West Seattle, Washington
13 Thursday
The fun doesn’t end when summer’s over. West Seattle celebrates in the fall, too, and organizers of one of the biggest events, Holy Rosary School‘s two-day WestFest, have a two-part announcement – meant to get the dates on your calendar, and welcome potential sponsors:
WestFest is just around the corner, and we’re excited to invite you to be a part of this year’s celebration on September 19th and 20th.
Each year, WestFest brings together our community for two days of fun — complete with a packed beer garden, delicious food booths, thrilling rides, lively bingo, and entertainment in the gym. It’s a wonderful tradition that draws families and neighbors from across the area.
We’d love for you to consider sponsoring WestFest 2025. Sponsorship not only supports Holy Rosary School but also provides your business with excellent visibility through event signage, recognition, and community connection.
For details on sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Bonnie at (206) 226-4046 or bonnierice@gmail.com.
Thank you for your support!
-The WestFest Committee
The festival happens at the Holy Rosary School campus, outdoors and indoors, off 42nd SW between Dakota and Genesee.
(Photo by Jan Pendergrass)
The setting sun was smoke-pink, but there was good news around sunset tonight – the National Weather Service‘s heat alert expired as expected, and normal temperatures are on the way back. Meantime, the sun had a followup act – a crescent moon:
(Photo by Dawn Roeder)
Labor Day is currently looking to be mostly sunny, with a high in the mid-70s.
ORIGINAL TUESDAY REPORT: West Seattle’s tradition of literary excellence, as recognized in the annual Washington State Book Awards, continues! This year’s list of finalists is out, and it includes books by two West Seattle writers:
–Steve Duda‘s fly-fishing essay collection “River Songs: Moments of Wild Wonder in Fly Fishing,” waspublished by West Seattle-headquartered Mountaineers Books. The publisher says the book has been hailed as “rich with bracing, authentic, generous stories–writing that revels in language and spirit … pieces that breathe lived experience, reveal vulnerabilities, and convey a broad perspective of what it means to have ‘a long run with a tight crew’.” Duda’s book is a finalist in the Creative Nonfiction/Memoir division.
–Susan Rich‘s poetry book “Blue Atlas” is a finalist in the Poetry division. its launch last year was held at West Seattle’s C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), during one of the occasional reunions of the WordsWest Literary Series collective of which she is a founder. “Blue Atlas’ is described by publisher Red Hen Press as “a lyrical abortion narrative unlike any other … (that) follows a Jewish woman and her ghosts as they travel from West Africa to Europe and, finally, to the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco.” Rich has been a WSBA finalist before, for her book “The Alchemist’s Kitchen.”
The annual Washington State Book Awards, presented by the Washington Center for the Book, honor books published by Washington writers in the previous year. Here’s the full list of current finalists; winners will be announced September 16.
ADDED WEDNESDAY: We learned via a comment below that there’s another West Seattle author to congratulate – Susan Lieu, whose memoir “The Manicurist’s Daughter” is also a finalist in the Creative Nonfiction/Memoir division. Publisher Celadon Books‘ website describes it as “an emotionally raw memoir about the crumbling of the American Dream and a daughter of refugees who searches for answers after her mother dies during plastic surgery.” This is Lieu’s first book but as detailed on her website, she’s also a performer, speaker, podcaster, mom, and … chocolate entrepreneur.
With the start of school approaching, so are fall sports, including football. Two notes today:
(September 2024 WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
CHIEF SEALTH FUNDRAISER AT MOD PIZZA: Get food from or at MOD Pizza Westwood Village today – they’re open until 10 pm – and part of the proceeds will benefit the Chief Sealth International High School football team, defending Metro League 2A champions. Here’s the flyer we just received – show it at the restaurant, or use the code on the flyer to order online.
BUSIER THAN USUAL SEASON AT NCSWAC: West Seattle’s southernmost stadium, Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), will have a busier season than usual, since Memorial Stadium – also owned by Seattle Public Schools – is out of commission for its rebuild. Rainier Beach, Garfield, and Franklin all have home games scheduled there, as well as Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS. You can check the schedule here (it also shows other Metro League games, including those played at West Seattle Stadium).
(WSB photo: Paragon, today)
More than a year after the artist who installed Paragon along West Marginal Way SW sounded the alarm about the city’s intent to demolish it for safety concerns, the demolition is scheduled to happen tomorrow. We reported on the situation involving the Paragon sculpture multiple times over the past year. Last time we checked on its status was in spring, when the city’s public-art overseers voted to “deaccession” it – disown it so it could be demolished. While the city says it’s deteriorated dangerously, artist Don Fels has said that’s the city’s fault for not maintaining it properly. He told us in spring that he worked to gather volunteer support and donated materials to rebuild it but then the city insisted he take on a liability level that he could not. In notifying us this morning that demolition is planned for early tomorrow morning, city Office of Arts and Culture spokesperson Otts Bolisay tells WSB that “The steel armature and concrete portions will be left in place through the end of 2026 if Mr. Fels wants to replace the wooden portion of the sculpture.”
We had by then inquired with Fels and he revealed a plan is indeed now proceeding, telling us:
While it is true they are demolishing the wooden section of the sculpture … it is going to be replaced by a new steel (with wooden parts) iteration.
After a lengthy and sometimes harrowing negotiation with the City which has gone on well over a year- I am pleased with the outcome. Thanks to an incredibly generous offer – Nucor Seattle has jumped in to make possible that the Paragon, in a new and even more complete rendition – truer to the original 100-year-old Paragon- will rise again on the site. Nucor is providing engineering, fabrication and installation of the new boat section on the current steel and concrete support. We are currently in the design and engineering phase. Once that is complete we will present the City with our plans. Once approved, fabrication will begin at the Nucor site. Nucor has been wonderful to work with – their expertise, hearts and souls are fully behind the project.
This positive outcome is the result of the amazing support from the West Seattle community, largely of course the result of the WSB, and that of the Seattle Parks Foundation and Allied Arts. I have been astounded by and am extraordinarily grateful for the outpouring. Without the public support, the demolition of the wooden boat would have been followed by demo of the entire sculpture.
When we checked back with A&C’s Bolisay after hearing from Fels, he said the city’s role in this isn’t finalized: “Re-accessioning is a separate process and isn’t guaranteed.” Meantime, a contractor will be on site starting around 7:30 a tomorrow.
1:26 PM: A reader messaged us to report major delays on Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route. WSF has made two announcements of situations likely factoring into this. Biggest is that the route is down one boat, and as a result, one terminal:
#1 Kittitas Out of Service Due to Crewing – Southworth Travel Out of Service
The #1 Kittitas is out of service until further notice, due to crewing. A relief worker is required before we can move the vessel. Southworth travel is out of service until further notice.
Second, there’s paving work at the Vashon terminal parking lot, and that’s affecting the usage of holding lanes, with WSF warning Vashon travelers to “allow extra time for travel.”
P.S. Vessel Watch shows Kittitas is tied up at Southworth, which is a one-slip terminal, so that explains why it’s completely out of service. We’re checking with WSF to see if they have any kind of ETA for finding the needed worker.
1:44 PM: Though the WSF alerts webpage isn’t updated yet, Vessel Watch shows Kittitas has left Southworth and is now sailing again.
1:51 PM: The reader who first tipped us about all this says WSF workers reported Kittitas left Southworth with foot passengers only. Bottom line, if you need to use the Triangle Route ferry/ies, be aware the schedule is currently out the window.
2:03 PM: WSF’s official update: “The #1 Kittitas will return to service at approximately 2:25 p.m.”
The facade signage is gone and that hand-lettered sign on the door confirms that the only Rite Aid-owned West Seattle drugstore NOT converting to a CVS is officially closed. We first reported two months ago that the Westwood Village Rite Aid store would be closed as of today; the center’s owners have listed the space as available for lease, but no hint of a new tenant so far.
Of the other three Rite Aid-owned West Seattle drugstores, the former RA on California SW has already converted to a CVS; the two Bartell Drugs stores are set to do so within the next two weeks. Meantime, the South Delridge Walgreens – kitty-corner from the closed-and-sold ex-White Center Bartell store – is set to close September 10, as we first reported earlier this month.
(WSB/WCN photo, last week)
Just in from a spokesperson for the Wendy’s franchisee that’s about to open a White Center restaurant in the ex-KFC/A&W at 16th/102nd:
Opening Delay: The restaurant will not open this coming Friday due to final preparations.
New Target Opening: Aiming for Labor Day.
Exterior Work: Pennants will be installed Thursday, and most outside work will be completed—may appear as if it’s already open.
(Photo by Stan Delles)
Here’s the Tuesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH TRANSFER STATION CLOSURE CONTINUES: Now extended through September 10.
RESTAURANT CLOSURE: As reported here, Il Nido (2717 61st SW) is planning to close starting today for about a week for emergency repairs.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are invited to this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
MEDICARE INFO DROP-IN: 11 am at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: In operation every day through next Monday, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch meeting at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW) features speaker Larissa Del Piero, PhD, a clinical psychologist.
COLMAN POOL: The outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is also open, with sessions between noon and 7 pm. Fee.
WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is the last city-run wading pool in operation, noon-7 pm. Free.
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING CANCELED: 2 pm weekly meeting is canceled as the council’s recess continues.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
FREE DROP-IN ROCK CLIMBING: As previewed here, West Seattle park Camp Long (5200 35th SW) is hosting free climbing at Schurman Rock on Tuesday nights this month! Two sessions, first come/first served, 5-6 pm and 6:30-7:30 pm, and you can arrive up to half an hour early to get your spot. Gear provided!
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
CREATE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), register in advance to work on your project(s).
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.
BINGO X 2: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW) … Talarico’s Pizzeria also offers 8 pm bingo (4718 California SW).
TRIVIA X 4: Four options for Tuesday night trivia – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW).
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Those who knew and loved Angela “Unakelrea” Baker are sharing her story as they bid her farewell:
Friends,
With gratitude and sadness we announce the “wedding day with the divine” for Angela “Unakelrea” Baker, née Joseph, September 22, 1940 – August 17, 2025.
The middle child of 13 children, she was born into a Yup’ik Inuit tribe in Akulerak, Alaska, in 1940, a remote, now-extinct village on the Yukon river near the Bering Sea. Her father Jasper was a reindeer herder, hunter, fisherman, and tribal leader. Her mother Alma, was a strong, determined, and powerful matriarch.
Anyone who met Angela knew her sweet, kind & gentle spirit and usually loved her from the moment upon meeting.
Taken from her family as a child, she survived the brutality of Catholic boarding schooling for Native Alaskan children all the way up through high school. Always resilient in tough situations, she turned that experience into a 40-year nursing career. She graduated from the University of New Mexico, Roswell, as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the early 1960s and moved to Los Angeles to begin her long and venerable nursing career. While there, she cared for many Hollywood movie stars of the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s. While in Los Angeles she was thrust into the hippie generation’s “free love” movement and the Summer of Love in 1967, whereby she attended many Love-Ins in Griffith Park and concerts of 1960s music. She maintained her love of 1960s folk & rock music all her life and attended many great concerts. She was one of the uber-cool ones…
Ever a restless and adventurous spirit, she worked a short time as a nurse in Fairbanks, Alaska, before moving to Medford, Oregon, where she was a highly regarded Intensive Care nurse at Rogue Valley Memorial Hospital from 1970 to 1984. She also worked locally at various nursing facilities before moving to Seattle in 1989. While in Seattle, she worked at numerous clinics, hospitals, qnd nursing facilities, including a nursing project in the Portland area, before retirement in 2005.
She was fiercely independent, brave, adventurous, and a voracious reader. She was active in AA and practiced meditation to maintain her sobriety. After retirement she spent her days at the beach in West Seattle with her sweet dog Lily, beachcombing for treasures and visiting every bookstore she could find.
In 2019 she moved back home to Alaska to spend the remainder of her years living with her eldest sister in Anchorage, where she concluded her life outside of Alaska by speaking only her native “Yugtun” language to the end of her days.
She had only one child, Patrick, who lives with his wife Kathryn in Bremerton, Washington. She is survived by her oldest sister, Christine, a grandchild in Vermont, and scores of cousins, nieces, and nephews in tribal western Alaska and Northern Virginia.In memory of beloved Angela, kindly consider donating to a local nursing organization, an Alaskan Native or Native American tribe.
As Angela would say amidst the chaos of life….”Easy does it…”
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The heat-alert has been downgraded; now it’s a Heat Advisory until 8 pm tonight. Monday’s high was a record-tying (for the date) 91 degrees. The forecast for today is sunny, mid-80s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:29 am; sunset will be at 8 pm, the last sunset in the 8 pm hour until April 16, 2026.
(Recent sunset photographed by Paige)
ROAD WORK
-SDOT says Admiral Way Bridge work should mostly wrap up this week, meaning Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge will reopen.
-WSDOT says tunnel-texture work has shifted to southbound 99:
All southbound SR 99 lanes through the tunnel will close from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly through Thursday morning, Aug. 28, for texturing the driving surface. All southbound SR 99 traffic will need to exit to Denny Way. The Sixth Avenue North on-ramp to southbound SR 99 and the right lane of southbound SR 99 will close an hour earlier at 10 p.m. A signed detour around the tunnel closure will use city streets and southbound I-5.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights. Tonight’s the last extra later-evening-service night for M’s games, because of …
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners at home vs. San Diego again tonight, 6:40 pm.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Reopened Sunday afternoon after a day and a half of work. Here’s the view 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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