West Seattle, Washington
15 Friday
No cones, no crews. The top side of the Admiral Way Bridge (technically two bridges) is clear again. So does that mean the earthquake-resistance work is finally done? No, SDOT tells us:
It’s too soon to say whether work is done in that area. We’re close to wrapping up the project but it remains an active work zone, and conditions change periodically. We still have work scheduled through the end of the month and there will most likely be final punch list items to work on in the following months.
It’s been a year now since the top-side work began; Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge(s) has been closed even longer and will remain that way until the project is done. Originally, the project was expected to require full closures of the bridge, but SDOT amended the plan to avoid that.
6:32 PM: Police report 24th SW is blocked “from Delridge” by a fallen tree. SDOT is being summoned to clear it.
7:27 PM: No sign of a crew yet. Looking at it from the south end of the Boren STEM K-8 parking lot, it appears actually to be a tree-size tree limb.
The white car in the background is one of two involved in a crash on Fauntleroy Way SW near Lincoln Park’s main lot this past hour. One witness says it was T-boned by another car; as the photo shows, Seattle Fire responded, though not with a medic unit, indicating no major injuries, but we’ll check on who was treated and how they are. Be careful on the wet roads; after a nearly rainless July, it’s easy to forget how to drive safely in these conditions. We’re told that what’s left of the scene has been cleared to the side, so there shouldn’t be any major effects here during the homeward-bound commute.
(Sunday photo by Dave Gershgorn for WSB)
Last weekend’s unfurling of giant flags on Alki Beach was just the prelude to tomorrow’s 11th annual Alki Beach Pride, founded and organized by local residents Stacy and Jolie Bass-Walden. As first announced back in June, Alki Avenue will be closed to through traffic from 57th to 61st as part of the festivities, which will include performances, DJs, vendors, and health and wellness providers. Most of the celebrating happens noon-8 pm on Saturday. Here’s the entertainment lineup:
Immediately afterward, at 8 pm, there’ll be a free outdoor movie at Whale Tail Park/Alki Playground, “Bottoms.”
(WSB photo, Thursday)
One day after the noontime smash-and-grab robbery that police say netted $2 million in merchandise in 90 seconds, Menashe and Sons Jewelers in The Junction asked us to publish this new statement with a revised reopening date:
To our valued customers and community,
We want to assure you that all customer jewelry and watches are safe and were not among the items taken during the recent robbery at our store.
Your trust means everything to us, and we are grateful to share this important news with you.
As we work to assess, regroup, and repair the damage done, Menashe & Sons will be closed on Friday, Saturday, and Monday.
We will reopen on Tuesday, August 19th, ready to serve you with the same care and dedication you’ve come to expect.
We are deeply thankful for the outpouring of support from the West Seattle community and from all those who have reached out with kind words and encouragement.
Your support means the world to us during this difficult time.
Thank you for being so understanding and continued trust.
We look forward to welcoming you back soon — stronger than ever.
Warm regards,
The Menashe & Sons Family
The robbery carried out by four masked robbers armed with hammers followed two crash-and-grab attacks on two other Junction businesses in the previous week (August 7 and August 8). The Menashes’ store was hit in the same way on Christmas Eve 2022. So far, no updates from police on the investigation of Thursday’s robbery; 206-233-5000 is the SPD tipline, and 25-233180 is the incident number.
(WSB photo: Luchadore meets fans, at last year’s South Park Summer Party)
Several big events ahead this weekend, rain or shine – biggest in West Seattle will be Alki Beach Pride tomorrow – but you are also invited on Saturday to visit our neighbors over the ridge for SOPASUPA, the annual South Park Summer Party. This will run all day and into the evening at various locations around South Park, and a festival publicist got the details for us, including a street closure:
SOPASUPA! – The South Park Summer Party invites all to celebrate all things South Park and community development. The full-day celebration includes kid-centered activities, music and dance performances, luchador wrestling, a lowrider show, a skateboard competition, 60+ local vendors and more.
They will be closing Cloverdale from 12th – 14th Ave S. Most activities will be concentrated around this area.
Activities will be in the following locations:
Cloverdale St starting at 14th, moving East: Vendors, Artists & Community Partners
Parking Lot behind Uncle Eddie’s: Main Stage, Beer Garden, Lucha Libre Ring
Parking Lot at Burrito Express: Kids Zone
Parking Lot at Good Voyage: Food Trucks
River City Skatepark (736 S. Cloverdale): Skate Party
South Park Library: Vendors & Community Partners
South Park Plaza: Vendors & Community Partners
All Day 12 pm – 6 pm: VENDORS – KIDS ACTIVITY ZONE – SKATEPARK PARTYSPECIAL EVENTS:
KIDS ACTIVITY ZONE:
3:30 – 4:00 Seattle Fire Department Trucks
4-6 pm Free Skate Like a Girl LessonsMAIN STAGE:
12:00 PM – 12:20 Swing It Seattle Performance
12:30 PM – 12:50 West African Dance Performance
2:00 – 3:30 LUCHA LIBRE VOLCANICA show
6:00 – 7:30 LUCHA LIBRE VOLCANICA show
7:30 – Low Riders Parade (14th Ave S)SKATEPARK PARTY:
1 pm – Big Time
1:30 – Raffle
2pm – Bridge Kids
2:30 – Raffle
3pm – The Fakies
4pm Time TrialsMAIN STAGE FULL SCHEDULE:
11:00 AM – 12:00 DJ Set
12:00 PM – 12:20 Swing It Seattle
12:30 PM – 12:50 West African Dance
1:00 PM – 1:30 Opus
1:40 PM – 2:00 Her Mountain Majesty
2:00 PM – 3:30 Lucha Libre – Show 1
3:30 PM – 4:15 Ancient Robotz
4:25 PM – 4:55 Scoffs
5:05 PM – 5:50 The Pazifica
5:50 PM – 6:00 DJ Set
6:00 PM – 7:30 Lucha Libre – Show 2
7:30 PM – 8:15 Heavy Bloom
8:15 PM – 9:00 Yambambo
(Web catching raindrops, photo sent by Eddie)
Here are our notes about what’s happening, and NOT happening (mostly thanks to the rain), for your Friday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FLOAT HUNT FINALE: Today is the last scheduled day to hunt for the remaining floats in the West Seattle Glass Float Hunt – 13 out there as of moments ago; check here for clues and status.
SOUTH TRANSFER STATION: As suggested by a reader, here’s another reminder that it’s closed for most of the rest of the month.
BROWNIES’ FLOWER SALE: Troop 44100 is scheduled to be at the NE corner of 35th/Thistle until noon, selling bouquets for $10.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: The center is open for plant-shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: The spraypark is open every day 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOLS CLOSED: Lincoln Park, Delridge, and Hiawatha will be CLOSED today because of the weather – and that means Delridge is now closed until next year because today was its last scheduled day.
COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water pool is open to the public today, noon-7 pm.
SEATTLE TERIYAKI HISTORY & MORE: Time’s running out to see this exhibit at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) – the museum is open noon-4 pm today.
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH: Backpacks, barbecue, bouncing, more at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle), 3-6 pm.
WINE AND WILLS: “Estate Planning Made Easy“ at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), 3-4:30 pm, free – “This special event features a panel of estate planning experts who will demystify the process and answer your questions in a relaxed, welcoming setting.”
ACCESS WALK INFO EVENT: 4-7 pm at Future Primitive Beer Bar (2536 Alki SW), talk with reps of this upcoming fundraising walk to support reproductive health care.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) features singer-songwriter Shaun Crawford, 6-8 pm. All ages, no cover
SUMMER CONCERTS AT THE MOUNT: For a second consecutive week, tonight’s 6 pm concert is canceled – here’s the announcement:
Due to recent COVID-19 cases, rain forecast, and recommended health precautions, the Summer Concert originally scheduled for August 15 at Providence Mount St. Vincent has been canceled. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution to prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents and community. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back on August 22 for an evening of swing music favorites from 20s, 40s, and 50s with the 85th Street Big Band!
HAND-BUILD ANIMALS: 6:30-9 pm at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW) – follow that link for sign-up and fee info.
MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: Folk-rock tonight! Doors at 7, show at 8, Blackheart Honeymoon, The Night Shift, Sunbittern at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), $15.
SUNSET REIKI SOUND BATH: 7 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW) with Inner Alchemy – our calendar listing includes the ticket link.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Nate Thousand spins tonight! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating with live music and/or DJ – tonight, Good on Toast, Checkered Record – 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $18 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:02 AM: Local Brownie Troop 44100 plans to be out for the next three hours raising money by selling flowers:
Our troop will be on the Northeast corner of 35th and Thistle from 9 am to noon (rain or shine!) selling gorgeous bouquets of dahlias and other seasonal blooms for just $10. We know the weather isn’t looking great, but our flowers will still make it feel sunny!
11:15 AM: Update – sold out!
6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, August 15, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
More rain, breezy,high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:05 am; sunset will be at 8:20 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Admiral Bridge seismic work continues; SDOT says that although the cones have been removed again, that isn’t necessarily the end of top-side work.
-The White Center overnight striping work is on hold for the weather.
-Just a bit over a week until the low bridge closes the weekend of August 23-24 for cylinder work.
-If you’re heading north this weekend, remember the I-5 NB mainline will totally close tonight through early Monday as the “Revive I-5” work continues.
WEEKEND CLOSURES
-Reminder that two events on Saturday include major road closures: Alki Beach Pride (part of Alki Ave.) and SOPASUPA (South Cloverdale west of 14th Ave. South).
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday (tonight!) and Saturday nights, and on other weeknights with Mariners home games.
STADIUM ZONE
Seahawks preseason home game vs. Kansas City, 7 pm kickoff.
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!
10:54 PM: First police got a report of gunfire heard on Alki – then a report of someone shot. They’re with a victim who is reported to have five gunshot wounds, said to be stopped with two other people in a car at 51st and Admiral [map].
(Added: Response at 51st/Admiral – reader photo)
They’re not sure yet where the shooting happened aside from “on Alki Beach somewhere.” Meanwhile, the response is blocking eastbound Admiral near 51st.
11 PM: Police just told dispatch that so far the people in the car say they were just driving on Alki “and someone opened fire on them.” … They also were told the gunfire might have come from a “black sedan.” Meantime, the victim has been described on emergency radio as a woman in her early 20s.
11:12 PM: Officers report finding a shell casing at 60th/Alki. They’ll be blocking Alki Avenue in the area while they search for more. The victim, meantime, has been taken to Harborview Medical Center.
11:19 PM: New update from officers to dispatch: “This is going to be a DV [domestic violence] incident.”
11:14 AM FRIDAY: Summary from SPD:
Seattle police officers are investigating after they found a 22-year-old woman with multiple gunshot wounds in West Seattle last night.
On Aug. 14 at about 10:50 p.m., patrol officers responded to reports of a shooting near Southwest Admiral Way and 51st Avenue Southwest. There, officers found a truck with three women inside, ages 20, 22, and 25, including the victim.
The victim sustained gunshot wounds to her lower extremities. According to the police report, she suffered “multiple gunshot wounds to her left inner thigh, her pelvis and her right buttocks.” The other women did not get shot.
Police and the Seattle Fire Department provided medical aid to the victim. SFD transported her to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition. Medics also transported one of the women to HMC for evaluation.
The suspect fled the area before police arrived. Officers could not locate the actual shooting scene. The 911 call initially came out as a random shooting; however, police uncovered evidence to suggest that the shooting may be domestic violence-related.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting are under investigation. If anyone has information, they are asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Incident Number: 2025-233847
(WSB photos)
6:02 PM: Just hours after one of the highest-profile crimes in West Seattle this year, the noontime smash-and-grab robbery at Menashe and Sons Jewelers in The Junction, the city’s bringing its community-safety forum to West Seattle tonight. We’re here at Delridge Community Center for the forum, which is scheduled to be about half speeches – primarily from the city’s three public-safety chiefs (police, fire, CARE) – and half table discussions – the tables are labeled with these planned topics:
-Crime prevention and small business activations
-Youth and community investments
-Neighborhood beautification
-Neighborhood traffic safety
-Neighborhood park safety
-High-impact crime reduction
-Substance use disorder response
-Effective emergency response
-Gun violence reduction and prevention
-High-impact crime reduction
We’ll be updating live during the forum, at least every 10 minutes. Organizers were worried about capacity but there’s still plenty of room in the DCC gym as this gets started, so there’s time to get here if you’re interested.
(Added 11:30 pm: Video of forum’s first hour, before table discussions)
6:12 PM: The emcee stressed that collaboration would be key. Continuing introductory explanations, she walked through what the mayor’s office calls the “One Seattle Restoration Framework.” (Added: The emcee is Leandra Craft, Seattle Restoration Team director for the mayor’s office.) She introduced District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka:
“We’re all here because we care about public safety in District 1.” He said it’s the top issue his office hears about. He said he takes the job “very seriously” regarding working on this issue (he is vice chair of the council’s Public Safety Committee). He promised to “listen, learn, and act” as a result of the forum.
SPD Chief Shon Barnes spoke first, saying his presentation at these forums has been “getting shorter and shorter … How do we return Seattle to the Seattle we all know and love?”
12:18 PM: Police are in The Junction after a robbery reported at Menashe and Sons Jewelers. The robbers are reported to have gotten away in a silver Subaru but that’s already been reported apparently dumped somewhere bear 35th/Fauntleroy, with its occupants possibly getting into a white Camry and heading eastbound on the bridge. The robbers were reported to have been armed with “hammers and bear spray.” More to come.
12:29 PM: We’ve added a photo above sent by Clarence Higuera, who was in the area right after this happened, He also just put us on the phone with a witness who was in the store and says the robbers – masked – smashed their way in and were in and out very quickly. Clarence’s photo shows broken glass in front of the store as well as police. Menashe and Sons has long had a locked door, and other security measures since a crash-and-grab burglary on Christmas Eve 2022.
12:52 PM: We’ve also just received those photos of the damage inside the shop. Police are canvassing nearby businesses for video cameras that might have caught something. If you have any tips or video that might help the investigation, the incident number is 25-233180. The first 911 call came in at noon.
1:14 PM: The Junction Association has long had supplemental security; WSJA tells us the regular hours are in the evening and overnight. Tonight they’ll be “stationed in The Junction at Menashe’s” starting in the early evening and continuing until tomorrow morning. Also of note: WSJA tells us Police Chief Shon Barnes has shown up at the robbery scene. He was already scheduled to be in West Seattle tonight for the city’s Council District 1 version of the Community Safety Forum (6 pm, Delridge Community Center, 4458 Delridge Way SW).
1:47 PM: Another note: The same block saw a daylight smash-and-grab robbery three and a half years ago, in April 2022, at what was at the time Bellevue Rare Coins on the ground floor of what was at the time the Senior Center of West Seattle (the space that now holds Snapdragon). Meantime, we’re not sure if police have recovered the getaway car, as an officer who has seen video just broadcast that it was a silver/blue Subaru Outback with a dealership placard on the back, nothing on the front, some damage near the right rear wheel. That officer also said there were four robbers; the only descriptions broadcast were clothing, including three in gray hoodies, one in a red hoodie.
1:59 PM: CSI detectives have just told dispatch they’re on scene too.
4 PM: Police say the robbers “stole an estimated $1 million dollars’ worth of jewelry” if not more. They also verify that no related vehicle(s) have been recovered yet. Meantime, we have a crew back in The Junction to follow up and they report the shop is installing a temporary door.
4:19 PM: Shop management asked us “to let our customers know that we will be closed until Monday.”
4:46 PM: Anne Higuera spoke with Menashe family members at the shop for WSB. Jack Menashe said, “We’re thankful that no one was hurt … we’ll get through this.” In addition to the police chief coming to the scene, they said they’d also received a call from the mayor.
ADDED 9:43 PM: Here’s the updated summary from police, who say the estimated value of what was taken has doubled:
Seattle police officers are investigating an estimated two million dollar smash and grab robbery of a jewelry store in West Seattle this afternoon.
On Aug. 14, at 12:00 p.m., patrol officers responded to reports of a robbery at a jewelry store in the 4500 block of California Avenue Southwest. There, officers determined that four masked suspects used hammers to smash the locked front glass door. Once inside, they smashed six glass display cases and stole an estimated two million dollars’ worth of jewelry, diamonds, and luxury watches.
According to the police report, “one of the glass jewelry displays contained 700-800k in Rolex watches, another contained an emerald necklace valued at $125k and a platinum diamond. Two other display cases contained a large amount of gold jewelry.”
During the 90-second heist, one of the suspects pointed bear spray and a taser at employees while the others robbed the store. Neither the victims or witnesses reported any injuries to police. When finished, the suspects fled the scene in a getaway car before officers arrived. Police searched the area, yet they did not locate the suspects.
The Robbery Unit, Crime Scene Investigations Unit, and the Photo and Video Units responded to process the scene. Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted.
Families having a tough time affording school supplies can take advantage of a giveaway with 500 backpacks Friday afternoon at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle).
It’s happening during a 3-6 pm family-fun celebration also offering barbecue, bouncy houses, and more, in partnership with organizations including the nonprofit 1World1Sky. No pre-registration necessary.
(Hydrangea blossoms, photographed by Stan Delles)
Later than usual due to overnight news, here’s our list for the rest of today/tonight, with some big events, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE GLASS FLOAT HUNT, DAY 7: If you’re hunting, see the clues, and see which floats have been found so far, by going here. (13 not yet found as of just before we published this list!)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Still lots of time left in 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.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open today and every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOLS: If the forecast for clearing skies and warming temperatures this afternoon holds, the city says, three of the city’s West Seattle wading pools will operate – 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) is open with sessions 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 see where they’re playing today.
FREE MOVIE: Watch “Wicked,” popcorn provided, 2:30 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
DROP-IN CHESS: Teens are invited 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 El Gran Taco.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK, WITH MUSIC: Explore and enjoy art displays and food/drink specials! Here again is this month’s list:
5-8 pm is the window for most artist receptions around the peninsula – you can browse this month’s highlights here (and see our preview here). During the Art Walk, five venues are hosting 6-7:45 pm mini-concerts to celebrate The Art of Music – all free and previewed 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! (It’s a stop on tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk, too.)
COMMUNITY SAFETY FORUM: The city-organized forum with chiefs of the community-safety departments (police, fire, CARE) comes to West Seattle, 6 pm at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW), as previewed here.
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: This month in the online speaker series, Karen Treiger talks about “Searching for Self in the Seattle Stories of my Jewish Ancestors.” Our calendar listing has the link you can use to register for attendance info.
DUSTY 45s WITH THE POTHOLES: West Seattle music 6-9 pm at Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th, White Center) – and we’re told it’s the last show for The Potholes’ original lineup, so fans will want to be there!
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Rather walk? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
SINISTER SIX: Live, free, all-ages show at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm.
HOW TO BE A BETTER ‘PET PARENT’: Find out at another special 7 pm event at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
COMEDY: Cozy Comedy presents Scott Losse at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW), 8 pm.
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!
The family of Rick Rice is sharing this remembrance with his community:
Family and friends are mourning the loss of Rick Rice, who died on Friday, August 1, of advanced Parkinson’s Disease exacerbated in late May by a fall. The family is very grateful to the staff at Providence Mount St. Vincent for their steadfast and loving care during his up-and-down recuperation and relapses.
Rick and his wife Joyce, natives of Hingham, MA, found their final home in West Seattle in 2007 following 10 years in Hermiston, OR, which followed 7 years on Queen Anne, and before that many years in many states as well as in Brazil and Australia. After a career in HMO management, Rick enjoyed lending his expertise to the Senior Caucus at then-Group Health. He was also a weekly stalwart bridge player at the West Seattle Senior Center (now The Center) and a regular though grudging exerciser at the West Seattle Y. (After all, when asked how he would spend his retirement, he answered, “Play golf, read, and nap.”) More anticipated were the regular Friday lunches at the Seattle Fish Co. and Sunday breakfasts at the late-lamented Alki Café, as well as meals at myriad other eating establishments in the area.
Rick and Joyce were so happy to find a home just a block away from their daughter Lauren Burgon and her children Andrew and Alexis. In 2010 their son, Andrew, and his wife Bobby arrived and their family now consists of Madeleine, Josiah, Dashiell, Makenna, and Loki. We have rowdy birthday parties and celebrated Rick’s 84th on August 8.
Rick was well and thoroughly loved and will be sorely missed.
Donations in his name would be most welcome at Hi-Liners Musical Theater in Burien online here or by postal mail to The Hi-Liners, PO Box 48346, Burien, WA 98148
We invite you to read more about Rick and leave any memories at earthfuneral.com/obituary/frederick-rick-quaine-rice-jr-08012025
(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! Welcome to Thursday, August 14, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Rain is expected late tonight. High in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:04 am; sunset will be at 8:22 pm.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
BACK TO SCHOOL
-One more reminder, the new school year has begun for Summit Atlas at 35th/Roxbury.
ROAD WORK
-Admiral Bridge seismic work continues; a reader reports the cones were removed from the one closed lane on Wednesday, so we are asking SDOT again if that means top-side work is done. (If it is, we’ll write a separate story; if not, we’ll update here.)
-Work continues on curb ramps at 60th/Admiral.
-The major nighttime work on and around 16th SW in White Center continues – details here – and King County Road Services has announced intermittent closures.
-Less than a week and a half until the low bridge closes the weekend of August 23-24 for cylinder work.
WEEKEND CLOSURES
-Two events on Saturday include major road closures: Alki Beach Pride (part of Alki Ave.) and SOPASUPA (South Cloverdale west of 14th Ave. South).
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, and on other weeknights with Mariners home games.
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!
For those wondering about the emergency response blocking California south of The Junction: Police are investigating a death. It started as an SFD call for an “adult female down” and arriving crews had to do CPR but were unable to save/revive her. We don’t know anything more about the circumstances but emergency radio traffic indicated the woman might be associated with an apartment building at California/Dawson. It appears she was found outside the building; police are looking around its landings.
9:17 AM: SPD spokesperson Det. Eric Muñoz tells WSB that, “Homicide detectives ruled it as a suicide.”
(If you are having thoughts of self-harm, the 988 hotline is available 24/7.)
The Mariners‘ celebration of Ichiro‘s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame brought other M’s legends back to Seattle, including another Hall of Famer, Randy Johnson, whose visit included a trip to Easy Street Records, according to the photo and anecdote sent to us by ESR proprietor Matt Vaughan:
Randy “Big Unit” Johnson made a visit to his favorite record shop . He was in town to celebrate Ichiro. He went on to tell us, “Did you know that for every home game I was wearing a rock tee under my jersey, usually always Soundgarden.” We let him pick out the playlist for an hour…Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Queensryche, Rush, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath.
Randy was the most dominant and intimidating baseball pitcher of his era. 2 No-Hitters, World Series MVP, Perfect Game at age 40, Baseball Hall of Fame, multiple All-Star appearances, 22 seasons !
Go Mariners!
The “Big Unit” also posted a photo from his Easy Street visit here. (Matt says the men with him in the photo above are “local boys Josh and Noah Lange.”
Tonight’s sunset had some pink tint from wildfire smoke, as Anne Helene Cagney‘s photo shows, but nowhere near the color of last night. Clouds are moving in for the impending weather change, though the smoke put on something of a show earlier – this photo is from an unidentified texter:
(Both pics were taken at Lincoln Park.) The National Weather Service says a westerly flow is pushing smoke from the Olympic Peninsula as far east as Montana. But with rain expected by late tomorrow night, we shouldn’t have to deal with it for long.
5:33 PM: For those wondering why the Guardian One helicopter is over Arbor Heights – they’re helping SPD in an attempt to recover a stolen vehicle. The helicopter isn’t routinely summoned for this kind of call but the vehicle in question was reported to have been stolen in a carjacking, so that ups the case to robbery; we don’t know where or when that happened – no carjackings recently in WS. The car is described as a gray 2021 Dodge Challenger with a “small rear window broken out,” license starting with CMT; call 911 if you see it.
5:46 PM: With some indications the car might be headed north, or might even gotten onto the ferry, the helicopter has moved out of the Arbor Heights area.
(November 2024 WSB photo)
Last year, West Seattle High School volleyball coach Scott Behrbaum and his team went to state. Their followup season is just around the corner, and it’s tryout time soon. Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:
Reminder for Players and Parents: West Seattle High School Volleyball Tryouts Begin August 25th!
West Seattle High School’s volleyball tryouts for the upcoming season are just around the corner, kicking off on Monday, August 25th. Parents of student-athletes are reminded that all required athletic forms must be completed in Final Forms prior to tryouts in order for students to participate.
Please visit the WSHS athletic registration page at:
westseattlehs.seattleschools.org/student-life/athletics/athletic-registrationIf you have questions about the upcoming tryouts or the volleyball program please contact westseattlevolleyballteam@gmail.com
Go Wildcats!
The serious rain isn’t expected until the early hours of Friday, so you shouldn’t need rain gear to enjoy Thursday night’s West Seattle Art Walk. We’ve already previewed The Art of Music, which will bring five mini-concerts during the Art Walk (plus a bonus live show at Easy Street) – so what about the artists? Here’s the venue list, for both art venues and food/beverage establishments offering specials:
This month’s receptions and shows are spotlighted here. Five highlights:
POSTER ARTIST: Drew Dost is this quarter’s artist for the official Art Walk poster, and you can meet Drew at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor) tomorrow night, 5-8 pm. (Thursday update: This had to be canceled. But we’ve added a new fifth suggestion below!)
SALVAGING SEATTLE: That’s the theme of Amy M. Douglas‘s show at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW, 5-8 pm); Art Walk organizers say, “Her work captures treasured Seattle institutions, past and present, and invites viewers to recall their own experiences in these cherished community spaces.”
STUDENT ARTIST: 11-year-old photographer Colton Haveson shows his work at Compass Real Estate (4531 California SW, 5-8 pm). He says, “My work is making the ordinary, extraordinary.”
POP-UP MARKET: Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) hosts “Emerge: a fresh, rotating showcase of local artists,” 5-8 pm.
GROUP SHOW: Five artists are “Dreaming in Color” at Alki Arts (6030 California SW; 5-8 pm) – Patri O’Connor, Leon Lowman, Stefanie Lorig, Brooke Borcherding, and Gregory Copploe.
(added Thursday) ART AT THE NURSERY: 5-8 pm at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB spnsor), artist Macki Stratton will be there with her art exhibit “Growing Moss” – about growing a shade garden “and a tiny human.”
Those are just four of the places where you’ll find artists on Thursday night – scroll through the lineup here to make your own list!
1:34 PM: Thanks for the tip. Police and fire have responded to a crash at Highland Park Way and West Marginal Way, and are reporting that the scene has traffic blocked both ways. Avoid the area for a while. (We don’t know which leg of the intersection is affected – those shown on SDOT cameras appear to still be moving.)
1:43 PM: SFD has cleared the scene. We’re headed to check the status otherwise.
(Damaged car, not shown, was on other side of tow truck)
2 PM: Traffic is moving all ways; one damaged car was up on the sidewalk by the Pioneer Industries entrance, with a tow truck standing by.
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