West Seattle, Washington
23 Sunday
When Il Nido, the restaurant at the landmark Alki Homestead/Fir Lodge, announced they had to close temporarily for emergency repairs, the proprietors said they hoped to reopen Tuesday, September 2 – and they’re announcing today that it will indeed happen on schedule:
Il Nido is happy to announce that we’ll be re-opening for dinner service on Tuesday, September 2nd at 4 pm! We have completed our repairs and are now in the process of getting the space back in order and preparing to welcome our guests once again. Although this interruption was unexpected, our staff and community came together to help us overcome this challenge.
The outpouring of support from our guest community was nothing short of remarkable. For example, when we announced our closure, so many of you immediately reached out to buy gift cards. Your generosity truly made our reopening possible and touched us deeply.
We want to give special thanks to:
· Our faithful guests for their incredible support during our closure, especially those who purchased gift cards, sent us supportive messages, or stopped by to see us in person.
· The West Seattle Community for rallying behind us and reminding us what it means to be part of something bigger. West Seattle … Best Seattle!
· Petr and his crew who rebuilt our floor.
· The entire Il Nido staff, ‘The Crows’.
· Our Fir Lodge owners: Matt Schilling and the Schilling Family.
· Scott Grigg for helping me paint parking stripes and varnishing tables.
· Eddia A. from Bee’s Plumbing.
· Bill from AutoChlore.
· Rich Barrientos & Travis Chikamura from Electrical Systems Solutions.We truly cannot wait to welcome everyone back for dinner — you are the heart of Il Nido, and we are deeply grateful for each of you.
Cameron Williams & Chef Katie Gallego
Owners & Partners
Il Nido Restaurant
If you’re relatively new to West Seattle, you might not know about the Alki Homestead/Fir Lodge’s extensive history, including the years of uncertainty over whether it could be saved and restored following a catastrophic fire that closed it for a decade – our coverage is archived here (newest to oldest).
11:16 AM: It’s that time of summer where growers have so much zucchini, you can run out of ideas for using it. Zucchini bread, roasted zucchini, sauteed zucchini … but that’s not all. Once a year, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market offers free zucchini and accessories to marketgoers so they can make and race “vegetable vehicles.” That’s happening at the south end of the market (California/Alaska) right now, until 1 pm, as explained in our preview! Big turnout.
1:22 PM: Adding photos by Dave Gershgorn for WSB:
A wide variety of zucchini racers took to the track – after Kiwanis Club of West Seattle volunteers helped with assembly:
Lots of options to contemplate:
Once they were ready to race, it was on to the track:
Notice the jumbo zucchini in the lower right of the photo above? 3 1/2-year-old Colette Steadman brought that from home, where she and her family grew it from seeds provided by the West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor) Growing Gardeners’ Club (explained in our preview):
Homegrown or not, every zucchini racer was a winner today.
Family and friends of former longtime West Seattleite Jason Grube will gather next Saturday (September 6) tp remember him and celebrate his life. Here’s the remembrance and invitation, they’re sharing:
On Monday, August 4th, we lost Jason Grube.
He was a devoted husband to Shannon, and a loving father to Monty (17), Wolfy (14), and Everest (9). He died in a sudden and tragic bicycle accident at just 48 years old.
Jason was so many things to so many people. He was kind. He was loving. He was creative. And he was generous. He was also wise. And funny. He was curious and he was spiritual, embracing beauty and possibility. He was all of these things and more. But to those who knew him best, he is simply irreplaceable.
A recent journal entry from Jason included the following quote: “Every candle is lit by another flame.” He was so often the other flame, bringing light to our lives, right when we needed it the most.
Now, this is our turn to return the light and the love we have been given. We are raising funds to support Shannon and the boys. Your donations will help cover funeral expenses, household needs, and provide stability as they adjust to life without Jason’s steady presence. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for your memories. Thank you for sharing.
Jason Grube’s memorial service and celebration of life (after party) will be held on September 6, 2025, just north of Seattle.
Memorial Service:
2 pm at Branches Church
18350 NE Woodinville Duvall Pl, WoodinvilleCelebration of Life:
4pm at Story Cellars Winery
19501 144th Ave NE STE A500, WoodinvilleIf you knew and loved Jason, you are welcome to join us. The plan is to share lots of memories. If you can’t make it, there will be a livestream of the memorial service with details to follow.
(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)
10:02 AM: Holiday-weekend whale visit! Kersti Muul just told us the T137s – transient killer whales – are in Elliott Bay, by Pier 70, so in binoculars-enhanced range, but let us know if you see them closer in!
1:53 PM: Thanks to James Tilley for the photos, taken when the orcas were in view off Constellation Park south of Alki Point.
(Photo by Stan Delles)
Good morning – here’s what’s up for the second day of Labor Day weekend, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
GARAGE/YARD SALES: See today’s listings in the WSB Community Forums. (If you have a sale to add, but don’t have a WSB Forums login, go to westseattleblog/log-in – thanks!)
ART ON THE CORNER: Local artist Bonnie is selling her work again all three days this weekend to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank, 8 am-4 pm. (39th SW/SW Holden)
WESTIES RUN CLUB: This week’s 9 am Sunday Funday run leaves from Dough Joy Donuts (4310 SW Oregon).
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece. (35th/Roxbury)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Find the market on California between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, still the heart of summer produce season (stone fruit, berries, cherries, greens, roots), plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, flowers, more.
… PLUS ZUCCHINI RACING! Also at the market today, 11 am-1 pm (at the south end), it’s the fun annual event to make and race “vegetable vehicles,” with support from the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle and West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor), as detailed in our preview.
MASTER GARDENERS: They’re at the market today, also 10 am-2 pm, if you have a garden question/challenge/etc. that would benefit from expert advice.
DOCKTON ART WALK: Neighbors on Vashon/Maury Islands invite you to ferry over to visit artists in historic Dockton, 10 am-5 pm.
MONTHLY GRIEF CIRCLE: Whatever you’re grieving, this event promises support, 10:30 am at Nurture Wellbeing (6307 California SW) – registration info’s in our calendar listing.
FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska)
SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open, 11 am-8 pm, second-to-last day of the season.
ART GARDEN OPEN HOUSE: 11 am-2 pm, you’re invited to drop in to this new creative space. (4316 SW Othello)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESISTS: Sunday signholding in The Junction (California/Alaska), 11:30 am-1:30 pm.
COLMAN POOL OPEN: The heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open today noon-7 pm, with four hour-and-a-half swim sessions, each half lap swimming and half open swim – see the schedule here.
WADING POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park,the wading pool is open, second-to-last day of the season, noon-7 pm.
NO ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: One last reminder, tours ended early this year (as explained here).
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Kick back and enjoy your Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
MUSIC BENEFIT AT TIM’S: 2-10 pm, Good Neighbours Festival with eight bands raising money for two nonprofits. (16th SW/SW 98th, White Center)
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Singer-songwriter Jim Page, 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 3 pm, featuring music by Sabrina Carpenter. Free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
LOWMAN BEACH BENEFIT: 5-9 pm, live music and BBQ at Lowman Beach, to benefit Gaza relief. (7017 Beach Drive SW)
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL: 5:30-6:30 pm at Bethany West Seattle (8600 9th SW), all welcome.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could feature on the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Though it’s called the Boeing Employees Choir, you don’t have to have any affiliation with Boeing in order to join it, so they’re sending out a call for singers as open rehearsals approach. Here’s the announcement:
Singers Wanted!
Gershwin? Brahms? Whitacre? If you love to sing or want to discover your talent, we invite you to join the Boeing Employees Choir (open to all), performing everything from Bach to Broadway.
Open Rehearsals
Starting September 9, 2025
Tuesdays @ 7 PM
Tibbetts United Methodist Church
3940 41st Ave SW, West SeattleFor more info: www.boeingchoir.org
Please let us know by email if you are coming!
Email: president@boeingchoir.org
(Rendering of what the finished project is supposed to look like, from 2021 SPU document)
Along with announcing the upcoming emergency culvert repairs in Fauntleroy, Seattle Public Utilities has announced another project in West Seattle. SPU says work will resume – after almost three years – on a section of its “natural drainage” project near Delridge businesses including The Home Depot and Arco/AM-PM.
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is constructing natural drainage systems (NDS) in the Longfellow Creek Basin to address recurring drainage and flooding issues and provide water quality treatment for street runoff that drains to Longfellow Creek. During construction in 2022, crews encountered unexpected underground conditions and the project at this location was postponed. Construction will resume in mid-September 2025.
LOCATION
Sylvan Way SW between SW Orchard St and Delridge Way SW (near the Home Depot Store)SCHEDULE & HOURS
• Mid-September to end of 2025
• Monday through Friday, 7 am to 5 pmANTICIPATED IMPACTS
• Noise, dust, and vibrations typical of a construction site
• Full lane closure of Sylvan Way SW between SW Orchard St and Delridge Way SW, and parking restrictions near the work area
• Materials and equipment staged near construction activities
• Access to private property and businesses may be temporarily impacted
• Eastbound King County Metro bus stop may be temporarily impacted or relocated
• Pedestrian detours will be in place
Here’s the full construction-notice one-sheet (PDF).
One day every year, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market celebrates one of the season’s most bountiful harvests by offering zucchini racing – young marketgoers get free zucchini and components to turn them into “vegetable vehicles” which they can then send rolling down a short race course (our video above shows a round of last year’s racing). Tomorrow (Sunday, August 31) is the big day, 11 am-1 pm. Look for the booth at the south end of the market, with volunteers from the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle there to assist, as well as West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor). Marie from WSN tells us that their Growing Gardeners Club for kids gave members containers with soil and zucchini seeds back in March, in hopes some might grow their own to use in Sunday’s races. Then, earlier this month, members got “little race car kits with a set of wheels and stickers they can use to decorate their racers, and information about the Farmers Market races so they can participate.” A WSN rep will be there tomorrow to see if any members show up to race, and to provide club info to prospective new members. Again, this is 11 am-1 pm tomorrow, during the regular 10 am-2 pm market on California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska.
(Reader photo)
2:08 PM: Thanks for the tip and photo. Northbound California Avenue SW is blocked in the 6900 block right now, just south of Morgan Junction, after a multi-car crash. No one hurt, according to our tipster, but avoid the area for a while. The tipster reports, “Driver heading south swerved or lost control somehow and drove into a car heading northbound as well as a parked car.”
2:37 PM: Police are on scene now; our tipster reports the northbound lane is still blocked.
3:37 PM: Our tipster says both lanes are open now.
By the tie we visited Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor) this afternoon, founder/proprietor Frank Gross already had been dunked about 20 times as part of a soggy sideline during their one-day holiday-weekend sale and West Seattle Food Bank benefit. Appropriately enough, the guy who dunked Frank in our video was Rob from Gretsch Guitars, which donated this Gretsch ’57 Duo Jet guitar for another highlight of sale day, a raffle:
Frank is looking forward to more dunking – he insists it’s “refreshing” every time – with the dunkers so far even including his own kids, who he reports were extra-enthusiastic about dunking Dad. One way to get your turn is to bring nonperishable food for this West Seattle Food Bank bin in the shop:
Even better, buy a guitar, pedal, or amplifier – not only do you get three shots at dunking Frank, you’ll also be helping WSFB, because he’s donating 10 percent of sale-day proceeds. The tank is behind the store, and Frank notes that the dunking idea came from a staff member, adding that it wasn’t as hard to find a dunk tank as you might think – they found a rental business that deals in “unusual things” and they just happened to have one. This is all set to continue until 6 pm.
Thanks for the tips. Here’s what the big police response that blocked 35th at Andover for a while about half an hour ago was about, according to emergency-radio archives: A car stolen somewhere in the East Precinct’s C sector area, possibly in a carjacking, was tracked to the westbound West Seattle Bridge and then to West Seattle. Southwest Precinct police found it and initially didn’t know if anyone was inside, so they approached with guns drawn. They eventually confirmed the car, described as a silver Hyundai Accent, had no one inside. No description(s) of whoever left it there but the car was last seen at the original crime scene being driven away by a “white male with a short buzz cut.”
(Friday night sunset, photographed by Jan Pendergrass)
Some regular Saturday events are skipping this weekend because so many people leave town for the holiday, but as far as we know, here’s what IS happening, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
GARAGE/YARD SALES: See this weekend’s listings in the WSB Community Forums. (If you have a sale to add, but don’t have a login for that section, go to westseattleblog/log-in – thanks!)
ART ON THE CORNER: Local artist is selling her work again this weekend to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank, 8 am-4 pm. (39th SW/SW Holden)
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) leads Saturday 8 am free group runs!
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am outdoor meditation at Schmitz Preserve Park (5551 SW Admiral Way) – register here.
INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed immediately by this 10 am walk, which you can join even if you didn’t go on the introductory walk. Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: The Garden Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW, north end of campus), is open 10 am-3 pm.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, in and around the courtyard at Hope Academy in South Delridge (9421 18th SW). Fresh produce, cooked-on-site food, body-care products, more!
MASTER GARDENERS: Have a garden-related question? They likely have the answer! Second to last Saturday that they’ll be at The Home Depot (7345 Delridge Way SW), 10 am-2 pm.
DOCKTON ART WALK: Neighbors on Vashon/Maury Islands invite you to ferry over today and/or tomorrow to visit artists in historic Dockton, 10 am-5 pm.
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – free weekly in-person group for writers of all levels. For location info, go here.
BENEFIT BARBECUE: “Dog Days of Summer” at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor), 11 am-3 pm fresh-grilled lunch available to benefit pet-assisting nonprofit.
WEST SEATTLE’S ONLY SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open for its last Saturday of the year, 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)
‘DUNK FRANK IN THE TANK’ SALE & WSFB BENEFIT: Noon-6 pm, big event at Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor) as we’ve been previewing – it’s not only a big sale with one-day deals, it’s also a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank – TRG is donating 10 percent of sales – AND a chance to see TRG founder/proprietor Frank Gross get dunked in a tank: Get three chances when you show up with nonperishable food for WSFB and/or make a purchase, as previewed here.
WADING POOL: The one city-run wading pool scheduled to be open in West Seattle today is Lincoln Park, 12 pm-7 pm (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, near north parking lot).
COLMAN POOL: 12-7 pm swim sessions at Lincoln Park‘s heated saltwater pool (on the shore, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM CLOSED: No Saturday hours this weekend.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open for you to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar, and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area.
SALSA & BACHATA ON ALKI: Tonight’s edition of the big dance event starts with a lesson at 4:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: West Seattle’s own Acoustic Crisis, 6-8 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
LAST WEEKEND FOR ALKI BEACH FIRES: Reminder that beach-fire season ends Labor Day, so this is the last weekend the fire rings will be open at Alki.
KENYON HALL CABARET AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm (doors at 7), Kenyon Hall Cabaret drag show. All ages. $15 advance/$20 door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ King Coko at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
SATURDAY NIGHT SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight, with rotating DJ Josh and DJ NightMere, 21+, at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Our Saturday list concludes with 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Thanks to the readers who tipped us about that new “LEASED” sign in The Junction (including the person who sent the photo). Permit filings indicate Dave’s Hot Chicken, an international chain with one Seattle location so far, seeks to add its second in the heart of “downtown West Seattle.” According to permit records with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, a new Dave’s restaurant is intended for part of the former Haymaker Restaurant space at 4706 California Ave SW. The Haymaker closed in May of 2024 after five years in business. Preliminary permit records show the space would be divided between Dave’s and another tenant. (This industry-publication article notes they try to limit their restaurants’ size.)
The menu is focused around fried chicken tenders with varying levels of spice, along with sides and shakes. The Seattle location, on Capitol Hill at 12th and Pike, is owned by the Keshap Group, a California-based franchisee listed on the Junction documentation too. The group had already announced plans for new locations this year in Redmond and Tacoma, with others in Puyallup and Federal Way next year, but hopes for a West Seattle location had not been previously announced.
Dave’s Hot Chicken was started by four friends as a street food vendor in the Los Angeles area in 2017. Celebrity investments followed a few years later; a majority share of the company was sold to a private-equity firm this past June. Dave’s has more than 300 franchise locations, mostly in the US, with some in Canada and Dubai.
(September 2024 WSB photo)
Next weekend, high-school football season kicks off. West Seattle High School is scheduled to play its first game on the road, 5 pm Saturday, September 6, in Yakima vs. La Salle HS. Even before the season begins, head coach Anthony Stordahl tells WSB, the year’s biggest fundraiser in support of his team is off and running. It’s an online fundraising campaign, and the coach explains, “This is the only fundraiser we will do this year to raise the money needed to have a successful season. The money goes toward equipment, travel expenses, nutrition for players, and a lot more.” They’re hoping to have a few dine-out fundraisers too, but the online donations will comprise the lion’s share of the Wildcats’ fundraising. Their first home game is the annual Huling Bowl crosstown faceoff with Chief Sealth IHS, 7 pm Friday, September 19 (see the full season schedule here). Meantime, donations will be welcomed here.
Thanks for the tip. One week after SDOT told us they expected to reopen Fairmount Avenue beneath the Admiral Way Bridge before the holiday weekend – marking the completion of most work on the project to strengthen and preserve the bridge – they’ve done just that. Above are the SDOT “before and after” photos from beneath the bridge. The project page goes into details of what they’ve done during the construction closure. Fairmount has been closed to all traffic – including bicyclists, walkers, and runners – since July of last year. The topside was originally scheduled to have some full closures during the project, but SDOT found a way to avoid that.
Multiple readers have asked about that big drill rig that’s appeared between ActivSpace and West Coast Self-Storage toward the south end of Harbor Avenue SW. A map check showed it’s parked on property belonging to West Coast Self-Storage (3252 Harbor Ave SW), so we checked in with WCSS’s manager Crystal this afternoon. She said the equipment is there as part of the work of completing their facility, which has been built in phases. She said the final phase includes one more building. The construction permit filed with the city shows the building at a new address, 3300 Harbor Ave SW, and having 3 stories with a mix of parking and storage, but does not have a count on the number of self-storage units. The storage facility on the site to the north has 852 units. Crystal told WSB there shouldn’t be any traffic impacts during construction aside from trucks entering and leaving the property. West Coast Self Storage has been open at the Harbor Avenue location since August of 2020.
(WSB file photo, Clothesline’s current location)
Got 2,000 spare square feet? You might be able to help save our area’s free community clothing bank The Clothesline, whose search for a new home is now urgent. Here’s the announcement:
The West Seattle Food Bank today announced that The Clothesline, its free community clothing bank, must find new space by the end of 2025 due to the sale of its current host property. The program is urgently seeking a 2,000 sq ft space within five miles of the food bank to continue serving local families with dignity and choice.
“The Clothesline is a simple idea with a profound impact – dignity. It gives people the chance to choose clothing that fits their lives, their needs and their style — the same way any of us would want to shop,” said Fran Yeatts, Executive Director of the West Seattle Food Bank. “That dignity is what makes this program so powerful and why finding it a new home is so urgent. Last year alone, the community donated enough clothing for us to provide more than 90,000 items to people of all ages. We’re asking West Seattle landlords, faith and civic leaders, and businesses to help us keep this lifeline open by offering or helping us locate a new space.”
What The Clothesline Does
The Clothesline is free and open to anyone in need, offering a dignified, “shop-for-yourself” experience so people can choose items that truly fit their needs—workwear, school clothes, coats, shoes, baby items, bedding, and more. Inventory is sourced entirely from new and gently used donations from local neighbors and corporate partners.Why a New Home Is Needed
The Clothesline currently operates in leased space owned by a local church that is selling the property. The existing setup includes roughly 1,250 sq ft of display space and 1,250 sq ft of donation-processing workspace, with additional storage and restrooms. Current rent is $3,000/month including utilities.Space Criteria
~2,000 sq ft total (can be split across rooms)
Within 5 miles of West Seattle Food Bank
Near a bus line
Some on-site parking and an easy drop-off area for donations
Wheelchair accessible preferredHow to Help / Who to Contact
Landlords, property managers, congregations, schools, and community partners with suitable space to lease or host (in-kind or reduced rent) are encouraged to reach out:
Contact: Fran Yeatts, Executive Director
Email: fran@westseattlefoodbank.org
Phone: 206-932-5385
The Clothesline has been in its current home for six years. City files show a plan for four single-family houses on at least part of the site.
Thunder Road Guitars proprietor Frank Gross may be in the West Seattle Food Bank bin today, but tomorrow he’ll be spending time in a much-splashier container – a dunk tank! We are now just a day away from the big holiday-weekend sale at Thunder Road Guitars (longtime WSB sponsor), which Frank has turned into a food-bank fundraiser – 10 percent of sales will be donated – that will include your chance to dunk Frank and enter the raffle drawing for the Gretsch ’57 Duo guitar he’s holding. And while they last, dunkers get the T-shirt held by TRG staffer Bender, shown below with Robbin from WSFB:
As for how you can dunk Frank: “Bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the West Seattle Food bank or purchase a guitar, amplifier, or pedal. Either one of those gets you 3 throws at our fearless leader and a limited TRG shirt for the event.” All this, plus one-day-only deals, are happening noon-6 pm Saturday (August 30) at Thunder Road Guitars, 6400 California SW in Morgan Junction.
Today we welcome Executive Car Service as a new WSB sponsor. Here’s what they would like you to know about what they do:
Riding in Style Across Seattle — Let Executive Car Service Drive You
Picture this: You step out of Sea-Tac Airport and are greeted by a friendly chauffeur who already knows your destination. You settle into the spotless interior of a luxury vehicle, choosing your favorite music — or enjoying peaceful silence — with a cool bottle of water within easy reach.
That’s Executive Car Service in action — making your ride as smooth as your destination. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a business traveler, or planning a special night out, these pros have built a reputation across Seattle for punctuality, professionalism, and pure comfort.
Why They’re a Local Favorite
Ask around and you’ll hear the same name come up: Greg. He’s just one of the many highly praised drivers on the team — known for being reliable, courteous, and detail-oriented.
Customers love the little touches: spotless vehicles, help with luggage, and a seamless booking process that means no last-minute stress.
A Fleet That Fits Every Occasion
Executive Car Service offers more than just rides—they deliver experiences. Choose from:
-Elegant sedans for solo travelers or business tripsSpacious SUVs for families or group comfort
-Stretch limos for weddings, proms, or VIP events
-Sprinter vans and party buses—yes, complete with TVs, sound systems, and mini-bars—for nights out or group tours
No matter your choice, every ride comes immaculately maintained and stocked for comfort. See the full lineup here: Our Fleet
Never Late, Always Professional
Time is money—and these drivers treat yours like gold. Using real-time traffic and flight tracking, they make sure you’re on schedule every single time.
Whether it’s catching a flight, arriving for a meeting, or getting the bride to the venue, punctuality is non-negotiable.
Perfect for Any Event
Here’s where Executive Car Service really shines:
Airport Transfers — SeaTac, Paine Field, and all regional airports
Weddings & Proms — Arrive in style, stress-free
Corporate Travel — Impress clients, avoid parking hassles
Concerts & Nights Out — Focus on fun, not driving
City Tours — Discover Seattle’s gems from the back seat
Learn more about their event options: Special Occasion Transportation
Serving All of Greater Seattle: From Seattle proper to Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Tacoma, Everett, Lynnwood — wherever you are, they’ve got you covered.
Ready for Your Next Ride?
Next time you need a ride that’s more than just transportation, make it Executive Car Service. Book your next journey here: executivecarservice.com
We thank Executive Car Service for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com – thank you!
Three West Seattle business notes:
BANK CHANGES: Today is the last day that the Junction bank at 4022 SW Alaska will be HomeStreet Bank. HomeStreet’s merger “with and into” Mechanics Bank takes effect at the start of business Tuesday (September 2). Each bank has a century-plus history; Mechanics Bank is headquartered in the Bay Area city of Walnut Creek, while HomeStreet is headquartered in Seattle. HomeStreet (a longtime WSB sponsor) is declining comment on operational specifics until after the takeover is official on Tuesday. HomeStreet has been in West Seattle since buying what previously was an AmericanWest Bank branch in 2013. (Side note: The HomeStreet-to-Mechanics change follows another recent West Seattle bank-name change – what was the Umpqua Bank branch near Admiral Safeway is now Columbia Bank. We’re told this was a side effect of Columbia, which owns Umpqua, acquiring Pacific Premier.)
THE MISSING PIECE UPDATE: We’ve been reporting since May on The Missing Piece‘s plan to move the café/gaming store/lounge from 35th/Roxbury to California/Alaska (the empty-for-three-years ex-Pharmaca space, next to KeyBank and Emerald Water Anglers). We checked in with proprietor Eric to see if the move was still on schedule. He tells WSB, “Our last day at the current location is this Monday, September 1st. We are running a 10% off moving sale all weekend on games and accessories.” As for The Missing Piece’s opening date in The Junction, depending on how inspections go, he’s hoping for the second week in September.
ART GARDEN OPENING WEEKEND: Artist/teacher Shelley Irish is opening The Art Garden in Gatewood’s artist hub The Building with an open house this weekend. Her announcement:
West Seattle will soon have a new creative oasis. The Art Garden, home to Sprouts Studio (for children and teens) and the Imagination Haven (for adults to take a freaking break) will open its doors for a special Open Studio Weekend on Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31, from 11 AM to 2 PM each day.
This free, family-friendly event invites the community to explore the space, meet artist and teacher Shelley Irish, and experience the power of art as both play and personal growth. Hands-on creative activities will be available for all ages, with supplies provided.
What: Art Garden Open House Weekend
When: Sat & Sun, August 30–31, 2025 | 11 AM–2 PM each day
Where: West Seattle – 4316 SW Othello St. (2nd floor)
Who: All ages welcome — free admission, materials provided
Activities: Mini art projects, studio tours, refreshments, community connectionMore Info & RSVP: shelleyirish.com
(Planting-strip sunflowers, seen in Gatewood)
Not leaving the peninsula for the holiday weekend? No worries, you can check out what’s happening here at home – here are your Friday options, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
DRUGSTORE TRANSITION: As reported here Thursday, the Jefferson Square ex-Bartell Drugs planned to reopen this morning as CVS.
SOUTH TRANSFER STATION: As announced earlier this week, the closure is now expected to continue through September 10.
(Added: Photo of this morning’s flower stand)
FLOWER SALE: 10 am-noon, Chief Sealth IHS girls’ swim team fundraiser, $10 dahlia bouquets! (East side of 8300 block of 35th SW)
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 daily through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOL: Lincoln Park is open through Labor Day too, 12-7 pm today (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, near north lot).
COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water pool is open to the public for its last non-holiday weekday, noon-7 pm.
SEATTLE TERIYAKI HISTORY & MORE: Last chance to see this exhibit at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) – the museum is open noon-4 pm today, but closed tomorrow.
IN-STORE SIGNING AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 2 pm, Aly and AJ visit for a signing session – details here! (4559 California SW)
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle: “We have wines for picnics, cookouts, hikes, camping, boating, and even just hanging out on the deck.”
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) features singer-songwriter Danica Rozhanica tonight, 6-8 pm. All ages, no cover
HAND-BUILD ANIMALS: 6:30-9 pm at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW) – follow that link for sign-up and fee info.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, Proh Mic tonight! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating with live music and DJ – tonight, Dual Analog, Colony Drop – 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!
We’re now days away from the start of school for thousands of local students, staff, and volunteers who support them. Among the latter, Friends of Roxhill Elementary – who hope you’ll help their school start strong:
Friends of Roxhill is asking the entire West Seattle community to help support our students have a rich school experience this year by making a donation to the Roxhill Field Trips and Classroom Fund.
With your generous donations, Friends of Roxhill provides each Roxhill Elementary teacher with money for field trips and to equip their classroom with much-needed supplies, like educational games, toys, and books. Past donations have helped send Roxhill students to the Seattle Aquarium, the Woodland Park Zoo, and the Seattle Children’s Theater.
To meet our goal for this year, $20 covers one student, $80 covers a table group, and $400 covers one whole class! Can you chip in to support our students?
Roxhill Elementary is a small-but-mighty Title I school with about 250 students where over half of families qualify for free-or-reduced lunch.
Donate today: gofundme.com/f/roxhill-2025-backtoschool-field-trips-classroom-fund
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, August 29, 2025, heading into Labor Day weekend.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast is for clouds, then sun, high in the low 80s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:24 am; sunset will be at 7:54 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Will Admiral Way Bridge work indeed be mostly over by day’s end, as SDOT had suggested?
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today. (Monday will be on a Sunday schedule.)
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Issaquah, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where. (Monday will be on a Saturday schedule.)
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights. (The WT *will* be in service on Monday.)
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view 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!
| 1 COMMENT