West Seattle, Washington
05 Tuesday
You could say it’s like a speakeasy for art. That door and staircase just north of the entrance to Alki Arts (6030 California SW) leads up to the gallery’s annex loft, where this afternoon is your last chance to visit the Feather in the Wind art pop-up show/sale.
Those are the feathers in the name, created by participating artist Kassie Hennessey. As for the wind, it’s an airy little space if you’re looking for somewhere to cool off. Or maybe some gift shopping? Alizah Olivas‘s jewelry awaits, a variety of stones set in silver:
Each of the five artists has a unique focus, particularly Peggy Nelsen‘s handcrafted papier-mache:
“Petey the Party Pumpkin” relates to the story Peggy told us about how she got started. In pandemic year 2020, she was sad that Halloween wouldn’t happen, so she made creations like this as gifts. That led to others, like these moons:
“Sometimes good things can come out of bad situations,” Peggy observed. … Other participating artists include Diane Bellisario, with “modern marquetry,” and Jormain Cady with pottery. They’re all in the upstairs annex until 6 tonight.
(Photo by Steven Rice, from J-Pod visit off Alki, October 2024)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Though there was no strident rhetoric nor calls for action, the latest gathering of The Whale Trail provided a reminder of what federal budget-slashing is doing to science, including work to save endangered species.
The guest of honor was Lynne Barre, who until recently led the Southern Resident Killer Whales recovery program at NOAA. “My NOAA career ended a little sooner than I had planned,” she explained, simply.
Barre’s retirement, regardless of the circumstances, brought out what was described as a who’s-who of behind-the-scenes scientists and support personnel who had worked with her, and other collaborators like The Whale Trail executive director Donna Sandstrom, who knew Barre dating back to the rescue of wayward northern resident orca Springer more than 20 years ago. The Springer rescue is what intensified Sandstrom’s advocacy work; she opened the night with a recounting and an update.
But first, Barre’s time in the spotlight at the recent gathering at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor).
She came from the East Coast to be part of the Springer operation “and stayed.” She had expertise with dolphins “and as you probably know, killer whales are just big dolphins.” Over the years, not only did she lead the Southern Resident Killer Whales recovery program, she also worked with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act, and became a branch chief. Working on helping the southern residents recover included undertakings from vessel regulations to transboundary (US/Canada) coordination.
And she listed the many private and public organizations and departments with which she and her team partnered along the way. That included West Seattle-based and -founded organizations like – in addition to The Whale Trail – Killer Whale Tales and Seal Sitters.
Barre described “just a few highlights” from Be Whale Wise – work that began in her East Coast days – to giving former governor Jay Inslee an award for the orca task force he created (with Sandstrom among its members), a task force whose achievements included requirements that boaters give the whales more space. She also noted a proposal to put sunflower stars on the Endangered Species list. What gives her the most hope, Barre added, is that “we’re reaching a whole new generation.” And despite the turmoil of recent months, she reminded attendees that “there still are a lot of people working on this at NOAA.”
Tributes followed from past co-workers and other collaborators. “You have a magnificent record of bringing the community together,” one told her. Another cited longrunning inspiration from her insistence that “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” State orca-recovery coordinator Tara Galuska lamented that Barre’s departure was a major loss, as she was “a leg of the stool” that supported the efforts.
“She’s good at creating a welcoming space for collaboration,” noted Quiet Sound director Rachel Erickson, pointing out that her program is voluntary, and yet participation has reached the point where Puget Sound is “up to 50 percent quieter for the Southern Residents.”
Lynn Shimamoto from Seal Sitters told a West Seattle story about Barre, from the humpback-whale stranding next to the Fauntleroy ferry dock in 2016 (initial WSB coverage here). Seal Sitters and Whale Trail volunteers were among those who worked to set up a perimeter to keep back curious hordes, “and in the middle of all this excitement, Lynne Barre appeared by my side – I am so grateful to you for being there that day.”
When Barre was in charge, “everything was going to be all right,” another collaborator declared, but yet another warned the flip side of that is, the current changes can’t go unremarked on, by anyone who cares. Some of what’s being gutted now are programs that go back to the administration of another Republican president, Richard Nixon, one speaker said, and “it’s important for us nonprofits to voice our concern.” Barre was skillful at navigating concerns and “handling tough crowds so well.”
Toward the end of the tribute, Barre was presented with a going-away gift, a paddle carved from Western red cedar, with its depictions including Springer, honoring Barre as a “great skipper” who had navigated difficult waters, both literally and figuratively. “Regardless of the transition that we are going through – look around the room and realize you are loved by so many people … When you are paddling on your next journey, you will look at the back of the paddle and see your family.” With that family, the presentation continued, “we’ve changed the world … we changed history … we’ve engineered a sea change around the Southern Residents.” Amid all the current government turbulence, Sandstrom added, “the whales are still here … and they need us, as a community, more than ever.”
She had opened the night with what you might call The Whale Trail’s origin story, her involvement with Springer (about which she has written the award-winning young-adult book Orca Rescue! – currently a Summer Book Bingo recommendation) and the “wayward whale”‘s successful return to her home waters. Sandstrom recalled a child’s observation – amid all the official fretting – that
“she might not be sick, she might just be lost, she deserves to go home, her family might be missing her.” Once Springer was back in her home waters, that family came by much sooner than anyone had expected; Sandstrom played a recording of Springer’s excited calls to them when the first Northern Resident orcas came by her holding pen, less than 24 hours before her birth family showed up.
Speaking of births, Sandstrom said Springer may have had her third calf – “up in Ketchikan (Alaska), someone took a photo of someone we think is Springer, and she has another calf.” That would be a sibling to her first calf, Spirit, born 2013, and her second one, Storm, born in 2017. “All this led to The Whale Trail, places where you can watch whales from shore,” 4 in West Seattle, 150 spanning the entire West Coast of North America. And it’s led to successes such as, as mentioned above, progress “quieting the seas … These are public processes that worked … never forget that it can work.” Signs of that are present in more than births – though those are promising, with 11 calves under six years old including seven females – such as trends like the Southern Residents returning to the Salish Sea every summer month starting in 2022, after five years in which they didn’t.
Also involved deeply with the Springer rescue was West Seattle-based researcher Mark Sears, who wasn’t able to attend this gathering, but works with his daughter Maya Sears, who was there. (In addition to orca research, the family is also longtime caretakers of Colman Pool at Lincoln Park – Maya is third generation for that.) Her skills include orca IDing, so everyone can know who’s here when the whales visit. She explained the work that she and her father often do is centered on getting biological samples left behind by the orcas, such as mucus and fecal samples, which assist in assessing their health.
Rather than focus on results, her presentation focused on their methodology – how they follow “fluke prints” to find samples. One rich ground for collection, she said, is an area off Whidbey Island where there’s a “cacophon of life” that attracts the Southern Residents: “J-Pod has spent a lot of time there in the past few years.” She also spoke of J-Pod’s joy and sorrow toward the end of last year, the calf born to J35 Tahlequah that did not survive, another calf born in December that did, and the new J-Pod calf born a few months ago. Since 2023, Maya said, three calves have died, but four have lived.
Looking ahead, she said researchers are making more use of drones, currently to sample the orcas’ breath: “It’s very non-invasive.” Drones also can be equipped with infrared cameras.
The evening ended with a toast to Barre, and mingling for one-on-one conversations about memories – and the future.
Keep up with The Whale Trail’s events and updates at thewhaletrail.org.
Family and friends are remembering Wolfgang Grasst, and sharing this remembrance with his community:
Wolfgang Grasst
July 30, 1940 – May 3, 2025Wolfgang Grasst passed away peacefully at home on May 3, surrounded by his family, after a long journey with dementia. He was 84.
Born in Germany in 1940, Wolfgang immigrated to Seattle with his parents at the age of 14. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1958 and earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington. It was there he met his beloved wife Sharon — who still remembers being impressed by his sharp sense of style and his love of a fast car.
Wolfgang was a true entrepreneur at heart. He and his father, Georg, opened Georg Grasst, Inc.—a foreign auto parts business that grew to six locations and a warehouse in Seattle over the course of 25 successful years. Wolfgang brought his passion for quality, innovation, and mentorship into every aspect of the business. He encouraged employees to share ideas and often paid for classes to help them grow. Sharon joined him in running the business, overseeing the accounting side, and their sons pitched in with odd jobs — learning how to paint cars and turn a wrench, just like their dad and Opa.
After stepping away from the auto parts industry, Wolfgang embraced a second career in real estate with Windermere. Gregarious and generous, he thrived in the industry, mentoring newer agents even in a competitive environment. It was never just business for Wolfgang — it was about building relationships and helping others succeed.
Wolfgang and Sharon raised two sons, Wolfgang Jr. and Tony, and he took immense pride in being a father and, later, an Opa to three grandsons and a growing generation of great-grandchildren. He coached soccer teams, hosted epic Easter egg hunts, and built pinewood derby cars that defied the laws of physics (and made a few competitive dads a little suspicious). He believed in the value of education, sending his sons to German summer school and even taking them to Germany to connect with their roots.
Wolfgang’s playful spirit made ordinary days unforgettable: wrestling matches in the living room, ping pong games that no one could win but everyone loved, and VW bug rides through the streets of West Seattle. He was funny, sharp, and always full of energy. Even as his memory faded, his love of music — especially the blues — never left him. He could still light up a room with a good joke or a good tune.
In retirement, Wolfgang found joy in cooking elaborate meals, tackling handyman projects with professional precision, and hosting lively birthday parties where he mixed his signature MaiTais and turned gatherings into celebrations.
He was a man of many talents — engineer, entrepreneur, real estate agent, mentor, cook, handyman, music lover — but most of all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Wolfgang, thank you for all the laughter, lessons, and love. You left your mark on each of us. We miss you deeply—and we celebrate the life you lived so fully.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to West Seattle Food Bank westseattlefoodbank.org; White Center Food Bank whitecenterfoodbank.org; Public Broadcasting Service pbs.org; or a charity of your choice.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
(Tiny cup fungi photographed by Jay Speidell in the West Duwamish Greenbelt)
Here are highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, but starting with a traffic reminder:
WEST SEATTLE LOW BRIDGE CLOSURE: The low bridge (Spokane Street Swing Bridge) is closed for cylinder work – to all surface traffic, both motorized and non-motorized – and will stay closed potentially until late tonight. (We’ll be watching for an early reopening; if you see it open before we do, please call or text 206-293-6302 if you can!)
Now here’s what’s on the happening list:
JUNIOR TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS: Regional meet at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW), 9 am-4 pm.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Today’s Sunday Funday run leaves from Uptown Espresso in The Junction (California/Erskine/Edmunds), 9 am.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece. (35th/Roxbury)
CAPERS’ 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: 10 am-4 pm, help the Junction store (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor) celebrate 40 years in business – see our preview plus calendar listing. All-month 20 percent off storewide sale is happening now too!
GRIEF WALK: 10 am – explained here. Meet at the SW Hinds entrance to Schmitz Preserve Park. (5099 SW Hinds)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, with almost-summer produce (strawberries! lots of greens! asparagus!) plus beverages, flowers, cheese, yogurt, fish, meat, prepared hot food, baked goods, nuts, dried peppers, garlic, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
MASTER GARDENERS: While at the market, look for Master Gardeners, ready to answer your questions! Sundays this spring and summer, they’re back at the market, 10 am-2 pm.
FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska)
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) continues daily operations today, 11 am-8 pm.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to buy it? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESISTS: Sunday signholding in The Junction (California/Alaska), 11:30 am-1:30 pm.
FIFTH WEEKEND FOR COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open again today during the fifth of six preseason weekends, noon-7 pm, with four hour-and-a-half swim sessions, each half lap swimming and half open swim – see the schedule here.
FEATHER IN THE WIND POP-UP ART SHOW: Third of three days for this pop-up show featuring local artists in the upstairs annex at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), noon-6 pm, lineup in our calendar listing.
LEARN ABOUT POTTERINGS MEMBERSHIP: Become a member at the studio! Find out how it works during a 1 pm info session today. (3400 Harbor SW)
ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Third Sunday of the season for these free tours! Grounds at 3201 Alki SW open at 1 pm; last tour starts 3:45 pm; more info in our calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE RHODIES FC HOME MATCH: 2 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) vs. Tacoma.
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Enjoy your Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
JUMP ROPE SHOW: Not only can you watch West Seattle’s own Rain City RopeWorks jump-rope athletes show off, you can jump with them too! 2:30 pm at the Holy Rosary School Gym (42nd/Genesee).
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Circle of Songs, acoustic showcase, 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
WEST SEATTLE INDIVISIBLE: General meeting at 3:30 pm at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), with topics including next Saturday’s “No Kings” rally, plus a fundraising bake sale.
KARAOKE FOR THE SPIRIT: As Pride Month continues, West Seattle’s queer-affirming churches gather at 7 pm tonight at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) for uplifting singing.
CORNER POCKET TRIVIA: 7 pm every other Sunday. (California/Alaska)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Weekend’s end brings Sunday night music provided by the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could feature on the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Worth noting as dry weather continues, with hotter temperatures on the way – Seattle Fire dispatched four units to Westcrest Park for a brush fire that’s just been extinguished. They identified 8th/Cloverdale and a field with a weight limit, so sounds like it might have been on the reservoir lid. How it started is under investigation.
Plenty of reasons to cheer at this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe today at Walt Hundley Playfield! Organizer Brian Callanan verified it’s the biggest one ever – 770 people registered before and at the four-event fun(draiser). The signature event is the obstacle-course 5K, only one of its kind in the Seattle area – photographer Oliver Hamlin captured the spirit for WSB:
The obstacle course started with “elite” entrants taking off in waves so there wasn’t too much of a traffic jam.
(WSB photos and videos from here down, by Tracy Record)
Three-quarters of an hour later,the “family waves” headed out:
If you didn’t want to climb, jump, or get muddy, a 5K fun run was the perfect option:
And if you wanted a simple walk, the “Senior Saunter” was perfect:
The last of the events was a Kids’ Dash. Even if you weren’t running, walking, dashing, jumping, etc., Loop the ‘Lupe offered both a party atmosphere and a chance to learn about the local businesses and organizations who were community co-sponsors, including some WSB sponsors – here are Kemberly and Alison from Lake Washington Physical Therapy West Seattle:
And Charlie and Hsi Yen from Fitness Together West Seattle in The Junction:
(WSB was media sponsor again this year.)The West Seattle School of Rock provided a lively soundtrack, and the Knights of Columbus grilled up lunch. Loop the ‘Lupe proceeds support Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s community and social work.
3:39 PM: Thanks to Andrew for sending photos from the White Center Pride street festival happening on and along 16th SW between SW Roxbury and SW 100th. Many of the venues along 16th are presenting entertainment and/or activities – Lariat Bar, as usual, has a wrestling ring:
There’s a family play area, too:
We have a photographer there now and plan to add more photos.
5 PM: And here they are (WSB photos from here down):
You can meet the people behind White Center Pride at the festival – above, we photographed Eliot Mills and Linda Falcon. Plenty of performances, including DJs:
Interactive activities include axe-throwing!
And bull-riding:
As mentioned above, wrestling – continuing until 6 pm:
The wrestlers are part of a tournament promoted by DEFY.
In the midst of everything happening today, we’re pausing for a quick reminder from the Morgan Community Association that their big festival is exactly one week away! The Morgan Junction Community Festival happens 10 am-2 pm next Saturday (June 14) – here’s the full preview from MoCA:
There’s just one week until the Morgan Junction Community Festival on Saturday, June 14th from 10 am to 2 pm in and around Morgan Junction Park. The annual family-friendly event has live entertainment, local musicians, vendors aplenty, and the Morgan Junction community.
You’ll find ENTERTAINMENT for all ages in Morgan Junction Park:
10:00 – The Bubbleman
10:50 – Mikey the Rad Scientist
11:35 – Crush on Her X
12:35 – The Potholes
1:30 – Gary BensonVisit with VENDORS in the parking lot behind Zeeks/ Whisky West, on Beveridge Place SW and in Morgan Junction Park. (Be sure to check out the child-friendly interactive activities):
· Commercial vendors include artists and craftpersons, chair massage, financial advisers, and facial specialists.
· Learn about MJAWA: the Morgan Junction All Wheels Association, Schmitz Park Creek Restore, Mode Music and Performing Arts, the West Seattle Neighborhood Shelter, the West Seattle Food Bank, Seattle Emergency HUBS, and A Cleaner Alki.
· Community groups include Seattle Police Department, Gatewood Elementary PTA, SPD Community Service Officers, and the 34th District Democrats – who will be offering help if you need to register to vote.
Bring the family and join in the fun on Saturday, June 14th at the Morgan Junction Community Festival in and around Morgan Junction Park. See You There!
The venues (park and lot) are both off the west side of California SW, just north of Fauntleroy Way.
Another school fundraiser happening right now – the Westside Pickleball League‘s “Rally on the Rock” tournament at the Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex racquet-sport courts. 150 players an 201, with players ages 16-82, according to the league’s Rosina Geary, who adds that it’s a fundraiser for the Chief Sealth International High School athletic department. CSIHS principal Hope Perry (below left) was there helping hand out medals earlier this afternoon:
Westside Pickleball League presented two $2,000 scholarships to graduating Chief Sealth seniors this year. Today’s tournament continues until around 4 pm, and there’s plenty of spectator space around the courts, which are west of Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle).
From today’s highlight list: Small but spirited assemblage of classic cars (and a few motorcycles) are parked for your perusal right now in the West Seattle High School parking lot (3000 California SW). This student-organized show is the first of two car shows at the school today/tonight. Above is a 1958 Oldsmobile Super 88; below, a 1957 Jeep:
This is a fundraiser and you can contribute to that by buying something at the bake sale that’s accompanying the show. They’re planning award presentations around 2:45.
Thanks to Mara Jacroux for sharing photos of a river otter having dinner on the beach at Lincoln Park last night.
Mara said some onlookers suggested sending to WSB to share with the community – thank you! If you don’t know much about river otters – who, despite their name, frequent salt-water Puget Sound – check out this fact sheet about coexisting with them.)
(Friday sunset, photographed by Gene Pavola)
First Saturday of June! Your list of West Seattle happenings, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, begins with two traffic alerts:
WEST SEATTLE LOW BRIDGE CLOSURE: The low bridge (Spokane Street Swing Bridge) is scheduled to close at 7 am for cylinder work – to all surface traffic, both motorized and non-motorized – and will stay closed potentially until 10 pm Sunday. (We’ll be watching for an early reopening; if you see it open before we do, please call or text 206-293-6302 if you can!)
16TH SW CLOSURE IN WHITE CENTER: The White Center Pride street festival (see listing below) will close 16th SW all day and into the very late night, between SW Roxbury and SW 100th.
Now, other notes for today/tonight!
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the free weekly group run.
PLANT SALE TO FIGHT LUNG CANCER: 9 am to 3 pm, one last session of Amy‘s famous plant sale, raising money to fight lung cancer. (3703 SW 107th)
PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT: 9 am-4 pm at the Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex courts just west of Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle), the Westside Pickleball League hosts its big tournament: “We will have 150 players playing 201 games throughout the day, ages 16-82, and from as far away as New Mexico. It is a fundraiser for the Chief Sealth International High School athletic department.”
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s sanctuary/studio (3618 SW Alaska).
INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed immediately by this walk in which you can participate regardless of whether you were on the introductory stroll. Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.
CAPERS’ 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: 10 am-4 pm, help the Junction store (4525 California SW) celebrate 40 years in business – see our preview plus calendar listing. All-month 20 percent off storewide sale starts too!
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, at Hope Academy (9421 18th SW). Fresh produce, cooked-on-site food, body-care products, more.
MASTER GARDENERS: They’re ready to answer your questions! Saturdays this spring and summer, they’re at The Home Depot (7345 Delridge Way SW), 10 am-2 pm.
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
BRUNCH POP-UP: 10:30 am-3 pm, Upwell hosts Villa Jerada! (4811 California SW)
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – Canceled this week, back next week.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library – Canceled this week.
LOOP THE ‘LUPE: Not too late to register if you’re not already signed up – go here or just show up! 11 am obstacle course 5K, noon Fun Run 5K, 12:15 pm Senior Saunter, 1 pm Kids’ Dash, plus barbecue, beer garden, music, all at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), fundraising for Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s social and community programs.
ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: Meet at 11 am at Log House Museum (61st/Stevens), after registering here. Suggested donation $15.
MAKERS’ ART MARKET: Unique shopping event with local artists/crafters at Alki Beach, 11 am-5 pm.
‘NO KINGS’ PEP RALLIES: 11 am-1 pm, join West Seattle Indivisible on the corners at Morgan, Alaska, Admiral Junctions with signs and noisemakers to promote next Saturday’s “No Kings” rallies.
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) continues daily operations today, 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)
FIFTH WEEKEND FOR COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open today to start the fifth of six preseason weekends before its 7-day-a-week season, noon-7 pm, with four hour-and-a-half swim sessions, each half lap swimming and half open swim – see the schedule here.
FEATHER IN THE WIND POP-UP ART SHOW: Second of three days for this pop-up show featuring local artists in the upstairs annex at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), noon-6 pm, lineup in our calendar listing.
WHITE CENTER PRIDE STREET FESTIVAL: Noon-midnight, in the (closed) street on 16th SW from Roxbury to 100th, with music, DJs, dozens of vendors, all welcome.
VIP EXPERIENCE DURING WHITE CENTER PRIDE: Also starting at noon, ticketed experience offered by Boombox and Lumber Yard.
SOUTH DELRIDGE GATHERING DURING WHITE CENTER PRIDE: Terraplanted and Mr. B’s Mead Center have festivities until 8 pm in the 9400 block of Delridge Way, just north of Roxbury.
WEST SEATTLE HS STUDENT-ORGANIZED CAR SHOW: Noon-3:30 pm in the school parking lot, entries welcome as well as spectators! (3000 California SW)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: Explore the present and past at the home of West Seattle history, open for your visit, noon-2 pm (closing early today) – see the exhibit about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
SIGN-MAKING PARTY FOR ‘NO KINGS’ RALLY: 1-4:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) with West Seattle Indivisible, looking ahead to next Saturday’s nationwide rallies.
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
BUILDING WITH COILS: At the Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), 12:30-2:30 pm, “All materials included. Coils made using the extruder, you will create a pot or vase and add color with slip. Items created will be available for pick up after 2 weeks.” Contact Frances at 206-330-7027 to register.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can you may request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area. Come support our student winemakers and join us for a student tasting.
FREE MASSAGE: Walk into Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) 3-5 pm for short, specific free massage.
WEST SEATTLE HS ALL-SCHOOL REUNION: 4-7 pm at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW), as previewed here. See the schedule here, including the Classic Car Show just outside the school.
SIP AND SPIN: Introduction to wheel-throwing at Rain City Clay (4208 SW 100th), 6-8:30 pm.
‘FORWARD TOGETHER’: 34th District Democrats‘ fundraising celebration, 6:30 pm at Washington State Black Legacy Institute (2656 42nd SW), ticket info in our calendar listing.
REIKI SOUND BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio and Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
WEST SEATTLE BANDS AT THE SKYLARK: Princess Pulpit, Malty and the Rain, Potholes at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm, $10 cover, all ages.
DUB SEA FISH STICKS: 7:05 pm home game tonight at Steve Cox Memorial Park‘s Mel Olson Stadium. (1321 SW 102nd, White Center). Go here for tickets.
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Mothtide, feat. Pruett and Pilot Seat, 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – get tickets here.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s the Future Shock Prince Tribute at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Up for Saturday night singing? 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
This time the report is from Pauline in the Fairmount Park area:
I was just outside watering our garden when I noticed that our LFL was completely cleaned out. They left the pencils and bookmarks; I guess these items weren’t good enough! I am heartbroken to think someone would do this. I have read similar stories on the blog. What is wrong with people?!
Tomorrow (Saturday, June 7), 4-7 pm, the West Seattle High School Alumni Association welcomes all WSHS alums back to the campus for the annual All-School Reunion. It’s a start-of-summer tradition for the Alumni Association to organize this gathering to reconnect with schoolmates, celebrate student achievements, induct alumni into the Hall of Fame, and recognize members of the community.
This year, the two Hall of Fame inductees are Class of ‘66 graduate Kevin Mason, a professional vocalist with 50 years of experience, and Class of ‘63 graduate Gary Drobnack, an international forestry consultant and philanthropist.
The alumni publication Chinook has their stories as well as detailing 68 student scholarship recipients. 42 new scholarships for graduating seniors, and 26 scholarships for returning students. It also lists graduating class-specific events, including the Class of ’75‘s 50th reunion bash, at the West Seattle Golf Course. The day after, Sunday, June 8th, the Class of ’80 will be hosting its 45th reunion from 6-9 pm at Kenyon Hall.
The WSHS Alumni Association’s website has the schedule for tomorrow’s All-School Reunion events, including the traditional Classic Car Show on the driveway west of the historical entrance, also starting at 4 pm.
Time to get the fans ready if you don’t have A/C – the National Weather Service has announced a Heat Advisory alert for Sunday and Monday. The alert warns of “hot conditions with high temperatures up to 85 to 90 degrees,” and is currently planned to be in effect 10 am Sunday to 10 pm Monday. The alert also warns, “Heat will significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses for those who are sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling or adequate hydration.” Today’s high was 79 degrees, 10 degrees above what the NWS says is the seasonal norm.
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB
Summit Atlas, West Seattle’s only charter school, has just begun summer break. Hours before the last classes of this school year, the middle/high school’s 67 graduating seniors gathered for their commencement ceremony.
(Graduating senior Masarra Aljanabi speaking)
This year’s ceremony was held last night at South Seattle College‘s Brockey Center.
(Graduating senior Genesis Desiree Victorio-Contreras embraces teacher Deborah Haislip)
Proud families and friends filled the event venue to help launch the grads into their post-high-school lives.
(Ofelia Cortes takes a moment before thanking her parents)
This year’s graduating class is twice the size of Summit Atlas’s first one back in 2021.
Summit Atlas ASB President Ella Galaites (below) also took to the podium to congratulate her classmates:
Mentors – including teacher Mandy Vu (below) – gave personal remarks about every student graduating:
Next commencement ceremony for a local high school will be Chief Sealth IHS, Wednesday, June 11, 8 pm at Memorial Stadium downtown, which is also where West Seattle HS‘s ceremony is planned for 5 pm Tuesday, June 17.
Thanks to Sanislo Elementary teacher Shannon Crowley for the photos! Above are some of the 150+ volunteers from Deloitte who descended on the Puget Ridge school today for volunteer work including mural painting. The one above is on a portable, and this one in the gym features the school’s namesake, Seattle Fire Captain Stephen Sanislo, who according to this HistoryLink vignette spent 31 years educating children about fire safety:
P.S. Here’s another photo of the portable mural, after it was complete:
Other Sanislo projects planned for the volunteer TLC today included garden beds. This was part of their company’s “Impact Day.”
WestSide Baby board of directors members
Story, photos and video by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
A festive crowd of supporters gathered Thursday night at the WestSide Baby warehouse headquarters in White Center, to kick off summer in style at A Night Out with WestSide Baby 2025, the organization’s iconic annual fundraiser event and celebration. All proceeds from the event will help the organization provide essential items to thousands of local children and their families.
WestSide Baby was founded in 2001 “in a new mom’s garage” in West Seattle, and celebrates its 25th anniversary next year. The group fulfills an average of 400 orders per week, and in 2024 was able to distribute $3.29 million in diapers, clothing, and essential equipment to families in need. The organization won the Not for Profit of the Year award last month as part of 2025 Westside Awards from the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, as we reported here.
The event on Thursday featured food and drink, music, games, guest speakers, a silent auction and “raise the paddle” fundraising, with attendees getting an inside look at WestSide Baby HQ during the festivities:
Organizers emphasize that, yes, providing diapers for kids in need is crucially important to the group’s mission, but they also provide much more than that: think clothing, books, toys, wipes, baby food, car seats and all manner of baby supplies. To that point, taped to the back of every action paddle on Thursday night was a printout of an actual order fulfilled by WestSide Baby just in the past week! One example:
And those paddles were put to good use at the event, with attendees bidding generously to support WestSide Baby’s mission, including this high-participation “raise the paddle” round in which bidders could hold up their fingers to indicate how many boxes worth of size 6 diapers (the group’s most high-demand diaper size) they’d be willing to help buy:
Here is our video of that “raise the paddle” round, which is just one of the many giving levels that attendees participated in, ranging from $45 (the cost of a single box of size 6 diapers) to $5,000, with multiple levels in between. Organizers also announced that someone had also made an anonymous donation of $10,000 to the cause, bringing cheers from the crowd. The silent auction and raffle were big hits, too, with organizers announcing the lucky winners as bidding concluded. The emcees for the evening were WestSide Baby board members Amy Biancofiori (with the paddle in the photo below) and Nicole DeCario:
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(Photo courtesy Taste of Mumbai)
After a month-plus closure initially attributed – via note on the door – to a staffing shortage, Taste of Mumbai has reopened in The Admiral District, under new ownership and management. We got a call today from the restaurant’s new manager, who told us, “Nobody from before is working here now.” Their new hours are 11 am to 11 pm daily, including an 11 am-3 pm lunch buffet (10+ dishes, $22.99). No bar yet but they’re hoping to get their liquor license within a month. They’re keeping the name and improving their online presence. For new owner Vikram Singh, we’re told, this is the first restaurant venture. Under previous ownership, Taste of Mumbai opened in the former Yen Wor Village spot at 2300 California SW a year and a half ago.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
For a small independent business to last 40 months is a feat – let alone 40 years.
But that’s the milestone CAPERS in The Junction (WSB sponsor) is celebrating this weekend – the store’s 40th anniversary.
The party Saturday and Sunday coincides with the start of the annual CAPERS “everything in the store” sale. But CAPERS proprietor Lisa Myers has added a few touches – such as a private reunion party tonight for employees past and present. “We’ve probably had 1,000 employees over the years!” Lisa marveled when we talked this morning for a look ahead to the big weekend. Their tenures, anywhere from one month to 25 years. “They really make the business.”
Yes, but so does the proprietor. What’s her secret for keeping the doors open this long? “Just keep going! I think (some businesspeople) give up too soon, didn’t give it enough time. It takes a long time to get a customer!” You can’t assume everyone knows about you, 40 years or not. “People still come in and ask, ‘are you new?'”
Of course CAPERS offers online shopping, too, but it’s the bricks-and-mortar store that offers the full experience of the home items they sell – although the website also opens the door to people too far to walk through the physical door. Somebody thousands of miles away, for example, bought napkin rings. And it’s the mix of merchandise that keeps CAPERS thriving, Lisa believes; furniture might be atop the list of most-popular items, but barely: “All the departments hold their own .. it’s hard to get rid of a department, since they play off each other.”
After 40 years, what surprises her? Sometimes, it’s “the things that people like.” Sometimes, it’s the pleasant surprise of “the kindness of our community … people are so supportive and kind.” (CAPERS finds ways to enable that, too, such as the annual Giving Tree for the Hickman House shelter housing families who have survived domestic violence.)
You can support this independent local business, as it enters year 41, by joining this weekend’s celebration. Between 10 am and 4 pm both Saturday and Sunday, you can not only be among the first to shop the “20 percent off everything” sale, you can also enter raffle drawings for baskets with items from CAPERS vendors – “our vendors have given us so many gifts!” Lisa exclaims. “Some really good stuff.” They’ll have a “Wheel of Fortune”-style game, too, as well as treats for kids. And the sale lasts through the end of the month. CAPERS is at 4525 California SW.
(Photo courtesy West Seattle Junction Association)
(WSB file photo from Loop the ‘Lupe)
Seattle’s only obstacle-course 5K happens right here in West Seattle, and it’s one of four events comprising tomorrow’s Loop the ‘Lupe (along with the 5K Fun Run, Senior Saunter, and Youth Dash). If you’re already registered, you can pick up your packet 1-6 pm today at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW). If not, you can sign up online right now! The Obstacle Course 5K starts at 11; the Fun Run 5K at noon; the Senior Saunter at 12:15 pm; and the Youth Dash at 1 pm, all at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), just east of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose community and social programs benefit from the proceeds. While you’re signing up, if you’re at least 16 years old, you have a new add-on option this year – the first-ever Penalty Kick Soccer Shootout with West Seattle Junction FC and Rhodies FC players.
Walt Hundley will be a fun place to be on Saturday even if you’re not Loop-ing – you can do some volunteer work (sign up here) or just be a spectator! There’s music, food, and beverages too. Plus health care – as previewed here, the Care-a-Van will be on site, offering vaccines and screenings. WSB is media sponsor for Loop the ‘Lupe, and we’ll see you there!
We went to the site of West Seattle’s future second official dog park (aka off-leash area) toward the end of Thursday’s lightly attended “open house” to get a quick in-person update on what’s next for the project, currently planned for construction next year. (If you’ve missed previous reports, this is in an area south of the West Seattle Stadium parking lot at 4432 35th SW, for which it’s currently used as overflow parking.)
The project team told us this is the last public meeting before construction next summer/fall. The main purpose was to show the “schematic design” they’ve settled on (on the easel shown above, plus page 8 in this slide deck), from the three possibilities they had shown previously. The main changes include an added pathway plus “more developed drainage.” And they still have a few things to decide, such as gravel vs. wood chips; both have their upsides and downsides, fans and detractors.
They also want potential future users to know that an area in the northwest section of the site is still planned for a small lot where city EVs can recharge. No public access, they said. (At one point, you might recall, the entire site was under consideration for a city EV lot INSTEAD of the dog park.)
For one last round of feedback, they now have an online survey you can answer here, and the project webpage features an explanatory video walking you through the current plan. The survey’s open until June 23.
What was a student-written/directed/produced show at West Seattle High School last year, “WWE: The Musical,” is now a streaming album. One of the show’s creators, now-former WSHS student Roy Keller, explains, “Recently, we recorded the songs from it and are putting it out on streaming this week!” Here’s the announcement, with links:
The wait is finally over… we’re back. The Musical that Stone-cold-stunned the world returns with WWE: THE MUSICAL: The Album Version! Relive the legendary student-led performance and follow John Cena as he fights, sings, and wins his way to the top! he WILL fight, he WILL learn lessons, and he WILL call his mother.
WWE: THE MUSICAL The Album Version is out NOW on all streaming platforms! including but not limited to:
–Spotify open.spotify.com/album/6Mf6O0lxhOMMzXWJGaEmSy?si=pgl-H34kReq1L4VcZ8V8uA
–Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/wwe-the-musical/1817627445
–Amazon Music music.amazon.com/albums/B0FBCLCB9Q?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_jleTXNcuvUiL3EKSwkgSkplY8
–YouTube Music music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mW9ulmdpI3Ci85yyQBAwKh2Px3pQZPBSw&si=kDEH_VTBDe5TN5R4
and anywhere else you can find music!
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