West Seattle, Washington
25 Tuesday
Alki Elementary is not the only West Seattle school having a dedication ceremony before school starts.
(Photo courtesy Our Lady of Guadalupe)
Back in June, with the photo above, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School announced its “summer of construction,” and the celebration is next week:
Join us Wednesday, September 2nd at 5:00 PM for a special Ribbon Cutting and Blessing!
Let’s gather as a community to celebrate the transformation of our school campus and give heartfelt thanks to those who made it happen!
Our deepest gratitude goes to the Fulcrum Foundation, Shea Homes, Knipp Contracting, the Archdiocese of Seattle Office for Catholic Schools and the dedicated construction team at KNIPP Construction. Thanks to their extraordinary generosity of time, talent, and treasure, our students now have an updated space designed to inspire learning, leadership, service, and prayer for years to come. We also want to thank our parish and school staff, parishioners, and neighbors for your patience and positivity throughout this process.
OLG School is on the southwest corner of 34th and Myrtle. The June announcement details the work that was done, including a new roof and windows.
Off the east side of Blake Island, headed northbound, a lone transient orca known as “Jack” has just been spotted, according to Kersti Muul. Let us know if you see him!
You might have noticed the utility crews at the greenspace along SW Webster, south of the Southwest Precinct and The Home Depot. Thanks to Daniel for sending this notice of the work that’s getting under way – Seattle Public Utilities is dredging Webster Pond, to “remove sediment” so it’ll function better to hold stormwater during the coming rains. We’re asking SPU for a clearer copy of the notice; they say the work’ll last two to three weeks.
(WSB photo, July)
As we first told you in June, tomorrow’s the dedication day for the new Alki Elementary School (3010 59th SW). The community is invited to the 10:30 am ribboncutting – here’s the official reminder sent today by the district:
On Wednesday, Aug. 26, 10:30 a.m., Seattle Public Schools (SPS) will celebrate completion of the new Alki Elementary School building and modernization of the gymnasium.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Alki Elementary School, 3010 59th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
Superintendent Ben Shuldiner will join School Board President Gina Topp and Alki Principal Mason Skeffington will speak before cutting the ribbon to officially open the school for the 2026-27 school year. Additional confirmed speakers include Andy Sheffer of Seattle Parks and Recreation, Monty Anderson of Seattle Building and Construction Trades Council, and Evan Smith of Schools First.
There will be an opportunity to tour the school following the ceremony.
As noted in our story last month with a look inside the building, more than 400 students are enrolled at the newly rebuilt and expanded school for the 2026-2027 school year – a 50 percent increase from last year’s 260, the third year at temporary quarters at the former Schmitz Park Elementary.
(Weather Watch Park – photo by Bob Burns)
Here’s our list of highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUMMER FOOD DRIVE: The food drive is continuing at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor) – our story has the list of what is most needed.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
SPRAYPARK SEASON: Daily operations continue at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) – free, scheduled 11 am-8 pm daily.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch meeting at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW) – today’s featured speaker, Transitional Resources‘ new executive director.
WADING POOL OPEN: Just one West Seattle wading pool still open today – noon to 7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way, upper park near the north lot).
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, daily sessions continue at the outdoor saltwater pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
CHESS CLUB: All levels! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
OTHER EVENTS AT THE CENTER: Dozens every week! Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.
NO CITY COUNCIL MEETING: The council’s end-of-summer recess continues.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases. “Wine wars” in the spotlight tonight – Northwest vs. Italy.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.
TUESDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB: Alki Kayak Tours and Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) are presenting this weekly event for stand-up paddleboarders – details here – 5:30 pm. (1660 Harbor SW)
NO INTERFAITH FREEDOM VIGIL THIS WEEK: But organizers say they’ll be back after a few weeks off.
STORY TIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm at Delridge P-Patch (5078 25th SW), weekly story time for kids, followed by a garden activity.
OPEN MIC: 6:30 pm signups, 7 pm music – weekly open mic hosted by Levi Said at Tim’s (16th SW and SW 98th) in White Center.
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
PASS THE AUX: “New interactive music game” at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 7 pm.
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM BOOK CLUB: 7 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW).Go here to see this month
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, early-listening party for new music by Billy Strings, no cover, all ages. (4559 California SW)
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 7 pm – lots of info in our ongoing calendar listing.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group meditation at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.
BINGO! Play free weekly Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 4: Four Tuesday trivia venues – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free, hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia … 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink … 7 pm at Admiral Pub, free to play, prizes. (2306 California SW).
KARAOKE AT POGGIE TAVERN: 9 pm until 1:30 am, your turn to sing! (4717 California SW)
Organizing an event, fundraiser, class, performance, gathering, etc.? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
With summer break ending soon, we have word of another school’s playdate for incoming kindergarteners and their families – Highland Park Elementary, 4:30-6 pm next Monday (August 31):
Highland Park Elementary will be hosting a Popsicle Playdate for incoming kindergarteners and their families. It will be at the Highland Park playfield (1100 SW Cloverdale St.). We will have current HP families and students on hand to answer questions, as well as the kindergarten team.
And popsicles are promised!
P.S. Reminder as the new school year approaches, we appreciate getting info on school events for our community calendar – just email the basics, including any relevant weblink, to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
7:34 AM: The onramp to the bridge from Avalon (etc.) is currently blocked for an emergency response, A texter says SFD and SPD are tending to a woman lying on the ground. Circumstances otherwise unknown.
8:02 AM: Police just told dispatch the scene is open again to traffic. We’re checking with SFD re: the person who was treated. Thanks to everyone who texted about this.
9:25 AM: SFD’s Kaila Lafferty tells WSB the woman, in her early 30s, was in stable condition and taken to the ORCA Center (a crisis-care center) downtown.
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast is for sunshine, high in the low 80s. Sunrise will be at 6:18 am today; sunset will be at 8:03 pm.
(Photo by Hana Alishio)
TRAFFIC ALERTS
NB 1st Ave. S. Bridge – Work tonight will reduce it to two northbound lanes at 10 pm, until 5 am Wednesday.
Junction project: Be prepared for potential delays on California north of Oregon because of road work.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule today – any reroute/stop advisories will be here.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedule Fridays and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule; check the alert page for last-minute changes.
BRIDGE TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Here are four bridge views from the SDOT map:
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
(Viscon Cellars at 2025 Taste of West Seattle – returning this year!)
Got your ticket(s) yet? The sooner the better, so you don’t miss out on this year’s Taste of West Seattle, benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank, exactly one month from today, on September 24 at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Here’s the latest from WSFB:
Taste of West Seattle is Thursday, September 24 at The Hall at Fauntleroy. It’s a 21+ event, and tickets are on sale through September 14 at westseattlefoodbank.org/taste-of-west-seattle. We close ticket sales in advance so our vendors have a final guest count and plenty of time to prepare enough tastes for everyone.
We’re still accepting a few food trucks, so any interested local food trucks can reach out to me! (robbin@westseattlefoodbank.org or call/text 206-686-4521)
Our current lineup includes:
Food & Restaurants:
Baker’s Dozen Catering
Dolce Vita Catering — food truck
Dolcetta Artisan Sweets
El Koreano — food truck
La La’s Lemonade
Margie’s Cafe
Metropolitan Market
Mission Cantina
Mom’s Micro Garden
Nola’s Events
On Safari Foods
Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce
Peninsula Soul Food
Phoenecia
The Birdhouse
The Locöl Kitchen and Bar
The Neighborhood
Three9 Lounge
Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes
West Seattle GroundsWine, Beer & Mead:
Darby Winery
The Good Society Brewing Company
Spruce Hill Winery
Viscon Cellars
Ghostfish Brewing Company
Elliott Bay Brewing Company
T2 Cellar
Mr. B’s Mead
Pine Lake CellarsTickets are $75 for general admission and $125 for VIP (with early entry, reserved seating and a special gift), with all proceeds supporting the West Seattle Food Bank’s programs serving our neighbors throughout the community.
(WSB photos by Macey Wurm)
One more note about the weekend before it’s too far back in the rear-view mirror – organizers of the free KindieWest family-music (and more) festival on Sunday at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse have a message of gratitude. They told us they’re hoping it’ll become a tradition!
What an incredible day! At our peak time midday, nearly 300 people were present, and throughout the event, KindieWest reached more than 500 community members—all through the power of music.
As a nonprofit navigating a challenging economic climate, we’re deeply grateful to every local organization, artist, volunteer, partner, and individual who came together to make KindieWest possible. We hope you felt the genuine connection and community spirit that made the festival so special.
This was our first time organizing an event like this. Our core team took this on as a volunteer project putting this together with full-time jobs, many with kids, all of us with life chaos, so it truly took some nights, patience, and a shared belief in bringing people together.
We hope to make KindieWest an annual tradition and explore more partnership opportunities throughout the year through FCSA programming at the historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. Attendees kept letting us know how much they loved the flow of the event, each element, the conversations they had, the safe and warm environment for children, and all the special activities you all helped bring together.
And just for fun – our aftercare program runs the Moonbeam Store – those kids worked hard and made nearly $500 toward their summer program field trips!!
Thank you for believing in this event and our community. If you have feedback or ideas, we’d love to hear!
4:40 PM: A crash reported to involve “a vehicle into a building” is affecting traffic in the 8600 block of Delridge Way SW. SFD is joining SPD at the scene. The driver is reported to have left the scene. Avoid the area for a while.
5:08 PM: We asked SFD about the dispatch, since it wasn’t for injuries: “This came in as a request from SPD who was already on scene … Engine 11 is on scene and requested Rescue 1 to help with determining whether there was significant structural damage to the building.”
5:31 PM: Police just told dispatch that Delridge is open both ways (the SFD response had blocked the NB side for a while).
6 PM: That may since have changed, as units are going back, SFD’s David Cuerpo tells us: “The vehicle collided into a three-story apartment/condo building and damaged eight studs of an exterior wall. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Rescue 1 was dispatched to a fire [outside WS], but that incident was reduced. They are returning to the scene to help stabilize the exterior wall.”
Readers have been asking for a progress report on Royal Bagel, which we first told you about back in May. Proprietor Eric Brougham – a relative of the legendary Royal Brougham, hence the name – tells WSB that construction in the storefront at 6045 California SW is now under way, after he obtained a key permit recently. He is still hoping for a fall opening of his shop offering New York-style bagels.
Summer weather’s not over yet – this week might see more 80ish temperatures – but summer wading-pool season is over at all but one West Seattle pool. We’ve been noting “final week” and “last day” in our daily highlight lists, but in case you don’t routinely check those, we wanted to make note of the closures. The wading pool shown above in our pre-season photo, Lincoln Park, is still open daily – weather permitting – noon to 7 pm through Labor Day.
Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch, all involving car prowling:
SEAVIEW PROWLERS: Sent by Patrick:
This morning around 6:10 AM there were two people wearing face masks who were seen entering a construction site in Seaview. They exited the site and proceeded to prowl a truck parked on the street using a flashlight. When they noticed one of the subcontractors had already arrived and was watching them, they quickly got into their white Honda Civic and sped off.
Honda was also seen a couple hours later driving slowing around the block and through the alley.
This occurred in the Seaview neighborhood west of California a couple blocks away from the West Seattle Nursery.
Possibly unrelated but there was a construction temporary power cord stolen off the site overnight last week.
Hopefully this could help someone avoid becoming a victim to a car prowl or theft.
ALLEY PROWLER: Also from Seaview, Pauline sent this Sunday morning video of a car prowler:
Vehicle GNC YUKON vehicleThre, no license plate
Date 08/23/2026
Time 0727
Driving along the alley (near California/Findlay) going to each vehicle trying to gain access.
STOLEN BAG: Nik‘s hoping someone will find his stolen tool bag – the photo shows a side view of it:
I’m writing today to mention and ask about my big red tool bag stolen out of my car, I was parked on Cambridge and 35th Ave SW. It’s a red Hilti tool bag with my hand tools, mostly labeled “Nik Balagot” in paint marker. It’s a long shot , so I’m hoping a community member might have seen it.
(Alki Point Lighthouse, from the water)
We’re now at the relatively quiet end of summer, with fewer special events, but that makes it a great time to check out some of the regular weekly events – such as the ones happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUMMER FOOD DRIVE: The food drive is continuing daily at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor) – our story has the list of the most-needed items.
SPRAYPARK OPEN: Daily splashing continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), whatever the weather, 11 am-8 pm daily through Labor Day.
ONE WADING POOL STILL OPEN: Mostcity-operated wading pools are now closed for the season – with one in our area open daily through Labor Day, noon to 7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way, upper park near the north lot).
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, daily operation continues at the outdoor saltwater swimming pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
NO CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: The weekly 2 pm meeting for previews and briefings is canceled today because the council is on its end-of-summer recess.
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUPS: 6:30 pm, weekly group gatherings for people going through grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee. Before you go, RSVP/register here. (4034 California SW)
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too! $5.
PRACTICE SPEAKING SPANISH: 6:30-8:30 pm, this informal group gathers at Future Primitive Brewing in White Center (9832 14th SW), all welcome – just be ready to speak Spanish while participating!
ALKI MEDITATION: Two places to get centered on Monday nights in West Seattle – in the north end, there’s meditation at Alki UCC, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: In the south end, free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 3: Three venues on our list with trivia tonight – 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm Music Quiz at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), $2 cash to enter … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
MONDAY NIGHT SALSA LESSONS: Series continues, 7 pm with BALORICO at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW).
POOL TOURNAMENT: The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament, 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska, entrance on California)
PINBALL TOURNAMENT: Sign up at 7, play at 7:30, at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Huge thanks to everybody who sends info for our calendar, which we update daily; if you have something to add or cancel (or update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Young singer(s) in the family? Registration is open until the end of the month for Endolyne Children’s Choir! Here’s the announcement they asked us to share with you:
Do you know a child who loves to sing? This Fall, embark on a musical journey with Endolyne Children’s Choir! Choristers will explore new horizons, discover the wonders of the fall and winter seasons, and build lasting bonds with friends and family. We are so excited to sing with you!
Endolyne Children’s Choir is a secular, non-audition, community choir open to any child in grades K-12 who loves to sing. We offer a joyful, inclusive environment that supports children’s emotional, social, and musical development.
Registration is open until August 30! Learn more here!
6:04 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, August 24, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast is for sunshine, high in the mid-70s. Sunrise will be at 6:17 am today; sunset will be at 8:04 pm.
UPDATE ON CLOSURES
NB 1st Ave. S. Bridge – Open again since Sunday morning.
West Seattle low bridge: Closed to motor vehicles as of right now though its weekend closure was supposed to end by 4 am; check the camera below before heading that way. 7:30 AM: Open now.
Foot/bike path alongside West Seattle Bridge – Sound Transit says its work will close this path all week, as explained here
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule today – any reroute/stop advisories will be here.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedule Fridays and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule; check the alert page for last-minute changes.
BRIDGE TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Here are four bridge views from the SDOT map:
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
When you go see the new permanent exhibit at the Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s Log House Museum, set aside a considerable chunk of time, or plan on multiple visits – we couldn’t take it all in during our visit for the grand opening this past Thursday night, there’s so much to see and hear! There’s West Seattle Bridge history …
Other transportation history …
Native history …
Settler history …
Historic commemorations ..
Historic recreation …
And memories of celebrations …
Of course, someday the Thursday night event will be part of history too. So a ceremonial ribbon was cut:
So was a cake!
And of course key figures in making “Beyond Alki” reality had something to say – SWSHS board president Kathy Duncan talked about how it’s meant for a wide variety of museum visitors, and how an array of sponsors helped it become reality:
As introduced by Duncan, Natasha Varner from 4Culture spoke next, praising SWSHS for its recounting of this area’s “muanced, complex history”:
Much of that history begins with tribes, and two representatives spoke at the grand opening – Kristina Pearson of the Duwamish Tribe suggested that “Chief Seattle would be proud of us”:
As she said, Chief Seattle also led the Suquamish people, whose current chair Leonard Forsman spoke too, stressing the importance of sharing tribal culture “in this museum and beyond”:
Final speaker was the executive director of the historical society, Elizabeth Rudrud, who talked about “Beyond Alki” as a new way to discover West Seattle history:
The museum is open to the public 10 am to 4 pm Saturdays, as well as noon to 4 pm Thursdays and Fridays, at 3003 61st SW. Be sure to take time to stop and listen to audio that’s also part of “Beyond Alki,” as did this well-known visitor on Thursday night:
(That’s Easy Street Records‘ Matt Vaughan, in a corner of the exhibit featuring his corner – the exhibit’s audio, by the way, includes a special recording of a turn-of-the-20th-century classic:)
Learn about the museum’s own history, too, when you go.
(WSB photo and video by Jason Grotelueschen)
Above, Lori McConnell, co-owner/founder of West Seattle Runner, is wearing a T-shirt from the Float Dodger 5K, one of the reasons she is the recipient of the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s Patrick Sand Community Advocate Award, announced at Saturday’s Admiral Block Party. Your editor here was honored to join ANA’s Dan and Joanie Jacobs in presenting the second annual award in the spirit of the late WSB co-founder. Here’s our video of the short ceremony on the festival stage:
Among the many community events and programs offered by West Seattle Runner (a WSB sponsor) is a series of free group training programs for runners and walkers, all getting ready to fire up for fall, as previewed here. Lori is the second annual recipient of this award; the first, announced at last year’s Admiral Block Party, was sustainability advocate Stu Hennessey of Alki Bike and Board. Watch the ANA’s website to see when nominations reopen next year.
It’s a late-summer tradition at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market – zucchini racing! Today was the day that kids got to use zucchini, provided for free, to make a “veggie vehicle” to try on the track:
We have a bit of video too and will add that later.
The photo and report were sent by Ella:
We had a Vespa style scooter stolen from outside of our home on Beach Drive between 10 pm and 10 am this morning. We are sending this information in case anyone spots this in west Seattle.
Make: Genuine
Model: Buddy (2007)
Color: sage green
License plate: 5L0248
Has a silver front rack
Has Bucket trunk in the back to store a helmet
Has a green sticker that says “south sound scooters”
Note that the rack was added after the photo was taken. Call 911 if you see it.
Going to The Junction? Don’t miss this season’s final Sundays in the Alley behind Carmilia’s – a mini-fair with vendors and music – The Sheltones are playing oldies today:
Vendors today include Angie with The Little Merle…
Chelsea and her pop-up bakery …
And Swirl Vintage…
All this will be happening until 3 pm – you can go through Carmilia’s, or access the alley from either end, on Alaska or Oregon.
Thanks to Eddie for the tip and photo. WSDOT has announced that the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge has reopened early, so you can drive, ride, or walk on it again.
Checking the police log from early this morning – the Charlestown/California 7-11 was held up at about 2 am; police-radio archives indicated 911 got the call with a half-hour delay. Only two details were mentioned via radio – that the robbers had a gun and got away with money, and that the descriptions (which were not broadcast) matched those of robbers who hit the 14th Avenue South gas station in South Park about half an hour earlier.
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