Thanks for the report on what the sender calls a “record-breaking summer at Arbor Heights”:

e Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club 12 and under Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay for a record setting race against Kent (Tuesday night). The girls finished 2:07:27 breaking the 1997 Arbor Heights record of 2:09:86. Congratulations, ladies!! [Dior Webb (backstroke), Katie Trainor (butterfly), Amanda Trainor (freestyle), and Caroline Arthur (breaststroke)]

WEST SEATTLE SCENE: 2025 Alki Art Fair, first day

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

More than 90 booths/tents line the Alki Beach Park promenade for this year’s Alki Art Fair, with the first of three days on until 8 pm. You can shop and nosh/sip – at one of several food/drink booths (Cambodian food, hot dogs, more), or at Alki’s year-round places right across the street. West Seattle creators we saw include Julia Douthwaite Viglione, with a variety of creations including quilts and the story book created by her students in free writing classes for kids:

Want a stylized map of West Seattle or Puget Sound? Or regional mountain peaks? Elizabeth Person is your person:

Many types of art to browse and/or buy – including jewelry and apparel – and quirky items as well as the breathtakingly beautiful. While you’re at the fair, stop by the Info Booth, where you can buy a “vintage” Alki Art Fair T-shirt from last year for just $10, or one of this year’s design for $20:

The silent auction inside Alki Bathhouse isn’t open until tomorrow, which is also when the live music starts up. But a DJ is spinning today, the Kid Zone is open (nothing fancy but we did see bubbles!), and it’s a fine time to visit the beach. Booths are open until 8 tonight, 10 am-6 pm Saturday and Sunday (with live music noon-7 pm Saturday and 11 am-5 pm Sunday).

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BIZNOTE: Here’s what’s up with Gyro Heroes

July 18, 2025 3:01 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Several readers have asked if we know why Gyro Heroes in The Admiral District has been closed for a few days, with a sign in the window declaring that it’s just “temporarily” closed. When we went by the first time, no one was there to ask, but just now, we found crews at work, and learned that this is a remodeling closure – they’re redoing a lot of what’s inside, even the flooring. They hope to reopen within a week. The restaurant opened almost seven years ago in what had previously been a Baskin-Robbins.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Man arrested for alleged arson at encampment

July 18, 2025 1:08 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

1:08 PM: After hearing about an arson investigation regarding a fire call this morning near the Southwest Precinct, we asked police for information. They tell us a 46-year-old man was arrested, accused of setting a fire at an encampment across the street from the precinct. Police say an officer saw the suspect get out of what they describe as his “white 2006 Ford Econoline van” around 7:30 am, carrying a gas can, ten walking to the encampment, which “became engulfed in flames” as the suspect returned to his van. Police say the officer described the suspect as “walking out of the brush with smoke and fire trailing him.” They caught up with him after he drove away and arrested him and booked him into jail. No injuries were reported in the fire, which remains under investigation by SPD arson/bomb squad detectives.

SATURDAY UPDATE: The suspect had a probable-cause hearing today. The documents don’t reveal anything about an alleged motive; his “last known address” was downtown. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office requested bail be set at $100,000; the appearance-court judge released the suspect – who does not appear to have a record – on his own recognizance. That does not mean he won’t be charged; prosecutors are awaiting a case referral from SPD.

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Fauntleroy/Rose crossing design unveiled, with median: Morgan Community Association meeting report #2

July 18, 2025 11:52 am

| 24 COMMENTS

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

We’re continuing our reports on major updates from this week’s Morgan Community Association meeting. On Thursday we updated the Morgan Junction EV charging lot plan; today, the Fauntleroy/Rose crossing (which has been a focus for the neighboring Fauntleroy Community Association too).

(Southward view from the ferry-queue lane on the Lincoln Park side of Fauntleroy Way)

The intersection with Lincoln Park on the west side and a RapidRide C Line stop on the east side used to have a marked crosswalk; we briefly noted its removal in this 2007 report. Community advocates have long lobbied to get it back. And they were repeatedly told (here’s a 2021 example) by SDOT that it wouldn’t happen.

But finally the city relented (as announced in early 2024), and has been working on a plan. SDOT’s Ching Chan attended Wednesday’s MoCA meeting remotely to present an update on the design, which is more than a crosswalk – it will include pushbutton-activated lighting and a raised median to provide “a safe refuge” for pedestrians. The median will not be between north and south travel lanes, but rather between the ferry-queue lane and the travel lanes:

(SDOT-provided renderings above and below; see PDF versions here)

This will narrow vehicle travel lanes a bit, from 12 feet wide to 11 feet wide. It will also expand parking restrictions – about 26′ north of Rose, 140′ south, Chan said.

Concerns surfaced during the meeting included ensuring that any vegetation in the median wouldn’t become overgrown like Delridge Way and Harbor Avenue meetings, as well as whether SDOT is collaborating with WSDOT on traffic-flow effects, given the project planned later this year to signalize the Fauntleroy Way intersection at the ferry dock’s entrance/exit (Chan did not know). As for the timeline, Chan said they hope to build this by summer 2026, but the bus shelter requires collaboration with Metro, so that may have a timeline of its own.

NEXT REPORT: MoCA’s meeting also included guests from Seattle Parks to discuss the status of the Morgan Junction Park addition, which has stalled because of internal city issues regarding the removal of soil contaminated in the site’s past; we’ll have that story later today/tonight.

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Alki Art Fair day 1, ‘Beaver Detective’ premiere, Shakespeare in the park, more for your West Seattle Friday

July 18, 2025 9:54 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Sunrise photo by Kent Rhodes)

First on our list, today’s marquee event:

ALKI ART FAIR: The three-day art and music festival begins at 2 pm today, in and around Alki Beach Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW) and the promenade that stretches westward from it. Today’s 2-8 pm schedule focuses on the artists (listed here); DJ Fishlure will spin but live music (listed here) doesn’t start until tomorrow. Our calendar listing has the festival overview.

Now – see what else is happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

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 CLOSED: The heated salt-water pool is; closed to the public today/tomorrow because of a swim meet.

SEATTLE TERIYAKI HISTORY: See this new exhibit at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) while the museum is open noon-4 pm today.

QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

DUBSEA FISH STICKS: 6:35 pm home game at Steve Cox Memorial Park vs. the Northwest Honkers – tickets here.

‘FREELANCE BEAVER DETECTIVE’: Premiere of film featuring Pamela Adams‘ work documenting the local beaver population 7 p at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – ticket info here.

OUTDOOR SHAKESPEARE: 7 pm, Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), GreenStage presents “Richard III”, free.

AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7 pm, music at 8 pm, Darbi Dhufo, Wave Function, Jackie Tulsa, Spencer List at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW). 21+.

SUNSET REIKI SOUND BATH: 7:30 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW) with Inner Alchemy. Info and ticket link are in our calendar listing.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Lady Coco spins tonight! (4547 California SW)

MAKE IT LOUD: Skating with live music – tonight, featuring The Highsteppers, “Two sets of incredible music to skate and boogie down to!” – 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!

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Celebration of Life planned August 3 for Laura May Bruco

July 18, 2025 9:00 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Earlier this year, in the remembrance for Laura May Bruco, friends promised an announcement when her Celebration of Life details were set. Now they are:

Friends (and pets of friends) are invited to celebrate the life of Laura May Bruco on Sunday, August 3rd at 3 p.m. at the Dragonfly Park Pavilion in West Seattle (4111 26th Ave SW). Please dress comfortably for this community gathering in the park.

Photos, memories and condolences can also be shared with Laura’s friends and family at the Kinzley Funeral Home online tribute page at kinzleyfh.com/obituary/laura-bruco

(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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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Friday info, + big weekend ahead

July 18, 2025 6:00 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, July 18, 2025, with three big events ahead – the Alki Art Fair today through Sunday, the West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K on Saturday.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

After a high of “only” 86 on Thursday, the cooldown continues. Today’s high is expected to be in the mid-70s, with some clouds. Today’s sunrise was at 5:30 am; sunset will be at 8:59 pm.

WEEKEND ALERTS

-Though the Alki Art Fair (today through Sunday) takes place mostly on the promenade and in/around the Bathhouse, it still means traffic and parking will be busier.

-The West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K on Saturday mean parking restrictions and road closures on and near California SW from Admiral to south of Edmunds. Heed the signs – they tow on parade morning if necessary! Restrictions are in place 7 am-3 pm. There will be bus reroutes Saturday too.

-The Eazy Duz It Car Club‘s “Chrome and Community” show will close 16th SW in White Center between Roxbury and 100th on Saturday, 11 am-7 pm.

-If you’re planning to head to downtown or points north of there over the weekend, you need to know about the NB I-5 lane closures as part of “Revive I-5.”

ROAD WORK

-The major nighttime work ahead on and around 16th SW in White Center continues – details here.

-Admiral Bridge work continues, with both directions now carried on the south side instead of the north side.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.

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 (tonight!) and Saturday nights, and on weeknights with Mariners home games (and certain special events).

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!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen gray Elantra

July 17, 2025 11:32 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Ed reports his gray 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT, license plate BPS3400, was “stolen from my home at 37th Ave SW and SW Monroe St. sometime late Thursday afternoon/evening. SPD report number 25-202017.” If you find it, call 911.

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COUNTDOWN: Two days to 2025 West Seattle Grand Parade! More about what/who you’ll see

July 17, 2025 9:59 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news

If your group, school, team, business (etc.) has a float in Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade, it’s definitely crunch time for float-building! Above, Cindi sent that photo of the West Seattle Amateur Radio Club‘s float-in-progress (pickup-truck-borne). The WSARC has another role during the parade, as we’ve mentioned before – ham operators assist with communication, coordination, and safety up and down the parade route, before, during, and after. WSARC is one of more than a dozen community groups in the parade; more than a dozen sports-related groups will be in it too; so will eight dance and drill groups; and six music groups. Those aren’t all the types of entries you’ll see – in all, the parade lineup currently holds more than 90 entries, leading off with the Seattle Police Motorcycle Drill Team (building back, with at least eight officers this year) departing California south of Lander at about 10:45 am Saturday, headed southbound to The Junction. All of California from Admiral to Edmunds closes for the parade, and parking restrictions (stretching beyond those boundaries – you should have seen the signs by now) kick in around 7 am (you will be towed, so don’t risk it). There are official “parade watch parties” at some businesses this year (we’ve added one to the list, hosted by West Seattle Runner, which presents the pre-parade Float Dodger 5K – if you’re having one that’s not listed but is open to the public, let the parade team and us know – westseattleparade@gmail.com and westseattleblog@gmail.com. See you Saturday!

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VIDEO: Lookout Mountain Lookout plays first concert of 2025 Admiral Music in the Parks series!

July 17, 2025 6:44 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS culture/arts

6:44 PM: Another wonderful warm summer night with the opportunity to sit in a shaded park and enjoy live music! This time it’s Belvedere Park (3600 SW Admiral Way, though it’s best to approach from the 37th/Olga side), opening venue for the three-park, three-show Admiral Music in the Parks series, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association. The West Seattle-based “country tonk” band Lookout Mountain Lookout is performing tonight, until about 8 pm – bring a chair, a blanket, a picnic dinner, even your dancing shoes if you feel like it.

We’ll have video clips later; if you can’t get to this show, the next two Thursday nights bring two more – listed here.

9:10 PM: The show lasted until about 8:20 pm. Back at HQ now and downloading video (almost all of which is full of exuberant toddlers and preschoolers dancing in the open space between the band and the audience).

10:03 PM: First clip:

Two more songs:

Their show was largely a mix of country classics and originals:

The band members include lead vocalist Scott Herman and drummer Travis Curry:

Bassist Alex Hagenah:

And guitarist Aaron Stayman:

Emcee was ANA president Joanie Jacobs:

She and husband Dan Jacobs – another ANA Board member singled out for major AMP support tonight along with Meagan Loftin – will ride toward the start of Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade as Orville Rummel Community Service Award winners. Meantime, one more clip from the concert:

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Next Thursday (July 24) Michael Pearsall and Friends will be the AMP performers, 6:30 pm at California Place Park (just east of Admiral Church).

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READER REPORT: ‘Good Trouble Lives On’ rally in The Junction

July 17, 2025 5:33 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

Thanks to Stewart L. for the photos and report on today’s rally as part of gatherings nationwide in memory of U.S. Rep. John Lewis, the civil-rights activist who said “good trouble” was needed to cause change:

I was at today’s West Seattle protest, with a crowd of about 150 people causing good trouble at the Alaska Junction. We had a drum line and the impassioned crowd was really into it.

Rep. Lewis died on this date in 2020 at age 80. The West Seattle rally was a late addition to today’s daily event list.

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FOLLOWUP: Film crew at Don Armeni Boat Ramp on busy fishing day – and with drones at night

July 17, 2025 3:26 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

3:26 PM: As discussed here Wednesday, some were concerned about a commercial film crew using part of the lot at Don Armeni Boat Ramp today when boaters were allowed to head out for chinook salmon. So WSB’s Anne Higuera went there this afternoon to see how things were going.

She noted at least a dozen vehicles associated with the production, which she was told is for a Ford commercial. One person returning from fishing told her he had been able to get in and out without a problem, although, in a side note, he said the biggest hassle of the day had been dealing with a new app for procuring permits. Meantime, a (corrected) Parks employee on duty told Anne that things had been moving quickly as most people were hitting their limit soon after going out, so they returned to shore before long. All the while, the production crew continued its work on the south side of the lot, with lots of gear including a wardrobe rack.

Their permit is for work that could run as late as 1 am tonight.

(Added: Photo by Doug Eglington)

7:23 PM: Doug Eglington, who sent the photo above, just sent this one showing drones awaiting their role in the shoot:

ADDED 11:50 PM: Doug sent later photos of the drones, illuminated:

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LAST CALL: Personal-safety class at Southwest Precinct tonight

July 17, 2025 2:35 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

One more event of note tonight – the next personal-safety class at the Southwest Precinct. We’ve mentioned it before; Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite asked us to remind you one more time, because they’re still taking last-minute signups for this free class:

Personal Safety Training with Seattle PD

6 pm – 8 pm tonight (Thursday July 17th) at the SW Precinct- Community Meeting Room – 2300 SW Webster St

About the Class
Learn proactive tips and steps you can take to enhance your personal safety taught by Seattle police officers and employees.

Training goals:
-Share common-sense safety tips to decrease the odds of being a victim
-Know the important role your instincts and gut reactions play
-Discover potentially dangerous situations and how to avoid them
-Learn to make a safety plan based on different environments

Notes:
-This is a facilitated discussion and lecture about crime prevention and safety.
-This is not a self-defense class.
-This class is open to individuals of all ages and most appropriate for those who are at least 14 years of age or older. For that reason, children should not attend.

Register here

The community room is on the southwest side of the precinct, right off the public parking lot.

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Cameras, lights in Morgan Junction EV lot plan, now out to bid: Morgan Community Association quarterly meeting report #1

July 17, 2025 1:03 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Environment | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Updates on Seattle City Light‘s planned Morgan Junction eight-EV-charger lot were among several major topics highlighting Wednesday night’s quarterly meeting of the Morgan Community Association, which we’re breaking into separate reports this time rather than lumping them all into one lengthy account.

First, a timeline reminder: District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka announced earlier this year that the charging lot fronting both Fauntleroy and Morgan just east of 42nd SW wouldn’t open before next spring, three years later than the original announcement. The new spring 2026 date is still the plan, MoCA heard last night:

Project manager Lizzy Kay, joining the meeting remotely, said her best guess is that construction will start in October; the project recently went out to bid. She brought information that MoCA and other community members had requested about the lighting plan for the site:

The lot’s four lighting poles will be half as high and dimmer than nearby streetlights, and they’ll be focused on a “targeted area.” Here’s a map showing where they’ll be:

Other security measures will include cameras, monitored by SCL security employees – in general, Kay said, “We are going to have more security at this site than others.” She didn’t know how many cameras, though (they weren’t part ot her planned presentation, but instead emerged as a topic in Q&A). Attendees asked what else would be done to deter vandalism and wire theft; she said the vendor ChargePoint had developed a “cut-protection technology” involving a “hardened cut-proof cable … hopefully impossible or at least harder to cut.” She also said the site would have an eight-foot Fiberglas fence; asked what would be done to deter/address tagging vandalism, she said it would be handled like other city facilities. (This is a point of particular concern, as you might recall that the site had vandalism trouble with temporary fencing that wasn’t addressed for months.)

Entry to the lot – a former substation – will only be from SW Morgan; Kay recapped why:

That led to a question about a previously revealed plan to trench across Fauntleroy Way during construction. Kay said that remained part of the plan but said it would be done “in sections” so there’s never a total closure of that busy arterial.

WHAT’S NEXT: Bids are due August 6; you can see the bidding documents for the project, which carries an “engineer’s estimate” cost of just under $800,000, by going here.

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READER REPORT: Big achievement for West Seattle ultramarathon swimmer and coach

July 17, 2025 11:37 am

| 11 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS & Sports

We’ve had some great success stories about local athletes recently, and here’s the latest: Local ultramarathon swimmer Denise Simens, who also coaches high-school swimmers, competed at nationals in Portland last weekend, and her friend Chelsie P sent the story and photos:

I wanted to shine a spotlight on a West Seattleite making a splash! My good friend Denise Simens just swam the Portland Bridge Swim in Portland, OR (last weekend). This event is an 11-mile long open-water swim in the Willamette River. The event was the official 2025 United States Masters Swimming Ultramarathon-Distance Open Water National Championships.

Denise improved her time from last year by 41 minutes, and took first place in her age group by 17 minutes. In addition to being ranked #1 in the Country by age group, she also finished 6th overall female and 22nd overall athlete (out of men and women). Entries were limited to the first 100 qualifiers across the country and registration closed quickly this year! The qualifying standard was to complete either a 5,000M or 5,500YD swim in less than 1:40 (an hour and forty minutes.)

For a bit of context, any swimming event over 10K is considered an ultramarathon, and the distance swum yesterday nearly doubles the distance of the minimal requirement. Next up for Denise is an inaugural event in September called the Mt. St. Helens Classic, hosted by the Northwest Open Water Swimming Association (NOWSA). This event is four ultramarathons in 4 lakes, swam in just 4 days after Labor Day Weekend.

I would like to mention that Denise is also the Head Women’s Swimming Coach for Chief Sealth International High School! She has been a West Seattle resident for nearly ten years.

Chelsie also sent the results from last weekend.

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First Admiral Music in the Parks concert and more for your West Seattle Thursday

July 17, 2025 10:16 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Pond Lily in Fauntleroy, photographed by Tom Trulin)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Whatever you’re growing, 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.

FILM SHOOT AT DON ARMENI: Reminder that, as reported here Wednesday, a film shoot will be happening at the south end of Don Armeni Boat Ramp‘s lot (1222 Harbor SW), until about 1 am, but the boat facilities themselves will remain open.

(added) ‘GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON’: Protest planned in The Junction at California/Alaska, 11 am-1 pm, in memory of Rep. John Lewis.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open today and every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

WADING POOLS: Three of the city’s West Seattle wading pools are operating today – 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) is 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.

MOVIE AT THE LIBRARY: Southwest Library will host an all-ages screening of “The Minecraft Movie” at 2:30 pm. (9010 35th SW)

DROP-IN CHESS: Teens are invited 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 Marigold Wood-Fired Pizza.

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

POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Monthly “happy hour” for evening advocacy-postcard-writing, 5-7 pm at Great American Diner & Bar (4752 California SW).

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!

SOFTBALL WATCH PARTY: The West Seattle Little League Softball 10U All-Stars go for the state championship tonight in Vancouver (WA), and as noted here Wednesday, West Wings (2329 California SW) is hosting a watch party at 6 pm.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run.

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.

ADMIRAL MUSIC IN THE PARKS: First of three free Thursday night concerts presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, 6:30 pm, featuring Lookout Mountain Lookout at Belvedere Park (3600 SW Admiral Way). BYO chair, blanket, etc. And if you knit, join the Seattle Yarn knitting circle during the concert!

LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: Flür, Daughters of Venus, As You Wish, all ages, doors 6, music 7, at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm in-person meeting at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).

DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Cide, 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!

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Humpbacks in Elliott Bay

July 17, 2025 8:49 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | Whales

Three humpback whales are reported to be in Elliott Bay this morning. They were seen westbound from the marina near Magnolia less than an hour ago. Let us know if you see/have seen them!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Thursday info, with extended heat alert

July 17, 2025 6:00 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, July 17, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The heat alert has been extended until 5 pm today. Wednesday’s high was 94, but some cooldown is expected. Today’s high is expected to be in the 80s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:29 am; sunset will be at 9:00 pm.

ROAD WORK

-Three weeks of major nighttime work ahead on and around 16th SW in White Center have begun – details here.

-Admiral Bridge work continues, with both directions now carried on the south side instead of the north side.

PARKING ALERT

A film shoot will use the south side of Don Armeni Boat Ramp after 11 am today; it’s also chinook season. Here’s what we found out.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.

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).

WEEKEND ALERT

The West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K on Saturday (July 19) mean parking restrictions and road closures on and near California SW from Admiral to south of Edmunds. Heed the signs – they tow on parade morning if necessary! There will be bus reroutes Saturday too. Restrictions are in place 7 am-3 pm

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another naked burglary, this time with arrest

July 17, 2025 12:44 am

| 22 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

One more crime report to publish before the night is out. We obtained the police-report narrative for one more commercial burglary, this one resulting in arrest.

It happened just after 4 am Tuesday morning. The report redacts the business name but refers to a “restaurant” in the 4200 block of SW Morgan, and Ezell’s is the only business matching that description. Police were called after witnesses heard glass break and saw a naked man enter the restaurant, followed by a “cloud of yellow smoke inside.”

Officers found a shattered front window, a “very large rock” on the ground next to the window, and blood droplets all around, including some inside the restaurant. They learned that a delivery driver reported seeing a man use the rock to break the window, climb through it and grab a fire extinguisher, then spraying it around the seating area, staying inside for about five minutes before leaving, walking westbound on Fauntleroy Way, with the fire extinguisher still in hand. Around 5 am, police got a call about a man matching the burglar’s description – including the lack of clothing – sitting at an apartment complex not too far away, appearing to be in crisis, clutching a “fist-sized” rock. Officers tried to get him to put down the rock; he didn’t, and would not respond to their verbal commands, the report narrative says. Eventually he got up, pulled the building fire alarm, began approaching the officers, and one of them fired a 40mm projectile at him, knocking him down. He was taken into custody and transported to a hospital; he was identified through a debit card found near him as a 27-year-old Delridge resident. He remains in jail this morning in lieu of $10,500 bail; the jail docket says he spent three days there earlier this month related to accusations of resisting arrest and unlawful transit conduct.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: RV bust nets guns, drugs (updated Thursday)

July 16, 2025 9:30 pm

| 20 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL 9:30 PM REPORT: A narcotics investigation in West Seattle led to the seizure of an RV, drugs, and guns today. We learned about this from Southwest Precinct Officer German Barreto at the just-concluded Morgan Community Association quarterly meeting (lots of hot topics, full report to come). He said it happened at 26th SW and SW Cambridge this afternoon; at least four guns were seized, along with various quantities of suspected drugs, and the RV. Its resident could not be booked into King County Jail because of serious medical issues, he said, but the case will be submitted for charges.

1 PM THURSDAY UPDATE: We followed up with SPD, and they’ve just posted additional details via SPD Blotter:

… Wednesday’s arrest marked the culmination of an investigation into reports of drugs being purchased at the vehicle, parked in the 2600 block of Southwest Cambridge Street. In addition to dealing drugs, the RV occupants are also accused of running a fencing operation – purchasing stolen items from people and paying in cash and or drugs.

Seattle police narcotics detectives, as well as Southwest Precinct officers, say they saw foot traffic going in and out of the RV during the several weeks long investigation.

On Wednesday, officers arrested one of the RV occupants without incident. Officers coordinated to have the area cleaned and the RV removed.

In total police recovered:

159.9g of Fentanyl
38.8g of Methamphetamine
Two shotguns
Two handguns
Ammunition
Scale, phone, cash

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COUNTDOWN: Three days until West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K!

July 16, 2025 8:14 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Saturday’s doubleheader is getting ever closer – you can run or walk the Float Dodger 5K, and then watch (if you don’t happen to be among the hundreds of people set to participate) the West Seattle Grand Parade! We have a few more notes tonight, looking ahead:

(WSB file photo)

FLOAT DODGER 5K: Still time to register and avoid the last-minute price increase! The 5K starts from the field at Hiawatha at 9:30 am Saturday (July 19). Even if you’re not running/walking, come down early and visit the booths – among them, the West Seattle Food Bank, to which West Seattle Runner (which presents Float Dodger) donates proceeds. They’re offering an extra way to support the WSFB (which needs it more than ever) – a new raffle for $5/ticket, with your chance to win tickets to the September 25 Taste of West Seattle. (The WSFB’s other raffle, the Summer Raffle with prizes from local businesses, sold out for the first time ever!) Bring your $5 and look for the WSFB tent at Hiawatha on Saturday morning. And if you want to register for the Float Dodger 5K, do that here!

(WSB photo, 2024 Grand Parade)

WEST SEATTLE GRAND PARADE: Official parade start time from California/Lander is 11 am, but the leadoff group, the Seattle Police Motorcycle Drill Team, will likely start at about 10:45 am. They’re expecting at least eight motorcycle officers this year, twice the size of the comeback unit last year. One big decision if you haven’t made it already is where to watch – this year there’s an official list of “watch parties” – including:

Cherry Consignment
Falafel Salam
Hotwire Coffee
Sebastiano’s Natural Wines
WEND Jewelry
West Seattle Realty

One of those businesses has an entry in the parade too – Falafel Salam. Parade coordinator Michelle Edwards explains that the businesses on the list “are the businesses that the West Seattle Grand Parade Committee is currently aware of having and promoting a parade watch party at their business. There may be others that we don’t know about, but we are excited to see so many businesses bringing the community together for the parade and would love to know if anyone else is having one!” Email westseattleparade@gmail.com (and tell us too!). … For previous parade previews, click “West Seattle Grand Parade” under the headline and scroll through our archive!

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UPDATE: Film crew to take over part of Don Armeni Boat Ramp lot for most of Thursday

July 16, 2025 4:30 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photo)

4:30 PM: Thanks for the tips on this. Don Armeni Boat Ramp is festooned with a sizable amount of “no parking” signs that will be in effect 11 am tomorrow (Thursday, July 17) to 1 am Friday. The supplementary-info sheet on some of the signs attributes it to “filming,” which happens at the park from time to time given its incredibly scenic skyline backdrop. We asked Seattle Parks for information before we knew that, as one reader was particularly concerned, saying that tomorrow is a major fishing day. Parks tells WSB, after asking the city Film and Special Events Office, “It looks like the boat ramp will NOT be closed, nor will the ramp itself be impacted. The impacts are only to the southern portion of the lot where parking will be reserved, and that portion of the lot being fully closed after 7 pm. There will be police on site to direct traffic where needed and inform folks about what is going on. Additionally, the impacts are ONLY tomorrow. The reason the 18th is on the signage is because they are filming until 1 am.” (The contact on the signage is for a regional location scout.)

6:21 PM: A few additions directly from the Special Events Office:

-This is a commercial film production.
-The production is working in the south end of the parking lot.
-The boat ramp, north entrance, and north-end parking will be open and unimpacted, and access to launch from the ramp will be maintained all day.
-Work in the south-end of the lot includes parking space restrictions from 11:00AM Thursday to 1:00AM Friday, and through-traffic restrictions from 7:00 PM Thursday to 1:00 AM Friday.
-The production is aware of the opening of chinook salmon season and will be communicating on the day with boaters and park visitors to the nature of the parking space and access restrictions and timing.

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