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WEEKEND PREVIEW: West Seattle Indivisible hosts Mayor Bruce Harrell on Sunday

That photo is from West Seattle Indivisible, taken last Sunday morning, when about 80 people showed up to commiserate and strategize in the wake of the “big bill” that was just passed by Congress and signed by the president. This Sunday, WDI gathers again, this time with a guest appearance by a local leader – here’s the announcement we received tonight:

West Seattle Indivisible is honored to welcome Mayor Bruce Harrell to our General Membership Meeting on Sunday, July 13, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon @ California).

At our gathering on Alki last Sunday, high interest was expressed in learning more about what we all can do to prepare for increased ICE presence in our city and our neighborhoods. Mayor Harrell was able to arrange his schedule to share the city’s stance and strategies with our group; he will be with us from 3:30-4 pm.

Remember that this weekend is West Seattle Summer Fest and parking in the Junction area will be challenging. Doors will open at 3 pm to allow ample time to get settled in order to start promptly at 3:30 pm.

CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle/Southwest Little League Softball Junior All-Stars in state semifinals

Thanks to Katherine for the photo and report:

The combined West Seattle/Southwest Little League Juniors Softball All-Stars have advanced to the semi-finals of the Juniors Softball State Tournament with a 9-7 win today over the team from Redmond/Sammamish/Eastlake. The team has won three games so far in the state tournament, the most wins at state of any softball all-star team in the history of West Seattle and Southwest Little League!

West Seattle/Southwest Little League plays against the team from Shoreline/North Central/Queen Anne Little League tomorrow [Friday] at 6 pm at Northshore Athletic Fields in Woodinville.

Come cheer them on!

AMBER ALERT UPDATE: Child found, alert canceled; car thief/kidnapper still sought

6:52 PM: An Amber Alert just buzzed on cell phones across the region, and it’s for a child reported to have been taken in White Center. We don’t have details yet but here’s the poster:

(update: image removed)

More info shortly.

7:03 PM: According to this post, the child has been found. As is our standard policy with resolved missing-person cases, we’re removing the image. (We still have no other info about the circumstances.)

9:28 PM: King County Sheriff’s Deputies found the car at 6th SW and SW 102nd; the thief/kidnapper is still at large, according to KCSO: “The child was found safe about an hour after the car was taken – she is safe and reunited with her mother … Deputies are currently looking for the suspect.”

VIDEO: Scenes from West Seattle Summer Fest Eve 2025!

5:16 PM: The Junction is the place to be, starting now and continuing until Sunday night – West Seattle Summer Fest is officially Friday-Sunday but the streets are closed now for festival setup, plus early sidewalk-café activity, and it’s West Seattle Art Walk + The Art of Music night, all combining for Summer Fest Eve. Buses are rerouted too. We’re headed that way soon for updates!

6:25 PM: One of the sights you’ll see in Junction streets right now – stilt walkers! Or if you’d rather just watch the festival setup, wander north of SW Oregon, where the Summer Fest main stage is taking shape:

We found out from Junction Association executive director Chris Mackay that if you wander a bit further north, you’ll find out Itto’s is cooking paella tonight! Meanwhile, lots of wandering going on:

And be sure to duck into the West Seattle Art Walk venues, too – we photographed West Seattle watercolorist Carrie Scroggins at Jet City Labs:

(Jet City has DJs all festival long, tomorrow through Sunday!) We’ve seen two bands, too – Aurora Ave is rocking the KeyBank Plaza corner at California/Alaska:

And the St. Bees Duo is at John L. Scott (4445 California SW) with some nostalgia.

They’re one of the five Art of Music acts – and The Junction is hosting bonus music tonight too (like Aurora Ave!). We’re heading back out to see what else is up ….

8:38 PM: More scenes from tonight – Golden Hart at Great American Diner and Bar, part of The Art of Music:

Noticed a line for Husky Deli ice cream:

On the same block, Mashiko‘s streetside booth had a list of what they’ll be selling, including shave ice:

Poggie Tavern was decked inside and out with jellyfish:

Speaking of food and drink, remember it’s on SW Alaska WEST of California this year, and the parking lot behind KeyBank will have space for you to sit and enjoy your food/beverage:

The Kid Zone, meantime, is on Alaska EAST of California, where these colorful cords are awaiting their role in setting up the inflatables (you can buy tickets online in advance):

The festival runs 1 to 8 pm Friday (music to 11), 10 am to 8 pm Saturday (music to 11), and 10 am to 5 pm Sunday. We’ll be there for continuous coverage all 24+ hours of the festival – see you in The Junction!

FOLLOWUP: SDOT says it won’t add more parallel parking on Alki Avenue after all

(WSB photo, last month)

You might remember the uproar when SDOT announced in May that not only would it convert the Duwamish Head angled parking to parallel parking, it would likely add more than 100 new parallel spaces in the 1200 to 1700 blocks of Alki Avenue SW. At first SDOT attributed the proposed addition to City Councilmember Rob Saka – whose budget action last year set aside $175,000 for the angled-parking-to-parallel conversion as well as “to restore parallel-only parking to Alki Avenue SW adjacent to (the Duwamish Head) location” – but he then said he was not in favor of “restoring” that parking. SDOT proceeded with a survey and promised a final decision after that. The final decision is in today, and it’s “no additional parking.” The survey results were part of today’s announcement; SDOT says it received 882 responses, and since it wasn’t a yes/no survey, its summary does not have a count, but ultimately concludes that more people were against the parking expansion:

The West Seattle Parking Adjustments Survey results reveal a divided consensus among participants regarding the addition of parking to the water side of Alki Ave SW. A significant portion of respondents expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact and aesthetic disruption, emphasizing the need to preserve Alki’s natural beauty and pedestrian-friendliness. On the other hand, many saw the lack of parking as a hindrance to accessibility, particularly for visitors and families, which could negatively affect local businesses dependent on tourism and foot traffic. Overall, there were valid arguments on both sides, with more people opposing.

Bottom line, says SDOT, with that decision, that particular project is complete: “The proviso directing SDOT’s existing budget to implement changes is limited to parking adjustments, so nothing further is planned at this time.” (We’ll be asking them how much of the $175,000 remains, if it was supposed to go toward parking restoration too, and what it’ll go toward instead.)

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Accused serial bank robber charged with eight felonies, including two from West Seattle holdups

3:28 PM: That’s the poster circulated by the FBI in January about a serial bank robber that authorities now allege is 24-year-old University District resident Leena Chang. We reported Tuesday night on the arrest shortly after Monday’s holdup at the WaFd Bank north of The Junction, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has just sent documents showing that Chang is charged in eight cases, the same ones mentioned in our update, including two in West Seattle – last January 13 at US Bank in The Junction, and this past Monday’s WaFd Bank holdup. Chang has no criminal history, according to the charging documents, which summarize the allegations:

The defendant engaged in a series of well-planned bank robberies for over a year. As time went on the defendant became emboldened and confident in her skills. She started out covering nearly all of her face, to include using a face mask to obscure her identity, but soon she relied on only a head covering and glasses (and possibly a wig).

(Montage of surveillance images, from charging documents)

She began to arm herself with a hyper-realistic airsoft gun in order to increase the likelihood of success. The State is charging 8 counts of robbery or attempted robbery, 1st degree at this time, but it is clear from the certification that there is at least one additional robbery in another county.

While financial gain was a likely motivation for these crimes, the evidence shows the defendant also took an immense amount of personal satisfaction from her ability to rob banks and outsmart law enforcement. She bragged to a friend about her “work” and spoke about it freely. In her apartment, investigators found a notebook containing information from two of the robberies, including saved demand notes.

(Image from charging documents)

But the most astounding find remains the saved FBI wanted bulletin of the defendant, which she had begun to sketch and paint with watercolors. The fact that she was a focus of a significant law enforcement investigation appears to have been a source of great pride for her.

small>(Image from charging documents)

As time went on, her robberies became more frequent, with six occurring since January of 2025 (including a robbery out of county). By early July, she was the target of this investigation, with police preparing to make an arrest. Then she robbed yet another bank. Police waited near her apartment for her to return and were able to arrest her, still in possession of her disguise, the demand note and the cash taken from the bank.

The charging documents have many images, even apparent robbery notes to which Chang signed her name; we’ll add a few shortly. Chang remains jailed in lieu of $500,000 bail and is due to be arraigned July 23.

CAN YOU HELP? 100 volunteers needed for school project

If you – or a student in your household – can spare some time, this volunteer project is looking to sign up a hundred volunteers! Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:

We’re looking for 100 volunteers to work together (kids more than welcome!) to help with safety and aesthetic improvements to the exterior and playground at Louisa Boren STEM K-8.

Need volunteer hours for middle or high school? We’re happy to sign any forms to confirm your volunteer hours.

Sign up below to join us on Friday, July 18 and/or Saturday, July 19, 9 am – 5 pm.

Volunteer sign-up: signupgenius.com/go/10C0549A9A823A0FEC43-57389089-louisa

Looks like we’ll have sunny days before, during and after – making it perfect painting weather. We have lots of approved projects to knock out, so bring friends – let’s get it DONE!!

Questions? Email cheandrie@stemk8pta.org
The school is at 5950 Delridge Way SW.

COUNTDOWN: One week until this summer’s first Admiral Music in the Parks concert!

Tonight through this weekend, West Seattle Summer Fest in The Junction is in the spotlight. The music doesn’t stop there, though. One week from tonight – Thursday, July 17 – you’re invited to the first of three free Thursday night concerts in the Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented Admiral Music in the Parks series. Here’s a reminder from ANA:

Get your picnic blankets ready for the first concert of Admiral Music in the Parks 2025! Join the Admiral Neighborhood Association on July 17th at 6:30 PM as we gather at Belvedere Park for an evening of PNW country-tonk with Lookout Mountain Lookout.

Then mark your calendars for our other concerts:

6:30 PM on July 24th at California Place Park where we will welcome back West Seattle favorite Micheal Pearsall and Friends.

6:30 PM on July 31st at Hamilton Viewpoint Park as we close out AMP 2025 with The Flaming Pies and the music of John, Paul, George and Ringo.

New this year, you can join Seattle Yarn’s knitting circle at each event.

Thank you to our business sponsors, including our “Producer” partners: West Seattle Realty, Timeless Kitchen Design, and West Seattle Grounds, and our individual donors who make this event possible.

To find out more about AMP, visit us here.

This is the second year that AMP is happening in parks that aren’t often used for events – worked out great last year, so ANA is doing it again! Belvedere Park is at 3600 SW Admiral Way. (WSB is media sponsor for the concert series.)

WEST SEATTLE THURSDAY: Summer Fest Eve (with street closures), Art Walk (with music), more!

We start with two huge events tonight!

WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST EVE: This is “locals’ night” before the three-day festival, with the streets closed for Summer Fest setup and sidewalk cafés open, plus music performances and more, even face painting! Come down after 5 pm and wander! We’ve previewed it multiple times already, so here again are those links with everything to know:

Street-closure timeline, with first closure as early as 2 pm
Calendar listing with lineup
Full list of live music

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: This is also happening, not only in The Junction – where it enhances Summer Fest Eve – but also in other areas of the peninsula, from Alki to Morgan Junction. Here’s the venue list, for art and/or food and drink specials:

Individual venue and artist previews are listed here. All seven The Art of Music performances, 6-7:45 pm, are previewed here.

Here’s what else is happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Clouds or sun, it’s the heart of gardening season! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open today and every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

WADING POOLS: The city says it’s expecting sunshine and warm-enough temperatures this afternoon to open the wading pools, so that means Lincoln Park will be open noon-7 pm and Delridge and Hiawatha will be open noon-5:30 pm. Free.

COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) will be open noon-7 pm – see the schedule here. Fee.

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to get info about where they’re playing today.

DROP-IN CHESS: Teens are welcome to come play at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:30 pm.

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Momo’s Kebab.

WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.

VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!

WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: The monthly 6 pm online speaker series focuses tonight on totem poles, with Rebecca Albiani; our calendar listing has info on how to get the viewing link.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), the Westies Run Club is resuming the Thursday community run tonight.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Prefer to walk instead of run? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.

’90s TRIVIA: Monthly event at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7 pm.

‘THE EFFECT’ AT ARTSWEST: Final week begins for new ArtsWest production “The Effect at 7:30 pm. Tonight is sold out – check here for tickets for other performances before the run ends Sunday. (4711 California SW)

DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Supreme La Rock, 8 pm.

Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Suspects arrested in West Seattle teen stabbing

A 17-year-old girl and 15-year-old boy are in juvenile detention, accused in the Puget Ridge stabbing attack on a 17-year-old girl early July 5. (We originally reported the attack here.) Seattle Police say this morning that the suspects were taken into custody by Marysville Police as a result of the SPD investigation of the attack. According to documents we’ve obtained from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, both appeared in court Wednesday afternoon. The KCPAO says the judge found probable cause to hold them for investigation of attempted second-degree murder. A decision on charges is likely tomorrow; their next hearing is tentatively set for Monday. According to a crowdfunding page created by the victim’s sister, she was attacked at the home of her 83-year-old grandfather, and in addition to seriously injuring the victim, the attack caused major damage at the house.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Thursday info, Summer Fest Eve edition

6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, July 10, 2025, West Seattle Summer Fest Eve – the intersection in the traffic-cam view above will be closed to vehicles starting just hours from now.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Cloudy, then clearing, high near 70. Today’s sunrise was at 5:22 am; sunset will be at 9:06 pm.

SUMMER FEST EVE!

-In The Junction, parking restrictions start this morning, and street closures for West Seattle Summer Fest start rolling out this afternoon (see today’s timeline here); then through late Sunday night, California will be closed north (to Genesee) and south (to Edmunds) of SW Oregon, and SW Alaska will be closed between 44th on the west side and 42nd on the east side.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro busesRegular schedule today, but Summer Fest reroutes through The Junction will start once the street closures start.

Washington State Ferries – WSF has resumed three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.

Water TaxiRegular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, and on weeknights with Mariners home games (and certain special events).

ROAD WORK

-Three weeks of major nighttime work ahead on and around 16th SW in White Center starting next Wednesday – details here.

-16th SW speed cushions have been installed near Cloverdale and near Trenton; here’s our story on what else is on the way.

-Admiral Bridge work continues, with one lane each way across the bridge

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.

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!

WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST 2025: Junction’s year-round businesses getting ready, too

West Seattle Summer Fest features many visiting vendors, but year-round local businesses are at the heart of the party. The festival began as their summer sidewalk sale, and evolved over the years. Some still have sidewalk sales, or sidewalk cafés, or kiosks/stands outside their businesses. We’ve heard from/talked with a few.

HUSKY DELI: They’ll have a stand outside the Deli with their traditional bratwurst, kosher hot dogs, and Jalapeño cheese dogs, and extra ice cream as usual. Staff told WSB’s Hayden Yu Andersen that proprietor Jack Miller is “totally into the festival” and they’re all super excited.

BAKERY NOUVEAU: They’re working hard to prepare for the influx of customers: “We’re always excited for Summer Fest. Every year people hunt down the gelato sandwiches.” (They make their own gelato at BN in Burien and deliver it here.) They’re also working on something special for Summer Fest: A Mango Passionfruit Mousse with a guava glaze. And, “for people with dairy restrictions, an oat milk horchata.” The BN staff says it’s fun to see first-time customers during the festival as well as regulars.

CORNER POCKET: They emailed to ask us to let you know “that we’re open 3:00 pm to 2:00 am throughout the event, and hosting raffles Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at 9:00 pm. Raffle tickets are given out with every purchase, 21 and over.”

ANOTHER NEW BUSINESS: If you haven’t been to The Junction for a while, the festival’s also an opportunity to see who’s new. Above, that’s Sev Sengul, who finally has a permanent storefront for her Angora Rugs and Decor. 4517 California SW, after years of pop-ups off and on (like this). Stop in for live music 6-8 pm Thursday night during Summer Fest Eve/Art Walk!

Just a few – what’s YOUR Junction biz doing for Summer Fest? We’d be happy to add, and we’ll be there all three days/nights too to cover everything we can – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!

Making the case for membership, and other toplines from July 2025 Fauntleroy Community Association board meeting

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

If you live/work in Fauntleroy, why should you pay for Fauntleroy Community Association membership? That’s one of the questions for which the FCA board is working to refine answers, to make the case to more residents and businesspeople, as discussed during last night’s monthly board meeting in the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse conference room. But first:

POLICE UPDATE: Officer German Barreto, attending remotely, brought crime stats – Fauntleroy has had one robbery so far this year compared to zero by this time last year, and “everything else has gone down,” including burglaries and auto thefts (21 to this point last year, 7 this year), he said. Precinct-wide, the trends are similar. Confirmed “shots fired” incidents: Fauntleroy has had two compared to one by this point last year, In the entire Southwest Precinct (West Seattle and South Park), last year has had 57 to this point, compared to 53 this year. Asked why most categories had dropped, Barreto said he’d speculate the “directed patrols” proactively targeting hot spots (Alki, Westwood for example) were at least partly to thank.

ENCAMPMENTS: Attendees brought up people camping in Fauntleroy Park. Barreto said they’d been dealing with RVs in South Park so he wasn’t up to date on tent camps in West Seattle at the moment, but advised reporting via Find It Fix It, suggesting that “flooding it” with reports might help get attention on a particular site.

REZONING: Changes proposed for some parts of Fauntleroy were taken out of the city’s latest plan, and FCA president Frank Immel said that appears to be “a win for our community.” FCA board member Bill Wellington noted, though, that some of the changes seemed to have been made without coherent consideration. Impacts to the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse and its site were discussed, particularly a parcel immediately west of the nursery site that itself is west of the schoolhouse parking lot. They debated whether to talk with Seattle Public Schools – which still owns that part of the site – about the land and its future. They ultimately voted to support the map as currently proposed for Fauntleroy and will let City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s office know.

MEMBERSHIP: The organization wants to increase its paid membership. So, how? A higher profile at FCA-presented events was one suggestion made by Immel. Board member Kris Ilgenfritz suggested that they need to be clearer about what it is they do and why they as board members are involved. “It’s because we all care about the community,” vice president Catherine Bailey suggested. Board member Amber Heinemann, point person with the busnesscommunity, suggested posting membership info at businesses in the area (including hers, The Birdhouse coffee shop/café), and thought adding a QR code to the FCA’s quarterly newsletter would help too. She also suggested a bigger community board that the FCA could sponsor at her business. Much debate ensued over how to communicate the value of membership, and why people should join. How about joining forces with other neighborhoods for a booth at future West Seattle Summer Fests, or Farmers’ Markets, to help people connect? Board member Susan Lantz-Dey noted a past tagline, “Membership matters.” Treasurer Alan Grainger noted, “There’s going to be a lot happening in this neighborhood in the (years ahead)” and membership could be explained as a way to stay informed on it all, and have a voice. They decided to create a committee to take on the topic – maybe a marketing committee that would look at, and ostensibly improve, the ways the FCA communicates with community members.

GLASS FLOAT HUNT: The West Seattle-wide event is happening again this summer; FCA will participate again by buying floats and hiding them.

FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL FUNDRAISING: FCA doesn’t present the festival but supports it in a big way, so it’s a frequent topic at meetings. This year’s date is October 19. Donations cover the costs; the recent Super Deli Mart mini-block party brought in $600, and a new event – a golf tournament – will add more than $1,000, festival organizer Reed Haggerty reported …. Next month, The Birdhouse will offer a summer barbecue pop-up dinner, 5-7 pm August 19th – ribs, pulled pork, that sort of thing. Heinemann said they’re exploring closing the street for the event. They’ll probably have another fundraiser in September.

FERRY UPDATE: Immel, long the Fauntleroy rep on ferry-related committees, noted that the last Community Advisory Group meeting is set for four. weeks from now, and it’s expected that’s when WSF will unveil the final configuration of the replacement terminal. He noted, however, that while this moves the process into a new phase, there’s the issue of cost – the budgeted $95 million is not anywhere close to what the final price tag is likely to be. (The CAG meeting, online on August 6, will be open to the public as usual; you can go here to register for the viewing link.)

WHAT’S NEXT: No FCA meeting in August, so the next one will be at 6 pm Tuesday, September 9. Watch fauntleroy.net for updates in the meantime.

DRUGSTORE TURNOVER: More than just Rite Aid and Bartell

While big changes loom for four freestanding West Seattle drugstores – California Rite Aid and both Bartell Drugs converting to CVS, Westwood Rite Aid closing – change is apparently on the way to at least one other local drugstore too. Our routine check of commercial listings reveals that the Roxbury Walgreens is listed for sale ($3.75 million) or lease, with an availability date of December 1st. It’s a 14,000-sf building on a 53,000-sf site, zoned for mixed-use five-story development. We’ll follow up with the company tomorrow.

WEST SEATTLE SUMMER FEST 2025: Community connections, too!

We call it “the peninsula’s biggest party of the year,” but West Seattle Summer Fest is more than music, shopping, food, and drinks. The Friday-Sunday festival in The Junction is also a place to connect with community groups, nonprofit organizations, schools, government agencies, to find out what they do, ask questions, learn about what’s happening in West Seattle. One hub for this will be the Info Booth at California/Alaska – of course you can get festival info there, but it’s also home to tabling throughout the festival (as well as headquarters for WSB’s Summer Fest coverage all three days) – here’s who’s on the schedule:

Friday – 1–4 PM SPD & Duwamish Solidarity Group
4–8 PM West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) & WestSide Baby

Saturday – 10–1 PM King Co. Harborview & Ridge to River
1–4 PM The Whale Trail & Seal Sitters
4–8 PM City Office of Housing & RainWise

Sunday – 10–1 PM Seattle Emergency Hubs & RainWise
1–5 PM Puget Sound Regional Council & SPD

Amid the vendor booths, you’ll also find these nonprofits:

Mode Music and Performing Arts
Rotary Club of West Seattle (WSB sponsor)
West Seattle Food Bank

And in the Kids’ Zone (remember, that’s EAST of California this year), the area with free activities for little visitors will include volunteers from three local schools: Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) on Friday, Hope Lutheran School on Saturday and Tilden School (WSB sponsor) on Sunday. See you at Summer Fest!

UPDATE: Water-rescue response off Harbor Avenue, canceled

2:16 PM: Fire and police personnel are rushing by sea and land to search for a diver who’s been reported missing, reported to have last been seen between Salty’s (1936 Harbor SW) and Marination (1660 Harbor SW).

2:21 PM: Emergency personnel report they’ve made contact with the diver who was feared missing, and the response is being canceled.

PHOTOS: West Seattle Junction FC’s final home match a victorious thriller

PHOTOS BY DAVE GERSHGORN FOR WSB

West Seattle Junction FC, the pre-pro soccer team in its second season, played its final home match of the year last night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, and it was a thriller. Team owner Jessica Pierce shares the highlights, to go with our first-half photos from WSB contributing photojournalist Dave Gershgorn:

(Forward Alex Mejia waves as the team is introduced before the match)

Down 0-3 at the half, Coach Oman made some front line change-ups, adding in Joschi Schelb from Rutgers and Mani Diop, defender at UW.

Schelb quickly fueled the fire adding a point to the board! West Seattle fans and the drum line pounding in the stands were all on their feet.

From the 70th minute on, Diop delivered goals 2 & 3 to tie up the game, including a brilliant header off a corner. Schelb with the winning goal with a key assist by Will Maschmedt in the 87th minute, making it 4-3. With 6 minutes of stoppage added, the crowd remained on their feet until that final whistle blew.

West Seattle loves this tenacious team and we love West Seattle! The support you’ve all shown us in year 2 has been incredible! We can’t wait for year 3!

Other game scenes:

Junction FC wraps up the season Friday night on the road vs. FC Olympia. … One more note from the organization, if you have a young player in the household:

The Rhodies & Junction FC host a youth player clinic from 10 am-12 pm on Saturday at Delridge playfields. Visit the Junction FC website to sign up and train with the team & staff!

The clinic is $65 and geared for (updated) U8 through U15 age groups.

FOLLOWUP: What’s ahead for traffic-calming on 16th SW and elsewhere around West Seattle

(WSB photo, Tuesday)

After tips about the speed cushions that have just been installed on 16th Avenue SW in the Cloverdale/Trenton vicinity, we sent inquiries to SDOT regarding why, and regarding what else is ahead, there and anywhere else in West Seattle, for “traffic-calming.” We received a detailed reply, first about the 16th SW additions:

(About the newly installed speed cushions), those will be part of a Safe Routes to School project, and will include 3 speed cushions near Highland Park Elementary School on 16th Ave SW between SW Sullivan St and SW Henderson St.

The project also includes repainting the parking-edge line to narrow travel lanes to 11 feet on 16th Ave SW between SW Holden St and SW Henderson St. Narrowing lanes in combination with the speed cushions should slow down driver speeds and make 16th more comfortable to cross.

You can expect to see 5 more speed cushions on 16th Ave SW as part of the Vision Zero street-calming project between SW Brandon St to SW Roxbury St. That includes:

-4 new speed cushions north of SW Holly St
-1 speed cushion south of SW Othello St

That project also includes safety enhancements to improve visibility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians at 12 intersections on 16th Ave SW (between SW Findlay St and SW Cambridge St), as well as centerline raised pavement markers (between SW Brandon St and SW Roxbury St).

So that’s what’s ahead for 16th SW. As for the rest of West Seattle:

Additional speed cushions coming to West Seattle:

*On SW Trenton St between 35th Ave SW to Delridge Way SW.

*On 62nd, 61st and 60th Aves SW in Alki.

Some of those streets already have speed cushions, so we’re pursuing details on exact locations. Last but not least, from SDOT’s reply:

Additional Safe Routes to School projects that we expect to build this year in West Seattle include:

Madison Middle School – push button crossing beacon (i.e., RRFB) at California/Hinds and California/Spokane and intersection daylighting (paint/post bulbs that make people crossing easier to see) to improve the Madison School Street crossings [45th SW in front of the school]

Pathfinder K-8 – curb ramps adjacent to the school at 19th Ave SW and SW Genesee St

-West Seattle Elementary – All-way stops adjacent to the school

SDOT’s reply also mentioned one school-safety project for Concord International Elementary in South Park, “curb bulbs adjacent to the school (on 7th/Henderson and 8th/Henderson) and a separate walkway with trees on S Henderson St between 12th and 14th Ave S (currently under construction).

We have a standing request with SDOT for the construction notices on projects like all of these, typically just sent to neighbors in the immediate area but often of interest far beyond; we don’t always get them, so your collaboration is appreciated – let us know if you get a notice and/or see pre-construction markings!

Here’s our list for your West Seattle Wednesday!

(Recent sunrise colors from Luna/Anchor Park, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s what’s happening, and not happening, in the hours ahead, mostly as featured on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SUMMER FOOD: As reported here, there are multiple sites/times/days in West Seattle where kids can get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (this is a last-minute reminder, so set your calendar for next Wednesday morning if interested!).

COAST SALISH CLASS TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW):

Ty Juvinel, Tulalip tribal member, carver, and storyteller, brings local legends and history to life through stories and Pacific Northwest tribal art.

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW)

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

COLMAN POOL: The open-every-day season continues at Lincoln Park‘s outdoor, heated salt-water pool! Noon-7 pm; see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

WADING POOLS: Despite this morning’s cloudy weather, the city says the pools WILL open today – Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) will be open noon-5:30 pm; Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) will be open noon-7 pm.

REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, 2-4:30 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).

‘WILD ROBOT’ READ-ALOUD CLUB: 1 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), starting today! Info here.

PICKUP SOCCER FOR KIDS: Free pickup games at Delridge Playfield (4458 Delridge Way SW), ages 9-13, 5:30-7 pm. RSVP to organizer at iamcasanova2024@gmail.com.

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Got something that’s broken? Fix it instead of discarding it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

DRAG BINGO: 6 pm at Pine Lake Cellars (5405 California SW), hosted by Jolene Granby. Find the reservations link in our calendar listing.

CRIBBAGE: New schedule for cribbage at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), including 6 pm tonight.

WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly happy-hour meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).

OPEN STUDIO AT POTTERINGS: 6 pm, get creative at the studio! (3400 Harbor SW)

NO 34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS MEETING: This month, the group skips the usual second-Wednesday meeting.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)

KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

MUSIC BINGO: at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

REGULAR TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday list: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) at 7 pm … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday trivia at 8 pm … Quiz Night also begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Your turn at centerstage – 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Something coming up that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Remembering Arlene H. Emel, 1938-2025

Family and friends are remembering Arlene Emel, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Arlene Hazel (Harrington) Emel lost her battle with Lewy Body dementia on June 27, 2025.

Born June 29, 1938 at Fort Jay on Governor’s Island, New York, Arlene spent her childhood as an Army brat crisscrossing the country at least 3 times by train. After her family settled in Seattle, she attended Ballard High School, graduating in 1956.

In August 1959, Arlene married Harold Emel, which began a 66-year-long loving marriage that produced 4 children (Michele, Kathleen, Jessica, and Thomas). When those children were grown, Arlene and Harold adopted Jessica Nicole for a grand total of 5 children, followed by 4 grandchildren (Cory, Xavier, Haley, and Josh) and 3 great-grandchildren (Litha, Thomas, and Elodie).

Arlene and Harold lived in West Seattle from 1960-1978.

Arlene loved roller-skate dancing and even dabbled in roller derby. She spent 50 years in Girl Scouts and over 20 years as a foster parent along with her husband Harold. Arlene’s Catholic faith played a huge role in her life of service to family, friends, community and Church. Arlene’s service touched many lives and we are better for knowing her.

Eternal rest grant unto her soul and may perpetual light shine upon her.

In Arlene’s honor, please send donations to the Silver Sage Girl Scout Council: girlscouts-ssc.org
(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)

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch

6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Very different forecast today! Cloudy, likely showery, breezy, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:21 am; sunset will be at 9:07 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro busesRegular schedule today.

Washington State Ferries – WSF has resumed three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.

Water TaxiRegular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, and on weeknights with Mariners home games (and certain special events).

ROAD WORK

-Again today, “potholing” work is planned for the Fauntleroy Way ferry-dock intersection, as previewed here.

-16th SW speed cushions have been installed near Cloverdale and near Trenton; watch for our story later today on more in the works elsewhere.

SUMMER FEST IS ALMOST HERE!

-The street closures for West Seattle Summer Fest start rolling out tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon (see that day’s timeline here), and from Thursday night through late Sunday night, California will be closed north (to Genesee) and south (to Edmunds) of SW Oregon, and SW Alaska will be closed between 44th on the west side and 42nd on the east side.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.

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!

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Woman arrested after West Seattle bank robbery, suspected in 9 holdups around the city (updated Wednesday)

11:21 PM: We’ve just learned that a suspect is in jail on suspicion of Monday’s West Seattle bank robbery and four other robberies. We requested followup information on the case this morning and when police sent it to us a short time ago, it included the information that a 24-year-old woman had been arrested, as well as report narrative from the holdup at WaFd Bank north of The Junction.

The report says the robber who held up the bank just after 4 pm Monday “entered the bank and approached (a worker who) was not initially at his teller desk, so he walked over to it as (the robber) followed. He stated that (the robber) then pulled out a … wallet …, opened it up to reveal a note stating that she had a gun, to not provide “prop” money, and to not call the police. (The robber) then pulled out a black handgun and placed it on the counter all while apologizing. (The employee) did not have any cash inside his drawer, so he called over his manager … to assist him…. (the robber) wanted her to open the vault and … asked that she go get her keys from her desk. (The robber) went with (the manager) to her desk and watched as she removed the key.”

Redactions make the narrative difficult to follow from there until “(the robber) then approached (a worker’s) desk holding the handgun low at her waist and he stated it appeared she was struggling to keep ahold of it. (The robber) then pulled up her sling bag and set the gun down on the desk. Once XXXX handed over the cash, (the robber) struggled to put it inside her sling bag because she already had cash inside. (The robber) placed the gun and the cash inside her bag and then left the bank in an unknown direction.”

The narrative provided to us does not say how police identified and tracked the suspect who they arrested, but says she was found “in the 4700 block of 20th Ave NE”; when searched, the report says, officers “located a pellet gun and cash from the robbery. (The suspect) was wearing the same clothing as seen in surveillance videos of the bank robbery.” According to the jail roster, she is being held for investigation of five robberies, with bail set at half a million dollars. We hope to find out more from prosecutors tomorrow.

ADDED 11 AM WEDNESDAY: And indeed we have. We have obtained the very long probable-cause document from the suspect’s bail hearing. Here’s what it boils down to:

This suspect was on police radar since a tip to CrimeStoppers in April. They say they didn’t have enough evidence to arrest her until this week’s West Seattle WaFd holdup.

It’s one of nine robberies around Seattle in which she is suspected, police say, dating back to June 28, 2024, a Wells Fargo on Queen Anne. The amount of money taken in the robberies is reported to be at least $13,000. The other robberies listed in the document:

*September 7, 2024 – US Bank in a north Seattle QFC

*October 31, 2024 – US Bank in north Seattle

*November 21, 2024 – KeyBank in north Seattle

*January 13, 2025 – the US Bank in West Seattle ($1,000 reportedly taken)

*March 18, 2025 – HomeStreet Bank on East Madison

*May 8, 2025 – WaFd Bank in South Seattle

*May 12, 2025 – US Bank in Magnolia

*This past Monday’s robbery in West Seattle

The documents go into much detail about how detectives compared clothing and accessories in video/photos from the robberies and from surveillance of the suspect once they knew her name and address, thanks to the CrimeStoppers tipster, who said the suspect boasted about the robberies and that she had been described in the FBI bulletin as a “serial” robber. The arrest on Monday happened because police were waiting at her U-District building, to which she returned about an hour after the West Seattle holdup, and the documents say she was in possession of various items linked to the robbery spree. The apparent gun shown on Monday – something not done in the previous robberies – was found and described by police as a “hyper-realistic airsoft gun.” They also say they found a “pink wallet with embroidered animals” that contained a piece of paper that could be construed as a holdup note.

The probable-cause documents are not the same as charging documents; she is not yet formally charged, and the deadline for “rush-filing” is later this week.

UPDATE: Another Westcrest Park fire

8:04 PM: Multiple texters are reporting another fire at Westcrest Park, again off 8th SW, again with fireworks blamed by neighbors, and one sent the photo above. Highland Park’s Engine 11 is logged to the call – this time categorized as “rubbish fire” – right now.

9:44 PM: Checking the log again, the call finally closed around 9 pm, after an hour and a quarter.