West Seattle, Washington
21 Thursday
Proud dad David Chang shares this story of Fourth of July giving and gratitude:
We want to thank our community for overwhelming support during the 4th of July parade.
With your help, Sophia Chang, Mallory Browne, both 8 years old, and Gavin Chang, 11 years old (Sophia’s cousin visiting from Cherry Hill, NJ), were able to sell over 270 watermelon popsicles.
As planned, the proceeds were delivered to Seattle Children’s Hospital on Wednesday, totaling $266.48. Mr. Dondi Cupp, Senior VP, Chief Development Officer, graciously accepted the donation from our West Seattle community to help those in need of medical care at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
The kids sold the popsicles from a sidewalk stand. David explains, “A former classmate of Sophia recently needed care at Seattle Children’s Hospital, which prompted her to think about donating the proceeds to help children who are hurt and sick.”
Starting in exactly one week, work will be under way to convert the heart of The Junction into a festival zone for West Seattle Summer Fest!
The festival itself doesn’t officially start until 1 pm Friday (July 14th), but the night before has become Summer Fest Eve, a fun night to come to The Junction and walk in the closed-to-motorized-vehicles streets before the weekend wildness begins. Summer Fest Eve also coincides with the monthly West Seattle Art Walk, which is not a Junction-only event but has many Junction participants. You can preview them here – and if you’re up for live music that night, one of two Art of Music performances, 6 pm-7:45 pm, will be in The Junction:
Hopscotch will perform in the pop-up ground-level Senior Center of West Seattle space on the southeast corner of California/Oregon. Also planned for Summer Fest Eve – DancePowered‘s flash mob at the Walk All Ways crossing around 7:15 pm, buskers at KeyBank Plaza, and “tons of colored chalk lying around” for sidewalk/pavement art. See you in The Junction next Thursday! (Festival previews start tomorrow – you can also browse the festival website to preview vendors, activities, and of course the Friday/Saturday music schedules.)
(WSB photo from last year)
West Seattle’s next big summer event will bring a crowd to Alki Beach on Saturday (July 8th) for the Seafair Pirates’ Landing. We’ve checked with a spokespirate to get details. Like last year – unlike pre-pandemic years – this will be “just” a landing, not a daylong festival. They’re aiming to arrive around 1 pm, but we’re warned it could be a little earlier, or later. As usual, you’ll hear offshore cannon fire as they approach. On the beach, look for the taped-off area by Alki Bathhouse for the path they’re expected to follow on arrival. On the street, you’ll see their legendary parade boat, the Moby Duck; their spokespirate says they’re also planning to visit Christo’s on Alki, El Chupacabra, and the Benbow Room while in West Seattle.
P.S. Two weeks after the landing, you are invited to breakfast with the Pirates at Brookdale Admiral Heights – 8:30 am Saturday, July 22nd, before the West Seattle Grand Parade – details in our calendar listing.
In the comment section for this morning’s traffic watch, Ellen posted an alert about an “injured peregrine falcon” on the low-bridge path. A short time ago, we received this report and photo, sent by Tracy, explaining how the situation turned out:
(Photo by Sam D.)
This morning at 5:30 am on the Spokane Street Bridge bike path, a small group of morning bike commuters assisted in helping a fledgling peregrine falcon that had flown down from the nesting sites on the higher West Seattle Bridge.
We were able to place the young bird into a box with the help from volunteer Jenn from the Urban Raptor Conservancy. Patti from URC said, “She is now at PAWS to eat quail and grow her wings. We hope to release her to her parents in a few days.”Thanks to everyone who stopped to help this morning.
Something similar happened in 2020 (see that WSB story for more background on the bridge-nesting falcons). As for what’w happened since then, the URC’s 2022 report tells a mostly sad story.
Hyundai Elantras remain a popular target for car thieves, and Aimeé is looking for hers after it was stolen from an apartment-complex parking lot in the 6900 block of Delridge Way SW overnight. It’s a 2017 black Hyundai Elantra, license plate CCL2178, police report # 23-189708.
(Hazy early morning view, photographed by Ann Anderson)
Here’s what’s on the schedule for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE: 11 am presentation at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
SPRAYPARK OPEN: Daily operations continue at Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
HIAWATHA WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-6:30 pm. (2700 California SW)
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
COLMAN POOL CLOSED TO PUBLIC: Swim meet today, so no public sessions.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayers@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.
LOW-LOW TIDE: -3.0 feet at 1:47 pm. Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists are out too.
THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), Tacos El Guero will be visiting.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run!
DESIGN REVIEW FOR 1116 ALKI: As previewed here, the Southwest Design Review Board meets online at 5 pm to review the proposed 60-unit building at 1116 Alki Avenue SW. Here’s the design packet; the links to attend – and info on commenting – are here.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at The Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.
THURSDAY NIGHT CORNHOLE: Go play at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm.
HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH: Second week for the return of this hit musical at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor). Our calendar listing includes the ticket link.
JOKES AT THE JUNCTION: 8 pm comedy at Great American Diner (4752 California SW) – ticketing and other info in our calendar listing.
There’s even more in our calendar!
(WSB photos)
9:11 AM: Thanks for the tips. Police have closed 18th SW near the 7100 block [vicinity map] as they attempt to arrest someone who we are told is a suspect in a carjacking. The suspect is believed to be armed and at a particular residence. SWAT has been called in. Avoid the area.
9:47 AM: Going back through archived police-radio audio, the original incident was reported around 8:10 am as an attempted armed carjacking, nearby on 18th SW, with the would-be carjacker leaving the scene on foot.
10:25 AM: Not resolved yet. We’re continuing to monitor and will add updates when we have them.
10:54 AM: Just received video from an anonymous resident who says it shows the attempted carjacking – a grocery-delivery driver was dropping off the items when in the background, you see the person run up and get in the car. Though the video cuts off, the resident says the driver subsequently pulled the would-be carjacker out to keep him from stealing the car. (Video removed for now per request of the resident.)
11:10 AM: Police are closing off Dumar as well between 16th/Delridge.
12:43 PM: Still not resolved. Also of note, the road closures are rerouting Metro 128.
2:04 PM: Not resolved yet.
3:09 PM: Seventh hour.
4:14 PM: Eighth hour.
5:22 PM: They’ve declared the house “clear” – we’re going back over to verify. Meantime, what took all this time were the steps it took to get to that point. They had to get a view inside the house, which required breaking windows to get a drone inside. They also used various devices – from flashbangs to “pepper balls” and gas – with the aim of temporarily incapacitating anyone inside. The house has multiple levels, plus an attic/crawl space, so each of those levels took time to investigate. The SPD SWAT team was assisted by K-9s and by equipment from the King County Sheriff’s Office. Another time-consuming component is that a search warrant is required, so they have to get one drawn up and signed by a judge.
5:40 PM: Our crew has verified at the scene that no one was found in the house or its outbuildings. Streets in the area, including Dumar, have reopened.
8:49 AM: WSP reports the ramp from West Seattle Bridge to northbound I-5 is closed because of someone “throwing debris.” Also, there is a police response in Puget Ridge, on 18th SW – we’re on our way to find out more.
8:58 AM: Update from WSP, the debris suspect is in custody, and they’ll reopen the ramp once it’s cleaned up.
Earlier:
6:02 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Thursday, July 6th.
WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Another hot day: Sunny, hazy, high in the upper 80s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:19 am; sunset will be at 9:09 pm.
TRANSIT
Metro – Regular schedule, with trip cancellations and temporary route suspensions possible.
Water Taxi – The West Seattle WT is on its regular schedule. (Here are changes planned for the upcoming All-Star Week.)
Washington State Ferries – 2-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. See Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.
High Bridge – the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – alternate route across the river:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.
If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!
Thanks to Rosalie Miller for sharing four wildlife views from today’s low-low tide. Above, a Blood Star. Below, a Graceful Decorator Crab:
Next, a Lined Chiton:
And a Stiff-footed Sea Cucumber:
Rosalie says she saw them all on Alki today. Tomorrow (Thursday) you have one more chance at a low-low tide, out to -3.0 feet at about quarter till 2 pm; Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists will be out again too.
Ethan sent the photo and report:
There was a fire at Walt Hundley Playfield this evening, almost certainly caused by fireworks. Saw your coverage of the fire by the pond down the street and figured you should know about this one too.
So far, the Real-Time 911 log for today has, citywide, 22 “brush fire” notations, 6 “rubbish fire” notations, 5 “bark fire” notations, and 2 “dumpster fire” notations. Seattle residential fires believed to have been caused by people using fireworks include the one last night in Arbor Heights as well as one Sunday in the Olympic Hills neighborhood.
Tomorrow (Thursday, July 6th) at 5 pm, the Southwest Design Review Board meets online for its second “early design guidance” look at a residential project planned for 1116 Alki Avenue SW, replacing six standalone houses. The meeting includes a public-comment period; you can preview the new design options by looking at the packet here. Remember that in the “early design” phase, the project team is supposed to offer three options for the “massing” of the building – its size and shape – so these renderings do not show what the building would eventually look like, with materials, colors, etc. The three new options vary slightly but the building is proposed at six stories and around 60 units, with offstreet parking totaling at least the number of spaces required by the Alki Parking Overlay (one and a half spaces per residential unit). The project team’s “preferred option” would remove two trees that were much-discussed at the previous review (WSB coverage here), replacing them with four trees that would anchor two “corner gardens.” If you’re interested in attending Thursday’s meeting and/or commenting, go here to see how.
Thanks for the tips – Admiral Theater (2343 California SW) has added two new features:
MOMMY MATINEES: Fridays at 10 am, The Admiral has added special early, less-loud shows of selected movies from their current lineup, with babies and young children welcome. This is actually a comeback for a feature that the theater offered pre-pandemic – not just for mommies but for anybody caring for a very young child. UPDATE: Times vary. Here’s the list for this week (Friday, July 7):
Joy Ride (R)
Fri: 9:30 AMIndiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (PG-13)
Fri: 9:00 AMRuby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (PG)
Fri: 9:20 AMAsteroid City (PG-13)
Fri: 9:10 AM
R.CUPS: As mentioned on the marquee, The Admiral is now offering beverages in reusable r.Cups – one of the first theaters in the nation to do so: “r.Cups are collected, washed, sanitized, then used again & again & again. r.Cups can be used hundreds of times!”
P.S. If you’re considering a movie to get out of the heat, The Admiral is air-conditioned.
Thanks to Mike Y. for the photo of the Zhen Hua 23 as it passed West Seattle, northbound, this afternoon. That’s the ship we showed you June 23rd as it passed, southbound, headed for Tacoma, carrying four new port cranes from ZPMC in China. Two were dropped off at the Washington United Terminal in Tacoma; the other two are now on their way to Los Angeles. We’ll see a similar sight this fall when two new cranes are brought to West Seattle’s Terminal 5 for its second modernized berth.
ADDED: One more photo from today, sent by Jerry Simmons:
3:25 PM: Another brush-fire response – and this time it’s big enough that Seattle Fire has just upgraded it to “brush fire major.” It was described as at least 30 feet by 40 feet, in the 5900 block of High Point Drive. It’s near the pond, firefighters are telling dispatch.
3:30 PM: Added the photo above, from Erik O, who says this was sparked by “a large firework.”
3:34 PM: They’re getting a handle on it, so dismissing some of the response. Side note – we covered a similar fire in this spot, this time of year, eight years ago.
3:45 PM: If you’re in the area and noticing a helicopter, that’s just the helicopter that local TV stations share.
4:45 PM: The fire is extinguished but burned perilously close to homes, as photos shared by commenters show. (And the one added above, from Tori.) We’re there checking into the aftermath too.
4:58 PM: The charred slope is extensive – that’s the best we could do to show how extensive.
(SDOT camera images except as otherwise credited)
2:36 PM: As the traffic-camera image above shows, the westbound low bridge is blocked right now by a truck that lost control of a boat it was towing/carrying and people who are trying to help remedy the situation.
2:39 PM: Police have arrived at the scene.
2:48 PM: Thanks to Otto for the photo taken around 2:10 pm, showing the boat fell off its trailer.
3:39 PM: Still not cleared, but traffic is getting around.
4:30 PM: Tow rigs have now arrived.
5:03 PM: Eastbound traffic is being held, the live video feed shows, while one rig attempts to lift the boat.
5:37 PM: The boat has been moved – and now the low bridge is opening for maritime traffic.
(WSB photo, Camp Long, July 2022)
Several readers have asked recently about this year’s plan for summertime outdoor movies. The West Seattle Junction Association is presenting one movie event this summer, the newest Super Mario Brothers movie, Friday, August 18th, in the meadow at Camp Long (5200 35th SW), same location as last year’s movies. Start time will be “when it’s dark enough” (sunset on that date will be 8:16 pm). It’s free, and you’re encouraged to bring non-perishable food for the West Seattle Food Bank.
Other organizations are planning movies too: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene‘s Movies in the Park continue at Maarten Park next door (42nd/Juneau), with movies on the calendar for this Friday (July 7th) at 9 pm and August 4th at 8:40 pm. And as previously noted, Alki Beach Pride on Sunday, August 20th, also will include an outdoor movie, “Little Richard: I Am Everything,” at Alki Playfield (59th/Lander) around 8 pm.
Anybody else with outdoor-movie plans in West Seattle? Let us know so we can add to the list – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The executive director of Village Green Senior Living (WSB sponsor) in West Seattle is celebrating a milestone. Here’s the announcement we received:
Cheers to 30 years! Eva Thomas has been working for Village Green West Seattle, formerly known as Daystar, for 30 years officially as of June 10th; she is pictured here with director of operations Kim Salas and owner Diane Powell. Eva shared her story with her team and mentioned she wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. Eva started as a housekeeper and eventually became the Maintenance Director. She has worked almost each position in the community. In 2021 she became the Executive Director, and our team wouldn’t want any other fearless leader. So again, cheers to 30 years!
(Mount Rainier view from West Seattle, photographed by Jamie Kinney of jamiekinneyphotos.com)
Quiet morning but most of the usual Wednesday activities are back today/tonight – from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open 11 am-8 pm,. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
DELRIDGE WADING POOL: Noon-5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW)
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
COLMAN POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, this outdoor salt-water pool is open noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day. See the session schedule here.
LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -3.8 feet at 12:59 pm; Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists are out 11 am-3 pm at Constellation (63rd/Alki) and Lincoln (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) Parks.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Don’t replace it – repair it! Weekly event, 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
TRIVIA x 6: Here’s where to play tonight. At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) now offers trivia … at 7 pm, you can play trivia at the West Seattle Brewing Mothership (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW); Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm; there’s 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska); trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH’ Tonight’s performance of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) is at 7:30 pm – check here for tickets.
KARAOKE AT BENBOW ROOM: 9 pm-2 am – info in our calendar listing. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
If you are planning an event – presentation, meeting, performance, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, or … – that could be featured on West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar, tell us about it! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Many big West Seattle summer events are still to come – and many run on volunteer power. Among them, Alki Beach Pride, which is sending out this call:
Alki Beach Pride is on Sunday, August 20th and volunteers are needed for the day of. Short shifts are available throughout the day for a variety of tasks. Find out more at alkibeachpride.org – here’s where to sign up!
This year’s festival includes activities closing a section of Alki Avenue that afternoon/evening.
6:03 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Wednesday, July 5th.
WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny, high in the mid-80s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:18 am; sunset will be at 9:09 pm.
TRANSIT
Metro – Regular schedule, with trip cancellations and temporary route suspensions possible.
Water Taxi – The West Seattle WT is on its regular schedule. (Here are changes planned for the upcoming All-Star Week.)
Washington State Ferries – 2-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. See Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.
High Bridge – the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – alternate route across the river:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.
If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!
10:44 PM: Tonight, for SFD, “brush fire” is the catch-all classification for many fireworks-caused (or likely-fireworks-caused) fires. Last year on the 4th of July, the Real-Time 911 log (archived here) had one “brush fire” call. So far today/tonight (live log here), citywide, there are 34. Some were reported as tree fires, some as shrub fires, some as lawn fires. Some are park fires – we’ve heard Hamilton Viewpoint and Westcrest Park mentioned. Firefighters responding to one at 30th/Cambridge pleaded with the dispatcher for police help, saying they were dealing with people “who refuse to stop setting off fireworks.”
Some police are tied up with managing the Alki crowd – we counted 7 cars between the Bathhouse and Don Armeni before sunset, and right now they’re dealing with routing traffic out of Alki, since fireworks-watchers will be leaving, and the beach is technically closed for the night. Expect some temporary road closures if you have to head that way.
More as-it-happens notes as the night goes on.
11:07 PM: Next “brush fire” response – Solstice Park (whether the tennis courts or P-patch, we haven’t heard). … Another frequently used classification on the 4th is “rubbish fire” – 11 so far citywide tonight. One of those is reported right now in a trash receptacle near the Lincoln Park south lot. … Another brush fire at 18th/Henderson.
11:47 PM: Possible residential fire near 35th and 104th in Arbor Heights. … Texter says “mostly garage.” … First firefighters on scene say it’s a car fire “with exposure’ (to a structure) … Adding texted photo from Colby Blanton:
11:56 PM: SFD says the fire is under control. … The response is being reduced. They’re calling in the SFD investigator to determine how it started.
12:46 AM: Dispatchers have been trying for more than half an hour to get an officer to an assault report involving someone “deliberately” injured by fireworks. One officer was just about to go – and then had to be diverted for a report of someone seen firing a gun on 15th SW.
1:02 AM: Somebody finally became available for the assault call. … Fire calls have slowed down but citywide there’s still been nine calls classified brush, rubbish, or dumpster fire.
1:17 AM: Next fire call, a “brush fire” between West Seattle Stadium and the golf course. … A response in Riverview, at 11th/Webster, is NOT for fireworks/fire, but rather a vehicle collision.
1:29 AM: “Brush fire” in the parking lot of Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), “near a light pole.”
2:18 AM: Nothing since then, though we’re still hearing scattered detonations.
2:34 AM: For a different view (literally) of some of tonight’s West Seattle fireworks, check out this drone video that Ken tweeted at us (featuring one serious aerial display starting around 3:30 in).
ADDED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON: SFD says the fire in Arbor Heights was accidental, “likely caused by fireworks,” with damage estimated at $85,000.
Thanks to everyone who sent photos of tonight’s smoky dusk – the one above is from Gene Pavola. Air quality is expected to remain “moderate” for the next two days; the National Weather Service says wildfire smoke from Canada remains the primary problem. Earlier, looking north, the air was clear when Jerry Simmons photographed this scene at Anchor/Luna Park:
And Ant sent this view of sea life during summer’s lowest low tide today:
Tomorrow’s low-low tide is almost as low – -3.8 feet just before 1 pm.
Cameron and Pete Moores are the C & P in their C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) – but if you’ve seen the online posts for C & P, you know the two initials always stand for a different phrase relevant to the topic of the moment. This afternoon, “community party” would have applied, as that’s why the coffeehouse held a crowd of people, there to celebrate C & P Coffee’s 20th anniversary. (Which actually was on Valentine’s Day, they admit, observing that winter isn’t ideal party weather.) Special guests helping mark the milestone were the poets of PoetryBridge, one of the community groups that calls C & P their home away from home:
They put together commemorative poetry for the occasion, and read it in the garden out back, after a few words from Pete:
(Read the poem here.) C & P – which already has a Peace Pole – also now has a Poetry Tree:
It’s been a little over five years since another big party at C & P, one at which the Moores expressed gratitude for the community campaign that helped them rescue C & P from redevelopment. (PoetryBridge presented a poem for that occasion, too.)
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