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BIZNOTE: California firm sells Admiral Safeway site to Chicago firm

(Google Maps image)

Another major chunk of Admiral District commercial property has a new owner. Nine months after Wells Fargo sold its building on the northeast corner of California/Admiral after closing its branch there, the Admiral Safeway site – including the neighboring strip mall – has a new owner too. You might recall that the rebuilt store opened in 2011; one year later, Safeway sold it to a Southern California investment firm for $30 million. Now, after 13 years, that firm has sold it to a Chicago firm for $35.4 million. The sale was first reported by regional business publications this week, and while it’s not yet reflected in the King County Assessor’s Parcel Viewer lookup, we confirmed it via documents elsewhere in the King County online system. The new owner is SSV Admiral Junction LLC, and the name on the documents is Patrick Zilis, co-CEO of Chicago-based Hometown America, which specializes in residential developments, particularly those with manufactured homes on leased land (aka mobile-home parks). We’re of course inquiring about the company’s plan for the property; no proposals are in the city system so far, but the site has long been zoned for mixed-use development up to 7 stories. The Admiral Safeway property had been on the market for at least three months.

BIZNOTES: Paddling (with or without pirates), fashion, fast food

Three biznotes so far today:

(Photo courtesy Alki Kayak Tours)

ALKI KAYAK PADDLE CLUB + PIRATE PADDLING: Alki Kayak Tours (WSB sponsor) has two announcements:

Alki Kayak Tours just launched the Paddle Club, which includes:

1. Your choice between 3 tours or specialty classes, Mix and match system
2. 50% off Rentals
3. Exclusive Paddle Events and Special Discounts for Paddle Club Members.

Adult (13+): $299
Child (12 and younger): $250

Here’s how to join. In addition to the Paddle Club, we will be hosting an event for the Seafair Pirates Landing this Saturday on Alki – info and registration here.

Alki Kayak Tours offers rentals and tours from its headquarters at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW).

FASHION POP-UP: West Seattle has few options for clothes shopping so you might be interested in this planned pop-up. Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) will host a Cabi pop-up on Saturday (June 26), 10:30 am-1:30 pm, described as a curated sale by multiple Cabi stylists. Our calendar listing has full details.

FAST-FOOD FOLLOWUP: Last week we reported that the ex-KFC/A&W at 10050 16th SW in White Center is becoming a Wendy’s. We asked the company for more info and have finally heard back. They forwarded a statement from the franchisee:

WTC Ventures is excited to open our first Wendy’s restaurant at this location in White Center early this fall, bringing our fresh, famous food to more people in the community. This restaurant will be designed to meet the needs of our customers’ digital ordering preferences complete with kiosks, dedicated mobile and delivery pick-up points, and an enhanced drive-thru experience.

According to the franchisee’s website, WTC Ventures runs more than 90 Wendy’s in North America.

FERRIES: Here’s exactly how and when the upcoming Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth 3-boat service restoration will happen

(‘Live’ camera image from Fauntleroy dock)

In four days, Washington State Ferries plans to restore the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route to a full three-boat schedule, after years of reduced service. We asked WSF spokesperson Justin Fujioka exactly how the transition will be made. First, the boats – all three will be Issaquah class for starters, optimal for the schedule: “Issaquah is scheduled to replace Salish this weekend so Salish can go up to Port Townsend and prepare to enter service as that route’s second boat on July 4. We are planning to have that boat, plus Kittitas and Cathlamet, for most of our summer sailing season. The one exception is, Sealth is scheduled to replace Cathlamet for about a month starting in mid-August so Cathlamet can go in for some scheduled maintenance.” M/V Issaquah’s capacity – 124 cars – is almost double that of M/V Salish (which has been the “bonus boat” on the run for a while now), 64 cars. We also asked when the schedule change would take effect: “The new three-boat schedule will begin with the start of the sailing day on Monday, June 30. We will operate the entire sailing day Sunday, June 29, on the current two-boat weekend schedule, even departures after midnight.” Fujioka says that while they had some hoopla for the recent Bremerton service restoration, including a media event featuring the governor, that will NOT be happening for this restoration – WSF will just send out a reminder on Friday, including “details about the new updated backup two-boat schedule.” Comments about that schedule were requested back in April, as we reported with first word of the three-boat-service-restoration date.

Here’s our list for your West Seattle Thursday!

(Orca seen from Duwamish Head at 8 pm Wednesday, photo by Robin Sinner)

Here’s what’s on the list for your West Seattle Thursday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Gardening season continues! 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 today and every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

NO WADING POOLS: The city says it’s keeping the wading pools closed today because cool, showery weather is likely this afternoon.

COLMAN POOL CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC: No public swimming at Colman Pool today because of a swim meet, first of three days. Public swimming is scheduled to resume Sunday (June 29).

CAR WASH FUNDRAISER: As previewed here, the Hope Lutheran youth group is raising money for upcoming travel by washing cars – free, donations accepted – noon to 5 pm today. (41st/Oregon)

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -3.7 feet at 12:05 pm!

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to get the details of where they’re playing today.

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of three 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.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Last but never least, HPCS is the starting point for running 3 miles, or walking a shorter path, in the neighborhood near HPCS with the Run Club, leaving from the store at 6:30 pm, returning for beverages – 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!

LADIES STRONG! AT OUNCES: 5-8 pm celebration of local women in business, at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), with DJ (6 pm), giveaways, more.

PRIDE NIGHT OUT BLOCK PARTIES: 5-8 pm, tonight’s the night, all over the city.

FREE MENDING WORKSHOP: 5 pm at KAVU (9064 Delridge Way SW) – details and RSVP by going here.

WESTIES RUN CLUB, + SHOPPING: This group’s 6 pm weekly Thursday run starts at The Good Society in Admiral (California/Lander). Tonight: A special extra:

West Seattle Runner will be opening their shop to us after our run. They are giving us a 10% discount, a shoe fitting clinic, raffle drawing, snacks, La Croix, and beers from Good Society.

WSR is just down the block at 2743 California SW.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Prefer to walk? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.

INFODUMP OPEN-MIC NIGHT: 6 pm:

Don’t Get Me Started: Infodump Open Mic Night

June 26th, 6:00-7:30 at Delridge Branch of Seattle Public Library, 5423 Delridge Way SW

An event for Autistic and ADHD folks of all ages! Infodumping is a beloved part of neurodivergent culture. We want to celebrate one of our favorite ways to communicate!

More details in our calendar listing.

LIVE MUSIC IN THE JUNCTION: 6-9 pm, Patrick Rifflin performs Thursdays at Pegasus Pizza in The Junction (4520 California SW).

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm, in-person only this month, at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds). Agenda items include public safety and community events.

(added) BETTER AS BRASS REHEARSAL: 7-9 pm, Jack Block Park (near first parking lot): Come hear Better As Brass as we rehearse outside during the summer months!

MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: This month’s book is “Trail of the Lost“; club meets at 7 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW).

‘THE EFFECT’ AT ARTSWEST: Second week begins for new ArtsWest production “The Effect at 7:30 pm. Check here for tickets. (4711 California SW)

DJ NIGHT: The weekend spinning starts early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Kingblind & 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!

WEEKEND PREVIEW: Outdoors for All brings adaptive-cycling options to West Seattle this Sunday

(WSB photo, June 2024)

Before we get to today’s event list, we wanted to mention one of this weekend’s unique happenings: For the third consecutive summer, Outdoors for All is bringing adaptive-cycling alternatives to West Seattle. Different location this time – Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW). The event is set for 10 am-2 pm on Sunday (June 29), with options including tandem trikes, therapy trikes, recumbent bikes, and hand cycles; no RSVP needed, just show up. Here’s the event flyer.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info

6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to the first Thursday of summer, June 26, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Cloudy, chance of showers, high near 65. Today’s sunrise was at 5:13 am; sunset will be at 9:11 pm, as late as it gets (and there through Saturday).

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro busesRegular 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”. Four days until three-boat service is expected to relaunch (next Monday, June 30).

Water TaxiRegular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, plus weeknights with Mariners home games (and some other events) …

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!

FOLLOWUP: See inside opening-soon Southgate Arcade, and see how the building’s history factors in

Story and photos by Hayden Yu Andersen
for West Seattle Blog

As we first reported last week, the Southgate Arcade will open July 11, offering vintage games, rare pinball machines and a greatly expanded private room for birthdays and events. With opening day just two weeks away, we got a sneak peek today inside the upcoming arcade, built inside the former Bank of America just north of Southgate Roller Rink.

Owner Josh Rhoads says it’s been a unique challenge to turn the building, which they had previously used for storage, into a functioning arcade.

“It spent four years as just a storage space, so we focused on trying to make it less sterile and bank-like,” Rhoads said, as he showed off the two-inch thick bulletproof glass protecting the teller’s station, which has since been repurposed into a storage room.

Something he won’t be covering up is the vault. Located to the right of the entrance, the steel vault will be repurposed to hold a rotating cast of more exclusive arcade machines, which visitors will be able to play while inside.

Currently the arcade has almost 30 machines, split between pinball and vintage arcade machines, with a few more on the way before their opening. The machines, much like the music, have been tailored to fit an ’80s and ’90s vibe.

A large portion of the space has been given to the 30-person private room, which is still waiting on finishing touches, including a wall-sized screen projector for games and karaoke. Previously we wrote about how this will expand on the 10-person private room in the Southgate Roller Rink. In addition to the 2-hour rentals, and the option of alcohol from the Southgate Roller Rink’s bar for 21+ events, Rhoads says that on days the room isn’t being used arcade-goers will be able to rent out the room for short, 30-minute intervals to figure out if they’d like to host a party or rent it for longer.

While it’s been a challenge, Rhoads says he’s excited to finally see it come together. Southgate Arcade will be open for all-ages play on Fridays from 5-11 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white Honda Passport

Reported by Nathan:

Wanted to report a stolen 1998 white Honda Passport in North Admiral on Massachusetts St. last night.

SPD incident # 25-176396
License: WA Plates ANH6353

This isn’t the exact car but looks just like (it).

If you find it, call 911, and refer to the incident number above.

BIZNOTE: Lake Washington Physical Therapy West Seattle expanding, celebrating 4th anniversary

Longtime WSB sponsor Lake Washington Physical Therapy West Seattle has updates including an added location and added services! Here are the details, from LWPTWS proprietor Mark Bouma:

Celebrating Four Years in West Seattle!

(Lake Washington Physical Therapy West Seattle photos)

Lake Washington Physical Therapy West Seattle is celebrating its four-year anniversary! To show our appreciation, we hosted Patient Appreciation Week, recognizing the incredible community that has supported us since day one. Thank you!

New Fauntleroy Clinic Opening Soon!

We’re expanding! On July 8th, 2025, we’ll open our new Fauntleroy Clinic inside The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Ave SW, 3rd Floor), bringing specialized care closer to you. Alison Read (above with LWPT’s Mark Bouma), PT DPT CEEAA Cert-MMOA, will serve as the clinic director, focusing on older adults, individuals with balance impairments, and those experiencing mobility limitations. We offer 1:1 care and 55-minute appointments. Medicare and most insurances accepted. You can book an appointment HERE or call us at 206-906-9207. Click HERE to watch an intro video with Alison!

New Specialized Services

We are proud to introduce new specialized treatments at our clinics, including:

Dry Needling with Amanda Ford, PT DPT FDNS to improve functionality and relieve pain and tension.

Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound & Biofeedback with Maxwell Ngo, PT DPT, for quick and readily available imaging results and enhanced, informed care.

Professional Bike Fitting with Erin Heald, PT DPT, ensuring optimal cycling performance.

Supporting Local Soccer Teams

We’re passionate about keeping athletes healthy and in top form! Our clinical team is working alongside Junction FC and Rhodies FC, providing expert care during training and games. Find out why our team of clinicians are trusted by these athletes to keep them playing at their best! Keep an eye out for our tent at upcoming matches — we’d love to see you there!

Expanding Availability at Our Alki Location

To better serve the West Seattle community, we are expanding our hours and adding new clinicians at our Alki location later this Summer. Need an early morning or weekend appointment? We’ve got you covered! Join us in welcoming Jordan Samford, PT DPT MS, Ben Clark, PT DPT, and Olivia Dominguez, PT DPT to our Alki team!

The main location of LWPTWS remains at 1309 Harbor SW.

Seeing the smoke? 2-alarm boat/marina fire on Lake Union

Thanks to Andrew for the photo. He’s one of several people who asked about the cloud of black smoke visible in the northeast. It’s a 2-alarm fire involving a boat and covered marina on Lake Union, in the 2100 block of Westlake. (If you’re traveling in that area because of work etc., note that police have fully blocked Westlake in the area.)

EXTRA BOOKS? Here’s one organization welcoming dropoff donations

Here’s a recycling opportunity of sorts: The White Center Library Guild would love to receive your no-longer-needed books, and asked us to share this announcement on WSB as well as our WC site:

Time to make room for more books? The White Center Library Guild accepts donations of books for our sale shelf.

If you need more space for your books or have left over books from your yard sale, please donate them to the White Center Library Guild. We accept old books, new books, and everything in between.

Just take your donations to the library front desk. Contributions help fund children and adult programs at the White Center Library! Thank you!

The library’s location and hours are here – open until 8 pm tonight.

South Transfer Station closing for almost a month later this summer

(Seattle Public Utilities photo)

Thanks for the tip! The transfer station (aka dump) closest to West Seattle will close for more than three weeks in August, and Seattle Public Utilities is trying to get the word out early. Here’s the announcement they’re circulating today:

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) will temporarily close the South Transfer Station, located at 130 S. Kenyon Street, from August 4 through August 29, 2025, to complete essential safety upgrades and replace the commercial tipping floor used for waste handling. The closure will affect both public customers and account holders. However, contractors will not be impacted.

This critical project involves replacing 35,000 square feet of commercial tipping floor to maintain safe, efficient operations and protect the well-being of staff and the public. The station is expected to reopen Saturday, August 30, 2025, pending construction progress.

Skip a Trip, Plan Ahead, Know Where to Go

During the closure, SPU recommends that customers postpone trips to the transfer station if possible. A list of temporary alternative locations is listed on the website. These locations may have different hours, additional fees, or not accept certain items, so customers are advised to:

*Visit www.seattle.gov/south-transfer-station for a full list of alternative disposal locations by material type and load size.

*Visit the website of the alternative location to verify hours, fees, and items accepted

*Sort and secure loads properly before visiting any alternative facility.

*Bring smaller loads and be prepared for higher-than-usual traffic at other sites.

*Use the “Where Does It Go?” tool online to explore donation, recycling, and curbside collection options.

Additionally, select construction and demolition (C&D) materials must be recycled and cannot be disposed of in Seattle garbage. Materials such as asphalt, bricks, concrete, metal, untreated wood, and gypsum scrap must go to a recycling facility: DTG Hudson St., MCS Recycling, or DTG Renton. Non-recyclable C&D materials can go to WM Eastmont or Black River. Large trailer loads and hydraulic-lift vehicles should use North Transfer Station or WM Eastmont. King County stations at Bow Lake and Renton will accept only small residential loads from Seattle, and may have additional restrictions, such as fees for mattresses and limits on appliance drop-offs. View completed closure guidance and the most up-to-date information on the project timeline, alternative locations, and FAQs at www.seattle.gov/south-transfer-station.

Items Not Accepted at Seattle or King County Transfer Stations:

Radioactive and Hazardous Waste including Oil Paint (and Containers) and Household Chemicals
Ammo, Firearms, Fireworks, Flares, Explosives, Weapons
Sealed Drums, Fuel/Propane/Oil Tanks, Compressed Gas, Fire Extinguishers
Electronics, TVs or Monitors (CRTs)
Furnaces and parts, Wood stoves, Duct work
Asbestos, or material containing asbestos
Dead animals over 15 lbs (call animal control)
Sewage

Seattle Public Utilities appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation during this necessary closure and encourages everyone to plan ahead, travel light, and dispose smart.

If you haven’t used the transfer station, you might still know it as the huge building just south of the ramp from West Marginal/Holden onto the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge. It was built in the early 2010s.

FOLLOWUP: Lou Cutler is walking around West Seattle to make wishes come true

If you see that group walking in West Seattle in the next few hours, say hi! That’s longtime Make-A-Wish volunteer – and retired Pathfinder K-8 PE teacher – Lou Cutler in the blue Make-A-Wish T-shirt, just before he and supporters left the campus on his 74th-birthday fundraising walk around West Seattle. (We previewed it here on Monday, with backstory on the many years he did fundraising laps with students there.) While taking the photo, we asked Lou what he’s taking along on the big walk, and he replied, “Inspiration!” Part of that is on the sign you see on the right side of the photo – Avery is a 9-year-old who’s had a wish granted before, and is currently battling a relapse. But as Lou declared, “There’s no bravery without ‘Avery’!” So he’s raising money to help make wishes come true for kids like her – not only does he raise money, but he also is a volunteer involved in the logistics of bringing those wishes to life. You can help by donating here. And watch for him on his walking route – his group was starting at Pathfinder on Pigeon Point, then “walk(ing) up the Genesee hill to Avalon and follow(ing) that to Alki and at the south end of Lincoln Park we will return to Pathfinder via Fauntleroy.”

ELECTION 2025: Another tax proposal that might be on your November ballot: ‘Seattle Shield’

(Added: Seattle Channel video of afternoon announcement event)
11:40 AM: Another tax measure might be on the way to your November ballot, and this time it’s not a property-tax levy – it involves business taxes.

This afternoon, it’ll be announced by Mayor Harrell and citywide City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, who call it the “Seattle Shield.” Excerpted from their advance announcement:

Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell and Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8, Citywide) announced a new proposal to lower city taxes for approximately 90% of Seattle businesses that currently pay the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax and raise needed new progressive revenue to protect funding to essential services and programs threatened by the Trump administration. …

The City of Seattle currently faces a $251 million deficit across all fund balances, with further financial risk stemming from Trump administration threats to federal funding and economic uncertainty. This proposal would temporarily raise B&O rates to bring in $90 million in net revenues for the City annually with funding dedicated to backfilling essential human services threatened by the Trump administration and maintaining effective ongoing City programs. These include investments in housing vouchers and shelter, food and nutrition access, services for survivors of gender-based violence, and more. With current financial forecasts, this revenue would also allow the City to protect and maintain needed investments in affordable housing. …

How the proposal works:

In 2026, the B&O tax exemption would be increased from $100,000 to $2,000,000, exempting approximately 16,500 small and medium-sized businesses (76% of current taxpayers) from the B&O tax. The City would also create the new B&O deduction, allowing all businesses to only pay B&O taxes on gross receipts above $2 million.

To offset the reduced B&O tax revenues caused by the exemption and deduction, and to address the deficit and Trump administration threats, the B&O tax rate will increase in 2026 from 22 cents per $100 of taxable receipts to 34 cents per $100 for retail, wholesale, and manufacturing companies and from 43 cents per $100 to 65 cents per $100 for service companies.

For the median taxpayer business that has $5 million in gross receipts, they would only pay the B&O tax on $3 million in gross receipts after the $2 million B&O deduction. In this example, their City B&O obligation would go from $15,200 in 2025 to $13,972 in 2026, a decrease of over $1,200.

For a business with $12 million in gross receipts – in the highest quartile of taxpayers – their B&O obligation would go from $31,920 in 2025 to $39,587 in 2026, an increase of $7,667. Approximately 90% of small and medium-sized businesses would see their tax obligation reduced or would be exempted altogether from the tax.

These changes would be effective for four years, from 2026 though 2029, with a councilmanic option to renew them for four additional years from 2030 through 2033.

This would require City Council and voter approval. We’ve asked for the full text of the proposal and will add that when we get it, along with any additional information emerging from the 1 pm event at which this will be officially announced.

5:38 PM: Adding the video from that event atop this story. The full text of the proposal isn’t available yet, so that might have to wait for a followup story. Here’s the entire news release, meantime.

Low-low tide, art, games, health and education info sessions, dine-out fundraiser, more for your West Seattle Wednesday

(Bright rose for a gray day, photographed at The Kenney by Janelle Otterholt)

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 (this is a last-minute reminder, so set your calendar for next Wednesday morning too!).

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (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)

LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -3.9 feet at 11:18 am.

LOU’S FUNDRAISING WALK: As previewed here, today’s the day retired PE teacher Lou Cutler will walk around the peninsula to raise money for Make-A-Wish, starting at noon from Pathfinder K-8 on Pigeon Point, where he taught for many years. You can donate to help him make kids’ wishes come true by going here!

COLMAN POOL: The open-every-day season also continues at Lincoln Park‘s outdoor, heated salt-water pool! Noon-7 pm; see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

WADING POOLS: City says they’ll be open today because sunbreaks and 70ish temps are in the afternoon forecast. Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) will be open noon-5:30 pm; Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) will be open noon-7 pm.

KIDS’ HEALTH WEBINAR: Free webinar with Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care (WSB sponsor), 12:30 pm:

Understanding PANS/PANDAS: The Link between Infection and Sudden OCD or Tics in Kids
with Dr. Emily Lesnak, ND
June 25th 12:30 – 1 pm

PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome) is an abrupt onset of obsessive compulsive symptoms (OCD) or restrictive eating behavior in the pediatric population. PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections) is a subset of PANS with a similar symptom picture to PANS and typically triggered by Group A strep infection (GAS). Join Dr. Lesnak as she covers this topic.

Register for this webinar or watch other past webinars here – neighborhood-naturopathic.com/lunch-and-learn

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE INFO SESSION, ONLINE: 12:30 pm, your chance to find out more about South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) – our calendar listing has info on how to participate.

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)

(added) DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: The Neighborhood (6503 California SW) is donating 15 percent of proceeds tonight – including takeout – to Gatewood Elementary. 3-9 pm.

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).

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).

OPEN STUDIO AT POTTERINGS: 6 pm, get creative at the studio! (3400 Harbor SW)

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: 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)

WEST SEATTLE RHODIES FC HOME MATCH: 7 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) vs. Olympia. Fan Appreciation Night – kids 10 and under get in free!

LISTENING PARTY: Hear Lorde‘s new album 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 4: Four West Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday list: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) at 7 pm … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday trivia at 8 pm … Quiz Night also begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and 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)

COMMUNITY ART NIGHT: 7:30 pm at Wicked Rae’s (3220 California SW) – get hands-on creative! Go here to book your spot.

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!

TRYOUT TIME: Seattle Civic Dance Theatre’s ballet auditions this weekend

This weekend, young ballet dancers are invited to audition for West Seattle-based Seattle Civic Dance Theatre‘s holiday production. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:

Who: Seattle Civic Dance Theatre (West Seattle-based dance nonprofit est. 1985)

What: Free, open ballet auditions for children ages 8-18 for an annual community fundraising performance of “The Magical Doll Maker” (its 36th production)

When: Auditions are Sunday, June 29. Beginning level dancers 11 am-12 pm, Intermediate/Advanced level dancers 12:30 pm-1:30 pm

Where: Auditions will be held at 15811 Ambaum BLVD SW, Suite 160, Burien

How: To Register: Use this link, access the link through our website, or email Allison Gross, SCDT Board President, at scdtboard@gmail.com

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Wednesday notes

6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to the first Wednesday of summer, June 25, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Cloudy, chance of showers, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:13 am; sunset will be at 9:11 pm, as late as it gets (and staying there through Saturday).

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro busesRegular 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”. Five days until three-boat service is expected to relaunch (next Monday, June 30).

Water TaxiRegular 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’s FIFA Men’s Club World Cup soccer match … read on) …

STADIUM ZONE

6 pm at Lumen Field, the Club World Cup continues, with FC Internazionale Milano vs. CA River Plate. Here’s the plan for how the West Seattle Water Taxi will run in support of matchgoers.

ROAD WORK

-If you’re driving 35th SW through Gatewood, the road is narrowed this week for utility work, and the NB 21 stop at Elmgrove is closed 9 am-3 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!

PHOTO: Cushiony sunrise sky over Elliott Bay

“Cushiony” is the word that we chose, but there are many ways you could describe the cloud formation in Stewart L.’s photo from this morning. “Memorable” works too!The forecast suggests we’ll see more clouds than sun for the next few days.

COUNTDOWN: 10 days until Fourth of July, with West Seattle Kids’ Parade

(WSB photo from 2024 West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade)

The biggest scheduled event in West Seattle on the Fourth of July will again be the Kids’ Parade through North Admiral, and it’s only 10 days away, so we’re publishing another reminder! Kids of all ages and their families can be part of the parade just by showing up – the gathering point is 44th/Sunset [map], starting time is 10 am. The Admiral Neighborhood Association now presents this community-created tradition, which proceeds on feet and wheels (bikes, scooters, wagons, strollers) along a few blocks of North Admiral, then crosses California SW and ends at Hamilton Viewpoint Park for games, food and treat trucks, and sack races. It all usually wraps up about noon, so you have tons of time to move on to whatever else you’re doing on the holiday. The parade is powered by donations, volunteers, and sponsors (we’re the media sponsor), so if you would rather help than watch or participate, scroll down to the end of this page for the volunteering contact, and/or donate to ANA here!

ELECTION 2025: Mayor signs FEPP levy expansion/renewal at South Seattle College’s satellite campus

(Photos courtesy South Seattle College)

Mayor Harrell visited the Georgetown satellite campus of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) today to sign the bill sending the expansion/renewal Families, Education, Preschool, Promise Levy to the November ballot. This is a 6-year, $1.3 billion levy; as we reported when the mayor proposed it back in April, it’s projected to cost the median-assessed-value Seattle homeowner $654 a year, while the 2018 version of the levy – which is expiring – was described as costing the median-value homeowner $249 a year. Among the speakers today was SSC president Dr. Monica Brown:

The “Promise” in the levy’s name is its big tie to SSC, as it will fund the Seattle Promise program offering free tuition at SSC and its two sibling Seattle Colleges. The city’s news release about today’s signing event has more on what the levy will go toward, as does this fact sheet.

Interactive kiosks for business districts get City Council OK. Will you see them in West Seattle?

This afternoon, the City Council passed legislation allowing the Downtown Seattle Association to “install and operate interactive media kiosks in neighborhood business districts around Seattle.” According to documents from today’s council agenda, the kiosks could look like this – 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide:

The West Seattle Junction is one of the business districts specified in the bill as a potential recipient of the kiosks. But that doesn’t guarantee you’ll see one or more here. The bill says vendor Smart City will install 30 downtown before the World Cup, then 50 more, including 20 “among Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) in Ballard, U District, SODO, and West Seattle Junction.” So we asked West Seattle Junction Association executive director Chris Mackay about the local plan, and she said there’s nothing definite – the WSJA board first wants to see how they look downtown, before deciding on whether to exercise what Mackay calls “the option to get one.”

The Downtown Seattle Association says benefits of the kiosks would include “free wi-fi” and “multilingual wayfinding.” As for whether they’d be a revenue generator, the council-staff analysis says in part:

DSA estimates that Kiosks will generate $1.1 million in advertising revenue for the initial 30-kiosk deployment, collected by the DSA, with use limited to public purposes, governed by MOU between the City and DSA. The MOU also provides that revenue generated above the $1.1 million estimate from the initial 30 kiosk deployment and from the optional 30 Kiosk expansionlocated in the MID would be collected by the City, and the optional 20 kiosk expansion in BIAlocations would generate revenue for BIAs. Revenue projections for the City and the 20 BIA expansion kiosks are not known. Revenues generated to the City will be deposited in the City’s General Fund to support general government services, which could include public safety, community investments and maintenance activities in and around the right-of-way.

The council vote was 6-2; those voting no were Councilmembers Alexis Mercedes Rinck and Cathy Moore, while Councilmember Dan Strauss was absent.

West Seattle Indivisible plans ‘Reclaim the Flag’ rally on streetcorners Saturday

(WSB photo)

You might already have seen the flyers posted around the peninsula. West Seattle Indivisible is planning another rally on streetcorners along California SW, from Admiral to Morgan Junction, this Saturday (June 28). Here’s the explanation they sent:

West Seattle Indivisible presents:
RECLAIM THE FLAG Street Rally

Saturday, June 28, 2025
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
California Ave SW from Admiral to Morgan Junction

Fresh off the NO KINGS March, let’s keep building strength in numbers and reclaim our flag as a symbol of democracy, liberty, and justice.

Bring your:
* US Flags
* Noisemakers
* Pro-democracy signs
* Kiddos — this is a family-friendly event!

We’ll line California Ave SW from Admiral to Morgan Junction, spreading the message block by block.

Let’s make freedom loud, proud, and visible in West Seattle. See you there!

Back in April, the group drew hundreds to more than 20 streetcorners in West Seattle for its first rally/protest.

Life-saving lesson for little ones at next Firefighter Story Time in West Seattle

(WSB photo from April’s Firefighter Story Time at Delridge Library)

Last time a library in West Seattle hosted Firefighter Story Time, a reader lamented not seeing an announcement sooner – so in case you haven’t seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, the next one is this Friday. This time, Firefighter Story Time is set for 11 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond). As always, it’s meant not only for kids to learn about fire safety but also to see firefighters and their gear up close, so that they might be less scared in an emergency situation. No preregistration needed – kids and parents/caregivers can just show up.

P.S. If you miss this one, you can also hop over the ridge to South Park Library (8604 8th Ave. S.) for Firefighter Story Time at 10:30 am August 5.