West Seattle, Washington
14 Sunday
From the inbox this morning two readers report stolen cars:
STOLEN BLUE JUKE: From Candice:
Emailing to report a car stolen from the Admiral Junction Safeway parking lot on Saturday night shortly after midnight.
The car was stolen in a 5-minute window, so it’s likely the lot is being prowled. Apparently several cars have been stolen from the lot lately!
It’s is a dark blue 2016 Nissan Juke with no distinguishing marks/stickers on it. The license plate is CES6149 – reports of any sightings would be GREAT.
UPDATE: This car has been found.
STOLEN GREEN SOUL: Stolen from David less than a block south of the city limit:
Would like to post about my car being stolen over in White Center behind the the Sea Mar clinic on SW 98th street between 14th SW and 15th SW. This was Saturday night of the 22nd occurred between 8:55 pm and 12:15 am. Green 2015 Kia Soul. Had a bumper sticker of “Ms. Kiwi” and green rhinestone license plate frames. License plate CEA9712. King County Sheriff’s Office case number C23024310.
Haven’t been to this year’s Alki Art Fair yet? Today’s your last chance to go – or to go back!
Meet creators and be creative! Hours today: Booths 10 am-6 pm (on the promenade), music 11-5 pm (main stage east of the Bathhouse, smaller stage on the promenade)
*Artist/vendor info here
*Music info here
*Food vendors listed here (scroll down)
*Free Kids’ Zone
Alki Art Fair community co-sponsors include WSB. … Here’s what else you can do in West Seattle today/tonight:
OPERA IN THE PARK: Family-friendly 35-minute free Seattle Opera performance of “Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World,” 10 am at Highland Park (1100 SW Cloverdale).
OFF-LEASH AREA LOCATION OPINIONS: As we’ve been previewing, Seattle Parks plans a pop-up in The Junction 10 am-2 pm to talk with people about its future dog-park sites, including either Lincoln Park or West Seattle Stadium. The first announcement listed Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska) as the pop-up site but a later one mentioned “the Farmers’ Market” – we’ll update if we find out precisely which site. (Update: In the park.)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is back to its usual block, between SW Alaska and SW Oregon on California, offering summer produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, plant starts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK OPEN: 11 am-8 pm daily through Labor Day, shine or rain. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
E.C. HUGHES WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (2805 SW Holden)
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
COLMAN POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, this outdoor salt-water pool is back open, noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day. See the session schedule here.
POP-UP PANADERIA: That’s what Bakescapade is bringing to Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) 1-4 pm today.
NO ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Sunday tours will resume next weekend.
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK X 4: A four-performance day/night for GreenStage in West Seattle – first, at Delridge Playfield (4501 Delridge Way SW), two shorter “Backyard Bard” performances – “Comedy of Errors” at 3 pm, “Cymbeline” at 4:15. Then two full-length plays – “Henry VI, part 1” at 3 pm, and “Romeo and Juliet” at 7 pm, both in Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).
HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH: 3 pm matinee at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) closes the run – and it’s sold out, according to the AW website.
CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: Monthly gathering at 3 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – our calendar listing has info on today’s topic.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Also at C & P, Halcyon the Mermaid performs harp music 3-5 pm.
SUNSET GONG BATH & MEDITATION: 7:30 pm at Lowman Beach (7017 Beach Drive SW) – details in our calendar listing. $25 suggested donation.
SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.
EXTRA LATE-NIGHT WATER-TAXI RUNS: Going to see Taylor Swift? Again tonight, the West Seattle Water Taxi adds extra late-night runs – details here. (Extra bus service, too.)
Something for our calendar – one-time or recurring? Email us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Today’s West Seattle Grand Parade was much more than floats and boats and bands – hundreds of people were part of it. That included honorees, like Grand Marshal Whitney Moore, executive director of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, above, and Orville Rummel Trophy for Outstanding Community Service recipient Erik Bell, founder of A Cleaner Alki, below:
Accompanying his company’s entry was Gary Potter of Potter Construction (longtime WSB sponsor), whose “Our New Home” banner celebrated their recent headquarters move (the Potter truck started the parade blasting the Starship classic “We Built This City”):
And with voting under way for the August 1st primary election, no surprise that eight candidates were represented in the parade, including four of the eight running for the open City Council District 1 seat – Maren Costa:
Mia Jacobson:
Phil Tavel (with The Bubbleman)
Rob Saka walked with the 34th District Democrats, as did School Board District 6 Director candidate Gina Topp:
One of the other two School Board candidates, Maryanne Wood, also was in the parade.
So were entries supporting two County Council District 8 candidates – Sofia Aragon:
And Teresa Mosqueda:
(If you need an election refresher, here’s ours.)
This parade even had a Sasquatch sighting:
And a shout-out to the Adopt-a-Street cleanup crew who walked – with grabbers – down the parade route as the last entry:
8:22 PM: A sizable Seattle Fire response is headed by land and sea to a report of a sailboat possibly in trouble off the 10400 block of Maplewood Place SW [map], north of The Arroyos. Updates to come.
8:33 PM: Responders are looking for the sailboat, described as under 20 feet, blue hull, one person on board.
8:40 PM: They’re not finding any signs of someone in trouble, so they’re ending the search.
Reminder – tomorrow in The Junction, you can talk with Seattle Parks reps about where you think West Seattle’s second off-leash area (aka dog park) should be. Two locations are under consideration, as first reported here last month: Upper Lincoln Park or just south of West Seattle Stadium.
So far, we haven’t heard of organized opposition to the stadium-adjacent site, but wildlife advocates have been lining up against the Lincoln Park site. Whatever you think, you’re invited to drop by Parks’ pop-up 10 am-2 pm tomorrow (Sunday, July 23rd) in The Junction. Note: The original Parks announcement said they’ll be at Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska), while a subsequent reminder said the Farmers’ Market – so look there if you don’t find them in the park. If you haven’t already answered the online survey, that’s supposed to stay open through the end of this month – find the link, and details of the city’s proposals, by going here.
(Photo courtesy West Seattle Grand Parade coordinator Michelle Edwards)
For the eighth consecutive West Seattle Grand Parade, judges have chosen the Seattle Public Schools All-City Band, directed by Dr. Marcus Pimpleton, as the grand-prize winner. Barbara Edwards leads the judging team (above), who watched from various spots along the route, then met post-parade to make their decisions. Here’s the list (update; we’re still adding more photos and video):
OVERALL GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
1st Place: Seattle Schools All-City Band
2nd Place: Kennedy Catholic Marching Band and Cheer
3rd Place: Holy Rosary School
COMMUNITY ADULT
1st Place: Lions Club of West Seattle
2nd Place: West Seattle Chamber of Commerce & Battle for West Seattle Winning Softball Team
3rd Place: West Seattle Yacht Club
COMMUNITY YOUTH
1st Place: Our Lady of Guadalupe School
2nd Place: Girl Scouts Rock
3rd Place: West Seattle Jr. Football and Cheer
MARCHING BANDS
1st Place: Seattle Schools All-City Band
2nd Place: Kennedy Catholic High School Marching Band
3rd Place (Tie): Washington Scottish Pipe Band and All Star Drumline
COMMERCIAL
1st Place: Dragonfly Yoga Pilates Dance
2nd Place: Dub Sea Fish Sticks
3rd Place: “There’s No Place Like Home” Village Green Retirement
DANCE TEAMS
1st Place: Joyas Mestizas
2nd Place: Grupo Folklorico Citlali
3rd Place: Leikarringen of Leif Erikson Lodge 2-001
CHEER TEAMS
1st Place: West Seattle High School Cheer
2nd Place: Chief Sealth High School Cheer
3rd Place: Kennedy Catholic High School Cheer
PERFORMING ACTS
1st Place: Seafair Pirates
2nd Place: Nile Shriners
3rd Place: Endolyne Children’s ChoirCARS & ANTIQUE CARS
1st Place: Corvette Marque Club of Seattle
2nd Place: 1942 American LaFrance Fire Engine3rd Place: Pacific Northwest Delorean Club
DRILL TEAMS, SR.
1st Place: Epitome Family Entertainment
CONVEYED FLOATS
1st Place: Holy Rosary School
2nd Place: Seafair Commodores
3rd Place: Pacific NW Naval Air Museum Replica NimitzFESTIVAL ROYALTY
1st Place: The Daffodil Festival
2nd Place: Fathoms o’ Fun Festival – Legends Around the Sound
Congratulations to all!
P.S. The award ceremony was held post-parade at the Senior Center of West Seattle. Here are two photos from the Parade Committee, showing new parade participants accepting their trophies – Prentice Family Entertainment (with parade chair Keith Hughes at left and parade coordinator Michelle Edwards at right).
And Dragonfly Yoga and Pilates:
If you want to compare, here’s the list (with photos and video) of last year’s winners. Before that, the parade, like so many things, was on pandemic hiatus in 2020 and 2021.
This year, as in some past years, we’ll be publishing themed groups of photos from the West Seattle Grand Parade, starting with the boats! Above, the DubSea Fish Sticks baseball team from White Center. Below, the Miss HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) hydroplane:
The Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum from Oak Harbor brought its replica of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) aircraft carrier, which is based in Bremerton:
Another replica – the Sea Scouts’ Yankee Clipper, sponsored by the Lions Club of West Seattle:
And it’s not a Seattle parade without the Seafair Pirates‘ Moby Duck:
The Seafair Commodores‘ parade boat carried festival royalty:
Last but by no means least, parading in their home port, the West Seattle Yacht Club:
Much more to come, including the list of winners – this is a judged parade – when we get it!
Proud mom Stephanie Jordan reports that her daughter Claire Gordon (above left) is a national champion! Claire “earned a gold medal in the U17 Women’s 4+ at the 2023 USRowing Summer National Championships last weekend – she rowed stroke seat for the U19 Selection Development team. Claire also won a bronze medal in the Women’s U23 8+, which is particularly cool because she’s just 14!” Claire will be a West Seattle High School sophomore this year, after finishing her freshman year remotely from Ohio, where she was training. Stephanie tells us more about Claire:
-She rows 6 days a week during the Fall and Spring seasons at Green Lake.
-She earned a silver medal as NW Junior Regionals in the Women’s JV 8+ in May and competed with the Green Lake Varsity 8+ boat at Junior nationals in Sarasota last month.
-Her results this season earned her one of 44 spots at the U19 Selection Development camp (part of the Olympic Development Program), where she trained for 4 weeks with rowers from across the United States
-Claire tried rowing two summers ago at the encouragement of her older brother William, who is also a NW Youth Regional gold medalist in the Men’s 4V 8+, and a junior at WSHS
William also rows for Green Lake, Stephanie tells us, a program managed through Seattle Parks. Green Lake is also the site of the next regatta on August 5th. P.S. You can see Claire’s race in this video.
Just in case you were wondering – the parade is over (lots of coverage to come) and California SW has reopened. It ran exactly an hour at the California/Lander start and the last entries were in the final block before Edmunds around 12:45 pm. The bus reroutes should be ending shortly if they haven’t already.
My Team Triumph – a program through which people with disabilities experience endurance events – was the first starting wave at this year’s Float Dodger 5K a little over an hour ago, preceding the West Seattle Grand Parade. New start/finish location this year for Float Dodger 5K, since the Hiawatha field is closed for turf replacement – activities moved a bit south to the West Seattle High School parking lot. The starting waves continued with the “fast runners”:
The “medium runners”:
The “casual runners”:
And the “power walkers”:
West Seattle Runner presents the Float Dodger 5K, with proceeds going to the West Seattle Food Bank. We’re told 624 people had registered by the 9:30 am start. First to cross the finish line (added) – 23-year-old Isaac Weber, in 16:22:
(Results are here – the oldest timed finisher was 81, the youngest, 6!) A free-to-participate Kids’ Dash happened half an hour before the run/walk.
Community co-sponsors helped power the Float Dodger 5K, including WSB sponsor Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle.
ADDED 2:34 PM: Here’s the actual float-dodging (featuring the Rotary “End Polio Now” float):
Your 5K cooordinators, Lori and Tim McConnell of West Seattle Runner:
On behalf of the beneficiaries, today’s West Seattle Food Bank booth crew:
And the fierce faces of the young runners as they awaited the Kids’ Dash:
The events concluded with root-beer floats for all and (for the 21+ participants) a WS Runner beer garden.
(Latest image from SDOT camera in heart of The Junction)
One of summer’s biggest days! And that just counts what’s happening in West Seattle; there’s also that megaconcert across the bay … but first:
STREET CLOSURES/BUS REROUTES FOR 5K & PARADE The Float Dodger 5K and West Seattle Grand Parade take over California Avenue SW between Admiral Way and SW Edmunds until early afternoon. Bus rerouting for the 50, 128, and C Line starts at 5 am. Parking restrictions will be enforced starting at 7 am – move your car by then! Street closures will be phased in starting around 8 am. More info here.
FLOAT DODGER 5K West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) presents the 5K as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank. This year it starts from the West Seattle High School parking lot (3000 California SW) because of the field work at Hiawatha. Timeline: Last-minute registration opens at 8:30 am, a free kids’ dash happens at 9, and then the 5K starts at 9:30. Root-beer floats afterward!
WEST SEATTLE GRAND PARADE A tradition since 1935! More than 70 entries, as previewed here, will make their way down California (here’s the route), some on wheels, some on foot, many West Seattle neighbors, plus some of the big parade stars seen all around the city (Seafair Pirates and Clowns, All-City Band) … go grab a spot on the curb somewhere along the route (if you want to hear announcements, be near California/Charlestown or California/Alaska), and have fun waving, clapping, and cheering, The parade starts at California/Lander at 11 am and heads south
Then down at the beach:
ALKI ART FAIR, DAY 2: Second of three days for the Alki Art Fair, which happens in and around the Bathhouse (60th/Alki) and along the promenade.
*Hours today: Booths 10 am-6 pm, music until 7 pm
*Artist/vendor info here
*Music info here
*Food vendors listed here (scroll down)
*Free Kids’ Zone
Alki Art Fair community co-sponsors include WSB. And here’s what else is happening:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-2 pm, the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center will be open, with a sizable selection of student-grown plants. (6000 16th SW, north end of campus)
SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: The farmers’ market on the grounds of Hope Academy (9421 18th SW) is happening every week, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, prioritizing vendors of color and presented by African Community Housing & Development.
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Learn about Marco’s music here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
RAT CITY RUMBLE: Another block party in White Center! Lariat Bar is leading this one, 11 am-5 pm, with 16th SW closed between 98th and 100th, and wrestling matches – in keeping with Lariat’s theme – among the highlights. Here are the details via our partner site White Center Now.
SPRAYPARK OPEN: Highland Park Spraypark is open daily, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale-
COLMAN POOL OPEN: The public is welcome at the city-run outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 12-7 pm (session schedule here).
2 WADING POOLS OPEN: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 12-7 pm, in the upper park near the north play area; Hiawatha (2700 California SW), 12-5:30 pm, in the park northeast of the community center.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) 12-4 pm.
VISCON CELLARS: 1-6 pm, visit the tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – selling wine by the glass or bottle. Learn about their wines here! (5910 California SW)
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm, with student-produced wines available. North end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)
FREE VACCINATIONS: Looking for a COVID vaccination or booster? 2-5:30 pm, get it free – no health insurance required – at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
S2S FEST & S2S BIKE RIDE FINISH: Peace Peloton presents a festival of food/drink, music, and arts/crafts at Seacrest Park (1660 Harbor SW), 3-10 pm, including the 5 pm finish of the S2S (Summit to Sound) bicycle ride. You can RSVP for the festival for free by going here.
SOULFEST BLOCK PARTY: Starting at 4:30 pm, music, food, and fun will fill the site of this unique celebration in Seaview. Ticket link, music lineup, and more are here.
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Les Ailes performs in-store, live, free, all ages, at 6 pm. (4559 California SW)
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: 7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), GreenStage presents “Henry VI, part 1.” Free.
(Thursday night’s sunset, photographed by Jen Popp. Tonight’s sunset is at 8:56 pm)
AT KENYON HALL: Doors 7, music 7:30 pm with Kurt Lindsay and Mary Win. Info and reservation link are in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)
HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH: 7:30 pm, second-to-last performance at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor). Our calendar listing includes the ticket link – almost sold out when last we checked!
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm doors, 8 pm music, Signal Flags, The Jaydogs, Calli & the Boot ‘n’ Rally, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
EXTRA LATE-NIGHT WATER-TAXI RUNS: Got tix for Taylor Swift? Tonight and tomorrow, the West Seattle Water Taxi adds extra late-night runs – details here.
If you are planning a show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? … get it on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Received tonight from Andrew:
I had someone break into my house tonight in the 5700 block of Admiral Way. This individual identified herself as Sarah Rose and was chased out by my neighbor. She went up 59th and likely hid in someone’s yard to avoid police, who were called and responded. Case number is 23-206843.
(WSB file photo, Kennedy Catholic HS in past West Seattle Grand Parade)
Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade is just hours away, preceded by the Float Dodger 5K. Here’s a last look at what you need to know!
WHEN: The 5K starts at 9:30 am; the parade starts at 11 am.
WHERE: The parade starts from California/Lander and continues south on California to Edmunds – see the route here. The 5K travels the same route except for a start/finish slightly south, at West Seattle High School.
WHO: 70+ parade entries, 500+ 5K runners/walkers (you can still join them)
WHAT: Floats, all sorts of vehicles – cars, fire trucks, buses, boats – plus people walking, dancing, jumping, and rolling, drill teams, school groups, and yes, marching bands, like the All-City Band and Kennedy Catholic HS Band
GRAND MARSHAL: Whitney Moore, executive director of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, as noted here
ORVILLE RUMMEL TROPHY HONOREE: Erik Bell, founder of A Cleaner Alki, which has expanded to lead volunteers in stewarding a cleaner West Seattle in general – read more about him and the trophy here
PARADE PRESENTERS: The West Seattle Rotary Club Service Foundation presents the parade, which is planned and coordinated by volunteers
ANNOUNCERS: Led by West Seattle-residing journalist/broadcaster Brian Callanan and wife Christa Callanan at the main California/Alaska stand; the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle has a stand at California/Charlestown
AWARDS: The parade is judged and the winners will be announced post-parade (we’ll publish the list).
STREET CLOSURES/PARKING RESTRICTIONS: The latter kick in at 7 am (don’t risk getting your car towed!); the former start taking effect at 8 am. Also note that in addition to the route on California, some side streets near the start and end of the route are used for staging, so they are posted too. More info here. (P.S. Bus reroutes for Routes 50 and 128 and the C Line – info’s here.)
WHERE TO WATCH: Anywhere along the route! Be near California/Lander to be the first to see everyone get going; be at California/Charlestown or California/Alaska to hear the entries announced. (Some people stake out spots early.)
The first day of this year’s Alki Art Fair has just wrapped up. We made it there in time to wander the booths in brilliant evening sunshine. Not only is the AAF located right on the shore of Puget Sound – along the Alki Beach promenade – it’s also full of sea-inspired creators, like Maq Martin, who we found in the Emerging Artists tent between the Bathhouse and Statue of Liberty Plaza:
Also there is Stacey Sterling, the artist who led the sea-life community mural-painting at West Seattle Summer Fest last weekend:
She said she worked with 125 people during her two days at Summer Fest! … Continuing the sea-life theme, Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network volunteers are there to talk with you about what you might see on- and offshore;
Another local nonprofit, the Alki-based Southwest Seattle Historical Society, is there to talk with you about their work;
Lots of creative play opportunities for the youngest visitors, in the free play zone presented by Outer Space Seattle:
Music starts tomorrow (see the lineup here) but main-stage sponsor Canna West Culture Shop was there today, ready to talk with you about CBD:
You can also browse jewelry, apparel, handbag, many types and styles of creations. (See the full artist/creator/vendor list here.) Saturday’s hours are 10 am-6 pm for booths, music noon-7 pm: Sunday, 10 am-6 pm for booths, music 11 am-5 pm. (WSB is a community co-sponsor of the Alki Art Fair.)
6:56 PM: Thanks for the reports! We’ve received word of at least two humpbacks seen heading northbound off The Arroyos and Fauntleroy.
8:04 PM: Three whales! John and Jan caught their spouts on video:
Police have said at multiple recent community meetings that auto theft is the only category of property crime on the rise in West Seattle. Today is certainly contributing to the trend – we’ve received four more reports:
GREEN FOCUS: Cadence‘s car has a distinctive feature:
Around 12:30 am my car was stolen at gunpoint by two teenagers on the intersection of California and Graham by The Bridge Bar. Last seen heading south on California AVE. It is a green 2006 Ford Focus zx3 with underglow that is purple when the car is on. The license plate is CFG4285. Any details about it would be appreciated. This car is my baby and I love it.
Cadence says police have been contacted; a gunpoint theft would generally be classified as a robbery/carjacking, but we haven’t yet found the report number on the police log. (added) Report # is 23-205971.
GRAY TUCSON: Just texted as we wrote this roundup:
My parents just had their car stolen; we live right on 35th between Brandon and Dawson, It is a gray Hyundai Tucson with a license plate number of BSL3533; it was stolen within the last few hours.
Police report # to come for this too. (Update: 23-206657)
RED YUKON: From Gail:
I would like to report our 2005 GMC Yukon was stolen sometime between 11:00 and 7:00. 36th SW below the water tower. It’s red; license plate #CHA5090. Police report # 23-206152
GOLD VUE: Hanna reports her sister’s car was taken: “This happened yesterday evening in the parking lot of the Wells Fargo on California Ave and Admiral Way. The car is a 2008 gold Saturn Vue.” It had a temporary plate as it had just been transferred from a relative. We’re waiting for the police report #. (UPDATE: This car has been found.)
(WSB photos)
This afternoon, state and local cleanup crews were at the encampment across from the Arrowhead Gardens senior-living complex on Myers Way in southeast West Seattle. After photographing what they were doing, we asked WSDOT how exactly today’s work fits into the “resolution” plan detailed at a meeting Tuesday night (WSB coverage here). Here’s what WSDOT’s Brian Nielsen subsequently said in an email update:
As mentioned on Tuesday evening, last Friday WSDOT posted notice at the Myers Way encampment sharing that all operable vehicles needed to move off the site, urging individuals who have challenges moving their vehicles to reach out to outreach teams on site for assistance. Work wrapped up yesterday to place barrier to eliminate access for any new vehicles to the site. The City of Seattle also posted “No Parking” signs on both sides of Myers Way.
This is a very important step in WSDOT and our partners’ work to manage access and inhibit growth within the encampment. We also know there are inoperable vehicles that will likely remain onsite and will be addressed once the encampment is resolved.
I’m also glad to share that the pool and associated wood fencing has been removed. I know this garnered a lot of attention and for many was a symbol of how firmly entrenched this encampment was. We were able to successfully provide housing for the individual associated with these structures. Related to some of our discussion Tuesday evening, this individual was not initially interested in moving, but felt differently after working with the outreach team.
In coordination with the City of Seattle, a significant amount of debris and trash removal also occurred today, allowing for better access and sight lines as well as removing potential flammable material. Ongoing trash pickup will continue.
Also from Nielsen’s update: “While the timeline to resolution doesn’t have exact dates, it is one based on proven results. The (state Right Of Way Safety Initiative) has successfully addressed 30 encampments statewide with over 800 housing offers matched to people’s individual needs. Of those, 694 people remain in their housing options – that’s an 85% success rate in keeping people living indoors.”
What happened near 46th/Massachusetts in North Admiral around midnight sounds similar to what happened near 41st/Portland in Gatewood earlier this week. Terry sent photos and a note thanking neighbors for their heroism:
Big THANK YOU to all our neighbors in North Admiral who called 911 shortly before midnight last night and woke me and my husband to alert us about the fire on our property. There apparently was a loud explosion prior to the fire. Looking for the woman who turned on our garden hose and started to try to put out the flames before we were able to get out of the house – my husband took the hose from you but we were in such shock we were not able to properly thank you before you left. Kudos to the quick response from Seattle Fire and Police – the only damage appears to be to our landscaping.
(Added: WSB photos)
12:01 PM: Thanks for the tip. The Fauntleroy ferry dock is full and the offloading/loading of M/V Kittitas is delayed because of a problem with the apron, according to what we’re told at the dock. Terminal workers tell us it’s being worked on. Updates to come.
12:05 PM: To be more specific, we’re told it’s a power problem with the apron. It’s just been announced at the dock that an electrician has arrived but they don’t have an ETA for how soon this will be fixed.
12:16 PM: The Kittitas has left Fauntleroy headed back to Vashon since there’s no ETA, and cars waiting at Fauntleroy are being allowed to turn around and leave the dock.
12:21 PM: WSF has finally officially issued a bulletin about this, saying only, “The Fauntleroy Terminal in west Seattle is out of service until further notice due to necessary maintenance.”
(Latest image from WSF camera at dock)
1:19 PM: The empty Kittitas has returned to wait at Fauntleroy. Meantime, WSF is detouring boats to downtown: “Seattle-bound traffic from Vashon or Southworth will be diverted to Pier 52 to off-load. But traffic bound for Vashon will not be loaded at Pier 52.”
2 PM: The Kittitas has left again, apparently to be put into service on the diverted runs that will head from Vashon/Southworth to downtown. No updates on repair progress.
2:40 PM: WSF says repairs were “successful” and the Fauntleroy dock is in service again:
Operations out of the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal have resumed following successful repairs to the terminal bridge. Though the route will return to service, customers should anticipate longer than usual waits due to increased traffic. Boats are still attempting to move as much traffic and get back into position as quickly as possible …
Though it’s not mentioned in that update, Vessel Watch showed a third boat, M/V Issaquah, was summoned into service, at least temporarily.
2:53 PM: The King County Water Taxi is adding a run from downtown to Vashon at 3:30 pm to help with the backlog.
Each of these two reader reports is about two bicycles:
STOLEN BICYCLES: Zoe says thieves in this truck stole two electric folding bikes from her garage last night between 5:45 and 6:15:
It’s a Chevrolet Silverado that she says “drove by in the alley” off 35th SW between Andover and Dakota, “then came back again and stole the bikes … two men, one with white hair, wearing a mask.” The bikes are “a Jetson bike and Lectric Lite beige.”
DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN BICYCLES: From Nancy:
Two adult bicycles were left at my office building around 2 am this morning (July 21, 2023) in the 5400 block of California Ave SW. A light green Electra Cruiser 7 bicycle and a green Takara bicycle.
We don’t yet have police-report #s in either of these cases, so if you have specific information on any of these bikes, let us know and we’ll connect you. (Update) A commenter says they parked the last two bikes there intentionally; we’ve notified the person who reported them.
The Alki Art Fair headlines what’s up today/tonight in West Seattle. This is the first of three days, and it gets going at the beach – starting in the Bathhouse and vicinity (60th/Alki) and stretching west along the promenade.
*Hours today: 2-8 pm
*Artist/vendor info here
*Music info here
*Food vendors listed here (scroll down)
*Free Kids’ Zone
Alki Art Fair community co-sponsors include WSB. Here’s the rest of the lineup for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
GARDEN CENTER OPEN: Need more plants for your garden, containers, etc.? You can shop at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center, open with a wide variety of student-grown plants, until 2 pm. (North end of campus, 6000 16th SW)
ART POP-UP: Second of three days at 4500 California SW – open until 10 pm; details here.
SPRAYPARK OPEN: 11 am-8 pm, Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open daily.
SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Here’s the list of local sites where free food is available for kids on weekdays this summer, 11:30 am-1 pm lunch, 2-3 pm snacks.
ANNIVERSARY SALE: West Seattle’s only comic-book shop Tails to Astonish (4850 California SW) is having a sale the next two days: “Big sales on back issues and used trade paperbacks & hardcovers!” Open 11:30 am-7 pm today.
DELRIDGE AND HIAWATHA WADING POOLS OPEN: Noon-5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW and 2700 California SW)
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
COLMAN POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm on the shore at Lincoln Park; session schedule here.
SCRABBLE CLUB: You’re invited to play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café inside the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm on the north side of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), student-produced wine by the glass or bottle.
FLOAT DODGER 5K PACKET PICKUP: 3-6 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California; WSB sponsor), pick up your packet for tomorrow morning’s 5K – participants get 10% off store items while there!
VISCON CELLARS: Tonight, visit Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW).
WATCH PARTY: Outer Space Seattle (2820 Alki SW) continues its family-friendly Women’s World Cup watch parties – doors open 5:30 pm, kickoff at 6 pm tonight for USA vs. Vietnam. Adult and under-1-year-olds free; kids 1 and up, $14 for use of the playspace.
KENYON HALL SHOWCASE: Monthly showcase for singers and songwriters at Kenyon Hall. signups at 6, music at 6:30. More info in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK X 2: GreenStage has two free outdoor performances in West Seattle tonight at 7 pm:
–“Henry VI, part 1“ at Camp Long (5200 35th SW)
–“Romeo and Juliet” in Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Dublin Abbey performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm.
SUMMER SUNSET SOUND BATH: 7 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW), $35.
HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH: The musical is in its final weekend at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor). Our calendar listing includes the ticket link.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: The Evenings, Ruby Vision, Camp Hero, doors 8 pm, music 9 pm at The Skylark – $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW).
Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Another West Seattle Little League all-star team has won the district championship and is headed to state! This report and photo are from Amy:
The WSLL 8-10 team was undefeated in the District Championships last week and are headed to the State Championships in Othello, WA this weekend.
The team includes:
Blake Dennison
Cal Reed
Carter Kuhlmann
Clyde McCary
Elliott Jewett
Everett Harkins
Jason Ardales
Jude Dykgraaf
Konley Bissell
Owen Umeno
Reiar Anderson
Samuel ShigetaniManager: Randy Shigetani
Coach: Mike Jewett
Coach: Justin Dennison
6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, July 21st.
WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Clouds, then sunny, high in upper 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:33 am; sunset will be at 8:57 pm.
(Thursday moonset photo by James Bratsanos)
WEEKEND ALERTS
*The West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K this Saturday (July 22) will close California SW for several hours, morning to early afternoon, from Admiral to Edmunds, as well as some side streets. Here are the details of bus reroutes, street closures, and parking restrictions.
*Though surface traffic will NOT be affected, maritime traffic needs to know that the low bridge will only be able to open one leaf between 1 am Saturday and 5 am Monday – the full notice is on this webpage.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro – Back to regular schedules – check here for advisories. Note extra C and H Line trips for this weekend’s Taylor Swift concerts.
Water Taxi – Also planning extra late-night runs for this weekend’s concerts. Regular service today, though.
Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service. Check Vessel Watch to see where the boats are.
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!
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