West Seattle, Washington
29 Monday
30 years post-Nirvana, one of the superstar grunge band’s surviving members has a new band and a new cause. Krist Novoselić brought his new Bona Fide Band to Easy Street Records in The Junction tonight. Most bands who take the Easy Street stage are there to sell records; Novoselić was there to sell his new political party to a full house on a hot night.
Outside, signatures were solicited to support establishment of Novoselić’s new Cascade Party of Washington. He talked about it briefly after taking the stage – urging people to “raise hell” – but then quickly moved on to the music.
His bandmates include Mark Pickerel from Screaming Trees, singers Jillian Weiss and Jennifer Johnson from 3rd Secret (another Novoselić collaboration), and Kathy Moore (from Brad). The Easy Street show started a tour that also includes appearances in Aberdeen, Ellensburg, Bremerton, and Tacoma, over the next month.
7:11 PM: Seattle Fire has sent a full response to Cal-Mor Circle apartments at 6420 California SW. Updates to come.
(Added: This photo and next, by Tim Durkan)
7:14 PM: SFD says the fire’s on the fourth floor.
7:18 PM: SFD says it’s a kitchen fire that may have extended further – so far they haven’t found any victims in or near the unit where it started.
(Added: WSB photo)
7:27 PM: Firefighters report the fire is out and that it did not extend beyond the unit where it started.
7:30 PM: SFD tells our crew at the scene that no one was hurt.
7:50 PM: Since it was a major response, it’ll take a while to clear out. Kelly at California/Graham says buses are queued up waiting to get through.
(Photo sent by Kelly Howard)
8:48 PM: Officers just told dispatch they’re reopening California (which has been blocked between Fauntleroy and Graham) to southbound traffic.
9:12 PM: An update from Metro indicates the street has reopened both ways.
Happening until 8 pm on the north end of Alki Playfield, it’s the first-ever Alki Community Summer Celebration, presented by the Alki Community Council, whose vice president Lindsay Pearsall and president Charlotte Starck were on stage between bands when we stopped by.
Community groups and city departments are there with information and more – Seal Sitters provides an opportunity to learn about sea life:
And don’t miss the chance to comment on the design of the play area at the south end of the playground, which will be overhauled with the future school-construction project. We’ll add a few more photos later.
Just northeast of Morgan Junction, SFD and SPD have responded to a crash reportedly involving two vehicles, with one driver hitting a pole and bringing down wires at Fauntleroy/41st [map]. Seattle City Light is en route too. Avoid the area for a while.
(WSB file photo)
We’re in the second half of Pride Month, with more special events ahead, announced since our first update just before the start of the month:
JUNE 21 – LOUD N PROUD: The White Center Community Development Association presents this street fair noon-5 pm tomorrow on SW 98th in downtown White Center. Performances, food, resources – info on our partner site White Center Now.
JUNE 22 – RAINBOW FLAGS: The West Seattle Junction Association changed the date it’s displaying rainbow flags (like the one in our photo above) to Saturday (June 22). A few volunteer spots remain to place (9 am) and remove (4 pm) them – you can sign up here.
JUNE 22 – PRIDE PARTY: Also on Saturday, Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) is hosting a Pride Party, 3-7 pm, “a special event to promote diversity, inclusivity and equal rights for LGBTQIA+ persons! Event features fun Pride Beers on tap, Glitter Beer & Pride Flights, FREE Giveaways, Pride Desserts, and a DJ spinning low-key vibes from 4-6 pm. FREE! Family/Dog-Friendly!”
JUNE 22 – PRIDE STORYTIME: 4:30 pm Saturday at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), Miss Lacey is hosting another Pride Storytime: “All ages & families welcome. There will be reading books, singing songs, and an activity.”
JUNE 22 – DRAG BRUNCH: Looks like a few reservations remain for drag brunch Saturday at Box Bar (5401 California SW, 21+ venue). Seating begins at 10:45 am; $25 admission includes a mimosa.
JUNE 28 – DRAG KINGS: Doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm on Friday, June 28, for Emerald City Kings Ball Pride at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW). Advance tickets $20, available online.
Got something to add to our list/calendar for Pride in West Seattle/White Center – or other calendar events? Please email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Today we welcome one of our newest WSB sponsors, a unique part of the West Seattle wine scene, the Northwest Wine Academy at South Seattle College. New sponsors have the opportunity to tell you about themselves – here’s what the Northwest Wine Academy wants you to know:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room at South Seattle College offers a serene retreat from city life, nestled beside the college arboretum, a community garden, and the Seattle Chinese Garden. It’s located in the Puget Ridge neighborhood of West Seattle. Step into a lively space where students craft unique wines, providing a tasting experience brimming with Pacific Northwest flavors, from the bold notes of black cherry and blackberries to the subtle nuances of woody oak, vanilla, and more. By supporting the Wine Academy, you are supporting our students’ journey to build their skills and find fulfilling work in Washington’s bustling wine industry.
Whether you prefer the outdoors in summer or the cozy indoors year-round, indulge in our affordable tastings priced at just $8 per person for a flight of four varieties. Join our vibrant community at one of the Northwest Wine Academy‘s regular events, where we not only showcase wines but also engage in activities such as painting, plant potting, cookie decorating, and delightful food pairings.
Elevate your experience by becoming a member of our Wine Club after attending one of our events. Our club offers various membership tiers, ranging in prices, and includes shipments of 4 to 12 bottles twice a year. Members also enjoy exclusive discounts on all other purchases throughout the year. These experiences go to help fund student led projects, new equipment, and support the health of the Northwest Wine Academy at South Seattle College.
Interested in hosting an event in the tasting room or have questions regarding visiting us for a tasting? Contact: WineInfo@seattlecolleges.edu. We can provide you with room rental fees and our current catering menu!Â
The Northwest Wine Academy is in the north lot of the SSC campus at 6000 16th SW. Follow the Northwest Wine Academy on Instagram to learn more about our upcoming events and offerings, including food truck pop-ups ran by our Culinary Arts students.
We thank the Northwest Wine Academy at South Seattle College for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here; email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!
(WSB photo – part of Maarten Park)
More than a decade after the West Seattle Church of the Nazarene embarked on a project to redevelop part of its property long known as “the park,” what remains as open space is truly becoming one. The church will dedicated what it calls Maarten Park in a community celebration on Sunday. This update is from Marcy Mabry:
This Sunday, June 23, will be the grand opening celebration of Maarten Park! Located next to West Seattle Church of the Nazarene on the 5900 block of 42nd Ave, the church dreamed of this greenspace becoming a park where neighbors and kids can gather, have fun, get to know each other, and build community. Named for our neighbor and congregant Maarten Verburg, who passed away in 2023, Maarten loved anything that brought people together, and he loved a good party – so let’s celebrate!
The day will start with a special church service outside in the park at 10 am. Following, around 11:15, will be the opening ceremony. Then we party! At noon, hamburgers & hot dogs should be ready, feel free to bring a dish to share. West Seattle’s own The Viking Surfers will be playing a set around 1:30. ALL are welcome!
West Seattle Naz is a small church that does so much for so many with so little, and their gift of this greenspace transforming into a park for the community could not have happened without the generosity of friends, neighbors, congregants, and family who have pitched in – whether it be financially, with volunteering, and with cheering on the crew! Very special thanks to John Mullan and his crew at PlayCreation for donating time and materials to make this dream a reality!
There’s still more to do to make this an even more awesome park: Park lighting, more outdoor toys, hillside climb & explore objects, outdoor lighting, and recurring maintenance costs. If you’re able to donate to support the park, you can do so at either link:
westseattlenaz.org/about-us/maarten-park
gofundme.com/f/maarten-park
(This morning’s sunrise, photographed by Stewart L.)
A brand-new summer event is part of the highlight list for the rest of your Thursday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar!
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Need plants? The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
LUNCH AND LEARN ABOUT YOUR HEALTH: 12:30 pm-1 pm online, Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care (WSB sponsor) presents a free online “lunch and learn” event titled “SIBO or IBS: Finding the True Cause of your Gut Symptoms.” Here’s the registration link.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar now open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Food too – stop by to sip and nosh!
VILLAGE GREEN STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: Strawberry desserts, tours, a raffle, all part of this event at Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) at 1:30 pm – call to see if they still have spots open; info is in our calendar listing.
SUMMER SOLSTICE: The solstice moment is at 1:50 pm. Note that Alice Enevoldsen‘s solstice sunset watch is one day delayed this time around – she’ll be at Solstice Park FRIDAY evening.
STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm yoga class at what’s now the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Original Philly’s.
ALKI COMMUNITY SUMMER CELEBRATION: Music, activities, fun at Whale Tail Park/Alki Playfield (58th/Lander), 5-8 pm, a first-ever event presented by the Alki Community Council, free (with food for sale). Our most-recent preview has an updated list of who and what you’ll find – and don’t miss the chance for feedback on the play-area redesign just north of the past-and-future school site.
VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm to walk in Lincoln Park – details in our calendar listing.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)
BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.
BONA FIDE BAND AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Krist Novoselic and friends perform live, 7 pm, all ages, no cover.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Clementine Was Right, Farseek, Claire Conway, Slipping, doors at 6 pm, music at 7 pm, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).
‘CLYDE’S’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm performance at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) – “In this 2022 Tony Award®-Nominated Best Play, creating the perfect sandwich is the shared quest of the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff of Clyde’s, a truck-stop cafe.” Find the ticket link and more info in our calendar listing.
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Before we get to today’s what’s-happening list, a quick reminder that we are now two weeks away from the big, free, fun event that starts Independence Day celebrations on the peninsula, the West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade. It’s now presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, and organizer Megan Erb sent this reminder of the route:
The parade officially starts at 10 am from Sunset and 44th, where you can start gathering at 9:30 am. The parade will be preceded by the National Anthem, with a singer from Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), and a brief welcome from City Councilmember Rob Saka. Then everyone heads west/southwest on the route shown above, which loops back to cross California Avenue SW on the way to end at Hamilton Viewpoint Park, where you’ll find games and food trucks, highlighted by the traditional sack races. This is a non-motorized parade except for the Seattle Fire engine and classic pickup truck at the start – human-powered wheels are welcome. The parade is in its second quarter-century!
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, June 20. The summer-solstice moment is just hours away, 1:50 pm.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Summer weather is here, too. Sunny, high in the upper 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:11 am again – earliest of the year, not changing until Saturday – while sunset will be at 9:10 pm.
LAST DAYS OF SCHOOL
-Friday is the last day of classes at Seattle Public Schools.
ONGOING ROAD WORK
*SDOT’s Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon:
*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work.
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro today – Regular schedule; check for advisories here.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.
Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route; check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Low bridge: Here’s the main view:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
1st Ave. S. Bridge:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
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