West Seattle, Washington
18 Thursday
That’s the map of the “stay out of the water” zone off Beach Drive, as specified by health authorities, one day after the King County Wastewater Treatment District reported a sewage leak they now tell us led to an estimated 13,000 gallons going into Puget Sound.
Crews continue to make temporary repairs to the gate at the 63rd Avenue Pump Station in West Seattle where the wastewater leak occurred.
Based on preliminary assessment, Public Health – Seattle & King County (Public Health) advises people and pets to avoid contact with the water in the red-circled area (see map above) between Charles Richey Sr. Viewpoint and Southwest Douglas Place. The advisory is in effect until 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, or until updated guidance is issued.
Public Health has also directed King County to continue collecting samples to monitor water quality.
Our Community Services team has placed red beach closure signage along the beach and continues to notify nearby residents and businesses.
If you have any questions, please call our Community Services hotline at 206-296-7432.
KCWTD has not determined the cause of the leak, which they say was first detected by crews they’ve had working in the area on a project for facilities in the area.
(Since it’s all about soccer right now, here’s Highline Premier FC in last year’s Grand Parade)
One month away from two big events on the same day – on Saturday, July 18. The West Seattle Grand Parade starts just before 11 am at California/Lander in the Admiral District and proceeds southbound on California all the way to SW Edmunds at the south end of The Junction. Before the parade, you can run or walk that route in the West Seattle Float Dodger 5K, which starts at 9:30 am (after a free “kids’ dash” at 8:45 am)mm.
(WSB file photo, past Float Dodgers arriving in The Junction)
The parade is presented by the West Seattle Rotary Foundation, and the 5K is organized by West Seattle Runner (both the Rotary and WSR are WSB sponsors) as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank. To run or walk in the 5K, register here; to watch the parade, just pick a spot along the route!
Thanks to Theresa Arbow-O’Connor. for the photo – it’s soccer mania everywhere this week! Including in our highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks to everyone who sends events for us to share!):
FREE PLAYSPACE: Church of the Nazarene‘s free drop-in space is open until noon. (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
THURSDAY KAYAK CLUB: 10 am with Alki Kayak Tours at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW) – details here if you want to set a reminder to join up next week!
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Whether you’re planting or planning – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily-splashing season at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, daily operation continues at the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the session schedule here. Note that it’s closed to the public tomorrow and Saturday because of a swim meet. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!) Often C & P Coffee, we’re told (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
(Photo by Bob Burns)
LAST LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -2.8 feet at 2 pm, but don’t go on the beach or in the water at or near Constellation Park.
USA VS. AUSTRALIA POLITICIANS PLAY SOCCER: Be at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) by 2:15 pm for the big fun, free soccer match one day before the USA vs. Australia FIFA World Cup match downtown – this one features elected officials/dignitaries from both nations taking the field for a “friendly,” presented by the West Seattle Junction and Rhodies FCs. Players announced so far are listed here, including Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson.
INTERGENERATIONAL IDENTITY BOOK CLUB: 3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
DROP-IN CHESS: For young players, drop in to play starting at 4 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS this week – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Jeremy’s Chicken.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) needs volunteers to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks (and you can take some home too). Just be there 5-7 pm!
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle!
BOOK SWAP WITH WINE: Bring a book to swap, free, at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor), and buy a pour from Darby Winery on site! This month’s book themes: “climate” and “apocalypse.”
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run OR track workout.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Or – you can walk! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by Fairground, outdoors, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
TRIVIA AT WINERY: Princess and The Bear in west South Park (309 S. Cloverdale) is hosting trivia tonight at 6 pm.
SAAMATO DANCE AND DRUM CONFERENCE: 4-day event at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW) starts at 6:45 tonight – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 7 pm in-store show by West Seattle band Chewing Gum, free, all ages, as previewed here with a spotlight on their record label. (4559 California SW)
FREE CONCERT AT ALKI UCC: 7 pm, “singer-songwriter/actor Lauren Drake performs a vibrant range of enchanting vocal covers of popular songs and a mix of her own original works,” admission free! (6115 SW Hinds)
‘WISH YOU WERE HERE’: Second week for ArtsWest’s new play, 7:30 pm curtain. (4711 California SW)
TRIVIA AT THE VOID: 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight’s musical event at Revelry Room (4547 California SW) features DJ Tomas starting at 8 pm.
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Several readers asked about a police pursuit in West Seattle around 3:30 am Wednesday. We couldn’t find evidence of a pursuit-level incident starting or ending here. Now we know why – it didn’t start or end here, but had a high-speed detour through here. A detail in this SPD summary solved the mystery, and gave us a springboard for research to fill in the West Seattle specifics:
At about 3:08 a.m. (Wednesday), dispatchers received reports that occupants of (a) vehicle pointed firearms at the caller. Officers arrived in the 2900 block of 1st Avenue and contacted the 20-year-old victim.
The victim said he was driving on the ramp to Dexter Avenue while attempting to access Denny Way when a white minivan, possibly a Dodge, occupied by four individuals, pulled alongside him. The driver began to drive erratically before stopping next to his car at a stoplight. Two occupants then pointed guns at him.
The victim drove away and ran a red light to escape. The vehicle followed and then continued westbound on Denny Way.
Officer later located the suspect vehicle and initiated a pursuit in the West Precinct area. Officers lost sight of the vehicle in the North Precinct area. A short time later, officers spotted the vehicle in the Southwest Precinct and reinitiated the pursuit. Police successfully ended the pursuit and took five suspects into custody.
Officers arrested four juveniles, three boys and one girl, ages 14, 15, and two 17-year-olds, for investigation assault and unlawful possession of a firearm. They were booked into The Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center.
Officers also arrested an 18-year-old man and booked him into King County Jail for investigation assault.
The vehicle was impounded and transported to be processed.
We went back into the police-radio archives to see where in “the Southwest Precinct” part of the chase took place. The vehicle headed west on the West Seattle Bridge, according to officers’ updates for dispatch, and then was pursued around West Seattle streets including California and Alaska in The Junction, Avalon Way, and 35th SW to Roxbury, then onto 99 and back north. Speeds noted by a pursuing officer via radio were up to 112 mph. The end of the pursuit isn’t clear in the radio archives but it appeared to be in or near the Highway 99 tunnel, in which the suspects were reported at one point to be going the wrong way. We don’t know the suspects’ current status but will be pursuing with prosecutors.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, June 18, 2026. As detailed below, mostly regular schedules today – but tomorrow will see changes for the USA-Australia FIFA World Cup match in Seattle and the Juneteenth holiday.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Three days until summer’s officially arrival with the solstice moment at 1:24 this Sunday morning. Today’s forecast is for a sunny, breezy, high in the mid-70s. Sunrise was at 5:11 am (earliest of the year, staying there until Tuesday); sunset will be at 9:10 pm.
SCHOOL’S OUT
All West Seattle schools are now out, since Wednesday was the last day for Seattle Public Schools.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – Two boats today, as M/V Kitsap remains out for repairs. See the alert page for schedule links and any additional changes.
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Also regular schedule today – Summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners are home again today, 1:10 pm day game vs. the Orioles.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
The city cameras’ updating-framegrab feature was back as of Wednesday morning, per a check of the SDOT map, so we’ve returned them to the morning lineup:
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge (25 mph speed limit):
See trouble 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!
(WSB video/photos)
The second ceremony in tonight’s graduation doubleheader concluded at McCaw Hall downtown about half an hour ago – the West Seattle High School Class of 2026 is heading into their post-high-school future. Above is our video of the tassel turn and cap toss – below, their entrance:
ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: Here’s our video of the heart of the WSHS speaker lineup – Superintendent Ben Shuldiner, followed by grad Lizzie Greene, staff speaker Chris Harris, and “Lessons of Life” from grad Adam Gosztola:
They were followed by grad Elinor Largent singing “Don’t Dream It’s Over” (unfortunately out of our video camera’s view because of where we were stationed, but you can see/hear her on the district’s recording of the ceremony, 41 minutes in):
WSHS principal Brian Vance introduced valedictory speaker Sam LeBaron, one of 18 valedictorians listed on the program, and then the district official, dignitaries, and school administrators who also were onstage, concluding – after a final “spelldown” – by presenting the class to School Board President (and West Seattle resident) Gina Topp:
Here’s another view of the tassel-turning ceremony, led by a group of grads onstage:
Memorial Stadium will still be in construction next year; the 2027 graduation-ceremony locations have yet to be announced.
That’s how the Chief Sealth International High School Class of 2026 ended their commencement ceremony at McCaw Hall downtown less than an hour ago, with tassel-turn speaker Satomi Giedeman shouting repeatedly, “Are you ready?” and the 320+ new grads affirming before turning their tassels and tossing their caps. McCaw Hall is filling in this year for Memorial Stadium, unavailable because of the rebuild. The dim light is the biggest difference; otherwise, the venue seemed to hold everyone comfortably. Here’s the seniors’ entrance procession:
We have lots more video to add (Thursday morning) from the hour-plus ceremony, with student and staff speakers as well as welcomes from. CSIHS principal Hope Perry and first-year district superintendent Ben Shuldiner, but first, one more graduation to cover!
ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: The principal and superintendent are in our first clip – this was his first year of SPS commencements, and her second year leading Chief Sealth IHS:
Student singers performed next, out of view of where our video camera was tationed, but you can see/hear them on the district recording of the ceremony (18 minutes in). Student speakers followed – our next clip includes valedictorian Addison Wynn Johnson-Whited, who noted that “We were the first class after the pandemic to rebuild Sealth’ community,” and grad Siyam Mohamed, who gave part of her speech in multiple languages:
Staff speaker Maha Giundi gave a speech vowing to tell the grads the truth and including the advice, “Go find your people … and tell the truth about who you are.”
The ceremony ended well before sunset, so its location facilitated photo ops on the Seattle Center grounds:
Still adding …
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Magen Holgate wants you to listen.
To local music, specifically.
“People don’t realize they could be listening to great West Seattle music,” she laments, as we chat in a local coffee shop.
One great place to start: Tomorrow night’s free in-store show at Easy Street Records (7 pm June 18) by the local band Chewing Gum. It’s a CD release show, and the CD is on the label that Magen leads, The Big Dark Records.
Chewing Gum – four girls, three of whom are high-school students – is the second band on Big Dark Records; the first one, also an all-girl band, is Sad Dad Autumn, who you might have seen at some gigs around town, including last year’s Admiral Block Party.
The three members of Sad Dad Autumn happen to be Magen’s daughters with husband Kellen Holgate, and they’re an integral part of The Big Dark Records’ story. “My husband and I were in California bands … we’re now a family full of musicians … life is music at our house, instruments everywhere … Last year we realized we had all the skills to start a label.” So they did, and started by recording their daughters’ band (here’s the album, “The Great Dying”). “It’s important to us to produce music; Seattle is such a music city.”
For some people, that perception is stuck in the ’90s, and if you ask about Seattle music, they’ll recite a list of grunge bands from back then. But that’s because “sometimes nobody is listening,” so Magen is determined to show them why they should be listening to the new young artists.
Not just the ones she’s recording; she says that since they only have so much recording capacity, so far, she’s intent on mentoring, too, and connecting other local bands to opportunities. She’s also been teaching local musicians about music publishing: “We create a playlist of all-local music … I update it every month” on Spotify. (It’s called SoundCheck – Seattle – here’s the link.)
(Chewing Gum – photo courtesy The Big Dark)
Tomorrow’s Chewing Gum CD-release show “will be our first physical release,” and they’re serious about getting the music out first in that format: “It’s not going to be streamed” for several weeks – “we hope people will support it.” (You can check out their single online in advance – go here.) Believe it or not, Magen says, in the same way that vinyl records have seen a resurgence among adults, “kids are buying and trading CDs.”
She decribes Chewing Gum’s sound as classically Seattle – in the same way that her label’s name is – “It symbolizes our big dark season … the creative season.” (The logo is a crow stealing the sun.) You can spend the fall and winter creating music, and then in the (short) warm season, you can enjoy it.
Toward that end, Magen says, The Big Dark Records will play a role in West Seattle Summer Fest music this year (July 10-12 in The Junction) – the festival usually has a small second stage, and she says they’re programming that one – with local musicians, of course, including soloists on Sunday.
But first, the Thursday show by Chewing Gum (whose CD, by the way, is produced by the Holgates’ oldest daughter). Magen will of course be there to meet and greet the public. They’ll have a merch table, too, and you can talk with her about local music. She’s sure that once you hear more of it, you’ll be hooked. “Our goal is for people to listen to local music again … I want to create excitement about West Seattle music.”
Next stops on that road: Easy Street at 7 pm Thursday, followed by West Seattle Summerfest next month.
3:18 PM: M/V Kitsap is out of service, and that’s led to some cancellations on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth state-ferry route. No ETA for its return. Check the alert page for updates.
6:24 PM: WSF says it’s expecting Kitsap to be out at least though tomorow so it “will operate the three-boat schedule with vessels #1 and #2.”
2:40 PM: Just in, word of a different water problem. The King County Wastewater Treatment Division is reporting a sewer overflow. at Constellation Park:
King County Wastewater Treatment Division crews are responding to a brief sewer overflow at the 63rd Avenue Pump Station, located near Constellation Park in the 3500 block of Beach Drive SW in West Seattle.
Out of an abundance of caution, please avoid contact with the water until more information is available.
Our Community Services team is placing signage along the beach and notifying nearby residents.
We will share updates and any public health guidance from Public Health – Seattle & King County at kingcounty.gov/WTD-Incident-Response as more information becomes available.
If you have any questions, please call our incident response hotline at 206-296-7432.
The announcement didn’t say how much had overflowed, nor what led to it – in particular, whether it was related to work their crews wewre already doing in that area – so we’re asking those questions and will update when we get answers.
(Added: Photo sent by Reiner Peery)
ADDED 5:54 PM: Some new info from the WTD:
On June 17, crews were replacing a flow control gate near the 63rd Avenue Pump Station in West Seattle. Around 10 a.m., they discovered that another gate — used to isolate upstream flow — was leaking. As a result, untreated wastewater was released into Puget Sound through the pump station’s offshore emergency outfall.
By 11:30 a.m., crews stopped the leak. The King County Environmental Lab also collected water quality samples from the area.
We have notified regulatory agencies. Public Health – Seattle & King County will provide official safety guidance after evaluating the water sample results. Meanwhile, people and pets should continue to avoid contact with the water in the area out of an abundance of caution.
This construction project was scheduled for this week because flows are lower during dry weather.
We’ve received multiple brown-water reports from the Admiral area. One person says it’s apparently because of Seattle Fire hydrant testing in the area, which is a common cause, but it’s not the only possibility, so if it happens to you, please call the Seattle Public Utilities round-the-clock number at 206-386-1800. Discolored water is usually the result of sediment – mostly rust – stirred up in the lines because of a change in the flow, like hydrant testing, or a line break, or a major fire response. There is some repair work mapped right now in Upper Alki, but the affected areae seems too small to have reached Admiral.
2:02 PM: Thanks for the tips and texted photo. The helicopters that were flying over northwest West Seattle are US Army helicopters, flying out of, and returning to, Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the South Sound. They’re often seen up here on training flights. Some wondered if it might be World Cup flyover practice, with the match two days away. Since their flight path included SODO, that could be; we’re checking.
ADDED 1:10 PM THURSDAY: We had left messages by voice and email with JBLM Public Affairs, and a spokesperson returned our call today. He said it was “routine training” as far as he knew but also said PA wouldn’t necessarily be informed if there was going to be a flyover, so that wasn’t entirely ruled out.
Last abandoned bicycle shown on WSB found its owner as a result. Maybe that’ll happen for one or both of these, found by readers:
The one below was found by a Puget Ridge greenbelt; the one above, near Seacrest:
If either might be yours, let us know and we can connect you.
As noted earlier, it’s the last day of school for Seattle Public Schools. It’s been quite a year for high-school student-athletes, and West Seattle High School had special recognition for the top achievers who will wear special athletic-honor cords at tonight’s commencement ceremony. The announcement and photos were sent by WSHS athletic director Corey Sorenson:
This wweek, we honored our graduating student-athletes who went above and beyond during their athletic careers at West Seattle High School by awarding them special athletic honor cords.
This year we recognized excellence in three distinguished categories:
School Record Holders – Student-athletes who are graduating as current West Seatle High School record holders in their sport.
State Champions – Student-athletes who have reached the pinnacle of competition by earning a state title as an individual or part of a West Seattle High School team.
Golden Wildcats – Student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional commitment and dedication by competing in three sports during their senior year.
These honors celebrate the hard work, perseverance, leadership, and school pride that make our student-athletes outstanding representatives of the Wildcat community.
Graduating Seniors: School Record Holders
Mack Rysmeus: 200 Freestyle Relay, Will Frederick: 4×400 Relay, Marcus Ramsey: 4×400 Relay, Aidan Murray: 4×400 Relay, Layla Ho: 4×200 & 4×400 Relays, Jeremiah O’Keefe: 200 Freestyle & 400 Freestyle Relays, (not pictured: Nathan Boehmer 200 Freestyle Relay)
Graduating Seniors: State Champions
Lincoln Scott: Baseball (’24), Cody Buehring: Baseball (’24), Jake McCall: Baseball (’24), Asher Rosenstock: Unified Soccer, Grace Carroll: Unified Soccer, Ellie Miller: Unified Soccer, Molly Combs: Bowling (First Individual MetroLeague State Champion in league and school history), Izzy McKamey: Unified Soccer, (not pictured Jonas Darragh & Jaykel Warwick: Unified Soccer)
The Golden Wildcat Award is one of the highest honors our athletic program can bestow. It recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional commitment, perseverance, leadership, and school pride through participation in three sports their senior year. This award celebrates individuals who embody the true spirit of a Wildcat by consistently representing our school with dedication both on and off the field, court, track, or mat.
Three-sport athletes hold a special place in our program because they embrace the challenge of competing year-round while balancing academics, training, and team responsibilities. Their willingness to contribute across multiple seasons strengthens our athletic culture, supports a wide range of teams, and inspires younger athletes to stay involved.
West Seattle “Golden Wildcats Class of 2026
Eli Findlay, Asher Rosenstock, Grace Carroll, Ellie Miller, Izzy McKamey, Isabella Baber, Lilly O’Claire, Breanna O’Connor, Sadie Stover, John Ingraham, (not pictured: Marley Franklin, Jaykel Warwick, Jonas Darragh)
(Mega-low tide sight: Duwamish Head, Tuesday photo by Mike Burns)
Here’s our Wednesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – which you can preview any time – here’s what’s happening today/tonight:
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks start from 47th/Fontanelle – if you didn’t see this in the calendar in time to join, consider this your reminder for next week!
TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor).
SPRAYPARK’S OPEN: Daily-splashing season – rain or shine – at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
SWIMMING POOL’S OPEN: Daily operations also continue at Colman Pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm.
ONE MORE MEGA-LOW TIDE: -3.7 feet at 1:11 pm.
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, join players at Missing Piece (4707 California SW).
GRADUATION CEREMONIES: Both at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall downtown – Chief Sealth IHS at 5 pm, West Seattle HS at 8 pm.
ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, weekly gaming event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: The free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm workshop is happening at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center), and the library is open for borrowing.
SEA KAYAKING NAVIGATION CLASS: Learn what you need to know before you head out! 6 pm class at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor).
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Talk about Seattle’s growth – current and future – at the weekly 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Join the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces!
ARE YOU READY? 6:30 pm, free presentation on household preparedness, with local volunteers at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW)
PRACTICE YOUR SPANISH SPEAKING: New local group of Spanish-language learners, dedicated to practicing it, gathers 6:30-8:30 pm at Mission Cantina (2325 California SW) – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
MAD CRAFTY: Bring your project to Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 7-9 pm.
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 5: Five West Seattle trivia venues – Seaside Grill (2820 Alki SW) now has 7 pm trivia on Wednesdays … Admiral Pub trivia at 7:10 pm (2306 California SW), West Seattle Pride edition tonight … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … And trivia starts at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: West Seattle’s longest-running open-mic night! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SWING IT WEDNESDAY! Swing dancing and live music at 8:15 pm at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale).
KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: Sing at the pub starting at 9, after trivia. (2306 California SW)
Planning something 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!
Family and friends will gather tomorrow to remember Marc Pechera, and are sharing this remembrance today:
Marc Pechera
May 18, 1978 – June 4, 2026
Marc Pechera, beloved husband, father, son, and brother, passed away on June 4, 2026, at the age of 48. Born in Mineola, New York, Marc grew up on Long Island before finding what he called his true home in Brooklyn. This changed in 2008 when he met his wife and then moved across the country to Tacoma and then Seattle to be with her. He said his new home was wherever she was.
Marc came to nursing after exploring several fields of study, and it proved to be his calling. For nearly 18 years, he dedicated himself to oncology nursing — one of medicine’s most demanding and sacred roles — showing up every day for patients facing some of the hardest moments of their lives. He had a rare gift for meeting people exactly where they were. Colleagues knew him as someone who could reach the most difficult patients, patients who would ultimately request him by name, because they trusted him. He had a knack for finding common ground and for connecting with broken souls in a way that made them feel less alone.
Perhaps his other calling was fatherhood. Marc and Zanna were blessed with three beautiful girls and Marc took his role as a girl dad seriously. He was a beloved father, always coming up with crazy games or building contraptions to entertain his daughters. Top favorites were daddy playground, hair salon, and Nailed It! Gingerbread cookie edition. He made sure his daughters knew they were loved and how to stand up for themselves.
Marc was a passionate soul that fought endlessly for the underdog. He had a wicked sense of humor and knew the craft of a good story. At his heart, he was a lover of hockey, family, God, and bear tchotchkes.
Marc is deeply missed by his wife, Suzanna, and their three daughters; his sisters Christine (Guinn) and Jocelyn (Tinoy); his parents Francisco and Lourdes Pechera; and all who had occasion to have Marc in their lives. He joins his brother, Francis Rex, in heaven.
There will be a funeral mass this Thursday, June 18th, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Guadelupe Parish.
Memories or photos can be shared at https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/qNcEU29n/MarcPechera
(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)
8:39 AM: A police response at West Marginal/17th is blocking part of Marginal.
8:44 AM: No longer blocking, per police radio.
Earlier:
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Summer officially arrives with the solstice moment at 1:24 this Sunday morning. Today’s forecast is for a partly sunny sky, clearing later, high in the low 70s. Sunrise was at 5:11 am (earliest of the year, remaining there until next Tuesday); sunset will again be at 9:09 pm.
SCHOOL’S OUT
Today is the last day for Seattle and Highline districts, Thursday for Vashon (which has hundreds of West Seattle “commuter students”).
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Also regular schedule today – Summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Now on the summer sailing schedule, three boats for Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth. Changes tonight/early tomorrow per the alert page:
Due to terminal repairs at Southworth, we’re making the following schedule changes on late Wednesday, June 17 (and early morning Thursday, June 18).
11:50 p.m. Fauntleroy sailing will go to Vashon and will not continue to Southworth.
12:15 a.m. Vashon to Southworth sailing – will go to Fauntleroy, not Southworth.
12:35 a.m. Southworth sailing – cancelled.
1:05 a.m. Fauntleroy sailing will go to Vashon and will not continue to Southworth.
1:30 a.m. Vashon to Southworth sailing – cancelled.
The last sailings to Southworth on Wednesday, June 17 will be:10:35 p.m. Fauntleroy to Vashon and Southworth sailing
11 p.m. Vashon to Southworth
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners are home again tonight, 6:40 pm vs. the Orioles.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
The city cameras’ updating-framegrab feature appears to be back, per a check of the SDOT map, so we’re returning them to the morning lineup:
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge (25 mph speed limit):
See trouble 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!
7:56 PM: Seattle Fire has a sizable response arriving in the 9000 block of 10th SW [vicinity map], for what’s described as a “brush fire” dangerously close to a residence. First units arriving say it’s 10′ by 20′ and they’re downsizing the initial callout.
8:49 PM: The fire was out and all units cleared within a half-hour.
(WSB file photo)
Thirteen years after the city bought that parcel on 40th SW to “landbank” it as a future park, it’s going out to bid, with a downscaled plan. Seattle Parks sent the announcement late today:
Seattle Parks and Recreation is soliciting construction bids on the City’s Procurement Portal for the future park at 4723 40th Ave SW, in the West Seattle Junction neighborhood. The park will provide a nature-themed play area, native plants and trees, a drinking fountain, leisurely walking paths, lawn area, a long shaded concrete seat wall and will seamlessly integrate into the neighborhood on the west side of 40th Ave SW. SPR anticipates the project will be in construction by this fall, and the new park will open in summer 2027.
SPR purchased this 0.38-acre property to provide additional open space for this high-density neighborhood. The public design process occurred in 2017-2018; however, the project was placed on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic as the City focused on essential services. In September 2022, the Seattle City Council, acting as the Park District Board, approved funding for the project as part of the 2023–2028 Park District cycle.
SPR planted grass and opened the area up for interim use by the community. We have secured all construction permits and updated the design to fit within the budget. The park design includes the top three park elements that came out of the public process and will provide native plantings, a drinking fountain, and natural play elements. There are two elements – the wooden boardwalk system and the seating stones – that will only be included if funding is available.
The city bought the park site in 2013 for $1.4 million, half what it’s currently listing as the total cost of planning, designing, and building the park. We haven’t found the bid-solicitation documents yet but will add to the story when we do.
That “ghost bike” memorial has just been installed along SW Wildwood in Fauntleroy, where a Vashon bicyclist died Monday morning after the driver of a box truck hit her (WSB coverage here). We learned more about her from a family spokesperson who was there with her friends from the Rainbow Riders bicycling group. The spokesperson told us,”this was a huge preventable loss” and that, “the street needs to be safer. When any bike rider dies, you know it could have been you.” We’re expecting to have more information soon. Also, the group Critical Mass is planning a memorial ride for her, to this ghost bike and another one for a rider killed in the Central District, starting at 6:30 pm Friday, June 26, from Westlake Park downtown.
3:38 PM: The King County Medical Examiner has just publicly identified the rider as 76-year-old Maridee Bonadea.
An SPD incident summary made public today reveals another police “operation” targeting retail theft at Westwood Village last Tuesday (June 9):
We’re following up with SPD to try to find out more.
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
With their lease up this month, the owners of Junction Hot Yoga (4747 California Ave SW) are closing their business after 5 years in a building that’s been the location of yoga studios for more than 20 years and is part of a future redevelopment project that includes the building next door.
“Our landlords have been really good — transparent,” said studio co-owner Karen Weigelt. She explained that a below-market lease rate made the studio pencil out, while at the same time, the uncertainty of how soon, rven if the construction would start, made long-term planning a challenge. To keep their clientele in the loop, they announced the closure 6 months ago.
Though the redevelopment project has its major permits, it’s not expected to start any time soon. That’s what Husky Deli proprietor Jack Miller tells WSB. The project – a seven-story, 79-unit apartment building with ground-level commercial space, replacing the studio and the Sleepers space to its north – was billed as a new home for Husky. It went through much of the review process 2018-2020 and has a Master Use Permit good until 2030, a key step toward full permit approval. But development conditions remain unfavorable, Miller said, so don’t expect to see the studio closure followed by the arrival of construction equipment.
So the immediate future of the studio building – which Miller doesn’t own – is still unclear. Weigelt says she’s been told some “refurbishing” may be planned for the space, though property owners Westside Local LLC (governed by development company HB Management LLC) said “no comment” via Weigelt.
So what’s next for the Junction Hot Yoga teachers and the Weigelts? “None of our team is opening a studio nearby,” she says, though there is interest. “A couple of former teachers have been looking and would love to open something in West Seattle and my husband and I would be willing, but nothing seems to be working out. The good news is there are definitely, in my view, good-quality yoga offerings in West Seattle that are good alternatives. I hope the community will give those other businesses a try.”
As business winds down, the last days of classes are already scheduled. Weigelt and co-founder Audrey Benton will be teaching the final two classes on the 30th. “I really wanted to give an opportunity for people to come in. I think it’s nice for us both to be able to say goodbye to folks.”
(From recent photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
If you’re heading out to see this afternoon’s mega-low tide, don’t take your dog.
Not just because dogs are not allowed on city beaches, but also because it’s not good for the vulnerable sealife exposed when the tide goes so far out.
Despite all that, dogs on beaches – and in other Seattle parks – are the number one source of complaints that city Park Rangers deal with.
That’s according to a briefing the city Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners got at their most recent meeting, including this slide with the newest data on complaints, responses, and enforcement:
The head of the Park Rangers program, Jon Jainga, brought the board some stats – including that they’ve received more than 1,600 animal complaints this year (through May), and isued seven citations. That ratio is not just because the ranger program is lightly staffed – 28 rangers for more than 500 parks and other facilitie, plus 125+ of trails, as Jainga reminded the board – but also because they believe warnings and other forms of education are most effective. Promoting “voluntary compliance” is the rangers’ main role.
(We should note that the briefing just dealt with rangers; Seattle Animal Shelter officers’ role was not part of it.)
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