West Seattle, Washington
31 Thursday
(Live traffic, or lack of it this weekend, camera at California/Alaska)
We start the Saturday list with the biggest day of West Seattle Summer Fest‘s three days:
SUMMER FEST DAY 2: Festival hours are 10 am-8 pm, with music later. Highlights include:
-Music 11 am-11 pm on the main stage (California north of Oregon), 11 am-7 pm on the West Side stage (SW Alaska by Wells Fargo drive-thru), both lineup lists here.
-Kids Zone 10 am-8 pm, with free fun as well as ticketed inflatables (SW Alaska east of California)
-Pop-up performances include: Irish Dancers at noon, bubbles and balloons 1 pm-3 pm
-Food Court 10 am-past 8 pm, in the street AND the lot behind KeyBank, with shade and seating for the first year (west of California)
-In addition to vendors, year-round businesses have sidewalk sales, special streetside booths, more
-Festival merch is at the Info Booth, as are we, and local nonprofits/community groups. See you in The Junction!
Here’s what else is on the Saturday schedule – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
GARAGE/YARD SALES: Here are today’s listings in the WSB Community Forums.
MOON ROOM SUMMER SALE: The Moon Room Shop and Wellness (California/Juneau) is continuing to offer “15-20% off In-Store and Online” today and Sunday! Find this WSB sponsor online at moonroomshop.com.
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the free weekly group run. (And sign up for the WSR-presented Float Dodger 5K, now just one week out!)
ROXHILL PARK COMMUNITY DAY: Volunteering opportunity 9 am-3 pm. (2850 SW Roxbury)
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am meditation at Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska) – register here.
INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed immediately by this walk in which you can participate even if you didn’t take the introductory stroll. Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.
STORY TIME IN HIGHLAND PARK: 10 am story time at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).
SOCCER CLINIC WITH RHODIES & JUNCTION FC: 10 am-noon for kids ages U8-U15, at Delridge Playfield (4458 Delridge Way SW).
ONE SEATTLE DAY OF SERVICE: 10 am-2 pm volunteering opportunities all over the city.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, at Hope Academy in South Delridge (9421 18th SW). Fresh produce, cooked-on-site food, body-care products, more!
COURTYARD YOGA: 10 am at WEND Jewelry (3278 California SW).
MASTER GARDENERS: Got a garden-related question? They’re ready to answer! Saturdays this summer, they’re at The Home Depot (7345 Delridge Way SW), 10 am-2 pm.
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – free weekly in-person group for writers of all levels. For location info, go here.’
ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: Meet at 11 am at the Log House Museum (61st SW/SW Stevens) to learn what you didn’t know about the Alki area!
WEST SEATTLE’S ONLY SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) continues daily operations today, 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)
RIVIAN CARAVAN AND MEETUP: Drive a Rivian? Meet up in the back lot of Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) at noon for a caravan around Alki and an attempt to break the record for most Rivians gathered.
WADING POOLS: City-run wading pools that’ll be open in West Seattle today are Lincoln Park (12 pm-7 pm) and Hiawatha (12 pm-5:30 pm).
COLMAN POOL: Swim in the heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – see the schedule here.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: Explore the present and past at the home of West Seattle history, open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the new exhibit about Seattle Teriyaki! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar, and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area. Come support our student winemakers and join us for a student tasting.
WEST SEATTLE INDIVISIBLE PARADE PREP: 1:30-5:30 pm, help build the group’s “walking float,” a Democracy Garden, for next Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade – meet at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
ROCKIN’ THE JUNCTION: Just north of Summer Fest, the Junction Church is hosting a mini-music festival 2-8 pm. (California/Genesee)
FREE MASSAGE: Walk into Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) 3-5 pm for short, specific free massage.
ALSO AT NEPENTHE: Summer mini-market starting at 3 pm!
SALSA ON ALKI: Waterfront dancing returns, starting with a lesson at 4:30 pm – details here.
DUB SEA FISH STICKS: 6:05 pm home game vs. Redmond at Steve Cox Memorial Park‘s Mel Olson Stadium. (1321 SW 102nd, White Center) with the Dick’s Drive-In food truck. Sold out online (check the box office).
OUTDOOR SHAKESPEARE: 7 pm, High Point Commons Park (behind 6400 Sylvan Way SW), GreenStage presents the Backyard Bard abbreviated version of “Taming of the Shrew.” Free.
‘THE EFFECT’ AT ARTSWEST: Final weekend for the new play directed by Mathew Wright, with a 7:30 pm performance tonight. Online tickets sold out, so check the box office. (4711 California SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, ska and rocksteady with Good on Toast, Omega Theory, Skantraceptives, benefit show, $15, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm as part of the Summer Fest DJ Stage – tonight it’s Mr. Moon and Teddy Ruckspin at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
SATURDAY NIGHT SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight with rotating DJ Josh and DJ NightMere, 21+, at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).
MACHINE LEARNING DANCE NIGHT: 9 pm-2 am at The Lumber Yard in White Center (9630 16th SW).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: For Saturday night singers, 10 pm karaoke awaits you at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
We wrapped up our first day/night at West Seattle Summer Fest with the second-to-last concert of the night, THEM, who reminded the crowd that they’re “West Seattle born and raised.” We elbowed our way to within a couple rows of the foot of the stage, where devoted fans sang along even when the band members themselves weren’t singing.
The band’s moving to L.A. soon, according to an interview with WSB, so this was a so-long-for-now show too.
THEM’s previous Summer Fest gig was three years ago, in the middle of the afternoon.
Saturday’s main-stage music starts at 11 am with a showcase of talent from the place where THEM got their start, West Seattle’s own Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor).
We missed it while packed into the West Seattle Summer Fest mainstage crowd for THEM (video to come), so thanks to the readers who sent photos of tonight’s sunset, including these three – the one above is by Curry Gibson (one of many nice people we chatted with at the festival today), the one below sent by Misa on behalf of husband Greg:
And this one from Dan Nye:
If you’re a fan of classic Seattle summer weather – sunny, not too breezy, not too hot, not cold – that’s what we had today, and that’s what’s forecast tomorrow (and Sunday too). We brought a sweater to the festival but didn’t need it, even after sunset.
8:22 PM FRIDAY: Thanks for the tips. No serious injuries reported, but a harrowing close call according to witnesses, in a crash that ended in the carport under that building on Harbor Avenue.
Police at the scene weren’t commenting, but witnesses say a mechanical problem might have factored into the driver of that Jeep first speeding through the Seacrest parking lot and then crossing Harbor Avenue, ending up crashed into at least one car in the carport.
ADDED: Thanks to Jesse for the next two photos:
ADDED MONDAY: A summary released today by SPD affirms evidence of mechanical trouble:
At 1910 hours, a male was driving a rental at the 1600 BLK of Harbor Ave SW. The vehicle had mechanical issues and sped up. The driver pulled up the emergency brake when it sped up, but there were issues with that too. The driver struck a vehicle, METRO pole, and another vehicle. The vehicle pushed a vehicle up against an apartment building. SFST tests were conducted and the PBT was used, and the driver didn’t show signs of impairment. A collision report was completed, and there was evidence of mechanical issues on the vehicle.
(Photos by Dave Gershgorn for WSB)
You can shop, nosh, sip – and play, at West Seattle Summer Fest. We’re going into the first night of the festival and mainstage music is ramping up too, with Madman Across the Water onstage right now, and these three acts up next:
8:00 – Couch Riffs presents Funkadelic Tribute
9:00 – THEM
10:00 – Jenn Champion
(added) Here’s some of the Madman set (Elton John music):
The West Side Stage has shut down for the night; it’s by the Wells Fargo drive-thru off the west end of SW Alaska. Vendor booths are open until about 8, on California north and south of SW Alaska:
One of the booths features authors – stop by the Author Event Network booth to learn about writers and their work:
No matter what your age or size, you’re likely to find something of interest:
And year-round businesses have sales and deals too, so stroll the sidewalk while you’re here! Updates to come…
The two suspects arrested in the Puget Ridge stabbing attack on a teenage girl one week ago are now both charged. The 17-year-old girl is charged as an adult with first-degree assault, so we are publishing her name, Aleighna R. Herzog. The charging documents say she lives in Arlington. The 15-year-old boy is charged as a juvenile, also with first-degree assault. The documents say the two were friends with the 17-year-old victim, and had stayed with her at her grandparents’ house – where the attack took place – but weren’t allowed to stay over this time, so they accused the victim of mistreating them, and then started stabbing her. According to the documents, she had 14 stab wounds, six to her face, leaving her with injuries including “significant nerve damage.” Prosecutors asked that Herzog’s bail be set at $750,000; the 15-year-old boy remains in secure detention, and his status will be considered again at the arraignment hearing on Monday.
(FESTIVAL QUICK LINKS: MUSIC LINEUPS … VENDOR LIST … FOOD/DRINK LIST … BUS REROUTES)
1:35 PM: At the top of the hour, that dynamic duo officially opened West Seattle Summer Fest 2025. They’re Stacie Woods, events director, and Chris Mackay, executive director, both with the West Seattle Junction Association, the nonprofit merchants alliance that presents the festival.
We’re in the Info Booth again this year, and if you’ve been in years past, note that like some other things, it’s in a different location – further north this year, parallel with Easy Street Records‘ big sale tent. Also different this year: The food’s on the west side of Alaska, including seating in the lot behind KeyBank, and the Kids Zone is on the east side of Alaska. The main music stage is in the same place as every year, on California north of Oregon, next to the beverage garden, and music starts at 3 pm, both there and on the smaller West Side Stage. Meantime, we’re on the north side of the Info Booth, with community organizations (SPD Crime Prevention and the Duwamish Solidarity Group) on the east side, and Junction Association volunteers selling festival merch on the south side. The festival’s on until 8 tonight, with music running until about 11 pm!
2:50 PM: Above, that’s a mobile romance bookstore, one of the unique vendors here – they’re close to the north end of the booth zone. Not far beyond, we bumped into our first political-candidate sighting of the festival:
That’s Joe Mallahan, who’s running for mayor – again. (Mike McGinn beat him in 2009.) You’ll find him and seven other candidates on the August 5th primary ballot. (We have a policy of photographing local candidates seen at Summer Fest, so if you’re running for something, stop by the Info Booth.) …
Really important note about the food zone – if you just walk into the section of Alaska west of California, it might look kind of sparse. Don’t stop there! In the parking lot behind KeyBank, LOTS of food tents, and places to sit and eat and drink, first year ever.
Lots of seating by the West Side Stage, which is next to the Wells Fargo drive-thru.
Music has just begun on both stages – so we’re off for some video.
3:42 PM: And there it is, a bit of Mason Lowe, first band on the main stage. Coming up at 4 pm – Mr. Dinkles.
South of Oregon, on the east side of the booth row, you’ll find a couple local nonprofits – the West Seattle Food Bank is still selling its Summer Raffle tickets, and the Rotary Club of West Seattle, which would be happy to talk with you about their community work (upcoming: tree gleaning!):
More coverage to come!
4:48 PM: Rootbeer played this hour on the West Side Stage:
As is typical for Day 1, the crowd continues to grow, but it’s still not mega-crowded.
6:09 PM: Weep Wave took the main stage last hour:
Vendor booths are open until 8 pm but we’re getting to the time when dinner and music take centerstage, literally and figuratively! We’re going to wrap up this report and launch a new one with more scenes from Summer Fest Day 1. Coming up tonight, THEM is onstage at 9 pm, Jenn Champion at 10 pm.
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
From the basement of Mode Music Studios to the top of the Space Needle, West Seattle-rooted band THEM has quickly marked itself as a standout in Seattle’s music scene. The more the band’s popularity grows, though, the more its core members reaffirm that no matter what, they’ll always be a group of friends first and foremost.
At 9 pm tonight, THEM will be performing on the West Seattle Summer Fest main stage. This will be their third performance at Summer Fest, and for the group, a hometown show. All four members of THEM met at West Seattle High School in 2017, “so getting to play five minutes from our stomping grounds is very very special,” said THEM member Hudson.
“It was a bit of a surprise to my family when I asked for a guitar for Christmas,” Hudson told us. “Since then, I’ve tried to learn everything I can get my hands on.” Sticking with the band’s theme of never losing touch with their roots, band members Thompson, Hudson, Ellie, and Lydia are all still working with Mode in some capacity, whether hosting a summer program or working at the front desk.
Since the band’s founding eight years ago, they’ve gone from, as Ellie put it, “Hundreds of shows where maybe our parents were there,” to the top of the Space Needle – broadcast on TV – during the 2024 New Year’s celebration, and the blinding lights of the Paramount Theater, where they all at one point worked as ushers. But according to Ellie, their enthusiasm was always the same, whether the crowd was one or one thousand people.
The spotlight has gotten less scary as time goes on, according to Thompson. “Before every show, we’re backstage talking through our set, and then we have a little chant and do some breathing exercises,” She said, “I think because we’ve played together so long, that stage fright isn’t present. It also helps so much that we’re all together and we’re all friends.”
They’ll be taking the energy back home tonight, in a show that’s more than just a return tour. Soon, the band will be moving to LA, which makes this a bittersweet sendoff. “Of every performance we’ve done,” Lydia said, “I think this is the one I’m the most excited for.” “It’s like a sendoff to our home,” said Thompson, “To get to play at Summer Fest again.
Tonight’s sendoff is just the beginning for a new chapter in THEM’s history. Outside of performing, Lydia enjoys photography and videography, and she’s been working with the rest of the band to produce more music videos, which you can find on their YouTube channel.
“We’ve all spent so much time here, so looking out and seeing all of our favorite people and places is going to be so special,” said Hudson, “The people of West Seattle are the reason we get to go everywhere else and play.” See them at 9 pm tonight on the Summer Fest main stage (California SW north of SW Oregon) – and for more news about where THEM is performing next, check out their Instagram page.
We start the Friday list with Day 1 of the peninsula’s biggest party of the year:
WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST AT A GLANCE: Official festival hours are 1 pm to 8 pm, with mainstage music and the beverage garden continuing later. The festival stretches along California SW from the main stage (in the Post Office vicinity between Genesee and Oregon) to Edmunds, and along SW Alaska from the Kids’ Zone (California to 42nd this year) to the food zone (California to 44th and the parking lot behind KeyBank). The schedules for both music stages (the smaller West Side Stage is west of California) are here; the food/drink info (including year-round businesses) is here; the vendors (etc.) list is here; the Kids Zone info, including advance inflatable ticket/pass purchase and fun free offerings too, is here. As we’ve done annually for 15+ years, we’ll be covering the festival nonstop while on Team Info Booth all three days; see you there!
Here’s what else is happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
MOON ROOM SUMMER SALE: The Moon Room Shop and Wellness (California/Juneau) is offering “15-20% off In-Store and Online” today through Sunday! Find this WSB sponsor online at moonroomshop.com.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: The center is open for plant-shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: The spraypark is open every day 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOLS: Lincoln Park (noon-7 pm), Delridge, and Hiawatha (both noon-5:30 pm) will be open today.
COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water pool has sessions between noon and 7 pm; see the schedule here. (And the slide is open Fridays!)
SEATTLE TERIYAKI HISTORY: See this brand-new exhibit at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) while it’s open noon-4 pm today.
LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -2.4 feet at (updated) noon.
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SCREENPRINTING AT EASY STREET: 5-8 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) during the first night of Summer Fest, live screenprinting – free, or buy a blank T-shirt!
PICKUP SOCCER FOR KIDS: Local dad leads pickup soccer games at Delridge Playfield (4458 Delridge Way SW), 5:30-7 pm, RSVP via email to iamcasanova2024@gmail.com.
OUTDOOR SHAKESPEARE: 7 pm, High Point Commons Park (behind 6400 Sylvan Way SW), GreenStage presents the Backyard Bard abbreviated version of “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Free.
‘THE EFFECT’ AT ARTSWEST: Final weekend for the new play directed by Mathew Wright, 7:30 pm. Our calendar listing has the ticket link, but online tickets are sold out tonight, so check at the box office.
AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7 pm, music at 8 pm, Cinema Riot, Death Spa, Animal Adjective at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ HerShe tonight, and check the earlier afternoon/evening Summer Fest DJ lineup here! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating with live music – tonight, Sweat at the Disco – 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $18 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
This is a big (three-day) weekend for local businesses, whether or not they’re in the West Seattle Summer Fest zone. Here are four more announcements we’ve received:
FITNESS TOGETHER WEST SEATTLE: This longtime WSB sponsor has a new way for clients to get its services:
Big News, West Seattle!
You asked, we listened. We now accept HSA and FSA payments!
Use your health benefits toward private, one-on-one personal training in our fully equipped suites—no crowds, no distractions, just personalized fitness that fits your life. Interested in learning more? Stop by our booth (#81) this weekend at Summer Fest or contact us via e-mail (westseattle@fitnesstogether.com) or through our website.
MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS & ALKI KAYAK TOURS: These sibling businesses are offering sales:
We’re hosting a Splash Sale, offering up to 20% off on our paddle clothing and paddle boards. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to gear up for summer fun on the water! Mountain to Sound (a WSB sponsor) is at 3602 SW Alaska.
Additionally, Alki Kayak Tours is pleased to offer a special discount of 25% off on our West Seattle Sunset Sea Kayak Tour, Elliott Bay Tour, and Alki Lighthouse Tour for West Seattle residents. Just use the code SUMMERFEST25 at checkout to take advantage of this offer.
PAPA TONY’S HOT SAUCE: This West Seattle business will have a booth at Summer Fest – as they do at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market most weeks – and when you see them, congratulate them for this national spotlight! Founder Tony Wilson sent word of it, thinking the community would want to know.
WEST SEATTLE MERCANTILE: North of The Junction but celebrating this weekend too! From proprietor Jennifer Young:
In honor of West Seattle Summer Fest weekend, we are having a huge sidewalk sale on Saturday and Sunday. Crafts for the kids, popcorn, balloons, and more. Come and join the West Seattle Mercantile, which houses your longtime local businesses. THREE LITTLE BIRDS, KID FRIENDLY FOOTWEAR, ALAIR, and DYLAN.
They’re co-housed at 3270 California SW. Got a Summer Fest weekend biznote? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, July 11, 2025. Day 1 of West Seattle Summer Fest starts at 1 pm, but the street closures and bus reroutes are already in effect.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
True summer weather – sunny, high in upper 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:23 am; sunset will be at 9:06\5 pm.
SUMMER FEST
-In The Junction, street closures for West Seattle Summer Fest are in effect through late Sunday night – California is closed north of Oregon to Genesee and south of Oregon to Edmunds, and SW Alaska is closed between 44th on the west side and 42nd on the east side.
NEW BIKE PARKING
Just installed at the northwest corner of Brandon/California, reports Brian, who sent the photo.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule today, with Summer Fest reroutes through The Junction.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has resumed three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. 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 weeknights with Mariners home games (and certain special events).
ROAD WORK
-Admiral Bridge work continues, and readers report the open traffic lanes have switched sides again, now on the south side instead of the north side.
-Three weeks of major nighttime work ahead on and around 16th SW in White Center starting next Wednesday – details here.
-16th SW speed cushions have been installed near Cloverdale and near Trenton; here’s our story on what else is on the way.
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!
That photo is from West Seattle Indivisible, taken last Sunday morning, when about 80 people showed up to commiserate and strategize in the wake of the “big bill” that was just passed by Congress and signed by the president. This Sunday, WSI gathers again, this time with a guest appearance by a local leader – here’s the announcement we received tonight:
West Seattle Indivisible is honored to welcome Mayor Bruce Harrell to our General Membership Meeting on Sunday, July 13, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon @ California).
At our gathering on Alki last Sunday, high interest was expressed in learning more about what we all can do to prepare for increased ICE presence in our city and our neighborhoods. Mayor Harrell was able to arrange his schedule to share the city’s stance and strategies with our group; he will be with us from 3:30-4 pm.
Remember that this weekend is West Seattle Summer Fest and parking in the Junction area will be challenging. Doors will open at 3 pm to allow ample time to get settled in order to start promptly at 3:30 pm.
Thanks to Katherine for the photo and report:
The combined West Seattle/Southwest Little League Juniors Softball All-Stars have advanced to the semi-finals of the Juniors Softball State Tournament with a 9-7 win today over the team from Redmond/Sammamish/Eastlake. The team has won three games so far in the state tournament, the most wins at state of any softball all-star team in the history of West Seattle and Southwest Little League!
West Seattle/Southwest Little League plays against the team from Shoreline/North Central/Queen Anne Little League tomorrow [Friday] at 6 pm at Northshore Athletic Fields in Woodinville.
Come cheer them on!
6:52 PM: An Amber Alert just buzzed on cell phones across the region, and it’s for a child reported to have been taken in White Center. We don’t have details yet but here’s the poster:
(update: image removed)
More info shortly.
7:03 PM: According to this post, the child has been found. As is our standard policy with resolved missing-person cases, we’re removing the image. (We still have no other info about the circumstances.)
9:28 PM: King County Sheriff’s Deputies found the car at 6th SW and SW 102nd; the thief/kidnapper is still at large, according to KCSO: “The child was found safe about an hour after the car was taken – she is safe and reunited with her mother … Deputies are currently looking for the suspect.”
5:16 PM: The Junction is the place to be, starting now and continuing until Sunday night – West Seattle Summer Fest is officially Friday-Sunday but the streets are closed now for festival setup, plus early sidewalk-café activity, and it’s West Seattle Art Walk + The Art of Music night, all combining for Summer Fest Eve. Buses are rerouted too. We’re headed that way soon for updates!
6:25 PM: One of the sights you’ll see in Junction streets right now – stilt walkers! Or if you’d rather just watch the festival setup, wander north of SW Oregon, where the Summer Fest main stage is taking shape:
We found out from Junction Association executive director Chris Mackay that if you wander a bit further north, you’ll find out Itto’s is cooking paella tonight! Meanwhile, lots of wandering going on:
And be sure to duck into the West Seattle Art Walk venues, too – we photographed West Seattle watercolorist Carrie Scroggins at Jet City Labs:
(Jet City has DJs all festival long, tomorrow through Sunday!) We’ve seen two bands, too – Aurora Ave is rocking the KeyBank Plaza corner at California/Alaska:
And the St. Bees Duo is at John L. Scott (4445 California SW) with some nostalgia.
They’re one of the five Art of Music acts – and The Junction is hosting bonus music tonight too (like Aurora Ave!). We’re heading back out to see what else is up ….
8:38 PM: More scenes from tonight – Golden Hart at Great American Diner and Bar, part of The Art of Music:
Noticed a line for Husky Deli ice cream:
On the same block, Mashiko‘s streetside booth had a list of what they’ll be selling, including shave ice:
Poggie Tavern was decked inside and out with jellyfish:
Speaking of food and drink, remember it’s on SW Alaska WEST of California this year, and the parking lot behind KeyBank will have space for you to sit and enjoy your food/beverage:
The Kid Zone, meantime, is on Alaska EAST of California, where these colorful cords are awaiting their role in setting up the inflatables (you can buy tickets online in advance):
The festival runs 1 to 8 pm Friday (music to 11), 10 am to 8 pm Saturday (music to 11), and 10 am to 5 pm Sunday. We’ll be there for continuous coverage all 24+ hours of the festival – see you in The Junction!
(WSB photo, last month)
You might remember the uproar when SDOT announced in May that not only would it convert the Duwamish Head angled parking to parallel parking, it would likely add more than 100 new parallel spaces in the 1200 to 1700 blocks of Alki Avenue SW. At first SDOT attributed the proposed addition to City Councilmember Rob Saka – whose budget action last year set aside $175,000 for the angled-parking-to-parallel conversion as well as “to restore parallel-only parking to Alki Avenue SW adjacent to (the Duwamish Head) location” – but he then said he was not in favor of “restoring” that parking. SDOT proceeded with a survey and promised a final decision after that. The final decision is in today, and it’s “no additional parking.” The survey results were part of today’s announcement; SDOT says it received 882 responses, and since it wasn’t a yes/no survey, its summary does not have a count, but ultimately concludes that more people were against the parking expansion:
The West Seattle Parking Adjustments Survey results reveal a divided consensus among participants regarding the addition of parking to the water side of Alki Ave SW. A significant portion of respondents expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact and aesthetic disruption, emphasizing the need to preserve Alki’s natural beauty and pedestrian-friendliness. On the other hand, many saw the lack of parking as a hindrance to accessibility, particularly for visitors and families, which could negatively affect local businesses dependent on tourism and foot traffic. Overall, there were valid arguments on both sides, with more people opposing.
Bottom line, says SDOT, with that decision, that particular project is complete: “The proviso directing SDOT’s existing budget to implement changes is limited to parking adjustments, so nothing further is planned at this time.” (We’ll be asking them how much of the $175,000 remains, if it was supposed to go toward parking restoration too, and what it’ll go toward instead.)
3:28 PM: That’s the poster circulated by the FBI in January about a serial bank robber that authorities now allege is 24-year-old University District resident Leena Chang. We reported Tuesday night on the arrest shortly after Monday’s holdup at the WaFd Bank north of The Junction, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has just sent documents showing that Chang is charged in eight cases, the same ones mentioned in our update, including two in West Seattle – last January 13 at US Bank in The Junction, and this past Monday’s WaFd Bank holdup. Chang has no criminal history, according to the charging documents, which summarize the allegations:
The defendant engaged in a series of well-planned bank robberies for over a year. As time went on the defendant became emboldened and confident in her skills. She started out covering nearly all of her face, to include using a face mask to obscure her identity, but soon she relied on only a head covering and glasses (and possibly a wig).
(Montage of surveillance images, from charging documents)
She began to arm herself with a hyper-realistic airsoft gun in order to increase the likelihood of success. The State is charging 8 counts of robbery or attempted robbery, 1st degree at this time, but it is clear from the certification that there is at least one additional robbery in another county.
While financial gain was a likely motivation for these crimes, the evidence shows the defendant also took an immense amount of personal satisfaction from her ability to rob banks and outsmart law enforcement. She bragged to a friend about her “work” and spoke about it freely. In her apartment, investigators found a notebook containing information from two of the robberies, including saved demand notes.
(Image from charging documents)
But the most astounding find remains the saved FBI wanted bulletin of the defendant, which she had begun to sketch and paint with watercolors. The fact that she was a focus of a significant law enforcement investigation appears to have been a source of great pride for her.
small>(Image from charging documents)
As time went on, her robberies became more frequent, with six occurring since January of 2025 (including a robbery out of county). By early July, she was the target of this investigation, with police preparing to make an arrest. Then she robbed yet another bank. Police waited near her apartment for her to return and were able to arrest her, still in possession of her disguise, the demand note and the cash taken from the bank.
The charging documents have many images, even apparent robbery notes to which Chang signed her name; we’ll add a few shortly. Chang remains jailed in lieu of $500,000 bail and is due to be arraigned July 23.
If you – or a student in your household – can spare some time, this volunteer project is looking to sign up a hundred volunteers! Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
We’re looking for 100 volunteers to work together (kids more than welcome!) to help with safety and aesthetic improvements to the exterior and playground at Louisa Boren STEM K-8.
Need volunteer hours for middle or high school? We’re happy to sign any forms to confirm your volunteer hours.
Sign up below to join us on Friday, July 18 and/or Saturday, July 19, 9 am – 5 pm.
Volunteer sign-up: signupgenius.com/go/10C0549A9A823A0FEC43-57389089-louisa
Looks like we’ll have sunny days before, during and after – making it perfect painting weather. We have lots of approved projects to knock out, so bring friends – let’s get it DONE!!
Questions? Email cheandrie@stemk8pta.org
The school is at 5950 Delridge Way SW.
Tonight through this weekend, West Seattle Summer Fest in The Junction is in the spotlight. The music doesn’t stop there, though. One week from tonight – Thursday, July 17 – you’re invited to the first of three free Thursday night concerts in the Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented Admiral Music in the Parks series. Here’s a reminder from ANA:
Get your picnic blankets ready for the first concert of Admiral Music in the Parks 2025! Join the Admiral Neighborhood Association on July 17th at 6:30 PM as we gather at Belvedere Park for an evening of PNW country-tonk with Lookout Mountain Lookout.
Then mark your calendars for our other concerts:
6:30 PM on July 24th at California Place Park where we will welcome back West Seattle favorite Micheal Pearsall and Friends.
6:30 PM on July 31st at Hamilton Viewpoint Park as we close out AMP 2025 with The Flaming Pies and the music of John, Paul, George and Ringo.
New this year, you can join Seattle Yarn’s knitting circle at each event.
Thank you to our business sponsors, including our “Producer” partners: West Seattle Realty, Timeless Kitchen Design, and West Seattle Grounds, and our individual donors who make this event possible.
To find out more about AMP, visit us here.
This is the second year that AMP is happening in parks that aren’t often used for events – worked out great last year, so ANA is doing it again! Belvedere Park is at 3600 SW Admiral Way. (WSB is media sponsor for the concert series.)
We start with two huge events tonight!
WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST EVE: This is “locals’ night” before the three-day festival, with the streets closed for Summer Fest setup and sidewalk cafés open, plus music performances and more, even face painting! Come down after 5 pm and wander! We’ve previewed it multiple times already, so here again are those links with everything to know:
–Street-closure timeline, with first closure as early as 2 pm
–Calendar listing with lineup
–Full list of live music
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: This is also happening, not only in The Junction – where it enhances Summer Fest Eve – but also in other areas of the peninsula, from Alki to Morgan Junction. Here’s the venue list, for art and/or food and drink specials:
Individual venue and artist previews are listed here. All seven The Art of Music performances, 6-7:45 pm, are previewed here.
Here’s what else is happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Clouds or sun, it’s the heart of gardening season! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open today and every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOLS: The city says it’s expecting sunshine and warm-enough temperatures this afternoon to open the wading pools, so that means Lincoln Park will be open noon-7 pm and Delridge and Hiawatha will be open noon-5:30 pm. Free.
COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) will be open noon-7 pm – see the schedule here. Fee.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to get info about where they’re playing today.
DROP-IN CHESS: Teens are welcome to come play at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:30 pm.
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Momo’s Kebab.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: The monthly 6 pm online speaker series focuses tonight on totem poles, with Rebecca Albiani; our calendar listing has info on how to get the viewing link.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), the Westies Run Club is resuming the Thursday community run tonight.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Prefer to walk instead of run? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
’90s TRIVIA: Monthly event at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7 pm.
‘THE EFFECT’ AT ARTSWEST: Final week begins for new ArtsWest production “The Effect“ at 7:30 pm. Tonight is sold out – check here for tickets for other performances before the run ends Sunday. (4711 California SW)
DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Supreme La Rock, 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
A 17-year-old girl and 15-year-old boy are in juvenile detention, accused in the Puget Ridge stabbing attack on a 17-year-old girl early July 5. (We originally reported the attack here.) Seattle Police say this morning that the suspects were taken into custody by Marysville Police as a result of the SPD investigation of the attack. According to documents we’ve obtained from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, both appeared in court Wednesday afternoon. The KCPAO says the judge found probable cause to hold them for investigation of attempted second-degree murder. A decision on charges is likely tomorrow; their next hearing is tentatively set for Monday. According to a crowdfunding page created by the victim’s sister, she was attacked at the home of her 83-year-old grandfather, and in addition to seriously injuring the victim, the attack caused major damage at the house.
6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, July 10, 2025, West Seattle Summer Fest Eve – the intersection in the traffic-cam view above will be closed to vehicles starting just hours from now.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, then clearing, high near 70. Today’s sunrise was at 5:22 am; sunset will be at 9:06 pm.
SUMMER FEST EVE!
-In The Junction, parking restrictions start this morning, and street closures for West Seattle Summer Fest start rolling out this afternoon (see today’s timeline here); then through late Sunday night, California will be closed north (to Genesee) and south (to Edmunds) of SW Oregon, and SW Alaska will be closed between 44th on the west side and 42nd on the east side.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule today, but Summer Fest reroutes through The Junction will start once the street closures start.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has resumed three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. 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 weeknights with Mariners home games (and certain special events).
ROAD WORK
-Three weeks of major nighttime work ahead on and around 16th SW in White Center starting next Wednesday – details here.
-16th SW speed cushions have been installed near Cloverdale and near Trenton; here’s our story on what else is on the way.
-Admiral Bridge work continues, with one lane each way across the bridge
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!
West Seattle Summer Fest features many visiting vendors, but year-round local businesses are at the heart of the party. The festival began as their summer sidewalk sale, and evolved over the years. Some still have sidewalk sales, or sidewalk cafés, or kiosks/stands outside their businesses. We’ve heard from/talked with a few.
HUSKY DELI: They’ll have a stand outside the Deli with their traditional bratwurst, kosher hot dogs, and Jalapeño cheese dogs, and extra ice cream as usual. Staff told WSB’s Hayden Yu Andersen that proprietor Jack Miller is “totally into the festival” and they’re all super excited.
BAKERY NOUVEAU: They’re working hard to prepare for the influx of customers: “We’re always excited for Summer Fest. Every year people hunt down the gelato sandwiches.” (They make their own gelato at BN in Burien and deliver it here.) They’re also working on something special for Summer Fest: A Mango Passionfruit Mousse with a guava glaze. And, “for people with dairy restrictions, an oat milk horchata.” The BN staff says it’s fun to see first-time customers during the festival as well as regulars.
CORNER POCKET: They emailed to ask us to let you know “that we’re open 3:00 pm to 2:00 am throughout the event, and hosting raffles Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at 9:00 pm. Raffle tickets are given out with every purchase, 21 and over.”
ANOTHER NEW BUSINESS: If you haven’t been to The Junction for a while, the festival’s also an opportunity to see who’s new. Above, that’s Sev Sengul, who finally has a permanent storefront for her Angora Rugs and Decor. 4517 California SW, after years of pop-ups off and on (like this). Stop in for live music 6-8 pm Thursday night during Summer Fest Eve/Art Walk!
Just a few – what’s YOUR Junction biz doing for Summer Fest? We’d be happy to add, and we’ll be there all three days/nights too to cover everything we can – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!
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