West Seattle, Washington
07 Monday
This summer, like last summer, the Seattle Chamber Music Society‘s Concert Truck will bring live classical music to two West Seattle spots, the S-Seattle Chinese Garden and Alki Beach Bathhouse. This year, however, both performances are on the same day – and that day is this Sunday (June 29). You can enjoy the free concert at noon Sunday on Alki (2701 Alki SW) and/or at 5 pm at the garden (north end of South Seattle College [WSB sponsor] campus, 6000 16th SW). Both performances are scheduled for the same music and instrumentalists – see the program here. These are free concerts – just bring your own chair/blanket to sit on!
The West Seattle Grand Parade is just a little more than three weeks away, and starting now, you have a new way to support it: A fundraising T-shirt! Here’s the announcement we received tonight:
The West Seattle Grand Parade Committee and Emerald City Threads are proud to announce the launch of the official West Seattle Grand Parade Fundraiser Tee, available now! Every purchase helps support the 91st Annual West Seattle Grand Parade, returning Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Since 1935, this iconic, volunteer-run event has brought neighbors together with pirates, marching bands, and vibrant community pride. Now, you can support this beloved tradition with a tee that looks great—and gives back.
About the Tee:
● Designed by Hanson Graphic Design
● Printed locally by Emerald City Threads
● Ultra-soft cotton blend
● Sizes: Unisex S–3XL, Kids 2T–Youth L
● Special sizes available upon requestWear it to the parade. Wear it all year.
A portion of the proceeds from each shirt sold will help cover parade production and permitting — ensuring the event remains free and family-friendly for years to come.
Founded in West Seattle by Stephanie Blair, Emerald City Threads is local Pacific Northwest gear that doesn’t suck.
Hanson Graphic Design is a women-owned, Seattle-based studio delivering bold, creative solutions for businesses of all sizes and industries.
The T-shirt has three color options – heather, light blue, and the dark blue shown in the example above.
P.S. The parade starts at 11 am Saturday, July 19, at California/Lander, and heads south on California to The Junction.
Thanks to Gary Jones for the photos from Constellation Park during today’s low-low tide (as noted in our daily highlight list, it was out to -3.7 feet at 12:05 pm. Birds were enjoying it – that’s a Great Blue Heron above, a Gull below:
Also an Osprey:
And a Caspian Tern:
He shared one non-avian wildlife sighting too – a River Otter:
Tomorrow’s lowest tide falls into the low-low category too – -3.1 feet at 12:51 pm Friday.
(WSB photo of bridge’s topside, last night)
Earlier this week, a reader pointed out that the crudely lettered/numbered “road closed” sign at the north end of Fairmount Avenue had been amended again to show 8/28 as the projected end date of the closure. Has the Admiral Way Bridge project been delayed again? they wondered. We asked SDOT; a spokesperson confirmed their crews changed the sign, but said that’s just in what they’ve been saying for some months now, that the project will be complete “this summer”:
Yes, I can confirm that the sign is ours. The project is expected to be completed this summer. Closures under the bridge remain in place to keep everyone safe while work continues both on the bridge deck and underneath.
Right now, crews are repairing sections of cracked or broken concrete under the bridge. We’ve also started the final phase of the project by working on the bridge’s railing updates.
We understand closures can be inconvenient and appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to reinforce the bridges to better withstand the potential impacts of earthquakes.
It’s been almost exactly a year since work began (here’s our update from this date last year). It wasn’t supposed to last its long, but SDOT says adding painting to the project scope stretched the timeline.
(Google Maps image)
1:52 PM: Another major chunk of Admiral District commercial property has a new owner. Nine months after Wells Fargo sold its building on the northeast corner of California/Admiral after closing its branch there, the Admiral Safeway site – including the neighboring strip mall – has a new owner too. You might recall that the rebuilt store opened in 2011; one year later, Safeway sold it to a Southern California investment firm for $30 million. Now, after 13 years, that firm has sold it to a Chicago firm for $35.4 million. The sale was first reported by regional business publications this week, and while it’s not yet reflected in the King County Assessor’s Parcel Viewer lookup, we confirmed it via documents elsewhere in the King County online system. The new owner is SSV Admiral Junction LLC, and the name on the documents is Patrick Zilis, co-CEO of Chicago-based Hometown America, which specializes in residential developments, particularly those with manufactured homes on leased land (aka mobile-home parks). We’re of course inquiring about the company’s plan for the property; no proposals are in the city system so far, but the site has long been zoned for mixed-use development up to 7 stories. The Admiral Safeway property had been on the market for at least three months.
3:35 PM: We have since obtained the news release from the company that represented the buyer, after a representative posted a comment below saying that it was purchased by Patrick Zilis’s firm Silver Star Ventures, not Hometown America. For those interested, here’s the news release in its entirety:
JLL Capital Markets announced today that it has arranged the $35.4 million sale of Admiral Junction, a rare infill Seattle grocery-anchored retail center located in West Seattle’s affluent Admiral submarket.
JLL worked on behalf of the buyer, Silver Star Ventures.
Admiral Junction is strategically positioned at 2620 California Ave. SW at the intersection of Admiral Wy. and California Ave., West Seattle’s primary commercial arterial. This prime location offers excellent visibility in one of Seattle’s most desirable neighborhoods, known for its convenient access to downtown employment centers, stunning water views and neighborhood charm.
The 67,992-square-foot retail center is 100% leased and includes a 60,876-square-foot Safeway store and a 7,116-square-foot retail shoppes building. The property features a strong tenant mix with Safeway representing 82% of the property. The Safeway store reports impressive sales ranking as the #1 grocer in West Seattle based on foot traffic.
JLL Capital Market’s Investment Sales and Advisory team was led by Managing Director Daniel Tyner and Senior Managing Directors Geoff Tranchina, Gleb Lvovich, and Zach Koucos.
“Admiral Junction represented a rare opportunity to acquire an infill core grocery-anchored asset in West Seattle with a strong performing grocer,” said Tyner. “The property’s exceptional location, strong demographics and stability made it an attractive opportunity for the buyer.”
“We are grateful to be a part of Silver Star Ventures’ first retail acquisition,” added Koucos. “With high barriers to entry and limited development opportunity in West Seattle, Admiral Junction presents a great opportunity for Silver Star in the years to come.” …
About Silver Star Ventures
Silver Star Ventures was created in 2024 to implement the Zilis family real estate investment strategy. The business plan centers on the acquisition of core assets in the grocer-anchored shopping center and multifamily sectors. Ancillary investments include land acquisition and speculative single-family development. The entity is 100% self-funded by the Zilis family.
Regarding the center being referred to as “Admiral Junction” (a la “Westwood Village,” “Jefferson Square,” etc.), we had never really heard that in common use, but did happen onto this unfinished website that seems to have been from a template used by the previous owner.
Three biznotes so far today:
(Photo courtesy Alki Kayak Tours)
ALKI KAYAK PADDLE CLUB + PIRATE PADDLING: Alki Kayak Tours (WSB sponsor) has two announcements:
Alki Kayak Tours just launched the Paddle Club, which includes:
1. Your choice between 3 tours or specialty classes, Mix and match system
2. 50% off Rentals
3. Exclusive Paddle Events and Special Discounts for Paddle Club Members.Adult (13+): $299
Child (12 and younger): $250Here’s how to join. In addition to the Paddle Club, we will be hosting an event for the Seafair Pirates Landing this Saturday on Alki – info and registration here.
Alki Kayak Tours offers rentals and tours from its headquarters at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW).
FASHION POP-UP: West Seattle has few options for clothes shopping so you might be interested in this planned pop-up. Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) will host a Cabi pop-up on Saturday (June 26), 10:30 am-1:30 pm, described as a curated sale by multiple Cabi stylists. Our calendar listing has full details.
FAST-FOOD FOLLOWUP: Last week we reported that the ex-KFC/A&W at 10050 16th SW in White Center is becoming a Wendy’s. We asked the company for more info and have finally heard back. They forwarded a statement from the franchisee:
WTC Ventures is excited to open our first Wendy’s restaurant at this location in White Center early this fall, bringing our fresh, famous food to more people in the community. This restaurant will be designed to meet the needs of our customers’ digital ordering preferences complete with kiosks, dedicated mobile and delivery pick-up points, and an enhanced drive-thru experience.
According to the franchisee’s website, WTC Ventures runs more than 90 Wendy’s in North America.
(‘Live’ camera image from Fauntleroy dock)
In four days, Washington State Ferries plans to restore the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route to a full three-boat schedule, after years of reduced service. We asked WSF spokesperson Justin Fujioka exactly how the transition will be made. First, the boats – all three will be Issaquah class for starters, optimal for the schedule: “Issaquah is scheduled to replace Salish this weekend so Salish can go up to Port Townsend and prepare to enter service as that route’s second boat on July 4. We are planning to have that boat, plus Kittitas and Cathlamet, for most of our summer sailing season. The one exception is, Sealth is scheduled to replace Cathlamet for about a month starting in mid-August so Cathlamet can go in for some scheduled maintenance.” M/V Issaquah’s capacity – 124 cars – is almost double that of M/V Salish (which has been the “bonus boat” on the run for a while now), 64 cars. We also asked when the schedule change would take effect: “The new three-boat schedule will begin with the start of the sailing day on Monday, June 30. We will operate the entire sailing day Sunday, June 29, on the current two-boat weekend schedule, even departures after midnight.” Fujioka says that while they had some hoopla for the recent Bremerton service restoration, including a media event featuring the governor, that will NOT be happening for this restoration – WSF will just send out a reminder on Friday, including “details about the new updated backup two-boat schedule.” Comments about that schedule were requested back in April, as we reported with first word of the three-boat-service-restoration date.
(Orca seen from Duwamish Head at 8 pm Wednesday, photo by Robin Sinner)
Here’s what’s on the list for your West Seattle Thursday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Gardening season continues! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open today and every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
NO WADING POOLS: The city says it’s keeping the wading pools closed today because cool, showery weather is likely this afternoon.
COLMAN POOL CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC: No public swimming at Colman Pool today because of a swim meet, first of three days. Public swimming is scheduled to resume Sunday (June 29).
CAR WASH FUNDRAISER: As previewed here, the Hope Lutheran youth group is raising money for upcoming travel by washing cars – free, donations accepted – noon to 5 pm today. (41st/Oregon)
LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -3.7 feet at 12:05 pm!
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to get the details of where they’re playing today.
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of three regular Thursday night events here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s C. Davis Texas BBQ.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Last but never least, HPCS is the starting point for running 3 miles, or walking a shorter path, in the neighborhood near HPCS with the Run Club, leaving from the store at 6:30 pm, returning for beverages – info here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!
LADIES STRONG! AT OUNCES: 5-8 pm celebration of local women in business, at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), with DJ (6 pm), giveaways, more.
PRIDE NIGHT OUT BLOCK PARTIES: 5-8 pm, tonight’s the night, all over the city.
FREE MENDING WORKSHOP: 5 pm at KAVU (9064 Delridge Way SW) – details and RSVP by going here.
WESTIES RUN CLUB, + SHOPPING: This group’s 6 pm weekly Thursday run starts at The Good Society in Admiral (California/Lander). Tonight: A special extra:
West Seattle Runner will be opening their shop to us after our run. They are giving us a 10% discount, a shoe fitting clinic, raffle drawing, snacks, La Croix, and beers from Good Society.
WSR is just down the block at 2743 California SW.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Prefer to walk? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
INFODUMP OPEN-MIC NIGHT: 6 pm:
Don’t Get Me Started: Infodump Open Mic Night
June 26th, 6:00-7:30 at Delridge Branch of Seattle Public Library, 5423 Delridge Way SW
An event for Autistic and ADHD folks of all ages! Infodumping is a beloved part of neurodivergent culture. We want to celebrate one of our favorite ways to communicate!
More details in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC IN THE JUNCTION: 6-9 pm, Patrick Rifflin performs Thursdays at Pegasus Pizza in The Junction (4520 California SW).
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm, in-person only this month, at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds). Agenda items include public safety and community events.
(added) BETTER AS BRASS REHEARSAL: 7-9 pm, Jack Block Park (near first parking lot): Come hear Better As Brass as we rehearse outside during the summer months!
MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: This month’s book is “Trail of the Lost“; club meets at 7 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW).
‘THE EFFECT’ AT ARTSWEST: Second week begins for new ArtsWest production “The Effect“ at 7:30 pm. Check here for tickets. (4711 California SW)
DJ NIGHT: The weekend spinning starts early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Kingblind & Teenage Rampage, 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photo, June 2024)
Before we get to today’s event list, we wanted to mention one of this weekend’s unique happenings: For the third consecutive summer, Outdoors for All is bringing adaptive-cycling alternatives to West Seattle. Different location this time – Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW). The event is set for 10 am-2 pm on Sunday (June 29), with options including tandem trikes, therapy trikes, recumbent bikes, and hand cycles; no RSVP needed, just show up. Here’s the event flyer.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to the first Thursday of summer, June 26, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, chance of showers, high near 65. Today’s sunrise was at 5:13 am; sunset will be at 9:11 pm, as late as it gets (and there through Saturday).
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”. Four days until three-boat service is expected to relaunch (next Monday, June 30).
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) …
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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