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Spotlight Stories

VIDEO, PHOTOS: Honoring veterans and volunnteers at South Delridge’s spruced-up parklet
July 3, 2026 12:01 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Story by Tracy Record
Photos by Torin Record-Sand
for West Seattle Blog

It was a sight Jimie Martin of the Lions Club of West Seattle (above right) had long waited to see.

She didn’t actually “wait.” She fought for almost a decade to get some official TLC for the tiny triangle park where Delridge Way SW, 16th Avenue SW, and SW Roxbury Street meet.

It holds a tribute to veterans, installed by a VFW post that no longer exists:

Fifteen years ago, the then-owner of the adjacent Triangle Pub – “Mac” McElroy, himself a veteran – led an effort to revitalize the small SDOT-owned parklet. We covered that for our partner site White Center Now. But over the ensuing years, it’s deteriorated, and damage from a car crash didn’t help matters. Jimie didn’t think it was right to let the site fall into further disrepair; she and the Lions Club did what they could, but ultimately, it was the city’s responsibiity.

Finally last month, as we reported here, SDOT crews did some work. And a small gathering last night commemmorated that, with Scouting America Troop 799 leading a flag-replacement ceremony, and West Seattle VFW commander Steve Strand speaking.

Here’s our video of his reflections, starting with gratitude and appreciation for the Lions’ advocacy and volunteerism:

The Scouts then hoisted a new Stars and Stripes on the parklet’s pole:

If you visit the parklet, look closely – there are small landmark engravings, and flowers in full summer bloom.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: By and By burglarized
July 3, 2026 11:19 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Burglar(s) hit By and By, the skating-and-more shop that opened four and a half years ago on the street level of the Center for Active Living, early this morning. We just heard from By and By proprietor Tony, who reports:

By And By was broken into around 4 am this morning. The thieves were able to steal a significant amount of clothing, shoes, iPads, and some cash. We will be closed today through most of next week. We will need some time to figure how to restock equipment and inventory properly.

They were able to strip out our “security lock” on our front door.

Hoping to get footage from the cameras on the building as well.

We don’t have the police report # yet but will add when we do.

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WHALE SIGHTING: Humpback, southbound off West Seattle
July 3, 2026 9:59 am
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 |   West Seattle news | Whales

Thanks to Kersti Muul for the report – she says a humpback whale is southbound off west-facing West Seattle, seen off Point Williams (Lincoln Park). Let us know if you see it!

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Pie bake-off at HPIC First Fridays, card-game launch, ‘Montana Grind,’ more on our list for today/tonight!
July 3, 2026 9:45 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Thursday night photo by Hana Alishio)

Some recurring-event venues are taking a holiday-weekend break, but some one-time-only events of note are on our list for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WHAT’S OPEN AND NOT FOR THIS SEMI-HOLIDAY: Here’s our story from last night.

SUMMER FOOD FOR KIDS: Some local sites are open – see our story for locations and other information.

WORLD CUP WATCH PARTY: 11 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), the summer of soccer continues! This match features Australia vs. Egypt.

SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily-splashing season continues at Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.

COLMAN POOL: Also 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)

CARD GAME LAUNCH: “House of Cards – Deck of Corruption” – with cards that “showcase the decline of democracy” – is launching in a drop-in event at The Missing Piece in The Junction (California/Alaska), 4 pm-8 pm.

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 … and see art!

HPIC FIRST FRIDAYS, WITH PIE BAKE-OFF: This month’s First Fridays neighborhood party at the Highland Park Improvement Club site (1116 SW Holden) starts at 5:30 pm and features:

Pie Bake-Off

A Bite of SW Seattle international cook-out ($7 tasting plate)

Arts and crafts for kids

Live music from The Blowout Heavies Brass Band

If you want to enter the Bake-Off, bring your pie (better yet, bring two) by 6 pm.

FILM SCREENING AT EASY STREET RECORDS: see “Montana Grind,” 7 pm, about “skateparks changing lives in Native communities” – free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

BINGO AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7:10 pm, B-I-N-G-O! (2306 California SW)

‘WISH YOU WERE HERE’: 7:30 pm curtain – final weekend for the current play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), check here for tickets.

SKYLARK TAKING A BREAK: No shows this holiday weekend.

SPINNING: Revelry Room is open tonight (4547 California SW), spinning with DJ Vitamin D, 9 pm.

‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, “Roll Around Seatown Party with DJ WD4D,” 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.

KARAOKE AT TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm to close, karaoke 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!

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YOU CAN HELP: Local library looking for Homework Help volunteers
July 3, 2026 8:50 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | How to help | West Seattle news

Among the many recurring events on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar is free drop-in Homework Help at the High Point branch of the Seattle Public Library. They’re currently seeking adult volunteers for next school year, starting in September, on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons. Here’s a flyer with a few more details, including the email address to use if you’re potentially interested.

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Semi-holiday Friday
July 3, 2026 6:00 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, July 3, 2026. No Seattle World Cup match today – last one’s on Monday (USA vs. Belgium).

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

Today’s forecast is for partly sunny, high in the low 70s. Sunrise was at 5:17 am today; sunset will be at 9:09 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – On a Sunday schedule today.

West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule today and on the Fourth, 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 today and on the Fourth. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.

FOURTH OF JULY

On Saturday morning, remember that the Kids’ Parade will be crossing California SW just south of Hamilton Viewpoint Park around 10:30 am. Also remember that late-night traffic on Harbor/Alki Avenues gets intense on the Fourth as people try to get a spot to look toward the Lake Union fireworks.

STADIUM ZONE TONIGHT

Mariners are home, playing the Blue Jays at 7:10 pm (and it’s Fireworks Night).

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

The city cameras’ updating-framegrab feature is back, as shown on the the SDOT map, so they’re back in our morning lineup:

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!

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Evening rainbow!
July 2, 2026 11:16 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to everyone who sent photos of tonight’s dramatic rainbow! Above, from Carolyn Newman; below, a closer view from Stewart L.:

A different foreground in this view from Jerry Simmons:

And a wide view across Elliott Bay from Hana Alishio:

Promisingly, the forecast for the days ahead suggests highs in the 70s. (Normal for today would have been 75; actual high, 68.)

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UPDATE: About the police search in Westwood, and beyond
July 2, 2026 9:40 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

9:40 PM: Thanks for the photo. For those wondering about the police search in Westwood, officers are on the trail of a suspect described over police radio as wanted for domestic-violence-related warrants. We haven’t heard a description but the search has ranged through backyards, around schools, as far north as SW Kenyon, as far south as SW Barton, and between 22nd and 29th SW on the east-west boundaries.

10:07 PM: As commenters have noted, the search has expanded northward. But no arrest, nor zeroing in on a possible location, yet. … A texter says the suspect was seen running through their yard earlier, and described him as “khaki pants, shirtless, bald.”

11:10 PM: The trail has grown cold and they haven’t heard of any recent sightings, so this is wrapping up.

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READER REPORT: Tree down in Morgan Junction
July 2, 2026 9:18 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Just in via text:

The texter says it’s down across 42nd SW “behind West Seattle Thriftway” (south of Morgan). Police have been dispatched to check it out (presumably SDOT would then be summoned to clear it).

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You asked, so we asked: What’s closed Friday, and what’s not
July 2, 2026 8:09 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

With the Fourth of July happening on a Saturday this year, that sets up some differentiation in what’s closed Friday and what’s not. The general rule is, if an agency/service is generally open on Saturdays, it’ll be closed on the actual holiday Saturday and open tomorrow, but if it’s not generally open on Saturdays, it’ll be observe the holiday on Friday. This means, among other things, that banks, libraries, and the USPS are open/in service Friday, closed Saturday. And some have modified schedules both days – as seen in the Seattle Parks plan. And if you use street parking in areas where the city charges for it, Saturday is the free-parking day. (We’ll have holiday transit info in our morning traffic/transit/weather roundup Friday morning.)

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Scenes from first preview night for this year’s West Seattle Art Tour
July 2, 2026 5:40 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Artist Deborah S. Baker)

On this drizzly summer night, you have indoor options – like the first night of the West Seattle Art Tour preview at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

(Artist Phil Jones)

Meet some of the artists who’ll be part of this year’s tour and see some of their work! The tour itself isn’t until fall but it’s a great night for art anyway (and wine!).

And if you can’t get here tonight, visit next Thursday on West Seattle Art Walk night.

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FOLLOWUP: Another step toward rebuilding long-closed Jack Block Park pier
July 2, 2026 4:18 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photo, 2021)

Five months ago, we checked in on the status of the plan to rebuild the long-closed public walking pier at Jack Block Park, the port-owned park at 2130 Harbor SW. We learned, among other things, that the replacement wouldn’t likely be ready before late 2029, and that it could cost up to $14 million. Both those numbers have since gotten smaller. Today, we got an update from Northwest Seaport Alliance spokesperson Melanie Stambaugh Babst, who pointed out that the project is on the agenda for next Tuesday’s meeting of the NWSA Managing Members (the combined Seattle and Tacoma Port Commissions). They’ll be voting to spend the next $2 million on the project, which is now projected at a total cost of $9.5 million. Here’s what else she told us:

At the July 7 NWSA Managing Members (Ports of Seattle and Tacoma Commissions) meeting, staff will seek authorization to move forward with finalizing design for the Jack Block Park Pier Replacement project. This work will demolish the existing pier, construct a new pier, repair the adjacent plaza, and expand potential uses with additional park features. The upcoming action before the Managing Members will seek full project design funds and permitting; construction authorization funds will be requested when design and permitting are nearing completion.

As previously shared, the pier at Jack Block Park has been deemed to have no remaining service life and has been closed to the public for safety. Further exploration of alternatives led to a design concept that includes moving the pier location eastward; this cost-effective design solution will deliver environmental and public experience advantages.

There is also significant deterioration within the adjacent plaza. Several years ago, public engagement identified this as an opportunity to undertake additional park improvements, which will include the construction of a picnic pavilion and/or other small improvements such as interpretive signage. Full delivery of this project is estimated for Q2, 2029.

Here’s the document detailing the action going before the commissioners on Tuesday; this page has the full agenda link as well as how to watch.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Seen this stolen paisley-painted pickup? (update: found)
July 2, 2026 2:13 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Bill and Guy are hoping someone has seen their art truck, stolen in Westwood:

During the night between July 1 & 2, our beloved Paisley Ranger was stolen off the street right next to our house. Even with a steering wheel lock in place. It’s a 1989 Ford Ranger. Maybe someone needed particular parts? Who knows.
Crossing our fingers for its recovery.

Police report # is 26-191061; call 911 if you find the truck.

FRIDAY UPDATE: In a comment below, Bill reports it’s been found – and had been painted over.

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READER REPORTS: ICE in Arbor Heights again
July 2, 2026 1:00 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle news

Several people texted this morning with a report of ICE officers pulling someone over in south Arbor Heights. We have since received another report that included this photo:

The texters reported this happened on 35th SW near SW 106th, several blocks from the incident reported two weeks ago.

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COUNTDOWN: Two days until West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade! Here’s the newest info
July 2, 2026 11:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Just two days until hundreds of West Seattle’s youngest residents will parade through the streets of North Admiral with their families, as the Admiral Neighborhood Association again presents the West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade. We’ve checked in with parade coordinators for the newest info:
>Gina Topp (SPS School Board President, Admiral resident, and owner of Mission Cantina) will kick off the parade.

–Kavya Bhatkar (age 10), a School of Rock student, will sing the anthem.

-Title sponsors for the parade are: Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care and Holy Rosary.

-Food available for purchase including:

Seattle Pops
West Seattle Grounds
Where Ya at Matt
Empanadas El Pachi
La La Lemonade
Seattle Sorbet
Hawk Dogs
Sugar & Spoon

The parade starts at 10 am Saturday from 45th SW and SW Sunset, heads west on Sunset for a bit, turns south and then east, ending at Hamilton Viewpoint Park for a post-parade celebration with sack races, activity booths, the aforementioned food/treat vendors, and if they’re not called away to an emergency, an SFD truck to see. No RSVP or registration required to be in the parade – just show up (non-motorized bikes, trikes, scooters, strollers, etc., welcome, or just walk).

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Here’s the list for your pre-holiday West Seattle Thursday
July 2, 2026 9:04 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Water Taxi riders, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks to everyone who sends events for us to share!):

THURSDAY KAYAK CLUB: 10 am with Alki Kayak Tours at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW) – details here if you want to set a reminder to join up next week!

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER CLOSED: Reopening July 9.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).

GET INFO ABOUT MEDICARE: 11 am at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).

SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily-splashing season at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm, rain or shine.

COLMAN POOL: Also 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)

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!) Often C & P Coffee, we’re told (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)

BOOMBOX ’90s PRINTMAKING: 2 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), make a print to celebrate the ’90s music era.

DROP-IN CHESS: For young players, drop in to play starting at 4 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS this week – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Anthony’s Finn.

WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.

HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) needs volunteers to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks (and you can take some home too). Just be there 5-7 pm!

WEST SEATTLE ART TOUR PREVIEW: 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW), as explained in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)

VISCON CELLARS: Along with the Art Tour preview mentioned above, this West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle.

PARK CELEBRATION: Ceremony at 5:30 pm at Veterans’ Triangle Park (where Delridge, 16th, and Roxbury meet), explained here.

POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run OR track workout.

DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by Jay Cates, outdoors, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)

EARL ROBINSON FILM SCREENING TO BENEFIT AMP: As previewed here, 6;30 pm at Admiral Theater (2343 California SW), see the documentary about the local legend, followed by Q&A, benefit to keep Admiral Music in the Parks free.

WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: 7 pm at various locations – bring your own book, read, chat or don’t chat!

‘WISH YOU WERE HERE’: Final week for ArtsWest‘s new play, 7:30 pm curtain. (4711 California SW)

TRIVIA AT THE VOID: 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).

AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight’s musical event at Revelry Room (4547 California SW) features DJ Kingblind and Teenage Rampage starting at 8 pm.

KARAOKE AT MAX’S TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm to close. (9454 Delridge Way SW)

Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: July’s first Thursday
July 2, 2026 6:07 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:07 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, July 2, 2026. No Seattle World Cup match today – last one’s on Monday (USA vs. Belgium).

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

Today’s forecast is for clouds, chance of pm rain, and a high in the mid-60s. Sunrise was at 5:16 am today; sunset will be at 9:10 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule.

West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedule Fridays and Saturdays.

Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.

STADIUM ZONE TONIGHT

Mariners are home, playing the Angels at 6:40 pm.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

The city cameras’ updating-framegrab feature is back, as shown on the the SDOT map, so they’re back in our morning lineup:

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!

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FOURTH OF JULY 2026: Here’s where Seattle Parks will leave the lights on longer
July 1, 2026 11:39 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | Safety | West Seattle news

(2024 reader photo of fireworks damage on Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex turf)

Here’s the annual announcement from Seattle Parks – we’ve excised the non-local parks:

Seattle Parks and Recreation will turn on field lighting on ballfields throughout the city on the evening of Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 to protect the surfaces. The ballfield lights will be turned on at approximately 9 PM.

The lights will be turned on to discourage the use of fireworks. Fireworks are illegal in the city of Seattle and will destroy the artificial turf on the fields or surrounding facilities. The approximate replacement cost for the synthetic surface based on per average full-size field (110,000 square feet) is $1.2 million. All the fields have been renovated in the past several years and benefit field users including soccer, football, baseball, ultimate frisbee and lacrosse.

The fields will be monitored from 9 PM to 3 AM

Lights at the following synthetic fields will be turned off at 3 AM on July 3 and 4:

Delridge Playfield, 4458 Delridge Way SW
Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave. SW
South Park Playfield, 8319 8th Ave S
Walt Hundley Playfield, 6920 34th Avenue SW

Lights will be turned off at the following grass fields at 11 PM on July 3 and 4:

West Seattle Stadium, 4432 35th Ave. SW

Comparing this to last year’s announcement, the lights will be on longer the night before the 4th, and the “monitoring” will be an hour later.

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READER REPORTS: Two new street-safety installations
July 1, 2026 7:21 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

Two texters reported new street-safety installations:

That photo accompanied a report that SDOT had painted new crosswalks at 49th/Alaska, west of The Junction. Another texter reported a crew installing new speed bumps at 31st/Holden – we went over for a photo:

We actually found two new sets of speed bumps – that one just west of 32nd/Holden, plus the set just west of 31st/Holde.

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Here’s why King County is having a hearing about selling a West Seattle beach house
July 1, 2026 4:29 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(Photo from kingcounty.gov)

A beachfront house just north of Cove Park has long been planned to be the construction office for the Fauntleroy ferry-dock rebuild. But first, the county – which has owned it since its own project in the area – is selling it to the state, and has to have a public hearing about that. Here’s the announcement sent to us this afternoon:

The Metropolitan King County Council will hold a hearing on July 14 at 1:30 pm to gather public comment on a proposed Ordinance that would allow King County to sell a parcel of land to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The property is located at 8923 Fauntleroy Way SW, in the City of Seattle, parcel number 3524039112.

Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available upon request from the Clerk of the King County Council, Room 1200, King County Courthouse, 516 Third Ave., Seattle, WA 98104, or by calling 206-296-1020. The ordinance is also available online at www.kingcounty.gov/council/clerk.aspx by searching for proposed ordinance number 2026-0128.

A public hearing on the proposal to transfer will be held before the full Council at the King County Courthouse, Room 1001, on July 14 at 1:30 pm.

The purchase agreement is part of the legislation; it says the state will buy the house for $1.8 million.

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UPDATE: Helicopter over White Center after gunfire; suspect arrested
July 1, 2026 2:43 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | West Seattle news | White Center

2:43 PM: Lots of questions about Guardian One over White Center. King County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating a report of gunfire. We don’t know yet whether anyone was hurt. The reports are centered in the 12th/106th vicinity.

3:10 PM: No one injured, KCSO has confirmed, explaining they responded to “reports of what is possibly a reckless shooting in the 10000 block of 16th Ave SW. Guardian 1 is up trying to locate a suspect.”

3:22 PM: KCSO has arrested a suspect, so the response will be winding down. KCSO SWAT officers were part of the response.

3:34 PM: Deputies are looking for casings from the initial gunfire – which may have happened at multiple locations. So far they’ve reported nine 9mm casings, though we didn’t hear exactly where.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Alleged wire thief arrested on bridge, charged with three felonies
July 1, 2026 2:12 pm
|      45 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

2:12 PM: Wire theft has been affecting the West Seattle Bridge lights off and on for years. Today, Seattle Police announced an arrest. Above is a police photo showing what they say was the suspect pretending to be a Seattle City Light employee. Here’s their summary, with more photos:

A 47-year-old man was arrested early Saturday after he impersonated a Seattle City Light employee while trying to steal copper wire from the West Seattle Bridge.

At about 1:16 a.m. June 27, an officer was conducting proactive DUI patrol when he drove past a man standing in the narrow shoulder of the westbound lanes on the bridge deck looking toward the water. Believing the man was possibly trying to commit suicide, the officer exited the bridge and reentered on the eastbound side. Taking a closer look at the man, the officer saw him rolling up what appeared to be wire. The officer managed to get back on the westbound side of the bridge so he could talk to the man. It was then when he saw the man carrying several spools of copper.

When the officer asked the man what he was doing the man, said he was a Seattle City Light employee. He claimed he was repairing bridge lights because of a “snag.

The man could not provide city identification. He only said he had worked for the city for about two months. The officer asked where his colleagues and work trucks were the man said they should be with him on the bridge.

The investigation revealed the man had been cutting and stealing wire from the bridge lights. Officers said he had heavy duty wire cutters, a flashlight, a screwdriver, and other hand tools on him. Police also found methamphetamine and an illegal fixed blade throwing knife.

The suspect was transported to the Southwest Precinct and placed in a holding cell. He continued telling officers that he had been a Seattle City Light employee for approximately two months.

Seattle City Light later confirmed that it had no personnel working on the bridge that morning.

The 47-year-old man was booked into the King County Jail for investigation of criminal impersonation, theft, malicious mischief and carrying a dangerous weapon.

We’re checking now on the suspect’s status.

2:32 PM: Jail records show he was released after two days. We’re checking with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

5:58 PM; The suspect, Gregory W. Galitzeck, has been charged with three felonies – malicious mischief, criminal impersonation, and theft, all in the first degree. More details in a bit.

ADDED 10 PM: Here’s one key passage from the detective’s narrative in the charging documents, along with another image:

(A City Light employee) reviewed the above photo of Mr. Galitzeck and said that it looks like he had four 100-foot coils of wire. He further said that while the value of these materials is only about $1,000, but it will cost about $100,000 in labor costs to set up traffic control on the bridge, assess the streetlights, and fix them. City Light is in the process of planning out this repair work which will be done in the future. (He) said that copper theft from West Seattle Bridge streetlamps is an ongoing problem and some of these lights were out of commission prior to this latest incident. I ran Mr. Galitzeck’s criminal history and found that has 15 arrests in Washington with the following four felony convictions: two for burglary, one for drugs, and one for escape.

Galitzeck remains free on personal recognizance and is due back in court for arraignment next Tuesday morning.

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DEVELOPMENT: ~200-apartment Harbor Avenue SW project still moving forward, provided one key thing happens
July 1, 2026 12:59 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

It’s been two years since we last mentioned the latest in a long line of proposals for 3257 Harbor Avenue SW [map] – which in turn was half a year after we first noticed it, and detailed the site’s history.

The developer behind that proposal, Bode, is still pursuing it, we’ve learned. We got more information on the current status of the project in an email exchange with Bode rep Rae Hendricks. Bode already has two apartment complexes in West Seattle, at 2222 SW Barton and 3050 SW Avalon Way, so this would be their third. Hendricks says the Harbor Avenue project turns on whether the city will grant a “street vacation for what is technically part of SW City View, “an undeveloped right-of-way that divides the site. This site is likely only feasible after vacating this street. … We have received positive community feedback and are optimistic about the request being granted.” (Street vacations, as you know if you remember coverage of some past West Seattle projects, ultimately require City Council approval.)

As for the current overview of what Bode is proposing: “We are expecting about 200 units total, with a mix of studios, 1-bed, and 2-bed types. This is still in flux as we work through the design and permitting processes. We do not have any off-street parking as of now, but we are aiming to support both cyclist and pedestrian infrastructure around the site. The project has a private bike storage space with ample bike parking spaces, as well as a public repair station, temporary bike parking, and water fountains for the community to utilize. We are also proposing to widen the sidewalk on SW Harbor Ave along the property to about double what it is now.”

If the street vacation is approved, Hendricks told WSB, “then we will move forward into building permitting” and construction would likely follow in a year to a year and a half.

With so many other projects on hold, we asked, why is this company able to keep building? Hendricks replied, “Living Bode is in a unique position because we are a vertically integrated firm that can mitigate cost through the entire process of developing, designing, building, and post-construction ownership. We also are working with enabling capital providers such as Amazon to help mitigate some of the risks in the current market.”

The company has more than 20 properties, according to its website. You can check in on the process for this one here.

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