West Seattle, Washington
24 Sunday
10:07 PM: West Seattle’s expert skywatcher/educator Alice Enevoldsen just alerted us to the possibility of aurora viewing tonight: “We’re flirting with Kp7 which is ‘go outside and look NOW, maybe go somewhere nearby and dark” numbers.” She recommends Westcrest Park. Here are Alice’s viewing tips and aurora’forecast links.
12:44 AM: Thanks to the commenters who’ve posted images from their sightings!
Seattle Public Schools and many local independent/parochial schools don’t start classes until after Labor Day. For one local school, however, this is back-to-school week. Classes start Wednesday (August 14) at Summit Atlas, the middle/high school in Arbor Heights that’s West Seattle’s first and only charter school. (Last day of the school year is earlier, too – that’ll be Friday, June 6, 2025.) After Summit Atlas, the next school to start classes will be Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School, on August 28.
We’ve received some questions about an emergency response at a residential building in the 6300 block of California SW, coded “scenes of violence.” This was for a person with what are believed to be self-inflicted wounds. He’s being taken to a hospital.
For those contemplating self-harm, the 988 crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day.
Six years after she and her husband closed their longtime West Seattle Junction shop Terjung’s House of Gifts (4547 California, now Jet City Labs), Gloria Terjung has passed away. Here’s the remembrance we received today:
Gloria Marie Terjung (Pucci)
February 24, 1930 – August 3, 2024It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gloria Marie Terjung (Pucci), our dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and auntie. Gloria now joins her cherished husband, Gregor, who passed away in January of 2023.
Gloria was a life-long West Seattle resident and a proud and active member of her community. Born to Peter and Ethel Pucci, she was raised in the Italian neighborhood of Youngstown in West Seattle. Her family eventually moved 3 times: to Fort Lawton in the Magnolia area, Black Diamond on Lake Sawyer, and then to the Morgan Junction area of West Seattle. In adulthood, Gloria moved within the West Seattle area 4 more times. She attended Frank B Cooper School, West Seattle High School, and graduated from Tahoma High School in 1947, then married Gregor in the fall of 1950.
Gloria’s professional journey was marked by dedication and excellence, starting with clerical positions at John Hancock and Boeing, and devoted over 30 years of service as the Assistant to the Director of the Seattle Housing Authority. She also supported her husband Gregor’s daily operation of the family business Terjung’s Studio of Gifts in the West Seattle Junction for over 50 years. Her commitment extended beyond the workplace as a member of Soroptimist International of West Seattle, where she worked to enhance the lives of women and families in her community.
Gloria was a woman of many passions and found joy in gardening, sewing, camping, bookkeeping, boating, tennis, painting, playing the piano, listening to her grandson play the clarinet, ice cream, popcorn, clam chowder, and the color blue. Her culinary skills were renowned among family and friends, especially her famous spaghetti sauce, potato salad, and apple pie, which will be fondly remembered at family gatherings.
Gloria was known for her strong determination, tireless work ethic, and dedication to her loved ones. Her presence was a source of strength and inspiration, and her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.
Gloria is survived by her daughters Gina McCullough Grohs and Gail Spores (Beldon); grandson Reis McCullough (Azusa); great granddaughter Noelle; sister Marlene Schlittler; niece Donna Irving and nephew Craig Schlittler; who all will remember her spirit, her laughter, and love for her family.
To share your condolences and memories of Gloria, visit EmmickFunerals.com/obituary/Gloria-Terjung
(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)
3:23 PM: Police are converging on 15th/Roxbury for a report of someone “down” after a report of two people shooting, possibly “at each other.” This is reported to have started on the city side of the intersection near Walgreens but the possible victim is reported to be in front of the gas station on the unincorporated side. Suspect(s) and whereabouts haven’t been clarified yet – various conflicting descriptions. Updates to come.
3:30 PM: Officers told dispatch they’ve found casings outside Walgreens, and one person is reported injured – described as a 22-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the back – outside the gas station across the street.
3:43 PM: SFD medics are taking the victim to Harborview. Officers have just told dispatch that so far they’ve found “19 casings, a mix of 9 and 10 millimeter” by Walgreens. Our crew has arrived in the area and we’re adding photos of the investigation.
3:54 PM: A K-9 team from KCSO has arrived at the scene to see if they can track the shooters – they’re heading north on 16th for starters.
4:07 PM: The track ended at 16th/Henderson, officers told dispatch.
5:01 PM: SFD tells us the victim was in serious condition when transported.
5:50 PM: SPD spokesperson Officer Eric Muñoz tells WSB the victim is 23 and was found “suffering from two gunshot wounds to his leg and lower back.” He is expected to survive. No additional information on circumstances and no comment on whether the victim was targeted; regarding description, he says only that “Two suspects wearing masks, possibly in their late teens to early 20s, were seen fleeing the area.” If you have any information, the incident # is 24-224883, and you can call 911 or the SPD tipline at 206-233-5000.
(Added: WSB/WCN photo)
Thanks to Sue for the tip. Just published on our partner site White Center Now, the proprietor of the Bok a Bok fried-chicken mini-chain has just closed two locations, including White Center, where he founded Bok a Bok eight years ago. He says “third-party apps” took too big a cut. Details here.
The photo above is from a texter who says they walked past that vehicle at Fauntleroy and Myrtle this morning around 7 am and that it was still running. We then heard from Aaron, who sent this report and other photos:
I’m writing on behalf of a couple neighbors at Myrtle and Fauntleroy across the street from Gatewood Elementary.
According to the neighbors, a stolen car hit the electrical pole in front of their house and then drove through their fence before being abandoned earlier this morning.
SPD has been through but I don’t have the police report number. Seattle City Light will come later today to replace the pole.
Aaron says the neighbors reported this happened in the 6 am hour. We haven’t found the police-report number or dispatch audio yet but will add any other available info when we do.
We start again today with a major traffic-alert reminder:
(Photo sent by Eddie – contractor Combined Construction staging under the bridge for SSV work)
EASTBOUND SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT CLOSED: The all-weekend-long closure continues for the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct – the continuation of the high bridge from the Highway 99 overpass to I-5 – plus the inside westbound lane. This is for the ongoing resurfacing project. Here’s the latest traffic-camera image:
(SDOT camera’s latest look at the Spokane St. Viaduct)
If this reopens earlier than planned, as it did last weekend, we’ll publish a separate update. Meantime, here’s what’s happening on your summer Sunday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):
BIG BLUE TRUCK: Second weekend for the return of the Northwest Center‘s donation-dropoff truck (WSB sponsor) to West Seattle! You’ll find it outside WaFd Bank (4102 California SW). Our calendar listing has info on what items the truck will accept. 9 am-5 pm.
SWIM IN THE SOUND: At 9 am, you can join a group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 9 am, the Westies meet up at Caffe Ladro (7011 California SW) for this week’s Sunday run.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, midsummer produce, plus beverages, baked goods, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
ZUCCHINI RACING AT THE MARKET: It’s that one special day every summer when kids of all ages get a chance to turn a zucchini into a “vegetable vehicle” and race it down a ramp, 11 am-1 pm at the market.
SUNDAYS IN THE ALLEY: Pop-up shopping experience – music and food too – behind Carmilia’s, in the alley behind the east side of the 4500 block of California SW, 10 am-3 pm. More info in our calendar listing.
GRIEF WALK: 10 am, meet at the Hinds entrance to Schmitz Preserve Park for a Grief Walk with Listening to Grief.
CAMPAIGN BRACELETS: Outdoor table at 4155 California SW where supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris‘s presidential campaign can get or make friendship bracelets.
bRUNch: Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) welcomes you for a fun run (11 am) and/or brunch (11 am-2 pm) – Sully Eats is on site; see the menu here.
ADMIRAL CHURCH COMMUNITY JAZZ PICNIC: Noon-3 pm, all welcome for free food and free music, on the lawn at Admiral Church. (4320 SW Hill)
COLMAN POOL: The outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open to the public today, noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Elsewhere at Lincoln Park, you’ll find this 7-days-a-week city wading pool, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.
E.C. HUGHES WADING POOL: Also open noon-7 pm. (2805 SW Holden)
TIP TOP ICE CREAM POP-UP: From New Zealand via Highland Park, popping up today noon-6 pm at Future Primitive Alki (2536 Alki SW).
ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers are back at Alki Point Lighthouse today for free tours starting at 1 pm; get there by 3:45 pm for the last tour of the day. (3201 Alki SW)
CHAMBER MUSIC MASTERPIECES: Concert with EUROPA Ensemble and Music Northwest at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW), 3 pm. Ticket info and program details are in our calendar listing.
FREE OUTDOOR YOGA: 6 pm at Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (4500 block Beach Drive SW) with Dragonfly – details in our calendar listing.
GONG BATH & NATURE MEDITATION: 7:30 pm at Lowman Beach Park (7017 Beach Drive SW) – ticket link’s in our calendar listing.
(Friday night’s sunset – photo by Curry Gibson)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Enjoy Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8-10 pm.
Organizing and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Three reader reports received today:
HIT-RUN HELP SOUGHT: Paige is asking for help finding the motorcycle rider who hit her car around 8:30 this morning near Erskine/Dawson:
This morning a motorcyclist hit our parked car … and drove off. Our neighbor was able to snap a picture of the guy and a bystander who it looks like saw what happened. Neither of them thought to knock on our door or leave a note or anything. I’m attaching the picture here and am hoping someone can help us identify this person. 561-251-7185.
(License-plate redaction by sender)
Temporary police-report # is M0334383. Please contact Paige directly with any information.
SUNDAY UPDATE: Paige reports they’ve heard directly from the rider and are “getting it sorted out.”
FOUND BICYCLE: Pamela found this on Alki Point:
She describes it as “really rusty.” If it might be yours, email us and we’ll connect you.
FOUND BACKPACK: Same goes for this backpack, discovered by a texter:
found this backpack near the northern entrance of Fauntleroy Park just now.
If you haven’t browsed the calendar for tomorrow yet, three one-time West Seattle events of particular note:
(WSB photo, August 2023)
ZUCCHINI RACING: Late summer every year, the Farmers’ Markets provide zucchinis, material to turn them into racing vehicles, and a track to “race” them on. Tomorrow’s the day for West Seattle – 11 am tp 1 pm at the market.
bRUNch: Sundays usually include a fun run from Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW). This time, they’re combining a free fun run at 11 am with brunch afterward – Sully Eats is popping up (see the menu here) – or you can just run, OR just have brunch.
JAZZ PICNIC: Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill) invites everyone to visit for a free picnic lunch at noon and jazz concert 1-3 pm, on the church lawn.
We’re now three weeks away from one of summer’s last big West Seattle events, Alki Beach Pride, a street festival and beach party on Saturday, August 31. As part of the permit process, organizers have a special notice with what neighbors need to know:
On August 31, 2024, our organization Alki Beach Pride will be producing a special event in Alki Beach area called Alki Beach Pride. Alki Beach has been chosen as the location for our Annual Community event – free to all. We are thrilled to host this event in this neighborhood and it’s important to us that we are communicating clearly with you.
EVENT DESCRIPTION:
· Event hours are from noon to 9:00 PM
· We will be loading in beginning at 7:00 AM on August 31 and will load out until 8:00 PM on Aug 31
· We will leave the neighborhood as we found it: litter and recycling will be handled by Waste Management
· During the event hours, we expect between 400 and 800 attendees.
· These streets (Alki Ave. between 57th and 61st) will be closed between the hours of 7:00 AM on 8/31 through 10:00 PM =on 8/31
· We will have amplified sound during the hours of Noon to 8:00 PM on 8/31
o Entertainment Stage will be at the Bathhouse / Sand area with Speakers pointed toward the waterWe are working closely with the City of Seattle Special Events Committee to minimize the impacts of the event. Our goal is to create an enjoyable and positive experience in the neighborhood.
If you or any of the surrounding residents and businesses have questions or comments about impacts of this event, please email us at:
Alki Beach Pride
Attn: Organizing Committee
alkibeachpride@gmail.comSpecial Events Committee
City of Seattle – Special Events Office
specialeventsoffice@seattle.gov
Volunteers are still welcome – you can choose a task/time slot and sign up here.
(WSB file photo)
When we were in The Triangle earlier, we stopped next door to check on the Westside Neighbors Shelter, currently open as a morning “warmup center.” Manager Keith Hughes was in fact assembling a “midsummer restock” list of items that are running short and subsequently sent it to us:
Coffee Mate powdered creamer
Instant Oatmeal Packets
Instant Hot Chocolate Packets
Pop-top canned soups
Beef Stew and Chili
Pancake syrup, jelly
Top Ramen, Cup o’ NoodlesThank you all very much for continuing to support those in need.
The shelter at 3618 SW Alaska – the building that also houses the West Seattle Veteran Center and American Legion Post 160 – remains powered by donations and volunteers. If you can donate any of the aforementioned items, Keith says the best time to drop them off is 8 am-11 am seven days a week.
2 PM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for updates on transient orcas in the area today. Finally getting a chance now to mention them – they’re headed northbound, off the east side of Blake as of half an hour ago but still in the general area. Let us know if you see them!
5:17 PM: As Kersti notes in the comments and just texted us, “A different group, the T-77s have just exited Colvos Passage NB and will be visible from West Seattle now.” (Colvos Passage is the waterway between Vashon’s west shore and the south Kitsap Peninsula’s east shore.)
(WSB photos)
The annual West Seattle Boat Swap is on, happening today at Mountain to Sound Outfitters in The Triangle (3602 SW Alaska). You can browse human-powered watercraft (kayaks, SUPs, canoes) and accessories, both consigned by community members and from the stock at M2SO and its partner business Alki Kayak Tours (WSB sponsor).
The Boat Swap is on until 4 pm today.
Starbucks is apparently wasting no time dismantling its 25-year Alki store, just hours after its permanent shutdown. Alki Community Council president Charlotte Starck just sent this photo of a crew preparing to haul away the signage. The company announced on July 16 that August 11 would be this location’s last day; then yesterday (Friday, August 9), multiple readers sent word they’d spotted a sign posted on the door saying it was closing day as of 6 pm. When contacted, Starbucks claimed the original announcement just had “a typo” with the wrong date (though the same date was provided days and even weeks later to regional media outlets) and that it was always intended to be Friday. No hint yet in permit files of a successor for the space, nor have we found a public for-lease listing yet. Meantime, the Starbucks website still shows a job opening for the now-closed location, dated 12 days after the shutdown announcement.
Welcome to the weekend! Like last Saturday, we begin with a traffic alert:
EB SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT CLOSED + 1 WB LANE: The Spokane Street Viaduct is the continuation of the high bridge from the Highway 99 overpass to I-5, and its eastbound side (at left in the traffic-cam view above) is closed again this weekend, plus the inside westbound lane, which in turn means the NB I-5 exit to the WB West Seattle Bridge will be closed too. This is all for the ongoing resurfacing project. If you get onto the eastbound high bridge, you’ll be routed onto the exit to northbound 99; that exit will remain open all weekend. This is all supposed to continue until early Monday, but last weekend it reopened early, so we’ll be watching for that on Sunday.
Now, we move on to what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):
SUMMIT TO SOUND BICYCLE RIDE: Riders will gather as early as 6 am at Seacrest for shuttles to the starting lines of 80- and 50-mile rides that will bring them back here for an afternoon celebration – more info here.
GARAGE/YARD SALES: Several listed today in the WSB Community Forums.
GLASS FLOAT HUNT: Second and final week under way – 100 handcrafted glass floats were hidden around West Seattle – some are still out there – details here!
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
BIG BLUE TRUCK: Second weekend of the Northwest Center‘s donation-dropoff truck‘s return to West Seattle! You’ll find it outside WaFd Bank (4102 California SW). Our calendar listing has info on what items the truck will accept. 9 am-5 pm.
POWERLIFTING AND FEATS OF STRENGTH: As previewed here, Bull Stewart‘s 28th annual Alki Beach Classic will feature amazing athletes 9 am-3 pm by the Bathhouse. (60th/Alki)
NATIONAL BOWLING DAY: Two special ways to celebrate at West Seattle Bowl (39th/Oregon), which opens at 9 am – donate food to West Seattle Food Bank, and/or reserve a lane to bowl, with part of the proceeds going to WSFB
HEAVILY MEDITATED: New location for free community meditation, 9 am at Schmitz Preserve Park (5551 SW Admiral Way).
WEST SEATTLE BOAT SWAP: Want to sell human-powered watercraft/gear? Drop it off 9-11 am. Want to buy? Shop 11 am-4 pm. It’s all happening at Mountain to Sound Outfitters – details here. (3602 SW Alaska).
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: Go get fresh food from growers and makers – 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more! (9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor)
NANTES PARK NEEDS YOU: 10 am-1 pm, the roadside park at 5062 SW Admiral Way gets TLC from you and whoever else shows up. Bring your own gloves – other tools will be provided.
STORY TIME AT SEOLA POND: Local teacher welcomes families with kids of all ages, 10 am. Bring your own blanket to sit on. Here’s where to find the pond.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others taking a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Summer gardening season isn’t over yet – and fall’s in view – add something new! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
MORNING MUSIC: 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.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK OPEN: Spraypark season continues – open 11 am-8 pm, free, every day. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
FREE COOL TREAT FOR YOUR PUP: Tasty treat on a warm summer day. Noon-3 pm at All the Best Pet Care (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor), bring in your dog for a free frozen treat!
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PARTY: Super Deli Mart‘s annual celebration of its customers, with music and food, noon-5 pm. (35th/Barton)
POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), bonus weekly session of long-distance advocacy, drop-ins welcome.
BURIEN SOLAR PUNK FESTIVAL: Noon-11 pm in North Burien – a West Seattleite who’s participating called our attention to this. From the description:
“Solar Punk” is the festival theme, which envisions a future where community and technology are integrated to create a self-sustaining system. In this event, attendees will learn about alternative self-sustaining ways to work and power their daily lives.
More info on the festival website. (614 SW 120th)
COLMAN POOL: Open noon-7 pm on the Lincoln Park shore – find the session schedule online. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, the season continues for the only 7-days-a-week wading pool in West Seattle, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
HIAWATHA WADING POOL OPEN: Also open today, noon-5:30 pm. (2700 California SW)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. Last chance to see its award-winning Longfellow Creek exhibit! (61st/Stevens)
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 – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
NEPENTHE’S WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: 3-5 pm, show up at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) with a specific problem to be addressed by massage, and you’ll get a free (gratuities appreciated) trial of their work.
SALSA & BACHATA ON ALKI: Dance at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki), starting with a lesson at 4:30 – details in our calendar listing.
POST MALONE LISTENING PARTY: 6 pm at at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), be the first to hear Post Malone‘s new album “F-1 Trillion.” Free, all ages, bar open for 21+.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Roo Forrest & Friends at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, no cover, all ages.
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: David Singley, 7 pm, singer-songwriter. Ticket link is here. (7904 35th SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: LA Floyd’s Goodbye 4 Now Show at The Skylark tonight, 7 pm, with Jonny Bloom, Moving In Slow, and a Smash Bros tournament, $15 at door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
KARAOKE AT THE PIZZERIA: Saturday nights, you can sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
That video is from Rose, who has long had a video camera on her “Wild Reiki Spa” – and was surprised to see this video showing a non-wildlife visitor on all fours. This happened last night in Belvidere. She says the crawling prowler headed for a garden shed containing only garden tools, and she doesn’t think anything was taken. No police report # yet.
Even after 15 years and hundreds of coyote-sighting reports, some people still express surprise that they’re here. So we keep sharing sightings.
ADMIRAL: This is the most recent one sent in – Ashley reported this sighting around 3:30 am today:
I wanted to get the word out that I just happened upon our local coyote in front of Taste of Mumbai on California. He was running down the street with a cat in his mouth. If anyone is missing a gray striped cat in the area, the coyote got it sadly.
SYLVAN RIDGE: Michael recorded this short video on Wednesday:
He said, “I had no idea they could just walk into blackberry bushes like that.”
NORTH HIGHLINE: From the other side of the city-limit line, Katie sent this on Tuesday:
I wanted to let you know that at least one coyote was in our yard in the North Highline Unincorporated Area, so presumably they’ve made the trek all the way south through West Seattle. I wish I had a photo of the actual coyote, but I wasn’t fast enough. They got one of our chickens yesterday, unseen. Today they came back for seconds and I hustled out thanks to the vigilance (and volume) of the neighborhood crows.
PIGEON POINT: Annette reports that a pack of coyotes seems to be active in Pigeon Point: “We have lost 9 cats over a very short period of time.” She says she witnessed one cat taken by a coyote early in the morning. She says neighbors have reported the pack near Pigeon Point Park and the golf course downhill. “I know nature lives side by side in West Seattle due to the lovely greenbelts we have scattered throughout the area, but the size of the pack seems to be growing beyond what the area and our neighborhood can handle.” She was planning on trying natural deterrent including wolf urine.
Our standard disclaimer: Coyote reports are published here for awareness, not alarm. Experts say the best way to keep them at bay is to not provide food – they will not just eat unattended small pets, but also pet food and unsecured food waste. (And they eat small wildlife, too.) To learn more about coexisting with coyotes, including what to do if you encounter one, here’s info from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network sent that photo of an adult harbor seal resting off a submerged rock off Constellation Park with this gentle nudge:
Just a reminder that we are in the middle of harbor-seal pupping season. Moms nurse their pups for only 4 -6 weeks Then these vulnerable young marine mammals are on their own and typically end up on our West Seattle beaches this time of year, hauling out to rest and warm up. If you come across one, please call the Seal Sitters hotline at 206-905-7325.
The alternate way to remember that number is 206-905-SEAL.
After presenting a holiday parade and three free concerts, the Admiral Neighborhood Association has one more big event ahead this summer – the Admiral Funktion street party, 11 am-8 pm Saturday, August 24, on California SW north of Admiral Way. It’ll have all the things that make street festivals fun – music, food, activities – and since the ANA is a small-but-mighty nonprofit community group, it also needs you! ANA’s Dan Jacobs explains, “We are looking for ‘day of event’ volunteers. Shifts are early morning setup, later evening teardown, and daytime shifts for band/stage support. Besides the thanks of a grateful neighborhood, Mission Cantina and Arthur’s will be offering donations of food/drink items. If interested they can contact us here.” (WSB is media sponsor for Admiral Funktion – we’ll see you there whether you’re volunteering, attending, or both!)
Still some big summer events to come, especially at Alki, and this one’s happening tomorrow:
AAU Strength Sports Director Andrew “Bull” Stewart will present the 2024 AAU 28th annual Bull Stewart Alki Beach Classic, taking place at the Alki Beach Bathhouse (2701 Alki Ave SW) on Saturday, August 10th.
(Photos courtesy Bull Stewart Alki Beach Classic)
Framed by the Olympic Mountains and Elliott Bay, this raw, drug-tested powerlifting and feats of strength event is the longest running of its kind in Seattle. Lifters from all ages and walks of life will be competing in the squat, bench and deadlift categories, along with new team category “Double Deadlift” (deadlift by two people) and Feats of Strength (tire throw, farmers walk, to name a few).
Event begins at 9 am, and is free to the public! There will be some limited seating, vendor booths, and a lot of energy brought by the friends and families of these world-class lifters!
Local director Andrew “Bull” Stewart has been promoting strength sport events in Washington for over 30 years (including the wildly popular “Bull Stewart Alki Beach Classic” held seasonally in August). Bull Stewart is a 15 year National/World drug-free powerlifting champion, Hall of Famer, coach of the #1 AAU powerlifting “Bull Power Team” 6 years in a row, the current Rainier Beach HS basketball strength coach, and the owner of Columbia City Fitness Center in Seattle (member of CCBA). His events are known to draw people of all walks of life together, generating a family friendly, positive environment where every member of our community is welcomed, regardless of race, creed, or religion.
10:54 AM: Thanks for the tips. When Starbucks announced last month that it would permanently close its Alki shop, the final day was announced as this Sunday, August 11. But now there’s a note on the door (as shown in our photo above) saying the doors will close for the last time at 6 pm tonight (Friday, August 9). We have an inquiry out to the company asking about the change. When Starbucks announced the shutdown of the 2742 Alki Avenue SW store after 25 years, the company said only that the decision was the result of a process in which they “evaluate our store portfolio annually to determine where we can best meet our community and customers’ needs.”
11:39 AM: Starbucks spokesperson Sam Jefferies says the “change” is because he initially told us (and other media organizations, according to our online check of others’ stories) the wrong date – he now says it was always planned as today.
(Hydrangea blossom, photographed by Janelle Otterholt)
Here’s our Friday highlight list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, until 3 pm.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open 11 am-8 pm. Free! (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOLS: Open today – Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm; Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) and Hiawatha (2700 California SW), noon-5:30 pm.
COLMAN POOL: You can swim today in the outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.
VISCON CELLARS: In addition to participation in West Seattle Wine Weekend, it’s a regular night for the tasting room/wine bar to be open for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
KENYON HALL CABARET: Monthly drag show, 7 pm at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), all ages, ticket link in our calendar listing.
GAME NIGHT, WITH WINE: 7-9 pm monthly event at Spruce Hill Winery (2960 4th Ave S. in SODO; WSB sponsor), play games, enjoy discounts on bottles of wine! Our calendar listing has info you’ll need to reserve your table.
AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Drewby’s Going-Away Show with King Sheim and Sabrina Saed, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
CAMP LONG OUTDOOR MOVIE: The second of three Fridays this month with outdoor movies at Camp Long (5200 35th SW) starts tonight at dusk (8:30ish) with “Wakanda Forever” – free, BYO chair/blanket.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Hershe! (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
YOU SKATE, THEY PLAY: “Make It Loud!” at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), roller skating to live bands, featuring The Warlochs, Oliver Elf Army, Eternal Wave. 9 pm. $18 cover, $5 skate.
What are we missing? If you have something else to add to our event lists and calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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