West Seattle, Washington
25 Monday
Photo by Richard Figgins
Story by Jason Grotelueschen
Hope Lutheran School said goodbye on Friday, June 14, to the last class of 8th graders before the middle school moves north. The students were honored and celebrated during the school’s annual graduation ceremony, in front of a packed house of family and friends.
There were 15 graduates in the class, who will be moving on to high school in the fall. According to principal Kristen Okabayashi, the highest number will attend West Seattle High School, followed closely by Kennedy Catholic High School. Besides those two schools, students are each going to a variety of schools including Seattle Prep, Raisbeck Aviation, Maritime and Holy Names.
Co-valedictorians were Coco Alba and Tobi Kunkel, and the co-winners of the “Eagle Award” (voted on by classmates, for citizenship and character) were Tobi Kunkel and Isaac Valgora.
This year’s class was the final group to graduate from the current Hope campus, because middle-school classes will be moving to the school’s new north campus at the former Seattle Lutheran High School building at 4100 SW Genesee, starting in Fall 2024 (WSB photos from Hope’s recent open house are here, and prospective families can contact the school here).
(Saturday night cloud formation, photographed by Gene Pavola)
Here’s our list for your first summer Sunday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!
WEST SEATTLE GARDEN TOUR FYI: It’s sold out, so if you don’t have a ticket you’re out of luck, but if you do, here’s your reminder that it’s happening today, 9 am-5 pm.
ADMIRAL CHURCH FOOD DRIVE: Continues today – drop off nonperishable-food donations at the church (4320 SW Hill) 9 am-noon.
MINI-POLAR PLUNGE: 9 am every Sunday, you’re welcome to join a group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 9 am, meet at Dough Joy Donuts (4310 SW Oregon) for this week’s Sunday Funday Run.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: The market is open today, 10 am-2 pm as usual, on California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon, offering earkt-summer vegetables, flowers, fruit, and plants, plus baked goods, cheese, fish, meat, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, candy, more! Here’s today’s vendor list.
ALSO WHILE YOU’RE AT THE MARKET … Vinyl Thunderdome pop-up at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), wax, food, drinks, more, 10 am-4 pm.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Daily operation continues – open 11 am-8 pm, free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
MAARTEN PARK DEDICATION: 11:15 am, join West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd/Juneau) and friends to dedicate the pocket park on church land and celebrate with hamburgers, hot dogs, and fun.
POP-UP ART SHOW: Noon-6 pm, final day for the “Feather in the Wind” multi-artist show in the space above Alki Arts (6030 California SW).
COLMAN POOL: Second day of 7-day-a-week operation 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, this is the second day of the season for the only city-run wading pool in West Seattle to operate seven days a week, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.
LOW-LOW TIDE: Low-low tides continue today with -3.2 feet at 12:32 pm, and even lower the next three days. Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists are out, too, 10:30 am-2:30 pm today at Lincoln and Constellation Parks.
ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS RETURN: Reminder that Alki Point Lighthouse reopenx to the public today for free tours, 1 pm-3:45 pm, Alki Avenue SW & Point Place SW.
MEET MODERN ENGLISH 2 pm album-signing event at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW).
BARBECUE POP-UP: The Bridge (California/Graham) hosts Porky T’s, 2 pm-8 pm.
‘CLYDE’S’ AT ARTSWEST: 3 pm performance at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) – “In this 2022 Tony Award®-Nominated Best Play, creating the perfect sandwich is the shared quest of the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff of Clyde’s, a truck-stop cafe.” Find the ticket link and more info in our calendar listing.
CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: Start gathering at 2:30 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – our calendar listing has details on this month’s focus.
POP-UP CERAMICS CLASS: Create ‘n’ sip at Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW), 3 pm, $55.
SUMMER SOLSTICE YOGA & TAROT: Workshop at Limber Yoga (7901 35th SW), 6:30 pm – info and registration link in our calendar listing, $60.
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!
12:35 AM: Some asked about a big police response a little while ago in the West Marginal Way vicinity near the 1st Avenue South Bridge. That was because of a street-racer takeover after the racers met up at 2nd/Michigan.
(Added: Reader video from the resulting traffic blockage)
Police headed that way too and the gathering scattered, reportedly mostly heading south via 509. Now that they’ve dispersed, officers are returning to what they were doing previously – including, according to one directive, an Alki patrol.
12:41 AM: Now there’s a takeover with cars and spectators reported on the northbound 1st Ave. S. Bridge – again dispersing as soon as police came into view, this time reported to be headed southbound on East Marginal.
TUESDAY: Police have released this summary:
At 0007 Hrs SW Patrol responded to a report of a street racing take-over event at 2 Ave SW and SW Michigan St that had manifested in multiple locations in the city throughout the night. During these events several people had been wounded by gunfire and there was a significant potential for additional incidents as the meet ups escalated. Approximately 100 vehicles were at the location and Officers utilized vehicle tactics to convince the crowd to disperse. The vehicles fled in numerous directions and appropriate jurisdictions were notified of their direction of travel. Officers remained at the location to deter any returning participants.
The sunset was the big draw, but another star got some attention at Alice Enevoldsen‘s one-day-delayed summer-solstice sunset watch Friday night, attended by more than 40 people at Solstice Park.
(Our report is delayed too, after breaking news overnight and early today.) Alice of course explained the solar system positioning that the solstices and equinoxes represent, with the help of young assistants, this time J.J. and Decker:
And Alice – an educator and volunteer NASA Solar System Ambassador who has led these events for 15+ years – answered questions, including whether any celestial phenomena were imminent. Besides the annual summer meteor showers, here’s something to watch for: A nova from the constellation Corona Borealis. Yes, that’s correct, Corona Borealis, not to be confused with the aurora borealis.
As explained in this Earth.com report, one of its stars is about to have an explosion known as a nova, something it does every 80 years or so, though exactly how soon, nobody knows. Alice advises loading a planetarium app on your phone to help you know where to look once it happens – which may be before her next sunset watch, on fall-equinox evening, 6:30 pm Sunday, September 22.
West Seattle Little League‘s regular season is over, and now it’s All-Star competition time. One team – the 12s softball All-Stars – already has a championship. WSLL’s Jackie Borg sent the photo and this update today:
West Seattle Little League is off to a hot start in the District 7 tournament!
West Seattle Little League (WSLL) is sending three baseball teams – one for each division, 10s, 11s, and 12s -and three softball teams – a 10s, 12s, and Juniors (13-14-year-olds) team – to compete in the WA District 7 Little League All-Stars Tournaments.
The 12s softball team was a force with 3 solid wins to take the District 7 Championship and are state-bound!
WSLL is excited to host the 12s and 11’s baseball All-Stars division tournament games at Bar-S (6464 SW Admiral Way). The first games will be a thrilling start to the tournament this weekend, with WSLL 12s vs. Rainier District Little League. The Bar-S Snack Shack will be serving up classic baseball treats and snacks. We warmly invite the West Seattle community to join us at Bar-S and be a part of the cheering crowd, showing our teams the support they deserve!
Around town, you can catch the other WSLL All-Stars teams in play:
-June 28: 11s All-Star baseball tournament begins at Bar-S
-June 28: 10s All-Star baseball district tournament begins at South Highline National LL fields in Normandy Park
-June 29: 10s All-Star softball tournament begins at Rainier PlayfieldsWe will update the website, westseattlelittleleague.com, with standings as often as possible. You can also check out the rosters for all teams.
You can find tournament info here.
4:40 PM: SPD and SFD are on the scene of a crash at Harbor Avenue SW and Fairmount Avenue, and police are asking for traffic-control help. Officers have described it to dispatch as three cars, two of them parked, and a driver under investigation for possible DUI. No serious injuries reported.
5:05 PM: That driver has been taken into custody. Meantime, at least two cars are being towed, so the scene might clear before too much longer.
Chloe Bolduc is one of the amateur-radio operators you can meet if you stop by the north lot/field at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) sometime before midday Sunday, during this year’s Seattle Radio Field Day. She’s working on a project to communicate with the International Space Station, in connection with the Pacific Science Center. Every radio operator – aka “ham”- at Field Day has a story, and they’re all gathered for what might be described as an annual combination of preparedness exercise, open house, mini-convention, and reunion, part of a nationwide 24-hour-plus event.
You can watch and listen as the local operators make contact with others hundreds or thousands of miles away, and you can even take a turn getting on the air.
Even if you’ve been in past years, every year brings something new – like Chloe’s project. Read more about Field Day here; this year’s event involves four clubs teaming up, including the West Seattle Amateur Radio Club.
Another group of graduates is starting their next chapter today – the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Class of 2024, part of last night’s shared Seattle Colleges ceremony. Here’s the SSC announcement:
South Seattle College celebrated the Class of 2024 on the evening of June 21 with a commencement ceremony at T-Mobile Park. The ceremony brought together graduates from South Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and North Seattle College – all part of the Seattle Colleges District.
679 graduates from SSC were recognized for their achievement of earning a degree or certificate.
(Photos courtesy South Seattle College)
SSC Acting President Sayumi Irey addressed graduates at the event, saying, “You are resilient, you are determined, you are amazing and here you are: a college graduate more than ready to write your next chapter and make your mark. Congratulations!”
Owen Heit was selected as SSC’s 2024 commencement speaker and graduated with an associate degree in pre-nursing with goals to serve as a pioneer for change in the health-care industry.
“Whether it is the exceptional professors, the eager staff seeking out passionate students, or the diverse and dedicated student body, there are many moving parts at South Seattle College that have brought us students to this day …” Heit said. “So, to every student here today preparing to cross this stage, congratulations on completing this crucial milestone in your life.”
81 SSC graduates were part of Seattle Promise, a college tuition and success program launched by Seattle Colleges, Seattle Public Schools and the City of Seattle that funds free tuition up to two years at any of the Seattle Colleges for all graduating seniors attending Seattle public high schools.
South’s 679 graduates collectively earned over 900 degrees and certificates (many students graduate with multiple certificates). Awards include bachelor of applied science degrees for those furthering their expertise and earning potential, college transfer degrees for those planning to attend a four-year university as their next step, career training degrees and certificates for those seeking immediate employment, and high school completion awards.
Of Seattle Colleges graduates this year, 40 percent are first-generation college students.
Summer classes at SSC start Monday – registration is still open.
(Photo sent by resident; victim was found just west of what’s shown; car belonged to a passerby)
6:58 AM: Police are investigating a deadly shooting on Harbor Avenue. They say people called 911 just before 4 am to report hearing gunshots in the 1000 block. They arrived and found a man lying in the road, dead from a gunshot wound. Police say another victim turned up in Renton and was taken to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition. Gunfire also hit a nearby residence but nobody was hurt.
(Added: Photo sent by resident whose home was hit)
Police say “multiple suspects” fled the scene but have not released any descriptive information; if you know anything about the shooting, SPD’s tip line is 206-233-5000. Harbor Avenue remains blocked at the scene.
7:42 AM: The victim’s body has not yet been removed. It’s toward the west end of the diagonal-parking area on Duwamish Head (a gathering space that nearby residents have long been asking the city to remove or reconfigure to parallel parking). The area is taped off but our photographer notes there’s a large number of casing markers – both near the victim’s body, and further east toward Don Armeni Boat Ramp.
(Added: WSB photos, long-lens)
(Also note: The white car in the top photo is no longer at the scene so it was likely not related.) We can’t get close enough to investigators to ask any questions but note that the area isn’t likely to be reopened any time soon.
Some context: This is the second homicide in West Seattle this year, first since the shooting death of 15-year-old Mobarak Adam at Southwest Center/Pool five months ago, the first one on Harbor Avenue since 49-year-old Peyman Shojaei was shot to death 13 months ago. (Both of those cases remain unsolved.)
10:17 AM: Police have just told dispatch that the street is reopening. Meantime, we listened to an hour and a half of recorded police radio starting with the original dispatch, and the only information to add is that – whether from a witness or residential security camera – police did get some plate numbers for vehicles potentially involved. We’ll update if and when more information becomes available; the victim’s identity is not likely to be made public any sooner than the next King County Medical Examiner’s Office daily update on Monday afternoon. SFD, which couldn’t do much at the scene because the victim was dead before they arrived, tells us he was “estimated” to have been 25 years old.
11:07 PM: No word of an arrest yet but a few notes. First, a commenter below said District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka visited the scene around 10:30 am; he tweeted about an hour after that, “Shocked and dismayed over shooting death on Harbor Ave. … I will listen to community and plan on taking action with the Mayor and other depts to address this reoccurring, senseless violence.” Then about a half-hour ago in three more tweets, Saka said he’d spoken with a resident whose window was shot at as well as with two deputy mayors, adding, “I am committed to working with our partners in taking bold action to address this serious public safety concern affecting Alki and moreover, our entire city!” Saka is vice-chair of the council’s Public Safety Committee. Meantime, tonight just south and uphill from the murder scene, police went to Hamilton Viewpoint Park in the 7 pm hour after a report that shell casings were found there, “possibly related to this morning’s shooting,” according to the dispatch; officers collected three casings.
(Photo by David Hutchinson)
Here are your Saturday highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
(added) ALKI BEACH PRIDE DINE-OUT BENEFIT: Arthur’s in North Admiral is open 9 am to 9 pm today and just sent us this announcement of today’s all-day dine-out benefit for Alki Beach Pride:
Dine OUT for Alki Beach Pride (today) at Arthur’s in North Admiral, West Seattle. Stop by for brunch and snag a cocktail, happy hour for an afternoon on the patio, or dine late with dinner and a bottle of wine. Arthur’s will donate 20% of sales for the day to Alki Beach Pride to help produce their 10-year anniversary! All sales, from gift cards to takeout, will help Arthur’s donation be that much stronger, so join family and friends to help our community celebrate with pride.
Reservations: arthursseattle.com/hours-and-information or 206.829.8235
Order Takeout: 206.829.8235
Gift Cards: toasttab.com/arthursseattle/giftcards
PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT AT NCSWAC: FYI – big pickleball tournament at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) all day, the second annual “Rally on the Rock,” with more than 160 players expected.
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER’S FREE GROUP RUN: The store is where you and other runners will meet up for the weekly free group run at 8 am. (2743 California SW)
FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Arrive by 8:50 am for community meditation at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). Free event every Saturday but please RSVP.
JUNCTION PRIDE FLAGS: They’ll be flying today, with volunteer help putting them up at 9 am and taking them down at 4 pm – sign up here.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more. (9421 18th SW)
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Join others on a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
(canceled because of illness) STORYTIME AT THE BEE GARDEN: 10:30 am at the West Seattle Bee Garden (Lanham/Graham), Seattle Public Library librarians will lead storytime.
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.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
DRAG BRUNCH: Seatings start at 10:45 am for Pride Month drag brunch at Box Bar (5401 California SW) – check to see if any reservations remain; the link’s in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
FIELD DAY: Starting at 11 am today, for the ensuing 24+ hours, local amateur-radio operators will be gathered in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) for an annual event that’s part preparedness exercise, part open house, part education, part celebration, and you’re invited to stop by any time – see them in action and get on the air yourself! More info in our calendar listing.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Spraypark season continues – open 11 am-8 pm, free, every day, whatever the weather. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
LOW-LOW TIDE: Low-low tides continue today with -3.1 feet at 11:48 am, and even lower the next three days. Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists are out, too, 9:45 am-1:45 pm today at Lincoln and Constellation Parks.
COLMAN POOL: Starting today, the outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm is open daily – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, this is the first day of the season for the only city-run wading pool in West Seattle to operate seven days a week, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.
SOLDER & BUBBLEGUM GRAND OPENING: The new makerspace (featured here) in West Seattle Corporate Center (4025 Delridge Way SW, Suite 140) wants to show you what you can do there – stop by noon-4 pm.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
POP-UP ART SHOW: Noon-6 pm, the “Feather in the Wind” multi-artist show continues in the space above Alki Arts (6030 California SW).
LIVE PAINTING: Artist Clara Boline will be creating while you shop at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW), noon-3 pm.
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).
PURRDIE BURRDIE IN THE PARK: 1-5 pm at Roxhill Park (29th/Barton), as previewed here, West Seattle artist/author Danitra Hunter will be presenting free fun activities – and free copies of her children’s book about her character Purrdie Burrdie, too, for the first of four Saturdays at four West Seattle parks.
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.
ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: Added session after the original time slot sold out – 1 pm, meet at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens). Register here. (Miss this one? Three more bonus tours – see if there’s room.)
PET PHOTO BOOTH: 4th of July/summer theme! Bring your pet to Mud Bay (2611 California SW), 1-5 pm.
PRIDE PARTY AT OUNCES: 3-7 pm, from tunes to treats, everyone welcome. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
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.
ALSO AT NEPENTHE: Visit the Summer Market, with local vendors, free coffee and tea, and more as described here.
PRIDE STORYTIME: 4:30 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), with Miss Lacey. All ages welcome.
YOUTH SOCCER CLINIC: Junction FC players/coaches lead a clinic for young goalkeepers, 6-8:30 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), $65. Register here.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7, music at 8 for “Festival of Friends Bandmixers Discography Vol.12,” with four groups performing cuts from classic albums. $10 cover (cash only). Details here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm, The Go Janes ft. Cyd Smith – get your ticket(s) here. (7904 35th SW)
SEE ‘CLYDE’S’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm performance at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) – “In this 2022 Tony Award®-Nominated Best Play, creating the perfect sandwich is the shared quest of the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff of Clyde’s, a truck-stop cafe.” Find the ticket link and more info in our calendar listing.
BEATS AT THE ROOM: Saturday night, DJs at Revelry Room – 9 pm. Tonight, DJ Topspin. (4547 California SW, alley side)
KARAOKE AT THE PIZZERIA: Saturday nights, you can sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
Planning a happening? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Reader photo added, sent by Barbara)
11:58 PM: Police investigating a pickup truck missing a wheel in the 1200 block of Alki Avenue SW discovered it was on fire. SFD is arriving and they’ve now told dispatch it’s “fully involved,” so they’re blocking traffic on Alki Avenue. The person in the pickup is reported to have gotten out. Police said the truck apparently lost its wheel in the 1900 block of Harbor Avenue.
12:27 AM: Thanks to everyone who’s sent images. This short clip is from Tom:
We don’t know the status of the fire but the engine sent by SFD is logged as still being on scene.
12:33 AM: This photo is from Jim:
And according to a related text, the fire’s out.
12:53 AM: Police told dispatch they’re reopening Alki Avenue to traffic.
Police have just reported finding a casing on the westbound West Seattle Bridge, before the Harbor exit, after a driver reported being shot while driving in that area this past hour. The victim is reported to have subsequently driven to Harborview Medical Center; we haven’t heard the extent of his injury, but officers told dispatch that the victim’s car has four bullet holes. They also say the victim described the other vehicle as an electric-blue Toyota Camry, possibly with a black roof. If you have any information on this, call 911.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes tonight:
(Reader photo, Wednesday)
ARBOR HEIGHTS ARREST FOLLOWUP: The man arrested in Arbor Heights on Wednesday after an alleged assault/gun incident that started in Fauntleroy remains in jail tonight. Monday is the deadline for rush-charging the 21-year-old suspect. At an initial hearing Thursday, a judge found probable cause to hold him for investigation of assault and unlawful gun possession; as noted in updates on our original report, he has a felony record, including past cases of unlawful gun possession, and cannot legally be in possession of one. The police-report narrative from the probable-cause document we obtained from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says this began with a 911 call from someone in the 9200 block of 46th SW, with the dispatcher texting to the officer’s screen that it was an “open line (disturbance with) loud baby crying and male screaming in the background, nobody responding to (the 911 calltaker.” Officers sent to the area found two men who said they were trying to stop a man from assaulting a woman along the street; when they tried to intervene, the man – according to the police report – “started assaulting them and then pulled out a handgun from his shorts and pointed it at (the two who intervened). (They) backed away from (the suspect, who) then left the area while on foot. The woman then got into a white Chrysler and left the area.” Officers found a witness who recorded video of the incident, including the man pulling out a gun. The vehicle was found near 35th/Ocean View shortly thereafter, and police contacted both the woman who was originally reported as an assault victim and a man who appeared to be the same one seen on the video. She told police she had not been assaulted. The two men who had tried to intervene said the suspect was the person who had assaulted them, and he was arrested. The document says police did not find a gun on the suspect but the car was impounded pending a search warrant; results of the search are not mentioned. Prosecutors asked for $100,000 bail and as noted in our previous update, that’s what a judge set. What we also don’t know yet is how this arrest will factor into the suspect’s community custody (parole); that’s his current status after getting out of prison six weeks ago – he was serving time for a conviction related to a Kent incident in 2021.
STOLEN GUN FOUND IN STOLEN CAR: A post on SPD Blotter recounts a West Seattle incident last night in which police say they found a stolen gun in a stolen car near the Southwest Precinct.
On June 20th at 9:46 p.m., patrol officers were alerted to a vehicle in their area that was reported stolen by the Tukwila Police Department.
Police located the occupied vehicle and performed a high-risk traffic stop near the 2400 block of Southwest Webster Street. The suspect attempted to flee, yet the vehicle stalled, and he was unsuccessful. Police quickly apprehended him as he exited the driver’s side door.
Officers recovered the stolen vehicle, and multiple stolen bank cards. Police also recovered an empty holster from the suspect and retrieved a loaded, stolen firearm from inside the vehicle.
Police arrested the 39-year-old man and booked him into King County Jail.
8:34 PM: Thanks for the photo! Police and SDOT were just dispatched to this – a large tree limb falling on a car in the 4700 block of 40th SW, reportedly also blocking the road. No injuries reported.
9:52 PM: Just went through the area; crews are there now.
Another after-school celebration on this last day of the school year – on SW Lander in the block on the south side of Lafayette Elementary, volunteers and local businesses teamed up to help kids learn about street safety. That included a giveaway of 25 bicycle helmets:
Volunteers helped fit them:
The businesses who partnered in the event included Alki Bike and Board, whose proprietor Stu Hennessey was there to help:
While school safety is important everywhere, Lafayette is the only elementary school in West Seattle that’s on a major street in the middle of a business district.
P.S. Other Admiral businesses contributing to the celebration included Bebop Waffle Shop, Menchie’s Admiral, and Good Society.
This was the last day of the school year for pretty much everyone who wasn’t already out of school. That included Seattle Public Schools students – and some had special afterschool celebrations, including Gatewood Elementary‘s traditional plunge at Alki Beach. Thanks to the parent volunteer who sent the pic!
(WSB photo, December 2023)
We first introduced you to West Seattle artist/author Danitra Hunter almost four years ago, as she worked on a children’s book featuring a character she created while working at the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor), Purrdie Burrdie, who encourages kids to love themselves. She launched her book a year later. And kids can get free copies during a series of events Danitra is leading in West Seattle parks for the next four Saturdays:
As shown above, her first event is at Roxhill Park (29th/Barton) tomorrow, 1-5 pm. Thanks to an Art in the Parks grant, Danitra says, these are free family events, all ages welcome.
That’s the wading pool at EC Hughes Playground. When Seattle Parks wading pools start opening for the season tomorrow (Saturday, June 22), it won’t be ready to go. We discovered this while checking the Parks pool-info page – “E.C. Hughes Playground wading pool is closed for repairs.” No explanation, and our subsequent visit to the park (2805 SW Holden) didn’t show anything obviously wrong with the pool, but we did see evidence of some water-related work elsewhere in the park, and Parks spokesperson Christina Hirsch tells us that’s related:
Our Facilities crews are addressing a pipe issue at this location. We replaced a substantial section of the waterline and when we re-energized the system another section failed. We are currently working with a contractor to replace another hundred feet of mainline using vertical boring to avoid a large excavation on the site. We hope to have a schedule for that work next week. Once we get that complete, barring any other issues, we should be able to open things up rapidly.
So for the start of the season, West Seattle will have three wading pools:
–Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), daily starting Saturday, noon-7 pm, last day September 2
–Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW), Wednesdays-Thursdays-Fridays, noon-5:30 pm, June 26-August 16
–Hiawatha (2700 California SW), Thursdays-Fridays-Saturdays, noon-5:30 pm, June 27-August 17
(When EC Hughes does open, its scheduled open days are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays.) Remember that on cooler days (below 70) the pools generally don’t open; you can check the status every morning by calling 206-684-7796 (recorded info updated by 9:30 am), and we also include wading-pool info in our daily “what’s happening” lists.
P.S. Highland Park Spraypark is already open and continues daily operation, 11 am-8 pm, at 1100 SW Cloverdale, through September 2.
Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes:
EVIDENCE OF GUNFIRE: Numerous reports of possible gunfire came in last night in the 10 pm hour, but officers didn’t find any evidence when checking a few possible areas, nor did any injuries or damage surface. However, according to a dispatch around quarter till 10 this morning, someone found shell casings near 29th/Brandon, one of the possible locations mentioned last night.
MISSING A LICENSE PLATE? Reported by a reader in High Point:
This morning I saw a license plate dumped at the intersection of SW Juneau St and 31st Ave SW (High Point). Washington State, CKH0909.
MISSING A BICYCLE? A reader in Westwood found this bicycle abandoned in an alley:
If you recognize it, email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you.
(Added: WSB photos)
10:52 AM: Police are closing westbound SW Roxbury in the 28th SW vicinity and eastbound at 30th. They’ve been trying to stop a man who reportedly has been in multiple areas of West Seattle this morning swinging a shovel at people and signs. Officers have also told dispatch he appears to be armed with at least one knife. No injuries reported but avoid the area for a while.
11:09 AM: Our crew reports this is all centered around the service station on the south side of 30th/Roxbury right now (that’s the county side, but this all started in the city, so it’s SPD’s case). Officers are in a standoff with the man, who is by the propane area (right side of the photo above).
11:27 AM: The former Roxhill Elementary building, now home to several Seattle Public Schools programs, is in shelter-in-place, per police radio. (This is the last day of the school year, with one-hour early dismissal scheduled districtwide.)
11:33 AM: Officers just told dispatch that they’ve taken the man into custody. An ambulance that was standing by (for possible [corrected] “involuntary treatment”) is being sent in. An SFD engine too.
11:40 AM: Dispatch has been told that the school building can be told it’s OK to lift shelter-in-place, and that the other area containment will be broken down, which means SW Roxbury should reopen soon.
11:51 AM: Our crew reports the man has been loaded into the ambulance for transport. Meantime, Metro says its buses have resumed travel on Roxbury.
(Osprey, photographed on the West Seattle shore by Stewart L.)
Highlights for the first full day of summer, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SSC GARDEN CENTER: South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, until 3 pm.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open 11 am-8 pm. Free! (1100 SW Cloverdale)
LOW-LOW TIDE: The next series of low-low tides begins today with -2.6 feet at 11:07 am, and even lower the next three days. Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists are out, too, until 12:30 pm today at Lincoln and Constellation Parks.
LOUD N PROUD: Pride street party on SW 98th in White Center, noon-5 pm.
STOMPED SKATE COMPETITION: Rescheduled competition with 50 skaters happens 2-6 pm at Delridge Skatepark (Delridge/Genesee) – details in our calendar listing.
VISCON CELLARS: The tasting room/wine bar is open tonight for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
MODE BENEFIT AT THE SKYLARK: “School’s Out” benefit for Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) must-move-because-of-light-rail fund. 5 pm doors, 6 pm music, all ages, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
POP-UP ART SHOW: 5-7 pm reception opens the “Feather in the Wind” multi-artist show in the space above Alki Arts (6030 California SW).
SOCCER CLINIC WITH JUNCTION FC: 6-8:30 pm, youth soccer players are invited to a clinic with West Seattle Junction FC players and coaches, on the south end of Delridge Playfield (4458 Delridge Way SW). $65 per player; register here.
OPEN MIC AT KENYON HALL: Monthly incubator night, sign up at 6, perform at 6:30, at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).
SONGWRITERS’ SHOWCASE: Monthly event at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, all ages, no cover.
AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
SEE ‘CLYDE’S’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm performance at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) – “In this 2022 Tony Award®-Nominated Best Play, creating the perfect sandwich is the shared quest of the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff of Clyde’s, a truck-stop cafe.” Find the ticket link and more info in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC AT JARAYS: Live band Creation, no cover, ~8 pm, at Jarays Grill and Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
TIMESHIFTED SOLSTICE-SUNSET WATCH: One day after the solstice, the sun should still line up with the path and marker at Solstice Park, and expert skywatcher/educator Alice Enevoldsen will be there tonight to explain, 8:30-9:30 pm, with sunset around 9. (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW, upslope)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Tonight it’s DJ Joey Roxville, 9 pm-1 am! (4547 California SW)
YOU SKATE, THEY PLAY: “Make It Loud!” returns at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), roller skating to live bands, featuring Sinister Six, The Fauxs, Appaloosa. $18 cover, $5 skate.
YOU’RE THE STAR: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Before the school year ended, Madison Middle School celebrated its championship winners during lunchtime on Thursday. Above are members of the district-champion volleyball team, as announced onstage by Madison principal Dr. Robert Gary:
Then it was time to cheer members of Madison’s district-champion boys’ soccer team:
As reported here, both teams won their championships a month ago, both vs. Robert Eagle Staff Middle School.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, June 21.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
First full day of summer! Sunny, high in the mid-80s (as it was Thursday – 84). Today’s sunrise was at 5:11 am again – earliest of the year, and tomorrow it starts going back the other way – while sunset will be at 9:11 pm and will stay there until June 29.
(Thursday’s sunrise, photographed by Angela Gunn)
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
-Today is the last day of classes at Seattle Public Schools – one-hour early dismissal. (First day of next school year is Wednesday, September 4.)
ONGOING ROAD WORK
*SDOT’s Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon:
*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work.
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro today – Regular schedule; check for advisories here.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is. Tonight’s Friday, so the schedule runs later.
Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route; check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Low bridge: Here’s the main view:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
1st Ave. S. 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!
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