West Seattle, Washington
29 Monday
A West Seattle couple rode near the front of today’s big Pride Parade through downtown Seattle.
We reported earlier about the Seattle Pride organization honoring Stacy Bass-Walden as this year’s recipient of the Ackerman Award for Service. Stacy and wife Jolie founded Alki Beach Pride – an annual late-summer celebration, unique to West Seattle and its beloved beach. As this year’s honoree, Stacy rode in a convertible in the parade, with Jolie at her side.
She invited community members including us to walk alongside, and in true WSB “we always show up” style, we did. Before the parade began, we watched some of the staging, including the rollout of the huge Pride flag that has made a guest appearance at Alki Beach Pride the past few years:
(This year you’ll see it on August 1st.) Once the parade got rolling, the hundreds of entries headed north on 4th Avenue from south of Westlake Park:
Thousands of people lined the street – and some watched from above:
About two-thirds of the way down the route, a reporter from KIRO, which had broadcast and streaming rights, stopped Stacy and Jolie for an interview:
After that, their driver had to step it up a bit to close a big gap with the entries ahead, and we were walking alone for a while, carrying our sign congratulating Stacy. We caught up just as the parade made the turn onto Denny Way:
Minutes later, at the end of the route – an hour after the lead cars started rolling – we talked briefly to Stacy and Jolie about the parade-riding experience:
We hit the “stop” button a bit too soon – what they went on to say at the end was an invitation to join them for this year’s Alki Beach Pride, on August 15.
Some complicated technical trouble tonight took WSB down for a few hours. Please forgive us for the downtime; we’ve been working on stories offline so we can catch up as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience (and thanks also to those who contacted us to make sure we knew about the site’s inaccessibility – best way to reliably reach us 24/7 with a question or message is to text 206-293-6302).
As we first reported in April, Avalon Glassworks‘ owners are retiring, and June 30 is their final day – so you have two more days to shop their retail store adjacent to the glass-blowing studio, 12 pm to 4 pm Monday and Tuesday.
(2025 photo courtesy West Seattle Glass Float Hunt)
For those wondering what this means for the annual West Seattle Glass Float Hunt, for which Avalon Glassworks has made the floats, we noticed this paragraph in a recent news release about city grants:
$29,100 to West Seattle Chamber of Commerce for the West Seattle Glass Float Hunt, taking place August 7 through August 16, 2026, is a free community art event that invites residents and visitors to explore neighborhoods across the West Seattle peninsula while searching for handblown glass floats hidden in parks, greenspaces, trails, public walkways, and participating businesses from Alki Avenue to Roxbury Street. Created by local glass artists, each float is a small piece of public art meant to be discovered, photographed, and shared. The hunt encourages people to experience West Seattle’s parks, neighborhoods, and small businesses in a new way while celebrating the region’s connection to Pacific Northwest glass artistry. It also serves as a small business activation and economic development effort that guides participants through neighborhood commercial districts and encourages visits to local shops, restaurants, cafés, and other businesses helping support the independent, local business culture in West Seattle. Community match: $29,320
Since the news release specifically mentioned the Chamber, which has partnered with the West Seattle Junction Association on the float hunt, we asked executive director Rachel Porter about its status, and she replied that Avalon Glassworks has already made this year’s floats: “We were able to get them made before they close, so this is our last year with them at the helm of the glass blowing. The goal will always be to use a West Seattle business, and we are hoping the next owners of Avalon will help us keep this tradition alive! We don’t know who we will work with next year, but fingers crossed that someone buys Avalon soon.”
Thanks to Mark Jaroslaw for the clip from last night’s free Seattle Chamber Music Society “Concert Truck” show outside the Alki Bathhouse. As you can see in Mark’s video, it wasn’t just instrumental – an opera vocalist sang, too. The “Concert Truck” series has one more stop in West Seattle this summer, Wednesday (July 1) at 6 pm at the Seattle Chinese Garden (north end of South Seattle College campus at 6000 16th SW) – you can see the performers and program (for last night too) by going here.
If you’ve visited a Seattle Public Library in the SPL Southwest Region in the past quarter-century, you probably know Ken, who asked us to share this farewell message with you:
Hello, West Seattle Community:
25 years ago, you welcomed me to West Seattle. I was fortunate to serve as a Teen/Adult Services Librarian here at The Seattle Public Library. I was also fortunate enough to serve all 25 years as the SPL liaison to CSIHS. I was able to participate as SPL was able to offer more and more programs for all ages. High Point, thanks to the generosity of volunteers, began to host Homework Help starting in 2011. The program has assisted countless K-12 students in the past 15 years. Youth Drop in Chess, coach Jeremy, has similarly worked with countless West Seattle youth teaching chess in the High Point meeting room. SPL has expanded its outreach services to reach people who don’t normally look to the library as a resource. We have partnered with various community organizations such as High Point SHA, Neighborhood House, SFYC, High Point Community Center, and DNDA, among others, to host SPL programs at their facilities and here at High Point. I watched your families grow up and see your children turn into adults.
My time in the Southwest Region branches:
-2000-2005 Teen Services Librarian at the Southwest branch
-2005-2006 Teen Services Librarian at the Delridge branch
-2006-2010 Teen and Adult Services Librarian at the South Park branch, part of the opening day staff
-2010-2026 Teen and Adult Services Librarian at the High Point branchMany thanks and all the best to each of you,
Ken
The last day of work for Ken (who asked to be identified by first name only) will be Monday, July 6.
(Added: Reader photo of SPU crews)
8:25 AM: Thanks for the tips. Seattle Public Utilities is working on a water outage in the Morgan Junction area, 6000 block Fauntleroy Way SW, affecting at least 88 customers, according to the SPU water-trouble map.
1:07 PM: Not yet resolved per SPU.
1:41 PM: Texters report it’s back on. We will follow up with SPU tomorrow.
(Steller’s Jays, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here are highlights from what’s on our West Seattle Event Calendar:
FIELD DAY: Amateur-radio operators’ round-the-clock event on the north side of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus wraps up this morning; here’s our story published Saturday night.
(add) WEST SEATTLE GARDEN TOUR: 9 am-5 pm self-guided tour at gardens around West Seattle. We checked on ticket sales earlier this week and they already were sold out.
SALE TO HELP NANCY: Starting at 9 am at 2310 Alki SW again today, estate sale to benefit Nancy and kids, forced to move after the recent death of her partner, as explained here.
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY – ANNIVERSARY PARTY: 10:30 am, Westies Run Club runs from Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) today at a special time, with a 4th anniversary celebration!.=
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open every Sunday year-round on California SW between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in early-summer produce-and-products season – asparagus, lettuce, greens, microgreens, peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, beans, garlic, fruit (strawberries, cherries, apricots …), more – and many options for baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, poultry, fresh- and pre-prepared foods, nuts, condiments, pasta …
MASTER GARDENERS AT THE MARKET: If you have a gardening question, you can get an answer from a Master Gardener! Their weekly clinics at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market continue today, 10 am-2 pm. (Look for their booth toward the south end of the market.)
WEEKEND SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), sing to hits of the ’80s, ’90s, ’00s and enjoy a buffet breakfast.
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
TAI CHI AT THE LIBRARY: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
SPRAYPARK SEASON: Daily splashing at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
ALKI BEACH PRIDE IN SEATTLE PRIDE PARADE: 11 am, the Seattle Pride Parade goes north on 4th Aenue from Westlake to Seattle Center, and Alki Beach Pride co-founder Stacy Bass-Walden will be riding toward the start because of her recent award. (Stacy invited a coalition of community members to walk in the parade with her and asked WSB to be part of it – so we’ll have coverage later today. And if you’re also a West Seattleite in the parade, please let us know!)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need/want to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to find it at, and borrow it from, the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESIST: Regular weekly West Seattle Resist Sunday sign-holding event, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)
FEATHER IN THE WIND ART SHOW: Last of three days for the pop-up art show upstairs at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), noon-6 pm.
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, daily operation continues at the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: You’re welcome this afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: 2:30 pm for chat, 3 pm discussion at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), “Rebecca” is this month’s subject.
‘WISH YOU WERE HERE’: Third matinée performance of ArtsWest‘s new play, 3 pm – online tickets are sold out but you can go to the box office in person before the show to get on the waitlist. (4711 California SW)
THE EVOLVING MAN: 5 pm, group described as “an immersive men’s gathering focused on nervous system regulation, authentic connection, and personal growth” meeting at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
TRIVIA AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5 pm with host Morgue Anne. Free, all ages. (9444 Delridge Way SW)
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 5 pm, be at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) to preview Madonna‘s new album! Free, all ages.
BLACK TEA AT REVELRY ROOM: 7 pm-midnight, late-night tea service with host Jack Sanders, info and RSVP here. (4547 California SW)
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: Trivia starts at 7:30 pm – free to play, and you can win prizes! (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Music to end the weekend! 8-10 pm, jazz with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Organizing, or assisting with, an event that we could add to the WSB community calendar – whether one-time or recurring? Please email the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
After several 911 calls about suspected gunfire, police went to 57th SW and Alki Avenue SW and have just reported finding “casings in the roadway.” No reports of injuries or property damage so far.
12:04 AM: Lots of reports about “massive explosions” in various areas. including The Junction. Some have seen the source – M-80 type “fireworks” detonated in trash cans, which magnifies the sound. 911 has received multiple reports, and has dispatched police on the trail – apparently the people responsible are driving around from detonation site to detonation site.
12:19 AM: Thanks to the texter who sent that photo right before it was mentioned on police radio – a firework-damaged can by the bus stop outside the CVS store at 5217 California SW.
2:34 AM: That photo sent by another reader is from 41st/Alaska.
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Starting this morning, 31,000 “hams” – amateur radio operators – across the continent tuned in for the North American Radio Field Day. The 24-hour event is widely participated in across the continent; Seattle-area operators gathered at South Seattle College’s north field on Puget Ridge to set up shop.
The annual Field Day serves as “a way for all ham operators to have a weekend where they’re all trying to talk to each other and show off the different things that we do,” said Matthew Shaw, vice president of the West Seattle Amateur Radio Club. The club is devoted to all kinds of ham radio, offers classes for people interested in getting their radio operator license, and meets once a month at the Salvation Army.
Shaw explained that there are different uses for ham radio including sending data, technical and social communication, community service in times of emergency, and for contesting. Contesting serves as the competitive outlet for hams.
“Some people really love the competition aspect of it because it’s all about having a good system and being efficient,” Shaw explained.
When contesting, operators typically keep a log book for different criteria including how many people they have contacted, attempting to make contact in every U.S. state, or competing for contacts made the furthest away.
Operators (corrected) Ruth Gregory and Doug Kingston, president of Puget Sound Repeater Group were manning the contest tent and trying to make as many contacts as possible all over the United States and Canada. This is done through the use of shortwave radio which operates at a higher frequency.
Others are more interested in the emergency response aspect of ham radio, and its potential use in times of crisis. This is the case for Shaw, who showed off a rig containing a radio station in a box. The system can be set up anywhere off grid.
Hams were equally as passionate about radio as they were about continuing to get the community and the younger generation involved in the hobby. The parking lot adjacent to the field is set up to include a section for volunteer-led classes on prep, radio, and how to become a contester, to name a few. Another tent is called the “Get on the air station,” intended as a space for newly licensed or unlicensed people to talk on the radio with a coach.
“We really look forward to getting people interested in the hobby… not too many young folks.” Shaw said. He offered an explanation why: “It’s the idea of ‘I can contact someone, I have a phone.’ But realize the complexity of that system, how much it relies on to actually work,” He reasoned. “If you have a radio and a few basic things, you can actually maintain some basic communications.”
If you’re interested in visiting before this ends around 11 am Sunday, note that some hams plan to stay on site overnight and continue operating through the wee hours of the morning. The South Seattle College field and parking lot offer a much more spacious setup than most enthusiasts can have at home.
For more on what local hams are doing on Field Day, go here.
Here are three more coyote sightings reported to us in the past few days:
SATURDAY MORNING: Dwight emailed us this report:
At 9:53 this morning I saw a coyote walking down Brace Point Drive towards the Josslin building. He saw me and quickly changed direction and headed up California Drive. He looked healthy and happy, not starved and miserable .
THURSDAY EVENING: These next two came in almost simultaneously just after 8:30 pm Thursday via texts – this one, from 38th SW and SW Raymond:
This one, from 37th SW and SW Juneau:
You can browse our past sighting reports here.
“A small group” of transient orcas is headed this way, southbound from Blakely Rock off Bainbridge, Kersti Muul tells us. Let us know if you see them!
(Photo by David Hutchinson)
After boarding their landlubbing vessel Moby Duck, the Seafair Pirates sailed away down Alki Avenue after a lively hour on the beach this afternoon. Though the landing is a decades-old tradition, some elements were new, including the mayor who surrendered the key to the city – Katie Wilson turned it over (while suggesting that came at a price – “You have to solve all the. city’s problems now!”)
The Pirates arrived in two groups, starting just after 1:30 pm.
(PHOTOS FROM HERE ARE BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB)
ADDED 6:07 PM: A sizable crowd greeted the Pirates as they arrived in two groups aboard a small boat launched from the tug Island Chief:
Once ashore, it was face to face with fans of all ages, both delighted and frightened:
Some years, Seafair’s King Neptune attempts to fight off the invaders – this year, the meeting was all smiles:
(That’s former Seahawk Sidney Rice wearing the crown this year.) Others sought prized photo ops:
Wielding everything from swords to tridents, the Pirates made their way through the crowd to Moby Duck’s berth along Alki Avenue, from which they continued to offer souvenirs – some handed over, some tossed – to fans:
That’s when they went face to face with Mayor Wilson to get a souvenir of their own, the aforementioned key to the city:
Davy Jones and Captain Kidd were knighted by the Seafair royals, too, including Queen Alcyone (Bookda Gheisar):
A pirate song ensued (sorry, no video). Then, just after 2:30, one hour after they’d stormed the beach, the Pirates sailed off, bound for other shores:
The Pirates will be back in West Seattle three weeks from today for the West Seattle Grand Parade (11 am Saturday, July 18). And Seafair’s summer season has only just begun – see the full list of events, including the July 31-August 2 airshow and hydros, by going here.
The Barton St. P-Patch welcomes visitors this afternoon! Admire the garden and enjoy what’s being cooked in the wood-fired oven:
They’re making pizza right noe after a morning of bagels. Live music around 4! They’re accepting donations to support the garden, which is on the southwest corner of 34th SW and SW Barton.
Dancer Navya Ramesh was one of today’s first main-stage performers at the Arts in Nature Festival, happening right now at Camp Long (5200 35th SW). But performances are just part of what the festival’s offering all day and into the evening, rain or shine:
Inside Camp Long’s legendary cabins, you’ll find “immersive installations” like the one above in Cabin 8, the “wind phone” from Sonic Switchyard – you can use the “phone” to leave a message for someone you cannot speak to, inspired by a memorial practice from the Fukushima tsunami. Recorded messages are played over speakers in the cabin. Then there’s very short range “Camp Long Radio” in Cabin 9.
And numerous community organizations – from environmental to educational – have reps to chat with you in the meadow:
As we type this, the sun is emerging, so it’s a great day to get out and go to the park; the Arts in Nature Festival, presented by DNDA, is on until 8 pm. See the festival lineups here
The video and report are from Nicole in Highland Park:
Our home is having construction done in the backyard. Someone brazenly walked onto our property and stole a bike. Younger bald white male wearing a gray T-shirt, black jacket, and dark jeans. If you have any tips, please help.
We don’t have a police report # yet but will add when we do.
(Friday photo of Alki Beach by Bob Burns)
First weekend of summer (despite the not-summery weather), and the sun is expected to eventually appear! Here are our highlighted happenings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) by 8 am for today’s free group run.
FREE MEDITATION: For a calming start to your Saturday, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
SALE TO HELP NANCY: Starting at 9 am at 2310 Alki SW, estate sale to benefit Nancy and kids, forced to move after the recent death of her partner, as explained here.
CLOTHING SWAP: 9 am-1 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), bring adult or baby clothing to swap and take something home. Leftovers to nonprofits.
SOCCER JAMBOREE: 9 am-5 pm, Seattle’s summer of soccer continues with a daylong celebration of “The Beautiful Game.” 5×5 tournament and drop-in clinic, all free, at Delridge Playfield (Delridge Way SW & SW Alaska).
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile before the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.
ARTS IN NATURE FESTIVAL: 10 am-8:30 pm, DNDA brings back the Arts in Nature Festival at Camp Long (5200 35th SW), free! See our preview for the music, performance, and art lineups.
(added) HAM RADIO FIELD DAY: 10 am today to 11 am Sunday, ham-radio operators from around Seattle are gathered at the north parking lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), and you’re invited to stop in any time to learn about and observe what they do. Info and event schedule are on this website.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: New season, new location! 10 am-2 pm, shop for fruit and vegetables, prepared food and beverages, artisan body care, more … (9th SW and SW Henderson)
DACHSHUND WALK: New listing! 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: 10 am both weekend days at Admiral Pub, sing to classics – table reservation includes a brunch buffet! (2306 California SW)
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 today – free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group – details including location are in our calendar listing.
SEAFAIR PIRATES STORYTIME: 11 am storytime to get ready for the pirates’ landing nearby (see below), at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens).
PIZZA AND BAGELS AT BARTON P-PATCH: 11 am bagels, 2 pm pizza, 4 pm music at the garden’s summer fundraiser, all welcome! (34th SW and SW Barton)
NORTH ADMIRAL HISTORY WALKING TOUR: Register, then meet at 45th SW and SW Seattle for the tour, 11 am.
SPRAYPARK SEASON: The season continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
FEATHER IN THE WIND ART SHOW: Second of three days for the pop-up art show upstairs at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), noon-6 pm.
COLMAN POOL: Rain or shine – noon-7 pm, daily operation continues at the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: First West Seattle wading pool to open is scheduled to start its season today IF the afternoon forecast is for sunshine and 70 degrees – this page explains how to check around midmorning. Hours would be noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SEAFAIR PIRATES’ LANDING: 1 pm-1:30 pm vicinity at Alki Beach, near the bathhouse (2701 Alki SW), the pirates will land on a quest for the key to the city – see our preview for details.
.
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.
THE BEER JUNCTION’S MONTHLY BIKE RIDE: Meet behind the store, 2 pm. Must have helmet! (4511 California SW)
MIKE HENDERSON’S ART: You’ll know his (previously very public) work when you see it! On display at Admiral HUB (former church at 4320 SW Hill):
4-9 pm.
PRIDE NIGHT AT OUNCES: 5 pm, music, beer, community at Ounes (3809 Delridge Way SW) .
BASEBALL: Pride Night home game for the DubSea Fish Sticks at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, 6:05 pm, vs. the Redmond Dudes. Check for tickets here!
CONCERT TRUCK: 7 pm at Alki Beach Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW), the Seattle Chamber Music Society‘s free concert-from-a-truck!
LIVE IN-STORE AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, Jim BasnightEasy Street Records (4559 California SW), free, all ages
SEAPROG FEST AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm, show and ticket info here. (7904 35th SW)
‘WISH YOU WERE HERE’: 7:30 pm curtain – third weekend for the current play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), check here for tickets.
DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm (doors at 7), Queening Out. All ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: 9 pm, DJ Cephas. (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 TALARICO’S: Close out your Saturday night 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!
(Added post-event, WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
7:35 PM: As previously reported, this month’s Critical Mass bicycle ride will stop at “ghost bike” memorials to two riders killed in crashes, including 76-year-old Maridee Bonadea, the Vashon rider hit and killed in Fauntleroy earlier this month. Critical Mass doesn’t publicize its exact route in advance but did say on social media that Ms. Bonadea’s memorial is the first stop, and we just heard an FYI on police radio that “about 100 bicyclists” are southbound from the downtown waterfront. Updates to come.
8:18 PM: About two dozen people are already at the memorial site. A commenter says the riders passed through Alki a short time ago.
8:49 PM: They’re expected here momentarily.
9:25 PM: The riders plan to leave in a few minutes.
ADDED AFTER OUR RETURN TO HQ: Here’s how the gathering unfolded – first with the rivers’ arrival:
Yes, the riders parked in the street – Critical Mass is a monthly ride that is as much a demonstration as anything else.
But each time a RapidRide bus appeared, they cleared space, with shouts of “Bus!” and “We support public transportation!”
There was no organized program but a few people spoke – first with memories of Maridee from her daughter:
City Councilmember Rob Saka had been there quite some time before the riders arrived, and after scattered voices in the crowd called for city action to make the street safer – specifically, removing parking – he was asked to speak, and he did.
He didn’t make any commitments to specific actions, though, and that was a subsequent point of contention shortly after the moment of silence he called for – her daughter shouted out that her mom liked to raise hell and that it was time to do that over the need for safety:
One person took the safety push literally to the street:
They left just after 9:30 pm, headed for a “ghost bike” at the scene of another rider’s recent death, and a stop to honor a third recent crash victim.
As you heard in one of our video clips, advocates plan to ask for the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s support at the next FCA meeting and say they have been added to the agenda. That meeting would be 6 pm Tuesday, July 14, at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).
West Seattle has yet more champs! Zack Hill sent the update and photos after Rain City Ropeworks jump-rope athletes returned from national competition:
West Seattle-based jump-rope team Rain City Ropeworks, coached by former world champion jumper Rene Bibaud, just returned from the 2026 American Jump Rope National Championship in Buffalo, NY, and the team did great. Fifteen local athletes competed and several of them placed in the top 3 nationally. Additionally, 5 athletes were national age-group champions:
Double Dutch Pairs Freestyle (19+-year-old Female division): Calla Freeman, Riley Hill, Halle Morgan, Madeleine Garrison
Single Rope Speed Sprint (19+-year-old Male division): Kai Widmer
Thanks to everyone in the community who has supported the team this year. While this team has produced multiple national champion athletes, Rene coaches everyone from beginners to world-class performers. For anyone with kids interested in learning more about jump rope, Rene is teaching multiple camps this summer, including in West Seattle.
(Current Hiawatha Play Area, as seen when project first surfaced in 2019)
A Seattle Parks project that’s been in the works since before the pandemic is finally about to be built. Here’s the Parks announcement we received today:
Seattle Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the Hiawatha Play Area Renovation project construction will begin the week of July 20, 2026. SPR awarded the construction contract to LW Sundstrom, Inc. and together we will work to minimize the impact to Hiawatha Playfield and Community Center.
The project replaces the play area on the north side of the park near the tennis court with a new play area located just south of the wading pool. The new play area project will include play structures that provide opportunities for climbing and sliding for ages 2 -5 and 5 -12-year-olds. Additionally, the project includes new swings, a small plaza with tables and accessible pathways that will connect park amenities. After the new play area is open to the public the existing play area will be removed and restored for nature play.
The wading pool and the community center are both located outside the construction limits and will remain open during construction. The current play area will remain open during construction of the new play area.
For more information, please visit seattle.gov/parks/about-us/projects/hiawatha-play-area-relocation or email Shannon.Glass@seattle.gov
Here are the design documents for the new play area.
(WSB/WCN photo by Torin Record-Sand: County Executive Girmay Zahilay)
The street party that’s under way right now on both sides of Roxbury, from the south block of Delridge Way southward on 16th to 100th, is called “Gather For Goals.” And while its centerpieces are four huge screens showing World Cup soccer matches, the “goals” it’s meant to celebrate are also those of the local community. That was the message of welcoming speakers who talked for a bit between two of the screens right before the Norway-France kickoff – King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, King County Local Services director Leon Richardson, Elliot Hills from White Center Pride, Chris Lampkin from County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda‘s team, and King County Local Services’s Brent Champaco, all in our video:
White Center Pride is co-presenting this with King County. Even if you’re not that into soccer, it’s an opportunity to wander the street and check out businesses like Wolfpack Cellars (WSB sponsor), which has an outdoor canopy right next to one of the big screens:
If you have one or more kids in tow, detour into the Tim’s Tavern parking lot at 16th/98th – steps from two of the big screens – where you’ll find free bouncy houses. This is all on until 7 tonight, rain or shine (all we experienced while there was a bit of mist).
More backstory about the party is on this King County webpage (which also lists the matches they’re showing).
We’re just back from the “Gather For Goals” World Cup-watching street party in White Center and noticed that the southernmost block of Delridge Way SW is closed to motor vehicles too, though the soccer-showing big screens are all on 16th south of Roxbury (16th is closed all the way to 100th). So if you’re looking to head southbound toward Roxbury, do it north or south of Delridge. And if you’re on foot, do wander over to see the vendors who are on the South Delridge block, as well as local shops and restaurants. We’ll have a separate report on the start of Gather For Goals – which continues until 7 pm – shortly.
Lacey emailed us to say, “We are coming up on the 30-year reunion for West Seattle High School Class of 1996! This time we have decided to join forces with the Class of ’95 and Class of ’97 for a joint reunion on Saturday, July 18. We’re trying to get the word out, we know a lot of folks have moved out of West Seattle, but many still have family here.” So if you or someone in your family is a WSHS alum from one of those years, you’re invited! The reunion celebration is at 7 pm July 18 at Dakota Place Park (California SW & SW Dakota). Here’s where to RSVP/buy tickets – or even just to answer an anonymous poll, whether or not you can go!
| 0 COMMENTS