West Seattle, Washington

01 Thursday

35℉

month : 07/2023 303 results

West Seattle Grand Parade, Float Dodger 5K, Alki Art Fair, Rat City Rumble, more for your Saturday
July 22, 2023 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Grand Parade, Float Dodger 5K, Alki Art Fair, Rat City Rumble, more for your Saturday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(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!

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Neighbor chases away burglar
July 21, 2023 11:43 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

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.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE GRAND PARADE & FLOAT DODGER 5K: One more look at what to know for Saturday
July 21, 2023 10:03 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news

kennedy(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.)

Share This

CONTINUING ALL WEEKEND: Alki Art Fair showcases coastal creativity
July 21, 2023 8:41 pm
|    Comments Off on CONTINUING ALL WEEKEND: Alki Art Fair showcases coastal creativity
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

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.)

Share This

WHALES: Three humpbacks off West Seattle
July 21, 2023 6:56 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

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:

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 4 more stolen-vehicle reports
July 21, 2023 5:01 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

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.)

Share This

MYERS WAY: Cleanup crews remove fencing, pool from encampment
July 21, 2023 3:44 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Myers Way | West Seattle online

(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.”

Share This

Neighbors’ fast action stops North Admiral post-explosion fire from spreading
July 21, 2023 2:32 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

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.

Share This

UPDATE: Fauntleroy ferry dock reopens after electrical problem takes it out of service for almost 3 hours
July 21, 2023 12:01 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

(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.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Two bicycles stolen, two bicycles found
July 21, 2023 11:42 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

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.

Share This

Alki Art Fair day 1, outdoor Shakespeare x 2, much more for your West Seattle Friday
July 21, 2023 10:39 am
|    Comments Off on Alki Art Fair day 1, outdoor Shakespeare x 2, much more for your West Seattle Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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!

Share This

CONGRATULATIONS! More baseball champs headed for state
July 21, 2023 9:22 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

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 Shigetani

Manager: Randy Shigetani
Coach: Mike Jewett
Coach: Justin Dennison

Share This

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday info + weekend notes
July 21, 2023 6:03 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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!

Share This

UPDATE: Car-on-side crash on westbound West Seattle Bridge
July 20, 2023 11:54 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

11:54 PM: Police are at the scene of what they describe as a rollover crash on the westbound West Seattle Bridge, by the onramp from 1st Avenue South.

11:56 PM: Seattle Fire is now sending a “rescue extrication” response.

12 AM: Police say they’re temporarily blocking the westbound bridge. Meantime, arriving SFD units describe this as a car-on-side crash.

12:03 AM: Firefighters say no one is trapped, so they’re downsizing the response.

12:40 AM: Officers just told dispatch they’re reopening the bridge. Meantime, we haven’t heard any info about injuries, so we’ll follow up with SFD.

1:07 AM: Added a photo sent by Valentine, who reports helping pull the driver out of her car and says she was taken to a hospital.

9:22 AM: SFD confirms the 19-year-old woman was in stable condition when taken to a hospital.

Share This

PARADE PREVIEWS: What to know about traffic, parking, bus reroutes Saturday ; plus – meet your Grand Marshal
July 20, 2023 11:46 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news

The West Seattle Grand Parade is is less than 36 hours away! Two more previews before this night is out:

(Seafair Pirates in 2019 West Seattle Grand Parade)

PARADE TRAFFIC: The parade starts at 11 am at California/Lander and heads south on California to Edmunds, and it’s preceded on that route by the Float Dodger 5K, starting at 9:30 am. The street closures and bus reroutes start earlier. Here’s what to know:

*Bus reroutes start at 5 am – you can see the changes for C Line, Route 50, and Route 128 buses by going here

*Street-closure signs are staged as early as 6 am

*No-parking enforcement starts at 7 am – please move vehicles before then

*Police start fully closing California from Admiral to Edmunds at 8 am – it’s a phased closure that will be complete by 9 am

*To travel north alongside the parade route, use 45th Avenue SW from Erskine to Oregon, 44th Ave SW from Oregon to Stevens, 45th Ave SW from Stevens to Admiral Way

*PCC (WSB sponsor) is accessible from 44th and Stevens, but don’t exit north through the alley; Admiral Safeway is accessible from Admiral Way SW and 42nd Avenue SW; you’ll have to exit back to Admiral Way.

GRAND MARSHAL: In addition to Erik Bell riding in the parade as the Orville Rummel Trophy winner, you can cheer for Grand Marshal Whitney Moore. She is about to leave the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce after two years as its executive director – two years during which energy and resiliency was vital, to help local businesses get through the pandemic and bridge closure. Whitney was hailed when she started the job as bringing “talents in community engagement, leadership, innovation, and a passion for small businesses” as well as “many years of leadership, communications, event planning, and strategic marketing experience.” Her future plans include completing a children’s book! Lately she’s been presiding as the Chamber celebrates its centennial, and by riding in the Grand Parade, she’s part of a tradition that’s been around almost that long. We asked for her thoughts on being this year’s Grand Marshal: “I’m honored to be the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade in West Seattle, Best Seattle! This is such a fun event and I love how many people it brings out to our local businesses year after year. West Seattle is the best community to be a part of and I’m humbled to be leading this year’s parade down our iconic California Ave SW.”

Share This

VIDEO: Double bill at season’s second Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented Summer Concert @ Hiawatha
July 20, 2023 10:20 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: Double bill at season’s second Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented Summer Concert @ Hiawatha
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photos, video)

Another idyllic night on the east lawn of Hiawatha Community Center, as the comeback season continues for the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s summer concert series. Tonight, a double bill – Midpak:

And the School of Rock:

So many student musicians on that part of the bill, we got a group pic too:

Next Thursday night (July 27th) at 6:30 pm, the ANA presents this year’s third and final concert, with Ranger and the Re-Arrangers. Free, everyone welcome, bring your own chair/blanket!

Share This

Fire at Westcrest Park
July 20, 2023 9:41 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

Thanks to everyone who sent photos from what Seattle Fire dispatched as a “brush fire” sweeping across a slope at Westcrest Park about an hour ago. SFD sent Engine 11, which was on scene for about 20 minutes.

No injuries reported, and no word on the cause – SFD did not send its investigator – but it’s a reminder of just how dry things are right now.

Share This

Park-site status, five City Council candidates’ pitches, more @ Morgan Community Association
July 20, 2023 6:21 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photo – future Morgan Junction Park Addition)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Though it was close to the end of the meeting, an update on the nine-years-in-the-making Morgan Junction Park expansion site was the major news at last night’s quarterly Morgan Community Association meeting, held online and facilitated by president Deb Barker.

MORGAN JUNCTION PARK ADDITION: Kelly Goold from Seattle Parks said they got a lot of good comments at last month’s Morgan Junction Community Festival regarding the park addition. “The funding has returned for the project,” he reminded MoCA, so Parks dusted off the shelved original design and added possible new features such as active recreation (like skating). Money for the site cleanup – it formerly held a dry cleaner – is still available and they are still hoping to get that done within a few months. “Some kind of landscaping” will follow. including potentially “a big sentinel tree.” Then they’ll bring down the fence and open the site to some kind of public use until full development. About 400 people have responded to the survey – still open online – in addition to the hundreds they talked with at the festival. So what’s been holding up the cleanup? Getting the shoring designed, planning the digging of “a big hole,” etc., Goold said. As for the timeline for the park development itself, “that’s at least a year and a half out.” Spring 2025 is the current estimate. No further public meetings planned any time soon – once the survey closes, a new schematic design will be assembled. MoCA plans to invite Goold to the next meeting (October 19th). The city bought the site in 2014 for $1.9 million; within the ensuing two years, the businesses that had been in a building on the site both closed, and the building was demolished.

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES: All eight were invited. The five who showed up got to speak. Each got a 10-minute spot, primarily spent on self-introduction, with time for a question or two after that. Here are our summaries of what they said:

Read More

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen F-250 pickup
July 20, 2023 6:06 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Just sent by Debbie and Steve:

Sometime between 5:50 pm July 19th and 5:30 pm today, our pickup was stolen, parked on the street by our house (near 39th & Thistle). We are currently trying to report it to the police. It is a 2004 Ford F-250 Super Duty.

We’ll add the police report # when available. (update) It’s 23-205610.

Share This

WEEKEND PREVIEW: 4 more outdoor local events, from wrestling to opera
July 20, 2023 4:33 pm
|    Comments Off on WEEKEND PREVIEW: 4 more outdoor local events, from wrestling to opera
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

While most of the rest of the nation is hotter than usual, our temperatures remain “seasonal” – so it’s prime time to enjoy being outdoors. Here are four unique local events that arrived in the WSB inbox recently (not even all in our calendar yet)

RAT CITY RUMBLE: Another block party in White Center! Lariat Bar is leading this one, 11 am-5 pm Saturday, with 16th SW closed between 98th and 100th, and wrestling matches – in keeping with Lariat’s theme – among the highlights. Here’s the announcement published on our partner site White Center Now.

S2S FEST: Peace Peloton presents a festival of food/drink, music, and arts/crafts at Seacrest Park (1660 Harbor SW), 3-10 pm Saturday. You can RSVP for free by going here.

SOULFEST BLOCK PARTY: Starting at 4:30 pm Saturday, music, food, and fun will fill the site of this unique celebration in Seaview. Ticket link, music lineup, and more are in our calendar listing.

(Seattle Opera photo by Sunny Martini)

OPERA IN THE PARK: Sunday at 10 am, in Highland Park (1100 SW Cloverdale), Seattle Opera will present “our 2023 touring production, Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World, a 35-minute-long bilingual opera written for youth audiences. This interactive piece features an updated text that moves seamlessly between English and Spanish.” Read more here about the event (which will be repeated August 13th if you can’t go this Sunday).

Share This

Seattle Public Schools closures? District sets date for West Seattle community conversation
July 20, 2023 2:48 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

As reported here earlier this month, Seattle Public Schools will have community meetings around the city next month to talk about a plan that could lead to school closures/consolidations starting as soon as fall 2024. They promised to announce the meeting dates/locations this week, and have just done so. From the announcement:

During these meetings, senior leaders will connect with our community to envision what a well-resourced school looks like. SPS staff will share a presentation, respond to questions, and facilitate group discussion.

Your feedback will help guide future district planning. This fall, we will review your feedback and develop an inclusive and equitable plan.

SPS has the opportunity to reimagine a system of well-resourced schools that is safe and equitable. Our goal is to offer students the support, the programs and resources, and the inspiration they need to succeed in the neighborhoods where they live.

(Meeting dates/times of West Seattle relevance:)

Southwest Region: Madison Middle School commons/lunchroom, Thursday, Aug. 10, 6 p.m.
Location: 3429 45th Ave. SW

Online: Teams Meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 5:30 p.m.

Translation and interpretation services will be provided at each meeting based on request. American Sign Language (ASL), Amharic, Cantonese, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese interpreters will be available. After the online meeting, a recording will be posted to the district website. We hope you can join us! Take a moment to RSVP or send us your questions. Complete the RSVP to request accommodation for the meetings by Monday, July 31.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Residential robbery/assault; stolen gold Accord (update: found)
July 20, 2023 2:02 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes:

RESIDENTIAL ROBBERY/ASSAULT: According to a police-report summary made available today, there was a residential robbery on Wednesday. The report number with the summary cross-references to an incident reported shortly before 6 am Wednesday in a multi-unit building on the 1100 block of Alki Avenue SW: “Officers responded to a robbery that occurred at the residence. The (robber) hit the victim with the gun and then took items from the bedroom to include jewelry and the passport of the victim. The (robber) then fled in a vehicle from the scene.” No description of the robber or vehicle was included; we’re trying to find out more. (added) So far, archived audio from the incident includes a partial description of the robber/attacker and vehicle as a Black man with shoulder-length dreadlocks, wearing a white T-shirt and “basketball shorts,” leaving in a blue Mustang. (Added) SFD says its medics treated a 63-year-old man for injuries from the assault; he declined to be taken to the hospital.

STOLEN GOLD ACCORD: The photo and report are from Elana:

Last night between 10 pm-6 am on the 8600 block of 31st between Trenton and Cloverdale, our vehicle (1991 gold Honda Accord, license plate CGH4946) was stolen out of our driveway and on the way out they backed into our other vehicle, which was parked on the other side of the street. The police report number is 23-204950.

8/11 UPDATE: Found.

Share This

BIZNOTES: Ex-fitness garage; Alki Kayak Tours discount; Tails to Astonish anniversary sale; Women’s World Cup watch parties
July 20, 2023 12:01 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle business notes:

EX-FITNESS GARAGE: One of the locations on our long watch list of future business (and other) sites is 5659 California SW, a former auto shop that most recently was home to fitness businesses. Readers noticed that the “for lease” sign came down and the building was repainted. We’ve been trying to find out whether that meant a new tenant had been signed. Today we caught up with the building’s owner, who says no, no new tenant yet – they decided to spruce up the building before continuing the search for one, and that’s what the paint job is all about.

ALKI KAYAK TOURS DISCOUNT: Want to see West Seattle from the water? Alki Kayak Tours (1660 Harbor SW) has an offer:

Are you new to West Seattle or just interested in exploring our coastline and learning about the history of the “Birthplace of Seattle”? Join us for a sea kayak tour on Elliott Bay to the Alki Point Lighthouse and back. We begin at Seacrest Marina, and after an introduction to the gear and technique, paddle to the Alki Lighthouse to explore the West Seattle shoreline. Common sightings of sea lion, harbor seals, jellyfish, and seabirds will keep you scanning the horizon as you paddle past historic site of Luna Park and the original 1851 landing of the Denny Party and land at the lighthouse for some tide pooling in some of oldest bedrock in the NW. (Yes, there is a fault line that is visible just south of the Alki Lighthouse, and the anemones and moon snails have made it home.)

We have offered this three-hour tour since 2005 and if you’re comfortable with a few hours of outdoor activity you should be fine. These are not tippy river kayaks, but stable 21′ NW Kayaks that cut through the water and travel with relative ease. We are offering the Lighthouse Tour Locals discount for those interested in joining us at $99. So use Code “WSlocal” to book your Alki Point Lighthouse Sea Kayak Tour and come see why we live in West Seattle.

TAILS TO ASTONISH ANNIVERSARY SALE: Happy second anniversary to 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!

Friday, July 21: 11:30-7:00
Saturday, July 22: 11:30-7:00

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP AT OUTER SPACE SEATTLE: Just out of the inbox – Outer Space Seattle (2820 Alki SW) is having family-friendly watch parties for the Women’s World Cup games tonight, tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday of next week. Free admission for adults and babies under a year old, $14 for kids 1 year and up. Times and teams are on this page of the Outer Space website.

Share This