West Seattle, Washington
25 Monday
Time for another preview of Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade – this one’s for marching-band fans!
(WSB file photos)
ALL-CITY MARCHING BAND: The marching musicians of this beloved band are from throughout Seattle Public Schools (which is why you don’t see individual SPS schools’ bands in summer parades), led by Dr. Marcus Pimpleton. Last year, West Seattle Grand Parade judges chose them as Grand Prize winners.
KENNEDY CATHOLIC HS BAND: Again this year, the band from Burien – ever distinctive in their classic uniforms – will visit to participate in the Grand Parade.
SUMNER HS MARCHING BAND: This will be the Pierce County school’s first appearance in the West Seattle Grand Parade since 2019. Their town may not be big, but the band is – more than 100 members!
DRUMLINES: Also in the category of marching musicians, watch for drumlines – the All-Star Drumline, plus – accompanying drill teams – Anointed to Praise, Epitome Family Entertainment, and Dolls & Gents.
Two more previews to come before parade day! (The ones we’ve already published are here, here, and here.) The basics – the Grand Parade heads southbound on California SW from Lander to Edmunds starting at 11 am Saturday (July 20) – announcing stands will be at California/Alaska and California/Charlestown, if you want to hear about who you’re seeing. The parade is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year; it’s a community celebration presented by the Rotary Club of West Seattle Service Foundation, in collaboration with volunteers, donors, sponsors, participants, and spectators!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
A matter of time and space dominated the latest meeting of the Community Advisory Group that Washington State Ferries convenes when there’s something new to discuss about planning the Fauntleroy dock expansion/replacement.
In this case, the main agenda item for last night’s online meeting was the analysis of how the various alternative dock size/shapes under consideration (see them here) would affect the time needed for loading/unloading and the space taken up by vehicles queueing along Fauntleroy Way.
From the meeting presentation, here’s where the project planning is now:
WSF has not yet chosen a preferred size/shape alternative. That’s likely to happen next year, and detailed studies will ensue. Still lots to discuss before then – the first five in dark green here are what the group has asked to hear about:
In addition to being a disaster-preparedness coach and realtor, Alice Kuder is also the queen of West Seattle scavenger-hunt organizers. Her next one, the 2024 edition of Summer Scramble, is just two weeks away! In case you haven’t seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the full announcement:
Discover hidden treasure in West Seattle with friends, family or all by yourself. Whether you are a new-comer or longtime resident, Summer Scramble is a free community treasure hunt designed to introduce you to parts of West Seattle you may not have discovered. Even better, by playing, you will discover some awesome local businesses and historically significant public sites, AND compete to win the booty from of one of three treasure chests.
How do you play? It’s so easy! Go to wondersinaliceland.com/summer-scramble to register, then download the instructions today. Then, on August 1st, download the bingo-style clue sheet and map and hit the streets to solve as many of the 25 clues as you can. When you solve a clue, go to that location and take a selfie in front of it. Send your selfies to me at bit.ly/SSselfies. Participating businesses will display a Summer Scramble sign in the front window that includes the phrase, “You’re clued in!” Each team that solves at least 15 clues, qualifies for the treasure chest drawings. That’s all there is to it!
Summer Scramble is orchestrated by Alice Kuder, Just in Case, because she loves scavenger hunts, small businesses, West Seattle, and creating opportunities for free fun!
The hunt is open to everyone of all ages. It begins at 12:01 AM on Thursday, August 1st and ends at 7 PM on Sunday, August 4th. Registration is open now, but you can register and send selfies anytime during those four days. Questions? Contact Alice Kuder, 206-708-9800, Alice@JustInCasePlans.com, wondersinaliceland.com/summer-scramble
(June 25, 2021, reader photo)
Three years and three weeks ago, that fire heavily damaged the historic Highland Park Improvement Club building at 1116 SW Holden. The community trustees who oversee the nonprofit organization and its building immediately vowed to rebuild. It’s been a very long road but today HPIC has announced a major milestone – a demolition date, following a community celebration. Here’s the announcement we received from HPIC:
The Highland Park Improvement Club (HPIC), a community-owned nonprofit in West Seattle, is announcing the demolition of its 100-year old clubhouse tentatively scheduled for July 29, 2024. This significant event marks the next chapter of HPIC’s Rebuild Campaign, a $3.7 million capital project to replace the historic community center destroyed by fire in 2021. A farewell celebration will be held the day before on July 28, at 5 pm. Details will be announced on HPIC social media.
The demolition of the old clubhouse represents a pivotal moment for HPIC and the surrounding community. This project not only signifies the end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter, focusing on rebuilding and revitalizing the community space that has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood for over a century.
“This demolition is not just about tearing down walls — it’s about building hope and opportunities for the future. We are committed to creating a space that will serve our community for generations to come,” said Rhonda Smith, President of HPIC.
The new HPIC building will feature modern amenities, expanded spaces for community gatherings, and programs catering to diverse groups, all designed with improved accessibility and sustainability in mind. Committed to preserving the community’s cultural heritage and fostering a vibrant community spirit, HPIC aims to create a welcoming space where neighbors can connect, thrive, and actively participate in shaping the future of the Highland Park/Riverview neighborhood.
HPIC has already secured $1.7M (46%) of the project’s cost, including a $50,000 award from the Neighborhood Matching Fund program, administered by Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods. This program requires HPIC to match the award amount through donated materials, donated professional services, cash, or volunteer time.
Community members, stakeholders, and all interested parties are encouraged to stay engaged by signing up for the HPIC newsletter at bit.ly/hpicnewsletter, which will provide updates on construction developments, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved.
HPIC leaders say the demolition is expected to take about a week, with work planned 7 am to 5 pm daily. It’s been an extensive and intensive journey toward being able to rebuild, with other milestones along the way like this one back in February.
More on Don Armeni Boat Ramp signage. First, temporary signs:
Thanks for the tips about these no-parking signs, both inside the park and on Harbor Avenue along the park. They’re for Saturday, July 20, entire day, in the name of MJ68 Productions, for “filming.” The company’s credits, listed online, would suggest the strong likelihood of a car commercial; we have a message out to try to ascertain.
Also at Don Armeni:
(Photo by Stewart L.)
When we reported Monday on that new signage, some commenters wondered how the stated exception for people going fishing would work, especially considering a salmon season is coming up. We asked Parks, and spokesperson Rachel Schulkin told us no exceptions: “The gates will remain locked until 6 AM. This is a short-term response to mitigate crime and dangerous activity taking place along Alki and at this parking lot.”
That’s Paragon, the 20+-year-old bones-of-a-boat sculpture at həʔapus Village Park and Shoreline Habitat on the Duwamish River in West Seattle. On Sunday night, we reported on the request for community support, from its artist Don Fels. He had contacted us to sound the alarm that after years of neglect, the city Office of Arts and Culture is now contemplating demolishing it because of deterioration, and he asked for notes of support before a scheduled Tuesday meeting with an A&C rep. Fels has since updated us – while also taking issue with a city statement that we added Tuesday morning to the original story, saying that “Seattle’s rainy climate (and) the passage of time” are largely to blame for the sculpture’s condition:
That is blatantly untrue. The City paid an engineer to examine the sculpture in light of the current debacle, and in his report he very clearly states that if there had been a maintenance plan, and had it been followed, the boat would have lasted many more years.
The directors are disregarding that information, just as for years they disregarded the advice of their own conservator. I have a file of emails, going back several years, saying that she knew the boat needed pressure washing and recoating and intended to get right on it. Then each time, she followed those emails apologizing for not doing so, saying that she was told not to. I understand that the city has many artworks in their care. But as Chuck Graydon, a master boatbuilder in Tacoma, who built the wooden structure, and knows how wooden boats fare in our climate, said in a recent letter to the City, “The city of Seattle assured us, when the sculpture was installed, that they would maintain the structure. Looks like that didn’t happen.”
I am greatly buoyed by the support I have received by West Seattle residents, other artists in the area, and by several important regional entities including the Duwamish Tribe. I am confident that working together, the City and I can find a way forward that will result in a renewed Paragon, and its rebuilding will include significant community participation. But the process is not furthered by the city spinning untruths. I have worked a lifetime as an artist and as a person trying to do the right thing. I would expect the city would be doing the same.
We’re following up with Arts & Culture regarding both Paragon’s maintenance history and what happens next. Fels, meantime, says letters of support are still valuable – email kelly.davidson@seattle.gov and cc him at donatofels@gmail.com.
Scone fans! We just got word from West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) that the Fisher Scone Wagon is visiting right now:
West Seattle Thriftway has the Fisher Scone Wagon in our parking lot until 4 pm today! We’re kicking off our annual Local Taste celebration with one of the most iconic local tastes there is. Folks can buy a freshly baked scone or strawberry shortcake.
If you’re new to the region … Fisher Scones are best known from the annual State Fair in Puyallup.
3:20 PM: Though the store told us 4 pm, a reader who went to check it out says 3 pm, so if you’re just seeing this now, you may have missed it. However, it’ll be visiting McLendon Hardware in White Center 9:30 am-3 pm one week from today (Wednesday, July 24), not far!
Here’s a reminder about another big West Seattle summer event this weekend – the Alki Art Fair! It will line the promenade, from Alki Bathhouse westward, with artist booths Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (July 19-21), with live music on Saturday and Sunday (the main stage is on the lawn east of the Bathhouse). Hours are 2-8 pm Friday, 10 am-6 pm Saturday and Sunday, for artist booths, noon-7 pm Saturday and 11 am-5 pm Sunday for live music. More than 90 artists are participating this year – see the lists (grouped by their specialties) here, plus a lineup of almost 20 “emerging artists.” The festival is free, with the help of donations and volunteers (check at the booth by the Bathhouse for ways you can support – often there are fundraising silent auctions or raffles during the festival).
P.S. An interactive Kid Zone “featuring hands-on art and music activities for all ages” plus a dozen food vendors, too!
(More summer color – hydrangea, photographed by Jerry Simmons)
Here’s our list of what’s happening today/tonight in West Seattle and vicinity, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FOOD DRIVE: The almost-daily summer food-donation drive continues at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill) – you can drop off nonperishable items until noon.
FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Five locations and varying times in West Seattle – here’s the list.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy) – info’s in our calendar listing.
TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am Wednesdays at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open every day, 11 am-8 pm, free.
COLMAN POOL: The season continues for 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.
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the 7-day-a-week wading pool is open noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.
DELRIDGE WADING POOL: Also open today, next to Delridge Community Center, noon-5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW)
TODDLER STORYTIME: For kids 1 to 3 years old, 3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), free, no preregistration required.
GET HEALTHY: Family-friendly health fair with dozens of resources at Greenbridge Plaza (8th/99th), 4-6 pm.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
TALK WITH YOUR SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTOR: 6 pm community conversation with our area’s Seattle Public Schools Board Director Gina Topp, this time online – the link to participate is here.
FREE ART CLASS: Watercolor mixed-media class, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 6-8 pm.
FREE GROUP RUNS: You’re welcome on the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run, which welcomes all levels – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: Four places to play tonight. At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers trivia … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: At 7 pm, all are welcome at MoCA‘s quarterly meeting, either in person (WSUU‘s lower-level room off the parking lot, 7141 California SW) or online (link is in our calendar listing, with agenda highlights).
MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
YOGA IN THE PARK: Two West Seattle teachers lead Wednesday night outdoor-yoga events at Myrtle Reservoir Park (35th/Myrtle), 6:30 pm – follow the link for ticket info.
OUTDOOR YOGA AND MORE: Outdoor Kundalini Yoga, Breath Work, Meditation and Gong Bath, 7 pm at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW), ticket info in our calendar listing.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Your turn for the spotlight! 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
If you’re planning a show, presentation, meeting, open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, etc., and it’s open to the community, please send us info so we can get it onto West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather July 28 to celebrate the life of Ed Landin. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:
Edward Joseph Landin passed away on January 18th, 2024.
Ed was born in Seattle to Wilfred Eugene Landin and Eunice Slack on June 14th, 1947. Ed is survived by his three sons Edward, Joseph, and James, and his sister Virginia Landin. Ed and his wife Judy, who predeceased him, were laid to rest at Tahoma Cemetery earlier this year.
After serving in the Navy, he worked as an IBEW Electrician until he retired. He dedicated his time to his family and his community. He spent over 30 years volunteering to provide a means for children to play organized sports in the Southwest Seattle area and beyond.
He is most well-known for his support for Red Shield and SWAC (Southwest Athletic Club) by coaching, fundraising, and a slew of things he did to support the organization. He will be missed.
A celebration of Ed’s life is scheduled from 3 PM to 5PM on July 28th, 2024, at the White Center Eagles, located at 10452 15th Ave SW.
All who knew Ed are welcome to come and share stories, memories, and pictures.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, July 17.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The forecast: Partly sunny, high in the mid-80s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:29 am, while sunset will be at 9 pm.
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project has begun; here are more specifics. Fairmount Avenue is now closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, likely into early 2025.
*SDOT’s Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch.
SATURDAY CLOSURES FOR PARADE AND 5K
Reminder – Saturday brings the West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K on California SW between Admiral and The Junction, and that means street closures (including some side streets for staging) – heed the no-parking signs, because those who don’t WILL be towed. … Watch for bus advisories here.
TRANSIT NOTES
Regular schedules; check for advisories here.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.
Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may be back.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (Minus the ones that were still down early today)
Delridge cameras: Besides 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.
South Park Bridge:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
It’s a 27-year tradition for the West Seattle Big Band – the midsummer Concert in the Park. Here are some of the people who showed up tonight to enjoy the free concert at High Point Commons Park:
They were treated to more than an hour and a half of music from the WSBB, directed by Jim Edwards, with vocalists tonight including the band’s newest singer, Sam Henry:
Longtime vocalist Jenaige Lane, too:
And a guest return appearance by former vocalist Jeff Carter:
The concert was sponsored by the West Seattle Grand Parade (this Saturday!). During the school year, you can catch the WSBB performing at fundraisers for student musicians; you’ll often see them at other big West Seattle events too, like the Fauntleroy Fall Festival in October.
(WSB photo, May)
When you’re ready to put your primary-election ballot in a King County Elections dropbox, remember that we now have four in West Seattle, with the addition of that one by Morgan Junction Park. First, of course, you’ll have to get your ballot, and that could happen as soon as Thursday, because they’re set to be mailed out tomorrow (Wednesday, July 17). If you want to preview what’s on yours, go here. You’ll see 14 races – U.S. Senate, U.S. House District 7, Governor (28 candidates!), Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, State Attorney General, State Commissioner of Public Lands, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Insurance Commissioner, State House Representative Positions 1 and 2, State Supreme Court Justice Position 2, Seattle City Council citywide Position 8. Once you get your ballot, you have until 8 pm August 6 to get it in a dropbox; if you’re using postal mail, you just have to be sure it’ll be postmarked by that date.
At the City Council‘s weekly meeting today, councilmembers voted 8-1 (Tammy Morales was the lone “no”) to approve the bill intended to crack down on stunt driving categorized under the description “street racing” (read it here). The vote followed public comment that featured Alki community leaders, starting about 4:40 into the video.
What councilmembers approved included amendments by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka to add penalties, including higher fines for second (or beyond) violations. You can read the whole bill here; here’s the council announcement’s summary of what it will do, assuming Mayor Bruce Harrell signs it:
*The new ordinance amends the city code on illegal racing by creating a new traffic infraction penalizing the registered owner of a vehicle involved in racing and by adopting the state law changes.
*Adoption of the state law now gives the City Attorney’s Office the statutory authority to now prosecute illegal racing as misdemeanor and gross misdemeanors crimes.
*Vehicle owners and participants are subject to a $500 non-criminal traffic infraction. Adopted amendments by Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1) increase the fine to $800 for a second infraction, and $1,500 for third and subsequent infractions.
*Any person knowingly attending an unlawful race event with the intent to observe, support, or encourage the event may face a civil infraction base fine of $100 if they fail to leave the event if instructed to do so by officers.
If you’re wondering exactly what the bill covers, here’s part of the language:
… “unlawful race event” means an event on a street, alley, way open to the public, or off-street facility wherein persons willfully: (1) compare or contest relative speeds by operation of one or more motor vehicles, or (2) demonstrate, exhibit, or compare speed, maneuverability, or the power of one or more motor vehicles, in a straight or curved direction, in a circular direction, around corners, or in circles in an activity commonly referred to as “drifting,” or by breaking traction.
(corrected attribution) Councilmember Tanya Woo, co-sponsor of the bill, said the place for that kind of driving is at race tracks and other venues where drivers can safely pursue “their passion.” But as Pumphrey pointed out in his comments, legislation alone doesn’t accomplish anything – he spoke to the last council a year ago before they passed the “racing zone” bill authorizing cameras (which have yet to be installed) – enforcement will be key. Since this was an “emergency” bill, if and when the mayor signs it, the law changes immediately.
The report and photo are from Jessica:
My scooter was stolen from Beach Dr SW today around 2 pm. It’s a blue 2022 Piaggio Liberty. My license plate is 4K4655. Police report # 24-196295.
Starbucks has a two-part announcement – main headline is that it’s closing its Alki store (2742 Alki Avenue SW), but it’s also temporarily closing its Avalon store. Here’s the announcement we received from company spokesperson Sam Jefferies:
Starbucks is adjusting the operations of two stores in the West Seattle area.
We evaluate our store portfolio annually to determine where we can best meet our community and customers’ needs. This includes opening new locations, identifying stores in need of investment or renovation, and making decisions about store closure or relocation
After careful consideration, we’ve determined it is best to close the store at 2742 Alki Avenue. Our last day at this location will be August 11, 2024. All Starbucks partners (employees) working at that store will have the opportunity to transfer to one of our nearby locations in Seattle.
In alignment with this closure, we are happy to share that our store located at 4408 Fauntleroy Way SW will undergo a renovation and will close from July 29 until September of 2024. The store will reopen with an updated design, including the new Siren System.
ADDED: The Alki store’s been open since 1999. Its most recent renovation was nine years ago, in 2015. Its closure will leave five standalone Starbucks stores in West Seattle (Admiral, Junction, Avalon, Morgan, Westwood) as well as multiple grocery-store stands. The last standalone store Starbucks closed in West Seattle was in Jefferson Square in 2008; that one was open less than a year, and was one of hundreds of closures at that time, but the company tells us the Alki closure is the only Seattle closure they’re planning at this time … As for the beverage scene on Alki, after this closure, Ampersand will be the only coffee-focused shop in the heart of the beach, though several other places offer coffee as a sideline, and there’s a new tea shop on the way to Alki (Happy Lemon).
8 PM P.S. As noted in comments, there’s now a “Save Our Alki Starbucks” online petition.
Two weeks after our previous update on West Seattle’s wandering guinea fowl, we’ve received two new photos today – and since they’re still meandering into streets, we’re warning you again to be mindful. Above, a texter saw them early this morning northeast of The Junction, reporting, “The two famous fowls slowed down my morning commute”; below, Spenser saw them later near West Seattle Bowl, a favorite spot of theirs:
If you’ve missed previous reports, they’re not lost, they are reported to have a home from which they roam. We first mentioned them last September (when they numbered at least four).
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
This Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade is not only a celebration of the parade’s 90th anniversary, but will be the biggest parade in years, with more than 80 entries.
We sat in on the pre-parade lineup review last night, led by parade coordinator Michelle Edwards, for a sneak peek at what you’ll see. Today, we’re previewing some of the new participants! But first, a few of the basics:
-The route is the same – the parade is scheduled to start from California/Lander in The Admiral District at 11 am, proceeding southbound to California/Edmunds in The Junction. (Staging includes some side streets so watch for no-parking signs and heed them.)
-The main parade announcing stand is at California/Alaska, with Brian Callanan and Christa Callanan, Again this year, there also will be an auxiliary announcing stand at California/Charlestown, with members of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle
-As we’ve already reported, the Grand Marshals are the players and coaches of West Seattle High School‘s state-championship-winning baseball team, and the Orville Rummel Trophy for Outstanding Service to the Community winners are Bianca Thomka and Neil Duncan.
Here are five of the new participants:
DUWAMISH TRIBE: Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen is expected to be at California/Alaska shortly after 11 to give a blessing before the parade arrives in The Junction
SAYAW FILIPINO FOLK DANCE TROUPE: A “student-based” group
COMERFORD SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE: As seen at West Seattle Summer Fest!
ORCA NETWORK PARADE POD: An entry in honor of the whales whose waters we share
WEST SEATTLE MRS. ROPERS: An entry with a sense of humor and 1970s TV roots (as seen in a pub crawl last year)
We’re working on daily previews for the rest of the week. Other parade entries include the Seafair Pirates and Clowns, marching bands, specialty vehicles, schools, businesses, nonprofits, youth groups from Scouting to sports, among others. And all that doesn’t just happen spontaneously – coordinator Michelle has worked hard on outreach; every year there are other areas of the region having parades on the same summer Saturday, so there’s something of a competition for entries. (This year it’s Des Moines.) Michelle is second-generation parade coordinator; her dad Jim Edwards, coordinator emeritus, works on logistics, especially the 13 amateur-radio operators in communication along the route, while her mom Barbara Edwards has long coordinated the judging. The parade is presented by the Rotary Club of West Seattle Service Foundation, represented at last night’s lineup review by Keith Hughes (who runs the building where it happened – home to the Westside Neighbors’ Shelter, American Legion Post 160, and the West Seattle Veteran Center).
It’s all powered by volunteers, sponsors, and donations – plus, spectators: If you can, show up on the sidelines along California on Saturday and cheer, to help make sure all that hard work producing a parade (something most neighborhoods in the city don’t have) is worthwhile!
(Reader photo, Luna/Anchor Park)
Here’s what’s up for the rest of today/tonight, as listed on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (send us your event any time – westseattleblog@gmail.com):
FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS: Our calendar listing has information on where and when kids 1-18 can get free food.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Advocacy from afar, 10:30 am-noon every Tuesday at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
COLMAN POOL: Continued daily operations for 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.
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the 7-day-a-week wading pool is open today, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
CITY COUNCIL: 2 pm weekly meeting, with public comment in person or online – the agenda explains how. Watch via Seattle Channel.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration continues on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
FERRY TERMINAL COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP: 6 pm online, public invited to observe (but no Q/A/comment period) at the next meeting of the group providing feedback on the ongoing planning for replacing/expanding the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. You can register here to get the link.
PLAY ALONG IN THE PARK WITH WSCO: 6 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), the second night this summer you can bring your instrument to play along with the West Seattle Community Orchestras – or just listen in! Off the north parking lot. Our calendar listing includes a link for players to preregister.
STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm Tuesdays all summer, bring the little one(s) to Delridge P-Patch (5078 25th SW) for storytime plus a garden activity.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm tonight, play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
FREE TRACK RUN: All runners welcome! Gather at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.
MAKE POTTERY: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).
WEST SEATTLE BIG BAND CONCERT: The West Seattle Big Band‘s annual free Concert in the Park, brought to you by the West Seattle Grand Parade, is at 7 pm at High Point Commons Park (Graham/Lanham) – bring your own chair/blanket/picnic!
BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! – weekly Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE PFLAG: Third Tuesdays at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), 7 pm. (Check with the church before you go in case there’s a summer schedule change.)
TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play Tuesday nights – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
Event coming up? Are community members invited? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – please email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB file photo, Float Dodger 5K)
Saturday brings the 10th anniversary of the 5K that’s the opening act for the West Seattle Grand Parade – the Float Dodger 5K. You can run or walk the parade route, from Admiral to The Junction and back, and then enjoy a root-beer float as parade time approaches. Costumes welcome for Float Dodger, too (but not mandatory). Best of all, your entry fee supports the West Seattle Food Bank – the 5K’s organizers at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) set it up as a fundraiser, so the more people are in it, the more $ for WSFB in its work providing not only food but also emergency assistance to keep people from becoming homeless. The Float Dodger 5K starts at 9:30 am Saturday, with a free Kids’ Dash before it, at 8:45 am. Register for either or both here!
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, July 16.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The forecast: Sunny, high in the low 80s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:28 am, while sunset will be at 9:01 pm.
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project has begun; here are more specifics. Fairmount Avenue is now closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, likely into early 2025.
*SDOT’s Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch.
SATURDAY CLOSURES FOR PARADE AND 5K
Early reminder – Saturday brings the West Seattle Grand Parade and Float Dodger 5K on California SW between Admiral and The Junction, and that means street closures (including some side streets for staging) – heed the no-parking signs, because those who don’t WILL be towed.
PSA: SCHOOL ZONES
A reader suggested the reminder that some school-zone beacons – and speed cameras – are operating throughout the summer, so don’t ignore them.
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro today – Back to regular schedules; check for advisories here.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.
Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may should be back, per WSF.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (Minus the ones that were still down early today)
Delridge cameras: Besides 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.
South Park Bridge:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
1:32 AM: Police are investigating a carjacking reported a short time ago. A black 2009 BMW X5 SUV was reported to have been taken at gunpoint by four people described as Hispanic, male, all in black ski masks, all with guns. They are reported to have arrived at the scene in an “older model” tan Audi. No plate information yet. Police are talking with the victims in the 1000 block of Harbor SW but we’re still checking for confirmation of the exact carjacking location. This is the second West Seattle carjacking in less than a week.
2:07 AM: Location confirmed as 1000 block of Harbor. And dispatch has obtained and broadcast the stolen car’s plate #: CKG0766. If you have any information for the investigation, the incident # is 24-195654.
10:01 AM: We followed up with SPD, which tells us that although the call was logged as 1000 Harbor, it happened further west on Alki. Here’s the narrative they sent in response to our request:
On July 16, Seattle police responded to the 2600 block of Alki Avenue SW for the report of an armed robbery. The incident occurred at about 1:19 a.m. A 41-year-old man reported that he was parked in an SUV when a sedan with four men inside pulled up next to him. The victim said the four men exited the vehicle and one told him to get out of his SUV. The victim was held at gunpoint and the suspects demanded his keys and took his other belongings. The suspects drove away in his SUV and in the sedan. The vehicles have not been found.
Over the weekend, we published video from a reader reporting a man had tried to get into their home in south Highland Park early Saturday morning. Via comments, we learned that wasn’t the only attempt in that area that morning, and that a suspect had been arrested. Today we followed up. First with police, who confirmed that they had responded to an attempted burglary report around 1:20 am Saturday in the 8100 block of 13th Avenue SW, after a woman “reported a man with knives tried to break into her front door.” An SPD spokesperson added, “Several other people in the area also reported similar incidents during this time. Officers found the suspect walking nearby and after a brief foot pursuit, a 33-year-old man was taken into custody and booked into the King County Jail.”
Tonight, that man remains in custody, in lieu of $7,500 bail. Court records show he was arrested and charged for similar break-in attempts in a South Delridge apartment building last December. After he spent almost two months in jail, the case was dismissed in February, for the lack of “a civilian witness,” according to the court file. He has a conviction from a case in late 2022 in which he was charged with harassment for threatening a woman in White Center, while on a vandalism rampage using a knife to damage cars. He eventually pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor and received a suspended sentence, though he already had spent months in jail. For the current case, the jail docket isn’t clear on whether his case is being handled by the City Attorney’s Office – Municipal Court – or the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office – Superior Court. We hope to clarify tomorrow.
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