West Seattle, Washington
19 Sunday
(Weather Watch Park, photo by Bob Burns)
Here are the two-dozen-plus happenings on today’s event list, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club is running loops at Lincoln Park Softball Field #3 (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) today, 9 am.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
ALKI ART FAIR: 10 am-6 pm, third and final day to browse and buy art and enjoy music at this festival on the Alki promenade, from the Alki Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW) westward.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Back in its regular spot this week, and now in summer produce-and-products season, 10 am-2 pm, California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska.
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
FREE COMMUNITY CLASS: 10:30 am at The Summerland (4411 California SW).
MASTER GARDENERS CLINIC: Back at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm.
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: VIGIL TO DEMAND JUSTICE: 11:30 am-1:30 pm, weekly action in The Junction is this week a vigil to “demand justice for Lorenzo, Johan, Justice for All.”
WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL: One last, big watch party at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), starting at noon.
SACRED RESONANCE – VOCAL TONING: Noon at Inner Alchemy Studio and Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, daily public sessions resume at the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the 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).
CLOTHING SWAP: 1-4:30 pm at Nepenthe (9447 California SW) – not meant to be a donation dropoff – bring some and take some!
FREE TREAT FOR PETS: At Admiral Mud Bay (2358 California SW), 1-3 pm, free treat in honor of National Ice Cream Day.
SNAIL MAIL SUNDAYS: Long-distance advocacy at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), come ready to write, 1-4 pm.
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)
FREE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: First of two GreenStage performances today in Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), “The Winter’s Tale” at 3 pm.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: See and hear Phil Parsons and Blue Runner, Cajun trio, 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW), no cover, all ages.
WEST SEATTLE INDIVISIBLE: Monthly community meeting – this time with ice cream! – at 3:30 pm, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW).
PLAY PLANT BINGO AT MR. B’S: Presented by neighboring Terraplanted at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), 6:30 pm – details in our calendar listing.
MORE FREE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: Second performance in GreenStage‘s doubleheader, is “Coriolanus,” starting at 7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).
BLACK TEA AT REVELRY ROOM: 7 pm-midnight, nighttime tea service with host Jack Sanders, info and RSVP here. (4547 California SW)
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: Fun Q&A in The Junction! 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 your weekend! 8-10 pm, jazz with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Organizing, or assisting with, an event that should be on the WSB community calendar – whether one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Photos by Dave Gershgorn for WSB)
The tasting room and patio at South Seattle College‘s Northwest Wine Academy hosted a launch party today for the academy’s summer wine release.
They were happy to see a sizable turnout today. If you’re a wine fan, you should know that student-made wine is available from NWWA year-round.
You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to try it – the tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays through Saturdays most weeks, 1 pm to 6 pm on the east side of the campus’s north lot.
For those wondering about the SFD “scenes of violence” response at 13th SW and SW Roxbury – this is reported to be a self-inflicted knife wound, not life-threatening. (SFD has to respond at this level every time a weapon is involved.)
Reminder – if you are, or someone you know is, having thoughts of self-harm, the 988 hotline is always available.
The judges’ decisions are in! Here are the winners in the judged categories of today’s West Seattle Grand Parade, led again this year by the All-City Band. With a team of four covering the parade this year, we have photos and/or video of all the entries, so we’ll be adding it to each entry on the list in the hours ahead:
Overall Grand Prize Winners
1st Place: Seattle All-City Band
2nd Place: Seattle Seafair Pirates
3rd Place: Holy Rosary School
Community Dance Teams
(Most photos by Oliver Hamlin for WSB)
1st Place: Joyas Mestizas
2nd Place: Lady Bandits Majorette Dance Team
Marching Bands
1st Place: Seattle All-City Band
2nd Place: Kennedy Catholic High School Lancer Marching Band and Color Guard
Performing Acts
1st Place TIE:
Panama Folklore SeattleSeattle Chinese American Chamber of Commerce
Cheer Teams
1st Place: West Seattle High School Coed Cheer Team
2nd Place: Kennedy Catholic High School Cheer Team
3rd Place: Chief Sealth International High School Cheerleaders
Commercial
1st Place: Dragonfly
2nd Place: Equilibrium Therapy Group
3rd Place: Airport Towing, Burien Towing + Columbia Towing
Cars & Antique Cars
1st Place TIE:
Seattle Art Cars
Corvette Marque Club of Seattle
2nd Place: 1942 American LaFrance Fire Engine
3rd Place: Can Doo Pet Waste ServiceCommunity Youth
1st Place: Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby
2nd Place: Endolyne Children’s Choir
3rd Place: Hope School
Community Adult
1st Place: West Seattle Mrs. Ropers
2nd Place: F3 Seattle
3rd Place: West Seattle Lions ClubDrill Team Jr.
1st Place: Princess of Elegance
2nd Place: Babynettes Drill Team
3rd Place: Daughters of Royalty Drill and Dance Ensemble
Drill Team Sr.
1st Place: The Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team
2nd Place: Ladies of Elegance and Drumline
3rd Place: Electronettes Hi-Steppers Drill Team and Drumline
Conveyed Float
1st Place: Holy Rosary School
2nd Place: StarCycle
3rd Place: Calvary Chapel West SeattleSeafair
1st Place: Seafair Pirates
2nd Place: Seafair Commodores
3rd Place: Seattle Seafair Clowns
ADDED 10;35 PM: Just got a photo of the judging team!
They fan out along the parade route to watch and evaluate.
(WSB photo by Oliver Hamlin)
Easy Street Records and Café proprietor Matt Vaughan was the epitome of cool in shades and hat as he rode down the West Seattle Grand Parade route as this year’s Grand Marshal.
Bonus iconic shot, Matt riding past his business:
Right behind him in another Corvette Manque Club of Seattle convertible was Kiwanis Club of West Seattle president Denis Sapiro, with this year’s Orville Rummel Trophy for Service to the Community:
Also riding in a convertible – we’re told this couple got the ride as a surprise from a relative/friend who won it at a fundraising auction for ArtsWest!
ADDED: Here’s the explanation, from the parade announcers’ script:
In a fantastic Corvette provided by the Corvette Marque Club, of Seattle we have supporters of ArtsWest, who through an auction donation have coordinated a great surprise for their Uncle Lloyd with an opportunity to ride in the West Seattle Grand Parade for his 80th Birthday! Kristine and her family helped set up this surprise; you may recognize Kristine and Lloyd through their involvement with West Seattle’s Center for Active Living. Uncle Lloyd is an active member of the Eagles Club as well.
More parade coverage to come – next up, we just received the list of winners!
The initial call was a “full response” at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW) but firefighters have discovered it’s nothing more than “burning plastic on a stove top,” so they’re reducing the response.
Thanks to Dave White for the photos! You still have a few hours to get to White Center to check out the Eazy Duz It Car Club‘s annual Chrome and Community show:
Many sights to see along 17th SW south of SW Roxbury:
This year for the first time in modern memory, the West Seattle Grand Parade had four announcing sites. In Admiral, near the start, Dan and Joanie Jacobs of the Admiral Neighborhood Association:
(WSB photos by Macey Wurm)
At California and Charlestown, Joel Draper and Karl Sutter of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle:
Outside the West Seattle Eagles aerie, Tom Hutyler, best known as Voice of the Mariners at T-Mobile Park:
And the main longtime announcing site at Walk-All-Ways, with Brian and Christa Callanan:
If you missed – or want to relive – the entire hour-plus parade, here’s our unedited video, in 10 chronologically ordered chunks, recorded at California/Alaska (you’ll hear the Callanans announcing each passing entry, since our videographer was on the same corner):
(WSB videos by Torin Record-Sand)
We’ll have individual-entry clips (and photos) later in our upcoming reports (schools, cheer teams, and always best of all, the parade judges’ choices of winners).
Kids may be cooking for themselves while home for the summer, so a newly launched food drive at West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor) offers a unique way to help, with a 1,200-pound goal – here’s their announcement:
Many of our young neighbors rely on school lunches for nutrition, but what do they do in summer, when school is closed?
We wanted to find a way to help.
We asked our friends at the West Seattle Food Bank for suggestions. They told us that kids often make meals at home during the summer while their caretakers are at work. They gave us this list of items for “Kids Can Make It” meals.
These items are easy to prepare. All of them are shelf-stable, meaning that they don’t require refrigeration.
Please help us collect food this summer for our neighborhood kids.
Easy Meals
Mac & cheese cups
Instant ramen cups
Cup noodles
Pasta sides (microwavable pouches)
Rice cups
Shelf-stable microwave meals
Canned ravioli, SpaghetiOs, beefaroni
Chili or stew (easy-open cans)Protein
Peanut butter/seed butter
Individual peanut butter cups
Canned tuna
Chicken pouches
Canned chicken
Beef jerky/sticks
Shelf-stable cheese crackersGrab-and-Go Snacks
Granola bars
Fruit snacks
Applesauce cups or pouches
Dried fruit
Crackers
Pretzels
Goldfish crackers
Graham crackers
Trail mix
Animal crackers
Fruit cups
Mandarin orange cups
Canned mixed vegetablesBreakfast
Instant oatmeal packets
Cold cereal
Shelf-stable milk
Granola
Breakfast bars
Pop TartsDrinks
Shelf-stable milk
Juice boxes
Electrolyte drink packetsSummer Favorites
Ice pop freezer tubes (the liquid kind)
Pudding/Jell-O cups
Cookie packsHow It Works
Bring your donations to the Garden Center and put them in the bin across from the registers.
Each time the bin is full, the West Seattle Food Bank will come to pick up donations and weigh them. They will let us know how many pounds were donated each time. We will mark progress using our fundraising “thermometer,” that is located next to the bin.
This continues until summer’s end; WSN is at 5275 California SW.
California SW is open again following the West Seattle Grand Parade (coverage to come!). Among the first to drive down it, the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s cleanup crew:
Presenting the parade means cleaning up after it too! Also assisting in that effort again this year, A Cleaner Alki, which rolled – and picked up – on the route toward parade’s end:
Thanks to all the hard-working volunteers who made it happen – more on them shortly.
10:12 AM: Before hundreds of people ride, roll, march, and walk in the West Seattle Grand Parade, runners and walkers are on the route for the Float Dodger 5K, presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank. This year, more than 600 had registered as of a few minutes before the start on Hiawatha Playfield. This year, they took off in three waves – we recorded video of each wave’s start:
This year’s Float Dodger 5K announcer is Brian Callanan – who is on double duty today, as he’ll be announcing the parade too:
The first finishers are already in and an award ceremony is following – more on that later, as well as coverage of the parade, which heads southbound from California/Lander starting at 11 am!
10:30 AM: First two finishers – 18-year-old Mason Murison, in 16:52:
And 19-year-old Jane Williams in 17:54:
Our Saturday list begins with two big events in West Seattle today:
(‘Live’ SDOT camera at Walk All Ways; California closes at 8 am for 5K and parade)
WEST SEATTLE GRAND PARADE: More than 85 entries! The parade presented by the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation starts from California/Lander at 11, proceeding southbound to California/Edmunds. Parking restrictions on and near the route start at 7 am; street closures start at 8. Buses are rerouted too. See all our previews by scrolling here.
FLOAT DODGER 5K: Before the parade, the Float Dodger 5K run/walk presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank starts from Hiawatha at 9:30 am. You can still sign up on site and join in! (2700 California SW).
Here’s what else is up, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEEKEND BEACH VOLLEYBALL CLINIC: 8 am to 2 pm today and tomorrow at Alki – details in our calendar listing.
DROP OFF DONATIONS AT THE MOUNT: 9 am-noon donation drive to help with The Mount’s patio project – details here.
BERRY CELEBRATION & RESTORATION: Work party at Westcrest Park, 9 am, still room to sign up as of early today.
FREE MEDITATION: For a calming start to your Saturday, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am, free – details in our calendar listing.
VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: 9 am-noon, help out along Longfellow Creek. (25th SW and SW Juneau)
(WSB photo, Alki Art Fair day 1)
ALKI ART FAIR, DAY 2: 10 am-6 pm, 100 artists/crafters, live music (until 7), more, all on the Alki promenade from the Bathhouse westward (the stage is just east of it).
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: New location this season! 10 am-2 pm, shop for fruit and vegetables, prepared food and beverages, artisan body care, more … (9th SW and SW Henderson)
DACHSHUND WALK: 10 am Saturdays, bring your dachshund to Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki) for a group walk.
MASTER GARDENERS AT DELRIDGE HOME DEPOT: Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm – take them your toughest garden questions and get free expert answers! (Delridge/Orchard)
SINGALONG BRUNCH: Not happening this weekend.
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: Not happening today.
SPRAYPARK SEASON: The season continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
CHROME AND COMMUNITY CAR SHOW: On 17th SW south of SW Roxbury in White Center, it’s the Eazy Duz It Car Club‘s annual “Chrome and Community“ car show, 11 am to 7 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, swim in the outdoor saltwater pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW); here’s the session schedule.
WADING POOLS: Two West Seattle wading pools will be open today since the afternoon forecast is for sunshine and 70 degrees – Hiawatha (2700 California SW) noon-5:30 pm and Lincoln Park noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with 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: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room and Wine Bar offers student-produced wines, tasting flights, and casual food pairings while supporting hands-on winemaking and hospitality education. Each tasting and purchase directly contributes to student production, education, and training opportunities.
SUMMER WINE RELEASE PARTY: And a special event today – 3-5 pm at Northwest Wine Academy on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
FREE MASSAGE CLINIC: The walk-in clinic is back at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.
‘THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN”: Free shorter “Backyard Bard” version of outdoor Shakespeare with GreenStage, 4 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW – here’s where they perform).
BASEBALL: 6:05 pm home game for the DubSea Fish Sticks at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, vs. the Northwest Honkers. Check for tickets here!
‘THE WINTER’S TALE’: More free outdoor Shakespeare with GreenStage, 7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW – here’s where they perform).
AT THE SKYLARK: No show on tonight’s calendar.
REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: 9 pm with DJ Tomás. (4547 California SW)
SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING: 9 pm to midnight, skate at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 (plus $5 skate rental).
KARAOKE AT TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm Megastar Karaoke at Max’s Triangle Pub (9454 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday night wraps up with Rone at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
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!
After 911 callers reported hearing up to 15 gunshots in High Point, responding officers found a group of people who told them someone shot at them and they shot back. This happened less than half an hour ago around 32nd and Myrtle. Police told dispatch they’ve found some casings in a field (at Walt Hundley), but no injuries and no damage; they checked out a gun that records show as legally owned by one person in the group. The only description of the alleged instigators is that they were in a dark-colored vehicle.
Last reminder of the night that tomorrow (Saturday, July 18) brings the West Seattle Grand Parade, preceded by the Float Dodger 5K. Two scenes from this afternoon as hundreds prepared to participate:
The photos above and below are from Arlene Rubin, who happened upon this group outside a home in the Lowman Beach area where this group was working on their entry for the parade.
The Lions Club of West Seattle and local VFW Post 2713 are parade regulars. Meantime, we stopped in West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) this afternoon as they offered three hours of packet pickup and in-person registration for tomorrow’s Float Dodger 5K, which is presented by WSR with proceeds benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank.
More than 500 runners and walkers are registered to head out from Hiawatha Playfield at 9:30 am, down the parade route on California SW and back.
You still have time to register, either online or at Hiawatha right before tomorrow morning. After the Float Dodger – which is preceded by a free Kids’ Dash at 8:45 am – pick your parade-watching spot and settle in! There’ll be an announcing station in the Admiral area for the first time, one of four along the route. And whether you’re going or not, remember that California SW closes from just south of Admiral to just north of Dawson – a few extra blocks for staging and dispersal – at 8 am.
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The City of Seattle’s Summer Meals Program commemorated the season of service with a community-wide celebration at Highland Park Playground today. Bordering the park’s popular playground and spray park were some temporary inflatable games like archery and soccer, as well as a couple bounce houses drawing a line of kids eager to jump in.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also referred to as the Summer Meals Program, has been around for more than 50 years. Last year, it served over 80,000 meals to kids under 18 during the summer months, as we reported previously. The program currently operates out of 50 locations throughout the city, including the site of today’s event.
The day was jam-packed with fun, free activities for neighborhood kids, but its purpose was not forgotten.
“Ultimately, we want to make sure that they’re also getting fed,” said Shukri Olow, the Human Services Department’s Youth and Family Empowerment Division director.
Free food was at the heart of the celebration. A tent at the front of the space staffed by SFSP – and briefly by District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka – handed out meals to awaiting kids and, today, to their families as well. They had a couple lunch options to choose from, as well as the opportunity to take a regular or chocolate milk – the latter being most popular. A bit over halfway through the event, they had handed out 55 meals to kids.
“[I’m] so proud to help support from a council perspective, making sure that it’s well resourced, well funded,” Saka said of the Summer Meals Program. “Making sure our kids are fed is an important priority to me in my office. It means a lot to me personally as someone who relied on receiving similar services in the past.”
Families in attendance reflected on how the summer meals have come in handy after a long day at Highland Park burning off energy. Local mother Yanet brought her two children to the celebration. While waiting in front of the bounce house, she recalled how convenient the Summer Meals Program has been for her 9-year old daughter: “I’m really grateful for the program. It’s one of the best from Seattle.”
“If you come in the afternoon, you can get a snack. My kids love the snack,” said Kelly, who has two kids at Highland Park Elementary. She added that she and her kids come to the spray park often, and get the meals afterward.
Kelly hadn’t heard in advance about today’s celebration, but after making the discovery, texted friends and families in the neighborhood.
“This is really just an intention to celebrate with the community, raise awareness of the program, and make sure people are aware of the resources,” said Maggie Thompson, deputy irector for the Human Services Department.
As a reminder, the program is open to all kids ages 1-18 – no ID, proof of address, application, or paperwork required. The program will last until August 21, at the locations, dates, and times listed here.
3:40 PM: West Seattle has great art events all year long – from the monthly Art Walks to the annual Art Tour – but this is the most scenic setting in which to view and buy it: The three-day Alki Art Fair began this afternoon, with dozens of artists and crafters in booths by the bay, each one a mini-world set up and tended by the artists themselves:
You can come to the Alki promenade (60th/Alki westward) to explore until 8 pm (stay for the sunset an hour later!). The Alki Art Fair is also a music festival, with a live lineup you can peruse here. More first-day coverage to come!
5 PM: Above is this year’s official Alki Art Fair T-shirt – you’ll find merch at the booth right by the Bathhouse, where a silent auction is happening this weekend too. And we took a closer look at some of the art:
The miniatures above are by Sachisunny Creation. Looking for candles? That’s part of what The Remontant is offering:
Angela Liu is selling her surrealist pencil art:
They’re just a few of the 100 artists lining the promenade. Tomorrow’s the Alki Art Fair’s biggest day – 10 am to 8 pm (with music starting at noon)!
We’re less than 24 hours away from this year’s West Seattle Grand Parade, which starts at California/Lander at 11 am Saturday, heading southbound on California SW to SW Edmunds at the south end of The Junction. Here are more quick notes on what you will and won’t see (barring last-minute changes):
*Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum is set to bring its inflatable model of the PBY-5A “flying boat,” seen above in a museum photo from last fall’s Auburn Veterans Day Parade.
*Folkloric dancers – Panama Folklore Seattle is new this year; Joyas Mestizas are returning.
*Marching bands – the stars of summer parade season, the All-City Marching Band (celebrating their 75th anniversary tonight in West Seattle!), will be there, as well the Kennedy High School Marching Band and Cheer Team from Burien.
*Also cheering – Both the Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS Cheer Teams are in the lineup.
*Biggest entry? Holy Rosary School usually has a sizable entourage but this year plans upward of 200 people, according to parade organizers.
Many, many more! As noted above, parades always have the chance of last-minute changes. And that goes for this one – the Seattle Police Motorcycle Drill Team has canceled at the last minute, parade organizers tell us. So on the “loud entry” scale, you’ll have to settle for the Seafair Pirates‘ cannon!
Remember, the day begins with the Float Dodger 5K on the parade route starting at 9:30 am – not too late to register to run or walk, and if you’re already signed up, you can pick up your packet early, 3-6 pm today at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), which presents the Float Dodger as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank.
A reader who hadn’t driven the West Seattle Bridge at night in a while messaged us this week, startled by how many of its lights were out. Wire theft affecting the bridge has long been an issue, but it’s hit the headlines again multiple times recently, particularly with the Gregory Galitzeck case (still not back in custody). And we got this reader report on Thursday from Jeff:
Just wanted to share that I came across 3-4 people collecting stolen wire at 10 am … Thursday 7/16, at the dead end of Marginal Place SW under the West Seattle Bridge. One wore a day-glow work jacket. They were meticulously laying it out and coiling it up to load it into a dark green SUV, the trunk of which was nearly full already with other obviously stolen wire. I called police and reported it. The operator took plenty of details and said dispatch had been notified. I had to get to work and was getting noticed by the guys so I didn’t stick around to see if the cops actually arrived (in time) to do anything. …
I think if SPD sent someone to patrol through there every other morning they’d catch people red-handed. These thieves are utterly brazen, doing this calmly in broad daylight. Looked like they’d been at it for at least half an hour given the amount already packed up, and weren’t in any hurry as I spent about 15 minutes circling and calling it in. It just makes me so mad we don’t seem to do anything to stop these guys inflicting 10x or 100x the cost damage (and safety hazards of dark roads) of the measly few hundred bucks they get from wrecking our public infrastructure.
We don’t know what if anything transpired from Jeff’s 911 call, as we don’t have an incident # to follow up on. But we did contact City Light with several questions about the overall bridge-wire-theft situation. The replies are from utility spokesperson Julie Moore.
She said there had been no new reports of bridge wire theft in the past few weeks. We also had two big-picture questions:
We asked about the status of reviewing/planning/adopting increased security to prevent/deter this kind of theft/vandalism, and whether anything had been done recently. Here’s the SCL reply:
We continue to employ theft prevention measures including installing tamper-proof handhole lids, welding access doors, or placing ecology blocks in front and over electrical facilities to prevent unauthorized access. We took these measures when we repaired damage impacting the lights on the bridge last fall. The recent incidents involved access doors and handholes in different locations. As we make repairs, we will take similar steps to prevent future tampering and theft.
We also asked about the latest on the repair/replacement plan for damaged/stolen bridge-light wiring. Here’s the SCL reply:
The damage that resulted in the West Seattle Bridge streetlight outages was extensive and included many panels along the bridge as well as the off and on ramps to both the bridge and Spokane Street Viaduct. Fully assessing needed repairs and then making those repairs requires lane closures for the safety of the public and our crews. We are actively working with SDOT on a traffic control plan. We do not have an estimated timeline for full restoration.
So – the bridge will remain dark for some time. The problem may be unsolved, but it’s nowhere near new; for historical context, here’s what they told us about theft-proofing attempts last year; And our archives note that former District 1 City Councilmember Lisa Herbold addressed the problem in 2019.
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The photo and report are from Emily in Highland Park:
This bike popped up on our block this week. After checking with neighbors, we suspect it was stolen and dumped.
It’s a Magna Mountain bike with 15-speed shifting.
If it’s yours, please nessage us and we’ll connect you.
(Blue Wave Lacecap Hydrangea, photographed by Lisa Ruiz)
Here’s our highlight list for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Open 10 am-3 pm on the north end of the main campus of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
MEDICINAL PLANT WALK: Climate Week event, 10 am at Lincoln Park. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SUMMER FOOD CELEBRATION: 11 am to 2 pm at Highland Park Playground (1100 SW Cloverdale), celebrate the program providing free food for all kids and teens while school is out, with games, activities, and family resources – all welcome.
BABY STORY TIME: 11 am at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily-splashing season continues at Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
WADING POOLS: Hiawatha (2700 California SW) and Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) are open noon-5:30 pm today, Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open noon-7 pm.
COLMAN POOL: Noon to 7 pm today, swim in the outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) – here’s the session schedule.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: 12:30-2 pm, practice with other adult learners at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
ALKI ART FAIR BEGINS: 2 pm to 8 pm, first of three days for the waterfront celebration/sale featuring local artists (roster here) and music (lineup here) on the Alki promenade, starting at and stretching mostly westward from Alki Bathhouse. (2701 Alki SW)
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle.
ALL-CITY BAND 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: 5 pm dinner and auction at South Seattle College‘s Brockey Center (6000 16th SW) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the citywide student marching band that delights thousands each year, especially in parade season.
KENYON HALL OPEN MIC: Monthly open mic/a> with 6 pm signups, 6:30 pm performances (7904 35th SW), all ages.
(added) SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: GreenStage presents “Coriolanus,” 7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), free.
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Gracie Abrams listening party, 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
BINGO: 7 pm Classic Bingo at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7, music at 8, for Carmela, Rachael Nicole, Rae. 21+. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
SPINNING: Revelry Room (4547 California SW) is back post-festival to regular Friday night spinning, with DJ Shonuph, starting at 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, Totally ’80s Skate with DJ Josh, 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.
MEGASTAR KARAOKE: 9 pm at Max’s Triangle Pub (9454 Delridge Way SW).
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or ongoing calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Their seasons are over but West Seattle Junction FC and Rhodies FC players’ community involvement continues – part of it is this upcoming weeklong summer camp:
Looking for a fun and active way to spend the last weeks of summer? Join Junction FC & Rhodies FC Summer Soccer Camp at Delridge Playfields from August 3–7, running daily from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM.
Players will enjoy a full week of skill development, small-sided games, fun competitions, and confidence-building activities led by Junction FC & Rhodies FC coaches and players. Camp is open to players of all skill levels and is designed to help every athlete improve while having a great time.
*August 3–7
*9:00 AM–2:00 PM
*Delridge PlayfieldsRegister today and finish your summer on the pitch with Junction FC & Rhodies FC!
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, July 17, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Much calmer forecast today – mostly sunny, high in the low 70s. Sunrise was at 5:29 am today; sunset will be at 9:01 pm.
(Wednesday sunset photo by Curry Gibson)
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 (tonight!) and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
WEEKEND NOTES
*On Saturday (July 18), California Avenue SW will be closed to traffic between Admiral and The Junction, from 8 am on (with parking restrictions kicking in earlier), until early afternoon, for the Float Dodger 5K (9:30 am start) and West Seattle Grand Parade (11 am start), both southbound on California from Admiral to The Junction
*No street closures, but Alki will be extra-busy with the Alki Art Fair on the promenade this afternoon/evening plus Saturday and Sunday.
BRIDGE TRAFFIC CAMERAS
A few from the SDOT map:
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
10:31 PM: For the second time today, a tree is reported to have fallen across the southbound – uphill – lanes of the Highland Park Way hill. Police are on the scene now and telling dispatch they have to close the entire SB side of the hill. Dispatch says SDOT is not able to immediately respond, so this closure might last a while.
10:38 PM: Police say they’ve had to close one northound lane too because it’s a “big tree.”
11:31 PM: Thanks to Kay for the update in comments, pointing out this is actually across the downhill lanes despite what the original radio exchanges said. Also, above is a screenshot from one of the SDOT cameras nearby.
MIDNIGHT: They’re still working on it. And Kay also points out that this is blocking the pedestrian path too.
12:57 AM: Live camera shows all lanes of the street back open.
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