West Seattle, Washington
21 Saturday
(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)
With the chilly weather, it’s even more of a mountain-ish experience today at Camp Long‘s Mountain Fest! The free festival is on until 5 pm with activities including a lot more than climbing – head to the meadow when you get here and visit the booths to find out what you can try and where (and other activities like a scavenger hunt).
At the naturalists’ tent, Emily and Beth will lead you through the Animal Olympics and talk with you about park wildlife, including a Cooper’s Hawk nest with fledglings!
The Falconer is here too, in one of the shelters – we caught a demonstration with Mr. Peabody the vulture:
The climbing wall is open too, of course!
(Photo by Kevin Freitas)
The park is at 5200 35th SW.
(South Seattle College photo: President Dr. Monica Brown speaking at ceremony)
This year’s biggest graduating class on the West Seattle peninsula has been celebrated and congratulated. Here’s the report from South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), which has its main campus on Puget Ridge, with a satellite campus in Georgetown:
South Seattle College celebrated the Class of 2025 on Friday with a commencement ceremony at University of Washington’s Alaska Airlines Arena. The ceremony brought together graduates from South Seattle College, Seattle Central College and North Seattle College – all part of the Seattle Colleges District.
611 graduates from SSC were recognized for their achievement of earning a degree or certificate.
SSC President Monica Brown addressed graduates at the event, sharing advice for the future.
“Stay true to your values and goals, and you will navigate any adversity with confidence,” Dr. Brown said. “Tune out the noise and the chaos around you and protect your peace. Moreover, never underestimate the power of community and support. Surround yourself with those who uplift and encourage you, and be that support for others.”
Menen Girma was selected as SSC’s 2025 commencement speaker. As a first-generation college student and President of SSC’s student government, she worked to amplify student voices and advocate for change. Menen will attend New York University this fall on a full-ride scholarship and aspires to work for the United Nations, tackling global inequalities and empowering others to create change.
“Whether it was the staff who showed me balance was possible, or the professors who constantly reminded me that I had what it takes or the administrators who believed in me, even during the times when I was struggling to believe in myself …it is because of this community that I can proudly say I am the first Ethiopian American student government president,” Girma said. “All of this has proven to me that choosing South Seattle College was one of the best decisions I ever made.”
Commencement Facts
-South’s 611 graduates collectively earned 649 degrees and certificates (many students graduate with multiple certificates). Awards include bachelor of applied science degrees for those furthering their expertise and earning potential, college transfer degrees for those planning to attend a four-year university as their next step, career training degrees and certificates for those seeking immediate employment, and high school completion awards.
-123 graduates were part of Seattle Promise, a college tuition and success program launched by Seattle Colleges, Seattle Public Schools, and the City of Seattle following passage of the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy in 2018.
That levy is up for renewal/expansion this fall.
(Eyelash-cup fungi photographed by Jay Speidell on the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails, which you can hike today)
First full day of summer, and here’s what we have for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the free weekly group run.
WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT HIKE: Free guided hike through this West Seattle treasure. 9:30 am, meet at Westcrest Park, 7th/Cloverdale – more info in our calendar listing.
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.
KNIFE-SHARPENING POP-UP: Kneighborhood Knives returns to Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW), 10 am-5 pm.
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.
STORY TIME CELEBRATING THE FREEDOM TO READ: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), all-ages story time that’s part of Teach Truth Day of Action.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – Canceled again, back June 28.
CAMP LONG MOUNTAIN FEST: 11 am-5 pm, free, fun activities celebrating Camp Long‘s unique role in the climbing world. (5200 35th SW)
FREE PIZZA: 11 am-3 pm, everybody gets up to two slices of free pizza at Pagliacci (4449 California SW).
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) continues daily operations today, 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)
WADING POOL SEASON STARTS: First city-run wading pool scheduled to open in West Seattle is Lincoln Park – weather permitting (criteria: some afternoon sunshine, 70ish – so today might be iffy).
(added) INTERGENERATIONAL THEATER PROJECT: Noon at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), “The Lear Project,” free, as previewed here.
COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open today, noon-7 pm, with four hour-and-a-half swim sessions, each half lap swimming and half open swim – see the schedule here.
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. Today at noon also brings the Ngày Quân Lực ceremony, “Observing the founding of the armed services for Việt Nam Cộng Hòa.” (2236 SW Orchard)
READY FREDDY PREP PARTY: Hope it never happens. Prepare in case it does. Start with Alice Kuder‘s 45-minute “Ready Freddy Prep Party,” 12:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
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).
THE KOOKS AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 1 pm signing event. (4559 California SW)
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.
BLOCK PARTY BENEFITING FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: 2-6 pm “mini-block party” in Super Deli Mart parking lot at 35th/Barton, kids’ area, adult beer garden, raising money for the Fauntleroy Fall Festival.
MAKE SIGNS FOR ‘RECLAIM THE FLAG’ RALLY: West Seattle Indivisible is rallying on the streets June 28, and gathering 2-5:30 pm today to make signs, High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
FREE MASSAGE: Walk into Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) 3-5 pm for short, specific free massage.
ALSO AT NEPENTHE – SUMMER MINI-MARKET: 3 pm to “whenever,” vendors and more!
MOLLY MOON’S GRAND OPENING: The new ice-cream shop at California/Alaska officially opens after a 3 pm ribboncutting. Free scoops for kids 12 and under until 5 pm; open until 11 pm.
DUB SEA FISH STICKS: 6:35 pm home game vs. the Redmond Dudes at Steve Cox Memorial Park‘s Mel Olson Stadium. (1321 SW 102nd, White Center). Go here for tickets.
2 TOURING BANDS AT EASY STREET RECORDS: School of Rock bands from the Bay Area, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), free, all ages.
‘LOST’ POTTER’S FIELD WALKING TOUR: Special summer-solstice event – Invisible Histories leads you on a tour of the Georgetown site where 3,200+ people were buried in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, 7 pm. Details in our calendar listing.
‘THE EFFECT’ AT ARTSWEST: Third night for the new play directed by Mathew Wright, 7:30 pm. Our calendar listing has the ticket link.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Calico ft. Pink 182 at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm, $10 cover.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ GeoD at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
SATURDAY NIGHT SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight with DJ Josh, 21+, at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).
OUT AT THE BOX, PRIDE PARTY: 9:30 pm drag show at Box Bar (5401 California SW), hosted by Jolene Granby, no cover, 21+.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: If you’re up for Saturday night singing, 10 pm karaoke awaits you 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!
That view at about quarter till 9 is the closest we got to seeing the sun as Alice Enevoldsen presided over her 65th change-of-seasons sunset gathering at Solstice Park. On the almost-bright side, no rain! With the help of a volunteer named Drew portraying the sun, Alice led 40+ attendees through her interactive explanation of the solstice (as well as the park’s markers that line up with the setting sun on solstices and equinoxes):
Alice followed that up with Q&A – always an eclectic set of questions; this time, among other things, she was asked to explain the celestial equator. She is a volunteer NASA Solar System Ambassador as well as an astronomy instructor at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor). She’s been hosting solstice/equinox sunset watches – and other skywatching events, like eclipses and auroras – dating back to 2009. You can watch her website for the fall date/time.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports, starting with one that just happened about half an hour ago:
SW BRANDON GUNFIRE: More gunfire on SW Brandon in North Delridge. After 911 calls just before 7 pm tonight, police found casings in a location described as “on Brandon, just east of 29th.” No injuries or damage reported so far. Dispatch told officers that one caller thought a small blue or gray SUV, possibly a Honda, might have been involved. If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 25-171063; the tip line is 206-233-5000.
That came in while we were writing about this:
BELVIDERE PROWLER: That’s security video sent by a reader in the Belvidere area who reports, “We had some suspicious behavior in our neighborhood … and we weren’t the only ones.” The video was recorded around 2:30 am Thursday.
Rain (we’re supposed to eventually see some) or shine, the weekend’s almost here, and we have two Saturday food notes:
MOLLY MOON’S GRAND OPENING: As of mid-afternoon the signage wasn’t up yet, but rainbow bunting was hung over the windows and workers were behind the counter at West Seattle’s new Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream shop in the ex-Cupcake Royale spot on the northeast corner of California/Alaska. (Watching the live camera for a while, we’ve also seen people coming out with ice cream, so MAYBE a soft-open?) As announced earlier this month, they’re planning to officially open to the public after a 3 pm Saturday ribboncutting, with free scoops for kids 12 and under until 5 pm. This will be the second ice-cream shop to open in West Seattle in less than two months, after Ben & Jerry’s on Alki.
FREE PIZZA: To celebrate the summer solstice (which arrives at 7:42 pm tonight), Pagliacci is offering free slices (no age restriction for this giveaway) at its West Seattle restaurant (4449 California SW) and almost everywhere else in its citywide chain, 11 am-3 pm Saturday, limit two per person.
(Photo courtesy West Seattle Rhodies FC)
West Seattle Rhodies FC players and team leaders have a huge reason to smile – a huge win on the road vs. crosstown rival Salmon Bay FC, previously undefeated, as the Rhodies look toward the last two home matches of their first season. Here’s the recap!
Wednesday night, at Interbay Stadium in Ballard, West Seattle Rhodies FC played game 2 in their derby vs Salmon Bay FC (game 1 was a 0-0 draw at home). Prior to this match, SBFC was the only USL W semi-pro women’s soccer team in the country boasting an undefeated and no-goals-conceded record.
That ended in Ballard on Wednesday night when Hailey Still, #13, delivered a stunning goal in the 22nd minute to a massive round of applause from Rhodies fans who trekked to Ballard for the match.
The defense held strong throughout and closed out the night with an important W for the Rhodies!
You can catch their last 2 home matches of the 2025 regular season, Wednesday 6/25 @ 7 pm (Fan Appreciation Night) & Saturday 6/28 @ 2 pm (Pride Match) at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. Tickets are $15, and free for 3 & under.
The Rhodies are siblings to West Seattle Junction FC, which has five home matches left this year.
(WSB photo)
While STS Construction Services (WSB sponsor) and Housing Diversity Corporation continue construction on their project in The Junction, another of their West Seattle projects is approaching completion. This is Keystone at 9201 Delridge Way SW, and the development team tells WSB that it’s scheduled to celebrate its grand opening next month. Keystone is a mixed-use building and still seeking commercial tenants for its nearly 4,000 square feet of space – broker Susi Musi tells us, “Our ideal commercial tenants are an office tenant and a cafe, such as therapy, dental/orthodontist, professional services office. Key features are 12-foot ceilings, frontage on Delridge, abundant natural light, location, and demographics.” Here’s the leasing flyer she provided. As for the apartments, the building contains 74 units, also with high ceilings; more info here. (The site previously held an auto shop, and had other project proposals under different ownership before this one “stuck,” including a self-storage facility.)
Watching the just-concluded joint meeting of the King County and Seattle City Councils, discussing effects of federal changes, we heard a mention in passing that this year’s Duwamish River Festival has been canceled. The Duwamish River Community Coalition subsequently confirmed it – here’s the explanation they’re circulating:
The festival has been an early-August tradition in South Park for years, featuring numerous community organizations offering information about what’s happening with Seattle’s only river, as well as cultural performances and river tours. (Here’s our coverage of last year’s festival.)
Sent by Lucia, who also has checked with nearby residents to be sure this isn’t theirs:
Near the corner of 36th SW and Southwest Findlay. A large plastic toolbox like one that would be in a pick up truck bed. Large gas, canisters and other debris. It is stashed between two cars that would not have had the toolbox in them.
The West Seattle Art Tour is doubling this year, to two days! It’s not until September, but organizers are lining up the participating locations and artists now, with deadlines nearing – here’s the announcement:
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.
Applications are open for artists and host sites! Artists interested in participating will want to act quickly. Host site applications close June 30th, and 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.
Thanks to Jamie Kinney for the very summery photo of a Sweat Bee and flower. Summer officially arrives tonight, as noted in our Friday highlights list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
CITY COUNCIL TALKS FEDERAL CHANGES: Right now, the City Council is meeting as the Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes, a joint meeting with the King County Council Committee of the Whole. Here’s the agenda; you can watch live via (updated) King County TV’s YouTube channel.
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: The spraypark is open every day 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: Also open today, on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – see the session schedule here.
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
OPEN MIC AT KENYON HALL: 6 pm signup, 6:30 pm performances during the last edition of Kenyon Hall‘s singer-songwriter open mic before the venue’s summer repair/maintenance break! (7904 35th SW)
COMEDY AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, radio-style comedy troupe Midnight Mystery Theater at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
‘LOST’ POTTER’S FIELD WALKING TOUR: Special summer-solstice event – Invisible Histories leads you on a tour of the Georgetown site where 3,200+ people were buried in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, 7 pm. Details in our calendar listing.
‘HOUSE PARTY 2’ AT EASY STREET: Sold-out night of DJing and dancing, 7 pm, just noting as a reminder to ticketholders and/or curious passersby.
‘THE EFFECT’ AT ARTSWEST: Second night for the new play directed by Mathew Wright, 7:30 pm. Our calendar listing has the ticket link.
AMERICANA, COUNTRY/FOLK/ROCK AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7, music at 8, Rankin Crow, 21 Rails, The Bale Jumpers at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), $10.
SUMMER SOLSTICE SUNSET WATCH: Provided it’s not pouring, educator/expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen will be at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW, upslope from the tennis courts and gardens) 8:30-9:30 pm for her quarterly change-of-seasons sunset watch. (If the sun’s visible, it should vanish from view around 8:55. Also note that the solstice moment is 7:42 pm.) Free, all ages.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Hershe tonight! (4547 California SW)
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!
Family and friends are remembering Rosie Caton and sharing this remembrance with her community:
Rosemary “Rosie” Murtha Caton passed away on May 10, 2025.
Rosie was raised in San Jose, California. She attended St. Mary’s Grammar School, Notre Dame San Jose High School, and Seattle University, where she received both her Undergraduate and Masters Degrees. After graduating, Rosie worked at Rainier Brewery as a tour guide until she was hired at United Parcel Service (UPS) in the Security Administration Department, where she later retired after 30 years.
Rosie attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in West Seattle and took part in many fundraisers and events through the years. Rosie belonged to ICM (Institute of Christian Ministries) and after 2 years of training, she found her mission in prayer ministry at the King County Jail, woman’s division. She would visit the women weekly with Sister Angelica for 10+ years.
Rosemary was married to William (Bill) Caton for over 44 years, until her passing. She is survived by her daughter, Kristine (Josh) Waitman, as well as her sister Kathleen Purdy and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
As a servant of the Lord, Rosie will continue her devotion to her Lord and Savior at her new heavenly location! She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.
(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)
6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, June 20, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Rain likely, high in the low 60s. Today’s sunrise was again at 5:11 am (and holding, for a few more days); sunset will be at 9:11 pm. (Summer officially arrives at 7:42 pm!)
(Thursday sunrise photo by Stewart L.)
SCHOOL STATUS
One more mention that everybody’s out except Vashon Island (next Tuesday) and Highline Public Schools (next Wednesday).
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet. M/V Salish serves as the “bonus boat”. Three-boat service is still expected to relaunch on June 30th.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, plus weeknights with Mariners home games (and some other events).
…
WEEKEND TRAVEL ALERTS
If you’re leaving West Seattle, be sure all this is on your radar.
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!
Hours after Seattle Public Schools classes ended for the year on Wednesday, the School Board met to appoint chief operating officer Fred Podesta as acting superintendent, at least until September 3. That’s the originally scheduled date that Dr. Brent Jones was supposed to end his tenure, but he’s on medical leave that is expected to last through the remainder of his time with the district. Documents in the agenda from last night’s special meeting of the School Board, at which the appointment was made, note that the COO is designated backup for the superintendent anyway. Podesta has been with the district for six and a half years. As for a new permanent superintendent, the district is still in the “community engagement” phase; a survey is open for another 10 days, and a variety of “engagement sessions” are scheduled (none in West Seattle, but some are online) – go here for the links to all that.
P.S. The district is taking applications through July 31; here’s the job listing.
Here on the eve of the official start to summer, we are also exactly one month away from two back-to-back big summer events:
(WSB file photo)
The West Seattle Grand Parade, preceded by the Float Dodger 5K. Both will travel down California SW between the Admiral District and The Junction on Saturday, July 19.
(WSB file photo)
The morning starts with the Float Dodger 5K, presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank, starting on the field at Hiawatha at 9:30 am, heading to The Junction and back. (You can register for it right now!) Then at 11 am, the West Seattle Grand Parade – presented by the West Seattle Rotary Foundation – starts rolling, marching, dancing, walking, etc., southbound on California from Lander. You’ll actually want to be in your spot along the parade route before 11, because we’re told SPD motorcycles will be back this year – after a small contingent rode the route last year for the first time in several years, at least 8 are expected this year – and they get a head start on the rest of the parade. There are really no bad seats, but if you want to hear the parade entries announced, be near California/Charlestown or California/Alaska. And it’s not too late to be part of the parade, participating and/or sponsoring, as noted in the latest West Seattle Junction Association newsletter:
*Be in the Parade – Showcase your business or organization in front of thousands of locals! …
*Become a Sponsor – Support this beloved tradition and shine a spotlight on your business with a sponsorship of $250, $500, or $1,000 to help cover street closure costs. …
To learn more or sign up, email WestSeattleParade@gmail.com.
3:50 PM: When we hear from readers about cable/internet outages, it’s usually very localized … but this one seems to be an exception. About half an hour ago, our CenturyLink service suddenly went out in Upper Fauntleroy. We had someone working outside so we thought maybe they’d pulled a cable. Then we started hearing from readers – mostly in Gatewood, but most recently a text from someone at California/Dakota. Anyone else? We are going to try reaching the CL media team but the holiday might make that a challenge.
4:01 PM: Posts on X (ex-Twitter) suggest this goes beyond Seattle. The official @CenturyLink account has someone replying to reports, only saying they’re looking into a “possible disruption.” But the CL website itself is down too (we got a 503 error, as did someone in a comment below). In addition to comments, we’re getting texts from all around West Seattle. Some mention Quantum is down too.
4:20 PM: On X, CL has yet to make a statement acknowledging the far-and-wide outage, and its website continues to serve an error message. … Commenters are trying a workaround that’s been circulating on social media; we have no way to verify (we’re using Comcast/Xfinity right now, lots of redundancy for business purposes).
5:17 PM: Some commenters mentioned their service just returned; ours appears to, as well, after a little more than two hours out. Still no official comment from CenturyLink/Lumen, however.
5:42 PM: And we’ve received the company statement:
We are currently addressing a network routing issue that caused a temporary service disruption for some customers. Our teams have identified the root cause and are actively working to restore full service as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we resolve this matter.
6 PM: Company spokesperson Matt Villarreal just sent an updated statement saying everyone should be back on: “… All services have since been fully restored. We understand how important it is to stay connected and sincerely appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding during this time.”
(WSB photo, October)
Urban ArtWorks has been involved in more than a few mural projects around West Seattle, and now it’s offering teens a chance to get involved this summer, and get paid for their work – here’s the announcement:
Urban ArtWorks is partnering with Southwest Youth and Family Services to bring the Mural Apprentice Program (MAP) to Delridge this summer! They are currently recruiting teens ages 14–19 to join this paid opportunity where participants will design and paint murals, build community, and gain valuable job skills. No prior art experience is needed and we especially welcome BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ youth, and students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Learn more and apply at urbanartworks.org/programs, or email programs@urbanartworks.org to get started.
The deadline for applying is just four days away – June 23 – so don’t procrastinate if you’re interested!
Though Rite Aid still is not officially commenting on store-by-store plans in the wake of its latest bankruptcy, info is becoming available at/from local stores. Back on Tuesday, with the help of reader tips, we reported on notices now posted at two affected stores that say they’re converting to CVS – the California SW Rite Aid says August 5 is its changeover date; Bartell Drugs in Admiral says its date is September 3. Since then, we’ve learned the plans for two other affected West Seattle stores. Bartell Drugs in Jefferson Square has a notice posted saying it too will convert to CVS, on August 29:
And Rite Aid in Westwood Village – the one store with a retail lease announced as available, as we reported last month – says the current plan is to just close. No notice was posted when we went in, but pharmacy staff told WSB’s Hayden Yu Andersen that the store/pharmacy will close on August 26. If you have a current prescription there, you’ll want to talk with them ASAP about what you want to do with it, as otherwise, they told us, prescriptions will be automatically transferred elsewhere, possibly to one of the West Seattle Walgreens or the Jefferson Square Bartell that as mentioned above is converting to CVS.
SIDE NOTE: These conversions will be CVS’s first foray into West Seattle; a previous plan for a standalone store at the current site of mixed-use Maris (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW) died in Design Review almost a decade ago.
Thanks to player parent Erika for sending the report and photo:
Last Thursday, the Southwest Little League Majors Rat City softball team won the regular season championship for District 7! They defeated Rainier Little League 15-0 to round out their nearly undefeated season with a record of 15-1-0. Many of these girls have been playing together for several years and were led by Head Coach Matt Talmadge and Assistant Coaches Melissa Rosenberg, Mike Stanfill, and Walker Hatton.
Southwest Little League spans the southern part of West Seattle and into White Center/Burien but most of these kids are West Seattleites!
Congratulations, Rat City softball team! Catch the SWLL softball team in the D7 All Star tournament this week on June 19th & 20th at 6 pm (PacWest Fields).
(Painted stone attributed by texter to ‘Westwood mystery artist’)
Here are our Thursday highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can look ahead any time), starting with some changes for the Juneteenth holiday:
LIBRARIES: Seattle Public Library and King County Library System branches are all closed,
SEATTLE PARKS & RECREATION: Many Seattle Parks facilities (but not all) are closed.
USPS: Juneteenth is a US Postal Service holiday.
BANKS: This is also a banking holiday.
STREET PARKING: For Seattle neighborhoods with city-operated pay stations, on-street parking is free today.
We have not received or found word of any organized Juneteenth celebrations in West Seattle; if you know of anything, please comment! Meantime, here’s the rest of the list:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Gardening season continues! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open today and every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: Also open today, on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm – see the session schedule here.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to get the details of where they’re playing today.
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of three regular Thursday night events here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Poke Me.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Last but never least, HPCS is the starting point for running 3 miles, or walking a shorter path, in the neighborhood near HPCS with the Run Club, leaving from the store at 6:30 pm, returning for beverages – info here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!
RAT CITY ART & FOOD WALK: The new third-Thursday tradition in White Center, starting at 5 pm at most of the two-dozen-plus participating venues – see our calendar listing for the lineup/map.
ART RECEPTION: 5-7 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), reception for “found object assemblage” artist Elaine Woodhouse.
FREE MENDING WORKSHOP: 5 pm at KAVU (9064 Delridge Way SW) – details and RSVP link in our calendar listing.
POSTCARDS FOR DEMOCRACY: The long-distance-advocacy group has a bonus monthly happy-hour gathering at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW), 5-7 pm.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: This group’s 6 pm weekly Thursday run starts at The Good Society in Admiral (California/Lander).
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Prefer to walk? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC IN THE JUNCTION: 6-9 pm, Patrick Rifflin performs Thursdays at Pegasus Pizza in The Junction (4520 California SW).
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: All-ages show at 7 pm with Shai Foxx, Silvermoon, DUK, Arc Flash. $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ARTSWEST OPENING NIGHT: The curtain rises for new ArtsWest production “The Effect“ at 7:30 pm. Check here for tickets. (4711 California SW)
DJ NIGHT: The weekend spinning starts early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Mr. Moon, 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Last week, we reported on Pegasus Book Exchange in The Junction inviting customers past and present to share stories and memories about and for owner Fred Epps, Now, they’re renewing the request, with word that Fred has died. Emma Epps sent this update:
My dad (Fred Epps) was diagnosed with cancer on June 1st, 2025, and his health declined very rapidly even as we were waiting for more information from the doctors. He passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of June 18th after only two days in hospice care. That’s just the way he would have wanted it — no long lingering for him.
We will hold a public memorial in August, hopefully on the 16th which was his birthday; details to come. In the meantime, we welcome your Fred stories here.
If you would like to do something in his memory, we believe he would simply encourage you to support independent and local businesses, musicians, and artists.
The Epps family says that upcoming birthday would have been Fred’s 72nd; he was born August 16, 1953, in Washington, D.C. We’ll let you know when the memorial plans are finalized.
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, June 19 – Juneteenth 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Partly sunny, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise was again at 5:11 am (and holding, for a few more days); sunset will be at 9:10 pm. (Summer officially arrives Friday at 7:42 pm!)
(Wednesday evening photo by Carol Ann Joyce)
SCHOOL STATUS
Seattle Public Schools‘ last day was yesterday, so almost everyone is out now; Vashon Island gets out June 24; Highline Public Schools on June 25.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – No changes for the holiday. Regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – No changes for the holiday. Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet. M/V Salish serves as the “bonus boat”. Three-boat service is still expected to relaunch on June 30th.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, plus weeknights with Mariners’ home games (and some other events).
…
STADIUM ZONE
Another FIFA Club World Cup match at 3 pm today at Lumen Field – Sounders FC vs. Madrid.
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!
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