West Seattle, Washington
03 Thursday
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, July 3, 2025, the day before the Fourth of July.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly cloudy, then clearing, high around 70. Today’s sunrise was at 5:17 am; sunset will be at 9:09 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY AND TOMORROW
Metro buses – Regular schedule today. Sunday schedule on the holiday, with “extra late-night service.”
Washington State Ferries – WSF has resumed three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where. The route will run on a “weekend schedule” Friday.
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). Regular Friday day/night service on the holiday.
STADIUM ZONE
The Mariners continue their homestand tonight, with a 7:10 pm game against Kansas City, followed by fireworks.
HOLIDAY TRAFFIC ALERTS
-The Fourth of July Kids’ Parade crosses California SW near Hamilton Viewpoint Park, so there’ll be some waits there in the 10 am hour.
-Note that waterfront streets (Harbor, Alki Avenues) will be very congested late Friday night (the fireworks show from Lake Union is partly visible, and it’s at 10:15 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!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Before Mallory Carlson, a young mom of three, talked with us about the reason for our phone interview, she wanted to tell us about her love for West Seattle.
She moved here the first time at age 14, to live with an aunt and uncle. She attended Chief Sealth International High School.
The second time she moved here was the first time with her husband and their first child, a son who’s now 4 years old. They had to leave because her husband’s job search led them to California. “We’ll be back,” they promised each other. And this spring, they managed to return to what Mallory calls an “incredible community,” home to many members of her family.
It seemed like the first step into a warm, bright future. They had expanded their family with identical twin girls half a year ago.
And then, just weeks after their return to West Seattle … “this happened.”
That word, “this,” encompasses so much heartache … but also hope. Sisters Josie and Lucy were diagnosed with an aggressive type of leukemia that Mallory says affects only 100 babies a year – ALL. The girls are now two weeks into an experimental chemotherapy treatment that they will have to endure for nine months. And that’s if they’re lucky. That’s inpatient chemotherapy at the start of a two-year treatment plan, their mom explains.
“The girls are stable – but not doing well,” Mallory told us when we talked Tuesday afteroon. “At least, they’re not in danger of dying today. … For every day, we’re grateful, but this is truly terrifying.”
Mallory is a self-employed wedding photographer. She can’t work now for multiple reasons – not just the need to stay at Seattle Children’s Hospital with Josie and Lucy, but also because she has to limit her exposure to other people, for fear she’ll catch something and spread it to them. “If they catch a cold, it could kill them, so I’m trying to be incredibly careful.” Her husband has just started his new job and hasn’t accumulated paid time off, so he has to keep working so that they can cover mounting medical bills and keep the “fixer-upper” West Seattle house they’d bought before “this.”
So they are crowdfunding, painful in its own way for someone who says she’s never had to ask for help before, “but I have to put my pride away.” In addition to raising money, Mallory is also trying to raise awareness and end the stigma that invariably arises with the word “cancer.” If people don’t want to help her family, she says, maybe Lucy and Josie will inspire them to donate to a foundation researching childhood cancer.
Research has suddenly become a large part of the family’s life. The girls are part of a clinical trial right now – a trial that hadn’t begun when they were diagnosed, but, Mallory explains, was opened seven months early to admit them. It is a trial that expands the chemotherapy currently used to treat ALL.
How did they both get it? Because they shared a placenta, one spread it to the other, Mallory explains. Josie was the first diagnosed, and the double diagnosis drew researchers’ attention quickly, enabling them to get into the aforementioned trial. “It could save them, at least keep them in and no matter what happens to them, it could change medical history … (but) even if it doesn’t save them, I want to bring awareness to this awful, awful rare disease.”
Their care is estimated to cost $1 million per twin – per year. “We are doing everything we can, but this fight is bigger than us alone,” Mallory says. And bigger than two very little girls living in a hospital right now..
Here’s the crowdfunding/updates site set up by friends and family.
Though much of what’s been reported to police as “possible shots fired” in recent nights has been fireworks, one tonight actually was gunfire: Officers just told dispatch they’ve found casings at 27th SW/SW Cambridge, near Roxhill Park. No injuries reported.
(WSB photos)
Tiara and Joshua Silas are about to open Fourth Emerald Games in the West Seattle Junction, upstairs from the breezeway, at 4517 California SW. The focus here is on electronic games, for sale (they buy games too), for rent, or to play on site in a lounge where you can reserve a spot – which they nicknamed “Emmies” – for $12/hour.
Tiara explains, “We have PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch installed at each Emmie, loaded with hundreds of games to play per console. People also have the option of renting one of our games from our retail area to try out (included in the price).” The space is new, but the business isn’t: “We initially began as an online store, and got tons of feedback from gamers saying how much they wish we were a physical location, so we had to give the people what they wanted! We really wanted to accommodate the late-night crowd as well.” The hours: 1 pm to 9 pm Tuesdays through Thursdays, 1 pm to 10 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 11 am to 5 pm Sundays, closed Mondays. The name comes from a line in a Sonic the Hedgehog game, and you’ll see it – and Sonic – in this mural by the entrance:
The artist is Carlos Aguilar (@theydrift), who also has a mural downstairs at Rush Hour.
Tiara and Joshua have lived in West Seattle for two years, close to The Junction: “We fell in love with this community and when we started our business, we thought it would be the perfect location for not only proximity but a tight knit community as well. Being surrounded by other business, local restaurants, etc. just seems perfect for us!” This Saturday, July 5, is their grand opening; they’ll have a tournament under way, and are also planning one (Smash Bros.) for West Seattle Summer Fest the following weekend. P.S. Fourth Emerald isn’t a café or bar, but will offer “drinks and snacks.”
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
With summer heat arriving, and short nights, fire pits are becoming increasingly common. However, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and accidentally cause trouble for neighbors, or even get hurt. A WSB reader suggested we spotlight the rules – so here’s what we found out.
Fortunately, the Seattle Fire Department and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency have put together a set of rules for outdoor fires.
Before we break down the rules, it’s important to check if there’s a burn ban in effect. Anyone caught burning while a burn ban is in effect may be ticketed, and even prosecuted, according to the Department of Natural Resources. (There has been a stage 1 burn ban in place since Monday for all of unincorporated King County, though that does not affect recreational fires.)
There are two types of common outdoor fires, the first of which is a recreational fire. According to the Seattle Fire Department’s Outdoor Regulations and Prohibitions guide, recreational fires are any fires “for cooking, pleasure, religious, ceremonial or similar purposes” where the fire is “not contained in an outdoor fireplace, grill or barbecue pit.”
If you’re planning to use a recreational fire, there are several things you have to consider. First, recreational fires must be located at least 25 feet away from any structure or combustible material, and any conditions that could cause the fire to spread should be removed before starting the fire.
Second, you must always have fire extinguishing tools on hand, including a shovel, buckets of water, and a hose or fire extinguisher. Finally, at least one adult should tend to the fire until it is completely extinguished.
(Using a 5-gallon bucket – available at most hardware stores – and sustainably sourced firewood for an outdoor fireplace)
The rules for what you can and can’t burn are the same regardless of what kind of fire pit you have. Any fires meant to dispose of debris or burn garbage are not considered recreational and therefore prohibited. Only charcoal, dried firewood, and manufactured firelogs are considered acceptable fuel sources, according to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
The second type of outdoor fire is one inside a portable outdoor fireplace. Again, according to SFD’s guide, these “may be constructed of steel, concrete, or clay and may or may not be equipped with a short chimney.”
(The reporter’s own portable outdoor fireplace, made of steel)
Two things set this type of fire apart from a recreational fire. First, you must abide by any instructions given by the manufacturer of the portable fireplace. Second, if you live in a single-family home or a duplex, there is no minimum distance requirement for placing your fire pit, though you should always exercise caution and common sense.
(Here’s another example- an outdoor portable grill. You’d have to follow the same rules on fuel, placement, and safety for a grill that you would for an outdoor fireplace)
The summer is the perfect time to get outside, socialize, and throw parties, but as neighbors, it’s important to be considerate, which also extends to fires. Any fire that sends excessive amounts of smoke into a neighbor’s property, causes any type of property damage, or causes a nuisance should be swiftly put out.
If regulations are not being followed, the Seattle Fire Department can immediately extinguish a burn if it constitutes a fire hazard, and fines for illegal fires often start at $2,000, in addition to the cost required for SFD to extinguish the burn.
For more information about fire safety, including a full list of prohibited fuel sources and additional information about outdoor fires, check out SFD’s full Outdoor Regulations and Prohibitions guide.
Two Crime Watch notes this afternoon:
STREET ROBBERY: A woman was robbed in the 9000 block of 35th SW just after 8 pm last night, according to a police report. We obtained the narrative, which says the victim was outside an apartment building talking with several other people when a man walked up to her, demanded she give him money, then punched her in the head and threatened to kill her. A woman subsequently approached and kicked her in the ribs while trying to take her purse. The two left after stealing some cash from the victim, who did not want medical assisstance. The robbers are described as a Black man in his 50s, 6’6″, medium build, wearing a baseball cap and light-colored clothing, and an Asian woman in her 30s, 5’4″, heavy build. Police noted in their report that the nearby apartment building “does have video footage of the incident (but officers were told) by staff that they will only release video footage with a subpoena.”
MURDER SUSPECT’S WEST SEATTLE TIES: The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced today that it has charged a man with murder in an Auburn shooting death a little over a month ago. Skimming the charging documents – sometimes a non-WS case will have a WS link – we recognized the suspect’s name, Kyree-Brian A. Jackson; he was arrested in Arbor Heights a little over a year ago after allegedly pointing a gun at people who tried to intervene in a suspected domestic violence incident in his car along a Fauntleroy street. As we noted at the time, Jackson had an extensive record and had just gotten out of prison six weeks earlier. He is now charged in an Auburn shooting death in late May that prosecutors describe as related to a gang dispute. Reading all the way to the end of the documents, the police report from the new case reveals that Jackson was taken into custody last Friday in West Seattle – at or near the state Department of Corrections field office on 35th SW just south of Morgan. His residence is listed on the police report as at an address in Kent. The victim in the Auburn murder case, 21-year-old Keivon Bias, was described as having been killed in an “ambush.” As far as we can tell from online records, Jackson was never charged in the Arbor Heights incident; there could be a variety of reasons for that, so we’re following up to see if police ever referred the case to prosecutors. His bail in the Auburn murder case is set at $5 million.
(Wednesday 7:03 pm update: KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney checked for us. Police indeed did not refer the case for a felony review. But it did go to the City Attorney’s Office, which filed two “unlawful use of weapons” charges. More than a year later, that case has yet to go to trial, with the next hearing planned later this month.)
We noticed while traveling Alki Avenue a few days ago that the awning signage was up for Do Si Korean BBQ, taking over the space vacated by Duke’s. So we’ve been working to reach the new restaurant’s operators to find out how soon they plan to open. We talked briefly this afternoon with managing partner Brian Hoang, who tells WSB that some “mechanical work” remains before they can get all the permits they need, so he is now expecting to open “late July, early August.” Do Si KBBQ already has a location in Kent. As we first reported three months ago, the menu will be similar to what Do Si offers there, but with a bigger beverage selection because this location has a bigger bar. If you haven’t had KBBQ before, it’s centered on grilling your own meat at the table
The home of West Seattle’s history might be where you discover some of your own history.
Southwest Seattle Historical Society executive director Elizabeth Rudrud told us the story of Chuck Burtch‘s visit to SWSHS’s Log House Museum. While chatting with the 93-year-old, she learned about his history in West Seattle, including his years working at Bethlehem Steel – the mill that’s now Nucor (WSB sponsor). Elizabeth picks up the story:
Chuck started working at Bethlehem Steel in 1958. He lived just up the hill from the plant. In 1977, he became the chief metallurgist. He was sharing his story and memories with me when I suggested we look in our catalog for photos of Bethlehem Steel from that era. We found several photos of the plant, his neighborhood, and yes – even a photo of him from the year he became chief metallurgist! We talked for a long time about his work and the plant and when other visitors came in, he was able to share his story with them – including the fact that we found a photo of him from almost half a century ago in our collections!
That photo is in this collage –
That’s Chuck above the center, in dark-rimmed glasses. After his visit, Elizabeth told managers at Nucor about it, and though she hadn’t gotten his contact info while he was there, she managed to track him down. So they subsequently arranged for him to visit the mill. That’s now happened, and Samantha Hogan at Nucor tells us it was quite a special occasion – she shared photos:
The first picture is a keepsake our teammate (Mark Hanson) made on our waterjet cutting table.
The second photo is Chuck with Kenny Lyons, a fourth generation Nucor teammate. Chuck worked with both of Kenny’s grandfathers and his father.
The last photo, from left to right, is our General Manager Mark Davis, Chuck, and current Chief Metallurgist Erik Nissen.
As a postscript, Elizabeth notes that the Log House Museum has come into possession of some other West Seattle steel history: “Just a week or so prior, we received a donation of a tool box from a machinist who worked at the factory in 1917. We have his tool box, tools as well as correspondence about a die set the artifact’s owner helped patent for what was then Pacific Coast Forge” – preceding the mill’s Bethlehem Steel days. (Nucor took over in 2003.) Some of the photos already in SWSHS possession include this early-20th-century aerial:
And a photo of Bethlehem Steel workers after their 1937 Salmon Derby:
That’s just a tiny fraction of the historic treasures the museum has. Ultimately, Elizabeth says, all this is a reminder of the connections that can be made from the present and future through the past, with the help of an organization like SWSHS. Whether or not you have deep local roots like Chuck, you’ll probably find something memorable at the Log House Museum, usually open to visitors noon-4 pm Fridays and Saturdays, at 61st SW/SW Stevens, one block inland from Alki Beach.
The balloon animal in the logo for this year’s West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade is more than a graphic – it represents one of the activities that await kids at Hamilton Viewpoint Park post-parade! We are now two days away from West Seattle’s biggest Fourth of July event, which usually brings more than 1,000 people to North Admiral. The parade, now presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, starts at 10 am Friday from 44th SW/Sunset SW [map]. No pre-registration necessary, just show up! This is a non-motorized parade, aside from Seattle Fire Engine 29, a police motorcycle escort, and the “community pickup truck” that usually lead off. At the 44th/Sunset gathering point, the national anthem will be sung by 12-year-old Lola Orza, and with the ringing of a ceremonial bell, the parade will proceed west/southwest to Atlantic, east on Atlantic, across California – this is what even non-participants should know: Police block traffic for the parade to cross California, so you might experience a delay if you’re traveling through that area during the 10 am hour on Friday (although last year the officers brought the parade across in multiple groups, punctuated by passage for waiting vehicles). At the park, local businesses and organizations will offer activities, and other highlights include sack races and public-safety vehicle tours. This year there’s an expanded lineup of food/beverage/treat trucks and carts (listed here). The park activities will end by 1 pm, and then it’s off to the rest of the holiday. The parade and activities are offered free of charge, but it’s a big cost to the ANA (from permits to porta-potties), covered in part by sponsors (listed here) and donations (here’s how to help).
(Hydrangea blossom, photographed by Janelle Otterholt)
Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly as featured on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
PINT FOR A PINT: Blood drive today until 4 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe (35th SW/SW Myrtle) with special gift – a pint of Seattle Sorbets – for donors. Check our calendar listing for link to see if spots are available.
SUMMER FOOD: As reported here Monday, there are multiple sites/times/days in West Seattle where kids can get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks.
CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: The meeting that just began includes items related to Sound Transit’s in-city light-rail projects, including West Seattle. Here’s the agenda, which has all the document links. You can watch via Seattle Channel.
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 if interested!).
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)
COLMAN POOL: The open-every-day season continues at Lincoln Park‘s outdoor, heated salt-water pool! Noon-7 pm; see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WADING POOLS: Open today – Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) will be open noon-5:30 pm; Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) will be open noon-7 pm.
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).
‘WILD ROBOT’ READ-ALOUD CLUB: 1 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), starting today! Info here.
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).
CRIBBAGE: New schedule for cribbage at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), including 6 pm tonight.
CLASSIC SF BOOK CLUB: 6 pm at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW) – this month’s book is “Inverted World.”
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)
SOCCER: West Seattle Junction FC home match vs. Midlakes United, 7 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). “Kick Cancer Night.” Get tickets here.
KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), $35.
MUSIC BINGO: at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 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)
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!
As we mentioned last month, the West Seattle Art Tour is doubling this year, to two days, and organizers are working on the lineup now. The final deadline, for artists, is just days away, so here’s one more reminder:
West Seattle’s community-wide arts event is back – now a two-day event! Save The Date for Art, September 20th & 21st!
The West Seattle Art Tour returns on September 20- 21, 2025 (10 am – 5 pm) for its fourth year, and its first year as a two-day event. This free, self-guided tour features a full spectrum of high-quality art, a chance to meet and talk with artists, and the opportunity to purchase exceptional works of art, all while exploring West Seattle’s beautiful neighborhoods. This year, sites will be open for two days, allowing more time for visitors to see all of the locations.
Artists interested in participating will want to act quickly. Artist applications are due by July 6th. Artists can review event details, artist criteria, how to host and submit their application at: wsartwalk.org/west-seattle-art-tour
The West Seattle Art Tour is organized by local artists and art lovers with support from West Seattle Art Walk. Individuals interested in supporting the West Seattle Art Tour can reach out to WSArtHop@gmail.com
WSB is media sponsor for this year’s West Seattle Art Tour.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, July 2, 2025, with the Fourth of July just two days away.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly sunny, high in the 70s,. Today’s sunrise was at 5:16 am; sunset will be at 9:10 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Gas work in Highland Park near Highland Park Way/Holden, according to Kay (we’ve received a notice of bus stop effects for the next 2 weeks too).
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has resumed three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, plus weeknights with Mariners home games (and some other events) … including, again, tonight:
STADIUM ZONE
The Mariners continue their homestand tonight, with another 6:40 pm game against Kansas City.
REMINDER FOR FRIDAY
The Fourth of July Kids’ Parade crosses California SW near Hamilton Viewpoint Park, so there’ll be some waits there in the 10 am hour.
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!
The scanner is hopping with “explosion” calls all around the peninsula. In this dry time of year, this is what can result, as just reported by Rose in Admiral:
Some jerks drove up to our traffic circle at the corner of 39th and Lander and deliberately threw a loud firework into the dry grasses, which caught fire. The flames consumed about a1/4 of the vegetation before my neighbors and I managed to put it out carrying bowls of water and a watering can because no one’s hose could reach that far. We had it out by the time the firefighters arrived (bless them). The police also arrived.
Thanks to Allyne Armitage for the photo looking south around sunset, as clouds gather – they’re in the forecast for the next few nights, but days are still expected to bring sunshine, including the holiday on Friday. Temperatures are also supposed to be a bit cooler – staying in the 70s – after 87-degree highs the past two days.
When the Seattle Public Schools Board convenes its next meeting tomorrow (Wednesday, July 2), they’ll hear from at least two people who want to express opposition to a district plan to move the Interagency Academy high-school program out of the “Old Roxhill Elementary” building at SW Roxbury and 30th SW. The district also is planning to move the BRIDGES Transition program, for young adults with developmental disabilities, out of the building. Those are the two major programs that the district placed in the “Old Roxhill” building (as explained here) after the Roxhill Elementary program moved to the historic, renovated EC Hughes Elementary building seven years ago. Here’s the letter sent to the BRIDGES and Interagency programs’ students, families, and staff in mid-June by district Chief of Staff Bev Redmond and Associate Superintendent Dr. Rocky Torres-Morales:
Earlier this school year, Seattle Public Schools leadership initiated a series of conversations with students, families, and staff at the Old Roxhill Elementary site, which currently houses some of the Interagency and BRIDGES programs. After careful consideration and in response to the input we received, SPS has developed a proposal to relocate both programs to different sites so that we can better support student learning, needs, and safety.
Starting in the 2025–26 school year, the following changes are being considered:
=Students enrolled in the Old Roxhill Interagency Southwest campus will transition to the Interagency Columbia site (3528 S. Ferdinand St.), a location and learning environment better suited to the program’s goals. Plans are also underway to determine a permanent location for the program in the Southwest region by the 2026-27 school year.
-Students in the Old Roxhill SW BRIDGES program will now attend the BRIDGES at Chief Sealth International High School program site (2600 SW Thistle St.), where they will benefit from being co-located with the resources of a comprehensive school campus. Students who were temporarily attending Old Roxhill SE BRIDGES during the Rainier Beach High School construction project will return to Rainier Beach High School.
As we continue to consider the impact of the move on students, staff, and families, we recognize transitions can bring both excitement and uncertainty. We are committed to ensuring a smooth and supportive move for each school community.
We are also ensuring the plan aligns with board policy. We are actively working with leadership teams at both receiving campuses to prepare for transition. You can expect to hear directly from your school principals with specific details about what to expect next and how to prepare. We appreciate your continued partnership and trust as we work together to create the best possible learning environments for all students. We will continue to listen as this plan is refined and finalized.
We’ve asked the district if that means the Old Roxhill building would be fully closed or whether it would be kept open for some other use; to date, we have not received an answer, only, “The plan to relocate the Interagency and BRIDGES programs at the Old Roxhill Elementary site is under consideration. As of now, this is just a proposal; there is additional work that needs to be done before the plan is final.” Though there was no elaboration on the “safety” concern voiced in the district’s letter, concerns were voiced after the building was hit by bullets earlier this year.and the building’s general condition was described as “deplorable” 13 years ago, with no major remodeling in the years since (just some seismic-retrofit work).
Back to what happens next: We’re still trying to find out; community members are signed up to speak at tomorrow’s board meeting though there’s no related matter on the board’s agenda.
One day after Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth returned to three-boat service after almost three years, another milestone for Washington State Ferries – a builder has been chosen for its next three new boats. From the announcement:
Governor Bob Ferguson today announced he has selected the $714.5 million bid from Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build three new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries. Washington State Ferries (WSF) will move forward with the contracting process, following the first competitive bid for ferry construction in more than 25 years. …
The contract award comes after a comprehensive year-long process of advertising, pre-qualifying shipyards, and answering shipyard requests for clarification. Two shipyards submitted bids. Eastern’s bid was 6% lower than WSF’s own engineer’s estimate, and significantly lower than the other bidder.
The shipyard bid is only part of the new build process. There is an additional approximately $150 million for the first vessel for owner-furnished equipment, construction management, WSF crew training, and risk contingencies. This brings the cost of the first vessel to approximately $405 million, the second to $360 million, and the third to $325 million, as contingency risk decreases with lessons learned from each previous construction. …
According to its website, Eastern Shipbuilding Group has built more than 350 vessels, including ferries. It was one of two bidders; the other was Nichols Brothers Boat Builders on Whidbey Island. State law was changed to allow ferries to be built out of state.
(WSB photos)
If you traveled on SW Oregon today west of California SW and wondered about the painting project – Inner Alchemy Treasures and Transformation (4312 SW Oregon) is the next West Seattle Junction business incorporating its streetfront signage into a mural! Artist Cody Huff is painting today – perfect weather, notes Inner Alchemy proprietor Maari Falsetto, who’s supervising:
The mural will incorporate Inner Alchemy’s logo symbol, the purple clematis, with big flowers wrapping around the edge of the building. One flower will likely be done by day’s end, and then painting will resume on Friday. This is one of three locations that comprise Inner Alchemy, which took over the Junction space this past spring – its former storefront at 3043 California SW is now a healing room, and the Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio in the American Legion building in The Triangle hosts classes and workshops.
(File photo)
Now that July is here, outdoor music season has arrived too – this month, that includes West Seattle Summer Fest (July 11-13), Admiral Music in the Parks (July 17, 24, and 31), Alki Art Fair (July 18-20), the West Seattle Big Band Concert in the Park (July 15) … and one multi-night event in which you can participate! That’s the West Seattle Community Orchestras’ Play Along in the Park, 6-8 pm on the next four Tuesdays (not tonight) in July in Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), near the north lot. Rotating WSCO conductors lead full ensembles in “music ranging from classical to contemporary.” Spectators are welcome too, of course, but players are especially encouraged. If you want to play, register here so you’ll get the music parts for the night(s) you want to join in. Free for musicians and audience!
Though at least one social-media site suggested that I Luv Teriyaki in SODO/Georgetown was reopening today, more than two years after a kitchen fire gutted the restaurant, we’ll save you the trip: We checked while running an errand in the area this past hour, and there are no signs (literally or figuratively) of impending reopening. Since we reported on the March 2023 fire, and the teriyaki restaurant has been a favorite for West Seattleites crossing the 1st Avenue South Bridge, fans have been asking us periodically when it’s reopening. We have tried to reach its owner repeatedly in recent weeks and months and have had no luck or callbacks. So we check in person whenever we’re in the vicinity.
(Noctilucent clouds, photographed by Steven Rice)
Here’s our list for your Tuesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUMMER FOOD: As reported here Monday, there are multiple sites in West Seattle where kids can get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks.
CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: The meeting that just began includes items related to Sound Transit’s in-city light-rail projects, including West Seattle. Here’s the agenda, which has all the document links. You can watch via Seattle Channel.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: You’re welcome to join this weekly advocacy gathering, until noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if you’re a first-time participant.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: The outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is open every day, with sessions between noon and 7 pm. Fee.
WADING POOLS: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden) will be open today, noon-7 pm. Free.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch at West Seattle Golf Course. (4470 35th SW).
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 2 pm, weekly meeting, open to public comment in person or online. The agenda explains how to watch/participate. Agenda items today include the agreement for Premier to keep operating golf courses including West Seattle.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
WEST SEATTLE TAE KWON DO CLUB: 6 pm at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW).
TOASTMASTERS 832: Hybrid meeting, 6 pm – work on your communication and leadership skills! Online or at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW).
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN WITH HOKA DEMO: Tonight at 6:15 pm, meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run, with a chance to demo Hokas!
MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has details on signing up before you go.
BINGO X 2: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW) … Talarico’s Pizzeria also offers 8 pm bingo (4718 California SW).
TRIVIA X 4: Wondering where to play trivia in West Seattle Tuesday nights? – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW).
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather September 6 to celebrate Dan Monahan‘s life, and they’re sharing this remembrance now with the community:
John Daniel Monahan (Dan) was born on July 26th, 1990 and passed away on April 4th, 2025 in Seattle at the age of 34.
Dan was a creative, thoughtful, and accomplished person who also struggled with a lifetime of physical and mental challenges. He was an insightful nature photographer and a prolific writer of fantasy and satire. He spoke and wrote fluent Japanese, which he taught himself – then lived in Japan teaching English to high school students. He was passionate about the martial arts and was a devoted student of Buddhism. He researched and studied extensively the many layers of the human body including all the trigger points, in order to treat his chronic pain from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. He often supported people who were having troubles in their lives – serving a support role for friends and family who were coping with challenges of the body, mind, or spirit. He worked a long season in the depths of winter at a homeless shelter alongside people who were addicted, sick, and hurting. Dan loved risk, travel and adventure, climbing trees, walls, cliffs, buildings and mountains. He felt most at home in the woods, surrounded by tall forest trees, bodies of water, mountain vistas, and wild animals.
Dan was a beloved son to Viveca and John Monahan. A caring brother to Christina. A cherished nephew to Patricia Monahan and her late husband, Guy Shinkaruk, Moira and Jim McCarthy, Kate Marin, Deirdre Monahan, the late Tom Monahan and his wife, Mary Lester, and the late Mary Wanco and her daughter Melissa Landolfi. He was a dear friend to many from childhood, college, work, community, and life. He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:00 am PDT. Please contact the family for more details – vivecamonahan@gmail.com
As we come together to honor Dan’s legacy, we invite all who knew him to share their memories of Dan and upload photos to his memorial page.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the first day of the month and second day of a holiday-shortened week.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly sunny, high in upper 70s, clear weather still expected all week, including the Fourth of July. Today’s sunrise was at 5:15 am; sunset will be at 9:10 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Gas work in Highland Park, according to Kay (we’ve since received a notice of bus stop effects for the next 2 weeks too).
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has resumed three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, plus weeknights with Mariners home games (and some other events) … including, again, tonight:
STADIUM ZONE
The Mariners continue their homestand tonight, with another 6:40 pm game against Kansas City.
TAKING EFFECT TODAY
–Higher toll for the 99 tunnel.
-Higher state gas tax, six cents more a gallon, first increase in nine years.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
1:24 AM: Mid-size callout this past half-hour for a fire in the 5000 block of 26th SW. They’ve just declared it “tapped” – out – and assessed it as an “exterior” fire. No injuries reported. We’ll follow up on the cause later this morning.
ADDED: SFD tells us, “Crews were dispatched to 5000 block of 26th Ave SW for a report of a possible electrical fire. They arrived and extinguished a small fire on the exterior of a home. No injuries were reported.”
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