West Seattle, Washington
12 Saturday
(WSB photos by Oliver Hamlin unless otherwise credited. Above, that’s Molly Moon holding the scissors)
Even before we could ask about it, the namesake owner of West Seattle’s newest ice-cream shop took on the topic of being less than a block away from the peninsula’s ice-cream icon Husky Deli. “A rising tide floats all boats,” Molly Moon Neitzel quoted, explaining that she believes “more dessert shops” mean “more people going out for dessert.” There was certainly an advance appetite for hers, judging by the line before the Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream doors opened at California/Alaska following the mid-afternoon ribboncutting:
(This photo and next by WSB’s Tracy Record)
Of course, the prospect of free ice cream for kids in the first two hours factored into that too. Adults paid full freight, for which the base prices are on the menu board as $6.95 for one scoop, $8.95 for two, $10.95 for three, and lots of extras available, from fresh-baked waffle cones to toppings including the boss’s favorite style of sprinkles:
In the hour before the shop opened, we got a behind-the-scenes look at everything from the ice-cream-making machinery (they start with a pasteurized base made by Lopez Island Creamery using Edaleen Dairy milk and take it from there) to the freezer into which the ice cream is placed to firm up overnight:
A quick peek into that (-2, said the display) made today’s outdoor weather seem balmy. They’re making plans, by the way, to give customers a closer look at the ice-cream-making process, to further reinforce the fact each of the 11 shops makes the ice cream it serves, possibly with some sort of visual alert when ice-cream-making is happening, and maybe even tastes of the almost-finished product. They’ve also made a corner of the kitchen visible from the street, a corner where they’re baking some of their ingredients, like brownies. But back to the ice cream – Molly posed for us with West Seattle shop manager Rae Alva and a couple of waffle cones:
Current seasonal flavors are Strawberry Matcha, Blueberry Pie, Orange Creamsicle, and Strawberry Rhubarb Sorbet; “always flavors” are Coconut Chunk, Cookies & Cream, Cookie Dough, Honey Lavender, Iced Latte, Melted Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Scout Mint Brownie, Strawberry, Sweet Cream, and Yeti (explained here).
In addition to cones/bowls, you can buy shakes, sundaes, pints, tubs, and ice-cream cakes. (And merch.)
The remodel has made the shop seem more spacious than the prior Cupcake Royale configuration – the central tables and back booths are gone. The service counter’s in the same spot:
Molly told us the open layout might facilitate future events, such as music. (The shop’ll be open nightly until 11 pm, after all.) Meantime, they’re still awaiting exterior signage, and she’s hoping that will be available for installation within a few weeks. Signage is how Molly Moon’s impending arrival was announced in April 2024, when a banner popped up in a storefront window a few doors north (NN still holds the lease on that too and is seeking a tenant).
8:55 PM: Thanks for the tip. Within this past hour, 261 homes/businesses lost power on the east side of The Junction, and our tipster says, “Power is out in the same exact area as three days ago. Same cause: A crow flew into a transformer.” The City Light map indeed says “bird/animal” as the cause. Earlier in the day, 13 homes in The Arroyos were out for hours, but vegetation was blamed for that.
10:41 PM: SCL map says they’re still out.
SUNDAY MORNING: Restored overnight.
(2024 photo by David Hutchinson)
So far, next Saturday (June 28) looks to be a lot more like beach weather than today – good thing since Alki is likely to be thronged by hundreds more people than usual, with this year’s Seafair Pirates Landing set for early afternoon. If you haven’t been before, it’s a relatively compact event these days, with cannon fire sounding offshore as the Pirates approach on a borrowed barge that brings them close enough to wade ashore and mingle menacingly with their fans. There’s usually a bit of bluster as they seize the key to the city or county from a politician and/or Seafair royalty, and eventually they board their motorized landlubbing vessel Moby Duck to roll away. The current estimate for the landing is around 1:30 pm, but don’t procrastinate if you want to see them, because it could be earlier. (You can expect to see the Pirates back here three weeks after that, for the West Seattle Grand Parade on July 19!)
In our last update on the Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby league, we mentioned its travel team was headed to regionals. The results are in, along with some other team news – here are the updates we received to share with you
On the weekend of June 13-15, the Southside Revolution Rebels travel team traveled to Salem to compete in the Northwest regional tournament for the Junior Roller Derby Association playoffs. After two challenging, physical games against Tomorrowland Junior Roller Derby from Tacoma and the Pixies from Spokane, the Rebels came up short in Sunday’s championship game verus the Pixies and took second place. The Rebels end their season with a 12-2 record.
(Photos courtesy Southside Revolution)
Southside Revolution is saying goodbye to four seniors this season, three of whom played in Salem: Peyton Welsch (Lincoln High School), Malia Barker (West Seattle High School), and Sophie Aidlin (WSHS). Rubie Gonzalez was honored at the league’s last home bout in May, and the three others were part of a special ceremony in Salem. The four of them are also known as Jinx #33, Helen Wheels #9, Gear Shift #46, and Pinkerton #123 on the track. The league wishes them the best of luck in whatever comes next (maybe more roller derby?).
(Coach Jaycee Chavez, Jinx, Helen Wheels, Gear Shift, Head Coach Chuck Hendrick)
Composed of teenage skaters from West Seattle, White Center, Burien, and beyond, the Rebels travel team is part of the Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby league. Finishing its 11th year of operation, SSR makes its home at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center. The league serves about 80 skaters aged 7-18 of any gender identity, with five teams spread across a range of skill levels. The Rebels team travels throughout the year to play high-level opponents across the country.
Next up: The league will be a part of the West Seattle Grand Parade this year. Coming up after the parade: Travel Team tryouts and New Skater Clinics (sign up here) in early September. Questions? Contact info@southsiderevolution.org
Rain stopped, sun’s peeking through. The Super Deli Mart parking lot at 35th/Barton has games, kids’ activities – giant-bubble-making!
And benefit beverages (beer, lemonade) …
All to help the Fauntleroy Fall Festival stay free! This continues until 6 pm.
(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)
12:48 PM: With the chilly weather, it’s even more of a mountain-ish experience today at Camp Long‘s Mountain Fest! The free festival is on until 5 pm with activities including a lot more than climbing – head to the meadow when you get here and visit the booths to find out what you can try and where (and other activities like a scavenger hunt).
At the naturalists’ tent, Emily and Beth will lead you through the Animal Olympics and talk with you about park wildlife, including a Cooper’s Hawk nest with fledglings nestlings!
The Falconer is here too, in one of the shelters – we caught a demonstration with Mr. Peabody the vulture:
The climbing wall is open too, of course!
(Photo by Kevin Freitas)
The park is at 5200 35th SW.
5:29 PM P.S. If you’re wondering about the fire-gutted lodge, closed now for seven months, it’s still boarded up and fenced off:
Park management says the emphasis right now is on stabilizing the lodge.
(South Seattle College photo: President Dr. Monica Brown speaking at ceremony)
This year’s biggest graduating class on the West Seattle peninsula has been celebrated and congratulated. Here’s the report from South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), which has its main campus on Puget Ridge, with a satellite campus in Georgetown:
South Seattle College celebrated the Class of 2025 on Friday with a commencement ceremony at University of Washington’s Alaska Airlines Arena. The ceremony brought together graduates from South Seattle College, Seattle Central College and North Seattle College – all part of the Seattle Colleges District.
611 graduates from SSC were recognized for their achievement of earning a degree or certificate.
SSC President Monica Brown addressed graduates at the event, sharing advice for the future.
“Stay true to your values and goals, and you will navigate any adversity with confidence,” Dr. Brown said. “Tune out the noise and the chaos around you and protect your peace. Moreover, never underestimate the power of community and support. Surround yourself with those who uplift and encourage you, and be that support for others.”
Menen Girma was selected as SSC’s 2025 commencement speaker. As a first-generation college student and President of SSC’s student government, she worked to amplify student voices and advocate for change. Menen will attend New York University this fall on a full-ride scholarship and aspires to work for the United Nations, tackling global inequalities and empowering others to create change.
“Whether it was the staff who showed me balance was possible, or the professors who constantly reminded me that I had what it takes or the administrators who believed in me, even during the times when I was struggling to believe in myself …it is because of this community that I can proudly say I am the first Ethiopian American student government president,” Girma said. “All of this has proven to me that choosing South Seattle College was one of the best decisions I ever made.”
Commencement Facts
-South’s 611 graduates collectively earned 649 degrees and certificates (many students graduate with multiple certificates). Awards include bachelor of applied science degrees for those furthering their expertise and earning potential, college transfer degrees for those planning to attend a four-year university as their next step, career training degrees and certificates for those seeking immediate employment, and high school completion awards.
-123 graduates were part of Seattle Promise, a college tuition and success program launched by Seattle Colleges, Seattle Public Schools, and the City of Seattle following passage of the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy in 2018.
That levy is up for renewal/expansion this fall.
(Eyelash-cup fungi photographed by Jay Speidell on the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails, which you can hike today)
First full day of summer, and here’s what we have for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the free weekly group run.
WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT HIKE: Free guided hike through this West Seattle treasure. 9:30 am, meet at Westcrest Park, 7th/Cloverdale – more info in our calendar listing.
INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed immediately by this walk in which you can participate regardless of whether you were on the introductory stroll. Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, at Hope Academy in South Delridge (9421 18th SW). Fresh produce, cooked-on-site food, body-care products, more.
KNIFE-SHARPENING POP-UP: Kneighborhood Knives returns to Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW), 10 am-5 pm.
MASTER GARDENERS: They’re ready to answer your questions! Saturdays this spring and summer, they’re at The Home Depot (7345 Delridge Way SW), 10 am-2 pm.
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
STORY TIME CELEBRATING THE FREEDOM TO READ: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), all-ages story time that’s part of Teach Truth Day of Action.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – Canceled again, back June 28.
CAMP LONG MOUNTAIN FEST: 11 am-5 pm, free, fun activities celebrating Camp Long‘s unique role in the climbing world. (5200 35th SW)
FREE PIZZA: 11 am-3 pm, everybody gets up to two slices of free pizza at Pagliacci (4449 California SW).
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) continues daily operations today, 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)
WADING POOL SEASON STARTS: First city-run wading pool scheduled to open in West Seattle is Lincoln Park – weather permitting (criteria: some afternoon sunshine, 70ish – so today might be iffy).
(added) INTERGENERATIONAL THEATER PROJECT: Noon at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), “The Lear Project,” free, as previewed here.
COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open today, noon-7 pm, with four hour-and-a-half swim sessions, each half lap swimming and half open swim – see the schedule here.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: Explore the present and past at the home of West Seattle history, open for your visit, noon-2 pm (closing early today) – see the exhibit about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. Today at noon also brings the Ngày Quân Lực ceremony, “Observing the founding of the armed services for Việt Nam Cộng Hòa.” (2236 SW Orchard)
READY FREDDY PREP PARTY: Hope it never happens. Prepare in case it does. Start with Alice Kuder‘s 45-minute “Ready Freddy Prep Party,” 12:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
THE KOOKS AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 1 pm signing event. (4559 California SW)
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can you may request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area. Come support our student winemakers and join us for a student tasting.
BLOCK PARTY BENEFITING FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: 2-6 pm “mini-block party” in Super Deli Mart parking lot at 35th/Barton, kids’ area, adult beer garden, raising money for the Fauntleroy Fall Festival.
MAKE SIGNS FOR ‘RECLAIM THE FLAG’ RALLY: West Seattle Indivisible is rallying on the streets June 28, and gathering 2-5:30 pm today to make signs, High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
FREE MASSAGE: Walk into Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) 3-5 pm for short, specific free massage.
ALSO AT NEPENTHE – SUMMER MINI-MARKET: 3 pm to “whenever,” vendors and more!
MOLLY MOON’S GRAND OPENING: The new ice-cream shop at California/Alaska officially opens after a 3 pm ribboncutting. Free scoops for kids 12 and under until 5 pm; open until 11 pm.
DUB SEA FISH STICKS: 6:35 pm home game vs. the Redmond Dudes at Steve Cox Memorial Park‘s Mel Olson Stadium. (1321 SW 102nd, White Center). Go here for tickets.
2 TOURING BANDS AT EASY STREET RECORDS: School of Rock bands from the Bay Area, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), free, all ages.
‘LOST’ POTTER’S FIELD WALKING TOUR: Special summer-solstice event – Invisible Histories leads you on a tour of the Georgetown site where 3,200+ people were buried in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, 7 pm. Details in our calendar listing.
‘THE EFFECT’ AT ARTSWEST: Third night for the new play directed by Mathew Wright, 7:30 pm. Our calendar listing has the ticket link.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Calico ft. Pink 182 at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm, $10 cover.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ GeoD at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
SATURDAY NIGHT SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight with DJ Josh, 21+, at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).
OUT AT THE BOX, PRIDE PARTY: 9:30 pm drag show at Box Bar (5401 California SW), hosted by Jolene Granby, no cover, 21+.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: If you’re up for Saturday night singing, 10 pm karaoke awaits you at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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