West Seattle, Washington
28 Wednesday
(Seattle Police photo)
Thanks for the tip. Seattle Police report this morning that crash-and-grab burglars drove into another West Seattle Junction smoke shop just before 3:30 today, this time the World of Smoke and Vape in the 4800 block of California, almost exactly 24 hours after the attempt at West Seattle Smoke Company less than a block north. Here’s the police summary:
Seattle police are investigating a burglary at a West Seattle smoke shop early Friday morning after suspects used a stolen car to ram the front and gain entry.
At 3:29 a.m., officers responded to an alarm in the 4800 block of California Avenue Southwest. When officers arrived, they found a gold Kia left at the scene after it had been used to crash through the front entrance of the business.
A witness told police he saw six masked men arrive in two vehicles. One suspect drove the Kia into the building. Five of the suspects entered the store and began grabbing merchandise while the sixth stood lookout. The suspects fled northbound on California Avenue SW at a high rate of speed in a silver vehicle before officers arrived.
The impact caused major damage to the store, including a destroyed security gate and shattered front windows.
Police confirmed that the Kia had been reported stolen from Seattle.
General Investigations Unit detectives are leading the investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Seattle Police Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Incident Number: 25-225915
Listening back to the archived incident audio, one thing not mentioned in the police summary: The model of the car used to ram the store. As with the one a day earlier, it was a Kia Sportage.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, August 8, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunshine expected today, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:56 am; sunset will be at 8:32 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Admiral Bridge work continues.
-So does work on curb ramps for all four corners of 60th/Admiral.
-The major nighttime work on and around 16th SW in White Center continues – details here – and King County Road Services has announced intermittent closures toward the end of next week.
-If you’re heading north via 99 this weekend, note this alert from WSDOT:
From 4 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 and Sunday, Aug. 10, bridge maintenance will close the right two lanes of northbound State Route 99 in Seattle at the Aurora Avenue Bridge for bridge inspections.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday (tonight!) and Saturday nights, and on other weeknights with Mariners home games.
STADIUM ZONE
T-Mobile Park tonight – Mariners vs. Rays, 6:40 pm.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
The photo is from the Dick’s Drive-In truck visiting the Highland Park Corner Store in 2023. It’s returning this weekend, 11 am-2 pm Saturday (August 9), and it’s open to everyone, so if you’re a fan of Dick’s burgers/shakes (still no fries), you can stop by 7789 Highland Park Way SW in that window!
The local beach-volleyball players who worked to get Seattle Parks‘ support for a “drop-in volleyball” court on Alki report it’s back in action, thanks to a donation. Last month, WSB’s Hayden Yu Andersen reported on the new court and installation of its net; days later, that net was stolen. Now the advocates/players sent photos, and this update, to announce that the court’s available again:
Great news. The net at Alki is back up, thanks to a generous net donation from the SeaBeach Volleyball Co-op. We’re excited for the community to be able to play again and for beach volleyball to be more accessible to everyone.
The court is on the beach across from the Christos/Do Si KBBQ building.
King County Elections has just released the third round of results from Tuesday’s primary. No major changes in the five races we’re watching – here’s the latest
SEATTLE MAYOR: Katie Wilson‘s lead over Bruce Harrell* has decreased by one point; she’s now four points up after his share increased a bit, 48% to 44%.
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL CITYWIDE POSITION 9 Dionne Foster‘s 18-point lead over Sara Nelson* has decreased one point to 17 points, 55% to 38%.
SEATTLE CITY ATTORNEY: Erika Evans‘s initial 14-point lead over Ann Davison* remains 17 points, 53% to 36%.
In other races:
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL CITYWIDE POSITION 8: Alexis Mercedes Rinck* remains at 77%, with the nearest challenger, Rachael Savage, at 14%.
KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE: County Council President Girmay Zahilay retains a 12-point lead over County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, 42% to 30%.
See the full results list here.
These counts represent just under 27 percent of county voters’ ballots; so far the county reports receiving just under 34 percent of voters’ ballots (which at this point is likely close to what the final turnout will be). Breaking that out further, the current count includes ballots from 30 percent of Seattle city voters, while 39 percent of city voters’ ballots have been received.
The crash-and-grab attempt at West Seattle Smoke Company wasn’t the only break-in attempt at a Junction business early today.
That’s a reader photo of the alley door at Pegasus Pizza in the 4500 block of California SW. The report narrative we obtained from SPD says the first 911 call came in around 4:47 am, reporting that someone saw the damaged door about half an hour after hearing a “loud noise.” Police called an owner of the restaurant, who showed up to walk through with them, and said she reported that nothing seemed to have been taken and even the register was “seemingly undisturbed,” so they’re not sure if whoever broke the door actually made it inside or not. No one reported seeing a suspect, so there’s no description. But if you have any information, you can contact police and refer to incident # 25-224819.
Thanks to Manuel for the photo. If you’re planning a visit to the north stretch of Longfellow Creek any time soon, remember that the Salmon Bone Bridge is closed for work, as announced by Seattle Public Utilities almost two weeks ago. The work is to “finish the restoration of the bridge,” SPU explains, with major tasks including “replacing the bridge’s safety cables (and) stripping and repainting the bridge’s metal, tubular ‘bones’.” The closure could last through late October.
(Reader photo)
Thanks to the reader who sent that photo from a crash-and-grab attempt at the West Seattle Smoke Company in The Junction early today. According to archived radio exchanges and an SPD summary, officers responded around 3:30 am to a report that the driver of a black Kia Sportage had tried ramming the front of the store twice. Police say they didn’t get inside, though the crash “caused major damage to the front doors and security gates,” so nothing was stolen. The Sportage, however, was confirmed to have been stolen and might have been used in an armed robbery in another area.
(SPD photo)
There’s no description info about the driver but they are believed to have left in another vehicle, possibly a gray Kia. Police are asking that anyone with information call 206-233-5000. The shop has been burglarized before, and in that case, a suspect was arrested and charged (update: that suspect has been back in jail for about three weeks, still awaiting trial in that case and others).
(Photo by Stan Delles)
Later than usual due to breaking news, here’s our list for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Still lots of time left in gardening season! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
MEDICARE INFO: 11 am presentation at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open today and every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOLS: If the forecast for clearing skies and warming temperatures this afternoon holds, the city says, three of the city’s West Seattle wading pools will operate – Lincoln Park will be open noon-7 pm and Delridge and Hiawatha will be open noon-5:30 pm. Free.
COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open with sessions noon-7 pm – see the schedule here. Fee.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY: 4-6 pm, first of two days in which Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) offers you the chance to try out personal watercraft before you buy! Call to reserve a spot – all the info’s in our calendar listing.
DROP-IN CHESS: Teens are invited to come play at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:30 pm.
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s The Original Philly’s.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Rather walk instead of run? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
TALK TO THE ANIMALS: Find out how at a special 7 pm event at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
COMEDY: Cozy Comedy presents Scott Losse at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW), 8 pm.
DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Tomas, 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:28 AM: Thanks for the tips. Power went out a short time ago for more than 500 customers in eastern West Seattle, mostly on Puget Ridge. Updates to come.
9:46 AM: Possible cause – SFD has responded to a fire reported atop a pole in the 5600 block of West Marginal Way SW.
10:02 AM: Resolved quickly – only 16 still mapped as out.
4 PM: SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang confirms the pole fire was the cause, though they don’t know what sparked it.
Family and friends will gather tomorrow to remember Henry Benzinger, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:
In Loving Memory of Henry Jacob Benzinger
November 03, 1967 – July 22, 2025Henry Jacob Benzinger, a beloved brother, son, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, surrounded by his family. Born in Bremerton, Washington, Henry brought joy and light to all who knew him.
Henry was a proud graduate of Olympic High School, Class of 1988, and a devoted parishioner at both Our Lady of Guadalupe in West Seattle and Our Lady Star of the Sea in Bremerton. Before his illness in late 2023, he lived an active life filled with music, friendship, and service.An accomplished athlete with Down syndrome, Henry participated in Special Olympics for many years — competing in basketball, baseball, track and field, soccer, bowling, and swimming. His passion and spirit inspired teammates and coaches alike.
Henry’s favorite pastimes included playing the piano, guitar, and harmonica. He was a master of word search puzzles and a source of endless smiles and hugs to those around him.
He was predeceased by his father, Donald Henry Benzinger. He is survived by his loving mother, Annie Benzinger, and his siblings: Cathy Tresler (Pat), Theresa Raab (Mike), Sean Benzinger, Colleen Jones (Lindy), and Christine DeBois (David), along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
A Rosary service will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 8, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 7000 35th Avenue SW. All who knew Henry are welcome to attend and celebrate his remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Special Olympics Washington — Peninsula Region, supporting athletes in Kitsap, Gig Harbor, Mason County, and surrounding areas. To contribute, visit: specialolympicswashington.org/donatelocal and select Peninsula Region.
Please share memories, photos & condolences on the guestbook: www.emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/henry-benzinger
Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
(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)
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, August 7, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
After a sixth of an inch of rain Wednesday, showers are still possible, high near 70. Today’s sunrise was at 5:55 am; sunset will be at 8:34 pm.
(Wednesday sunset, photographed by Jan Pendergrass)
ROAD WORK
-Admiral Bridge work continues.
-So does work on curb ramps for all four corners of 60th/Admiral.
-The major nighttime work ahead on and around 16th SW in White Center continues – details here.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, and on other weeknights with Mariners home games. (No late service for tonight’s event – see below – listed on the WT website as of early this am, but we’re doublechecking.)
STADIUM ZONE
Lumen Field tonight – Seahawks vs. Las Vegas, 7 pm!
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
The West Seattle Food Bank‘s most flavorful fundraiser is getting closer – the Taste of West Seattle, on September 25. WSFB has announced the musical guest for the food-and-beverage fest at The Hall at Fauntleroy:
The West Seattle Food Bank is thrilled to announce that iconic singer-songwriter Jim Page will be the special musical guest at this year’s Taste of West Seattle, taking place on Thursday, September 25th at The Hall at Fauntleroy.
Widely regarded as a cornerstone of Seattle’s folk scene, Jim Page has spent decades using music to spark thought, raise consciousness, and give voice to the community. His presence at the Taste of West Seattle adds a uniquely local and meaningful layer to an already vibrant event.
“Jim is legendary in Seattle music” said Robbin Peterson, Development Director at West Seattle Food Bank. “His music is part of the foundation of this city’s musical soul, and we’re honored to have him join us in support of our mission. He isn’t just performing – he’s representing decades of community, protest, and sound that have shaped this city.”
Jim Page has recorded 24 albums and written a mountain of songs. Seattle Metropolitan Magazine calls him: “One of the 50 most influential musicians in Seattle history.” In 1974 he legalized busking (street performing) in Seattle, where it had been outlawed for decades. He has toured in 13 countries including the US, Canada, Ireland, the UK, most of northern Europe, and Taiwan. His songs have been covered by The Doobie Brothers, Christy Moore, Dick Gaughan, Michael Hedges, and Roy Bailey. Bonnie Raitt says, “In the tradition of Woody and Dylan, he cuts right to the heart with music you actually enjoy listening to. I’m a longtime admirer.”
The Taste of West Seattle brings together dozens of local restaurants, breweries, wineries, and bakeries for a night of incredible food, community, and purpose – all in support of vital food and housing services for our neighbors in need.
Tickets and more information are available at westseattlefoodbank.org/taste-of-west-seattle
King County Elections has released the second round of results from Tuesday’s primary. The major news: The challengers in three of the four Seattle city races with incumbents have widened their leads. In those three races:
SEATTLE MAYOR: Katie Wilson‘s one-point initial lead over Bruce Harrell* has grown to five points, 48% to 43%.
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL CITYWIDE POSITION 9 Dionne Foster‘s 15-point initial lead over Sara Nelson* has grown to 18 points, 56% to 38%
SEATTLE CITY ATTORNEY: Erika Evans‘s initial 14-point lead over Ann Davison* has grown to 17 points, 53% to 36%
In other races:
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL CITYWIDE POSITION 8: Alexis Mercedes Rinck* has increased her share of the vote to 77%.
KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE: County Council President Girmay Zahilay has increased his lead over County Councilmember Claudia Balducci by two points, 42% to 30%.
See the full results list here.
These represent just under 22 percent of county voters’ ballots, three percent more than the first round; so far the county has received 28 percent of voters’ ballots. (5:28 pm update: Now up to 33% received.) Next round of results, Thursday afternoon.
(File photo)
Metro has announced both its next “service change” plan for buses and a round of fare changes for bus and Water Taxi service – almost all increases. Here’s how West Seattle service will be affected:
AUGUST 30 SERVICE CHANGE: Metro’s twice-yearly list of changes to various routes is out, and this time, no West Seattle routes are on the list – no service additions or subtractions in this area.
BUS AND WATER-TAXI FARE CHANGES, MOSTLY INCREASES: Two days later, on Monday, September 1, fare changes kick in for Metro bus and Water Taxi service. You can see the full table here. Key changes:
Full fares
*Metro bus/Flex adult fares rise 25 cents to $3
*West Seattle Water Taxi adult fares rise 50 cents to $6.25
ORCA fares
*West Seattle Water Taxi, up 25 cents to $5.25
*West Seattle Water Taxi ORCA LIFT, down $2.75 to $1
Metro notes that the 25-cent increase in full adult bus fares will be the first one since it established flat fares in 2018.
P.S. In case you’re wondering, October 10 is the end of this year’s “summer schedule” for the West Seattle Water Taxi, which means regular Friday and Saturday later-night service will end then, until spring.
What would have been the second of four outdoor concerts at Providence Mount St. Vincent (WSB sponsor) this Friday night is canceled. Here’s the announcement:
Due to recent COVID-19 cases and recommended health precautions, the Summer Concert originally scheduled for August 8 at Providence Mount St. Vincent has been canceled. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution to prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents and community.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back on August 15 for an evening of folk, bluegrass, and country music from the 1950s to 1980s, featuring Salt Luck.
The performer who had been scheduled this Friday was Frank Sinatra tribute singer Joey Jewell. We asked a Mount spokesperson if anyone in attendance last Friday, when Elvis Presley tribute singer Danny Vernon performed, had reason for concern; they said no: “We don’t believe our outdoor venue offered any increased risk of exposure as any other public event or activity in the community.”
Another new development today in the case of Aren Oleson, arrested last week after so much gunfire in his West Seattle apartment that officers reported gunsmoke in the air, and neighbors hid in fear. This is what police say they found in the apartment when searching with a warrant after the arrest:
(Seattle Police photo)
As we reported Tuesday, Oleson, 36, is charged with 10 misdemeanors after the investigating detective referred the case to the City Attorney’s Office for that level of potential charging rather than the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for potential felony charges. But, as also reported, investigators were reviewing any other actions that could be taken – and this morning we have word of one such action: An Extreme Risk Protection Order. Seattle Police filed for a temporary ERPO, which can be put into place without notice and be in effect for up to two weeks, until a hearing can be held; a senior county prosecutor also assisted with the filing. From the SPD webpage about ERPOs, here’s the explanation:
Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) prevent individuals at high risk of harming themselves or others from accessing firearms by allowing family, household members, and police to obtain a court order when there is demonstrated evidence that the person poses a significant danger.
Family or household members and Law Enforcement Officers may obtain an ERPO when there is evidence that the person poses a significant danger, including danger because of a dangerous mental health crisis or violent behavior. The purpose and intent is to reduce gun deaths and injuries through an order temporarily restricting a person’s access to firearms.
Here’s the main argument made in this case (via a screenshot from the documents):
The ERPO is in effect against Oleson until an online hearing August 19, and is separate from the criminal case (for which he has another hearing today – we’ll add any new information from that here later).
Side note: The documents for the temporary ERPO filing provide information we hadn’t found previously, Oleson’s criminal history: Convictions in Kitsap County for second-degree theft and first-degree stolen-property trafficking. The document says his right to possess guns was restored in 2020; as we reported Tuesday, that’s why he couldn’t be charged with unlawful firearm possession. Under terms of the ERPO, he is required to surrender the guns found in his apartment, at least temporarily; the documents say they are still in SPD evidence storage. Oleson remains in jail in lieu of $150,000 bail.
5:41 PM UPDATE: For a second consecutive day, Oleson’s hearing was postponed because he was “medically unavailable,” no elaboration in court documents. His hearing’s been rescheduled for tomorrow.
(Another view of Lincoln Park pink-salmon fishing, photographed Saturday by Dave Gershgorn)
After an all-but-rainless July, it’s showery today. Yes, indoor options ARE part of what’s on our list of quick reminders about what’s happening, and not happening, in the hours ahead, mostly as featured on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUMMER FOOD: Go here for info on multiple sites/times/days in West Seattle where kids can get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks during summer break.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: If you can donate blood, another West Seattle donation opportunity is happening all day today at Our Lady of Guadalupe (35th SW & SW Myrtle).
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (this is a last-minute reminder, so set your calendar for next Wednesday morning if interested!).
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW)
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
ALSO AT HIGHLAND PARK PLAYGROUND: Learn to break! Beginners welcome too. Free 11 am class. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: The open-every-day season continues at Lincoln Park‘s outdoor, heated salt-water pool! Noon-7 pm; see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WADING POOLS CLOSED: Though Colman Pool and Highland Park Spraypark remain open, we just verified that the two wading pools that would have been open today in West Seattle – Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) noon-5:30 pm; Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) noon-7 pm – are CLOSED because of the weather.
REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, 2-4:30 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix that broken gizmo instead of tossing 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).
WEST SEATTLE CLASSIC SF BOOK CLUB: 6 pm meeting at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW): “Join us for a deep-dive discussion of the 1971 SF classic ‘The Lathe of Heaven‘ by Ursula K. Le Guin.”
LIVE MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Rhythm and Roots Night at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, all ages, no cover.
SUMMER DRAG BINGO: Second-to-last session this month at Pine Lake Cellars (5405 California SW) – check to see if reservations remain!
CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT: 6 pm, almost-weekly tournament at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), membership not required to play.
FREE ART CLASS: 6 pm, pay what you can, all levels invited to explore watercolors at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).
FREE QI-GONG CLASS: 6 pm, meet at south lot of Lincoln Park. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly happy-hour meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).
OPEN STUDIO AT POTTERINGS: 6 pm, get creative at the studio! Spotlight project tonight – make a pinch pot. (3400 Harbor SW)
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Enjoy your evening by joining the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome.
MARATHON TRAINING: Also at West Seattle Runner, as previewed here Tuesday, two Info Night events tonight for free training programs that start this month to get runners ready for this year’s Seattle Marathon in November – 6:30 and 7 pm.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), $35.
MUSIC BINGO: at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
REGULAR TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday list: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) at 7 pm … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday trivia at 8 pm … Quiz Night also begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and it’s an 8:30 pm start for trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Your turn on stage – 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Before we get to what’s happening today/tonight, in case you haven’t seen this upcoming wine-tasting event in our calendar, here’s what’s happening this Saturday:
For 21 years, the Northwest Wine Academy at South Seattle College has been a cornerstone of technical wine education, cultivating talent, fostering entrepreneurship, and empowering students to turn their passion into a profession. As NWWA marks this milestone, they will celebrate what truly defines their legacy: the students who bring the Academy to life.
Northwest Wine Academy’s First Annual Alumni Celebration
Saturday, August 9th, 2 pm to 5 pm
Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room at South Seattle College, 6000 16th Ave SW
(Please use Entry 1 to access the Northwest Wine Academy – “NWA” on the campus map)Join us as we welcome back Northwest Wine Academy alumni to celebrate their success. This special event showcases businesses founded and run by former students while raising vital funds to support the Academy. All proceeds will go directly toward program supplies that enhance hands-on learning.
Tickets are $50 and include wine tastings from participating alumni wineries, selections from NWWA’s own label, a commemorative wine glass, and cheese and charcuterie pairings.
Tickets: clover.com/online-ordering/nw-wine-academy-seattle
Participants include: Cloudlift Cellars, Gorman Winery, Lobo Hills Winery, Phelps Creek Vineyards, Pine Lake Cellars, SAMA Cellars, Sparkman Cellars, T2 Cellars, Truth Teller Winery, Uva Furem Winery, Vinos Penguinos, William Grassie Wine Estates. Presented in partnership with Seattle Urban Wineries
About The South Seattle College Wine Technology Program at Northwest Wine Academy
SSC Spring Refresh Visuals
Founded in 2004, the Northwest Wine Academy is Western Washington’s first and only teaching winery of its kind. Our mission is to prepare the next generation of wine professionals through hands-on education and real-world experience. We offer certificate programs and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in Wine Production as well as Marketing & Sales of Food and Wine, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the wine, food service, and hospitality industries.
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Showery, breezy day expected, high near 70, maybe even some thunder. Today’s sunrise was at 5:53 am; sunset will be at 8:35 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Admiral Bridge work continues.
-So does work on curb ramps for all four corners of 60th/Admiral.
-The major nighttime work ahead on and around 16th SW in White Center continues – details here.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, and on other weeknights with Mariners home games.
STADIUM ZONE
Lumen Field tonight – Sounders FC vs. Tijuana, 8 pm. Thursday night, Seahawks vs. Las Vegas, 7 pm!
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
The voting’s over, the vote-counting has begun. King County Elections has released the first round of results. First, the races in which the top two will appear on your November ballot, with all but one incumbent in second place so far, and no one in third place anywhere close to the top two:
SEATTLE MAYOR: Top two are Katie Wilson 46%, Bruce Harrell* 45%
full results
Katie Wilson 44,457 46.21%
Bruce Harrell 43,160 44.86%
Joe Mallahan 4,640 4.82%
Clinton Bliss 1,275 1.33%
Ry Armstrong 996 1.04%
Isaiah Willoughby 473 0.49%
Thaddeus Whelan 424 0.44%
Joe Molloy 402 0.42%
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL CITYWIDE POSITION 8 Alexis Mercedes Rinck* 75%, Rachael Savage 15%
full results
Alexis Mercedes Rinck 68,078 75.24%
Rachael Savage 13,503 14.92%
Ray A. Rogers 4,328 4.78%
Jesse A. James 2,534 2.80%
Cooper Hall 1,333 1.47%
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL CITYWIDE POSITION 9 Dionne Foster 54%, Sara Nelson* 39%
full results
Dionne Foster 50,521 53.69%
Sara Nelson 36,786 39.10%
Mia Jacobson 3,366 3.58%
Connor Nash 3,135 3.33%
SEATTLE CITY ATTORNEY: Erika Evans 51%, Ann Davison* 37%
full results
Erika Evans 48,290 51.13%
Ann Davison 35,136 37.20%
Rory O’Sullivan 5,983 6.34%
Nathan Rouse 4,702 4.98%
KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE: No incumbent in this race. Top two are County Council President Girmay Zahilay with 40%, County Councilmember Claudia Balducci with 30%
full results
Girmay Zahilay 103,471 40.39%
Claudia Balducci 77,590 30.28%
Derek Chartrand 32,085 12.52%
(John Wilson 23,897 9.33% – “suspended” campaign too late to be removed from ballot)
Rebecca Williamson 6,072 2.37%
Amiya Ingram 4,707 1.84%
Bill Hirt 4,701 1.83%
Don L Rivers 2,674 1.04%
And the two ballot measures being decided in this election:
SEATTLE CITY DEMOCRACY VOUCHERS LEVY RENEWAL: Passing with 56% approval
KING COUNTY PARKS LEVY RENEWAL: Passing with 70% approval
These represent just under 19 percent of county voters’ ballots; so far the county has received 24 percent of voters’ ballots. Next round of results, Wednesday afternoon.
5:47 PM: Whether on a waste bin, A-board, repurposed construction sign, whatever’s handy, that’s the sign of the night. Be mindful of more than 200 authorized street closures for Night Out 2025 neighborhood parties, through about 9 tonight. We’re out visiting a few but would also love to add your photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text to 206-293-6302. First one in – Alyson on Angeline Street says they’re aiming for a waste-free block party:
6:20 PM: Just visited Rosalie‘s neighborhood east of West Seattle High School.
They’re playing games as well as putting together a potluck. And this might be tonight’s only block party with bees!
One neighbor is a beekeeper, and others, Rosalie included, have gardens the bees adore. Here’s the neighborhood group photo:
7 PM: It’s a Night Out tradition to visit JoDean‘s neighborhood in Arbor Heights:
Quiet neighborhood, so not much has changed since last Night Out:
They’re just enjoying a potluck and hanging out in the street.
7:06 PM: From WSB contributor Jason Grotelueschen, who’s also made some stops – pic of the night, a “foam party” for kids at the White Center gathering at Steve Cox Memorial Park:
7:39 PM: Via text, here are Seaview neighbors from the 5600 block of 47th SW:
8:52 PM: Thanks to the readers who tipped us that part of the legendary Seattle All-City Band would be performing at a few local parties tonight. Jason caught up with them at one stop – his video starts with some explanation of what they were up to, so if you just want to forward to the music, go to 3:40 in:
We’re told the performances were part of a fundraiser, and five West Seattle stops were among 20 around the city made by four groups from ACB. In West Seattle, they got around via school bus:
Founder Dr. Marcus Pimpleton was there to direct them (as also seen in our video clip):
Our photos were from 51st/Hanford. Thanks to Lindsey Pearsall for this view from their stop at her Upper Alki block party, which also had SFD in attendance:
Another band we encountered on Night Out: Los Flacos, performing in Delridge at the SW Willow block party:
The event was also a debut for Sustainable Music Northwest, whose community-building mission seemed to synergize nicely with the intent of Night Out. Here’s our group photo of the neighbors who gathered there:
On to other parties: Thanks to Allison in Arbor Heights (on 36th SW) for the neighborhood portrait:
And Jenn sent photos from 13th SW between Cloverdale and Thistle, with an SFD visit:
Firefighters from Station 37 visited Darren‘s party (thanks for the pics!) in Arbor Heights, SW 105th between 35th and 39th:
This party also did some serious grilling:
Thanks to everyone who shared photos, and to those who invited us to stop by their parties!
(Reader photo, last Thursday night)
Five days after 36-year-old Aren Oleson was arrested after allegedly firing a gun repeatedly in his South Admiral apartment, investigators say he’s facing misdemeanor charges rather than felony charges.
He was originally suspected of unlawful firearm possession, a felony, but prosecutors say SPD determined that Oleson had had his firearms rights restored (he had been described by SPD as a convicted felon but we still don’t have details of his record), so the six guns found in his apartment apparently were not illegally owned after all. And since no one was injured by the gunfire, police and county prosecutors determined the case was not a matter of felony assault. However, the City Attorney’s Office, according to the jail docket and court file, has charged Oleson with 10 misdemeanors, including obstructing a public officer, possession of a controlled substance, property damage, multiple counts of reckless endangerment, and aiming or discharging a firearm. A spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says that felony charges could still be considered if additional evidence is found that leads the SPD investigating detective to refer the case. Meantime, the two officers are still talking about the case and, according to the KCPAO spokesperson, “working on what steps they could take for public safety with all available options under the law.” Oleson remains in jail in lieu of $150,000 bail.
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