(‘Live’ camera image from Fauntleroy dock)

M/V Issaquah is already moored on Vashon Island, ready to take its position as the #3 boat on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry run Monday morning, as Washington State Ferries officially restores three-boat service to the “Triangle Route.” It’s been a two-boat route for almost four years, and wasn’t expected to get a third boat now, until Gov. Bob Ferguson ordered WSF to pause its hybrid-electric conversion process, keeping a boat in service that otherwise would have dropped out. WSF announced in mid-April that June 30th would be the Triangle Route restoration date. But it also cautions, “There may be times when the route will shift back to two-boat service. Thanks to feedback from a community working group, Washington State Ferries has a new, updated two-boat schedule (use the drop-down menu at the top to view the other two segments of the route). This backup schedule will be used when the route loses a vessel. More information on these unplanned service disruptions can be found in WSF’s Service Contingency Plan.” There’ll be reduced capacity for a while later this summer, too, as we reported Thursday; WSF spokesperson Justin Fujioka told WSB that “Sealth is scheduled to replace Cathlamet for about a month starting in mid-August so Cathlamet can go in for some scheduled maintenance.” (Sealth is a 90-car boat, compared to the 124-car capacity Cathlamet.) The three-boat schedule, meantime, starts in the 4 am hour Monday morning.

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Streetcorner ‘Reclaim the Flag’ rallies

June 29, 2025 8:42 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

(First three photos by Dave Gershgorn for WSB)

The Statue of Liberty joined the Stars and Stripes as American icons carried Saturday afternoon during streetcorner rallies from Admiral Junction to Morgan Junction.

Previous rallies were held concurrently with similar actions across the country. This time, “Reclaim the Flag” was a West Seattle Indivisible standalone plan.

In comment discussion following coverage of previous rallies, someone has invariably asked, why do this – what’s the point? So we took that question to a few of the participants we found in Morgan Junction. Carol answered that question head-on:

I’m tired of people asking me if it does any good to come out, and I’m tired of answering yes. What are the other actions you could take then? Donating to a cause? Supporting [specific] politicians? This [protesting] isn’t the action for everyone, but anytime we can see the collective good, that is inspiring for people – whatever they may do. … I’m optimistic that for enough people the light bulb will come on – and that we [the people] are the only promise we have to make it better, that’s it, because this government is so corrupt.

(This photo and next by Torin Record-Sand for WSB)

Scott told us:

Each one of us standing on a corner makes a big difference, but not only that – the bus drivers waving at me, and all the honking [really shows support] … This is my chance to make up for me and my generation not finishing the job in the ’60s and ’70s, I’m glad to be able to make a difference if I can. … In the 1960s, we thought we were going to change the world, then we got married and settled down and didn’t follow through. … What’s going on now should make us appreciate democracy rather than taking it for granted – hopefully the backlash against the rise of authoritarianism will give rise to a resurgence of democracy.

We also talked to that trio in Morgan Junction:

Democrats are out of touch, and Republicans are flirting with fascism … The attacks on the Constitution, the [imprisonment] of immigrants [even with] green cards and visas, breaking the law – the law we’ve had since 1776 – who gives him the right? … The system doesn’t work any more, the legislative branch doesn’t want to act, the judicial branch doesn’t want to act – that leaves us with a king, which is unacceptable.

One added a comment related to the legislation that’s continued making its way through Congress this weekend: “I’m protesting the ‘big bad bill’ because it’s taking away health care – it’s going to make people die.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Most of those with whom we spoke said rallying/sign-waving isn’t all they’re doing; they’re also contacting members of Congress. Rally participant Gretchen suggested, “It is super easy to contact Congress if you are irritated enough.” (Whatever you want to tell them, links to contact info start here.)

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BIZNOTE: Row House announces it’s closing in The Junction

June 29, 2025 5:58 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Google Maps Street View image)

Thanks for the tip. Via email, the West Seattle branch of Row House (4203 SW Oregon) announced today that it’s closing in four weeks:

It is with sincere gratitude and heavy hearts we share the news that Row House West Seattle will be closing its doors permanently. Our final day of classes will be Sunday, July 27th. Despite being listed for sale over the past year, a transition was not secured, and a new business will be assuming the lease August 4th.

Over the years, your support, dedication, and energy have created a vibrant, inspiring community, one that we’ve been honored to be a part of. The friendships formed, progress achieved, and spirit shared within these walls have meant more to us than words can express.

With this chapter coming to an end, we still have a full month to finish strong. We are planning themed rows and celebrations for our final month, so let’s fill these classes and go out with a bang!

We will be issuing prorated refunds for active memberships and class packages. If you have any questions about your membership, please reach out to westseattlegm@therowhouse.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you again for being a part of the Row House West Seattle community. Your commitment and passion have truly been the heartbeat of the studio. Once a crew, always a crew.

Sincerely,
The Row House West Seattle Team

No indication yet what that “new business” is; the space has been listed for sublease for several months. Row House is affiliated with a nationwide chain of indoor-rowing studios, and has been open in West Seattle for almost six years.

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FOLLOWUP: No grocery strike – contract ratified

June 29, 2025 5:26 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Earlier this month, we noted a strike-authorization vote by local grocery workers and thousands of colleagues around the region. Strike authorization doesn’t mean a strike is guaranteed, and in this case, it’s not going to happen, the workers’ union UFCW 3000 has announced. UFCW 3000 says the Kroger (including QFC and Fred Meyer) and Albertsons (including Safeway) workers ratified a contract in three days of voting this week, and that the new contract includes “highest-ever average annual wage increase, $2.70 over two years.” Contract details are here.

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COUNTDOWN: Updates for West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade, five days away

June 29, 2025 3:59 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Only five days until the Fourth of July! The biggest holiday event on the peninsula is the West Seattle Fourth of July Kids’ Parade, now presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, 10 am Friday from 44th SW/Sunset SW [map]. This parade is for kids and their parents/caregivers/etc. – no pre-registration necessary, just show up! Just before the parade rolls out, organizers tell us, the national anthem will be sung this year by 12-year-old Lola Orza; ANA president Joanie Jacobs will speak briefly; and the parade’s founders will be special guests. The parade route will be the same as always, west/southwest to Atlantic, east on Atlantic, across California, then heading for Hamilton Viewpoint Park, where activities including sack races await, plus food/beverage/treat trucks and carts (listed here). The parade runs on volunteers and sponsors (also listed here – WSB is this year’s media sponsor). See you there!

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VIDEO: Seattle Chamber Music Society’s Concert Truck visits Alki, with Puget Ridge concert this evening

June 29, 2025 2:29 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Outdoor-music season is on! Good turnout for the first of two West Seattle performances today by the trio traveling with the Seattle Chamber Music Society‘s Concert Truck. The crowd filled much of the green east of Alki Beach Bathhouse under the noontime sunshine.

Here’s the full program played this afternoon and scheduled to be repeated tonight. We recorded a longer clip (apologies that one musician is out of view in it) from a work by Fanny Mendelssohn:

This evening’s concert is at 5 pm at the Seattle Chinese Garden on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge, 6000 16th SW, also free of charge, lasting about an hour (bring your own chair/blanket).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation on SW Thistle (updated Monday)

June 29, 2025 1:37 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

1:37 PM SUNDAY: Police are in the 2100 block of SW Thistle right now investigating a gunfire report. Though they haven’t found casings so far, one witness reported seeing someone firing a gun from a “dark gray sedan,” aiming toward a group of people standing in the area, then heading westbound on Thistle. (That’s one of the criteria for confirming a “possible gunfire” report – someone saying they saw a gun being fired. In this case, officers told dispatch, the witness “described a revolver.”) No report of injuries or property damage. If you have any information, the incident number is 25-180820.

9:22 AM MONDAY: Summary from SPD:

At 1321 hours, officers responded to reports of shots fired in the area of Delridge Way SW / SW Thistle. A homeowner in the area flagged down officers for assistance. During the investigation, it was determined an armed subject had arrived at the victim’s home the previous night looking for a specific person who does not reside at this address. The subject was armed with a revolver and left after checking the home interior (not reported). Today, several renters of the home were inside when they heard shots coming from the street. Officers located bullet hole damage to the home and a vehicle in the driveway.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Suburban (update: found)

June 29, 2025 1:15 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Reported via text:

This morning, around 7 AM, my boyfriend’s mother had her beloved truck stolen. The incident took place off 12th Avenue and Holden Street in Highland Park. According to a neighbor, they observed a tan Impala parked next to the truck just before it was taken, and it appeared as though someone was attempting to break in. Once we all woke up and checked outside, the truck was already gone. This truck holds special significance for her, as she purchased it with her inheritance back in 2003, and it has been a cherished part of her life ever since. While it may not seem like the flashiest vehicle, it means the world to her, and we genuinely want it back.

1999 GMC Suburban
AOE7011 – WA
Police report 25-180678

If you find it, call 911 and refer to that report #.

UPDATE: Found, at Roxbury Safeway.

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LAST CALL: Seattle Public Schools survey for superintendent search

June 29, 2025 10:35 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

When we reported recently on the Seattle Public Schools board designating Fred Podesta as acting superintendent through the summer, we noted that the district has a survey open, asking questions to assist with the process of hiring the next permanent superintendent. Tomorrow is the last day to participate in the survey, and School Board President Gina Topp (who is the elected board director for West Seattle and most of South Park) asked us to mention it again: “It’s an important opportunity for families and community members to weigh in.” Find the survey here.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 25 notes!

June 29, 2025 5:16 am

| 15 COMMENTS

| WS miscellaneous

(Must be dragonfly season! Steve Bender’s photo is one of several we’ve received – thank you!)

Music, cycling, shopping, reading … plenty of in highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SEATTLE RADIO FIELD DAY: Wrapping up this morning but you’re still welcome to visit before 11 am, north lot/field of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) to learn about this annual gathering of ham-radio operators.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Today’s Sunday Funday run leaves from and returns to Dough Joy Donuts (4310 SW Oregon), 9 am.

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece. (35th/Roxbury)

FREE ADAPTIVE CYCLING TRYOUTS: Mobility-challenged? Outdoors for All is bringing adaptive-cycling options to West Seattle for free tryouts today, 10 am-2 pm at Don Armeni Boat Ramp, all ages. (1222 Harbor SW).

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, with summer produce (berries! lots of salad greens! asparagus!) plus beverages, flowers, cheese, yogurt, fish, meat, prepared hot food, baked goods, nuts, dried peppers, garlic, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)

MASTER GARDENERS: While at the market, look for Master Gardeners, ready to answer your questions! Sundays throughout the summer, they’re at the market, 10 am-2 pm.

CAPERS SALE: The all-month-long sale (and 40th anniversary celebration) is in its final two days. Capers (WSB sponsor) is open 10 am-4 pm today. (4525 California SW)

FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska)

THE BEER JUNCTION TURNS 15: Wrapping up the anniversary weekend! Open 11 am-11 pm today, stop in to wish them happy 15th. (4511 California SW)

SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open every day, no matter what the weather, 11 am-8 pm.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

WEST SEATTLE RESISTS: Sunday signholding in The Junction (California/Alaska), 11:30 am-1:30 pm.

CONCERT TRUCK! 2 SHOWS, 2 SITES: The Seattle Chamber Music Society‘s Concert Truck brings free live classical music to two West Seattle sites today – noon at Alki Beach Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW), 5 pm at Seattle Chinese Garden (6000 16th SW, north side of South Seattle College campus). The program and musicians are listed here.

COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open today as its 7-day-a-week season continues after a three-day swim-meet closure, noon-7 pm, with four hour-and-a-half swim sessions, each half lap swimming and half open swim – see the schedule here.

WADING POOLS: Also at Lincoln Park, the wading pool will be open, as will the EC Hughes wading pool (2805 SW Holden) – hours for both today are noon-7 pm.

GET READY! Quick fun way to jump into preparedness – be ready just in case. Alice Kuder‘s last “Ready Freddy” prep-party event until fall, 12:45 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Weekly free tours! Grounds at 3201 Alki SW open at 1 pm; last tour starts 3:45 pm; more info in our calendar listing.

SOCCER: Westside Pride Match for West Seattle Junction FC vs. Portland Bangers, 2 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – get tickets here.

WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Enjoy your Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)

TEZCON MUSIC SHOWCASE: Day 2 of TezCon features a music showcase in a West Seattle back yard, 2-6 pm – info in our calendar listing.

CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: 3 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – Ralph Ellison‘s “Invisible Man” is this month’s title.

‘THE EFFECT’ AT ARTSWEST: Today brings an afternoon performance for the curret play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 3 pm – check here for tickets.

FREE COMMUNITY MEAL: 5:30 pm at Bethany West Seattle (8600 9th SW), all welcome.

IMPROV MUSICAL: Jet City at ArtsWest tonight! 7:30 pm; check here for tickets.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music provided by the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.

Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could feature on the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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