West Seattle, Washington
03 Wednesday
(Steven Rice photographed the just-past full moon, with drydocked ferry Chimacum in the foreground too)
Another hot August day – here’s what’s happening, including (cool!) indoor options and some special one-time events, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE GLASS FLOAT HUNT, DAY 5: If you’re hunting, there are more floats and clues today – see the clues, and see which floats have been found so far, by going here. (11 not yet found as of just before we published this list!)
SOUTH TRANSFER STATION CLOSURE CONTINUES: Through month’s end – if you have to haul something, find an alternative, or wait.
SUMMER FOOD: Multiple sites are set up in West Seattle for kids to get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks while school is out, as noted here.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are invited to 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.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: The outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is also open, with sessions between noon and 7 pm. Fee.
WADING POOLS: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden) are scheduled to be open today, noon-7 pm. Free.
HEALTH SCREENINGS & VACCINES: 1-4 pm, community invited, at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW) – details in our calendar listing.
CHESS CLUB: 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
PAWS WITH CAUSE PAINT PARTY: 2-3:30 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), “come paint with us while helping shelter pets find their fur-ever home!” Register before you go (follow the link to see how).
OFFICE HOURS WITH DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS: 2-5 pm, department reps are at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) to help you navigate city services.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 2 pm weekly meeting, open to public comment in person or online. The agenda lists what they’re considering and explains how to watch/participate.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
FREE DROP-IN ROCK CLIMBING: As previewed here, West Seattle park Camp Long (5200 35th SW) is offering free climbing at Schurman Rock on Tuesday nights this month! Two sessions, first come/first served, 5-6 pm and 6:30-7:30 pm, and you can arrive up to half an hour early to get your spot.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE PICNIC: Instead of the regular lunch meeting, this week it’s a 5:30 pm picnic at Lincoln Park, picnic shelter #3 on the beach. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
DESIGN YOUR WORK LIFE: Free workshop at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW), 6 pm. Our calendar listing has full details, including how to register.
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: At 6:15 pm, meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
CREATE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), register in advance to work on your project(s).
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has details on registering before you go.
BINGO X 2: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW) … Talarico’s Pizzeria also offers 8 pm bingo (4718 California SW).
TRIVIA X 4: Four places for Tuesday night trivia – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW).
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Just in from Kersti Muul, “humpback southbound from north end of Vashon, mid-channel.” Let us know if you see it!
Family and friends will gather September 13 to remember “Renée” Anton, and are sharing this with her community now:
Remembering “Renée” Anton
10/25/1938 – 06/11/2025Renée Anton was born Reingard Gunthilde Schreiber on October 25th, 1938, in Nürnberg, Germany, to Marcellus and Katarina Schreiber. An only child, Reingard lost her father in WW2 and grew up staying mostly in the city with her mom and often with family out in the countryside. Reingard was given the book Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, in English, and she was captivated. She learned to read the book and decided she would continue to study English. As a young teen, she was one of the first in Nürnberg to ride on an airplane for a sightseeing tour of her city and thus began her love of airplanes. During her year in Ramsey, England, as an au-pair for an English family, Reingard met Queen Elizabeth and her sister Margaret in a meet and greet line, and she was forever smitten with royalty.
After graduation from Labenwolf Gymnasium (high school), Reingard took jobs in the Nürnberg courthouse, transcribing court documents and subsequently taking a job as a secretary with the US Army, where she met Lieutenant G. Myron Anton, Army, of Seattle. Reingard and Myron were married in 1958 and had a son before moving to Seattle in 1960. Another son followed in 1960 and a daughter in 1965. American friends and family began to know her as “Ren-“e”, the hard letter E, which eventually morphed into Renée.
Myron and Renée bought their house in the Fauntlee Hills in 1968 after moving from their first house on 40th Ave SW. Renee was very active at Fauntleroy Church, volunteering, and singing in the choir. Myron was a Director of Sales for the 767 at Boeing and Renée took a job as a secretary at Boeing for 5 years. Both were active with the Boy Scouts and other organizations within the community. Myron and Renée were married for 27 years. In 1985, newly single Renée received her degree in Early Childhood Education and opened Loving Daycare and Preschool in her Fauntleroy home. Together with her daughter, they continued Loving Daycare in 2 locations for 30 years, caring for dozens of children from the neighborhood.
Renée enjoyed music, singing while playing piano, sewing, traveling the world, swing dancing (she was really good!), gardening, and her family. She is often thought of as an interviewer, as she loved to sit down with everyone she met and ask them their life story (and you could not get away!). She really enjoyed talking with and getting to know people. In retirement Reingard continued living in her beautiful brick Fauntlee Hills home, her “castle” she would say (remembering her dear Kaiserburg Castle in Nürnberg). She loved tending to her garden, the view of Puget Sound and “her mountains” she would say, sunbathing on the deck, and playing with her cat Tinkerbelle.
Reingard was sharp and agile until the last day, when she passed peacefully of natural causes surrounded by loved ones on June 11th, 2025. Renée is survived by her 3 children, Gary (Ivetta) Anton of McDonough, GA. Gregory (Cynthia) Anton Sr. of Kent, WA, and Linda (Daniel Munoz) Anton of West Seattle; her grandchildren, Gregory Jr., Jennifer, Laura, Maria, Monica, Joseph, Michael, Jessica and Brianne; her great-grandchildren, Tahjanae, Isaak, Noah, Mason, Samantha, Emma, Lily, Gianna, Nico, Demi, Aniyah, and Michael.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Providence Mount St. Vincent in her memory.
If you knew Renée, please also join us in remembering her at her “castle” on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, at 2 pm.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
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6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The Heat Advisory alert remains in effect until tonight at 10. That means more sunshine, another high in the upper 80s. Today’s sunrise was at 6:01 am; sunset will be at 8:25 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Admiral Bridge seismic work continues.
-So does work on curb ramps at 60th/Admiral, with bike-lane blockages; a neighborhood observer noted concrete-pouring Monday.
-The major nighttime work on and around 16th SW in White Center continues – details here – and King County Road Services has announced intermittent closures toward the end of this week.
-Less than two weeks until the low bridge closes the weekend of August 23-24 for cylinder work.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, and on other weeknights with Mariners home games.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Through court documents and a police summary, we know more about what investigators allege happened Saturday night leading up to and during a big response at Duwamish Head.
Police arrested two women, the 28-year-old driver and a 24-year-old passenger. The court document for their respective probable-cause hearings today says it started with a 911 call just after 8:30 pm Saturday from someone who alleged they were shot at by someone in a silver Chevy Malibu. The officer-written narrative continues:
The 911 caller followed the suspect vehicle and provided updates to SPD dispatch as they drove around Alki AV SW. The suspect vehicle eventually turned southbound on Alki AV SW and SPD officers stopped the vehicle within the 1500 block of Alki AV SW. … SPD officers instructed (the driver) to stop and to turn off the vehicle, which she did not do. She pulled around the SPD patrol vehicle, almost striking an officer and proceeded to drive away at a high rate of speed. Because the vehicle was involved in a shooting, I attempted to stop the vehicle with my lights and siren. (She) continued to drive southbound on Alki AV SW. (She) willfully and failed to immediately bring her vehicle to a stop. (She) continued to drive recklessly (drove into oncoming traffic) and reached speeds up to 55 MPH (on a 25 MPH road), on a busy main arterial street (with both heavy vehicle and foot traffic). (She) slowed due to an oncoming police vehicle and heavy traffic in the oncoming lane. Because of this, I believed (her) only route to escape was the
public sidewalk. I used my police vehicle and pushed (slow speed) her vehicle into the other police vehicle, ending the pursuit. (She) and another female passenger were both arrested.
This reader video we added to our original report last night shows part of what was described above:
The document says the car belonged to a relative of the driver. Meantime, a separate court document explains why the passenger was arrested:
Subject was the passenger in a vehicle that was allegedly involved in a drive-by shooting incident and subsequently attempted to flee the scene to avoid apprehension. Once in custody, a check of her identity revealed that the subject was determined to have several outstanding warrants out of the State of Oregon for Theft 1st Degree.
Now, here’s what happened in court today, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office:
Probable cause was found in the eluding allegation against the driver. Prosecutors say they argued for $30,000 bail but the first-appearance-court judge said she could go free on personal recognizance (though police had checked the “law enforcement objects to release” box on the document that was submitted). The court document does not say where she lives. As for the passenger, who is listed as living in Auburn, probable cause was found for “being a fugitive from justice,” and bail was set at $60,000, the amount of her Oregon warrants. She remains in the King County Jail tonight, while the driver was released about two hours ago. Both still may face felony charges. Meantime, the police summary adds two things that weren’t in either court document:
Officers returned to the original scene and recovered a single 9mm shell casing. Investigation determined that the suspect and victim are known to each other and have an ongoing history.
Brian Callanan, the West Seattle-residing journalist who anchors programs on Seattle Channel, asked us to help circulate his call for questions for his next two guests on City Inside/Out: Council Edition.
(Photos courtesy Seattle Channel)
He’s interviewing citywide Position 8 Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck and District 1 (West Seattle/South Park/Georgetown/SODO/Pioneer Square) Councilmember Rob Saka this week. If you have a question for one or both, email Brian via contact@seattlechannel.org by 5 pm Tuesday. He’s looking for serious questions of potential interest to a citywide audience. Rinck is running for what would be her first full term and so far has 78% of the vote in last week’s primary; Saka is midway through his first 4-year term.
Another “already?” topic – it’s back-to-school time for one West Seattle school. Our area’s only charter school, Summit Atlas (9601 35th SW), starts classes for its ninth year this Wednesday (August 13); some students will be on campus tomorrow for new-student orientation, according to the Summit Atlas calendar. The school is grades 6-12, with more than 600 enrolled. The last day of the school year – in case the early start has you wondering – is scheduled for June 5, 2026.
We asked Summit Atlas what’s new this year:
For one, we have a new Executive Director, Ebony Harvey, who will be leading the school moving forward along with the rest of the leader team and staff which had over 90% retention again!
Atlas’s enrollment continues to increase and should be 630+ this year. Our Expeditions program continues to offer ways for young people to get out into the community and get exposure and experience to real-life pathways and preparation for college. We graduated our 5th amazing class last year and they are off doing wonderful things!!
Here’s our coverage of the 2025 graduation.
Yes, really, we have two reasons to mention Halloween today, even though it’s more than 2 1/2 months away …
HALLOWEEN STOCKPILE SALE: Patricia wants to be sure you have plenty of advance notice that she is having a sale because she’s getting out of the Halloween-decoration business after many years of delighting neighbors and visitors – the reader-contributed photos above and below are just a few of those we’ve received spotlighting her past displays. She is selling her stockpile to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank: “I am retiring from the ‘business’ of Halloween home decor. Over the years I have amassed a substantial number of decorations and hope to turn those items into much-needed cash for the food bank.”
Patricia’s all-Halloween WSFB-fundraiser sale is set for 9 am-4 pm Saturday and Sunday, August 23 and 24, at 2752 38th SW – cash only.
HALLOWEEN STORE: A concerned reader contacted us recently, worried that Spirit Halloween wouldn’t be returning to Westwood Village’s ex-Bed Bath Beyond for a fourth season, since it wasn’t on their website, though other 2025 stores were, and there was no signage on the storefront (at least as of last we looked). We found job listings that had been posted this past spring for fall 2025, which seemed like a hint they would indeed be returning, but now there’s no doubt – the WWV seasonal store has been added to . No opening date listed, but the past two years, they’ve opened by the last week of August.
2:54 PM: Police are checking out another fallen tree – this one “blocking the whole roadway” in the 9400 block of 11th SW [map]. It reportedly has hit some utility lines too, though no outages are reported in the area yet.
Meantime, we don’t know if this is still an issue, but Karen messaged us to report what appeared to be a large tree limb blocking eastbound Barton west of 35th as of about an hour ago. We’re off to check on that.
3:17 PM: Barton is clear.
The report and photo are from Bobbie:
Sad to report my partner’s red 1997 Nissan pickup truck was stolen from the front of our house (114th and Marine View Drive) last night. It has a red canopy and welded tool rack, license number (WA) C09475P.
Call 911 if you find it. We’ll add the police report # when we get it. (Update: 25-229499.)TUESDAY AFTERNOON: Found! See comments below.
Six years have passed since SDOT created a Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) in The Junction, after two community requests in the span of a decade. Its boundaries have expanded a few times. But that usually comes with an announcement and/or outreach. Not this time. A reader sent us the photo above and the observation/question:
New restricted (2-hour) parking zone signs are being installed along the west side of Glenn Way north of Oregon. Is this occurring elsewhere around the Junction’s existing RPZ limits? No public notice or community outreach by SDOT?
RPZ residents pay $95 for a two-year permit ($10 if they meet income requirements), which does not guarantee parking in the zone, only the right to not be subject to the restrictions. We asked SDOT about the new expansion, and received this reply:
SDOT recently installed these signs as part of a small, one-block expansion of the existing RPZ in that area.
This change was made in response to a request from the two households directly adjacent to that block, who had been experiencing issues with all-day commuter parking. Because their homes are located right next to the current RPZ, we were able to extend the zone to their side of the street in alignment with the goals of the program.
We didn’t send out broader notices for this particular change because it was such a limited expansion and came directly from the residents most affected — in this case, the same two households who are now covered by the new signage.
This isn’t the first time the Junction RPZ has expanded at residents’ request; less than a year after its inception, in 2020, we reported on the addition of several blocks whose residents petitioned the city. We also reported – again, thanks to a reader tip – on a one-block expansion last year. SDOT’s process for expanding or creating RPZs is explained here; existing RPZs are mapped here. (Besides the one in and around The Junction, West Seattle has one other RPZ, near the Fauntleroy ferry dock.)
(Sunday photo by James Bratsanos)
Here’s the Monday highlight list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (are we missing something? let us know!):
WEST SEATTLE GLASS FLOAT HUNT, DAY 4: If you’re hunting, there are more floats and clues today – see the clues, and see which floats have been found so far, by going here.
SOUTH TRANSFER STATION CLOSURE CONTINUES: Through month’s end – if you have to haul something, find an alternative, or wait.
SUMMER FOOD: As originally noted here, there are multiple sites/times/days in West Seattle where kids can get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks during summer break.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: If you can donate blood, the summer West Seattle drive continues today – see our calendar listing for info on how to check for appointments, today and beyond, at Our Lady of Guadalupe (35th/Myrtle).
FAMILY STORY TIME: Southwest Library‘s 10:30 am story time is open to wee ones and their parents/guardians/caretakers. (9010 35th SW)
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: Continuing through Labor Day, the outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is open every day, noon-7 pm. Fee.
WADING POOLS: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden) are scheduled to be open today, noon-7 pm. Free.
CITY COUNCIL: Today they’re back to the regular 2 pm Monday “briefing meeting”; here’s the agenda, which also explains how to participate. Watch live via Seattle Channel.
CRAFTING & CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm, Monday is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players included!
LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group for people experiencing grief – participate once, occasionally, or every week. Fee. (4034 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 3: Three places to play tonight! 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW) … Note that Easy Street Records‘ every-other-week Music Quiz is NOT happening tonight but will resume August 25.
ALKI MEDITATION: Doors open at Alki UCC at 6:45; the meditation meeting is from 7-8:30. (6115 SW Hinds)
POOL TOURNAMENT: Play in The Corner Pocket‘s weekly pool tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: More Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Mondays, you can sing karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks to everyone who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:43 AM: Thanks to Al for the photo and report – he says that toppled tree is affecting the vicinity of the US Bank branch in The Junction (42nd and Edmunds) right now.
12:20 PM: Just got that photo from another reader, noting that the situation was being handled as of about an hour ago.
(File photo, Lincoln Park wading pool)
The short season for Seattle Parks-operated wading pools is ending this week for all but a few around the city. Three of West Seattle’s four wading pools have their final days this week – Delridge on Friday, Hiawatha on Saturday, and EC Hughes on Sunday. But as usual, the Lincoln Park wading pool and Highland Park spraypark will continue daily operation through Labor Day. Locations and schedules are all listed here.
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, August 11, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The Heat Advisory alert remains in effect until Tuesday night. So expect a sunny Monday, high in the 80s. Today’s sunrise was at 6 am; sunset will be at 8:27 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Admiral Bridge work continues.
-So does work on curb ramps at 60th/Admiral, with bike-lane blockages.
-The major nighttime work on and around 16th SW in White Center continues – details here – and King County Road Services has announced intermittent closures toward the end of this week.
-Now that it’s less than two weeks away, we’re reminding you that the low bridge is set to close the weekend of August 23-24 for cylinder work.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, and on other weeknights with Mariners home games.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Mentioning these because multiple readers have asked. First, for those who watch emergency logs, Seattle Fire’s “scenes of violence” designation is generally applied to any call believed to involve any kind of weapon – not just a gun or knife – not just suspected crimes.
2600 BLOCK OF ALKI: This call around quarter past 8 tonight involved a person who had reportedly harmed themselves. Most of the response was canceled fairly quickly; we don’t know the person’s condition but it wasn’t described as life-threatening. (If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, Crisis Connections has a hotline at 866-427-4747
2500 BLOCK OF BARTON: This call around quarter till 9 this morning was at or near Westwood Village McDonald’s. A man was reported to have claimed someone “clubbed him in the face.” When responders got there, the man seemed injured but they weren’t able to discern exactly what happened.
(Unfurling photos by Dave Gershgorn for WSB)
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
“The first pride,” Dominique Stephens made sure to point out, “was a protest,” as she helped guide volunteers across the street on the corner of Alki and 57th this morning for Alki Beach Pride’s annual pride flag ceremony. The goal of the ceremony is to get the community excited for their 11th official Alki Beach Pride celebration, which happens next Saturday, August 16th.
Stephens has known Alki Beach Pride founders Jolie and Stacy Bass-Walden (photo below) for years, helping with permits, organizing and music. More importantly though, she’s their friend. “This is actually the first year she’s not doing anything,” said Jolie, as the group gathered at Blue Moon Burgers this morning.
Today’s celebration was made even more special with the support of Seattle’s chapter of Dykes on Bikes, a nonprofit motorcycle club that volunteers at parades and LGBTQ events. Just before noon, as a quickly-growing crowd of volunteers and organizers gathered along Alki Avenue, the group’s signature motorcycles roared up the street in a first-time collaboration for the two organizations.
The main event started immediately after, as two massive flags – a transgender pride flag, and a rainbow pride flag – were rolled out on Alki Beach by the crowd, continuing to draw in volunteers along the way.
Today’s celebration was made all the more meaningful in the wake of recent legislation, which has had a disproportionate effect on queer people, including the closure of the Trevor Project’s 988 suicide & crisis lifeline, which focused specifically on queer youth. The American Civil Liberties Union says it’s tracking more than 600 anti-LGBTQ state-legislation bills across the country.
(WSB photo: Dominique Stephens speaks at today’s pride flag ceremony)
“This Pride is pretty big for me,” said Stephens. “It’s about being seen for so more than just June, It’s about asking ourselves if we’re being proud all the time. It’s about asking if we can do that in a well-rounded way. We need to be proud together. We need to stand together, fight together, and be seen together.”
Next Saturday’s celebration is a way for people to gather in an inclusive, urban, family-friendly celebration of Seattle’s LGBTQ community, and have a great day at the beach. For more information about Alki Beach Pride – which includes live entertainment, a street party, vendors, and more – check out their website here.
If you’re not going to the aforementioned public-safety forum – the coming week brings another major event on Thursday night: This month’s West Seattle Art Walk, accompanied by five mini-concerts for The Art of Music. Here’s the lineup:
The performances are happening simultaneously, 6 pm to 7:45 pm, with a mid-show break. In addition to The Art of Music performances, curated by John Redenbaugh, at least one other Junction venue plans live music Thursday night too – Easy Street Records will host the Sinister Six for a free, all-ages show at 7 pm. (P.S. More on the art part of Thursday’s Art Walk in a separate preview!)
This week has brought multiple crimes of note, so there’s a lot to talk about when city leaders bring their traveling public-safety forum to West Seattle on Thursday. As announced last month, it’ll be at 6 pm Thursday (August 14) at Delridge Community Center (Delridge Way SW/SW Genesee), with speakers expected to include Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes, CARE Department Chief Amy Barden, and Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins, as well as representatives of other key city departments. The goal of the forums held around the city – this forum is specifically for City Council District 1 – was explained in the city’s original June announcement. They’ve requested RSVPs but we’re told that’s not mandatory, more a matter of ensuring there’s enough room at the venue, so if you don’t RSVP, do get there early.
The report and photo were sent by Keri:
Around 8 this morning, I was driving along Beach Drive. One my way to meet a friend at the Thistle Street stairs.
I kept seeing folks pass by, holding flowers. Then I saw it:
I stopped and got a couple for my friend and a couple for my daughter.
Everyone who stopped seemed to be doing the same. Just a few that brightened their day, leaving more for the next person.
I’m guessing they are gone by now but it was a truly lovely gesture. Thanks to the family that put them out. ❤️
Family and friends are remembering Janice Fitterer, known as Mary, and sharing this remembrance with the community:
Janice Marie “Mary” Fitterer (Ivey) was born at the Bremerton Naval Hospital in Bremerton, WA on July 31st, 1947 to Cecil White Ivey and Iris Ione Ivey (Stanton). She is predeceased by her brother Bill (Barb) and brother Joe (Pam). She is survived by sister Cecille (Steve d. 2015) and brothers Jim (Beverly) and John as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
Mary was predeceased by her oldest son Christian Cameron (d. 1995) and is survived by her sons Zane (Claire, Grace, and Bedford) and Aaron (Lacey, Christian George, Abigail, Gage, and Tate)
Mary graduated from Lincoln High School in 1965 and married Richard Fitterer in 1969. Richard and Mary raised their family in Moses Lake, WA. While in Moses Lake, Mary was influential in the arts and city beautification projects – as well as spearheading such initiatives as the concrete/paver replacement project. She spent several years on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mary was an influential figure with the Big Bend Manta Rays Swim Club and a partner in developing what would become the St Rose of Lima School Auction. Mary left for world travels from Moses Lake in 1997. She visited Italy, France, Mexico and many parts between. Being raised in a Navy family, travel was always a big part of her life. We are grateful she was able to see as much of the world and art history as she did.
Mary was called to be with her Beloved Son Christian, her parents, and siblings on August 3rd, 2025. Anointing was performed by Fr. Jose Maldanado of St Patrick’s Parish, Pasco, WA. There will be no services. Any remembrances should be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America www.alzfdn.org/donate
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
Larisa from Alki UCC asked us to let you know:
I just got word that our building’s water had to be shut-off, affecting toilet usage during today’s 10 am service, which will still take place.
We ask folks to kindly plan accordingly and apologize for the inconvenience!
(Photo by Stan Delles)
Good morning! Another warm day expected, so here are some possibilities for enjoying it, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE GLASS FLOAT HUNT, DAY 3: If you’re hunting, there are more floats and clues today – see the clues, and see which floats have been found so far, by going here.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: This week’s 9 am Sunday Funday run leaves from Caffe Ladro (7011 California SW).
PICKUP CHOIR: Got a song in your heart this morning? Here’s the invitation from Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds):
Join in! Singers of all ages/abilities welcome!
Whether or not you’re a member of the Alki UCC Community Choir, you are invited to join us this Sunday morning and learn a song to sing with the choir during 10:00 am worship. There is no commitment to join the choir.
We gather in the sanctuary at 9:00 am for a welcome and a warmup before learning music together. Our piece is an abridged version of Mark Hayes’ “Grace,” a stunning setting of “Amazing Grace” to the traditional Scottish folk song “O Waly Waly.”
No Dress Code! Comfort rules! Let your friends and neighbors know they’re all invited to be in choir for a day!
RSVP by contacting Alki UCC Music Director Daniel Self at music@alkiucc.org … OR simply show up this Sunday at 9:00 am.
We welcome you either way and are so excited to share the joy and passion of singing with one and all.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece. (35th/Roxbury)
WASHINGTON BEE ATLAS: West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor) hosts a drop-in tabling event 10 am-2 pm so you can learn about our state’s bees and the work to identify and map them, for which more volunteers are welcome.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Find the market on California between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, still the peak of summer produce season (stone fruit, berries, cherries, greens), plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, flowers, more.
MASTER GARDENERS: They’re at the market today, also 10 am-2 pm, if you have a garden question/challenge/etc. that would benefit from expert advice.
SUNDAYS IN THE ALLEY: While you’re in The Junction, detour to the alley behind Carmilia’s boutique (4528 California SW) for food, music, and fun, 10 am-3 pm.
SUMMER GRIEF WALK: Meet at 10 am at the Hinds entrance to Schmitz Preserve Park (599 SW Hinds) for a free walk with Listening to Grief.
ALKI BEACH PRIDE KICKOFF – MOTORCYCLE RIDE + FLAG UNFURLING: The annual Alki Beach Pride celebration/festival is next Saturday, and this morning there’s a two-part kickoff celebration to which everyone’s invited, a motorcycle ride led by Dykes on Bikes and a flag-unfurling on the beach – here’s the timeline from ABP co-founder Stacy Bass-Walden:
Folks should arrive by 10:30 AM at Blue Moon Burgers.
The unfurling of the flags will start approximately at 11:30.
Dykes On Bikes will kick off the celebration by leading a ROLL-OUT from Marination Ma Kai parking lot at 11 AM sharp.
They will cruise up California Avenue passing Arthur‘s Café and Admiral Pub, then make their way around to Alki. This is a casual event, but we would love as many people possible to attend to help hold the giant pride flag and the Trans Flag on the sand at 57th and Alki Avenue directly across from Blue Moon Burgers.
FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska)
COZY GAMING SUNDAYS: New event at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California, upstairs), 11 am-5 pm on second and fourth Sundays.
SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open every day, 11 am-8 pm.
KIDS’ TEA PARTY: 11 am-1 pm at West Seattle Mercantile (3270 California SW) – check here to see if spots are left and to register.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESISTS: Sunday signholding in The Junction (California/Alaska), 11:30 am-1:30 pm.
COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open today as its 7-day-a-week season continues, noon-7 pm, with four hour-and-a-half swim sessions, each half lap swimming and half open swim – see the schedule here.
WADING POOLS: Also at Lincoln Park, the wading pool is expected to be open, as is the EC Hughes wading pool (2805 SW Holden) – hours for both today are noon-7 pm.
ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Reminder, no more tours this year (as explained here).
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Enjoy your summery Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
EUROPA ENSEMBLE: 3 pm concert at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW):
This Music Northwest Concert Series event features the great C Minor Piano Trio by Mendelssohn with a Finale inspired by J.S. Bach, as well as music by the great Russian composer, Sergei Prokofiev, who managed to survive the Great Purge of the 1930s by Joseph Stalin. The EUROPA Ensemble, formed in 1990, includes Russian- born violinist Leonid Keylin and cellist Mara Finkelstein; as well as Irish-American pianist Jane Harty.
AUTHOR READING: Poet Stephen Jaech reads from “Harmony River“ at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music provided by the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could feature on the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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