucks in West Seattle after the company pulled out of Alki and The Junction in the past two years.
(Photos courtesy theater simple)
No West Seattle festivals or parades this weekend, but unique ways to enjoy the summer days and nights are on the schedule! Here’s the whimsical invitation to one of them, from the Highland Park-based “instigators” behind theater simple, inviting you to “come play” at Westcrest Park on Saturday afternoon:
WONDERLAND: Alice Adventures
theater simple invites the Esteemed Denizens of West Seattle to join them for a PRICELESS park adventure for all ages at Westcrest Park July 25, 2:15-y pm.
An all-ages accessible park adventure inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice stories. Our neighborhood Littles, Not-so-Littles, Sillies and the Wisest are invited to sojourn for an hour-ish or so with the fine inhabitants of WONDERLAND.
BRING YOUR PARASOL* AND PICNIC and
JOIN US FOR AN ADVENTURE unlike ANY OTHER!“Oh my ears and whiskers! What can happen?” one might ask –
well – one could –
FOLLOW White Rabbits
PLAY croquet with the Queen of Hearts!
SING AND SKIP with the Tweedles!
DANCE the Lobster Quadrille with the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle!
EXPLORE a Tiny House! (or follow a Tinier House!)
DRAW what you see and SEE What you Draw with the Caterpillar!
LAY UPON A FLOWER BED and be read to!COME! PLAY!! – and have some serious fun.
WHEN: July 25, 2:15-ish
WHERE: Westcrest Park, 9000 8th Ave SWSpecifically – it BEGINS in the bowl/meadow just south of the playground, between the reservoir and the P-Patch, west of the dog park )
No age or ability limitations, limited obstacles. But we will be moving about the park!DOGS are welcome if they are kept on short leashes.
Charming manners appreciated. For dogs as well.COST: PRICELESS!
(Yes, FREE. An investment in the creativity and joy of the community.)WHO:
theater simple is often Llysa Holland and Andrew Litzky. The simpletons have been producing theatrical experiences in Seattle and around the world since 1991, with their World HQ in a vintage Airstream trailer in Highland Park since 2010.We make theater.
Simple.theater simple has built a reputation for producing ensemble-based innovative and “impossible” theatrical experiences. Whether in a theater, in a park, ‘out of the ‘box’, and around the world, we aim to create work that surprises and inspires with imagination, vision and moxie.
Since its founding in 1990 theater simple has presented more than 1,500 performances of 50+ plays in six countries on five continents. One of our proudest moments here at home were creating two different adventures for 2 awesome PNW kids for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
We want to spark imagination and impact everyday creativity by meshing together ideas and art, inspiring artists and audiences alike.
So – Come. PLAY!
A humpback whale is in view off West Seattle’s shore right now, Kersti Muul tells us – currently southbound, approaching Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (4500 block of Beach Drive SW). She says, “Really surface-active earlier off Magnolia – so many breaches and pec slaps.” Please let us know if you see it!
Here are highlights of what’s up around the peninsula in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks to everyone who sends events for us to share!):
SUMMER FOOD FOR KIDS: Local sites are open – see our story for locations and other information.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, featuring and supporting students’ work. North end of SSC campus (6000 16th SW).
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily-splashing season continues today at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm, rain or shine.
WADING POOLS: The regular three Thursday pools will be open today – Lincoln Park (noon-7 pm, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) and Hiawatha (noon-5:30 pm, 2700 California 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!)
NOURISHING MINDS: 1 pm service-learning opportunity at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
STRESS REDUCTION & CALMING TECHNIQUES: 1:30 pm SummerQuest event at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), learn about ways to have more calmness in your life.
ANTICIPATORY GRIEF GROUP: Monthly gathering at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW), 2 pm.
DROP-IN CHESS: The regular High Point Library Thursday event is back on today – players under 18 can drop in 4-5:30 pm to play. (3411 SW Raymond)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS – this week and every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) hosts a food truck. Tonight it’s Bai Tong on Wheels.
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 (you can take some home too). Just be there 5-7 pm!
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: 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.
GRIEF IS CRAFTY: 6 pm monthly craft circle for people experiencing grief, details in our calendar listing. (5446 California SW)
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.
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by Elvis Costello tribute band Look Sharp Aim True, outdoors, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
ADMIRAL MUSIC IN THE PARKS: 6:30 pm showtime for the second free concert in this year’s Admiral Music in the Parks series, with Michael Pearsall & Friends, at California Place Park (California/Hill). Bring your own chair/mat/etc.
AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7 pm, music 8 pm, with Anna Preston, Arden Leas, Tradie, Clover, at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm trivia at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW)
TRIVIA AT THE VOID: 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight, at Revelry Room (4547 California SW) featuring DJ Chloe Harris starting at 8 pm.
KARAOKE AT MAX’S TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm to closing time. (9454 Delridge Way SW)
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview list? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Seattle Parks is recruiting again for its corps of volunteer Seattle Urban Nature Guides – here’s how to become one!
Become a Seattle Urban Nature Guide This Fall
Do you love spending time outdoors? Are you passionate about connecting people with nature? Join Seattle Parks and Recreation as a Seattle Urban Nature Guide (SUN Guide) and help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Seattle Urban Nature Guides lead hands-on environmental education programs for school groups, families, and community members in parks across the city. Along the way, volunteers build valuable skills in public speaking, leadership, environmental education, and group facilitation while becoming part of a welcoming community of volunteers and staff.
As a SUN Guide, you’ll receive FREE training in environmental education techniques and equity-centered teaching practices before leading engaging programs in Seattle’s forests, beaches, playgrounds, and other natural spaces.
Applications for our Fall 2026 Seattle Urban Nature Guide Training are now open!
Apply by August 4, 2026, to be considered for this fall’s volunteer training cohort.
For additional information about the volunteer role, training schedule, and program expectations, please review the attached Seattle Urban Nature Guide Position Description.
Questions? Email PKSNatureFieldTrips@seattle.gov
7:12 AM: Texter reports broken-down bus in right lane of EB bridge.
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, July 23, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
After a one-degree-below-record 95-degree high yesterday, today could be almost 20 degrees cooler – chance of more showers this morning, then sunshine and mid-70s. Sunrise was at 5:36 am today; sunset will be at 8:54 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 updates.
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 a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Police are questioning a driver suspected in what was described as a series of hit-run crashes in the Alki area leaving other vehicles damaged. Officers were still assessing the damage as well as investigating the suspect for possible DUI. They caught up with him after his Chevrolet Tahoe apparently became immobilized from too much damage, and stopped on Duwamish Head. If you have information for police, or discover more damage, the incident # in this is 26-215311
FIRST REPORT, 11:41 PM WEDNESDAY: Police are at Westwood Village talking with a person who reported their car was stolen in a carjacking just before 11:30 pm. We haven’t heard exactly how it happened, but the car was described over police radio as a black Honda Accord, plate CTU4422, and the carjackers were described as “two Black males in black ski masks and all-black clothing,” last seen heading away from Westwood Village, westbound on SW Trenton. If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 26-215265.
UPDATE, 10:35 AM THURSDAY: We requested and obtained the report narrative from SPD. The only descriptive details are what we mentioned above, with the added detail, “one black pistol each.” From the document (with SPD’s redactions):
… XXXX was on the phone with his mother who lives in India and was standing outside of his vehicle in the parking lot. XXXX was also eating Popeye’s on the trunk of his vehicle when he observed a silver or dark colored sedan driven up to him. That is when two black males in all dark clothing and face masked get out of the vehicle and each one-pointed what XXXX believe to be a black or silver firearm.
They immediately told XXXX to put his hands in the air and to throw his car key to them. XXXX complied and threw his keys, and they then told him to run away, to which he did. XXXX stated that as he was running away, they began to laugh at him and XXXX XXXX car. The subjects then drove away going northbound in the parking lot and XXXX went to nearby
vehicles that called 911. XXXX stated XXXX. Additionally, noting that his car was empty and only had approximately 36 miles left. …
As explained in radio communication at the time, that was ~36 miles of fuel. Police gave the victim a ride home.
You’ve probably seen weather time-lapses. But probably not like the kind Upper Fauntleroy resident Robert Kosara has set up for a new website he’s updating nightly – here’s how he describes it:
Relive yesterday’s weather (and see how much sunshine we got)! I’m recording the sky with a pair of cameras overlooking Endolyne/Fauntleroy, to show the sun’s path across it every day from summer to winter solstice.
The actual project is for creating digital solargraphs. A solargraph records the path of the sun across the sky, usually over the course of several weeks or months, on photographic paper. I’ve built a digital version of this, which gives me a few more options for creating things like this website that shows the solargraph for every day.
You can browse the different days and scrub through each day’s data. The page is updated around 9:30pm every day with that day’s images.
Find “The Daily Solargraph” here.
(WSB photo by Torin Record-Sand)
It was still in the mid-80s when we headed down to Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook to see the sunset tonight. On a float offshore, a seal was out for sunset watch too. Also this evening, Tom Trulin sent this photo of a Great Blue Heron flyby at Lincoln Park:
Just after sunset, intermittent light rain began to fall; the National Weather Service says thunderstorms are a possibility in the early am (we saw a flash over the Cascades while subsequently driving along the northeast West Seattle waterfront). But the weather should settle down by tomorrow pm, meaning a good evening for the second Admiral Music in the Parks concert!
The report and photo were sent by Kelly:
Came home from work to this probably stolen and ransacked abandoned van in front of my house. Location is 18th and Elmgrove.
It’s been reported to police but is still there as of moments ago.
The Southwest Precinct‘s crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite wants to be sure you know about two personal-safety training sessions SPD is offering, both online:
Tuesday, August 25th
9 am – 11 am
Via TeamsThursday, September 3rd
2 pm – 4 pm
via TeamsAbout the Class
-Learn proactive tips and steps you can take to enhance your personal safety taught by Seattle police officers and employees.Training goals:
-Share commonsense safety tips to decrease the odds of being a victim
-Know the important role your instincts and gut reactions play
-Discover potentially dangerous situations and how to avoid them
-Learn to make a safety plan based on different environmentsEmail Jennifer.Satterwhite@seattle.gov for meeting invite and link.
Two vehicle break-ins reported this afternoon, one involving a U.S. Postal Service vehicle:
USPS VEHICLE BROKEN INTO: David G reported seeing this in Gatewood, on 37th north of Thistle:
Was on my way to pick up some lunch and I noticed a USPS jeep (I think it was a jeep) that appeared to have been broken into. When I drove by there was just the mail carrier on his phone next to the broken driver’s side* window. I tried to grab a pic on the way back but the vehicle was gone, just the shattered glass remained.
Seems pretty brazen… as the mail carrier was probably somewhere within the block delivering mail.
According to the police-radio archive, this was dispatched around 1:30 pm as someone breaking into the vehicle, and taking “a backpack.” We don’t have report narrative yet but if you have any information, the incident # is 26-214658.
10:45 PM UPDATE: Police have since provided the requested narrative. It says the carrier saw the break-in as he was returning to his vehicle after an estimated 10 minutes away; the thief pulled up in a “gray sedan,” broke the window, grabbed the backpack, and drove away southbound on 37th. The backpack, according to the report, contained personal items – the carrier’s wallet, keys, jacket, and “miscellaneous.”
CAR BREAK-IN: We also received a texted report of a car break-in in Morgan Junction around 1:10 pm. The texter said their vehicle was “rifled through … in the back alley off Mills Street between Mills and Willow.”
(Photo provided by Mars Society – research station in Utah)
If and when people walk on Mars someday, South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) will have played a role in it, thanks to a new partnership explained in this announcement:
South Seattle College (SSC) and The Mars Society, through its Seattle chapter, have signed a 10-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) establishing a multi-program partnership to build a Moon and Mars analog research station on the South Seattle College campus in West Seattle and create a regional education and workforce pathway for the next generation of aerospace researchers, technicians and engineers.
The agreement, signed by SSC President Dr. Monica Brown and Mars Society Executive Director James L. Burk, covers four interconnected efforts: a Moon and Mars analog research station on the SSC campus, a joint space studies curriculum and stackable certificate pathway, a student capstone project and internship program tied to industry partners, and a regional workforce pipeline and community engagement effort.
Per the agreement, the Mars Society will lease land from the college to build the research station contingent on funding. Joint fundraising efforts and potential aerospace industry support will fund construction of the station, with a targeted opening at the start of the 2027-2028 academic year.
Once established, the research station and related curriculum will build off existing programming at SSC to align with current and developing workforce needs and create opportunities for current and future students in the college’s skilled trades programs. For example, students studying electrical vehicle maintenance and repair in the Automotive Technology and Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology programs can contribute their knowledge to battery use in drones and rovers used in space. Students in Culinary & Pastry Arts can contribute to research on growing vegetables in space environments.
The Mars Society currently operates research stations in Utah and the Canadian Arctic, where crews live and work under simulated Mars mission conditions. This work includes human factors studies, equipment testing, biology and geology field research, medical testing and safety drills. A research station on SSC’s campus would extend the hands-on side of this research, which aligns naturally with the strengths of a skilled trades-focused institution.
“South Seattle College has a long tradition of meeting our region’s workforce needs in aerospace, applied science, and skilled trades,” said Dr. Monica Brown, SSC President. “This partnership extends that tradition, and this initiative reflects our commitment to exploring bold, future-oriented opportunities that expand access, inspire imagination, and ensure our students are prepared to lead in emerging industries.”“For more than two decades, the Mars Society has operated analog research stations in the Utah desert and the Canadian Arctic that have shaped how humanity will live and work on other worlds,” said James L. Burk, Executive Director of The Mars Society. “Bringing that capability to an urban community college campus is something new, and it is deliberate. The Moon and Mars programs the federal government has now committed to are going to need a workforce we have not trained for in 50 years. South Seattle College knows how to train people for the industries that actually build things. That approach is exactly what we need for preparing for planetary surface operations on the Moon and Mars.”
The agreement arrives at an inflection point for U.S. space exploration. In April 2026, NASA’s Artemis II crew completed the first crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972. Weeks earlier, NASA announced Project Ignition, a $20 billion, seven-year initiative to construct a permanent base at the Moon’s south pole intended as a proving ground for future human missions to Mars. Together, these developments create a generational demand for aerospace research capacity, applied workforce, and public engagement.
An important element of this partnership is creating opportunities for community engagement, including opening the research station doors to the public to experience research to prepare humans for Moon and Mars exploration. This summer, the Mars Society will install an inflatable mockup of a research habitat module in the college’s Aviation Maintenance Technology facilities, with a public event in the works to learn more.
The Pacific Northwest hosts one of the largest concentrations of commercial space activity in the United States, including Blue Origin in Kent, SpaceX‘s Starlink manufacturing in Redmond, Aerojet Rocketdyne in Redmond, and Boeing‘s regional aerospace footprint. The MOA is designed to connect that industry base to a regional workforce pipeline.
The partnership opens the possibility for career pathways within Washington State’s space technology ecosystem, as well as national initiatives related to space technology development. Career examples include spacecraft technicians, propulsion mechanics, and drone operators and technicians.
We have a few followup questions out to SSC and will add the answers when we get them.
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
More than six months after we broke the news about an RV lot/tiny-house village planned for 7201 2nd SW in southeast West Seattle, construction has yet to begin.
We’ve been driving by the site looking for signs of impending construction; the photo above is what we saw Tuesday afternoon – nothing in sight. But the Low-Income Housing Institute, which has a $3 million contract to open the site, insists that construction is imminent.
As we’ve reported, the site now called Glassyard Commons would host space for 72 RVs and 20 tiny homes, with the RV residents allowed in if they agree to eventually give up their vehicles.
The project is “religiously sponsored” by New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, in theory making the permitting process more efficient by not requiring the government-owned land to be re-zoned. So far though, the project does not seem to be moving with the speed originally expected, with an original projection that it would be open before the Seattle World Cup matches (the last of which was two weeks ago).
That plan had changed by May, when our observation that construction had yet to start led us to reach out to Marta Kidane, LIHI’s community engagement manager. for an updated projection. She then confirmed that the site wouldn’t be open until after the World Cup. The new estimate at that time: the end of the summer. Also at this time, Kidane mentioned that the construction permit, water-service application, and electrical-service application have “preliminary approval and will be issued soon.”
Records viewable online through the Seattle Services Portal currently show a construction permit awaitings “corrections,” an electrical permit that has been issued, and a minor utility permit that has been issued in recent months at the 7201 2nd Ave SW address.
After observing that construction has yet to begin, we just followed up again with Kidane for an update. As of now, Kidane says, construction is expected to begin this month with a target of opening the site in November.
(Sunrise photo, sent by Patricia)
Here’s our delayed-by-breaking-news list for the rest of today/tonight, with highlights mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – which you can preview any time:
SUMMER FOOD FOR KIDS: Local sites are open – see our story for locations and other information.
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.
WADING POOLS: Two are scheduled today in West Seattle – Delridge, 12-5:30 pm (4501 Delridge Way SW) and Lincoln Park, 12-7 pm (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).
LEARN ABOUT AI: 2 pm at Village Green Retirement Living West Seattle (2615 SW Barton), all welcome, RSVP requested – our calendar listing explains how.
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Play indoors during this hot afternoon! 2-4 pm, join players at Missing Piece (4707 California SW).
SUMMER QUEST: Today, 3 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), learn how to start a nature journal.
CLIMB AT CAMP LONG: Two sessions, 5 and 6:30 pm! Our calendar listing has details. (5200 35th SW)
FREE YOGA FOR 12-STEP RECOVERY: New listing! Wednesdays for next month and a half, 5-6:30 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio and Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), no registration but MUST arrive no later than 4:55 pm.
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.
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Talk about Seattle’s growth – current and future – at the weekly 6 pm meetup – location change this week, the future park site on 40th SW north of SW Edmunds.
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), be among the first to hear new music by The Strokes.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Join the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces.
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.
BE A NEIGHBORHOOD EMERGENCY HUB HELPER: In case of catastrophe, Neighborhood Emergency Hubs will be run by volunteers helping coordinate communication and connect neighbors. You can be one for your nearest hub! A training event tonight at 6:30 pm at the West Seattle Golf Course clubhouse (4470 35th SW) is your first step.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
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) has 7 pm trivia on Wednesdays, tonight’s theme is Fantasy Worlds … Admiral Pub has trivia at 7 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! 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 Park).
KARAOKE X 2: Megastar Karaoke with KDJ Mythikal at Max’s Triangle Pub (9454 Delridge Way SW), pm … Or, 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!
9:31 AM: Thanks for the tip. Power is out for what the City Light outage map shows as more than 2,100 customers in West Seattle, White Center, and South Park; this happened just after a solid-waste truck took down wires near 16th and Myrtle – police are closing that intersection part of the area. Updates to come.
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
10:03 AM: Our crew hasn’t seen the culprit truck, but as the photo above shows, City Light is on scene at 17th/Myrtle, as are police to keep the streets blocked.
10:16 AM: Police at the scene explained why our photographer didn’t see the truck – it left the scene after the crash. We don’t know yet whether the truck driver or their employer has subsequently called it in, though.
10:59 AM: More than two-thirds of those affected should be back on, the map shows, including all of whose who lost power in White Center and South Park – 647 customers in West Seattle remain out.
1:17 PM: A check of the map confirms that everyone’s back on.
ADDED: Donald sent this photo, taken while the truck was still on scene:
(File photo from WSB report on first intergenerational cohort’s work)
You can unleash your creative spirit and build understanding across the generational divide, all in one activity – being part of BAYFEST Theatre‘s next intergenerational cohort. Here’s how to get involved, whether you’re a teen or an elder:
Interested in rehearsing and performing with other teens and adults?
CALLING ALL TEENS AND SENIOR ADULTS!
for the Fall 2026 cohort of the West Seattle-based BAYFEST Intergenerational Theatre Project!
7-10 Teens and 7-10 Senior adults chosen by BAYFEST will meet every 2 weeks or so (except school holidays) during the fall (beginning late August or early September) in West Seattle on a weekend morning. We’ll use theatre games and exercises, guided discussions, group collaboration and writing to create an original piece of theatre that explores intergenerational themes in new and creative ways. The Project will culminate with 3 public performances in West Seattle in early December. The Fall 2026 program will include music, rhythm and movement.
NO THEATRE OR MUSICAL EXPERIENCE NECESSARY and TEEN PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE A STIPEND OF $25 PER SESSION FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION (and/or community service hours). It is free for participating adults. There will be a free intro workshop for all interested on Saturday, August 29 in West Seattle.
Anyone interested in applying should email us ASAP at BAYFESTyouthTheatre@gmail.com. We will send more info and a one-page application.
The project will be led by BAYFEST Director Robert Shampain, who has over 35 years experience leading this type of workshop-format project.
NO THEATRE EXPERIENCE NECESSARY, just a willingness to commit to working with a multi-generational ensemble and having fun!
Visit BAYFESTyouthTheatre.org and follow the links for More Info.
Here’s our report on what BAYFEST’s first intergenerational cohort worked on.
7:45 AM: Thanks for the tip – crash backing up the high bridge. Reported to be in the left lane.
8:27 AM: The SFD response to the crash has closed.
Earlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The National Weather Service‘s Heat Advisory alert is in effect until 11 pm tonight. Today’s official forecast: sunny, high upper 80s. Sunrise was at 5:35 am today; sunset will be at 8:56 pm.
(Photo by Victoria Gnatoka – placid sunset scene at Lincoln Park)
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, except for some early-morning #2 cancellations today – check the alert page for updates.
STADIUM ZONE
*The Mariners‘ homestand continues with a day game, 12:40 pm 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 a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Sound Transit‘s proposed service plan for next year and beyond would drop ST Express Route 560 service to West Seattle, which among other things has been a way for people to get to the airport without transferring. The proposed change is mentioned in the Morgan Community Association‘s newest newsletter, and explained as follows on the ST website:
Route 560 would no longer serve stops in West Seattle, ending at Burien Transit Center. In turn, frequency between Burien and Bellevue would increase as follows:
Weekdays: Every 20 min (daytime), every 30 min (evenings)
Weekends: Every 30 min all day (double current service)
For trips between Westwood Village and Burien, King County Metro’s RapidRide H Line serves all current Route 560 stops in this segment. The H Line runs every 7-15 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends.Burien Transit Center will also be the future western end of the Stride S1 Line, which will replace Route 560 as early as 2028.
Passengers looking to go from West Seattle to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport can take the H Line to connect to Route 560. Passengers can also take King County Metro Route 60 to connect to the 1 Line.
ST is running a survey about this and other proposed service changes; you can go here to participate. Route 560 service to/from West Seattle is already less than it used to be; it used to run to The Junction from Westwood Village, but cut that section in 2013 while increasing frequency of its runs to/from Westwood Village. If the plan to drop West Seattle remains in the ST service-plan proposal, the ST Board would vote on it in November.
West Seattle Baseball has two announcements for players and families – first, they’re launching Bigfoot Baseball Camp; second, Coach Ballgame is returning to the Pee Wee Fields. Here’s info about both!
Bigfoot Baseball Camp Brings a New Kind of Summer Ball to West Seattle
Bigfoot Baseball Camp is officially launching this August in partnership with West Seattle Baseball, offering young players a week-long, confidence‑building baseball experience led by former Stanford and professional player Sean Flikke. Running August 10–14 at the West Seattle Pee Wee Baseball Fields, the camp blends high‑quality instruction with character development, teamwork, and the joyful spirit of Sandlot baseball — creating a summer environment where players ages 5–12 can grow their skills, strengthen their mindset, and fall even more in love with the game.
Learn more here; register here.
Coach Ballgame is back at the Pee Wee Fields on August 30
The National Sandlot Tour is a throwback to the Old School Neighborhood baseball game. Kids will learn the basic skills of the game in a no-pressure environment and have an outrageous amount of fun. Each kid will get a nickname, hear inspirational stories of Baseball legends, and build character by learning what being a ball player is all about.
Register here.
For more information about either program and questions, please reach out to communications@westseattlebaseball.com
If you’ve never been – the Pee Wee Fields are in Riverview.
Seattle City Councilmembers voted today to put the renewal of the Seattle Transit Measure – doubling the current sales tax that pays for extra transit service – on this November’s ballot. Today’s vote followed a review process before an all-council committee chaired by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka. You can read the text here. The council announcement of today’s vote summarizes what the measure will do if voters pass it:
The 2026 STM is funded by a 0.3% sales tax and is expected to generate approximately $138 million annually over the next 10 years. If passed, the new STM is anticipated to boost Seattle’s transit from approximately 180,000 bus trips per year (in the expiring measure) to 280,000 bus trips per year – a 47% expansion of service. In addition, the measure will make key investments in:
-Expanding the transit access program to provide fully subsidized transit passes for an additional 12,000 Seattle residents;
-Allocating funding to support the recommendations of the King County Regional Transit Safety Task Force;
-Providing funds for accessibility infrastructure projects that will make the transit network more equitable; and
-Prioritizing electric transit service in the Duwamish Valley and South Seattle.
The current measure, funded by a 0.15% sales tax, expires next spring.
As noted when the expansion was announced by Mayor Katie Wilson last month, it also would raise some money for the city’s support of West Seattle light rail and other in-city Sound Transit projects.
Now that the council has given its approval, the mayor has to sign it to officially finalize sending it to voters. She says she’ll do that at a City Hall event next week.
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