West Seattle, Washington
14 Friday
One month before Halloween, The Admiral District has this announcement:
Admiral District merchants of West Seattle regret to announce that the annual “Trick-or-Treating” event for 2020 has been cancelled. While this longstanding Admiral neighborhood tradition has grown in popularity each year, and continues to be a West Seattle family favorite, the safety of our neighbors comes first. COVID-19 continues to impact families and businesses in the West Seattle community. Admiral District businesses have implemented CDC and King County recommended guidelines during this time. Thank you to all of you who have continued to support our establishments during the pandemic. We are still here, and we appreciate your business.
Trick or treating in the Admiral District has been 100% volunteer-supported by the businesses operating near the intersection of Admiral and California Ave SW for over 20 years. We look forward to bringing this longstanding tradition back to our neighbors in 2021.
Thanks for your support.
The Admiral District
Junction business trick-or-treating is also canceled, replaced with a 10-day virtual Harvest Fest.
Thanks for the.photos and videos from two local musical performances on Labor Day:
UNDER THE BRIDGE: Every so often, you might notice someone playing under the bridge, west of the 5-way. If it’s an entire band – it’s probably Felonious Monk:
Rose Feliciano sent the pic and video after spotting them playing last night:
As the short clip shows, the band even drew a bit of an audience, despite the location.
ON PUGET RIDGE: Thanks to Lisa Kauffman for photos and video from a performance at Puget Ridge Edible Park on Labor Day afternoon:
Thaddeus Spae and Richard Dean were the featured musicians, with a guest turn by Stu Hennessey:
Here’s video of Spae:
If you haven’t been to PREP – check out our August story!
(Sunday sunset – photo by Elaine Dale)
Good morning. Holiday notes:
TRANSIT/TRAFFIC
–Metro is on a Sunday schedule
–Water Taxis are not running
–Sound Transit buses and light rail are on a Sunday schedule
-If you’re going to an area of the city with pay-station street parking, note that there’s no charge today
-Delridge RapidRide H project: No work today
-Check traffic cams here
POLITICS
-Citywide caravan urging City Council to override mayor’s budget-cuts veto starts with 1 pm stop at Duwamish Longhouse
WEATHER
Warmer today. Might get into the 80s.
In our coverage last night, we asked for photos of fireworks debris readers found today. First, from Phil at Westcrest Park:
2:07 PM: From Christie at Highland Park Elementary:
From a texter at Alki Beach:
Next one is from Therese in The Junction:
She notes, “Partial debris pile from ONE household’s “celebration” in the alley directly behind Courtesy Tire, which went on until after 2:30 a.m. The smell is terrible, and of course it is impossible to pick up all the little bits.” Toxic, too. Photos from other areas? Send them and we will add – thank you.
ADDED 5:20 PM: From Jackie, near White Center:
Jackie says, “t was 3 am before the bombing stopped. I’ve never before seen residential fireworks the size of a case of beer.” Next, from Kayoko, at North Shorewood Park’s parking lot:
And from Laura at EC Hughes Playground:
(Photo by Brittany Philbin)
Good morning and happy Independence Day! Because of the pandemic, all the usual local events are taking this year off. So we have a few notes (interspersed with local photos of our national bird, the Bald Eagle):
TRANSIT: Metro is on the usual Saturday schedule.
PARKS: Here’s the city list of what’s closed/open.
ALKI CLEANUP: As previewed here, you’re invited to join in, 10 am-2 pm.
LOW-LOW TIDE: Way out to -3.0 feet at 10:56 am.
(Photo by Sharon Wada)
FIREWORKS: Not here (illegal, and city/port parks are trying to dissuade them), no shows visible from here (Lake Union show is canceled, Three Tree Point show is canceled, Bainbridge show is canceled, Vashon show is canceled).
LUNAR ECLIPSE, SORT OF: One will be happening tonight after 8 pm but even if the sky’s clear, you won’t see anything but the full moon, Space.com explains.
(Photo by Lynn Hall)
We’re working as always, so if you have a photo, tip, lost/found pet, westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you and stay safe!
It’s not even dark, and people are illegally setting off fireworks, scaring those you can’t calm with an explanation – particularly pets. 
The Seattle Animal Shelter‘s advice for helping your pets this time of year (published last year, but unfortunately perennially relevant) is here, with advice such as “Leave pets at home and inside,” “Create a home sanctuary,” and “Identification is essential.” No matter what you do, your pet might still bolt if s/he gets the chance; if you lose or find a pet, remember that we have had a Lost/Found Pets page on WSB for 12 years – send us info (westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302) and a photo, if available. But no matter how much care you take with pets, there are still animals affected because their “home sanctuaries” are those same outdoor spaces where people are setting off explosives – our beautiful birds, for example. Thanks in advance for your consideration. (WSB shop cat Miles, 20 and declining, thanks you too.)
(Thursday night sunset, photographed by Jan Pendergrass)
Since the Fourth of July is on Saturday, today is the “observed” holiday, so it’s a three-day weekend for many. First, the transit/transportation notes:
TRANSIT: Metro‘s on a Sunday schedule; the Water Taxi‘s not running.
TRAFFIC CAMERAS: See them here.
BRIDGES OPEN? Check here.
Now – what’s happening (or not) today/tonight:
MOST GOVERNMENT OFFICES CLOSED: Though many offices/facilities are still closed anyway because of the pandemic, take note that services generally won’t be available today.
YES, THERE’S MAIL: USPS observes the holiday on Saturday.
LOW-LOW TIDE: Way out, to -2.6 feet, at 10:12 am. Tread lightly!
#SAYTHEIRNAMES VIGIL: Announced by North Delridge neighbor Nancy:
Please join us to show support for our Black friends, family, and neighbors, and to #SayTheirNames
What: #SayTheirNames
When: Friday, July 3rd, 5:30-6:30 pm
Where: Pedestrian overpass on Delridge at the Delridge Community Center/Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.Please remember to wear your masks!
CORNER BAR: Highland Park Improvement Club‘s doing it virtually, 7 pm, with a livestreamed performance by KO Electric – you’ll be able to watch/listen here.
PARK LIGHTS: On until 11 pm at four local Seattle Parks fields, to dissuade fireworks use.
11:16 AM: The announcement is from Seattle Parks – we’re just mentioning the local fields on the list:
Seattle Parks and Recreation will turn on field lighting on ballfields throughout the city on the evening of Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 to protect the surfaces. The ballfield lights will be turned on at approximately 8:30 p.m. and most will be turned off at either 10 p.m. or 11 p.m., depending on the field.
The lights will be turned on to discourage the use of fireworks. Fireworks are illegal in the city of Seattle and will destroy the artificial turf on the fields or surrounding facilities. The approximate replacement cost for the synthetic surface based on per average full-size field (110,000 square feet) is $1.2 million. All the fields have been renovated in the past several years and benefit field users including players of soccer, football, baseball, Ultimate Frisbee, and lacrosse.
The fields will be monitored by security from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Lights at the following fields will be turned off at 11 p.m.:
Delridge Playfield, 4458 Delridge Way SW
Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave. SW
Walt Hundley Playfield, 6920 34th Avenue SW
West Seattle Stadium, 4432 35th Ave. SW
4:11 PM: The Port of Seattle has a plan too – received from spokesperson Peter McGraw: “Port police will be closing T105, T107, and Jack Block Parks around 3 p.m. this Saturday to prevent possible property damage related to firework use. The parks will reopen on Sunday morning.”
Shop/drink/dine local for Father’s Day! We’ve been asked about local food/beverage opportunities for the big day this Sunday (June 21st). So far, we have three from the WSB inbox:
OUNCES (3809 Delridge Way SW): Barbecue & Beer noon-5 pm on Father’s Day – “local NWTXBBQ will be at Ounces smoking up some tasty central-Texas-style bbq, featuring their specialty mesquite dry-rub smoked brisket and other goodies!” More info here.
Also, all weekend (Friday-Sunday) at Ounces, you can support the Lafayette Elementary PTA via any purchase made at the taproom (mention Lafayette) or online (click the Lafayette checkbpx when purchasing at www.ouncestogo.com.)
ROOT-BEER FLOAT KITS: As previously mentioned, the Alki Elementary PTA is “supporting Husky Deli, The Beer Junction, and Safeway on Admiral as we sell pre-orders of DIY ROOT BEER FLOAT KITS for drive-thru pick-up at Husky Deli (4721 California SW) on Father’s Day, June 21st. Info and ordering at alkipta.square.site.
JET CITY BEIGNET: “In addition to our regular Sunday pop-up on 6/21, we’ll be offering some fabulous and delicious Father’s Day beignet gift boxes that will include a maple bourbon sauce made by Green City Kitchens and add-on options of ice cream or sorbet from Seattle Sorbets and roca by Renee’s Roca. All of the items we are offering are made by small WS businesses. You can find the boxes and details here.”
Any other Father’s Day food/beverage specials? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 so we can add to the list – thank you!
Thanks to Vietnamese Cultural Center director Lee Bui for the photo: “Flowers and fruits to honor the heroes at Fallen Soldiers Memorial at Vietnamese Cultural Center today. Special for heroes of the Vietnam War.” (The center at 2234 SW Orchard is open to the public weekly during non-pandemic times.)
Last night, we mentioned Taps Across America after a few readers told us about it. Here are some videos sent by participants:
The sender tells us that’s “Chris Svehaug playing Taps on Tillicum. He’s standing in front of his Norwegian immigrant grandfather’s 48-star flag. Ole was a proud American who served in the Navy in WWII.” … Below, West Seattle High School juniors Henry Parker on baritone sax and Jonah Elbaum on trumpet
A clip from Fauntleroy:
(added) One more West Seattleite – Kevin Freitas:
And through the quirks of the internet, our preview from last night led to a few people from other areas of the U.S. sending us their clips. This one from North Carolina has special merit – 95-year-old World War II veteran Henry W. Hoell Sr., his wife of 79 years Rosa, grandson William Gore playing the trumpet and his children, Lydia and Naomi.
The original announcement noted that CBS will share some of the videos on its national newscast tomorrow night.
Usually right about now on Memorial Day, local veterans and other community members would be gathering at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor) for the annual remembrance ceremony. It’s not happening this year, so instead, you’ll find American Legion Post 160 commander Keith Hughes, an Army veteran, at the post (3618 SW Alaska) with the traditional poppies. If you’re in the area, he’ll be there until about 5 pm.
(Bald Eagle, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Good morning. Notes for the holiday:
TRANSIT
Metro: Sunday schedule
Water Taxi: Not running
Sound Transit: Sunday schedule
TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Our page highlighting local cameras is here
SDOT’s map with cameras and alerts from around the city is here
(Bald Eagles, photographed by Dan Ciske)
POPPIES
Stop by American Legion Post 160 (3618 SW Alaska) if you are out – details in our preview, including BBQ food – with a discount for veterans – next door!
TAPS ACROSS AMERICA
3 pm – play if you can!
(WSB photo: Flags on graves at Forest Lawn)
Though Memorial Day will happen without the traditional ceremonies this year, here’s a way to pay tribute, if you play brass – “Taps Across America.’ We hadn’t heard about this until mentions in email and via Twitter tonight. Steve Hartman of CBS News came up with the idea – inviting people to play “Taps” at 3 pm local time tomorrow, wherever they are. If you can record it, you’re invited to send it to him (see the end of this story) – and we’d be happy to feature you here too (westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302)!
(WSB photo from May 2019)
This Memorial Day will be without most of the traditional West Seattle observances. No flags in The Junction; no service at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor). But we do have this announcement from American Legion Post 160 commander Keith Hughes:
As you are all aware, we are still under the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, so there will not be any of the usual Memorial Day activities/services. However, on Monday I will be at the Legion Hall with Memorial Day Poppies (9 am-5 pm), and there will be a Texas BBQ Food Cart (Veteran owned and operated) next door at Mountain to Sound Outfitters that will be giving 25% discounts to Veterans & Families from 1 PM to 5 PM. In addition to the Vets Discount, he also donates a percentage of his net to the DAV Emergency Fund. If you happen to be out that day (for an essential trip), please ware your face mask and stop by for a poppy.
Post 160 is at 3618 SW Alaska.
12:05 PM: Procrastinating on those Mother’s Day flowers? An update from the Lafayette Elementary PTA benefit-bouquet sale:
We have 20 bouquets left to sell! Call or text Jenny King at (206) 637-1004 to place your order – $30 each, pay here. For every bouquet sold, $5 will be donated back to school.
Your flower bouquets will be ready for pickup Today (May 9, 5-7pm) or Sunday morning (May 10, 8:30-9:30am). Pick-up location: 4224 Beach Drive SW, Seattle. NO CONTACT PICKUP.
2:05 PM: All gone!
Announced tonight by organizers:
It is with heavy hearts we announce that the 2020 West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade is CANCELLED due to COVID-19.
We have been honored to carry on this 25-year-long tradition these past few years and look forward to 2021, when we can all celebrate together again.
In support of all the small businesses in West Seattle that normally sponsor this parade and ensure the tradition continues, we will be donating $250, the amount we would normally be spending on our permit application fee right now, to the West Seattle Small Business Relief fund. If you are able, please considering making a donation here rather than the parade this year.
If you’re new to the area – the parade fills several streets in North Admiral wth walking, riding, and rolling kids and their families on Independence Day morning, and is followed by sack races and other activities at Hamilton Viewpoint Park – here’s our coverage from last year.
Haven’t lined up your Mother’s Day flowers yet? From the Lafayette Elementary PTA, another opportunity to buy them and help both the growers and students:
Treat the special someone in your life to a beautiful Mother’s Day flower bouquet from local farmer Chao Chang Gardens in Snohomish. In addition to helping a local flower grower, a portion of your purchase will support Lafeyette Elementary PTA. For every bouquet sold, $5 will be donated back to school.
Your flower bouquets will be ready for pickup Saturday evening (May 9, 5-7 pm) thru Sunday morning (May 10, 8:30-9:30 am). Pick up location: 4224 Beach Drive SW, Seattle.
NO-CONTACT PICKUP. PLACE YOUR ORDER BY THURSDAY, MAY 7, 4:30 PM.
(WSB photo taken earlier this spring at Click! Design That Fits, part of Thursday’s ‘spree’)
The next phase of in-person retail won’t be open in time for this Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10th) but the West Seattle Junction Association has a shopping solution for you: A “Virtual Shopping Spree” this Thursday (May 7th). Every half hour, starting at 4 pm and continuing through 7:30 pm, The Junction will take you live to another local shop – eight in all. Plus, every shopper gets a chance to win a $150 gift card to each store – they’ll pick a random winner for each “spree” visit, from among those who comment either with an order or by saying “Pick me!” (You’ll be able to shop via Facebook or through the store’s Instagram Live page; the business will then contact you for delivery and payment.) See the schedule/lineup, and find the link to participate, by going here.
Readers have asked about special take-out meals for Mother’s Day this Sunday (May 10th). We in turn issued an open invitation to restaurants to tell us what they’re offering. (updated) Here’s what we have so far:
ITTO’S TAPAS: “We’re offering a Mother’s Day meal for 2 at $90. Lamb shank with seasonal roasted veggies, 3 jumbo prawns, Arugula salad with manchego, Flan for dessert, and a bottle of Spanish cava. Preorder via email. ittostapasws@gmail.com”
ENDOLYNE JOE’S: Offering “a special ‘Mama’s Day Brunch Kit’ for families of four and up, ready-to-reheat at home for Mother’s Day brunch … choose from Three Little Pigs Strata with ham, sausage, bacon and cheddar cheese or Spring Vegetable Strata with asparagus, bell pepper, cauliflower, and brie cheese, plus Cherry Crumble Coffee-Cake, Fruit Cocktail with melons, pineapple, and berries and cream cheese yogurt dip and a Mixed Green Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette … add a ‘Mom-osa’ Kit featuring a Bottle of Bubbles and Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice for an additional $25.” Order by phone, 206.937.5637, by Friday at 3 pm. “Each Brunch Kit is $60 plus tax and will include reheating instructions. Pickup is on Saturday, May 9.”
(added 11 am) PHOENECIA: Thanks to commenter Erica for mentioning this; we’ve since heard directly from the restaurant, which sent this image of the special 4-course Mother’s Day dinner menu and how to order.
(added Thursday) ARTHUR’S: “We’ve got several meal kits as well as 3-course pre made meals that are finished at home. Kits are a 12 oz ribeye steak, lamb with cherry glaze, or salmon. Our 3-course meal includes a choice of appetizer with a salad, assorted fresh baked croissants and house-made jam with whipped butter, or our smoked trout crostini. The main course options are crab benedict, pulled pork benedict, baked french toast, steak and eggs, or crab cakes. With each benedict we have the components and recipe for making hollandaise at home so that it doesn’t get salmonella in transit. We’ve been hearing from everyone how much they love our benedicts so this will be the standard for weekend brunch during the closure and beyond! Lastly, we have kids meals of a classic brekkie, baked french toast, or mac & cheese. Kits and coursed-out meals are $32 and kids’ meals are $8. We ask that orders be placed by Saturday morning at noon so we can get everything prepared and scheduled for pickup by Sunday.” 206-829-8235
(added Thursday) JET CITY BEIGNET: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Chef Michael Poole of West Seattle’s Hot Chocolat to offer you these unique, locally-crafted gift boxes mom will adore! Just visit our web shop, select your desired beignet box and add the artisan chocolate option of your choice. You can also add a bag of JCB custom small-batch coffee blend by Middle Fork Roasters – specially priced for Mother’s Day! Gift Boxes will be available for pick-up on Sunday, May 10th @ 4611 36th Ave SW. In order to limit crowds, there will be designated pick-up times (ranging from 9am – noon) according to the first letter of the purchaser’s last name.”
Anybody else? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (And we’re still welcoming updates for our restaurant/beverage-biz list, too.) Photo by Dan Ciske.
We’re continuing to feature fundraisers for a variety of causes – including local PTA/PTSAs whose annual fundraising events were canceled by COVID-19. Today, an opportunity to support the Alki Elementary PTA and flower farmers, by ordering a Mother’s Day bouquet! (The big day is just a week from today.) They’re available for pickup or West Seattle delivery – order by Friday!
(P.S. Any other Mother’s Day offers, whether nonprofit or business? Let us know!)
Before Easter ends, bunny sightings from the inbox:
Along Alki Avenue this morning, Stewart L. saw that skateboarding “bunny.” Later in the day in Gatewood, Troy Sterk saw the more-common kind:
Also caught on video, more running than hopping:
Thanks again for all the photo contributions!
(Art by Tara J., photographed by Ann Anderson)
Good morning! Notes for the day ahead:
ONLINE EASTER SERVICES: Two dozen West Seattle churches are on our list – with services as early as 6:30 am.
DONATION DRIVE: Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) invites you to be a helper on this holiday:
The COVID19 pandemic is disproportionally hurting our most vulnerable neighbors. Here’s how you can help!
This Easter Sunday, there will be donations barrels outside Alki UCC, for your donations of clothing and non-perishable foods. Social distancing observed! The bins will be available from 10 am to 5 pm.
Food donations will be distributed by the White Center Food Bank. Top requests include Canned Meat/Soup/Fruit (pop-top cans, if possible); Rice, Noodles, Peanut Butter, Oats, Toilet Paper; Diapers, Similac Formula, Baby Wipes, Cleaning Supplies and Hand Sanitizer.
Clothing Donations will be distributed via the West Seattle Clothesline and the King Country Drug Court, which serves our neighbors receiving treatment for minor drug offenses. Many men have been moved into supportive housing during the current crisis; they need shirts, jackets, pants, shoes, underwear, socks, etc. for a smooth transition back into our community. Alki UCC’s Easter Service will be streaming live beginning at 10:00 am. If you’re in the neighborhood before 11:30 am or so, you’ll be able to enjoy a bit of the service music as you walk or drive by.
GROCERY SHOPPING TODAY? Some different hours for the holiday – see our Saturday story.
EASTER TAKEOUT: We’re continuing to update our West Seattle (etc.) restaurant list – some are even offering Easter dinners.
FREE TO-GO DINNERS: High Point Community Dinner Church will serve to-go meals at 5 pm, outside, near High Point Community Center. (6920 34th SW)
(added) MORE FREE MEALS: This offer is from the West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW):
2 FREE MEALS at your West Seattle Eagles !!!
First up, Gabby and her Mom Debbie will step into the Kitchen from 12 – 2 pm. Our delicious Easter Brunch menu offers up Eggs Benedict, Potatoes and Fresh Fruit.
Round 2 begins at 5.30 pm, when John hits the kitchen to prepare his WORLD FAMOUS SMASH BURGERS !!! You can’t just eat one…
As always, all meals are FREE and open to the PUBLIC !!!
Please enter through the blue door located at the SE corner of the building. We adhere to all CDC Social Distancing Guidelines, so please follow the 6 feet rule. Donations gladly accepted.
And two reminders:
THREE PARKS CLOSED: Stay out of Alki, Lincoln Park, and West Seattle Stadium, which are closed until early Monday.
NO FARMERS’ MARKET … though it apparently almost happened.
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