West Seattle, Washington
07 Monday
One ticket will get you into a legendary venue to see more than 20 performers and bands this Sunday for “School’s Out!” – a concert to raise money for scholarships at West Seattle’s nonprofit Mode Music and Performing Arts, so more students can have music in their lives. The show is off-peninsula but well worth the trip – here’s the announcement:
School’s Out Benefit Show Brings Students, Teachers, & Seattle Artists Together at The Neptune Theatre
A Community Concert to Raise Funds for Music Lesson Scholarships
Sunday, June 22 • Doors at 2:30 PM • Show at 3:30 PM • All AgesMode Music and Performing Arts is thrilled to present the School’s Out Benefit Show on Sunday, June 22 at The Neptune Theatre — a powerful all-ages event bringing together students, teachers, and friends of Mode on one iconic Seattle stage.
This one-of-a-kind concert celebrates mentorship, community, and the transformative power of music education. The lineup features 22 acts, from young Mode students and teen-formed bands to current and former Mode teachers and celebrated local artists — all performing to raise money for private music lesson scholarships that make lessons more accessible for students across our region.
“There’s something really special about seeing a young person share the stage with the teacher who inspired them,” says Erin Rubin, founder of Mode Music Studios. “These kids are playing the same stage as some of their mentors — and in the same rooms where their favorite bands have performed. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you.”
Proceeds from this event directly support Mode Music and Performing Arts’ scholarship fund, which provides financial assistance for private lessons in voice, piano, guitar, drums, and more — ensuring access to music education is never limited by income.
EVENT DETAILS:
School’s Out Benefit Show
Sunday, June 22
The Neptune Theatre (1303 NE 45th St, Seattle)
Doors at 2:30 PM • Show at 3:30 PM
All ages welcomeTickets: stgpresents.org/events/schools-out-benefit
TICKET PRICING + DISCOUNTS:
General Admission: $52
Community Discount: $37 (use code 37SCHOOLSOUT)
Youth/Accessibility Discount: $22 (use code 22SCHOOLSOUT)How to use the discount code:
Click the ticket link and look for a small “UNLOCK” button near the ticket quantity.
Tap it, enter the code, and the discounted ticket price will appear.
(Note: It’s not a promo code at checkout — you must unlock it first.)
FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY:
Students, teachers, and friends of Mode — including Naked Giants, Shaina Shepherd, Beautiful Freaks, Caitlin Sherman, Midnight High, It’s All Happening, Daphne Sweetland, and many more.
This event is a joyful reminder of what’s possible when young people are given tools to create — and when a whole community shows up to lift them higher.
Ten months after Starbucks closed on Alki (where Alki Coffee Co. and Ben & Jerry’s are now), another Starbucks in West Seattle has shut down. Thanks to Cindi for the photo and tip; shopping at Jefferson Square Safeway today, she noticed that sign, saying the in-store coffee stand was closing permanently as of last Saturday. Starbucks fans of course have other nearby options, like the QFC across SW Alaska and the standalone Starbucks a block west (not to mention local indie options like Sound & Fog just a block east). As far as we can tell from checking the company website, this is the only shutdown within city limits in our area – we’ll doublecheck that with the company tomorrow.
ADDED 9:31 PM: We don’t know how long this one’s been closed, but we just checked Roxbury Safeway and it’s now Starbucks-less too.
(WSB photo, June 2024 solstice sunset watch)
Spring changes to summer at 7:42 pm Friday (June 20). Less than an hour later, you’re invited to join West Seattle educator/expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen at her Summer Solstice Sunset Watch, 8:30-9:30 pm at Solstice Park (upslope at 7400 Fauntleroy Way SW). Learn what really happens at the solstice; see (if the sun cooperates) the special view enabled by the park’s unique design; find out what’s on the horizon in the skywatching world. Free, fun, all ages, canceled unless it’s MAJOR rain (there is rain in the forecast right now, but certainly that could change – today was originally predicted to be showery).
Just a quick reminder before the day’s out – the Juneteenth holiday tomorrow (Thursday, June 19) will bring various closures, particularly in government-operated facilities. Seattle Public Library and King County Library System branches will all be closed; so will many Seattle Parks facilities. Juneteenth is also a US Postal Service holiday and banking holiday.
Planning a camping, hiking, and/or climbing trip? You can get geared up while keeping your dollars benefiting a business here at home. Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) just announced what’s new:
Residents of West Seattle no longer need to leave the peninsula to gear up for camping, hiking, and mountaineering in the beautiful Northwest forests, mountains, and beaches. Mountain to Sound Outfitters, located in the Triangle, now offers Camp, Hike, and Mountaineering gear in stock.
We’ve expanded our inventory based on customer feedback received over the years. You can now find tents, sleeping bags, stoves, cookware, and backpacks available for rent or sale right here at your locally owned and operated store. We carry top brands like Osprey Packs, Big Agnes Tents, Therm-a-Rest, Petzl, and Platypus to prepare you for your backcountry adventures.
If your goal is to summit peaks, we also stock climbing harnesses, carabiners, ice axes, and crampons to help you navigate our glacial terrain. Stay tuned — ropes are arriving soon!
In addition to sales, we offer climbing gear rentals as well. We understand that exploring the Northwest requires a lot of equipment, and rentals can be a practical solution — especially for those of us living in efficiency apartments. There’s no need to own gear for the occasional weekend adventure when you can rent it.
Mountain to Sound Outfitters is located at 36th and Alaska in the Triangle and is also your go-to place for kayak, stand-up paddleboard, ski, and snowboard gear. Stop by to check us out, and let us know if you’re a first-time visitor.
We have exciting events coming up, including Dog Days and Demo Days, where you can try out our kayaks and paddleboards. If you can’t make it in, be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.
We appreciate the vibrant community of West Seattle and are committed to providing more outdoor gear as our business grows. Come visit us before your next adventure!
Mountain to Sound Outfitters is open 10 am-6 pm Mondays-Saturdays, 10 am-5 pm Sundays.
Story and video by Tracy Record
Photos by Oliver Hamlin
for West Seattle Blog
The current chaotic state of the world got several mentions during the West Seattle High School Class of 2025 graduation at Memorial Stadium downtown last night.
First – though most may have been unaware as they entered the stadium in bright sunshine, this commencement ceremony made history.
Tuesday was the last night of graduation ceremonies at the historic stadium before its redevelopment project begins. WSHS brought nearly 400 graduating seniors, including Ben Godfried, who gave the welcoming speech. “We’re tired of waking up to stories that seem ridiculous but are true. We’re here to say it doesn’t have to be this way.”
The staff speaker, teacher Kyle Glover, offered advice on navigating the employment world, including a warning that even a dream job can become a nightmare, and how to prioritize your time:
The first student speaker, Ryan Wade, asked classmates to remember that “Wildcats always take care of each other”:
Lucy Warren & Friends then provided a musical interlude:
One of the 16 Class of 2025 valedictorians, Ellen Rikhof, was the ceremony’s other student speaker, marveling that in this time, simply caring has become a “radical act’:
WSHS principal Brian Vance, finishing his seventh year at the school, offered words of gratitude for many, and then led the crowd in one last “spelldown,” involving the spectators as well as ceremony participants.
Though some of the previous speakers had warned against putting the weight of the world on this generation’s shoulders and expecting them to “save” everyone else, Vance suggested similar hopes. (What else are you going to do on a night like this, so full of hopes and dreams and possibilities?) Vance presented the class to School Board President Gina Topp, who accepted them, and then it was time for the calling of those nearly 400 names, announced by Tom Burggraff and Julia Harper:
And the tassel-turning, led by Malia Barker:
Then the new grads proceeded to bid faculty farewell:
And it was on into their new lives – celebrating where they’re going, with a nod to where they’d been.
(You can see the district’s recording of the full ceremony here.)
The report and photo were sent by C:
My truck was stolen from between Dakota and Andover on 42nd Ave SW last night sometime between 6 pm on 6/17 and 7 am on 6/18.
It’s is a burgundy/dark red 1991 Toyota Pickup (not Tacoma) with license plate B40649K
SPD incident # 25-168428
Call 911 if you find it (and refer to that case number).
(WSB file photo)
Last year, you might recall, District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka got $2 million included in the city budget for what was described as his “highest priority” – a plan to remove a median curb blocking left turns into the Refugee and Immigrant Family Center Preschool on Delridge Way, where he had been a parent. The plan stirred a continuing uproar; supporters of the curb nicknamed it “Curby” and mounted a “Save Curby” campaign. SDOT hadn’t set a timeline for the work to be done, last we checked. Then moments ago, a news release arrived in the inbox, declaring that Councilmember Saka and Mayor Bruce Harrell have come up with an alternative plan:
Mayor Bruce Harrell and Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1) today announced a community-driven solution to address longstanding roadway safety concerns on Delridge Way SW. In response to concerns from the Refugee and Immigrant Family Center (RIFC) families, staff, and neighbors, three low-cost improvements will enhance safe access to RIFC while maintaining roadway safety for all users.
Last Fall, Councilmember Saka proposed and the Council adopted $2 million in City funding to prioritize safe, equitable access along this critical arterial — including the installation of a Metro bus stop in front of the RIFC building.
Thanks to a collaborative effort with the Mayor’s Office and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), the adopted solutions will achieve these goals at a fraction of the original budget. The solutions are estimated to cost approximately $500,000…. The three quick-build, cost-effective improvements include:
Designated Pick-Up/Drop-Off Zones: Install signage for designated pickup/drop off within a short walk of RIFC for families, including areas on Delridge Way SW and SW Willow Street. Passenger load zones can provide a safe, designated space less than 300 feet from RIFC’s entrance (to be completed this summer).
Non-Peak Parking in Bus Lane: Install signage for parking (which is already allowed) in the southbound bus lane during non-PM peak hours (except between 3-7PM) to facilitate RIFC pick-up and drop-off (to be completed this summer).
Southbound Turn-Around (Jug-Handle): A safer proposed turn-around at or near 22nd Ave SW allowing vehicles arriving from the south to head north and loop back south without obstructing traffic (to be completed by end of the year).
Councilmember Saka has an extensive explanation in this newsletter that arrived concurrently with the news release.
(Great Blue Heron and pilings, photographed by Stewart L.)
Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly as featured on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy.
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore’s new Junction location. (4522 California SW)
CHAIR YOGA: 10:30 am weekly class at Dragonfly (3270 California SW): $20 drop-in.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: The open-daily season continues at Lincoln Park‘s outdoor, heated salt-water pool! Noon-7 pm; see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, 2-4:30 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).
ART WORKSHOP FOR KIDS: 3 pm, join Rec’N The Streets at Delridge Library. (5423 Delridge Way SW)
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Got something that’s broken? Fix it instead of discarding it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
A TRIO OF MOONPATH POETS AT C & P: WordsWest Literary Series presents three poets published by MoonPath, Katy E. Ellis, Susan Landgraf, and Cindy Veach, 6-8 pm gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
SUMMER DRAG BINGO: 6 pm at Pine Lake Cellars (5405 California SW), hosted by Jolene Granby.
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly happy-hour meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome.
GAMES IN THE PARK FOR GROWNUPS: Meet in the Lincoln Park north parking lot by 6:30 pm and organizers will lead you to the location. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
THE DAISY CHAIN, LIVE: Album-release show at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, free, all ages.
KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), $35.
MUSIC BINGO: Two places to play tonight – at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm, and monthly MINGO at Three9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), 7:30 pm.
REGULAR TRIVIA x 3: Three West Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday list: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday trivia starting at 8 pm … Quiz Night also begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Your chance at centerstage – 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘THE EFFECT’ AT ARTSWEST: Tonight’s preview performance is sold out, but check the website for other shows starting with opening night tomorrow. (4711 California SW)
Got something coming up 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!
If you can give blood, there’s a special incentive for a one-day drive that’s exactly two weeks away – here’s the announcement, along with other dates if that one doesn’t work:
Blood donors in West Seattle will have multiple opportunities to make a life-saving impact this summer, with blood drives scheduled at Our Lady of Guadalupe on June 30, July 1, 2, 7, 8 and August 4, 5, 6, 11, and 12. The drives are organized by Bloodworks Northwest, a regional nonprofit dedicated to ensuring a safe and reliable blood supply to hospitals across the Pacific Northwest.
In a special promotion on Wednesday, July 2, all donors will receive a coupon for a free pint of Seattle Sorbet as a thank-you gift. The “Give a Pint, Get a Pint” campaign is proudly sponsored by Seattle Sorbets and Electric Butter Marketing.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Gym
Address: 7000 35th Avenue SWAppointments are strongly encouraged and can be scheduled at donate.bloodworksnw.org. Donors should use the code OLG2 when checking in to receive their sorbet voucher. For help booking, email schedule@bloodworksnw.org.
6:11 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, chance of showers, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise was again at 5:11 am (as early as it gets); sunset will be at 9:10 pm. (Summer officially arrives Friday evening!)
ROAD WORK
-Admiral Bridge work continues, with traffic routed to one lane each way on the north side of the bridge.
SCHOOL STATUS
Today is Seattle Public Schools‘ last day; Vashon Island gets out June 24; Highline Public Schools on June 25. Other schools are closed for the summer.
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).
…
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners are home, facing Boston again today at 1:10 pm.
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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