(WSB photos/video)

West Seattle has more than 600 brand-new high-school graduates tonight, after back-to-back ceremonies at Memorial Stadium downtown. The night began with West Seattle High School, which packed its hour-and-a-half ceremony with more speakers and more music. After principal Brian Vance‘s welcome, ASB president Ami Doukourai spoke, describing graduation as “the moment that symbolizes the beginning of the rest of our lives.” She spoke of challenges, and had to overcome one in the moment, as a military helicopter inexplicably buzzed the field three times during her speech. She was followed by Kathryn Hooper and Makenzie Jensen, who spoke of how the class had to deal with heart-wrenching loss, wearing blue cords to honor four classmates who died, and leading a moment of silence in their memory “and any other loved ones who couldn’t be here today.”

The featured staff speaker, teacher Kira Hopkins, addressed the graduates as writers. She offered five points of advice, including “consider your context,” noting that they were just partway through their freshman year when the pandemic hit, and that they’ve also dealt with crises including political turmoil, climate change, and racial injustice – “you have come through a lot.” Her other points included “stay curious” and make plans but “leave room for the magic of the moment.”

Featured student speaker Elliott Burdett also mentioned the pandemic, saying “the universe threw a cosmic wrench” in his class’s freshman year, while in the next breath he acknowledged that “talking about COVID is cringe.” Ebulliently, he noted that “we really have no idea what the future who has in store for us – anything can happen at any moment.” Don’t miss the possibilities he lists:

Then it was time for a song from the acclaimed band THEM, whose members include two of tonight’s grads as well as a 2020 WSHS alum, “so this is her real graduation”:

The class’s valedictorians Sophia Butler and Cece Pyfer offered reflection and gratitude:

Then principal Vance led one last “W-E-S-T-S-I-D-E” countdown, and offered his own three points of advice: Make good choices, “bring your ‘A game’,” and express gratitude. Then our area’s school-board director Leslie Harris accepted the class and told them “it’s legal – you’re graduates!” The reading of names, with proud cheering from the stands, followed, as did a few final words from tassel-turning leader Lachlan Swanson, who warned that life is “pretty damn scary” but “you have to believe it’ll work out.”

P.S. Seattle Public Schools didn’t stream graduation ceremonies live this year but is recording them and making the video available quickly – here’s the recording of tonight’s WSHS ceremony.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Store robbery

June 27, 2023 11:04 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tips about a big police response around 8:30 pm at the Walgreens store in High Point. We were off-peninsula for tonight’s graduations so didn’t get there in time to talk with police, but according to archived audio, the store was robbed by a group described as teenagers in ski masks, at least one with a gun. They were reported to have gotten away with the register and “a lot of merchandise” including bottles of liquor. Given everything they got away with, police surmised they had a getaway vehicle somewhere nearby. If you have any information, the incident # is 23-180135.

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UPDATE: Crash at Delridge/21st sends 1 to hospital

June 27, 2023 10:17 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:17 PM: A motorcycle rider will be taken to the hospital after a crash at 21st/Delridge. We don’t know any other details except that police and fire are on scene, and the injured rider is a man around 50. Avoid the area for a while.

11:19 PM: No further information on circumstances,, but police are reopening the roads at the scene. We’re checking with SFD on the rider’s condition.

ADDED WEDNESDAY: SFD says the rider was in critical condition when transported. We don’t have his name so can’t check for a condition update.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen blue Trooper

June 27, 2023 8:10 pm

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| Crime | West Seattle news

From Miranda:

Our 1991 Isuzu Trooper was stolen yesterday in front of our house on Webster Street in Gatewood. We reported it to the police yesterday (report # 23-178845). But I’m hoping to get the word out on WSB to help find it. It’s dark blue and has a roof rack with white PVC pipe on the bars. Also has a peace-sign sticker in the back window. License plate # 812YNI

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THEATER: ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ about to open at ArtsWest

June 27, 2023 7:48 pm

| Comments Off on THEATER: ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ about to open at ArtsWest

| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photo courtesy ArtsWest, 2018 production of ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’)

Starting tomorrow night, ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) is “revisiting” a musical that rocked the playhouse in 2018 – “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” Here’s how ArtsWest symmarizes “Hedwig”:

The off-Broadway smash-hit Hedwig and the Angry Inch tells the electrifying story of Hedwig, a German emigrant who suffered a botched sex-change operation, as she travels the country in hopeless romantic pursuit of her former lover. First a hit on stage and again on screen, John Cameron Mitchell’s hard-rock tale of transformation has earned critical acclaim and a legion of fans across the world.

Nicholas Japaul Bernard again portrays Hedwig, with Kataka Corn as Yitzhak and Michael B. Maine as the Angry Inch; Eddie DeHais directs, and Aaron M.D. Norman is music director. Tomorrow (Wednesday) night is a 7:30 pm “preview,” with Thursday the official opening night; after that, “Hedwig” runs Wednesdays through Sundays through July 23rd. You can get tickets by going here; the playhouse is located at 4711 California SW in The Junction.

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COUNTDOWN: 1 week until West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade!

June 27, 2023 5:08 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle news

(Photo from 2018 West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade)

So far, looks like sunshine is in store for the Fourth of July – which kicks off in earnest at 10 am, when the West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade winds through a few blocks of North Admiral, headed for games, activities (potato-sack races for adults as well as kids!), and food trucks at Hamilton Viewpoint Park. With one week to go, we’re reminding you again about the parade (for which WSB is among the community co-sponsors), which starts at 44th/Sunset [map]. Except for a couple vehicles at the start (usually including a fire engine), it’s a non-motorized parade – participants walk or ride scooters or bicycles (and the littlest ones get pushed in strollers or pulled in wagons). Spectators are welcome. If you’re not going to participate or watch but you might be traveling on California SW’s north end that morning, the parade does cross that street south of Hamilton Viewpoint, so you might find yourself stopped for a bit.

P.S. Community support still welcome for this year and beyond – contact organizer Megan at meganerb@hotmail.com.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation; SWAT arrest followups

June 27, 2023 3:41 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch:

GUNFIRE INVESTIGATION: Police received several early-morning reports of possible gunfire in Puget Ridge and Highland Park. One was confirmed, reported around quarter till 4 am: At two locations in the 5400 block of 18th SW, officers found what they told dispatch totaled 10 shell casings. No injuries or property damage reported. They didn’t get a description of any person or vehicle involved, but if you have any video or other evidence, the case number is 23-179214.

SWAT ARREST FOLLOWUPS: On Sunday night, we reported on two SWAT standoffs that unfolded concurrently at two locations less than a mile apart, at residences on the 3600 block of Beach Drive SW and at Marine/Lander. Suspects were arrested in both and booked into King County Jail. Today, SPD released additional details on the Beach Drive incident, in which police say the 40-year-old suspect brandished a gun when harassing a neighbor over noise. (Police seized the gun and included a photo in their SPD Blotter post.) The suspect remains in jail in lieu of $1,000 bail. Meantime, the 44-year-old Marine/Lander suspect – accused of, per a police summary, “a domestic disturbance where the suspect threatened the victim with a handgun” – is out of jail after posting bond on $5,000 bail.

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SUMMER CONCERTS: Hiawatha’s back on – here’s the lineup

June 27, 2023 1:21 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB file photo)

Just in from the Admiral Neighborhood Association – the park east of Hiawatha Community Center will be available for their Summer Concerts series after all! ANA’s Dan Jacobs tells WSB they were able to get the park for three Thursday evenings in July, and the lineup is set:

July 13 – West Seattle Big Band
July 20 – School of Rock and Mid Pak
July 27 – Ranger and the Re-Arrangers

You’re probably familiar with WSBB and School of Rock; Ranger (et al) was part of the last Hiawatha slate in 2019 – they play “gypsy jazz.” These are free, all-ages, bring-your-own-chair-or-blanket concerts – ANA promises other details soon.

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WATER TAXI: West Seattle route changes for Fourth of July, All-Star Week

June 27, 2023 12:10 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

Two updates on changes ahead for the West Seattle Water Taxi:

FOURTH OF JULY: The West Seattle route will be on a Sunday schedule for the holiday next Tuesday.

ALL-STAR WEEK: Sally emailed us, wondering whether the Water Taxi would add any runs for the big baseball festivities coming up. We asked Metro/Water Taxi spokesperson Al Sanders – here’s his reply:

The West Seattle Water Taxi will have extended service during the ASG festivities. They already have the late service on Friday and Saturday and it will sail until 11 pm on Sun 7/9, Mon 7/10 and Tues 7/11 to accommodate fans going to Play Ball Park at Lumen Field, and the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park.

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Graduations, ‘Healthy Street’ open house, and what else is up for the rest of your West Seattle Tuesday

June 27, 2023 11:29 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Sonya Westcott for the photo! Before we get too much further into the day, time for a quick look of what’s on the schedule:

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open 11 am-8 pm, whatever the weather. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

E.C. HUGHES WADING POOL OPEN: Second day of the season, noon-7 pm. (2805 SW Holden)

LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL OPEN: Noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

COLMAN POOL OPEN: Also at Lincoln Park, this outdoor salt-water pool is open noon-7 pm daily through Labor Day. See the session schedule here.

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon): “Are you looking for a new activity to keep your brain sharp and clear? The Senior Center Chess Club welcomes both novice and experienced players. Join us at 1:30 p.m. for lessons, short tutorials, and chess for all levels of expertise.” (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

GRADUATION CEREMONIES: At Memorial Stadium downtown (401 5th Ave. N.), tonight’s the big night for the Class of 2023 from West Seattle High School (5 pm ceremony) and Chief Sealth International High School (8 pm ceremony).

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

‘HEALTHY STREET’ OPEN HOUSE: As reported here last week, SDOT has decided to downsize its original “(Stay) Healthy Street” in West Seattle, a stretch in High Point and Sunrise Heights. They’re answering questions and accepting comments during a 5:30 pm open house at Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW).

COMEDY: Readers Theatre presents an hour of laughs at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 6 pm. Donations welcome.

STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm stories and activities for kids at the Delridge P-Patch, weekly throughout the summer starting tonight. (5078 25th SW)

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), hosted by Michael Pearsall.

MORE TRIVIA: Three places where you can play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW); also, 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).

BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!

You can look into the future any time via our event calendar – if you have something to include on it, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen car retrieved from Westcrest Park slope

June 27, 2023 10:15 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| Crime | Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks for the tips. We’re just back from Westcrest Park, where tow crews pulled a stolen Hyundai Elantra up from the park’s northeast slope.

Police told us the car was reported by a passerby. That happened to be Chris, who sent us this photo:

Chris reported spotting the car before 6 am: “Didn’t see any occupants but found it running and lots of windows broken. Looks like it came down from the top and crashed through the fence (and was) resting in a thicket of blackberries.” Chris also noted evidence of “donuts” in the big field on the park’s north end (atop the reservoir) – walking from the west parking lot, we noticed that too – a lot of it:

If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 23-179485.

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Remembering David A. Mousset, 1950-2023

June 27, 2023 9:00 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering David Mousset and sharing this remembrance with the community:

David Arthur Mousset
January 2, 1950 – June 7, 2023

David was born to Lavelle (Swanson) and Arthur Mousset in Japan on Jan. 2, 1950, while his father was stationed there. He had a sister, Carolyn, who was 11 years older.

He grew up in El Paso, Texas, and Magnolia as a child where he attended elementary school; and his teen years in West Seattle where he attended James Madison Jr High and West Seattle High School. He graduated with the class of 1968. He lost his father when he was 17 and his mother moved to Baltimore to live with his sister. Determined to stay in West Seattle with friends, he spent his Senior year living on Alki. Many memories (and parties) with friends there. He loved cruising the beach in his Austin Healey. He was the life of the party and had a love for sports cars, baseball, and music. Having the nickname “Madman Mousset,” there are a lot of stories. He played in local bands and attended many concerts. He managed the Old Spaghetti Factory in Seattle in his 20s.

David married his first wife, Jill Saeger in 1976 at her family home in West Seattle. She was the younger sister of one of his best friends, Jeanne Saeger. In 1977 they had a daughter, Jessica Lavelle Mousset. They were married for 9 years. He loved to travel and plan trips to Disneyland with his daughter, Jessica. He introduced her to the magic of Disneyland at a young age and then later to her children. He was called “Disneyland Grandpa.” He had fond memories of going as a child with his Uncle Jack. Pirates of the Caribbean was his favorite ride.

Around 1986 he met Shari Lynn Rinderneck. They married in Reno, Nevada in 1990. They traveled together, enjoying trips to Mexico and Hawaii. He helped raise her daughter, Jessica Lynn. And his mother Lavelle lived with them in her elderly years. They lived in Burien and White Center before buying a home in Poulsbo on Liberty Bay, which he loved. He and Shari were married until 2006. They remained friends and he was able to spend over a year enjoying the property again before entering assisted living. She was very supportive during his end stage of life.

He also spent several years living with his dear friend Jeff Dill in Morton. They had been friends since Junior High.

He called himself a “mountain man” and enjoyed hiking in his youth, fishing, boating, and camping. He went fishing every opening day weekend and planned camping trips with friends around the date. Lake Alta was one of his favorites.

In 2018, he found out he had another daughter through Ancestry DNA. He also found out he had a son (confirmed) in 2021. He was able to meet his daughter Ruth and spend time with her, her children, and grandchildren in Minnesota.

David passed away on June 7th, 2023, from chronic kidney disease.

He was preceded in death by his father Arthur in 1967, his sister Carolyn in 1986, and his mother Lavelle in 2010.

He is survived by his daughter Jessica Lavelle (Mousset) and son-in-law David Cook. Grandchildren, Shayne (Anelise) Mousset, Haley, Matthew, and David Cook… and great-granddaughter, Adeline Mousset.

A daughter, Ruth Cottew in Minnesota, grandchildren Alyssa (Tisa) Lassahn, Austin Decker, and 6 great-grandchildren.

A nephew, Chris Ebert, a niece, Joni (Ebert) Coscia, and a great-niece, Rachel Coscia.

A brother-in-law, Robert Saeger, and niece Nichole Novak Forsell from his first marriage.

His last wife and friend Shari Mousset and her daughter, Jessica Lynn Hood.

Lifelong friends Jeff Dill and Don Nokes.

*A celebration of life will be held on July 3rd at Shari’s waterfront property in Poulsbo, where he loved to spend time.

(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)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday info

June 27, 2023 6:01 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:26 AM: I-5 southbound south of the West Seattle Bridge is still down two lanes because of emergency expansion-joint repairs, so if you’re headed to southbound I-5, catching it via Georgetown might be smarter, or wait a while to travel if you can. (Thanks to David for the tip.)

Earlier:

6:01 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Tuesday, June 27th, exactly one week until the Fourth of July!

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Cloudy morning, then clearing, high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:14 am; sunset will be at 9:11 pm.

(Monday’s sunset, photographed by James Bratsanos)

BRIDGE WORK TONIGHT

Lane closures overnight tonight, and possibly tomorrow night, for maintenance work on the high bridge.

STILL IN SCHOOL

Seattle Public Schools classes continue through this Friday (June 30). Tonight is graduation night for the Class of 2023 at West Seattle High School (5 pm) and Chief Sealth International High School (8 pm) – both ceremonies are at Memorial Stadium downtown.

TRANSIT

Metro – Regular schedule, with trip cancellations and temporary route suspensions possible.

Water Taxi – The West Seattle WT is on its regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Vashon Island is down to one slip at the north terminal today and tomorrow, 6 am-6 pm both days, as repairs are made – meantime, see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – alternate route across the river:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!

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