West Seattle, Washington
04 Friday
One day after Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth returned to three-boat service after almost three years, another milestone for Washington State Ferries – a builder has been chosen for its next three new boats. From the announcement:
Governor Bob Ferguson today announced he has selected the $714.5 million bid from Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build three new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries. Washington State Ferries (WSF) will move forward with the contracting process, following the first competitive bid for ferry construction in more than 25 years. …
The contract award comes after a comprehensive year-long process of advertising, pre-qualifying shipyards, and answering shipyard requests for clarification. Two shipyards submitted bids. Eastern’s bid was 6% lower than WSF’s own engineer’s estimate, and significantly lower than the other bidder.
The shipyard bid is only part of the new build process. There is an additional approximately $150 million for the first vessel for owner-furnished equipment, construction management, WSF crew training, and risk contingencies. This brings the cost of the first vessel to approximately $405 million, the second to $360 million, and the third to $325 million, as contingency risk decreases with lessons learned from each previous construction. …
According to its website, Eastern Shipbuilding Group has built more than 350 vessels, including ferries. It was one of two bidders; the other was Nichols Brothers Boat Builders on Whidbey Island. State law was changed to allow ferries to be built out of state.
(WSB photos)
If you traveled on SW Oregon today west of California SW and wondered about the painting project – Inner Alchemy Treasures and Transformation (4312 SW Oregon) is the next West Seattle Junction business incorporating its streetfront signage into a mural! Artist Cody Huff is painting today – perfect weather, notes Inner Alchemy proprietor Maari Falsetto, who’s supervising:
The mural will incorporate Inner Alchemy’s logo symbol, the purple clematis, with big flowers wrapping around the edge of the building. One flower will likely be done by day’s end, and then painting will resume on Friday. This is one of three locations that comprise Inner Alchemy, which took over the Junction space this past spring – its former storefront at 3043 California SW is now a healing room, and the Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio in the American Legion building in The Triangle hosts classes and workshops.
(File photo)
Now that July is here, outdoor music season has arrived too – this month, that includes West Seattle Summer Fest (July 11-13), Admiral Music in the Parks (July 17, 24, and 31), Alki Art Fair (July 18-20), the West Seattle Big Band Concert in the Park (July 15) … and one multi-night event in which you can participate! That’s the West Seattle Community Orchestras’ Play Along in the Park, 6-8 pm on the next four Tuesdays (not tonight) in July in Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), near the north lot. Rotating WSCO conductors lead full ensembles in “music ranging from classical to contemporary.” Spectators are welcome too, of course, but players are especially encouraged. If you want to play, register here so you’ll get the music parts for the night(s) you want to join in. Free for musicians and audience!
Though at least one social-media site suggested that I Luv Teriyaki in SODO/Georgetown was reopening today, more than two years after a kitchen fire gutted the restaurant, we’ll save you the trip: We checked while running an errand in the area this past hour, and there are no signs (literally or figuratively) of impending reopening. Since we reported on the March 2023 fire, and the teriyaki restaurant has been a favorite for West Seattleites crossing the 1st Avenue South Bridge, fans have been asking us periodically when it’s reopening. We have tried to reach its owner repeatedly in recent weeks and months and have had no luck or callbacks. So we check in person whenever we’re in the vicinity.
(Noctilucent clouds, photographed by Steven Rice)
Here’s our list for your Tuesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUMMER FOOD: As reported here Monday, there are multiple sites in West Seattle where kids can get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks.
CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: The meeting that just began includes items related to Sound Transit’s in-city light-rail projects, including West Seattle. Here’s the agenda, which has all the document links. You can watch via Seattle Channel.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: You’re welcome to join this weekly advocacy gathering, until noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if you’re a first-time participant.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: The outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is open every day, with sessions between noon and 7 pm. Fee.
WADING POOLS: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden) will be open today, noon-7 pm. Free.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch at West Seattle Golf Course. (4470 35th SW).
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 2 pm, weekly meeting, open to public comment in person or online. The agenda explains how to watch/participate. Agenda items today include the agreement for Premier to keep operating golf courses including West Seattle.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
WEST SEATTLE TAE KWON DO CLUB: 6 pm at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW).
TOASTMASTERS 832: Hybrid meeting, 6 pm – work on your communication and leadership skills! Online or at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW).
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN WITH HOKA DEMO: Tonight at 6:15 pm, meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run, with a chance to demo Hokas!
MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has details on signing up before you go.
BINGO X 2: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW) … Talarico’s Pizzeria also offers 8 pm bingo (4718 California SW).
TRIVIA X 4: Wondering where to play trivia in West Seattle Tuesday nights? – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW).
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather September 6 to celebrate Dan Monahan‘s life, and they’re sharing this remembrance now with the community:
John Daniel Monahan (Dan) was born on July 26th, 1990 and passed away on April 4th, 2025 in Seattle at the age of 34.
Dan was a creative, thoughtful, and accomplished person who also struggled with a lifetime of physical and mental challenges. He was an insightful nature photographer and a prolific writer of fantasy and satire. He spoke and wrote fluent Japanese, which he taught himself – then lived in Japan teaching English to high school students. He was passionate about the martial arts and was a devoted student of Buddhism. He researched and studied extensively the many layers of the human body including all the trigger points, in order to treat his chronic pain from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. He often supported people who were having troubles in their lives – serving a support role for friends and family who were coping with challenges of the body, mind, or spirit. He worked a long season in the depths of winter at a homeless shelter alongside people who were addicted, sick, and hurting. Dan loved risk, travel and adventure, climbing trees, walls, cliffs, buildings and mountains. He felt most at home in the woods, surrounded by tall forest trees, bodies of water, mountain vistas, and wild animals.
Dan was a beloved son to Viveca and John Monahan. A caring brother to Christina. A cherished nephew to Patricia Monahan and her late husband, Guy Shinkaruk, Moira and Jim McCarthy, Kate Marin, Deirdre Monahan, the late Tom Monahan and his wife, Mary Lester, and the late Mary Wanco and her daughter Melissa Landolfi. He was a dear friend to many from childhood, college, work, community, and life. He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:00 am PDT. Please contact the family for more details – vivecamonahan@gmail.com
As we come together to honor Dan’s legacy, we invite all who knew him to share their memories of Dan and upload photos to his memorial page.
(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 Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the first day of the month and second day of a holiday-shortened week.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly sunny, high in upper 70s, clear weather still expected all week, including the Fourth of July. Today’s sunrise was at 5:15 am; sunset will be at 9:10 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Gas work in Highland Park, according to Kay (we’ve since received a notice of bus stop effects for the next 2 weeks too).
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has resumed three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, plus weeknights with Mariners home games (and some other events) … including, again, tonight:
STADIUM ZONE
The Mariners continue their homestand tonight, with another 6:40 pm game against Kansas City.
TAKING EFFECT TODAY
–Higher toll for the 99 tunnel.
-Higher state gas tax, six cents more a gallon, first increase in nine years.
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!
1:24 AM: Mid-size callout this past half-hour for a fire in the 5000 block of 26th SW. They’ve just declared it “tapped” – out – and assessed it as an “exterior” fire. No injuries reported. We’ll follow up on the cause later this morning.
ADDED: SFD tells us, “Crews were dispatched to 5000 block of 26th Ave SW for a report of a possible electrical fire. They arrived and extinguished a small fire on the exterior of a home. No injuries were reported.”
Three miscellaneous biznotes:
CLOSURE: Announced earlier this month but not called to our attention until a note tonight from Lori, the South Admiral shop Soirée is closing after almost two years. They haven’t announced the shutdown date but expect it’ll be sometime in July, and in the meantime are running a clearance sale.
(HomeStreet Bank photo – banker Andrew Tento and Dr. Kathleen Saturay)
SHOWCASE: Every month, HomeStreet Bank (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) showcases a local business, and then hosts a drawing at month’s end. This past month it’s been Dr. Kathleen Saturay‘s dental practice, spotlighting (and giving away) sleep studies – studying your sleep to figure out if you have habits harming your teeth. For July, the spotlight business is Electric Butter Marketing. Just visit the HomeStreet branch to enter the drawing before month’s end!
WILL THIS FOOD TRUCK RETURN? If you dropped by The Chicken Supply fried-chicken truck on the corner of 35th and Barton last weekend, you’ll have to head to their Greenwood location for a second helping. Since the trailer was still there today, we checked on whether they planned to open again. But co-owner Paolo Campbell told WSB’s Hayden Yu Andersen that their appearance outside of the former Tony’s Market lot was, at least for now, just a “pop-up” to test the waters in West Seattle: “I live fairly close, and I’ve been here for a while. I noticed the (35th and Barton) lot has seen a lot of traffic, and our trailer is in full effect for the summer, so we gave it a shot and it went well,” said Campbell. “I’m not sure what (the schedule) will look like in the future, nothing is set in stone, but we would love to come back.” Ideally, they might visit once a month – but there’s a lot to be worked out.
Last week, when Mayor Harrell and citywide Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck announced the B&O tax changes nicknamed “Seattle Shield,” the actual proposal wasn’t available to read. Tonight, it is. The first discussion is set for a council committee meeting on Wednesday morning; the Finance, Native Communities, and Tribal Governments Committee meets at 9:30 am, and its agenda has the full text of the draft ordinance as well as slide decks with key points of what it would do, such as a comparison of taxes that businesses pay now and would pay if the change is approved:
And what the revenue – estimated at $90 million – would go for:
The committee won’t be voting at this meeting. But they will take public comment, in person and remote – the agenda explains how to participate.
6:53 PM: For the past three or so nights, police have been trying to catch a group speeding around West Seattle in the same stolen car. Today, they took the unusual step of asking us to circulate a description of this car, in hopes somebody will spot it – parked or moving. It’s a 2018 white four-door Hyundai Elantra, no plates, usually seen with four ski-masked people on board, traveling 70 to 80 mph, no lights. They have pursued it, police tell us, but unsuccessfully. We asked police if there are any other distinguishing features you would notice, but they said no. If you think you see it – again, either moving or not – call 911.
7:57 PM: Update – the vehicle has been recovered, police just told us.
(Photo courtesy Lou Cutler, as he and friends stopped on the shore last Wednesday)
Last week we were on Pigeon Point as retired Pathfinder K-8 PE teacher Lou Cutler and friends headed out on a peninsula-wide walk to raise money for Make-A-Wish, the nonprofit for which he’s volunteered for many years, helping ailing kids’ wishes come true. Last week’s walk was also a birthday celebration for Lou – turning 74 this year; in many past Junes, he celebrated with a Pathfinder event running/walking the same number of laps as years on the school field that he’d been alive. This time, he planned to walk 13 miles around West Seattle – and succeeded:
(It) was a beautiful day for a walk and always a pleasure to have great company along the way and the MAW kids and their families to inspire me all along the way.
Due to previous commitments of my compadres, I finished the final 4 miles by myself and to be quite honest, that was a bit of a challenge as I may have become dehydrated along the way and the exercise music I always use to motivate me during walks wasn’t available as my phone died at mile 10. The last 3.7 miles were much slower than the previous 10 miles and I wouldn’t have finished without the inspiration I receive from the MAW kids and their families!!
We checked today and supporters/donors have brought Lou’s campaign within a few hundred dollars of the goal he set. If you’re interested in donating, here’s the link.
(2024 WSF concept for Fauntleroy Way signalized intersection)
Heads up for more road work to get ready for this fall’s project to add a signal where Fauntleroy Way SW intersects with the ferry dock, in advance of the dock replacement/expansion later this decade. Two weeks ago, crews did drilling at the site; next week, they’ll do “potholing,” explained as “using specialized equipment to create small holes in the ground to verify the location, depth and condition of underground utilities.” The work is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, July 8 and 9, 9 am-7 pm. Here’s the official notice. Questions? There’s a construction hotline, 206-402-8070. The announcement was circulated along with news of a date for the terminal project’s final Community Advisory Group meeting, now set for 6 pm August 6, online. The public will be welcome to attend; watch this page for a registration link later this summer.
Today marks the start of the summer-meals program, and food is available for kids and teens at multiple locations. In our area, the locations open to everyone 18 and under – no registration or ID required – include:
Highland Park Playground
South Park Plaza
High Point Community Center
Dick Thurnau Park – KC Parks (White Center)
White Center Community Center at Steve Cox Memorial Park – KC Parks
The sites offer breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks. The hours and days vary – that information is on the full site list, linked from this page on the city website.
12:01 PM: Historic Kenyon Hall, the event venue in Sunrise Heights, is just beginning a summer-long closure this week for some much-needed renovation work (as explained here). One part of that work involves the hall’s iconic Mighty Wurlitzer sign – heralding its beloved pipe organ – part of which is suddenly missing, because somebody stole it:
It is one half of the Mighty Wurlitzer sign that was stolen over the weekend. We are in the process of refurbishing the sign to re-hang during the remodel. We are asking it be returned, no questions asked. This sign is part of a registered City of Seattle historical site and is very important to the history of the building. The missing piece is 8 feet by 18 inches.
The sign is made of “wood pressboard.” We’re told it was leaned up against the south-neighboring building (home to The Westy) when taken. If somehow you’ve found yourself in possession of the sign and don’t know where Kenyon Hall is so you can return it – 7904 35th SW.
2:17 PM: The sign has been recovered. Just heard from the Kenyon Hall volunteer who sent the original report. She says:
Sign was FOUND!!!! By a kind neighbor who was at EC Hughes Playground with their kiddo and saw it in the encampment area.
11:25 AM: The report and photos were sent by CJ:
I found this two bags (near 42nd/Holly). One includes at a Dell laptop computer and what appears to be a folder containing school work from WSHS.
If you know who these bags belong to, contact us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you with the finder, who has taken them for safekeeping.
1:55 PM: As noted in comments – reunited.
(Photo by Mike Burns)
Here’s what’s on the Monday highlight list from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (are we missing something? let us know!):
CAPERS SALE: The all-month-long, all-store sale (and 40th anniversary celebration) ends today! Capers (WSB sponsor) is open 10 am-6 pm today. (4525 California SW)
FAMILY STORY TIME: Southwest Library‘s 10:30 am story time is open to wee ones and their parents/guardians/caretakers. (9010 35th SW)
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: Continuing through Labor Day, the outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is open every day, noon-7 pm. Fee.
WADING POOLS: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden) will be open today, noon-7 pm. Free.
CITY COUNCIL: 2 pm “briefing meeting” today; see the agenda here;
watch live via Seattle Channel. (No public comment at the briefing meetings.)
ART SALON: “A safe place for creative people to gather” at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 4-6 pm. Bring your own art supplies!
WINE CLASS: Learn about Austrian wines at Walter’s (4811 California SW)! Our calendar listing has registration and fee info.
CRAFTING & CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm, Monday is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too!
LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: Not happening this week; back next week.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Four places you can play tonight! 6:30 and 7:30 pm every-other-week Music Quiz at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ALKI MEDITATION: Every Monday – doors open at Alki UCC at 6:45, and the meeting is from 7-8:30. (6115 SW Hinds)
POOL TOURNAMENT: The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starts at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: More Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Live music on Mondays! Jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Mondays, you can sing karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks to everyone who sends info for our calendar – if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:03 AM: Though we usually only make closed/open lists for the big end-of-year holidays, we’ve had a couple inquiries this year about who’s open/closed on the Fourth of July. We’ve noticed over the years that some restaurants and other businesses have closed early on this holiday so employees can celebrate (and because customers have often moved on to their own plans by nightfall), so if your business is closing early or entirely this Friday, we’d be happy to include the info on our holiday list. Three ways to get us that info very quickly and simply – comment below, or email westseattleblog@mail.com, or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
UPDATE: We’re adding info below as we hear from businesses/organizations:
CLOSED JULY 4: First in, Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) tasting room/wine bar – open Thursday 7/3 5-9 pm, CLOSED Friday for the holiday, open Saturday 7/5 1-6 pm.
CLOSED JULY 4: Also received: “The West Seattle Food Bank (35th SW/SW Morgan) will be closed Friday for the 4th of July, and The Clothesline (not regularly open on Fridays) will be closed in honor of the holiday on Saturday, July 5th. We will reopen for food and clothing distribution on Tuesday, July 8th with our regular hours.”
OPEN EARLY JULY 4: “Mission Cantina (2343 California SW) will open early on July 4 at 9 AM for brunch—perfect for anyone heading to the West Seattle 4th of July Kids Parade or just looking for a great way to start the holiday.”
CLOSED JULY 4: “Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW) will be closed July 4th, returning to regular hours Saturday the 5th (10-8).”
CLOSED JULY 4: “Moon Room (5902 California SW; WSB sponsor) will be closed on July 4 and will reopen for regular hours July 5 from 11 am – 5 pm.”
CLOSED JULY 4: “Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor) will be closed 4th of July and will resume normal hours on the 5th.”
CLOSED JULY 3 & 4: “Lady Di Pet Chaperone (9037 35th SW) will be closed for pet day care July 3 & 4.”
HOLIDAY HOURS JULY 4: “West Seattle Grounds hours will be 7 am to 2 pm on July 4th.”
9:23 AM: Two notes: Damaged, abandoned car reported blocking the road in 1500 block of Alki SW … texter reports “loose bucket in the roadway on eastbound West Seattle Bridge” …
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, June 30, 2025, the last day of the month and first day of a holiday-shortened week.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly sunny, high around 80, clear weather expected most of the week, including the Fourth of July. Today’s sunrise was at 5:15 am; sunset will be at 9:10 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – This morning, WSF relaunches three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where. Here’s more info on the change.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, plus weeknights with Mariners home games (and some other events) … like tonight:
STADIUM ZONE
The Mariners are back home tonight, with a 6:40 pm game against Kansas City.
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!
(‘Live’ camera image from Fauntleroy dock)
M/V Issaquah is already moored on Vashon Island, ready to take its position as the #3 boat on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry run Monday morning, as Washington State Ferries officially restores three-boat service to the “Triangle Route.” It’s been a two-boat route for almost four years, and wasn’t expected to get a third boat now, until Gov. Bob Ferguson ordered WSF to pause its hybrid-electric conversion process, keeping a boat in service that otherwise would have dropped out. WSF announced in mid-April that June 30th would be the Triangle Route restoration date. But it also cautions, “There may be times when the route will shift back to two-boat service. Thanks to feedback from a community working group, Washington State Ferries has a new, updated two-boat schedule (use the drop-down menu at the top to view the other two segments of the route). This backup schedule will be used when the route loses a vessel. More information on these unplanned service disruptions can be found in WSF’s Service Contingency Plan.” There’ll be reduced capacity for a while later this summer, too, as we reported Thursday; WSF spokesperson Justin Fujioka told WSB that “Sealth is scheduled to replace Cathlamet for about a month starting in mid-August so Cathlamet can go in for some scheduled maintenance.” (Sealth is a 90-car boat, compared to the 124-car capacity Cathlamet.) The three-boat schedule, meantime, starts in the 4 am hour Monday morning.
(First three photos by Dave Gershgorn for WSB)
The Statue of Liberty joined the Stars and Stripes as American icons carried Saturday afternoon during streetcorner rallies from Admiral Junction to Morgan Junction.
Previous rallies were held concurrently with similar actions across the country. This time, “Reclaim the Flag” was a West Seattle Indivisible standalone plan.
In comment discussion following coverage of previous rallies, someone has invariably asked, why do this – what’s the point? So we took that question to a few of the participants we found in Morgan Junction. Carol answered that question head-on:
I’m tired of people asking me if it does any good to come out, and I’m tired of answering yes. What are the other actions you could take then? Donating to a cause? Supporting [specific] politicians? This [protesting] isn’t the action for everyone, but anytime we can see the collective good, that is inspiring for people – whatever they may do. … I’m optimistic that for enough people the light bulb will come on – and that we [the people] are the only promise we have to make it better, that’s it, because this government is so corrupt.
(This photo and next by Torin Record-Sand for WSB)
Scott told us:
Each one of us standing on a corner makes a big difference, but not only that – the bus drivers waving at me, and all the honking [really shows support] … This is my chance to make up for me and my generation not finishing the job in the ’60s and ’70s, I’m glad to be able to make a difference if I can. … In the 1960s, we thought we were going to change the world, then we got married and settled down and didn’t follow through. … What’s going on now should make us appreciate democracy rather than taking it for granted – hopefully the backlash against the rise of authoritarianism will give rise to a resurgence of democracy.
We also talked to that trio in Morgan Junction:
Democrats are out of touch, and Republicans are flirting with fascism … The attacks on the Constitution, the [imprisonment] of immigrants [even with] green cards and visas, breaking the law – the law we’ve had since 1776 – who gives him the right? … The system doesn’t work any more, the legislative branch doesn’t want to act, the judicial branch doesn’t want to act – that leaves us with a king, which is unacceptable.
One added a comment related to the legislation that’s continued making its way through Congress this weekend: “I’m protesting the ‘big bad bill’ because it’s taking away health care – it’s going to make people die.”
WHAT’S NEXT: Most of those with whom we spoke said rallying/sign-waving isn’t all they’re doing; they’re also contacting members of Congress. Rally participant Gretchen suggested, “It is super easy to contact Congress if you are irritated enough.” (Whatever you want to tell them, links to contact info start here.)
(Google Maps Street View image)
Thanks for the tip. Via email, the West Seattle branch of Row House (4203 SW Oregon) announced today that it’s closing in four weeks:
It is with sincere gratitude and heavy hearts we share the news that Row House West Seattle will be closing its doors permanently. Our final day of classes will be Sunday, July 27th. Despite being listed for sale over the past year, a transition was not secured, and a new business will be assuming the lease August 4th.
Over the years, your support, dedication, and energy have created a vibrant, inspiring community, one that we’ve been honored to be a part of. The friendships formed, progress achieved, and spirit shared within these walls have meant more to us than words can express.
With this chapter coming to an end, we still have a full month to finish strong. We are planning themed rows and celebrations for our final month, so let’s fill these classes and go out with a bang!
We will be issuing prorated refunds for active memberships and class packages. If you have any questions about your membership, please reach out to westseattlegm@therowhouse.com and we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you again for being a part of the Row House West Seattle community. Your commitment and passion have truly been the heartbeat of the studio. Once a crew, always a crew.
Sincerely,
The Row House West Seattle Team
No indication yet what that “new business” is; the space has been listed for sublease for several months. Row House is affiliated with a nationwide chain of indoor-rowing studios, and has been open in West Seattle for almost six years.
Earlier this month, we noted a strike-authorization vote by local grocery workers and thousands of colleagues around the region. Strike authorization doesn’t mean a strike is guaranteed, and in this case, it’s not going to happen, the workers’ union UFCW 3000 has announced. UFCW 3000 says the Kroger (including QFC and Fred Meyer) and Albertsons (including Safeway) workers ratified a contract in three days of voting this week, and that the new contract includes “highest-ever average annual wage increase, $2.70 over two years.” Contract details are here.
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