West Seattle, Washington
10 Sunday
This week has brought multiple crimes of note, so there’s a lot to talk about when city leaders bring their traveling public-safety forum to West Seattle on Thursday. As announced last month, it’ll be at 6 pm Thursday (August 14) at Delridge Community Center (Delridge Way SW/SW Genesee), with speakers expected to include Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes, CARE Department Chief Amy Barden, and Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins, as well as representatives of other key city departments. The goal of the forums held around the city – this forum is specifically for City Council District 1 – was explained in the city’s original June announcement. They’ve requested RSVPs but we’re told that’s not mandatory, more a matter of ensuring there’s enough room at the venue, so if you don’t RSVP, do get there early.
The report and photo were sent by Keri:
Around 8 this morning, I was driving along Beach Drive. One my way to meet a friend at the Thistle Street stairs.
I kept seeing folks pass by, holding flowers. Then I saw it:
I stopped and got a couple for my friend and a couple for my daughter.
Everyone who stopped seemed to be doing the same. Just a few that brightened their day, leaving more for the next person.
I’m guessing they are gone by now but it was a truly lovely gesture. Thanks to the family that put them out. ❤️
Family and friends are remembering Janice Fitterer, known as Mary, and sharing this remembrance with the community:
Janice Marie “Mary” Fitterer (Ivey) was born at the Bremerton Naval Hospital in Bremerton, WA on July 31st, 1947 to Cecil White Ivey and Iris Ione Ivey (Stanton). She is predeceased by her brother Bill (Barb) and brother Joe (Pam). She is survived by sister Cecille (Steve d. 2015) and brothers Jim (Beverly) and John as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
Mary was predeceased by her oldest son Christian Cameron (d. 1995) and is survived by her sons Zane (Claire, Grace, and Bedford) and Aaron (Lacey, Christian George, Abigail, Gage, and Tate)
Mary graduated from Lincoln High School in 1965 and married Richard Fitterer in 1969. Richard and Mary raised their family in Moses Lake, WA. While in Moses Lake, Mary was influential in the arts and city beautification projects – as well as spearheading such initiatives as the concrete/paver replacement project. She spent several years on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mary was an influential figure with the Big Bend Manta Rays Swim Club and a partner in developing what would become the St Rose of Lima School Auction. Mary left for world travels from Moses Lake in 1997. She visited Italy, France, Mexico and many parts between. Being raised in a Navy family, travel was always a big part of her life. We are grateful she was able to see as much of the world and art history as she did.
Mary was called to be with her Beloved Son Christian, her parents, and siblings on August 3rd, 2025. Anointing was performed by Fr. Jose Maldanado of St Patrick’s Parish, Pasco, WA. There will be no services. Any remembrances should be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America www.alzfdn.org/donate
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Larisa from Alki UCC asked us to let you know:
I just got word that our building’s water had to be shut-off, affecting toilet usage during today’s 10 am service, which will still take place.
We ask folks to kindly plan accordingly and apologize for the inconvenience!
(Photo by Stan Delles)
Good morning! Another warm day expected, so here are some possibilities for enjoying it, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE GLASS FLOAT HUNT, DAY 3: If you’re hunting, there are more floats and clues today – see the clues, and see which floats have been found so far, by going here.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: This week’s 9 am Sunday Funday run leaves from Caffe Ladro (7011 California SW).
PICKUP CHOIR: Got a song in your heart this morning? Here’s the invitation from Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds):
Join in! Singers of all ages/abilities welcome!
Whether or not you’re a member of the Alki UCC Community Choir, you are invited to join us this Sunday morning and learn a song to sing with the choir during 10:00 am worship. There is no commitment to join the choir.
We gather in the sanctuary at 9:00 am for a welcome and a warmup before learning music together. Our piece is an abridged version of Mark Hayes’ “Grace,” a stunning setting of “Amazing Grace” to the traditional Scottish folk song “O Waly Waly.”
No Dress Code! Comfort rules! Let your friends and neighbors know they’re all invited to be in choir for a day!
RSVP by contacting Alki UCC Music Director Daniel Self at music@alkiucc.org … OR simply show up this Sunday at 9:00 am.
We welcome you either way and are so excited to share the joy and passion of singing with one and all.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece. (35th/Roxbury)
WASHINGTON BEE ATLAS: West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor) hosts a drop-in tabling event 10 am-2 pm so you can learn about our state’s bees and the work to identify and map them, for which more volunteers are welcome.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Find the market on California between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, still the peak of summer produce season (stone fruit, berries, cherries, greens), plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, flowers, more.
MASTER GARDENERS: They’re at the market today, also 10 am-2 pm, if you have a garden question/challenge/etc. that would benefit from expert advice.
SUNDAYS IN THE ALLEY: While you’re in The Junction, detour to the alley behind Carmilia’s boutique (4528 California SW) for food, music, and fun, 10 am-3 pm.
SUMMER GRIEF WALK: Meet at 10 am at the Hinds entrance to Schmitz Preserve Park (599 SW Hinds) for a free walk with Listening to Grief.
ALKI BEACH PRIDE KICKOFF – MOTORCYCLE RIDE + FLAG UNFURLING: The annual Alki Beach Pride celebration/festival is next Saturday, and this morning there’s a two-part kickoff celebration to which everyone’s invited, a motorcycle ride led by Dykes on Bikes and a flag-unfurling on the beach – here’s the timeline from ABP co-founder Stacy Bass-Walden:
Folks should arrive by 10:30 AM at Blue Moon Burgers.
The unfurling of the flags will start approximately at 11:30.
Dykes On Bikes will kick off the celebration by leading a ROLL-OUT from Marination Ma Kai parking lot at 11 AM sharp.
They will cruise up California Avenue passing Arthur‘s Café and Admiral Pub, then make their way around to Alki. This is a casual event, but we would love as many people possible to attend to help hold the giant pride flag and the Trans Flag on the sand at 57th and Alki Avenue directly across from Blue Moon Burgers.
FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska)
COZY GAMING SUNDAYS: New event at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California, upstairs), 11 am-5 pm on second and fourth Sundays.
SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open every day, 11 am-8 pm.
KIDS’ TEA PARTY: 11 am-1 pm at West Seattle Mercantile (3270 California SW) – check here to see if spots are left and to register.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to 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 RESISTS: Sunday signholding in The Junction (California/Alaska), 11:30 am-1:30 pm.
COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open today as its 7-day-a-week season continues, noon-7 pm, with four hour-and-a-half swim sessions, each half lap swimming and half open swim – see the schedule here.
WADING POOLS: Also at Lincoln Park, the wading pool is expected to be open, as is the EC Hughes wading pool (2805 SW Holden) – hours for both today are noon-7 pm.
ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Reminder, no more tours this year (as explained here).
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Enjoy your summery Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
EUROPA ENSEMBLE: 3 pm concert at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW):
This Music Northwest Concert Series event features the great C Minor Piano Trio by Mendelssohn with a Finale inspired by J.S. Bach, as well as music by the great Russian composer, Sergei Prokofiev, who managed to survive the Great Purge of the 1930s by Joseph Stalin. The EUROPA Ensemble, formed in 1990, includes Russian- born violinist Leonid Keylin and cellist Mara Finkelstein; as well as Irish-American pianist Jane Harty.
AUTHOR READING: Poet Stephen Jaech reads from “Harmony River“ at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music provided by the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could feature on the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:07 PM: Traffic is jammed because of a road-blocking police response at Duwamish Head. We don’t yet know what happened – leaving Alki, we got caught in it ourselves. A texter says it was a guns-drawn response.
9:48 PM: Finally made it back to HQ. Commenter N7oep notes that this resulted in damage to Seattle Police cars. Steve Pumphrey sent this video of one being towed:
Steve also sent this video of the response:
9:59 PM: Catching up via archived audio, the initial call was gunfire, and police briefly pursued the suspect; when they initially stopped her, she was reported to be “non-compliant” and tried driving away – that’s how at least one patrol car was damaged – but they soon stopped and arrested her and another person.
(This morning’s moonset, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Though the National Weather Service includes all of Seattle in a regional Heat Advisory alert for Sunday afternoon through Tuesday night, it’s looking like we won’t be all that sizzly. The alert says 90s are possible in parts of the region; the West Seattle-specific forecast, however, has highs in the low 80s all three days.
Summer’s big West Seattle events aren’t over yet. Among those yet to come, the Admiral Block Party, two weeks from today, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, in the street on California SW north of Admiral Way:
As noted on the poster – and in our most-recent preview – the August 23rd Admiral Block Party will have something in common with last month’s West Seattle Summer Fest this year – an “Eve” where the street’s closed for setup the night before, so you can come over and wander, enjoy sidewalk cafés, etc. That’ll be Friday night, August 22.
One important thing you might be able to help with right now: Volunteer to help make the Admiral Block Party happen! Here are the details:
Help us put on our “end of summer” celebration by volunteering for the Block Party:
Friday 8/15-Sunday 8/17 – poster distribution to area businesses. This can be done anytime over the weekend.
Thursday 8/21 – 6 pm-8 pm Street / parking strip cleanup on California Ave between College and Admiral Way
Friday 8/22 – 1 pm barricade placement for restaurant seating extensions.
Saturday 8/23 – load in and load out of sound gear for Main Stage bands.
11:30 am-2 pm / 2 pm-4:30 pm / 4:30-6:30 pm / 6:30-8:30 pmSaturday 8/23 – help out at the ANA booth in vendor row.
9 am-11:30 pm / 11:30-2 pm / 2-4:30 pm / 4:30-7 pm
If you can help with any of that, email info@connecttoadmiral.org as soon as you can!
Thanks to everyone for the photos and video! These three sightings were along the Alki shore:
Above and below, Caroline Weeks sent short clips of three otters enjoying breakfast on the rocks Friday.
Near Alki Point Lighthouse, an anonymous texter saw this coyote around 7 am today:
(Read a coyote-coexistence infosheet here.) And though it’s not low-low tide , today’s low tide was enough for this view photographed by Doug Eglington:
That was a -1.9-foot low tide; tomorrow’s lowest tide will be out to -1.6 feet at 12:17 pm.
(WSB photos)
At the southwest corner of California and Alaska, Rotary Club of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) members are collecting musical instruents right now for Music4Life, which will get those instruments to students who need them. In our photo above, Rotarian Brian Waid is holding an acoustic guitar that had just been brought in. Rotarian Irene Stewart, who traces her involvement with Music4Life back to its beginnings in the ’00s, said early donations included 3 violins, 2 recorders, 2 clarinets, 2 coronets, a French horn, a trombone, and a banjo!
Music4Life works with 15 school districts around Western Washington, including Seattle, and has collected more than 3,100 instruments since 2007. If you have one (or more) you can donate, Rotarians will be at California/Alaska until 2 pm today, as previewed here a week and a half ago. (You also can donate money to the program.) Waid says they’re having a great time not only collecting the instruments but hearing the stories behind them.
(The moon is full this morning. Marina Clough took this pic during the last full moon)
Busy Saturday – from a musical-instrument donation drive to live-music performances, with so much more inbetween, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE GLASS FLOAT HUNT, DAY 2: Are you hunting yet? More clues today – see them, and see which floats have been found so far, by going here.
GARAGE/YARD SALES: See the newest listings in the WSB Community Forums.
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) leads Saturday 8 am free group runs – go run with them today!
MARATHON TRAINING: Also this morning at 8 am at West Seattle Runner, it’s kickoff day for the beginner/intermediate group of its free training program for the Seattle Marathon.
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am outdoor meditation at Schmitz Preserve Park (5551 SW Admiral Way) – register here.
INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed immediately by this 10 am walk in which you can participate even if you didn’t go on the introductory walk. Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.
DONATE A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT! 10 am-2 pm, the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation will collect no-longer-needed musical instruments for Music4Life – take then to California/Alaska in The Junction:
Types of Instruments Needed: All orchestra and band instruments, as well as guitars. Most needed: trumpets/coronets, clarinets, flutes, and violins.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, at Hope Academy in South Delridge (9421 18th SW). Fresh produce, cooked-on-site food, body-care products, more!
MASTER GARDENERS: Have a garden-related question? They’re ready to answer! Saturdays this summer, they’re at The Home Depot (7345 Delridge Way SW), 10 am-2 pm.
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: 10:30 am – free weekly in-person group for writers of all levels. For location info, go here.’
DICK’S DRIVE-IN TRUCK: 11 am-2 pm, the Dick’s Drive-In burgers-and-shakes truck will be at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).
WEST SEATTLE’S ONLY SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) continues daily operations today, 11 am-8 pm.
ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: Southwest Seattle Historical Society leads this tour at 11 am – preregistration required.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)
CHERRY CONSIGNMENT CELEBRATION: The shop on the north edge of The Junction celebrates its 16th anniversary today and invites you to come join the party. Open noon-5 pm. (4142 California SW)
WADING POOLS: City-run wading pools scheduled to be open in West Seattle today are Lincoln Park (12 pm-7 pm) and Hiawatha (12 pm-5:30 pm).
COLMAN POOL: 12-7 pm swim sessions at Lincoln Park‘s heated saltwater pool (on the shore, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: Explore the present and past at the home of West Seattle history, open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about Seattle Teriyaki! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY: Get out on the water with a personal watercraft you’re considering buying! 1-4 pm with Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) at Alki Kayak Tours. Our calendar listing has info on reserving a time slot.
MAKE YOUR OWN HERBAL BUG SPRAY: 1 pm class at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor)
BOOKSTORE ROMANCE DAY: Wine! Words! Author signing! 1-3 pm at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW).
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar, and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area. Come support our student winemakers and join us for a student tasting.
And today, a special event there:
FIRST ANNUAL ALUMNI WINERIES CELEBRATION: 2-5 pm at Northwest Wine Academy, graduates who’ve launched their own businesses are showcased during a fundraiser for the academy. Our calendar listing includes ticket info and the list of featured participats.
STREET FIGHTER VI TOURNAMENT: Recently opened Fourth Emerald Games in The Junction hosts a tournament at 3 pm – see our calendar listing for sign-up info. (4517 California SW, upstairs)
FREE MASSAGE: Walk into Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) 3-5 pm for short, specific free massage.
ALSO AT NEPENTHE: Summer mini-market starting at 3 pm!
WEST SEATTLE INDIVISIBLE: 3-5 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), join a postcard-writing campaign.
SALSA & BACHATA ON ALKI: Annual “dress all in white” version, starting with lessons at 4:30 pm. (60th/Alki)
CONCERT AT ALKI ARTS: 6 pm, Patrick Porter performs an “intimate” pay-what-you-feel concert at the gallery. (6030 California SW)
ACAPULCO LIPS, LIVE: Tonight Acapulco Lips plays Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, free, all ages.
WEST SEATTLE BANDS AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm (doors at 7), catch Western Groovers & Ida Bloom. $10/door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight, after their Easy Street gig, it’s Acapulco Lips at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
SATURDAY NIGHT SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight with rotating DJ Josh and DJ NightMere, 21+, at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Closing out this Saturday list, there’s 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
2:30 AM: Police are investigating a reported street robbery in which a phone was taken from the victim. They’ve been sorting out the actual location, since the victim reported it from their home at a different location, but the location mentioned most recently was 47th/Lincoln Park Way. The robbers were described as “two Black males, masks, dark clothing, handguns” who got away in a silver or gray “older” Chevrolet Silverado missing its bumper. They’re also suspected in an earlier robbery but we don’t have details on that yet.
2:34 AM: Police just found what might be that Silverado, on Alki, but haven’t yet found the robbers. They may have left in another vehicle, and they might have an accomplice.
10:03 AM: The police-report narrative on this likely won’t be available until Monday but the victim’s parents have sent us details to clarify:
Our 19-year-old son was the victim of the “street robbery” at 2 am this morning that you posted about. We wanted to clarify and provide some other details, it was a scary situation for him and could happen again (our understanding from the police at 4 am is that the suspects are still at large.)
Our son was driving south on California at Thistle street, when two men pulled their truck forward and blocked his car from being able to move forward/turn on to Thistle. They approached the car with handguns and lasers aimed at him, demanded he get out of the car and lie face down on to the ground, where they searched his pockets (threw his car keys a few feet away) and asked for cash. He didn’t have any on him. They briefly checked his car, took his phone from there, then drove off. They didn’t physically assault him.
They were not Black, as your post states. They were wearing hoodies and paint ball masks.
Our son found his keys and returned safely home shortly after, and that’s when we called 911.
ORIGINAL FRIDAY FYI: If you have a view across Elliott Bay toward the downtown skyline, you might be able to see this – from a Mariners advisory:
In celebration of Ichiro Hall of Fame Weekend at T-Mobile Park, the Russell Investments Center in Downtown Seattle will display Ichiro’s number 51 by illuminating the building’s windows after sunset tonight (8:30 pm).
The “51” will be visible from the western side of the building facing the Puget Sound and Seattle Waterfront.
Additionally, multiple buildings in Downtown Seattle will participate by coloring their exterior lights blue.
Ichiro’s No. 51 will be retired by the Mariners in a special pregame (6:00 pm) ceremony on Saturday, August (corrected) 9 prior to a 6:40 pm first pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Mariners will celebrate Ichiro all weekend, with festivities throughout the ballpark on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Fans can learn more about Ichiro HOF Weekend events at Mariners.com/Ichiro.
ADDED SATURDAY EVENING: Theresa Arbow-O’Connor sent this photo of the tribute (thank you!):
As of tonight, the King County Elections vote count is close to caught up – it’s counted almost 32 percent of voters’ ballots, only two points behind the 34 percent it’s received. And the latest count has further widened the leads for challengers in three Seattle citywide races.
SEATTLE MAYOR: Katie Wilson now has 50.15%, more than eight points ahead of incumbent Bruce Harrell‘s 41.70%.
SEATTLE COUNCIL CITYWIDE POSITION 9: Dionne Foster is up to 57.89%, 22 points ahead of incumbent Sara Nelson‘s 35.77%.
SEATTLE CITY ATTORNEY: Erika Evans is now at 55.33%, more than nine points ahead of incumbent Ann Davison‘s 35.83%.
Complete results are here; the archived results reports from Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are linked here. Next vote count is expected Monday afternoon. Top two will go to voters for a final decision on November
This Crime Watch roundup starts with a stolen pickup truck:
STOLEN YELLOW TRUCK: Mike emailed the report: “A friend of mine’s 2021 Ford F-250 truck was stolen from near Luna Park on Wednesday. It’s BRIGHT YELLOW! Stock photo attached.” We’re waiting for the plate number and police-report number, but in the meantime, “bright yellow” is distinctive enough that it might be identifiable if abandoned somewhere. (SATURDAY UPDATE: Police found it.)
That same area is where this bicycle theft happened, one of three more bicycles in reader reports this evening:
STOLEN KIDS’ BIKE: Reported by Sarah:
Someone stole our daughter’s bike today or last night. It was tucked behind a tree in front of our house, on 32nd Ave (near Avalon Way). Normally it’s locked up but we had it unfortunately left out. It is a neon yellow Giant bike with distinctive teal basket with flowers, a cat squeeze horn. The streamers in picture aren’t on handles any more.
It’s been reported to police – temporary number T00036420.
ABANDONED, POSSIBLY STOLEN: M. noticed these in Admiral:
Been walking by these for the past two or three days, and it finally occurred that I have been walking by these for the last two or three days. Perhaps you can help them find their way home. SW corner of Lafayette playground.
(Sweat bee on calendula, photo by Rosalie Miller)
Not all bees are created equal. The Washington Bee Atlas‘s mission is to identify and map our state’s wild bees, and they’re looking for more volunteers to join in, You’ll be able to talk with some of them – including West Seattle photographer/gardener Rosalie Miller – this Sunday (August 10) at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor). They’ll be tabling 10 am-2 pm, so you are welcome to drop in at any time during that window. WSN’s announcement invites you to “learn more about local pollinators, how you can get involved, and why wild bees are so important to our ecosystems.” Find out more about the Washington Bee Atlas here.
Sent by Lara this afternoon: “We’re getting brown water at 42nd Ave SW and Charlestown. It might be a result of the construction across the street, hard to tell. We’ve had SPU trucks on the block for the last few weeks as well.” Most common reason: Hydrant testing. If brown water happens in your home/business, be sure to report it to Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800, and let us know too!
A year and a half after we first reported on proposed Metro bus-stop changes in Highland Park – seemingly proceeding at the time with little notice or feedback opportunities – the final plan is out. It looks much different from the original plan, though it still includes bus-stop closures. Here’s what we received today from Metro:
Bus stop upgrades on routes 125 and 128 in West Seattle are heading for construction this summer as part of an effort to improve transit conditions along 16th Avenue SW between SW Holden and Henderson streets.
Metro collected feedback from riders and neighbors in 2024 and developed proposed changes to be built by the City of Seattle that reflect rider and community requests. The plan moving forward is to make improvements at five existing bus stops and two new stops.
The improvements include bus boarding zones that are accessible for individuals who use mobility devices, seating and shelter for transit riders, and bus bulbs designed to enhance transit service and reduce pedestrian crossing distances at intersections.
Four current bus stops located at SW Elmgrove and Cloverdale streets will be closed once nearby bus stop upgrades are completed and riders would be directed about one block away to new or improved bus stops.
Location improvements on 16th Avenue SW and SW Henderson Street:
SW Holden Street
Stop No. 21410 (northbound): Accessibility improvements for people with disabilities.
SW Kenyon Street
Stop No. 21400 (northbound): Wider sidewalk “bus bulb” for easier crossing and accessibility improvements for people with disabilities.
Stop No. 22000 (southbound): Accessibility improvements for people with disabilities.SW Thistle Street
Stop No. 21380 (northbound): New bus shelter, new seating, wider sidewalk “bus bulb” for easier crossing and accessibility improvements for people with disabilities.
SW Trenton Street
Stop No. 21360 (northbound): New seating and accessibility improvements for people with disabilities.
Southbound: New bus stop location.Southwest Henderson Street
Westbound: New bus stop location with seating, wider sidewalk “bus bulb” for easier crossing and accessibility improvements for people with disabilities.
Questions about Metro’s plans can be emailed to community.relations@kingcounty.gov and questions about construction plans can be emailed to Aidan Bernal at the Seattle Department of Transportation, aidan.bernal@seattle.gov.
We’ll be following up with SDOT regarding construction timeline.
P.S. Thanks again to Juan for the original tip last year!
The photo and report are from Tami in Seaview:
I found a bike on the 6500 block of 49th Ave SW near a cul-de-sac. Found on or around Aug 8th. Here are 2 photos. Happy to reunite with owner. Please identify the laminated card that was wedged in the spokes and the bike is yours. Here is my number, text is best. Thanks. 805.215.2944
As announced earlier this summer, today is the first day of this year’s West Seattle Glass Float Hunt, a collaboration between the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Over the next week, a total of 100 glass floats like the one shown above, crafted by Avalon Glassworks, will have been hidden all around West Seattle – both inside local businesses and outdoors. Get the daily clues – and see where floats already have been found (eight as of this writing!) – at westseattlefloathunt.com.
(Early-morning photo by Stewart L.)
Here’s our better-late-than-never lineup for your Friday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH TRANSFER STATION: A reader suggests a reminder that it’s closed for most of the rest of the month.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: The center is open for plant-shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: The spraypark is open every day 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOLS: Lincoln Park (noon-7 pm), Delridge, and Hiawatha (both noon-5:30 pm) will be open today.
COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water pool is open to the public today, noon-7 pm.
SEATTLE TERIYAKI HISTORY & MORE: See the newest exhibit at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) while the museum is open noon-4 pm today.
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENT: Health screenings, free school supplies, free food, more at Greenbridge Plaza (9800 8th SW), 4-6:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) hosts Songwriters’ Showcase, 6-8 pm.
SUMMER CONCERTS AT THE MOUNT: As announced earlier this week, tonight’s concert is canceled.
COMEDY AT THE SKYLARK: Need a laugh? Doors at 7, show at 8, Andrew Rivers and Luke Severeid at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
‘MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING’: GreenStage‘s free outdoor Shakespeare is at Camp Long (5200 35th SW) tonight, 7 pm.
‘MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM’: More outdoor Shakespeare! The condensed Backyard Bard edition of this classic will be performed at Delridge Playfield (4458 Delridge Way SW) at 7 pm.
RELEASE EVENT AT EASY STREET: Release event for Baby Metal at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, free, all ages.
FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE: “Barbie” screens at West Seattle Mercantile (3270 California SW), 8 pm.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Chocolate Chuck spins tonight! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating with live music and/or DJ – tonight, SWEAT at the DISCO w/DJ Slayground – 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $18 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Seattle Police photo)
Thanks for the tip. Seattle Police report this morning that crash-and-grab burglars drove into another West Seattle Junction smoke shop just before 3:30 today, this time the World of Smoke and Vape in the 4800 block of California, almost exactly 24 hours after the attempt at West Seattle Smoke Company less than a block north. Here’s the police summary:
Seattle police are investigating a burglary at a West Seattle smoke shop early Friday morning after suspects used a stolen car to ram the front and gain entry.
At 3:29 a.m., officers responded to an alarm in the 4800 block of California Avenue Southwest. When officers arrived, they found a gold Kia left at the scene after it had been used to crash through the front entrance of the business.
A witness told police he saw six masked men arrive in two vehicles. One suspect drove the Kia into the building. Five of the suspects entered the store and began grabbing merchandise while the sixth stood lookout. The suspects fled northbound on California Avenue SW at a high rate of speed in a silver vehicle before officers arrived.
The impact caused major damage to the store, including a destroyed security gate and shattered front windows.
Police confirmed that the Kia had been reported stolen from Seattle.
General Investigations Unit detectives are leading the investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Seattle Police Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Incident Number: 25-225915
Listening back to the archived incident audio, one thing not mentioned in the police summary: The model of the car used to ram the store. As with the one a day earlier, it was a Kia Sportage.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, August 8, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunshine expected today, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:56 am; sunset will be at 8:32 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Admiral Bridge work continues.
-So does work on curb ramps for all four corners of 60th/Admiral.
-The major nighttime work on and around 16th SW in White Center continues – details here – and King County Road Services has announced intermittent closures toward the end of next week.
-If you’re heading north via 99 this weekend, note this alert from WSDOT:
From 4 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 and Sunday, Aug. 10, bridge maintenance will close the right two lanes of northbound State Route 99 in Seattle at the Aurora Avenue Bridge for bridge inspections.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday (tonight!) and Saturday nights, and on other weeknights with Mariners home games.
STADIUM ZONE
T-Mobile Park tonight – Mariners vs. Rays, 6:40 pm.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
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