West Seattle, Washington
10 Monday
Family and friends will gather Thursday as a Funeral Mass is held for Virginia Kord, and they’re sharing this remembrance now:
Virginia Ann Kord
Jan 27, 1935 — Jul 13, 2026
West SeattleVirginia Ann Kord, 91, of Seattle, passed away on July 13, 2026, a sunny day made a lot darker for her family, who cherished her presence in their lives – and every visit in her final weeks.
Virginia was born on Jan. 27, 1935, in Blackduck, Minn., the eighth of John and Elsie Trautmann’s 10 kids. In the 1940s, her family moved to Seattle, where she graduated from Franklin High School in 1953. Five years later, Virginia married Gene Kord, beginning a new life around the Northwest, including Tacoma, Federal Way, Spokane, and Oregon City before settling down with their five kids in West Seattle.
Virginia was a strong, independent woman with a voracious appetite for learning, great sense of humor, inspiring resilience – and quite a sweet tooth right up to her final hours of life. She was a hard-working mom who cared for all five kids and baked the most delicious birthday cakes. She also took up an impressive array of hobbies: oil painting, creative writing, genealogy, sewing, upholstery and – you guessed it – cake decorating.
In another era, Virginia may very well have been a CEO. Instead, she ran a tight ship around the house with the precision of a Swiss watch and the uncanny ability to find anything: socks, wallets, homework, T-shirts. Few things were ever lost for long.
There were certainly rough days, too. But she never showed it, providing strength and stability to the entire family – and dinner served at 6 p.m. sharp without fail.
When the kids grew up, Virginia accepted a job as an administrative assistant at Holy Rosary Church, where she and Gene were active members. She worked there for over a decade, adding bookkeeping and tech duties along the way, and was regaled with a retirement party that filled the hall with well-wishers.
Never one to take her foot off the gas, Virginia enjoyed traveling with Gene to places like Europe and Wyoming’s Grand Tetons, but she loved nothing more than seeing her siblings and their families in California and Minnesota – except for spending time with her grandkids, be it for ballgames, graduations, or an extra scoop of ice cream.
Her beloved Gene passed away in 2016, a pivotal point in Virginia’s life, but she embraced her new-found independence with an open mind. Virginia regularly visited The Center for Active Living, where her lifelong craving to learn was stoked once again. She participated in a current-affairs group that discussed social and political hot topics, practiced tai chi, and got her steps in while line dancing.
Volunteering also played an important role in Virginia’s life. She served as the treasurer of Holy Rosary’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul and a lector at the Pigott Chapel at Mount St. Vincent assisted living facility. Virginia was also a member of the women’s spiritual group at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, where she was appreciated or her insights during discussions about scripture.
Virginia loved meeting new people and making friends but valued her alone time, too, engrossing herself in elaborate puzzles for days, staying up to speed on technology, and reading a wide range of books to keep her mind sharp. Among her favorite reads were “Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life” by Marshall B. Rosenberg and “The Good Rain” by Timothy Egan. She also embraced mindful meditation during the pandemic, which gave her a sense of calm through a tumultuous time.
Virginia spent her last two years in assisted living facilities, endearing herself to her fellow residents and presenting a final show of strength to her family by living out her life with grace and a smile – and one last treat for her sweet tooth.
In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her devoted husband Gene, beloved great-grandson Aiden Stubblebine, and cherished siblings John Trautmann, Jim Trautmann, Dorothy Anderson, Rita Trautmann, Rod Trautmann, Mary Margaret Stern, and Tom Trautmann. She is survived by dear siblings: Laura Jean Jacoby and Bob Trautmann; treasured children Cathy Peda (Jeff), Lori Kord Clark (Chris), Mary Ballanger (Barry), Margie McGillis (Bill), Mike Kord (Elaine Abiera); 12 wonderful grandchildren: Jordan McGillis (Cynthia Bell McGillis), Amanda Stubblebine (Andrew), Kristen Behrends (Brian), Taylor McGillis (Krissy), Kelsey Clark (Phil Samuelson), Megan Antush (Alex), Alex Ballanger (Kailey Silverstein), Marissa McGilllis, Molly Ballanger, Will McGillis (Sarah Lane), Ben Kord and Gabby McGillis; and 7 adorable great-grandchildren: Brooklyn and Addison Behrends, Reggie, Blair and George McGillis, Piper McGillis and Jesse Ballanger.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 7100 35th Ave. SW, Seattle. If you can’t attend, log on to www.olgseattle.org/livestreaming-at-olg for the livestream. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (www.holyrosaryseattle.org/stvincent) or the Center for Active Living (www.wscenter.org/get-involved/donate).
Please share your condolences and memories of Virginia in her guestbook at: www.emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/virginia-kord
Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, August 10, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast projects sunshine and a high around 75. Sunrise was at 5:58 am today; sunset will be at 8:29 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule, but a stop closure downtown continuing today affects multiple West Seattle-bound buses – the southbound 3rd/Columbia stop, for Routes 21 56, 57, and 125, plus RapidRide C and H. Details here.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedule Fridays and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule; check the alert page for last-minute changes.
BRIDGE TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Here are four bridge views from the SDOT map:
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
ORIGINAL REPORT, 12:26 AM: Police are investigating a report that a person was shot in High Point – and was driven away before authorities arrived. The victim’s friend(s) are reported to have driven them across the eastbound bridge and stopped in SODO, where Seattle Fire is now sending a “scenes of violence” response. Dispatch says the victim’s friend said it was a “drive-by” at High Point Commons Park.
12:30 AM: The victim is reported to be getting CPR. … SFD medics are transporting the victim to Harborview.
12:48 AM: Now police are investigating a report that the victim was shot near his home.
3:06 AM: No further info so far. We hope to have an update from SPD within a few hours.
6 AM UPDATE: Police say the victim did not survive … which means this is the first Southwest Precinct-area homicide in more than a year and a half. Here’s what they just posted to SPD Blotter:
Homicide detectives are investigating a shooting that left a 28-year-old man deceased early Monday morning in the High Point neighborhood.
At 12:17 a.m., dispatch received reports of a gunshot victim being driven to the 2700 block of 1st Avenue South. Officers arrived and found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.
Officers provided aid until Seattle Fire Department medics arrived. The victim was transported to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition. Despite lifesaving efforts, he died at the hospital.
Witnesses told police the shooting occurred in the 3100 block of Southwest Graham Street. A friend then drove the victim to the 2700 block of 1st Avenue South where officers contacted him.
Detectives from the Homicide Unit will work to determine the circumstances that led up to the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.
The last SW Precinct-area homicide before this one was also in High Point, where a 15-year-old was shot dead in December 2024.
8:25 PM: Another chapter in the saga of the repeatedly beached boat that’s been at Constellation Park in recent days, and then was joined by another boat reportedly there as part of a plan to get Boat #1 off the rocky shore. Both were still there when we checked late this morning; then this afternoon, a commenter reported both had sailed away after taking advantage of some advice. Before we got back to the park south of Alki Point to verify that both were gone, 911 dispatched SFD and SPD boats to a report of a boat reporting trouble while towing another boat. We went to the park to check on that, but all the action is offshore and even with binoculars we can’t tell exactly what’s going on, nor have we heard an emergency-radio update yet.
8:36 PM: The SFD/SPD/USCG boats have all left, and the two boats involved have headed further south.
9:06 PM: Commenter MJ offers details.
ADDED: An anonymous reader notes the boat’s history here goes back at least two weeks:
I saw the captain of boat #1 (Far Far Away) leave the boat near Weather Watch Park on 7/26. I notified 911 because the captain was screaming and appeared in distress. 911 sent out fire and police and the captain declined help and left the boat. I let the Coast Guard and SPD know the boat was drifting all day and there was no action. It later washed up by Constellation. A little bit ago, I saw SFD pulling the boat #2, which was pulling boat #1. Boat #3 pulled up (captain appeared to be the same captain from boat #1) and they tied all three boats together and they’re currently in front of Weather Watch Park, seemingly anchored.
We haven’t heard from The Wash Dog since their move from West Seattle to White Center six years ago, but now there’s big news: The canine-cleanliness facility has just sent word of an ownership change – here’s their announcement:
The Wash Dog, a beloved neighborhood dog grooming shop that has served Southwest Seattle since 2001, is celebrating a new chapter as second-generation owners Shawn and his wife Katie Myers take the reins of the family business.
The shop invites the community to a free open house, “Clips for Tips,” on August 18th, to meet the new owners and celebrate the transition. The event will feature hot dogs, chips, water, and complimentary tip-based dog nail trims for neighborhood pups.
The Wash Dog has been a fixture of southwest Seattle for over two decades, most recently under the ownership of Shawn’s moms. One of them recently passed and the other is taking a much-deserved retirement.
Shawn first moved to West Seattle as an adolescent in the mid-’80s. He knows the community and is happy to be contributing to it by carrying on his moms’ legacy of caring for area dogs.
“We’re so proud to carry on what my moms built here,” said Shawn Myers. “This open house is our way of saying thank you to the neighborhood and inviting everyone to be part of the next chapter.”
Event Details:
• What: Clips for Tips Open House
• When: August 18th
• Where: The Wash Dog, 10623 16th SW
• Cost: Free — hot dogs, chips, water, and tip-based nail trims
(WSB photo, June 15)
Though this is usually the quiet time in summer’s final weeks, not this year. Major events this week will include the community forum Tuesday night (August 11) on making Fauntleroy safer for bicycle riding, after two deaths in a little over two years, most recently Maridee Bonadea on Wildwood Place, uphill from the ferry dock, in June. All are invited to participate Tuesday night, 6-8 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy (south end of the historic schoolhouse, 9131 California SW). We published first word of the forum plan on July 31st; the Fauntleroy Community Association and Ms. Bonadea’s family finalized the plan a few days later. They expect elected officials and representatives of SDOT and WSDOT to be in attendance. They also have drafted a suggested message to all of the above to express support for safety improvements (find it added to our original report about the forum date).
The last major West Seattle street party of summer is now just 12 days away – the Admiral Block Party, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, spans two days this year, starting with afternoon and evening live music on Friday, August 21, once the streets close for setup. And “streets” is a reference to the other way in which the Admiral Block Party has expanded – not only will the party be on California between Admiral Way and SW College, it’ll also be on College between California and 42nd. Music and outdoor dining starts at 3 pm August 21, when the focus is on acoustic sound as well as DJs; vendors and nonprofits will be in their booths starting at 10 am August 22, and the main-stage music starts that day at 11 am. You can see the latest lists of all of the above on the official Admiral Block Party webpage. WSB is the festival’s media sponsor – we’ll see you there!
That photo is from Lauren, who reoorts brown water in Admiral, as does Jennifer. No emergencies on the Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map; it is often caused by SFD testing hydrants, but it’s always a good idea to report discolored water to SPU at 206-386-1800 – and don’t do laundry until it clears up, as the discoloration is usually sediment/rust that can leave stains.
P.S. Reminder – (corrected) Tuesday and Wednesday of this week will bring some testing related to the almost-complete Spokane Pump Station project, and that could mean discolored water in parts of Admiral – here’s the alert we’ve published.
The image is from Kevin Freitas, who first sounded the alarm about a hornet nest on the north side of 40th/Alaska last Wednesday. By Thursday he said he’d spoken to a Puget Sound Beekeepers Association member who indicated they’d likely “take care of it” at some point. But it’s still there, according to other readers, who also suggested a wider warning, so we’re mentioning it now.
P.S. Hornets and wasps may be worrisome but if you see or have a bee swarm, it’s not, and a PSBA member would likely be interested in relocating those.
(Lily of the Nile, photographed by Barb Newell)
Lots of ways to spend your Sunday – here’s our highlight list for today/tonight, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE GLASS FLOAT HUNT, DAY 3: As previewed here, no daily clues this time unless a float remains unfound – so watch for them all over West Seattle. As of right now (6:39 am), 25 floats have been released and 13 have been found, according to the official website, which shows status when floats are found (provided the finder has used the special QR code).
WEST SEATTLE RUNNING CLUB: 8:30 am, meet at Alki Statue of Liberty (61st/Alki) to run with friends old and new.
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club is running from Upwell Coffee (4811 California SW) today, 9 am.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Now in summer produce-and-products season, 10 am-2 pm, California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska.
SUNDAYS IN THE ALLEY: While you’re in The Junction, check out the returning weekly summertime party behind Carmilia’s (enter through 4528 California SW)! 10 am-3 pm. Food, vendors, music.
MASTER GARDENERS CLINIC: Also in The Junction – get your gardening questions answered at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm.
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
LIBRARY CLOSURE: Today is the first day of the West Seattle (Admiral) Library‘s three-month closure for HVAC work.
SPRAYPARK SEASON: Daily splashing at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open today! Need a tool but don’t need/want to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to find it at, and borrow it from, the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESIST: 11:30 am-1:30 pm, weekly action in The Junction.
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, daily public sessions at the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WADING POOLS OPEN TODAY: Forecast is sunny and 70+, so these two city-run wading pools should be open, both noon-7 pm: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden).
READING AND BOOK SIGNING: Meet and hear from Linda Hornberg as West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor) spotlights her and her book “Picture a Garden,” 1-2:30 pm.
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: You’re welcome Sunday afternoons at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
KAKINDOBIE SCHOOL BENEFIT CONCERT: 2-5 pm at C & P Coffee, 10 musicians’ annual benefit concert for students in Sierra Leone, explained here. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
CABI FALL FASHION SHOWCASE: Local Cabi stylists present this event at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), 2 pm.
‘EVERYONE PLAYS’ GAME CAFE: 2-4 pm at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), all ages, no cover, bring your own game if you want. Snacks provided; beverages available for purchase.
RETURN OF DEADGRASS: 2 pm matinee show at Tim’s in White Center (98th and 16th).
‘MUSIC FOR OUR TIMES’: EUROPA Ensemble in concert, 3 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW).
MAKE A BOOMBOX PRINT: Summer Quest free print-making workshop at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), 3 pm.
ICE CREAM SUNDAY WITH AURORA AVE: 4-6 pm, members of the band Aurora Ave will be at the Husky Deli (4721 California SW) ice-cream window with free mini-scoops for the first 50 people who show up that buy or have bought tickets to their upcoming show – all explained here.
BACHATA DANCING AT ALKI: Special Sunday event, 4:30 pm at Statue of Liberty Plaza. (61st SW & Alki SW
TRIBUTE SCREENING OF ‘ONCE’: 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), classic 2000s film “Once” to be shown – free, all ages – as tribute to the late musician Glen Hansard.
BLACK TEA AT REVELRY ROOM: 7 pm-midnight, nighttime tea service with host Jack Sanders, info and RSVP here. (4547 California SW)
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: Trivia starts at 7:30 pm – free to play, and you can win prizes. (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, music to wrap up your weekend – jazz with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Organizing, or assisting with, an event that should be on the WSB community Event Calendar – whether one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
11:41 PM: Police are investigating another crash, this one in south Admiral. A driver is reported to have hit a building at California and Manning, and then fled the scene with at least two passengers. All were described as teenagers, one white in white clothing, another white in dark clothing, another white or Hispanic in dark clothing. A second SFD crew has been dispatched to the scene to help deal with what’s described as damage including two broken windows.
1 AM: By the time we got to the scene, the car was being towed. We did note that the address on the SFD log was not where it happened, as is sometimes the case (and that’s why we don’t usually cite exact logged addresses) – this was at the commercial building on the northeast corner of California/Manning.
11:08 PM: SPD and SFD are on their way to Delridge and Barton for a reported two-vehicle crash with one vehicle “on its roof,” according to dispatch.
11:19 PM: Delridge is blocked both ways. Above, we’ve added a screenshot from the nearest traffic cam. Officers have told dispatch they’re investigating the possibility of DUI.
11:58 PM: Police just told dispatch that they’re reopening the street because SDOT has moved the car while they’re awaiting a tow truck. The driver is in custody.
(WSB photo: Last Saturday’s flag event in advanceof Alki Beach Pride)
One week from today – on Saturday, August 15 – Alki Beach Pride returns, with a street party and more! Alki residents Stacy and Jolie Bass-Walden created Alki Beach Pride more than a decade ago to boost LGBTQIA+ visibility beyond June, and it’s been a smashing success, bigger every year, collaborating with local businesses. Even if you’re not attending, you should be aware that Alki Beach Pride is in part a street party again this year, with Alki Avenue SW closed from 7 am to 10 pm between 57th and 61st. The official festival hours are noon to 8 pm, with:
Live entertainment
Health and wellness zone
Local LGBTQ vendors
Food trucks
Social group gatherings at local participating businesses
Mew family-friendly kids’ zone
and more….
The entertainment lineup rolled out so far includes comedy, DJs, and drag – including the kings.
(WSB video, photos)
The Aztec dancers of Tlalokan were the first performers at this afternoon’s Duwamish River Festival in South Park:
This year’s festival is happening in collaboration with the South Park Summer Party (SOPASUPA) for the first time; festival events are centered at Duwamish River People’s Park (8700 Dallas Ave. S.). In the first hour, the main stage also held emcees from the Duwamish River Youth Corps, festival-presenting Duwamish River Community Coalition leader Paulina López …
… Also, Duwamish Tribe representative Kristina Pearson …
… and two city councilmembers – citywide Councilmember Dionne Foster …
… and District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka.
And the river itself is of course part of the festival, with free kayak tours offered:
The festival also includes the traditional info booths from city departments and regional environmental nonprofits:
The festival and SOPASUPA are spread across four venues – the Kids Zone, with free bouncing, is at South Park Plaza, right by the west end of the South Park Bridge.
At South Park’s main intersection a block south of there, 14th Avenue S. and S. Cloverdale, you’ll find the main SOPASUPA stage behind the businesses on the southwest corner (The Scene, Uncle Eddie’s, Loretta’s). Lucha Libre Volcanica (with Mexican-style masked wrestling) is about to get going there, and we have much more coverage to add! The festival’s on until 6 pm; SOPASUPA continues until 9. (See the performance schedule for all venues here.)
3 PM: The luchadores have just spent an hour in the ring, and battled wildly as always:
Lucha Libre has devoted fans young and old:
And plenty of moves:
If you missed the first round, get here for the second round – three more matches at 6 pm, the emcee just confirmed.
P.S. There are street closures east of 14th Ave. S. because of the festival – but there are lots where you can park and take a free shuttle – they’re listed between the maps here.
10:56 AM: Through 2 pm today, the Rotary Club of West Seattle has volunteers at KeyBank Plaza – southwest corner of California/Alaska – to accept and acknowledge musical instruments donated for Music4Life, to get new lives with students. Band- and orchestra-type instruments, and guitars, are what they’re most interested in. Details are in our preview. We stopped by a few minutes ago and learned that more than half a dozen donations already had been dropped off. And every one has a story, which they love hearing!
6:40 PM: One of today’s Rotary volunteers, Brian, says in a comment below that today’s donations totaled even more than last year!
10:54 AM: In view from west-facing West Seattle shoreline: Kersti Muul tells us “at least one humpback” is northbound from Brace Point.
11:18 AM: Update from Kersti – passing Lowman, close in.
10:19 AM: After several tips this morning mentioned a second boat beached at Constellation Park, we found that so hard to believe, we had to come look first. And yes, there it is, and a fair amount of gawkers too. We’re on our way to time-sensitive events but will return later for a closer look.
3:52 PM: Commenters say the second boat belongs to the owners of the first boat.
5:51 PM: High tide today was around 4 pm. We got back down to look around 5 pm; nobody around – here’s the boats’ status:
High tides will be even higher just before 1 am and 5 pm tomorrow.
12:10 PM SUNDAY: As of half an hour ago, when we took a look from 64th/Beach, both boats were still there; the tide’s coming in, so we’ll see what happens after that high tide in five-ish hours.
7:20 PM SUNDAY: If you’ve been following the saga in comments, a person says they helped the apparent owners get the original beached boat off the rocks. But before we could head that way to verify, we’ve just heard a dispatch after a 911 call from someone who says they’re in trouble at sea while towing a boat. So we’re going to put aside what we were working on and head that way shortly.
(Backyard sunflower photographed by Tom Trulin)
Lots of options for our Saturday – here are highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE GLASS FLOAT HUNT, DAY 2: As previewed here, no daily clues this time unless a float remains unfound – so just keep a look out all over West Seattle. 12 released on Day 1 ad 5 were found, according to the official website, which shows status when floats are found (provided the finder has used the special QR code).
RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: 8:15 am, get your weekend going with an at-your-pace run. (2743 California SW).
FREE MEDITATION: For a calm start to your Saturday, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am, free – details in our calendar listing.
LIBRARY’S LAST DAY, FOR NOW: Today’s the last day the West Seattle (Admiral) Library is open before its three-month closure for HVAC installation. Open 10 am-6 pm. (2306 42nd SW)
DONATE A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: Musical instrument – band, orchestra, guitar – you don’t need any more? Give it a new life with a student who could use it! Take it to the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation volunteers who you’ll find from 10 am to 2 pm at the KeyBank corner in The Junction (southwest corner of California/Alaska).
SAVE THE TREES: 10 am-noon, help Schmitz Park Restore pull ivy off the park’s trees! Details in our calendar listing.
WESTCREST PARK SOUTH RESTROOM UPDATE: Stop by 10 am-noon at the entrance to the park’s south parking lot to get an update on the restroom-replacement project.
PREVIEW NEW LOG HOUSE MUSEUM EXHIBIT: As part of Washington Museum Day, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s museum (61st/Stevens)is open 10 am-4 pm today, and you can preview the new “Beyond Alki” exhibit, which officially debuts later this month.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: New location this season! 10 am-2 pm, shop for fruit and vegetables, prepared food and beverages, artisan body care, more … (9th SW and SW Henderson)
ALSO AT THE MARKET: SDOT will be tabling to talk with shoppers about the Delridge Triangle Pedestrian Street proposal, 10 am-2 pm
DACHSHUND WALK: 10 am Saturdays, bring your dachshund to Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki) for a group walk.
MASTER GARDENERS AT DELRIDGE HOME DEPOT: Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm – take them your toughest garden questions and get free expert answers! (Delridge/Orchard)
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am, free, in-person, active writing group – see our calendar listing for info on how to participate.
ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: 11 am, meet at Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) after registering here.
SPRAYPARK SEASON: The season continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
DUWAMISH RIVER FESTIVAL + SOPASUPA: Starting at noon, South Park’s two big summer events are happening concurrently this year.
The Duwamish River Festival starts at noon and is at Duwamish River People’s Park (8700 Dallas Ave. S.), wrapping up by 6 pm, while SOPASUPA (South Park Summer Party) is centered at 14th Ave. S./S. Cloverdale with events at River City Skatepark (736 S. Cloverdale) too and continues until about 9 pm. Entertainment schedules are in our preview as well as on this website
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, swim in the outdoor saltwater pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW); here’s the session schedule.
WADING POOLS: Warm weather is expected, so the two West Seattle wading pools usually open Saturdays should be in operation – Hiawatha (2700 California SW) noon-5:30 pm and Lincoln Park noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
ELECTIONS UNDER FIRE – FACT VS. FICTION: 1:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), public forum presented by the League of Women Voters.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY ALUMNI CELEBRATION: 2-5 pm ticketed event on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
FREE MASSAGE CLINIC: The walk-in clinic is back at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.
NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY: On 22nd SW north of SW Roxbury, hosted by Community School of West Seattle, 4-8 pm, “arts & crafts, games, music, food & drinks, and kids’ bike and scooter decorating.”
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Cam Elise, Radon Radar, Tobi Kunkel at The Skylark, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm, $10, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
OUTDOOR SHAKESPEARE AT CAMP LONG: GreenStage presents “Coriolanus,” 7 pm at Camp Long (5200 35th SW), free.
REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: 9 pm with Soul Focus FM. (4547 California SW)
SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING: 9 pm to midnight, skate at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 (plus $5 skate rental).
KARAOKE AT TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm Megastar Karaoke with KDJ Mythikal at Max’s Triangle Pub. (9454 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday night karaoke with Rone, 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Planning a West Seattle event that’s open to the community? Tell us about it; it’s free to list something in our Event Calendar, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(2025 photo by Dave Gershgorn for WSB)
Tomorrow is Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen’s birthday, and three cities including Seattle are marking the occasion with a special tribute – proclaiming August 8 to be “Cecile Hansen Day.” A tribe spokesperson sent us copies of the proclamations – Seattle here, Tukwila here, Renton here Here’s the text of the Seattle proclamation:
WHEREAS, Cecile Hansen has devoted more than five decades of her life to advancing awareness, justice, and dignity for the Duwamish people; the Indigenous inhabitants of the land that includes present-day Seattle, Renton, Tukwila, and surrounding areas and has served continuously as Chair of the Duwamish Tribal Council since 1975, leading with deep commitment, resilience, and clarity of purpose; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Hansen, a great-great-grandniece of Chief Sealth (Chief Seattle), has worked tirelessly to ensure that the history, treaty rights, cultural heritage, and ongoing presence of the Duwamish Tribe are known, respected, and honored by local, state, and national communities; and
WHEREAS, she has championed the restoration of federal acknowledgement and the rights guaranteed to her people in historic treaties, pursuing justice through legal, legislative, and civic avenues with unwavering dedication and moral clarity; and
WHEREAS, under her leadership the Duwamish Tribal Council helped establish Duwamish Tribal Services, a nonprofit organization that has provided cultural, social, and community support to tribal members and the broader public for more than three decades; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Hansen’s advocacy extends beyond tribal affairs into community engagement throughout the region, from educational outreach and heritage stewardship to environmental justice and public dialogues to- uplifting the voices and rights of Indigenous peoples in every context in which she participates; and
WHEREAS, it is resolved that we shall honor Cecile Hansen for her lifetime of service, leadership, spirit, and perseverance on behalf of the Duwamish people and all who seek equity, recognition, and cultural preservation. Her work enriches the fabric of our regional history, reminds us of the deep roots of Indigenous communities here, and inspires future generations to carry forward the work of justice and remembrance …
The spokesperson tells us that Chair Hansen’s family and Tribal Councilmembers will present her with the proclamations at a Saturday celebration.
She has led the tribe since 1975. Its headquarters are at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse and Cultural Center in West Seattle (4705 West Marginal Way SW).
(WSB photos and video by Torin Record-Sand)
Highland Park Improvement Club‘s First Fridays are truly all-ages parties, and the one under way right now at HPIC’s past-and-future HQ (northeast corner of 12th/Holden) is yet another example – this time, grownups are encouraged to get playful too:
As always, there’s live music – this time, Birch Pereira and The Gin Joints:
And while admission is free, you can buy beverages and/or food:
The Levantine Cuisine food truck is there tonight. And lots more fun to be had:
Well-behaved dogs welcome too.
This all continues until 8:30 pm.
This will be a special weekend for hundreds of local middle- and high-school students: It’s their final weekend of summer break. Summit Atlas, West Seattle’s only charter school, has orientation on Tuesday (August 11) and first day of classes on Wednesday (August 12), per the school calendar, so be aware that increased traffic will be resuming at 35th/Roxbury. Yes, they get out early too – the last day of classes for the coming school year will be June 4.
(Wednesday photo by Bob Burns)
Thanks to everyone who’s sent updated photos of the boat on the beach at Constellation Park, now tethered so it won’t drift out. We have been trying to find out from both the State Department of Natural Resources, which oversees the Derelict Vessel Program, and Seattle Parks, whose beach the boat is on, what’ll be done. Parks spokesperson Christina Hirsch told us today. “Washington State Department of Natural Resources has asked Seattle Parks and Recreation Park Rangers to post a ‘notice of intent to obtain custody’ on the vessel, and unless action is taken, Washington State Department of Natural Recourses will plan to move forward with removing it.” It’s been checked out by the SPD, SFD, and U.S. Coast Guard since it turned up here, and they haven’t found anyone aboard. It appears to have recent registration, according to one reader who’s taken a closeup look, but we don’t know if anyone has been able to trace an owner, current or previous, through that.
Just got word of this, but it’s continuing until 4 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – the mutual-aid group Washmasks is holding a dropoff donation drive for immigrants and farmworkers affected by the fires in Spokane and vicinity. Here’s what they’re collecting:
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