West Seattle, Washington
14 Sunday
Remember the streetcorner flower fundraiser a few weeks ago? Another one is happening tomorrow morning, this time on behalf of boosters of the Chief Sealth IHS girls’ swim team. Same general area, along 35th SW on the east side of the 8300 block (just north of Thistle), dahlia bouquets for $10. This will be happening 10 am-noon Friday, as long as the flowers last (last sale, for Girl Scouts, sold out early!). Though school doesn’t start until Wednesday, the team’s already practicing, so it’s fundraising time too!
Separate from upcoming projects to replace two culverts that carry Fauntleroy Creek under local roads, emergency repairs are needed for the California SW culvert in the Fauntleroy Church/Y/Schoolhouse area. Seattle Public Utilities has announced the start date:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) will be making emergency repairs to a storm drainage culvert under California Ave at the Fauntleroy Creek crossing. Severe cracks and breaks have damaged the culvert crossing and within the Fauntleroy Church parking lot and will impact and wash out the arterial should it fail. This emergency project is intended to provide asset life until the greater culvert replacement project is constructed.
LOCATION
California Ave SW (Fauntleroy Church parking lot)SCHEDULE & HOURS
Work will start as early as September 22 and will last through October 2025
Monday through Friday, 7 am to 5 pmANTICIPATED IMPACTS
-Equipment in the right of way on California Ave SW
-A new traffic pattern on California Ave SW, with flaggers directing traffic thru the work zone during working hours
-Parking restrictions near the work zone
-Pedestrian and bike lane detours
-Increased construction traffic, noise, dirt, and vibrations
-Pavement excavation and restoration
-Limited access to driveways during construction work hours
Here’s the construction notice featuring all of the above.
(WSB photos)
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
There is a flurry of activity in the Jefferson Square parking lot today, with containers being unloaded ahead of the reopening of the former Bartell Drugs as a CVS Pharmacy store tomorrow.
The store is closed today, as dozens of workers tote up inventory, bring in display cases, and change over the computer systems. Assistant Manager Ryan tells WSB all of the staff is continuing to work in the store, including the pharmacists. As we previously reported, prescriptions that have been handled by Bartells will be moved to CVS automatically. The store will also start to accept the CVS reward card, though Ryan said depending on how the system switchover goes, that may not happen on day one.
What may take a little longer is all the training that staff will need, and Ryan asked customers for patience. “We’ll be relearning a lot of stuff,” he says, and having the help of CVS managers for the first few weeks. At the end of that time, he also expects more inventory to start arriving. “When we get more product, we’ll be busier,” which means more options for customers. “Working with more products is nice for everyone.”
He’s expecting more variety and more seasonal items, but it’s unclear how much the Bartell and CVS inventories will overlaps. Ryan did say that after they reopen tomorrow, selected items will be on sale, as much as 75 percent off.
CVS at Jefferson Square will be open tomorrow starting at 9 am and follow the same open hours as Bartells did.
The Admiral Bartell Drugs store is scheduled for a similar transition next week, as we first reported two months ago. Staff there tells WSB today that the store will close at noon Tuesday (September 2) and will reopen Wednesday (September 3) as CVS. Part of one aisle has selected Rite Aid-branded items at a 90 percent discount right now.
We’re told the Admiral staff is staying on, too. This will be the third and final West Seattle drugstore taken over by CVS as a result of the Rite Aid bankruptcy; the Westwood Village Rite Aid was not acquired, and closed permanently earlier this week.
(Photo courtesy South Seattle Cooperative Preschools)
Again today, we have word of a major fall event announcing both its date and its invitation to prospective sponsors! This time it’s the West Seattle Monster Dash, a fun run that raises money for West Seattle cooperative preschools:
In its 14th year, the West Seattle Monster Dash is a costumed 5k trail run/walk and Kids’ Dash.
Paid registration includes a T-shirt featuring a new design by Alex Van Gilder (all races) and bib with timing chip (5K only). Kids’ Zone with games, activities, prizes, and a photo booth open from 9-11:30 am.
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 5k begins at 9:30 am, Kids’ Dashes at 10:30 am
Location: Lincoln Park, Shelter #1Registration opens Monday, September 1st; Early Bird Pricing through the end of September is $35 for the 5k and $20 for the kids Dashes.
All proceeds go to support South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools!
Now seeking 2025 Sponsors: Would your business like to make a monetary or in-kind donation?
Please complete our Sponsorship Form.
(WSB photo, Wednesday evening)
That’s what remained of the 20+-year-old wooden-schooner sculpture Paragon at həʔapus Village Park by Wednesday night. As we reported Tuesday, a city contractor was hired to down the wood, leaving the supports for an expected replacement that Paragon artist Don Fels said he is planning. Fels had told WSB he planned to be on site for the demolition, so we asked him about that via email last night, and also about his timeline for the replacement:
I was there for the first 3 hours. I found it too emotional to stay any longer. I of course knew what was going to happen but that didn’t make it any easier. I don’t take personally what occurred, but nevertheless on a personal level it was very difficult to witness. The demo contractor was good to talk with and appreciated that it wasn’t easy to see something that had represented so much effort and community involvement disappear.
Here’s what he told us is ahead, after a “very hard” year of back-and-forth with the city about the replacement:
I’ve signed the contract with the City for the new iteration of the Paragon. I hope the design phase will be concluded in the next weeks and then we can submit the plan to the City. Once they approve it, fabrication at the Nucor mill will begin. I hope and expect we will install the new boat section in Spring 2026.
As we first reported a year ago, the city said it had to “de-accession” (disown) and then demolish the wooden bones-of-a-boat sculpture, a familiar sight to those who travel West Marginal Way SW south of the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, because it had deteriorated and might collapse. Fels contended the city could have maintained it in a way that would have prevented major deterioration. More backstory is in our original report from last year.
(Sunflowers and visitor, photographed by Tom Trulin)
Even as the holiday-weekend quiet approaches, there’s plenty to do! 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.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOL: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, near north lot) will be open noon-7 pm. Free.
BRACE POINT PROJECT MEETING: Noon-1 pm, Seattle City Light has an online community meeting for info and Q&A about the long-planned Brace Point Underground Cable Project. Go here to register for the meeting link.
COLMAN POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the heated salt-water pool on the shore 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.
SOUND TRANSIT BOARD MEETING: 1:30-4 pm, as previewed here, with update on the Enterprise Initiative that’s likely to affect the West Seattle light rail project. The agenda has info on attending and/or commenting online or in person.
END-OF-SUMMER PARTY AT WEST SEATTLE LIBRARY: 3-4:30 pm, drop in to celebrate what’s been a summer of lots of reading! And enjoy free cake! (2306 42nd SW)
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library’s weekly event is canceled today (see special event below!).
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 C. Davis Texas BBQ.
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!
FREE MENDING WORKSHOP: 5-8 pm at KAVU (9064 Delridge Way SW), all skill levels – our calendar listing has details and the RSVP link.
MAGIC AT THE LIBRARY: 5 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), see world-class magician Maritess Zurbano. Free, all ages.
DUSTY 45s WITH ABBIGALE: Free live music 6-9 pm at Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th, White Center).
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? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
FREE FILM: As previewed here, screening of “Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media,” 6 pm at Admiral Theater (2343 California SW), with panel discussion.
THE HIVES LISTENING PARTY: Free, all-ages event at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, be among the first to hear “The Hives Forever, Forever The Hives” – with freebies and giveaways.
DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Kingblind and Teenage Rampage, 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!
Family and friends will gather September 13 to celebrate the life of former longtime West Seattleite Ron Wirtz. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now:
Ronald Joseph Wirtz passed away suddenly on July 6, 2025. He had been dealing with lung cancer and is now at rest and in peace, in the long arms of our compassionate creator, Jehovah Shalom.
Ron was born in Marshall, MN in 1938 to John Joseph Wirtz and Loretta Catherine Longtin Wirtz. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Wirtz; stepson, Jason Gooding (Angela); step-grandchildren, Gloria and Josiah Gooding; and 3 brothers, John and Don Wirtz and Gary Seiler, and a sister, Bonnie Johnson (Randy); and many nieces and nephews, including a great grand niece.
At 15 years old, Ron moved to Germany with his mother, stepfather, 3 brothers and a sister; later to Columbus, GA. At a young age, Ron worked summers on farms, learning to operate heavy equipment. He joined the Army National Guard at age 18, serving in “C” Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry from 1956 – 1958. Ron returned to Marshall to graduate from Central Catholic High School in 1957. He was graced by the hospitality of Dick Catton’s family and Herman Seiler. Ron worked at the Gas Station Co-op and as a janitor at the high school to pay for his rent and tuition. After high school, Ron followed his father to the Seattle area to work at Boeing while continuing his service in the National Guard from GA to Marshall and then at Sand Point Army Naval Airbase in Seattle.
Ron soon left Boeing (then known as “The Lazy B”) to work in a more fulfilling role in construction and excavation. He was able to purchase his own equipment, become self-employed, and start his own business in 1968 as Advanced Ditching & Excavation Services, Inc. Ron enjoyed his work and gained a reputation for being “The Best.” He strived to offer the best, most reliable service possible and was known for being dependable, fair, on time, efficient, conscientious, safety oriented and willing to go the extra mile. Any hang-ups or breakdowns on a job site were remedied ASAP. Ron took pride in his equipment, his work, his customers and was often up at 4:30 AM, to return home at 7:00 PM. He never failed to affectionately say goodbye to his wife in the morning and return with a warm happy greeting, after a long day’s work.
Recreationally, Ron enjoyed a lifelong passion for golf, gardening and gym workvouts. His friends were important to him and he earned some endearing nicknames:vScoop, Scooper, Dingo, Legend, Wirtz-Man, The Best, Larger-than-Life, The Old
German, Stud Muffin, Dirt Whxxx. Ron was known for extending random-acts-of kindness, such as secretly paying for a young family’s dinner in a restaurant or gifting a young boy a *$Bennie* after he and his father finished a round of golf with him.Ron was a romantic and was sure to remember birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day and holidays. He loved his wife as much as humanly possible; protected andvprovided for his loved ones and prayed for God’s mercy on his soul. He will be remembered as a good man and dearly missed.
A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, September 13, at 2:00 PM at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 18826 3rd Ave. NW, Shoreline. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to Calvin Presbyterian Church or another charitable organization of your choice.
(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)
9:22 AM: Reader in comments says a crash is blocking SW 107th at 18th SW in White Center.
Earlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, August 28, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast suggests chance of showers, then sunny, high around 80. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:23 am; sunset will be at 7:56 pm.
ROAD WORK
-SDOT says Admiral Way Bridge work should mostly wrap up before week’s end, meaning Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge will reopen (closure sign was still up as of end-of-day Wednesday, though).
-WSDOT says tunnel-texture work is done.
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 Issaquah, 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.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
When Sound Transit board members gather for their monthly meeting Thursday afternoon, one item on the agenda is of particular interest to those tracking the West Seattle light-rail plan: Another update on the in-development Enterprise Initiative. As we reported a month ago, this is now the name for the package of policies that ST expects will help it reshape ST3 next year, into something more affordable. That could mean changes for the West Seattle project, currently projected to cost $7 billion, far more than ST has budgeted.
At Thursday’s meeting the board will consider proposed “guiding principles” for the Enterprise Initiative, laid out in this document. It warns, “If the agency does not take proactive measures via this Enterprise Initiative, the ST3 program will become unaffordable, and we risk our ability to operate a dependable, resilient, and safe system.” Among other subsequent points, the principles charge CEO Dow Constantine with ” the goal of achieving a balanced and affordable long-range finance plan and a clear path to deliver the benefits of Sound Transit projects and services as quickly as possible.” It subsequently says. “The framework and its implementation will comply with the ST3 voter-approved ballot measure … and should plan for the following outputs: an updated System Plan, with modified capital and operating plans; an updated Long-Range Plan that looks beyond ST3; and a balanced and affordable long-range finance plan.” Then there are promises of “inclusive collaboration” and “transparent governance,” and a final section where you could read the most between the lines regarding where West Seattle fits in, as there is a reiteration of prioritizing completion of the system “spine” (which West Seattle is not on) and a nod to “fiscal integrity,” yet another indirect reminder of this project’s price tag. As of this writing, there’s also one proposed amendment, by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, primarily adding a goal of supporting future growth.
The meeting starts at 1:30 pm Thursday at ST headquarters, and you can attend in person or online, with public comment accepted both ways, as explained in the agenda document.
Another big fall event is approaching – and tonight you can preview which artists and locations you’ll be able to meet and visit during the (free!) West Seattle Art Tour on Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21. Here’s the update:
Maps and Artist Gallery are Live for the West Seattle Art Tour
The West Seattle Art Tour is pleased to announce that this year’s map and artist guide are live! Peruse the artist guide, get to know more than 50 local artists, and plan your route ahead of the September 20-21 Tour! This year’s tour information includes a printable map, an interactive online map, and artist profiles to help guests plot their own adventure across the West Seattle peninsula.
The West Seattle Art Tour is a free, self-guided tour that showcases a unique array of art created by exceptional West Seattle artists in the spaces where artists create, live, teach, and work. This year, sites will be open for two days, allowing more time for visitors to see all of the locations.
Not sure where to start planning your Tour? During the September 11 West Seattle Art Walk, Viscon Cellars is hosting the Tour’s Preview Night, where a sampling of art from every site and medium will be on display, with many of the artists on hand. Stop by Viscon Cellars (5910 California Ave SW) during the Art Walk or tasting room hours on Friday 9/12 and Saturday 9/13, enjoy the artwork, and pick up a copy of the print map.
The West Seattle Art Tour is organized by local artists and art lovers with support from West Seattle Art Walk as well as community sponsorship from West Seattle Blog, Viscon Cellars, and Alki Arts.
Though school starts a week from today, SDOT‘s new California Avenue SW school-zone-speed cameras near West Seattle High School and Lafayette Elementary won’t be in operation right at the start. We’ve been asking SDOT for an update on the cameras’ status, and just got it:
We expect to activate school zone safety camera near West Seattle High School on California Ave SW in the southbound direction mid-September. The northbound camera for West Seattle High School is expected to be activated mid-October due to more complex construction methods at the location.
SDOT is also installing speed cameras on Admiral Way near Alki Elementary, but won’t be activating them until the rebuilt school at 3010 59th SW opens in fall 2026. Here’s the list of schools that already have these cameras (including five in West Seattle). We first mentioned the new cameras’ locations in city-budget coverage almost a year ago.
Several WSB readers were startled to see purse-seine fishing off West Seattle these past few days – the photo above was taken from Lincoln Park on Tuesday, and another one came in from Upper Alki today:
Purse-seine fishing uses a net to scoop up the catch, which in this case is the same fish that’s filled Lincoln Park’s north shore with people, pink salmon. According to this state Fish and Wildlife Department document, the commercial season in this part of Puget Sound is in its second of three weeks. We’ve run various photos of this type of fishing off West Seattle over the years, but they’ve historically been later in the year, like these scenes from November 2021.
(WSB photo, September 2024: WSES staffer Akim Finch welcoming students)
Again this year, the first day of school will begin with the exuberant tradition of a red-carpet welcome for students at West Seattle Elementary. You’re invited to join other community members and WSES staff for the welcome. Just be at the school’s main entrance (on the north side of the campus at 6760 34th SW) 7:15-8 am on Wednesday (September 3). It’s the first red-carpet event for Ritchie Garcia as principal; the longtime assistant principal is leading the school this year after Pamela McCowan-Conyers‘ retirement.
(WSB photo, January 2025)
One week from today, Seattle Public Schools begins the 2025-2026 school year. Even if your family doesn’t have a student or school staffer, you’ll be affected by the resumption of school-related traffic and transportation management, including school-zone speed limit and School Street closures. The Madison Middle School PTSA asked us to remind you about their School Street – 45th Avenue SW in front of the school, between SW Spokane and SW Hinds, will close to through traffic on weekdays again this school year. Several other West Seattle schools have set up School Streets; at one, Genesee Hill Elementary, SDOT has declared it to be permanent. This will be the first full year for Madison’s School Street, which was launched last January.
News today about another long-delayed city project: The Brace Point underground electrical upgrades are starting, almost six years after the originally projected start date for the project. Thanks to the area resident who shared a notice they’d received, with word that the work is under way on private property now and beginning in public right-of-way in early September. The notice also announced an online community meeting at noon tomorrow (Thursday, August 28) for information and Q&A. We last reported on the project when it went out to bid this past March but hadn’t received City Light notification that work was about to start. Its main component is replacement of underground cables that have failed repeatedly, causing multiple power outages in the neighborhood south of Fauntleroy. The information on the notices mailed to area residents, including how to register for tomorrow’s online meeting, is on the project page. (For backstory on the delays, see this 2022 WSB story.)
(Dawn earlier this week, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s our list of quick reminders about what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly as featured on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (this is a last-minute reminder, so would-be walkers can set their calendars for next Wednesday morning!).
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW)
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
ALSO AT HIGHLAND PARK PLAYGROUND: Another chance to learn to break! Beginners welcome too. Free 11 am class. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: The open-every-day season is in its final week at Lincoln Park‘s outdoor, heated salt-water pool! Noon-7 pm; see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WADING POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), West Seattle’s last still-open wading pool is expected to be open noon-7 pm, since the weather is expected to warm up through the day.
FREE MOVIE: All ages welcome to watch “The Wild Robot” at Southwest Library (9010 California SW), 1 pm.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, 2-4:30 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).
DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: Fourth Wednesday brings the monthly dine-out fundraiser at The Neighborhood (6503 California SW), 3-9 pm, this time donating part of the proceeds to Alki Beach Academy.
COMMUNITY VOCAL TONING: You and your voice are invited, 5 pm at Alki Arts (6030 California SW).
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix that broken item instead of throwing it out! 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).
OPEN STUDIO AT POTTERINGS: 6 pm, stop in and let your creative self be free! Our calendar listing has the sign-up link and details. (3400 Harbor SW)
CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT: Play at the West Seattle Eagles‘ HQ (membership not required; 4426 California SW), 6 pm.
PIANO NIGHT AT UPWELL: Come enjoy music at Upwell Coffee (4811 California SW), 6-9 pm.
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).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: An energetic way to enjoy your evening – join the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: The club’s August meeting is tonight at 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW); this month’s book is Alua Arthur‘s “Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End.”
MUSIC BINGO: at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
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) has Wednesday trivia at 8 pm … Quiz Night also starts 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: You can be in the spotlight – 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SALSA & BACHATA CLASS: Open-level class with BALORICO at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW), 8 pm.
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!
Endolyne Children’s Choir, “West Seattle’s community youth choir,” is starting a new season and welcoming new singers – here’s the invitation sent to us to share with you:
Do you know a child who loves to sing? The Endolyne Children’s Choir is kicking off our 23rd season in September and it’s not too late to register! We offer five grade-level-based choir ensembles for singers in grades K-12.
ECC is proud to be West Seattle’s community youth choir. Our mission is to make quality choral music education accessible to as many children as possible. We don’t require an audition or any previous choir experience, and we offer multiple payment tiers, including full scholarship available to anyone.
Our singers learn music theory and vocal technique, build performance skills, make friends, and have fun! Learn more here – and come sing with us!
If you don’t have a potential member in the household but you’re interested in the choir’s work, look for not only their own concerts, but appearances at community events such as The Junction’s Christmas-tree lighting and the summertime West Seattle Grand Parade.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
No more heat alerts, for now. The forecast for today is mostly cloudy, slight chance of showers, upper 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:21 am; sunset will be at 7:58 pm.
ROAD WORK
-SDOT says Admiral Way Bridge work should mostly wrap up this week, meaning Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge will reopen. The outside eastbound lane had work crews for a while Tuesday, but was clear by the time we went through at 6:30 pm.
-WSDOT says tunnel-texture work was wrapping up in one more closure overnight and should be over now.
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 Issaquah, 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.
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners at home vs. San Diego again today, day game this time – 1:10 pm.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Reopened Sunday afternoon after a day and a half of work. Here’s the view looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
The fun doesn’t end when summer’s over. West Seattle celebrates in the fall, too, and organizers of one of the biggest events, Holy Rosary School‘s two-day WestFest, have a two-part announcement – meant to get the dates on your calendar, and welcome potential sponsors:
WestFest is just around the corner, and we’re excited to invite you to be a part of this year’s celebration on September 19th and 20th.
Each year, WestFest brings together our community for two days of fun — complete with a packed beer garden, delicious food booths, thrilling rides, lively bingo, and entertainment in the gym. It’s a wonderful tradition that draws families and neighbors from across the area.
We’d love for you to consider sponsoring WestFest 2025. Sponsorship not only supports Holy Rosary School but also provides your business with excellent visibility through event signage, recognition, and community connection.
For details on sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Bonnie at (206) 226-4046 or bonnierice@gmail.com.
Thank you for your support!
-The WestFest Committee
The festival happens at the Holy Rosary School campus, outdoors and indoors, off 42nd SW between Dakota and Genesee.
(Photo by Jan Pendergrass)
The setting sun was smoke-pink, but there was good news around sunset tonight – the National Weather Service‘s heat alert expired as expected, and normal temperatures are on the way back. Meantime, the sun had a followup act – a crescent moon:
(Photo by Dawn Roeder)
Labor Day is currently looking to be mostly sunny, with a high in the mid-70s.
ORIGINAL TUESDAY REPORT: West Seattle’s tradition of literary excellence, as recognized in the annual Washington State Book Awards, continues! This year’s list of finalists is out, and it includes books by two West Seattle writers:
–Steve Duda‘s fly-fishing essay collection “River Songs: Moments of Wild Wonder in Fly Fishing,” waspublished by West Seattle-headquartered Mountaineers Books. The publisher says the book has been hailed as “rich with bracing, authentic, generous stories–writing that revels in language and spirit … pieces that breathe lived experience, reveal vulnerabilities, and convey a broad perspective of what it means to have ‘a long run with a tight crew’.” Duda’s book is a finalist in the Creative Nonfiction/Memoir division.
–Susan Rich‘s poetry book “Blue Atlas” is a finalist in the Poetry division. its launch last year was held at West Seattle’s C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), during one of the occasional reunions of the WordsWest Literary Series collective of which she is a founder. “Blue Atlas’ is described by publisher Red Hen Press as “a lyrical abortion narrative unlike any other … (that) follows a Jewish woman and her ghosts as they travel from West Africa to Europe and, finally, to the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco.” Rich has been a WSBA finalist before, for her book “The Alchemist’s Kitchen.”
The annual Washington State Book Awards, presented by the Washington Center for the Book, honor books published by Washington writers in the previous year. Here’s the full list of current finalists; winners will be announced September 16.
ADDED WEDNESDAY: We learned via a comment below that there’s another West Seattle author to congratulate – Susan Lieu, whose memoir “The Manicurist’s Daughter” is also a finalist in the Creative Nonfiction/Memoir division. Publisher Celadon Books‘ website describes it as “an emotionally raw memoir about the crumbling of the American Dream and a daughter of refugees who searches for answers after her mother dies during plastic surgery.” This is Lieu’s first book but as detailed on her website, she’s also a performer, speaker, podcaster, mom, and … chocolate entrepreneur.
With the start of school approaching, so are fall sports, including football. Two notes today:
(September 2024 WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
CHIEF SEALTH FUNDRAISER AT MOD PIZZA: Get food from or at MOD Pizza Westwood Village today – they’re open until 10 pm – and part of the proceeds will benefit the Chief Sealth International High School football team, defending Metro League 2A champions. Here’s the flyer we just received – show it at the restaurant, or use the code on the flyer to order online.
BUSIER THAN USUAL SEASON AT NCSWAC: West Seattle’s southernmost stadium, Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), will have a busier season than usual, since Memorial Stadium – also owned by Seattle Public Schools – is out of commission for its rebuild. Rainier Beach, Garfield, and Franklin all have home games scheduled there, as well as Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS. You can check the schedule here (it also shows other Metro League games, including those played at West Seattle Stadium).
(WSB photo: Paragon, today)
More than a year after the artist who installed Paragon along West Marginal Way SW sounded the alarm about the city’s intent to demolish it for safety concerns, the demolition is scheduled to happen tomorrow. We reported on the situation involving the Paragon sculpture multiple times over the past year. Last time we checked on its status was in spring, when the city’s public-art overseers voted to “deaccession” it – disown it so it could be demolished. While the city says it’s deteriorated dangerously, artist Don Fels has said that’s the city’s fault for not maintaining it properly. He told us in spring that he worked to gather volunteer support and donated materials to rebuild it but then the city insisted he take on a liability level that he could not. In notifying us this morning that demolition is planned for early tomorrow morning, city Office of Arts and Culture spokesperson Otts Bolisay tells WSB that “The steel armature and concrete portions will be left in place through the end of 2026 if Mr. Fels wants to replace the wooden portion of the sculpture.”
We had by then inquired with Fels and he revealed a plan is indeed now proceeding, telling us:
While it is true they are demolishing the wooden section of the sculpture … it is going to be replaced by a new steel (with wooden parts) iteration.
After a lengthy and sometimes harrowing negotiation with the City which has gone on well over a year- I am pleased with the outcome. Thanks to an incredibly generous offer – Nucor Seattle has jumped in to make possible that the Paragon, in a new and even more complete rendition – truer to the original 100-year-old Paragon- will rise again on the site. Nucor is providing engineering, fabrication and installation of the new boat section on the current steel and concrete support. We are currently in the design and engineering phase. Once that is complete we will present the City with our plans. Once approved, fabrication will begin at the Nucor site. Nucor has been wonderful to work with – their expertise, hearts and souls are fully behind the project.
This positive outcome is the result of the amazing support from the West Seattle community, largely of course the result of the WSB, and that of the Seattle Parks Foundation and Allied Arts. I have been astounded by and am extraordinarily grateful for the outpouring. Without the public support, the demolition of the wooden boat would have been followed by demo of the entire sculpture.
When we checked back with A&C’s Bolisay after hearing from Fels, he said the city’s role in this isn’t finalized: “Re-accessioning is a separate process and isn’t guaranteed.” Meantime, a contractor will be on site starting around 7:30 a tomorrow.
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