July 2026

On Saturday, July 25, the Seattle Chinese Garden will transform into a lively hub of heritage and community during its Chinese Cultural Open House. From 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, the public is invited to the north entrance of South Seattle College for a "welcoming environment" designed to showcase the beauty of Chinese culture through art, music, and interactive activities.

The afternoon's schedule is packed with traditional performances intended to captivate visitors of all ages. The air will be filled with the elegant notes of the Guzheng, performed by Angell Li and the CAMA Music Ensemble, while Tanya Woo will grace the stage with Chinese Dance. Adding a burst of energy to the event, MJ & Friends are set to lead a Lion Dance Demonstration, a staple of Chinese celebratory tradition.

By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

Salmon Bay of Ballard captured the women's national soccer championship Saturday by outscoring the visiting Vermont Green team, 5-4, in a penalty kick shootout.

The two teams had played to a 1-1 tie in regulation and overtime at sold out Interbay Stadium.

Now the Ballard FC team will take aim at the national men's championship, playing host to the Colorado Storm in a 6:30 p.m. Sunday semifinal.

That match will also take place at what is expected to be a packed Interbay Stadium.

The West Seattle Grand Parade sponsored by the West Seattle Rotary Club rolled down California Ave SW for it's 92nd year (skipping only for the pandemic) led by Grand Marshall Matt Vaughan and full of more than 80 entries. Drill teams, marching bands, companies, politicians and more all made the roll and stroll from the the Admiral District to the Junction. The familiar motorcycle drill teams from the Vancouver BC police department and the Seattle Police Department were not present this year.

But the Seafair Clowns and the always boisterous Seafair Pirates were in attendance (before stopping down to the 39 Lounge at West Seattle Bowl to tip back a few). 

The Orville Rummel Trophy for Community Service this year went to Denis Sapiro whose work with the Kiwanis Club is widely known.

Here are some photos from the event.

By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

West Seattle's impressive run all the way back from an opening loss at the state age 9-11 Little League Baseball all-star tournament ended with a 5-2 loss to Soundview of Northeast Tacoma in the loser's bracket final Friday.

That result left the Westsiders as the third place finishers in the tournament played mostly at the Lynndale field in Lynnwood with some games at nearby Mukilteo.

Soundview goes on to play Bellevue National for the state championship at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lynndale and needs two wins in a row.  The if-neccessary game is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

West Seattle Little League avenged its only loss of the state age 9-11 baseball tournament Thursday.

The Westsiders topped Mill Creek by a 7-5 score after losing its tournament opener to the same team last Saturday, 7-3.

West Seattle has now battled all the way back through the loser's bracket to earn the right to play in a 6 p.m. Friday loser's bracket final against Soundview of Northeast Tacoma.

The winner of that game at the Lynndale field in Lynnwood returns to play undefeated Bellevue National in the provisional championship game at 11 a.m. Saturday needing to win twice to capture the state title.

The if-necessary second game is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Pencil Me In For Kids (PMIFK) is a West Seattle Rotary sponsored project that has provided basic school supplies to West Seattle K-5 students in need since 1995. Their 31st annual School Supply Drive launched this week and runs through August 1. 

I started working on California Ave when I was 16 years old, back in 1984, at Penny Lane Records (where the great men's clothing store Mystery Made is now 4537 California Ave SW) . I then opened my own store in late '87 and moved it where it is today in August of 1989.  I've witnessed almost 5 decades worth of the West Seattle Grand Parade.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO) has released a progress report on its Safer Schools Strategy, highlighting a major shift in how the justice system communicates with local school districts to prevent violence.

Since the initiative launched in January 2024, prosecutors have made nearly 300 notifications to schools regarding students facing pending felony firearm charges. In the past school year alone, 78 such notifications were issued. Before this strategy was implemented, schools were often unaware of a student's pending felony firearm charges until a conviction occurred; the new system allows for threat assessments and safety planning at a much earlier stage.

Breaking Down Silos

For the World Cup Championship match next Sunday, July 19, 2026 (kickoff at 12:00 PM PDT), several West Seattle venues and organizers are actively promoting and hosting watch parties:

1. Ounces Taproom & Beer Garden (Delridge)

• Event: Championship Watch Party

• Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

• Details: Ounces is hosting a major neighborhood watch party featuring World Cup brews on tap, game day food specials, outdoor and indoor screens, and game audio playing.

• Vibe: Free, family-friendly, and dog-friendly.

2. Beveridge Place Pub (Morgan Junction)

• Event: World Cup Final Viewing

• Time: Opening early for the match (doors before the 12:00 PM kickoff).