West Seattle, Washington
22 Sunday
A memorial service is planned Wednesday (June 18) for Jeannette Eshom. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:
Jeannette Eshom, 78, of Seattle and Mesa, Arizona, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025, lovingly surrounded by her children.
Born August 1, 1946, to Edward and Mae Hetrick, Jeannette grew up in West Seattle, fifth in the group of six siblings. She graduated from Chief Sealth High School in 1964.
Known for her warmth, quick laugh, and quiet strength, she touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
In 1967, she married John Eshom, and together they raised three children: Terrie, Roger, and Christina. Later, she met her beloved partner John Burmaz, where they have been a steady presence in the West Seattle community. Together, they shared more than 40 years of love, laughter, and adventure — traveling the world, building a beautiful life, and eventually spending their winters in Mesa, Arizona. There, they cultivated an additional community of friends, as well.Jeannette worked for many years at Thomas Jefferson High School in Federal Way, dedicating herself to the growth and well-being of students. After retiring, she fully embraced her passions: traveling, genealogy, crafts, ceramics, and bingo. She loved the joy of finding hidden treasures in thrift stores and delighted in collecting Disney figures, coins, and stamps.
Jeannette was generous with her time, always the first to help friends, neighbors, or family. She had a gift for making people feel welcomed and included, and she was the kind of person you could always count on. Her love for her family knew no bounds—she enjoyed many family events, grandkid activities, and milestones in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Family reunions were her favorite, and she was often the heart of every gathering. She was adored by her family and beloved by many friends across the country and beyond. Her kindness, humor, and steady presence made a lasting impact on all who knew her. Her friends continue to share how much she was loved and how much she meant to them.
Jeannette was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Jean and Sally, and her brother Ed. She is survived by her longtime partner John; brothers John and Mark; daughters Terrie (Sofiane) and Christina (Steve); son Roger, and grandchildren Ryan, Zachary, Alex, and Chloe, her partner’s sons Ken and Rick, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at Fauntleroy Church, UCC in West Seattle on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with a Celebration of Her Life immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association (or other charity of your choice) in Jeannette’s memory.
Her generous spirit and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
(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)
(Saturday on Elliott Bay – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Happy Father’s Day if you’re celebrating! Here are highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Today’s Sunday Funday run leaves from Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), 9 am.
WEST SEATTLE BRAKE SERVICE SALE: As previewed here, moving/closure sale for contents of the longtime business at 4464 37th SW, 9 am-2 pm again today.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece. (35th/Roxbury)
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 throughout the summer, they’re back at the market, 10 am-2 pm.
(added) FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH: At the West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW): “Brunch is from 10 am-1 pm, Fathers get it for free, others will be $15 each…so much good food!!! Kids under 10 years old, free also.”
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) is open every day, 11 am-8 pm.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
DONATION DRIVE: 11 am-3 pm, monthly dropoff donation drive in the Alki UCC courtyard (6115 SW Hinds):
This month’s priority needs:
Clean and wearable Men’s Work/Casual Clothing
New Socks
Non-Perishable FoodWe also welcome clean and wearable men’s/women’s outerwear suitable for the season, hygiene items and camping gear. Donations are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network (WIN) Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center. Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.
WEST SEATTLE RESISTS: Sunday signholding in The Junction (California/Alaska), 11:30 am-1:30 pm.
FATHER’S DAY GAME PARTY: Noon-6 pm, Elsom Cellars in nearby SODO invites you to come play board games, card games, Jenga, Cornhole, other family favorites. (2960 4th Ave. S.)
SIXTH WEEKEND FOR COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open again today during the last 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.
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.
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)
CRIBBAGE AT THE EAGLES: 2 pm, more-advanced play, membership not required. (4426 California SW)
LOW TIDE: Not mega-low, but low enough for an interesting beach walk with Dad (or whoever), -1.7 feet at 2:21 pm.
NEW BOOK CLUB: First-ever meeting of the West Seattle Modern Classic Book Club, 3 pm at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW). This month’s book: “White Noise.”
ONE-ACT PLAY: Chief Sealth Drama student-directed production, “The Angel Intrudes,” 4 pm. Tickets $2. (2600 SW Thistle)
LIVE MUSIC AT TIM’S: Chop Chop with Kurt Reifler & the Watchdogs , 7 pm at Tim’s Tavern in White Center. (16th/98th)
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!
Story and photos by Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
One more big event. today: The Chief Sealth International High School parking lot was a rainbow of colors today as the Chief Sealth Automobile Association held its first-ever car show, in collaboration with White Center community staple Eazy Duz It Car Club. Visitors were treated to rows of extravagant cars, live music, dancing, and food.
Unfortunately for Chief Sealth IHS Junior and club president Richie Nguyen, his favorite car was not in attendance. As he puts it, “A Paul Walker classic – the Nissan Skyline R34” (as in Paul Walker, best known for his roles in the original “Fast and Furious” films).
Despite this, he couldn’t have been happier with the event. The Chief Sealth Automobile Association has been planning this all year, according to Nguyen. Seeing the parking lot lined with more than a dozen chrome-plated bumpers and metallic finishes in colors across the spectrum brought him hope for the future of the club.
“Today isn’t just a way to show off cars and spread car culture, it’s a chance for the community to get together,” Nguyen said. “(District) Funding was difficult to get, but eventually we sat down and figured out exactly what we needed, and we made it happen.”
Nguyen managed to reach every corner of the Chief Sealth community, with music performances from current students and alumni alike. The Chief Sealth MECHLA club attended, and the Chief Sealth Marching band and Jazz Combo, the Star Dance Club, and the alumni-led South Park-based band Opus all performed in the background of the show.
Special Education teacher Sopath Keith has helped oversee the club’s activities, and his connections played a crucial role in making the show happen. The credit should go to the students, though, according to Keith. “I was so impressed by how motivated the students were. Today wasn’t just a club event; it was an exercise in building networking skills, planning, and sending emails. All of those skills are things they’re going to need as adults. I just did whatever I could to help fulfill their goals. Most importantly, these kids worked hard.”
Fulfilling their goals in this case meant reaching out to the Eazy Duz It Car Club, a White Center community mainstay who have been building, fine-tuning, and showing off lowrider cars since 2010. Eazy Duz It founder Keo Sanh says events like these are important for the club as both car enthusiasts and community members.
“(Eazy Duz It) started in 2010 as just a group of friends, but as we got older, we decided we wanted to get involved in the community. It seemed like the responsible thing to do. Events like this are a perfect example. When (Keith) told us about it, we went in full force, we didn’t hesitate,” said Sanh.
The pride and joy of the event for Sanh today was Eazy Duz It’s newest creation, a lowrider in metallic purple. Each year, the club builds a car, which will join more than 140 others during their summer show on July 19th, on 16th Avenue SW in White Center.
As for the Chief Sealth club: “Hopefully we can use this momentum to do bigger and better next year,” said Nguyen, looking ahead. They’re hoping to grow their membership, hold activities during the year, such as going to car shows, and even advising students on safe driving. They also hope to collaborate with West Seattle High School’s automotive club, the “Greasy Peeps” car club (which had its own show last weekend), in a joint show next summer.
Gary Potter and his crew from longtime WSB sponsor Potter Construction spent this sunny summer Saturday in the shaded front yard of a Fairmount Park-area home, working on a special project – building a ramp to give the gift of mobility. It was part of the annual Rampathon by Master Builders of King and Snohomish Counties, with the help of community volunteers, building access ramps for those who otherwise couldn’t afford them. Here’s how today’s project was explained:
This West Seattle home has 4 steps to navigate, and our ramp recipients currently need assistance from 2 people to help them up and down the exterior steps. The ramp recipient, Queenie, has mobility issues due to Cerebral Palsy. Queenie also lives with her mother, who is 80 years old and recently diagnosed with ALS. They will both benefit from use of the ramp, and it will safely allow them to get in and out of their home.
Rampathon has been a tradition for more than 30 years; Potter Construction has been participating since the early 2000s.
Photos by Richard Figgins
Story by Jason Grotelueschen
The graduating 8th-grade class of Hope Lutheran School was honored and celebrated on Friday night during the school’s annual graduation ceremony, in front of an adoring crowd of friends and family.
There were 17 graduates in the class, and according to admissions director Sally Heit, they will be attending eight area high schools in the fall: West Seattle, Chief Sealth, Kennedy Catholic, Seattle Prep, Bishop Blanchet, Lakeside, Seattle Christian, and Vashon Island.
The class valedictorian was Emily Esses and co-salutatorians were Michael Raleigh and Addie Grotelueschen, and the winner of the coveted “Eagle Award” (voted on by classmates, for citizenship and character) was Bryson Fukumoto.
Hope principal Kristen Okabayashi said, “This year’s graduating class is a bright and talented group of young people! They care about the community around them and will do well at the high school of their choice. We are so proud of them!”
This 8th-grade class was part of the first middle-school group to attend classes this past year at Hope’s newly renovated “north campus” at the former Seattle Lutheran High School building at 4100 SW Genesee St. Friday’s graduation ceremony was held in its usual location in the Hope Lutheran Church sanctuary, attached to the school’s main campus at 42nd Ave SW & Oregon St.
Heit added that Hope Lutheran has openings for the next school year, and tours are available during the summer (contact the school here).
Here is another class photo courtesy of Hope Lutheran, featuring the class verse:
James hopes someone will spot his stolen car:
My stolen car is a 1991 Honda Civic Hatchback DX, license plate #CLG0690 . Police report number is: 25-164276 The car is red, with black trim on the bottom half, and the hood and mini spoiler are acid washed red and blue, so it’s very recognizable. (Also) an identifying feature besides the hood color is the door trim on the driver side is halfway broken off.
Call 911 if you find it.
11:39 AM: Also happening right now, the “No Kings” rallies coast-to-coast. While Seattle’s biggest gathering is planned for Cal Anderson Park, as we’ve reported, at least five West Seattle gatherings have been announced, and the first is happening right now on the corners at Admiral/California. WSB’s Hayden Yu Andersen counted at least 70 people between the corners and sent these photos:
Earlier, some West Seattleites met up to take Metro east from The Junction, including this woman who was handing out small flags:
A gathering at The Junction has just begun – updates on that shortly.
11:54 AM: Hayden estimates more than 260 people in The Junction “and more filtering in.”
12:42 PM: We heard honking near our booth at the Morgan Junction Community Festival, so went out to the street to look and found a few demonstrators gathered, unannounced, on the corners at California/Fauntleroy too:
The man with the upside-down flag – a symbol of distress – told us his flag dates back to at least the ’60s, passed down by his grandfather. … Meantime, we just checked out the demonstration in The Junction via live traffic cam – here’s a screengrab:
1:22 PM: The downtown march is headed west from Cal Anderson – be aware of traffic effects if you are headed across the bay in the next few hours. Here in WS, we have a photographer checking out the South Delridge gathering and will add that later.
2:57 PM: Nathan sent this photo from a gathering on the South Park Bridge:
ADDED SATURDAY EVENING: The next four photos are from the Junction rally, by photojournalist Oliver Hamlin for WSB:
This one was sent by Arlene Rubin:
And this video is from Clay Eals, who recorded several passes at Walk-All-Ways:
Still a bit more to add later…
10:02 AM: The sun is out and the festival is on! Until 2 pm, the Morgan Community Association is presenting the Morgan Junction Community Festival in Morgan Junction Park and behind the Zeeks Pizza/Whisky West building steps away. Here’s the entertainment schedule on the green in the park:
Bubbleman is about to begin. This is all happening on the west side of California SW, north of Fauntleroy Way SW. (If you need parking, it’s free in the O’Neill Plumbing [WSB sponsor] lot on the northeast corner of California/Graham, first-come first-served.) More coverage to come!
10:26 AM: The Bubbleman has drawn an enthusiastic crowd:
“He’s super-funny, mama,” one young fan was heard to exclaim. And as usual, as he runs through his series of custom-rigged bubble generators – including the “Mega-bubble-opolis” – he’s leading the kids through the humble declaration that everything is a “cheap toy.” (His props have included a variety of items from an umbrella to a water bottle to a toilet seat.)
10:55 AM: Don’t just come for the entertainment – check out the community groups! Last night we previewed Schmitz Park Creek Restore‘s plan – they’re (updated) along the street between Beveridge Place and Whisky West:
Behind Zeeks/Whisky West, you’ll find unique independent local businesses including Nepenthe (which is on 35th just north of Roxbury):
In the park, you’ll find the Morgan Junction All-Wheels Association talking about plans for an all-wheels area in the park. On the green, meantime, another family entertainer – Mikey the Rad Scientist, who’s part singalong (with science facts woven in), part comedy – is performing right now.
11:21 AM: Lots of audience participation with Mikey, especially as he invites the little ones to move like the animals he’s singing about, from sharks to snakes. And his music has a message – like the refrain, “We’re living in a garden; may we live carefully.”
12:09 PM: The entertainment slate for the festival expanded to five acts this year, and this one is new, Crush on Her X:
West Seattle’s own The Potholes are up at 12:45 pm.
12:43 PM: Just back from another spin through the lot behind Zeeks/WW. Late addition to the festival vendor lineup – Rhodies FC, West Seattle’s brand-new women’s soccer team, with a few more home games coming up before their first season ends. And if you’re looking to find out about summer camps focused on music and theater, Mode Music and Performing Arts is there:
1:18 PM: Running out of time to get here if you haven’t been already! The Potholes are playing now:
Back in the vendor/community group, the folks with the Seattle Emergency Hubs can tell you all about household and neighborhood preparedness:
And if you stop by the West Seattle Food Bank booth, you can support them – and get a chance at cool local prizes – by buying a ticket in their Summer Raffle:
The festival continues until 2 pm.
1:44 PM: This is running a bit overtime – The Potholes (who you’ll be able to catch at West Seattle Summer Fest in The Junction on Friday, July 11) just wrapped up, and Gary Benson will be starting about 20 minutes later than scheduled.
2:03 PM: Though the musical finale has just begun, vendors are starting to fold up. SFD has just arrived with Engine 32 (above), though, so if you’re in the area, stop by to say hi.
ADDED POST-FESTIVAL: A sample of Gary Benson’s performance:
You can catch him and his mellow acoustic sound on occasion at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor).
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Our list of West Seattle happenings begins with today’s two biggest events:
MORGAN JUNCTION COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: The Morgan Community Association presents this festival, 10 am-2 pm in and around Morgan Junction Park (west side of California north of Fauntleroy Way), with free entertainment (see the schedule here), kids’ activities, local organizations and businesses (see the lineups here) – four hours of free fun to celebrate your community!
‘NO KINGS’ DEMONSTRATIONS: While the biggest Seattle gathering is on Capitol Hill, and local resistance group West Seattle Indivisible plans to travel there, several small rallies have been announced around West Seattle – here’s the list we published last night, also including rallying points for those taking Metro.
Here’s what else we have for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
GAME OF SHROOMS: Up for a scavenger hunt? West Seattle’s own Potterings has hidden pottery mushrooms around the peninsula for you to find, as explained here, starting today.
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the free weekly group run.
WEST SEATTLE BRAKE SERVICE SALE: As previewed here, moving/closure sale for contents of the longtime business at 4464 37th SW, 9 am-2 pm today (and tomorrow).
FREE PRENATAL FITNESS CLASS: This morning at the beach:
At 9:00 am, FIT4BABY West Seattle in collaboration with Prepare the Nest is holding a free prenatal fitness class open to anyone wanting to move their body during pregnancy. The class will take place at the Alki Statue of Liberty and welcomes mothers at any stage of pregnancy! Immediately following the class will be a short conversation with Birth Doula Bri Music from Prepare the Nest to discuss the benefits of having a doula present at birth and answer any questions people might have.
Register here. (61st/Alki)
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.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, at Hope Academy in South Delridge (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.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – Canceled again, back June 28.
WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: 10:30 am-12:30 pm, pop-up silent-reading event at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).
ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: Meet at 11 am at Log House Museum (61st/Stevens), after registering here. Suggested donation $15.
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) continues daily operations today, 11 am-8 pm.
CHIEF SEALTH IHS STUDENT-ORGANIZED CAR SHOW: 11 am-4 pm in the school parking lot, first one ever! (2600 SW Thistle)
EMERALD CITY ROMANCE WRITERS: Author and reader event 11 am-5 pm at South Seattle College‘s Brockey Center (6000 16th SW), as previewed here! Meet your fave love-story-teller, discover locally based writers you haven’t read yet, explore romance-related vendors, more.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)
SIXTH WEEKEND FOR COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open today to start the final of six preseason weekends before its 7-day-a-week season begins next week, noon-7 pm, with four hour-and-a-half swim sessions, each half lap swimming and half open swim – see the schedule here.
GEORGETOWN CARNIVAL: Our neighbors to the northeast invite you to come on over, noon-10 pm, Airport Way S between Corson Ave & Bailey St. for “all kinds of quirky fun.” Details in our calendar listing.
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)
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).
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.
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: 1:30 pm matinee show for the Pride edition of Kenyon Hall Cabaret – get tickets here. (7904 35th SW)
NORTHWEST FIRELIGHT CHORALE: In concert, 2 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW), info and ticket link in our calendar listing.
HIGH SCHOOL WATER POLO CLINIC: 3 pm with the West Seattle HS Girls’ Water Polo team at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle) – signup info is in our calendar listing.
FREE MASSAGE: Walk into Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) 3-5 pm for short, specific free massage.
ROLLER DERBY: Rainier Roller Riot bout “The Pack Is Queer,” 5:30 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).
THE BREWS BROTHERS: Acoustic trio live at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, no cover, all ages.
DUB SEA FISH STICKS: 6:05 pm home game vs. the Seattle Blackfins at Steve Cox Memorial Park‘s Mel Olson Stadium. (1321 SW 102nd, White Center). Go here for tickets.
ONE-ACT PLAY: Chief Sealth Drama student-directed production, “The Angel Intrudes,” 6:15 pm. Tickets $2. (2600 SW Thistle)
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Brittany Davis album-release show for “Black Thunder,” 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), free, all ages.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Mountain Holler, The Flameglo, Oscillatina at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), doors at 7 pm, music at 8 pm, $10 cover, all ages.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s Soul Focus FM at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
DANCE! Monthly Machine Learning night at The Lumber Yard in White Center, 9 pm-2 am. (9630 16th 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!
Congratulations to Elliot Caron and Andrew Orland, West Seattle’s newest Eagle Scouts. They’re part of Troop 282, which provided the report and photos:
Amid wild applause and celebration on Sunday, June 8th, West Seattle’s Troop 282 awarded the prestigious Eagle Scout rank to Elliot Caron and Andrew Orland — an honor earned by only 6% of all eligible scouts. Their achievement marks their culmination of years of dedication, leadership, and service to the community. Each of their projects reflect their interests in building up communities and bringing people together.
Elliot, a senior at West Seattle High School, is set to embark on his next adventure at the University of San Diego, where he’ll pursue academics as well as compete on their Division 1 crew team.
His Eagle Scout project (above) for Explorer West Middle School was designing and building benches and a meeting area to serve as a space that will serve students, parents, and educators for years to come.
Andrew, a junior at The Northwest School, helped West Seattle’s elder community at Arrowhead Gardens. His Eagle Scout project (below) was to transform an outdoor space into a welcoming garden area with a bench for residents to enjoy.
As he looks ahead to his college journey, Andrew is exploring schools where he can continue his passion for competitive soccer.
Troop 282, founded in 1949, stands out as one of the few Scouting troops that welcome both boys and girls — and boasts one of the highest percentages of youth who successfully achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. The Troop gathers at West Side Presbyterian Church, offering a welcoming space for new members looking to embark on their own Scouting adventures. More details about joining can be found at troop282.net.
While Seattle’s biggest gathering as part of the nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations Saturday will be on Capitol Hill, gatherings have been announced at various spots and times in West Seattle. Here are the ones for which we received announcements:
Admiral/California gathering #1, 11 am-noon
Junction rally, California/Alaska, 11:30 am-1 pm
Arrowhead Gardens residents gathering along Olson Place, noon-3 pm
South Delridge Community Resistance “flash mob”: Noon-2 pm, 9400 block of Delridge Way SW
Admiral/California gathering #2, with Old Tyme Adults for Democracy, 2 pm-3 pm
SIDE NOTE #1: Various state and local political leaders issued statements earlier today urging protesters to be peaceful. And here’s what SPD has posted.
SIDE NOTE #2: Some West Seattle-linked bus routes will have reroutes on the other side of the bay because of the anticipated crowd. If you’re planning on taking Metro to the main rally – West Seattle Indivisible plans meetups at transit centers at 10:30 am.
We’ve been telling you about the Morgan Junction Community Festival, now just hours away, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, in and around Morgan Junction Park! Among the community groups you’ll find there, along with entertainment and business/vendor booths, is Schmitz Park Creek Restore, which sent this announcement for us to share:
Schmitz Park Restore welcomes friends and fans of Schmitz Park to visit our booth and children’s activity center at the upcoming Morgan Junction Community Festival on Saturday June 14, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schmitz Park Restore, a local nonprofit corporation is working to protect, restore and celebrate Schmitz Preserve Park and to “daylight” its eponymous creek all the way to Alki. Our exhibit will begin at the street entrance on California Ave to Beveridge Place. It will offer children, and their parents, the chance to “imagineer” a walk from Schmitz Park’s Ancient Forest all the way down to Alki Beach. Street chalk drawings will show how Schmitz Park’s artesian creek could one day again meet the sea at Alki Beach and Cove. Free street chalk will be available to allow visitors to draw in the fish, birds and other critters and plants that could then make their homes in Schmitz Preserve Park. We will also have booths and tables chockfull of information about the Park and Schmitz Park Restore and its “Ivy League” activities to save West Seattle’s Ancient Forest For further details and information visit www.schmitzparkcreekrestore.org; write to schmitzparkcreekrestore@gmail.com, or phone 206 935 8139.
It’s been more than a year since Schmitz Park Creek Restore debuted their dream (WSB coverage here).
Just in from the city’s Unified Care Team:
On Tuesday, June 17, the Unified Care Team (UCT) will be performing activities to ensure specific street parking are accessible to the public and conduct a thorough cleaning of the location. As of today, A-frame signs were placed indicating no parking in designated areas from 6/17 – 6/21. A visual map of these designated areas is (above).
UCT has been and will continue to provide regular site cleanings to the above sites as well as other areas in Highland Park in hopes of mitigating public impact by removing trash, debris, and dangerous objects like propane tanks and human waste.
If you observe returning vehicles, not in compliance with city parking regulations, please report them as abandoned vehicles using the City’s Find It, Fix It mobile app. As always, dangerous or criminal activity should be reported to 9-1-1 including drug use, theft, and trespassing.
Please reach out to UCT’s community liaison Tom Van Bronkhorst (tom.vanbronkhorst@seattle.gov) with any further questions.
If you’re having trouble reading the map, it includes the area often brought up at HP community meetings, 9th/Henderson.
Today’s the deadline to buy discount Mariners tickets benefiting Chief Sealth International High School sports teams – they asked us to mention it one more time before it’s too late:
Tickets can be purchased using the QR code on our flyer or by clicking this link: schoolpay.com/pay/for/Mariners-vs-Astros–July-18th-710PM/Sd5GIel
The game is Friday July 18th at 7:10 PM against the Houston Astros. It is also an ’80s-themed fireworks night!
View Level Seats – $20 each
Main Level Seats – $30 each
Last day to purchase tickets is Friday, June 13th (today).
Proceeds will directly support Chief Sealth Football and Chief Sealth Girls Bowling.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
If you are in love with love stories, you’ll want to be at South Seattle College‘s Brockey Center on Saturday (June 14).
The Emerald City Romance Writers group is bringing in more than 60 authors to meet fans, sell books, and revel in all things romantic.
This is the second year for the event, held in August last year. We talked with ECRW’s president, who writes as EL Roux. They explain that the event was created to “help promote local romance writers in the local community.” In other words – you’ve heard the exhortations “shop local,” “eat local,” etc., so consider this “read local”!
It’s not just about reading. Other participants include what EL describes as a tattoo-art business run by veterans, who’ll be offering, of course, romance-themed tattoos. Podcasters are expected.
You’ll get the chance to purchase directly from authors, and a mobile romance bookstore will be on site too.
You’ll also find fun ways to discover new – or, new to you – authors, such as “Blind Date with a Book” – you specify the “trope” (the type of romance, for example, “enemies to lovers”) and you’ll get a book to try.
Hottest current trends in romance stories? Romance/fantasy, for young-adult readers (say, early 20s). Just so happens that EL specializes in romance/fantasy, as well as romance/sci-fi, in fact. Take a look at all the genres that will be featured, and the writers and vendors related to them!
Alessa Winters – Paranormal Romance
Alex Washoe – Contemporary Romance, Fantasy Romance, Historical Fiction, Mysteries
Amanda Shelley – Contemporary Romance, New adult, Sports Romance, Single Parent Romance
Amelia Cole – Fantasy, dystopian, and scifi romances & urban fantasy
Anna Alkire – contemporary romance, romantic comedy
Annabeth Albert – LGBTQ, contemporary, romance, small town,
Asa Maria Bradley – Paranormal Romance & Romantasy
Becca Ryden – Fantasy/Romance
Beguiled Books – Seattle mobile romance bookstore
Boobs Non-Profit – All genres
Bookmomma and candy daddy – Blind date with a book
Bree Wiley – Queer Contemporary Romance
Brent Archer – Gay contemporary romance
Brittany Tucker – Adult & YA Fantasy
C.L. Collier – Contemporary romance
Chanté A. Campbell – Fantasy Romance
Chelsey Ann Tompkins – Adult Fantasy Romance
Christian Braver – Steamy contemporary romance
Christina Sol – Romantic suspense
Claire Marti – Contemporary Romance; Romcom
Coral Alejandra Moore – Fantasy and Paranormal Romance
D.W. Marshall – Romance: Suspense, contemporary, steamy,
Darcy McGuire – Historical Romance
Denise Wells – Contemporary, rom-com-suspense
Deysi O’Donal & Poppy Aster – Scifi romance (Deysi) dark paranormal romance (Poppy)
E. M. Epps & Augustine Lang – e Fantasy and Romantic Fantasy, Regency Romance
E.L. Roux – Scifi Romance and Low Fantasy Romance
Erika Vanzin – Spicy Contemporary Romance
Heather Greye – SciFi Romance/Futuristic Romance
James L. Sutter – Queer young adult romance, fantasy
Jaycee Jarvis – Fantasy Romance
Jen Flanagan – Cozy mystery & paranormal romance
Jessica Salina – Urban fantasy romance & romantic comedy
Joelle Lynne – MM Contemporary Romance
Julia Wyld – Romance Fantasy, Contemporary Romance
Justin Schuelke – LGBTQ+ m/m romance, urban fantasy, murder mystery
K. L. Parsons – Adventure Romance
Kari Harrison – MC Romance
Kate Pelczar – Romance
Kelly Vincent/Kat Vinson – YA Contemporary/LGBTQ and Adult Contemporary Romance
Kerrie Biehl – Paranormal Romance
Kerry Kilpatrick – LGBTQIA
Lily Riley – Paranormal romance, sci-fi romance, fantasy romance
Lindsey Sparks – Time Travel Romance, Fantasy Romance, Sci Fi Romance
Lore Townsend – Contemporary Romance
Lynne Hancock Pearson – Contemporary Romance
Maida Malby – Contemporary Romance
Mason Frost – Gay Romance
Matilda Lockwood – Historical romance
Meredith Spies – MM and MX paranormal romance, contemporaries, cozies
MsMorbid Art – Fantasy & Monster Romance Illustration
Nicola Tyche – Fantasy Romance, Romantasy
Paperback Pleasures – Romance Podcast, Booktok, and Store
Romance Recs Podcast – Romance Podcast
S.M. McCoy & Stevie Marie – Fantasy Romance, Sci-fi Romance, Alien Romance, Mythology and Legends
Samantha Jon – Upmarket romance, literary fiction, gothic romance
Serena Bell – Romantic comedy
Shelli Stevens – Spicy contemporaries and one paranormal series
Sonya Rhen – SciFi, Romance, Poetry
Stephanie K Clemens – Fantasy, Mystery and Cozy Fantasy
Tantri Wija – Romance, detective, fantasy, paranormal, fiction
Tori Fields – Contemporary, Instalove Romance
Victoria Weyland – Monster Romance
Victoria Woods
EL says they used feedback from last year for planning this event, so you’ll notice changes if you went to that one – more one-on-one time with authors, for example. Tickets are available online – 11 am early VIP admission, or general admission at noon; the event runs until 5 pm.
12:32 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “rescue extrication” response to the 6000 block of Beach Drive SW [map], where a driver initially was reported to have hit a parked car that had two people inside, but the SFD dispatch now describes it as “car into house.” Updates to come.
12:38 PM: Firefighters say everyone’s out of the car – which they say is “on the sidewalk” – so they’re reducing the response.
12:48 PM: SFD has completely closed its response; police have called for two tow trucks.
The Fourth of July is three weeks away. So we’re taking a moment for a quick reminder that the Admiral Neighborhood Association will again present a long-running holiday tradition, open to both participants and spectators!
The West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade will start from 44th/Sunset [map] at 10 am on Friday, July 4. Aside from the fire engine and famous blue pickup that lead the parade, it’s a non-motorized, show-up-and-participate extravaganza – winding across a few blocks in North Admiral before ending at Hamilton Viewpoint Park for a mini-family fun fair, including sack races, other kids’ activities, food/treat trucks, and usually a chance for a closer look at the aforementioned fire engine. It all wraps up around noon so you can move on to whatever you have planned for the rest of the day. (WSB is the parade’s media sponsor; if this is your first year and you wonder what it’s like, here’s our coverage – including video – of last year’s parade.)
As reported here last week, West Seattle Brake Service‘s longtime owner John Thompson has retired, and the business name (etc.) has been sold to another local family-owned auto shop, West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor). WS Autoworks’ Kacie and Chris Christensen sent photos and news of a big sale this weekend:
This Saturday and Sunday 9-2 at 4464 37th Ave SW. Tons of vintage automotive tools and equipment, storage, benches, vises, cabinets.
The photos show just a few of the items that will be available.
We’re told the former owners will be presiding.
(Penny sent the photo, captioned, ‘A secret artist leaves work in Lincoln Park)
Here’s our Friday highlights list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – shorter than usual as some regular venues have nothing on the calendar for tonight:
CITY COUNCIL TALKS REZONING: 9:30 am, the City Council meets as the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan. Here’s the agenda; you can watch live via Seattle Channel. (Note that the committee’s next major public hearing is June 23.)
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: 10 am-11:30 am – open gym for little kids is available at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
STUDENT FUNDRAISING RUNS: We’ve previewed these two that welcome community pledges of support – both are happening today:
–Roxhill Elementary Jog-A-Thon
–Alki Elementary Alki-A-Thon
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: The center is open for plant-shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Hey, the sun’s supposed to be back this afternoon, so we’re reminding you that the spraypark is open every day 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: 6 pm doors, 6:30 pm show for the first of two nights for Kenyon Hall Cabaret, Pride Edition. Tonight’s sold out, “limited tickets” for tomorrow – check here. (7904 35th SW)
GET CREATIVE: Make an egg carton at Potterings (3400 Harbor SW) – 6-9 pm. Registration info and other details are in our calendar listing.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Lady Coco tonight! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), doors at 9 pm, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. Tonight: Loose Wing, Low Hums.
PRIDE COCKTAIL FUNDRAISER: All month long, Mioposto (2139 California SW; WSB sponsor) offers a special cocktail, The Sylvia River-ita, with half the proceeds supporting Lambert House.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, June 13, 2025.
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Many local independent/parochial schools conclude their school year today. Major exceptions: Seattle Public Schools‘ last day is next Wednesday (June 18);Vashon Island gets out June 24, Highline Public Schools on June 25. Already out: Summit Atlas (charter middle/high school) in Arbor Heights.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, then clearing, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise was again at 5:11 am (as early as it gets, and staying there another 10 days); sunset will be at 9:08 pm.
ROAD WORK
-The Admiral Way Bridge is now one lane each way on the north side, with the south side closed for the ongoing strengthening/refurbishing work.
TRANSIT TODAY, + REROUTES SATURDAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule today, some reroutes tomorrow in anticipation of the No Kings demonstrations.
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).
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet. M/V Salish serves as the “bonus boat”. Three-boat service is still expected to relaunch on June 30th.
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners are back home starting tonight, 7:10 pm vs. Guardians, fireworks night.
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!
Received tonight from a longtime reader:
Tonight around 8:15 I left Easy Street, walked along Alaska, said goodbye to my friend, and headed North up the alley to my car that was parked in the Northernmost lot behind The Beer Junction.
A man with a black kn95 mask, dark gray cap, dark/gray nondescript clothing, came at me perpendicularly from the first parking lot. I walked confidently, looked at him, and had that creepy feeling. I’m guessing he was 5’8-5’10, taller than me but not by much.
He followed me up the alley, keeping several paces behind me. A woman was walking toward me down the alley. We had a conversation, and after I headed quickly to my car. He followed, and stopped about 6 cars away, semi hiding at the back of a car.
I started my car, and intended on taking a photo of him, but he disappeared.
It was still daylight, and on an Art Walk night!
I just wanted to make people aware that someone is looking to be a jerk, and looking for victims.
Seems like a good time to remind you of two more free SPD-led personal-safety classes coming up:
Thursday, July 17th
6 pm – 8 pm
At the SW Precinct – Community Meeting Room – 2300 SW Webster St
Register here : wsjunction.wufoo.com/forms/r1okt4zf1moho5sMonday, July 28th
6 pm – 8 pm
Virtual – Teams link to be provided before event
Register here : wsjunction.wufoo.com/forms/rus05xi17w2lnw
Learn more about the class here : https://www.seattle.gov/police/crime-prevention/personal-safety-training
Two followups tonight:
POLICE LOOKING FOR VIDEO: Late last night, we reported on gunfire incidents in Alki and Fairmount Park. Tonight, Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite has sent out investigators’ request for video evidence in one of them:
Yesterday evening (6/11/25) around midnight – there were multiple locations of shots fired.
Multiple vehicles were struck, and a few locations of property damage were located.
We are requesting all community members in the North Admiral & Alki area to please review their camera footage.
If you have any footage of a dark colored vehicle (possibly a Mercedes), driving at a high rate of speed, shooting from their vehicle – please contact me. I can provide a link to upload the footage into our evidence system.
jennifer.satterwhite@seattle.gov is her email address.
CHARGE FILED IN SEACREST GUN ARREST: The man arrested at Seacrest last Sunday morning after allegedly threatening to shoot another man is now charged. 19-year-old Jose Romero-Coto of Renton is charged with first-degree assault. The charging documents tell basically the same story as the narrative we obtained on followup, saying the incident happened in the overflow lot east of Salty’s and that Romero-Coto allegedly threatened the victim – sticking a gun against his abdomen – just for looking at him, which happened while the victim and his girlfriend were walking to the waterfront seating area in the lot to watch the sunrise. As previously reported, police eventually caught up with Romero-Coto at Seacrest and found a Glock handgun, stolen from Federal Way, in his car. No charge has been filed in connection with that yet. The narrative also mentions the victim’s girlfriend allegedly being assaulted by a woman who was with Romero-Coto; that case was referred to the City Attorney’s Office as a misdemeanor, so we’re researching it separately. Romero-Coto remains in jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.
5:17 PM: That’s the official list of participants in tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk, happening right now in business districts from Alki to Morgan Junction! Artist receptions are previewed here, and most go until at least 8 pm. You have extra options starting at 6 – The Art of Music mini-concerts, and the Junction Pride celebration. We’re headed out to visit some of tonight’s stops – updates to come!
5:55 PM: Our first photo is from the West Seattle HS student exhibit at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor):
West Seattle High School Media Arts Program reception until 8 pm. Student work from West Seattle High School, about 40 students represented. In this exhibition, we are proud to showcase many student artworks from both Beginning and Advanced Photography and Graphic Design classes, as well as projects from Technology Student Association State competition. Please enjoy just a sampling of the talent and dedication our students have to the Media Arts including Digital and Analog photographs, Fashion Design, bookmaking, and more!
6:14 PM: Above and below, seen at VAIN as the 6:30 procession to Walk All Ways nears.
Closer to California/Alaska, Compass Real Estate is showing work tonight by Beverley Hill, this quarter’s official Art Walk poster artist.
And you’ll find multiple artists/vendors inside Jet City Labs:
This is on until 8 pm – read about it here!
7:02 PM: More than 40 people have been marching across Walk-All-Ways for the Pride rally organized by VAIN. They were joined by District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka:
“Honk if you love gay people!” one rally leader hollered at drivers stopped for the signal after one crossing, and several obliged, as did passing drivers before and after the bullhorn-amplified invitation. Right now, bonus fun at the intersection – Better As Brass is about to perform in front of KeyBank.
8:11 PM: It was a beautiful night for The Art of Music performances too – curator John Redenbaugh sent this photo of My Real Job at Soprano’s Antico Pizza & Pasta Restaurant:
Next Art Walk will be the Summer Fest Eve edition on July 10th, when you’ll be able to stroll the closed-to-traffic Junction streets as festival preps proceed!
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