YOU CAN HELP: Benefit Thursday for Southgate Roller Rink manager

If you’ve skated at our area’s only roller rink – Southgate, in White Center – you might know manager Katie. She’s fighting cancer, and the rink is hosting a benefit 8:30-11 pm Thursday night (August 31st) to help her win that fight:

Let’s raise some money to help our good friend and manager Katie! This is a 21+ fundraising event. There will be A RAFFLE featuring donations by local businesses and artists! Music by DJ Josh and a special live music performance by MAN PLUS! The admission is $25 and free skate rental. 100% of the admission will go to Katie and will be matched by Southgate.

Katie has been taking care of everyone else and always puts their needs before herself. She will beat cancer and in the meantime let’s raise some money to cover her rent, living expenses, and medical bills!

If you are unable to attend, this is the link to the gofundme: gofundme.com/f/r9kgn-help-katie-beat-cancer

UTILITY NOTES: Mystery brown water in Fauntlee Hills; followup on Puget Ridge’s Saturday power outage

Two West Seattle utility notes:

MYSTERY BROWN WATER: Via text, a reader report: “Just want to report brown water to multiple homes in the Fauntlee Hills area (39th and 40th Ave SW). Called SPU. They said no fire hydrant testing in the area and are sending this to the water quality inspector to investigate.” Hydrant testing has been the most common cause of brown water – stirring up sediment (rust) in the lines – lately, but certainly isn’t the only possibility, which is why reporting it to 206-386-1800 is important, every time.

SATURDAY OUTAGE FOLLOWUP: More than 300 Seattle City Light customers, mostly on Puget Ridge, lost power for more than an hour and a half on Saturday night, as reported here. Shortly after the start of the outage, SFD responded to a “vault fire” call in the 6700 block of West Marginal Way. Today when we followed up, SCL’s Jenn Strang confirmed the two were related – the vault fire actually led to the wider outage: “We de-energized the additional 319 customers for a brief period out of an abundance of caution while SFD and City Light crews safely entered the area. SFD confirmed there was no active fire, but smoke was coming from the vault. The cause was determined to be a fuse in the underground system.”

BIZNOTE: Ephesus closes in West Seattle

Thanks to the readers who emailed in recent days about the closure of Ephesus, the Turkish-turned-Greek restaurant at 5245 California SW. Via email, Aydin from Ephesus confirmed the closure and said they didn’t renew their lease because “Our landlord wanted to increase rent 100% and we didn’t accept.” You can find the same Greek food and beverages at 210 Occidental Ave. S. in Pioneer Square.

Property records show the West Seattle building has had the same ownership for 30 years; they sold off the long-stalled building site next door last year. (The new project for that site, first noted here last year – again, under different ownership from the now-closed restaurant – is still making its way through the city permit process; here’s the new design packet for the 9 townhouses planned there.)

11 for your West Seattle Monday

Thanks to Steve Bender for a colorful photo to brighten a gray morning – a tree frog, photographed in West Seattle. Meantime, here are the calendar highlights for the rest of your Monday:

LEARN TO CHEER: Today’s the registration deadline for Chief Sealth IHS Cheerleaders‘ upcoming after-school mini-camp for kids of all ages – details here.

WADING POOL: Despite the clouds, Seattle Parks says the weather will be warm enough, with some sun, to open the Lincoln Park wading pool noon-7 pm (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).

COLMAN POOL OPEN: This outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is also open noon-7 pm daily for one more week – through Labor Day. See the session schedule here.

MOVIE MONDAYS: At the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon) at 1 pm, Terry’s “Greatest Movies You’ve Never Heard Of” continue, with free popcorn plus newsreels, previews, and cartoons. Today’s movie: “The Devil to Pay” (1930). Members free, nonmembers $5.

SUMMER EVENING PADDLING: Monday nights all summer long, get out on the water with Alki Kayak Tours, 6 pm. (1660 Harbor SW).

GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, this is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.

D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, first-time players too. $5.

MONDAY MEDITATION: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

BEDHEAD OPEN MIC: Weekly BedHead Open Mic at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (4201 SW Juneau), 7 pm (signups at 6:30) – info in our calendar listing.

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three options – 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar ? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Remembering Stefan Gryniewski, 1995–2023

Family and friends are remembering Stefan Gryniewski. His father shares this remembrance:

My son, Stefan Gryniewski, died of an accidental drug overdose in the early morning of August 23, 2023. He left this world too soon. At least I know that he is at peace now in God’s love and no longer subject to the ravages of a terrible drug addiction.

He will be missed terribly and remembered always.

From his very beginning Stefan faced challenges in life. He was born prematurely, weighing a mere 2 lbs. 4 ozs. He spent 58 days in an incubator before coming home. When I first held him in my hands, and he wasn’t much bigger than my hands, I wondered aloud “how is this baby going to survive?” However, he received excellent care from the doctors and nurses at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, and I am forever grateful.

Stefan was a fighter. He not only survived but he thrived. He sought to overcome every obstacle he faced in life. He had the strength, courage, and desire to live life to its fullest. He was smart, funny, sociable, dependable, and loved his family. Unfortunately, over the last few years Fentanyl and heroin hijacked his resolve and took his life.

Stefan’s smile lit up a room. He loved to laugh and sing. For some odd reason he had a special love for songs from the 1970s. He was a goofball in every way. He was also focused, motivated, and goal oriented.

Growing up, Stefan immersed himself in many things. He loved sports – especially baseball and football. He was a rabid Mariners, Huskies, and Seahawks fan. He loved American muscle cars and dreamed of owning one at some point in his life. He took every auto shop class that he could in high school and learned his way around cars.

Stefan also loved camping and nature. We spent many wonderful summers camping together at Tahklahk Lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. He loved swimming, fishing, hiking, and reading Harry Potter by the fire. For those memories Tahklahk Lake will always occupy a special place in our hearts now and forever.

A voracious reader, Stefan was also interested in current events, politics, and the world around him. He was passionate about many causes and always stood up for what he believed in. He had a particular gift for languages and was fluent in many of them. Stefan was proud of his Polish heritage and dreamed of traveling to Poland someday to meet his relatives.
More than anything, Stefan wanted to create a loving, stable life for his family and dreamed of a successful career, becoming a homeowner, and contributing to his community.

Stefan graduated Cum Laude from Ingraham High School, where he also wrestled and played football. He was enrolled at the University of Washington – Tacoma, where he was 30 credits short of a degree in Global Honors at the time of his passing.

Stefan is survived by Bruce Gryniewski (father), Eva Luna (mother), Levi Gryniewski (brother), Pechanda Von (wife), Felix Gryniewski (son), and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers or remembrances, please consider making a donation to a drug addiction treatment center or organization of your choice. No words can describe the pain of losing a child but every life we save will be forever in his memory.

(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, TRANSIT, WEATHER: August’s last Monday

August 28, 2023 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: August’s last Monday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, August 28th, and we’re starting the last workweek before Labor Day.

WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Partly sunny, chance of showers/thunderstorms, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:22 am; sunset will be at 7:58 pm.

BACK TO SCHOOL

More local students will return to class this week – Wednesday (August 30th) is the official first day for Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School and the Vashon Island School District (which has many students who commute by ferry from Fauntleroy). Our full list of start dates is here.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – regular schedule – check here for advisories. The September “service change” happens Saturday – for West Seattle, the Route 55 suspension and some Route 22 changes are most notable.

Water Taxi – regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service. Check Vessel Watch to see where the boats are.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low-bridge cam:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – alternate route across the river:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Twice-stolen car; ‘Little Free Library 8702 is out for repair’

Two reader reports:

TWICE-STOLEN CAR: Madeline already has her car back, again, but wants to alert others:

I want to put a warning out for all car owners (especially Kia or Hyundai owners) that live in the surrounding neighborhoods of EC Hughes park. My 2018 Hyundai Tucson was stolen in April, and was luckily located, but turned into a $7000+ repair. This happened on the 7500 block of SW Holden St and 28th Ave SW. Last night sometime between 9 pm-12:15 am on the 7700 block of SW Kenyon St and 34th Ave SW. This was the exact same car stolen, with updated anti-theft features, in less than 6 months. Luckily I had an AirTag hidden very well in my car, and the Puyallup PD and I were able to track it down there. The Hyundai and Kia thefts are far from over, unfortunately.

If you have one of those cars, remember that SPD is giving away more steering-wheel locks this week, on Tuesday and Saturday – details here.

‘LITTLE FREE LIBRARY 8702 IS OUT FOR REPAIR’: That’s how Gay headlined this emailed report:

As many people were concerned while walking, driving, and biking up 48th … please know that we are not stealing the library. She has taken another senseless blow and will be out for repairs. Matt Lukin just remade the door this summer and the way it was built it would take a considerable effort and force to snap the dove-tailed door apart.

She will bounce back as she always does.

WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Cooldown time

August 27, 2023 8:40 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Cooldown time
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Sunset from Lincoln Park – WSB photo by Patrick Sand)

The weekend “heat advisory” alert has expired as of 8 pm, and the forecast suggests we’re on track for a cooldown, with a high in the 70s tomorrow, the 60s Tuesday – when, the National Weather Service says, “temperatures will be their coolest since June” – and possible showers/thundershowers inbetween. In the meantime, some smoke lingers, as air-quality readings underscore.

ALSO THIS WEEK: 2023’s last round of daytime low-low tides

(WSB photo, August 1st)

If you like exploring the beach, you should know that the next four days bring this year’s last round of daytime low-low tides, not as low as earlier this month but low enough for significant wildlife-watching. Fall and winter low-low tides are at night. So here’s what’s ahead for the next four days:

Monday, 9:10 am: -1.9L
Tuesday, 10:03 am: -2.3L
Wednesday, 10:52 am: -2.4L
Thursday, 11:39 am: -1.9L

Tread lightly!

HELPING: West Seattle barber expands his mission of helping foster kids, and welcomes more businesses to pitch in

(WSB photo: Tommy Andrade at Saturday’s Admiral Funktion)

Earlier this year, we told you about Tommy Andrade, proprietor of <strong>Southpaw Barbershop, and his program providing free haircuts for foster kids. Now he’s broadened it into a coalition beyond West Seattle – and he wants you to know in case you’re either interested in joining or know someone who could take advantage of the services:

As you may know I am a proud supporter of and advocate for foster kids and have been doing free haircuts for them since I graduated barber college.

When I opened my shop I was excited to further my commitment to making a change by expanding my availability for the free haircuts and instill giving back as part of my company culture. I was happy that instead of being a one-man show that all of the barbers working with me also offered their services. However, I couldn’t help but feel as though I could do more. Realizing that it is not always convenient for the families to come to West Seattle and that me opening shops everywhere was not currently feasible, I thought about reaching out to others who would have my same mentality of giving back.

Thus Friends of Southpaw was thought of. I reached out to my dear friend Heather Goss with GGD Creative who took on the project pro bono because she also had the same kind of heart. Together we built friendsofsouthpaw.org. We now have a network of barbers and stylists from West Seattle to Olympia, Tacoma, and as far as Austin and Galveston, TX. We have people from San Francisco, California, Portland, Oregon, Everett, Auburn, and Kent being added next week. What started also as a platform for mostly free haircuts has also turned into others offering services such as free swim lessons, discounted automotive services and apprenticeships to kids aging out of the system.

We are excited to see this grow!

If you’re interested in either joining Tommy’s coalition or arranging for services, go here to send a message!

REMINDER: Final week for city’s outdoor aquatics facilities in West Seattle

August 27, 2023 2:12 pm
|    Comments Off on REMINDER: Final week for city’s outdoor aquatics facilities in West Seattle
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB file photo)

A reminder as summer ebbs: All but one of West Seattle’s wading pools have already closed for the season, but Lincoln Park‘s wading pool is open through Labor Day – and that’s also the final day for the two other city-run outdoor aquatics facilities open right now in West Seattle: Saltwater, beachfront Colman Pool and Highland Park Spraypark. Unless there’s major bad weather sometime between now and Labor Day (Monday, September 4th), all three will be open daily – noon to 7 pm for Colman Pool and the Lincoln Park wading pool (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 11 am to 8 pm for the spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale).

WEEKEND SCENE: Zucchini 500 at West Seattle Farmers’ Market

Celebrating one of the most abundant vegetables of the season, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market is hosting the Zucchini 500 today. First you make a zucchini vehicle, perhaps with parental help; then you decorate it …

and then it’s off to the race track!

You’ll find all this at the south end of the market, right by the California/Alaska entrance. The zucchini and trimmings are free (though since the market is a nonprofit, donations are always welcome).

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Kawasaki motorcycle, Tern cargo e-bike

August 27, 2023 11:02 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Kawasaki motorcycle, Tern cargo e-bike
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two thefts:

STOLEN MOTORCYCLE: Reported via text:

My motorcycle was stolen this morning on 16th Ave SW in front of South Seattle College. Between the hours of 4:45 am-7:02 am. It was a 2017 Kawasaki z650, all black. The people who stole it didn’t have keys and there was a lock on the front tire. So it had to have been picked up by a truck of some sort. If anyone has any information or has seen anything, please reach out to me via email or text. Ivyfreyab@gmail.com 206-981-6190

Police incident # is 23-247255.

STOLEN CARGO E-BIKE: Reported via email:

Tern GSD electric cargo bike with two batteries and with 7,300+ miles stolen on 8/26/23. Clubhouse with seating for two kids, aftermarket mudflap on rear fender. Transporter Rack with black ILE Bag. Black tape used to secure chain-guard. Please help me find this daily commuter/kid-hauler.

If found, please report to SPD case number T23018872

(That’s a temporary tracking number; we’ll substitute the permanent case number when we receive it.

Remembering Earl E. Nokes, Jr.

Family and friends plan to gather October 5th to remember Earl Eugene Nokes, Jr., and are sharing this remembrance now:

On August 17, 2023, the Nokes Family lost a patriarch and a major pillar of our community when Earl Eugene Nokes, Jr., leapt from this world into heaven.

Gene attended West Seattle High School, as did many of his cousins and his three younger brothers Bill, Don, and Ed and sister Elaine. He graduated from WSHS in 1962.

After serving in the Air Force, Gene married his sweetheart, Paula, 55 years ago on August 17, 1968.

He then began a sales career that took him hither and yon, finally settling his family in Dublin, CA, where he became a mainstay of St. Raymond’s Catholic Church.

Gene, affectionately known as “Genie-boy” to us, leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and devotion.

He now joins his son Byron and sister Margaret “Peggie” Nokes Hunnicutt, both of whom journeyed on this past year.

Gene Jr. is survived by his loving wife Paula, and their daughters Kerry (Dan) Page, Erin (James) Spence, Gwen (Patrick) Crane, all of whom provided loads of love and affection for Gene and Paula over the years, along with an abundance of grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

See you on the other side, our lovely brother, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and life-long friend. We miss you!

A Celebration of Life for Gene will be held at St. Raymond’s Catholic Church, 11555 Shannon Ave. Dublin, CA, at 10 am on October 5, 2023.

(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)

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 16 notes!

August 27, 2023 6:16 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 16 notes!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Thanks to everyone who sent Saturday sunset photos! This one is by Hana Alishio)

Here are today’s highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREEWAY-CLOSURE REMINDERS: Two major closures scheduled to continue today – Highway 518 eastbound, from 509 eastward, which means you can’t take that route to the airport or Southcenter (among other destinations); Highway 520 both ways between Seattle and Bellevue. You can check WSDOT on Twitter/X to see if either reopens early.

BABY DEVELOPMENTAL PLAY & Q/A: 9 am event at Alki for parents with babies. Call quick to save a spot! Info’s in our calendar listing.

ZUCCHINI 500 @ WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open between SW Alaska and SW Oregon on California, offering late-summer fruit and vegetables as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. Plus today – the return of the Zucchini 500, with a chance for kids to build and race zucchini-based vehicles, as explained here.

SUMMER SUNDAYS IN THE ALLEY: 10 am-4 pm behind Carmilia’s (4528 California SW): “Vintage, Art, Music, and Street Tacos” – new weekly event in August. Vendor info in our calendar listing.

3 ARTISTS’ SALE: 10 am-4 pm at 5029 26th SW – see our calendar listing for details.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK OPEN: 11 am-8 pm daily through Labor Day. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

SUNDAY FUNDAY: Big free fun at Highland Park (1100 SW Cloverdale) noon-5 pm:

– Skate sessions hosted by United Skate Squad
– Vibe Bingo hosted by Chuck
– Games & Activities hosted by Ya Girl Ness
– Music by Mr. NYICE Guy & DJ Graham
– Snack boxes by Lizzie Lou’s
– Face painting by Ari the Face Painter
– Family Fun, Kids Activities, Vendors and more!
We kindly ask that you RSVP for this FREE community event here:
bit.ly/sundayfundayseattle

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, this outdoor salt-water pool is open noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day. See the session schedule here.

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Free weekly tours continue today, 1-4 pm, last tour starts at 3:45. Only one more chance this summer after today! (3201 Alki SW)

DESSERT POP-UP: 3-6 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), The Leeky Fig will be in the house.

CHRISTMAS PEOPLE CELEBRATION: Have you baked and donated Christmas cookies? Delivered them? Supported The Christmas People in other ways? Thinking about helping them next holiday season? 3-8 pm at Alki Masonic Lodge (4736 40th SW), you’re invited to help celebrate their 25th anniversary. Buffet at 6 pm. Admission by free-will donation but call ASAP for a reservation – the number’s in our calendar listing.

CLASSIC NOVELS (& MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: At C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm, the monthly gathering – our calendar listing explains today’s topic.

JTEEN EXPERIENCE KICKOFF EVENT: The Torah Learning Center of West Seattle invites teens to this 6 pm event at Alki Kayak Tours (1660 Harbor SW) – kayaking waiver link is in our calendar listing.

SUNSET GONG BATH & MEDITATION: 7 pm at Lowman Beach (7017 Beach Drive SW) – details in our calendar listing. $25 suggested donation.

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.

Something for our calendar – one-time or recurring? Email us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

WEEKEND SCENE: Curls and caftans abound at West Seattle Roper Romp

Someone asked us early this evening on Twitter/X, “There are a bunch of women in the Junction dressed in Lucille Ball wigs and dresses. A few men too, what is up????” Well, no, not Lucille Ball. Actually – Helen Roper.

This is, as featured in our event calendar and daily preview list, the West Seattle Roper Romp, a pub crawl for which participants were encouraged to dress up like Helen Roper, a TV sitcom character from the shows “Three’s Company” and “The Ropers,” which aired 1977-1980 but live on in Gen X hearts.

As Hollye Bondurant, who sent the above photos, pointed out, Roper Romps were featured earlier this week in a New York Times story. We suspect there’s been a run on caftans and auburn wigs ever since. If you have some standing by, you still have an hour to get in on the West Seattle Roper Romp – the 10-11 pm stops are in our calendar listing.

POWER PROBLEMS: 300+ customers in Puget Ridge area out; vault fire on West Marginal

7:29 PM: Thanks for the tips. Above is a screengrab of the Seattle City Light map showing 317 customers lost power about 10 minutes ago, mostly in the Puget Ridge area. No obvious cause yet. Let us know if you see SCL crews!

7:51 PM: We don’t know yet if it’s related but SFD is responding to a vault fire in the 6700 block of West Marginal [map]. Firefighters report “light smoke coming from an underground vault” and SFD says via Twitter/X: “Firefighters are establishing a 300-foot safety perimeter as a precaution and to protect nearby structures.” … The outage map has, since the start, included two spots off West Marginal, including one in the area of the vault fire, so that might be an indication.

8:05 PM: They’re dismissing most of the units from the vault-fire call.

9:19 PM: Power’s restored to the 300+ who were out.

READER REPORT: Indecent exposure at Roxhill Park playground

From a reader who wanted to be anonymous:

I think it’s important for the public to be aware of this (for lack of a better word)… insanity occurring in places that are generally considered safe.

Police Call Reference Number 23-246390.

There was a guy at the park who was either high out of his mind, or very mentally impaired. Around noon he emerged from the playground area bathroom completely naked, exposing himself to lots of kids that were present. An agitated woman who I do not know told me her son just went in the bathroom where this naked guy was just weirdly hanging out and he was pretty shaken up.

Several people called the police. We did not engage him as we weren’t sure if he was violent.

For the next hour, no police showed up. A couple of Park Services people showed up and tried to contain the guy to the bathroom area, but they were pretty helpless. Anyways, this guy continued to go in and out of the bathroom and walk by the play area, where people were trying to shield their kids.

After an hour of no police response, a few people eventually had enough of this guy, decided he wasn’t physically violent, and chased him away. He walked over to Westwood Village, still naked.

Two hours after the police were called and we left the scene, I got this text:

“The officers searched the area for your incident but were unable to locate the incident or person(s). We appreciate your help in keeping our community safe.”

It’s frustrating that a drugged-out naked guy can hang out at a playground for 2 hours before law enforcement shows up.

We were away from the scanner much of today while at the Admiral festival, so we didn’t hear the related radio traffic, and the Broadcastify audio archives are missing significant chunks of time prior to 4:15 pm today. The Twitter/X call logs did time-stamp this call – usually the time when it was received, not necessarily when it was dispatched – at 12:04 pm, and show a separate “lewd/flashing/exposing” call at Westwood Village, 23-246448, at 1:01 pm.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Admiral Funktion 2023 street party!

12:19 PM: The second annual Admiral Funktion street party is on!

(WSB photos, video unless otherwise credited)

Until 10 tonight, you can come enjoy this warm late-summer Saturday and walk/roll in the street along California SW between Admiral Way and SW College, The festival is presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, whose booth is toward the south end of the festival zone:

They’re in front of the gas-station car wash, ready to talk with you about what’s going on in north West Seattle (and as festival media sponsor, we’re on-site right next to them). Visit their booth for tchotchkes, too – and balloon animals (get here sooner rather than later to get in on those).

Admiral Neighborhood Association’s booth is also accepting $25 (or more) donations to support the festival, for which you get a special wristband good for discounts at local venues. (The ANA is an official nonprofit, so your donation is tax-deductible.) The music just started up, too, toward the north end of the festival zone (update – here’s video from the first band, School of Rock:)

Here’s the scheduled band lineup:

12 pm – School of Rock
1 pm – Princess Pulpit
2 pm – Michael Pearsall
3 pm – Matlock and the Keys
4 pm – Midnight Gallo
5 pm – Radium Girls
6 pm – Tennis Pro
7 pm – (update: mystery act)
8 pm – The Loveless Building
9 pm – The Ancient Robotz

More coverage to come!

1:03 PM: If you have questions for your Seattle City Council District 1 candidates – both have festival tables, so this is a great place to come meet them/talk with them in person:

The election is November 7th; voting will start when ballots are sent out in mid-October. … Other opportunities for community involvement that you can find out about during Admiral Funktion include learning about Neighborhood Emergency Communication Hubs – preparedness expert extraordinaire Cindi Barker is set up in front of (updated) Ralph’s Barber Shop (close to the festival water-filling station):

Speaking of restaurants, a fun part of the festival street closure is a chance to enjoy expanded outdoor cafés today/tonight at many of the year-round Admiral food/beverage establishments – from West Wings …:

…to Mission Cantina:

… to Arthur’s:

1:35 PM: Princess Pulpit is on stage right now (added: video courtesy Jason Grotelueschen).

Lots of people have stopped by the booth to say hi (thanks!) – and we also wanted to mention that you can learn about community organizations during Admiral Funktion as well as local businesses. Elizabeth and Clay opened the day at the Southwest Seattle Historical Society booth (where you also can find out about the Save the Stone Cottage campaign):

2:43 PM: Here’s Michael Pearsall, on stage a short time ago:

Lots of kid activities, too – Clay sent this photo from the Stone Cottage/Historical Society booth, with 4-year-old Ellie Piersall doing some stone decorating:

3:37 PM: Onstage right now – Matlock and the Keys:

We’ve taken another spin through the booths – Seattle Yarn, moving to Admiral soon, is here:

Inner Alchemy, which has a storefront in South Admiral, is here too:

Inner Alchemy’s Maari Falsetto is having a sound bath to raise money for Maui fire relief – 6 pm Wednesday (August 30th) at Me-Kwa-Mooks (more info here).

3:55 PM: We should note that “Dan the Balloon Man,” who spent hours making custom creations at the Admiral Neighborhood Association booth, has departed. But many booths/vendors are here until 6, so it’s still a great time to come down and walk around. … Another community organization you’ll see here is the West Seattle Food Bank. You can find out about the next Taste of West Seattle – returning this year to its pre-pandemic format – set for September 28th:

4:35 PM: Midnight Gallo is onstage this hour.

This festival – only in its second year and bound to be even bigger next year – is just one of the events the ANA coordinates; Summer Concerts at Hiawatha and the Admiral stops on the West Seattle Art Walk are among the others, plus they’re taking over the West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade starting next year. Regular community meetings, too – next one is on September 12th, where guests will include City Attorney Ann Davison.

5 PM: Last hour for booths (some have broken down already) – but again, the music’s on for a few hours beyond, and the street closure continues, so you might consider coming down for dinner at one of the venues with outdoor cafés.

5:31 PM: This hour’s band, Radium Girls:

ANA is about to draw the winner of its prize pack, with items donated by local merchants:

READER REPORT: Harbor Avenue condo garage flooding

Thanks to the texter who sent that photo from the garage at the condo building Point Nautica. The texter says the flooding is due to a water break. Seattle Fire has been there (1005 Harbor SW) on a call categorized as a “major water job” for more than an hour.

READER REPORTS: Business burglary, car down park slope, laundromat theft

Three reader reports this morning:

BUSINESS BURGLARY: The photo is via Twitter/X, at the strip mall on the northeast corner of 35th/Roxbury:

We’re going by a bit later to try to find out more (and we’ll update this when we do). The police-call log shows a burglary report just before 5:30 am. The incident number is 23-246128. 2 pm update: The break-in was at Global Smoke & Vape, which hasn’t yet completed inventory of what was taken.

CAR DOWN SLOPE: Thanks for the tips and photos of this – a Hyundai down a Westcrest Park slope:

We don’t have police info on this yet but there’s been at least one past instance of a stolen car “disposed of” this way.

OLYMPIC HEIGHTS LAUNDROMAT THEFT: Via email from a customer of this laundromat on the northwest corner of 35th/Webster: “Work clothing placed in locking washer and started and when returned at the end of cycle; clothes and basket were missing. Owners of laundromat are not forthcoming with contact information in the laundromat to get a hold of them to get digital camera evidence. Submitted a report to SPD and awaiting approval but I heard from another person that there was another recent theft there.”

Admiral Funktion, White Center Block Party, more for your West Seattle Saturday

Two street parties top our highlight list,

ADMIRAL FUNKTION: That traffic camera shows the south end of what will be the festival zone for the second annual Admiral Funktion, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, with community co-sponsors including WSB. It’s happening on California SW between Admiral Way and SW College. See the band lineup here; see the vendor lineup here; get your wristband – good for local venue discounts – at the ANA booth on-site (south end of festival zone). It’s all happening 11 am-10 pm.

WHITE CENTER BLOCK PARTY: Also starting at 11 am, on 16th SW between Roxbury and 100th. Live music, live wrestling, vendors, more, as previewed here. This festival is scheduled to continue until midnight.

Here’s what else you need to know, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREEWAY CLOSURE REMINDERS: Two major closures all weekend – Highway 518 eastbound, from 509 eastward, which means you can’t take that route to the airport or Southcenter (among other destinations); plus Highway 520 both ways between Seattle and Bellevue.

VOYAGING CANOE SAILING BY: Hōkūleʻa will likely be visible from West Seattle’s Elliott Bay shores around 8 am, as explained here.

(canceled due to air quality) FREE GROUP RUN: Get your weekend off to a running start with this weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW) group run, All levels welcome. Meet at the shop by 8 am.

YARD/GARAGE SALES: Several are listed for today in the WSB Community Forums.

SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: The farmers’ market on the grounds of Hope Academy (9421 18th SW) is happening every week, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, prioritizing vendors of color, presented by African Community Housing & Development.

ARTISTS’ SECONDS SALE: Go shop cool creations at 3512 SW Charlestown, 10 am-2 pm.

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Learn about Marco’s music here.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

BAGELS AND PIZZA AT THE P-PATCH: The Barton Street P-Patch Gardeners welcome you for two tasty rounds today – bagels, 11 am-1:30 pm; pizza, 4-6:30 pm, and live music with Gary Benson starting at 5 pm.

SATURDAY COOKOUTS: Highland Park Corner Store is grilling, 11 am-2 pm on Saturdays through September. (7789 Highland Park Way SW)

50TH REUNION: West Seattle High School‘s Class of 1973 is gathering today, 11 am-3 pm at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor). If you’re in the class and haven’t heard about it until now – all the info’s here.

SPRAYPARK OPEN: Highland Park Spraypark is open daily (through Labor Day), 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Just one and a half more weeks to swim at the city-run outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), open noon-7 pm (session schedule here).

WADING POOL: Last one open in West Seattle is Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), 12-7 pm, in the upper park near the north play area, daily through Labor Day.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: See what’s new at the home of West Seattle’s history – visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) 12-4 pm. P.S. Here’s a message from the museum:

Neighbors and visitors may notice a few changes at the Log House Museum. The Southwest Seattle Historical Society is in the process of updating its signage. If you notice a missing sign or panel, please know the museum is aware! Any questions about the Historical Society can be directed to museum@loghousemuseum.org or by calling 206.350.0999.

VISCON CELLARS: 1-6 pm, visit the tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – offering wine by the glass or bottle. Learn about Viscon wines here! (5910 California SW)

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm, with student-produced wines available. North end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)

SIGNING AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 2 pm, meet Budos Band in celebration of their new EP. (4559 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE EAGLES MEMBERSHIP DRIVE & MAUI DINNER: Two reasons to visit the West Seattle Eagles‘ aerie in The Junction today/tonight – starting at 2 pm, it’s a membership-drive day, and they’re happy to talk with anyone interested in joining the organization of “People Helping People.” Example of their mission – a dinner tonight raising money for Maui fire relief. More info in our calendar listing, (4462 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE ROPER ROMP: Pub crawl paying homage to TV’s “Mrs. Roper,” starting at 5:30 pm – times and stops are in our calendar listing.

(Friday sunset, photographed from Lincoln Park by Tom Trulin)

LIVE AT C & P COFFEE: 7 pm-9 pm, Cyd Smith performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). No cover, all ages.

TERRY MUTTER ALBUM RELEASE: 7 pm show at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), with special guest Carmen Ficarra. Ticket reservations here.

WEST END GIRLS: West Seattle’s monthly drag extravaganza at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, $20.

OUT AT THE BOX: 9:30 pm drag show at Box Bar (5401 California SW), no cover.

Planning a concert, open house, show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? Get it on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

CRIME WATCH: Man shot while driving on southbound Highway 509

12:47 AM: A “scenes of violence” response is headed to a reported shooting victim in a car at Arrowhead Gardens but that’s not where he says he was shot. Dispatch was told the 21-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the left leg after someone in another car shot at his car on southbound Highway 509; he subsequently got off the highway and called 911.

12:52 AM: Police say this is a possible case of “road rage” involving one shot fired “just north of the Myers Way exit.” The vehicle from which the shot was fired is described only as a “black sedan.”

1:04 AM: A few more details – the victim was driving when this happened and was shot in the thigh. He’s being taken to Harborview Medical Center right now.