West Seattle, Washington
06 Wednesday
(WSB photo, June 2024 solstice sunset watch)
Spring changes to summer at 7:42 pm Friday (June 20). Less than an hour later, you’re invited to join West Seattle educator/expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen at her Summer Solstice Sunset Watch, 8:30-9:30 pm at Solstice Park (upslope at 7400 Fauntleroy Way SW). Learn what really happens at the solstice; see (if the sun cooperates) the special view enabled by the park’s unique design; find out what’s on the horizon in the skywatching world. Free, fun, all ages, canceled unless it’s MAJOR rain (there is rain in the forecast right now, but certainly that could change – today was originally predicted to be showery).
Just a quick reminder before the day’s out – the Juneteenth holiday tomorrow (Thursday, June 19) will bring various closures, particularly in government-operated facilities. Seattle Public Library and King County Library System branches will all be closed; so will many Seattle Parks facilities. Juneteenth is also a US Postal Service holiday and banking holiday.
Planning a camping, hiking, and/or climbing trip? You can get geared up while keeping your dollars benefiting a business here at home. Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) just announced what’s new:
Residents of West Seattle no longer need to leave the peninsula to gear up for camping, hiking, and mountaineering in the beautiful Northwest forests, mountains, and beaches. Mountain to Sound Outfitters, located in the Triangle, now offers Camp, Hike, and Mountaineering gear in stock.
We’ve expanded our inventory based on customer feedback received over the years. You can now find tents, sleeping bags, stoves, cookware, and backpacks available for rent or sale right here at your locally owned and operated store. We carry top brands like Osprey Packs, Big Agnes Tents, Therm-a-Rest, Petzl, and Platypus to prepare you for your backcountry adventures.
If your goal is to summit peaks, we also stock climbing harnesses, carabiners, ice axes, and crampons to help you navigate our glacial terrain. Stay tuned — ropes are arriving soon!
In addition to sales, we offer climbing gear rentals as well. We understand that exploring the Northwest requires a lot of equipment, and rentals can be a practical solution — especially for those of us living in efficiency apartments. There’s no need to own gear for the occasional weekend adventure when you can rent it.
Mountain to Sound Outfitters is located at 36th and Alaska in the Triangle and is also your go-to place for kayak, stand-up paddleboard, ski, and snowboard gear. Stop by to check us out, and let us know if you’re a first-time visitor.
We have exciting events coming up, including Dog Days and Demo Days, where you can try out our kayaks and paddleboards. If you can’t make it in, be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.
We appreciate the vibrant community of West Seattle and are committed to providing more outdoor gear as our business grows. Come visit us before your next adventure!
Mountain to Sound Outfitters is open 10 am-6 pm Mondays-Saturdays, 10 am-5 pm Sundays.
Story and video by Tracy Record
Photos by Oliver Hamlin
for West Seattle Blog
The current chaotic state of the world got several mentions during the West Seattle High School Class of 2025 graduation at Memorial Stadium downtown last night.
First – though most may have been unaware as they entered the stadium in bright sunshine, this commencement ceremony made history.
Tuesday was the last night of graduation ceremonies at the historic stadium before its redevelopment project begins. WSHS brought nearly 400 graduating seniors, including Ben Godfried, who gave the welcoming speech. “We’re tired of waking up to stories that seem ridiculous but are true. We’re here to say it doesn’t have to be this way.”
The staff speaker, teacher Kyle Glover, offered advice on navigating the employment world, including a warning that even a dream job can become a nightmare, and how to prioritize your time:
The first student speaker, Ryan Wade, asked classmates to remember that “Wildcats always take care of each other”:
Lucy Warren & Friends then provided a musical interlude:
One of the 16 Class of 2025 valedictorians, Ellen Rikhof, was the ceremony’s other student speaker, marveling that in this time, simply caring has become a “radical act’:
WSHS principal Brian Vance, finishing his seventh year at the school, offered words of gratitude for many, and then led the crowd in one last “spelldown,” involving the spectators as well as ceremony participants.
Though some of the previous speakers had warned against putting the weight of the world on this generation’s shoulders and expecting them to “save” everyone else, Vance suggested similar hopes. (What else are you going to do on a night like this, so full of hopes and dreams and possibilities?) Vance presented the class to School Board President Gina Topp, who accepted them, and then it was time for the calling of those nearly 400 names, announced by Tom Burggraff and Julia Harper:
And the tassel-turning, led by Malia Barker:
Then the new grads proceeded to bid faculty farewell:
And it was on into their new lives – celebrating where they’re going, with a nod to where they’d been.
(You can see the district’s recording of the full ceremony here.)
The report and photo were sent by C:
My truck was stolen from between Dakota and Andover on 42nd Ave SW last night sometime between 6 pm on 6/17 and 7 am on 6/18.
It’s is a burgundy/dark red 1991 Toyota Pickup (not Tacoma) with license plate B40649K
SPD incident # 25-168428
Call 911 if you find it (and refer to that case number).
JULY 17 UPDATE: The owner says his pickup was found in Kent last week.
(WSB file photo)
Last year, you might recall, District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka got $2 million included in the city budget for what was described as his “highest priority” – a plan to remove a median curb blocking left turns into the Refugee and Immigrant Family Center Preschool on Delridge Way, where he had been a parent. The plan stirred a continuing uproar; supporters of the curb nicknamed it “Curby” and mounted a “Save Curby” campaign. SDOT hadn’t set a timeline for the work to be done, last we checked. Then moments ago, a news release arrived in the inbox, declaring that Councilmember Saka and Mayor Bruce Harrell have come up with an alternative plan:
Mayor Bruce Harrell and Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1) today announced a community-driven solution to address longstanding roadway safety concerns on Delridge Way SW. In response to concerns from the Refugee and Immigrant Family Center (RIFC) families, staff, and neighbors, three low-cost improvements will enhance safe access to RIFC while maintaining roadway safety for all users.
Last Fall, Councilmember Saka proposed and the Council adopted $2 million in City funding to prioritize safe, equitable access along this critical arterial — including the installation of a Metro bus stop in front of the RIFC building.
Thanks to a collaborative effort with the Mayor’s Office and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), the adopted solutions will achieve these goals at a fraction of the original budget. The solutions are estimated to cost approximately $500,000…. The three quick-build, cost-effective improvements include:
Designated Pick-Up/Drop-Off Zones: Install signage for designated pickup/drop off within a short walk of RIFC for families, including areas on Delridge Way SW and SW Willow Street. Passenger load zones can provide a safe, designated space less than 300 feet from RIFC’s entrance (to be completed this summer).
Non-Peak Parking in Bus Lane: Install signage for parking (which is already allowed) in the southbound bus lane during non-PM peak hours (except between 3-7PM) to facilitate RIFC pick-up and drop-off (to be completed this summer).
Southbound Turn-Around (Jug-Handle): A safer proposed turn-around at or near 22nd Ave SW allowing vehicles arriving from the south to head north and loop back south without obstructing traffic (to be completed by end of the year).
Councilmember Saka has an extensive explanation in this newsletter that arrived concurrently with the news release.
(Great Blue Heron and pilings, photographed by Stewart L.)
Here’s 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.
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore’s new Junction location. (4522 California SW)
CHAIR YOGA: 10:30 am weekly class at Dragonfly (3270 California SW): $20 drop-in.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: The open-daily season continues at Lincoln Park‘s outdoor, heated salt-water pool! Noon-7 pm; see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
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).
ART WORKSHOP FOR KIDS: 3 pm, join Rec’N The Streets at Delridge Library. (5423 Delridge Way SW)
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Got something that’s broken? Fix it instead of discarding 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).
A TRIO OF MOONPATH POETS AT C & P: WordsWest Literary Series presents three poets published by MoonPath, Katy E. Ellis, Susan Landgraf, and Cindy Veach, 6-8 pm gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
SUMMER DRAG BINGO: 6 pm at Pine Lake Cellars (5405 California SW), hosted by Jolene Granby.
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: 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome.
GAMES IN THE PARK FOR GROWNUPS: Meet in the Lincoln Park north parking lot by 6:30 pm and organizers will lead you to the location. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
THE DAISY CHAIN, LIVE: Album-release show at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, free, all ages.
KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), $35.
MUSIC BINGO: Two places to play tonight – at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm, and monthly MINGO at Three9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), 7:30 pm.
REGULAR TRIVIA x 3: Three West Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday list: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday trivia starting at 8 pm … Quiz Night also begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Your chance at centerstage – 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘THE EFFECT’ AT ARTSWEST: Tonight’s preview performance is sold out, but check the website for other shows starting with opening night tomorrow. (4711 California SW)
Got something coming up 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!
If you can give blood, there’s a special incentive for a one-day drive that’s exactly two weeks away – here’s the announcement, along with other dates if that one doesn’t work:
Blood donors in West Seattle will have multiple opportunities to make a life-saving impact this summer, with blood drives scheduled at Our Lady of Guadalupe on June 30, July 1, 2, 7, 8 and August 4, 5, 6, 11, and 12. The drives are organized by Bloodworks Northwest, a regional nonprofit dedicated to ensuring a safe and reliable blood supply to hospitals across the Pacific Northwest.
In a special promotion on Wednesday, July 2, all donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of Seattle Sorbet as a thank-you gift. The “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” campaign is proudly sponsored by Seattle Sorbets and Electric Butter Marketing.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Gym
Address: 7000 35th Avenue SWAppointments are strongly encouraged and can be scheduled at donate.bloodworksnw.org. Donors should use the code OLG2 when checking in to receive their sorbet voucher. For help booking, email schedule@bloodworksnw.org.
6:11 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, chance of showers, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise was again at 5:11 am (as early as it gets); sunset will be at 9:10 pm. (Summer officially arrives Friday evening!)
ROAD WORK
-Admiral Bridge work continues, with traffic routed to one lane each way on the north side of the bridge.
SCHOOL STATUS
Today is Seattle Public Schools‘ last day; Vashon Island gets out June 24; Highline Public Schools on June 25. Other schools are closed for the summer.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet. M/V Salish serves as the “bonus boat”. Three-boat service is still expected to relaunch on June 30th.
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).
…
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners are home, facing Boston again today at 1:10 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!
9:22 PM: Emergency responders are arriving at what’s reported as a two-vehicle crash that’s closed 35th at Willow. The cars are described as a Subaru Impreza and Toyota Land Cruiser. No word yet on injuries. Avoid the area for a while.
,
9:50 PM: No serious injuries, police told us at the scene; SFD left fairly quickly.
10:16 PM: Officers just told dispatch that they’ll be reopening 35th.
Two bits of chain news, thanks to reader tips:
DRUGSTORE DATE: While readers have reported local Rite Aid staff telling them about CVS takeover plans, the companies have refused to comment on plans for specific stores. There’s now a visible sign of change, though – the one above is up in the Rite Aid at 5217 California SW, saying its date for changing to CVS will be August 5.
ADDED 10:42 PM: Thanks to Shell for sending this sign photo from the Admiral Bartell:
EX-KFC TO BECOME WENDY’S: The ex-KFC/A&W at 10050 16th SW in White Center has had work under way for a while now, but no indication in online files or on site what it’s becoming.
Commenters now say Wendy’s, and we’ve found evidence of that – job listings. We’ll check with the company tomorrow.
7:22 PM: Thanks for the tip. For the third consecutive day, there’s a power outage of note in West Seattle. This time, more than 300 customers are out east of California, between Edmunds and Genesee. No “wires down” SFD dispatch this time, so we’re not sure about its origin – the texter who tipped us said they heard a “boom” near Oregon/40th.
7:33 PM: Commenter Deborah says this was a case of bird vs. wire.
8:07 PM: Some have their power back already, and SCL shows the outage is down to 261 customers.
10:48 PM: Everybody’s back on since our last check.
Despite the devastating lodge fire last November, Seattle Parks is going ahead with one of Camp Long‘s biggest events of the year – Mountain Fest, set for this Saturday! They asked us to share the poster with you:
The daylong festival is meant as a celebration of the park’s famous climbing rock and rope course, among other things. As for the lodge fire, permits for repairs and renovation continue proceeding through the city system..
From a Fauntleroy resident:
This child’s bike has been at the C-line bus stop across the street from the ferry dock for several days. It’s at the Barton/Fauntleroy stop (northbound) beside the staircase. Hope the owner finds it.
(Full Seattle Channel video of this morning’s meeting)
Though the price-tag problem remains unresolved, planning for West Seattle’s Sound Transit light-rail project proceeds, and the City Council’s Transportation Committee got a status report of sorts this morning.
The city has to give its official blessing to the project’s current designated route, including “transit way” rights for Sound Transit to use it, and this briefing was the first step toward future committee and full-council votes granting those rights. (Just rights, not possession, it was made clear.)
The first “transit way” rights were granted in 2000, it was explained, and this will be the fourth time the agreement has been changed.) Here’s the full slide deck from the briefing, which included – in case you’ve forgotten or are just catching up – succinct descriptions of each segment of the West Seattle Link Extension, still projected to start running in 2032.
Two numbers of interest – Sound Transit says they’re currently projecting the West Seattle extension (SODO to The Junction) will force 150 residential households and 130 businesses to move. But they insist they’re trying to find ways to lower those numbers in the final design, which they said they’re starting on “soon.”
And what about that price tag, last estimated around $7 billion? “We do have significant cost pressures on all our projects,” the ST team acknowledged. “That’s a risk.”
District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, who chairs the committee, asked when the agency might decide on scoping changes required by those pressures. The ST team said they’ll be talking about it at next week’s board meeting (Thursday, June 26) but not expecting any changes in the “near term.”
No vote followed today’s briefing – that’s expected to happen at committee and full-council meetings in July. (Other related documents are linked from the agenda for this morning’s meeting, including the resolutions that would put the city’s “approval” of the plan on the record too.)
(Seen on last year’s West Seattle Garden Tour)
If June showers enhance June flowers, then Sunday should be a spectacular edition of the annual West Seattle Garden Tour, as the forecast suggests some showers before then (though the current outlook for tour day is “partly sunny”). We checked in with the WSGT today to, for starters, see if any tickets are left. Answer: No – they sold out as of Sunday. So if you haven’t already bought a ticket, you’ll have to wait until next year. If you have – here’s an important reminder:
We’d like to remind folks who’ve purchased their tickets online for will-call that they will be available for pickup on Sunday only between 8:30 – 11 am at West Seattle Nursery at 5275 California Ave SW. This is a change from prior years where pickup was at Metropolitan Market. There will not be additional ticket books for sale at the West Seattle Nursery.
Tour hours on Sunday are 9 am to 5 pm – please be considerate of the garden hosts, no earlybirds, no late stragglers. And please follow tour etiquette:
-Stay on paths and be careful not to step on bordering plants
-Do not collect any plant material without the gardener’s permission
-Do not bring pets to the gardens (service animals are permitted)
-Please watch children closely
P.S. As we’ve reported before, Garden Tour proceeds go to grants for other nonprofits – here’s this year’s list of recipients – and applications are still open if your nonprofit is interested in next year’s grants.
The photo and report are from Karalyn, who’s hoping you might help find this car:
Early morning this last Saturday the 14th, my dad’s car was stolen on 18th and Henderson, just one block away from Boss Burger. My dad’s car is a black 2014 Lexus ES350 with a license plate of CKW4260. It was stolen between 2:42am-2:53am. It was targeted by a gray Lexus (unfortunately no license plate), with 3-4 men. On the right side, just behind the passenger seat, in green spray paint is the word “TAG.” We believe the person who stole the car was an Asian man with thick eyebrows, according to the photos we have.
(The spray-painting was done by the thief/thieves shortly before this screenshot.) We’ll add the SPD report # when we get it.
WEDNESDAY EVENING UPDATE: Karalyn says in a comment that her dad’s car was found in Shoreline.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s our reminder list for your Tuesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: The meeting that’s under way right now includes a discussion of West Seattle’s Sound Transit light rail and the city’s role in it, as well as a presentation about the state’s upcoming “Revive I-5” project. Here’s the agenda, which has all the document links. You can watch via Seattle Channel.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Ready to follow up on “No Kings” participation? One way to do it is offered via 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.
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.
HOMEWORK HELP: Done until next school year!
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION: The Class of 2025 celebrates commencement at 5 pm at Memorial Stadium downtown. Allow extra time for beefed-up security screenings. (400 5th Ave. N.) P.S. If you’re not going downtown, you can watch the live stream on the district’s YouTube channel.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 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.
EVENING UKULELE MEETUP: West Seattle ukulele players meet on third Tuesdays, 6 pm at Good Society (California/Lander).
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN: Tonight at 6:15 pm, meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
TOASTMASTERS 832 HYBRID MEETING: 6:30 pm online and at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW), grow your leadership and communication skills!
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: Here’s the answer to the weekly question “where can you play trivia in West Seattle Tuesday nights?” – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has 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).
MONTHLY PFLAG MEETING: 7:30 pm at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill).
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!
Just as summer vacation begins, it’s time for families to make some plans for fall – like sports! The West Seattle Soccer Club asked us to share this registration reminder with you:
Hey, West Seattle Families!
Founded in 1968, The West Seattle Soccer Club (WSSC) is a recreational soccer club for youth who reside in the southwest neighborhoods of Seattle. All youth ages 5-18 are eligible to play and experience is not required.
As we gear up for the Fall Soccer Season, excitement is booming with nearly a thousand players already registered! With the Spring Season wrapping soon, it’s time to ensure that you, your friends, and your neighbors join in too! Registration closes June 30th, so act fast. Whether your child is a seasoned player or just starting out, we’re excited to unveil our Fall Registration and anticipate the adventures ahead.
The Fall Season kicks off September 13th and 14th with seasons spanning 8, 10, or 12 games based on age division.
Secure your child’s spot or learn more at westseattlesoccer.org. Questions? Reach us at wsscboard@gmail.com.
Make this Fall Soccer season unforgettable! Enroll today to see your child thrive on the field, make friends, and create lasting memories. Financial assistance is available for qualified applicants. Don’t miss out – register now!
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise was again at 5:11 am (as early as it gets); sunset will be at 9:09 pm. (Summer officially arrives Friday evening!)
ROAD WORK
-Admiral Bridge work continues, with traffic routed to one lane each way on the north side of the bridge.
SCHOOL STATUS
Seattle Public Schools‘ last day is this Wednesday (June 18);Vashon Island gets out June 24; Highline Public Schools on June 25. Other schools are closed for the summer. … Also note, the West Seattle High School Class of 2025 graduates at 5 pm tonight at Memorial Stadium downtown.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet. M/V Salish serves as the “bonus boat”. Three-boat service is still expected to relaunch on June 30th.
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). Speaking of which …
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners are home, facing Boston again tonight at 6:40 pm.
(added) Thanks for the reminder! Club World Cup game at Lumen Field at noon.
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!
ORIGINAL REPORT, 10:46 PM MONDAY: Police are investigating confirmed gunfire in High Point. Someone said they were shot at while driving home from High Point Library, and wasn’t sure where it had happened, but police told dispatch they have found both several bullet holes in the car and several casings on 35th near the library. No injuries reported so far.
ADDED 11:34 AM TUESDAY: We’ve just obtained the narrative from SPD (they are responsible for the XXX redactions):
Two different residents reported the sounds of the shooting, one resident in the 5900 block of 34 Av Sw, and another resident in the 3100 block of Sw Raymond St.
At approximately 2226 hours, I arrived in the area and began looking for signs of a shooting, when Radio advised that a new caller was reporting that their brother had been shot at. I responded to the caller’s residence (elsewhere in High Point). … XXXXX and his younger sister … were returning from a family member’s house in XXXXXX. XXXXX was unable to name the streets but was able to describe his route home once he exited SR-99.
XXXXX took the hill on Highland Park Wy Sw to Sw Holden St, and then up another hill on Sylvan Wy Sw, which turns into Sw Morgan St as it approaches Sw 35 St. XXXXX made a right-hand turn onto 35th St and had passed the Walgreens located at 6330 35 Av Sw. Prior to making a right-hand turn onto Sw Raymond St, XXXXX thought he heard fireworks. It wasn’t until he felt broken glass on his neck that he realized someone was shooting at his vehicle.
XXXXX told his sister to duck down in the front passenger seat while he quickly drove off eastbound on Raymond St. XXXXX has no idea why anyone would target him or his sister, and believes that it was a mistaken identity, possibly based on his vehicle … a 2022 green Dodge Charger with tinted windows. Neither XXXXX or XXXX were able to provide a suspect or vehicle description.
XXXXX returned home to their residence where he told his older sister, XXXXX XXXX, what had just occurred. Neither XXXXX or XXXX recall anything out of the ordinary on their drive home (and neither) have had any recent conflicts with anyone.
XXXXX and XXXX did not sustain any injuries from the shooting. XXXXX’s vehicle had numerous areas of damage from the shooting. The damage was mostly to the driver’s side of the vehicle, which appeared to have at least four points of entry: two on the driver’s side rear quarter panel and two on the driver’s rear passenger side window.
It appeared two of the rounds that entered the vehicle may have exited thru the front passenger side windshield.
Officer XXXXX took photographs of the vehicle and recovered a slug from the driver’s rear quarter panel and two fragments located just below the front passenger side windshield. Officer XXXXX also recovered three shell casings that had been located in the street near 35 Av Sw and Sw Raymond St. … It is unknown if anyone witnessed the shooting and no cameras were observed in the area.
In a comment during our power-outage coverage, someone wondered if the Louisa Boren STEM K-8 graduation ceremony would be affected. Turns out it was – but everybody adapted adeptly, says Amy, who sent the photo and report:
Just wanted to give a shout out to Boren STEM K-8 8th graders who had their 8th grade graduation this evening at the school with no power. They had to pivot with only an hour before the ceremony when the lights went out. They moved the event to the lunch room since it has windows and natural light, moved as many decorations as they could, and they had no mics or amplified music or slideshows as planned. The grads rolled with it all, gave their speeches, celebrated each other, and still had a great evening together. Congratulations to all the graduates!
Poetry Slam participants Delicia Figueroa, Ruby Garcia Campos, and Alex Garcia
Story, video, and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
A packed house filled the Denny International Middle School Galleria on Thursday evening for the 13th annual ]8th-grade Poetry Slam, featuring spoken performances by more than 50 Denny students and special guest poets.
After a welcome from Denny principal Mary Ingraham, literacy teacher and event organizer Colin Slingsby (at right in the photo below) and assistant principal for literacy Michael Kamin praised the bravery and talent of the participating students as they express themselves through poetry:
The teachers also explained the “slam etiquette” and format, including the audience’s use of “snaps” to show encouragement and appreciation.
The official motto of the event, which was decorated as a backdrop on the stage, was a Swahili proverb with a theme of unity: “A boat doesn’t go forward if each one is rowing their own way.” Here is a PDF of the official program for the event.
Although Slingsby and the other organizers repeatedly emphasized that the focus of the event was on the overall experience and participation, not on competition, a panel of esteemed judges did evaluate and score every performance:
From left-to-right that’s former Denny students Addison Johnsen-Whited, Doe Doe, and Alex Casamalhaupa, who each also helped start the show by performing a poem of their own, along with fellow former student Hazel Simper (who Slingsby said he invited to perform her poem Rosemary because it was “one of the best poems I’ve ever heard,” and here’s our video of it: Hazel Simper – Denny 2025 Poetry Slam)
At the end of the night, the winning poets (as pictured in the photo below, courtesy of poetry teacher Emily Neeleman) were:
The student emcees for the event, keeping things moving between poets, were Marco Cendejas, Lizbeth Garcia and Isaac Naranjo-Lopez:
Also providing audio flavor between poets, as well as music during the pre-event dinner in the galleria, was Denny slam mainstay DJ Sureal:
Before the current Denny students took the stage, guests were treated to poems by professional guest poets Jamaar Smiley (see our video here: Jamaar Smiley – Denny 2025 Poetry Slam), a West Seattleite who Slingsby said he reached out to via his website and was pleasantly surprised to get an enthusiastic response, as well as Smiley’s guests Gentleman Dro and Wizdom the Wordsmith:
Then it was time to hear from the talented Denny student poets, such as Lyn Visick:
Topics from the poets ranged from the serious to the lighthearted, everything from gender issues and abuse to sports and food (see below). Most of the poets performed individually, and here are videos of a couple of them:
Some of the poets performed as groups, in “two-voice” or “three-voice” style, and here are some videos of those:
Among the more serious recurring themes of the night were poems about the immigrant family experience and international family heritage, with several poems delivered in Spanish (with English translation on a projector):
Slingsby thanked attendees for coming and students for participating, and also gave special thanks to a host of volunteers and helpers who made the event happen, including: Denny teachers and leadership, Seattle Parks and Recreation, the Denny City Year team, El Paisano Rosticeria y Cocina, DJ Sureal, the special guest poets, and former Denny students/judges.
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