West Seattle, Washington
19 Sunday
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
Frank Gross says the century-old Ashcroft Building in Admiral is the forever home for his Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) shop, where the neon sign is now up and where the official opening follows a 9:45 am ribboncutting Saturday (June 6). We stopped by this morning for a peek inside.
“I’m not moving again,” he laughed – after three moves in 11 years – as we looked around the new space for his shop and co-housed The Bass Shop (also a WSB sponsor). Frank said he’d underestimated how much had to be moved – he got the “biggest possible U-Haul,” feared it might be overkill, but then wound up making multiple trips. But moving the merchandise was just the final touch on the painstaking process of converting a former pet-supply shop (now in a new home nearby) into a big new music shop. Lots of details:
That’s an existing support beam covered in reclaimed Douglas-fir lumber obtained from EarthWise. And then there’s the brick veneer added to the rear walls of the two rooms that are centerpieces of the shop:
The one above is dedicated to acoustic guitars, including the enabling of sound quality that allows a customer to try one and really hear what it sounds like. Next to it, a room for “premium and vintage” guitars:
And then of course there are the guitars and basses hanging on the walls lining the rest of the space.
Design Well Spent designed the space, and both Frank and Bass Shop proprietor Chad Beeler are thrilled with how it turned out.
The branding and other art inside and outside is the work of Thunder Road’s longtime collaborator Aaron Johnson of Pixel & Quill. But the new shop isn’t just about the looks, it’s also about the location – the proximity of schools including West Seattle High School and Lafayette Elementary. And they hope to be an inspiration to younger musicians.
Speaking of the next generation – joining them and the shop team (above, and if you haven’t met Frank and Chad, they’re third from left and left, respectively) for the 9:45 am Saturday ribboncutting will be Frank’s kids, ages 10 and 8. He’s hoping that’ll be an enduring memory for them. And that the new shop space will endure, too.
GOING TO THE GRAND OPENING: Hours both days this weekend will be 10 am-6 pm; highlights are in this preview from earlier this week.
The westbound crash near the crest of the West Seattle Bridge was described over the air as being on the shoulder, but a texter notes that emergency vehicles are blocking a lane and that’s leading to a major backup. So if you’re about to head back this way westbound, you might consider waiting a while.
For any West Seattle High School alumni who weren’t sure whether this year’s all-school reunion was on or not – the answer is yes, it’s on! Alumni Association president Karen Dobbs asked us this afternoon to help get the word out; she says the annual gathering is set for 4 pm to 7 pm Saturday (June 6) at the school (3000 California SW). One of the highlights of the reunion is honoring the year’s inductees into the Hall of Fame; according to the alumni publication Chinook, tireless volunteer Muriel Verbon Knapp (’64) and the late service-station proprietor Dick Barnecut (’44).
Pickleball advocates had been asking the city to have a West Seattle meeting for feedback on Seattle Parks‘ proposed “outdoor racquet-sports strategy,” and now the date is set. The original round of feedback on the “strategy” for outdoor courts – which called for an end to dual-striping courts for pickleball and tennis – had three regional meetings, none in West Seattle. Now as part of “additional in-person engagement,” Parks has set four dates/places for added feedback meetings in the last week of June, starting with 6:30 pm Tuesday, June 23, in the building at Dakota Place Park (California/Dakota). The “strategy” was first announced two months ago; our initial report broke out the proposed West Seattle specifics.
Tonight in White Center, all three of our 34th District state legislators are scheduled to be at the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council community meeting (7 pm, NH Fire Station at 1243 SW 112th in White Center) – State Senator Emily Alvarado and state House Reps. Joe Fitzgibbon and Brianna Thomas. Exactly two months from today, all three will be on the primary election ballot – but only one has an opponent. This year’s Filing Week came and went quietly a month ago and when it was over, both Sen. Alvarado and Rep. Thomas were unopposed, while Rep. Fitzgibbon is being challenged by Mary Anito, who also identifies as a Democrat and touts her business experience. Here’s the list of others who are running for office in King County on August’s ballot. Of those who will appear on the ballot you get, with local districts that include West Seattle, U.S. House District 7 Rep. Pramila Jayapal has three opponents – David Blomstrom, Gwen Kirkland, Nirav Sheth – and District 8 King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda has two, Mia Jacobson and Nick Duda. The August 4 ballot also will include the proposed renewal/expansion of the Seattle Public Library levy. Beyond local races and issues, perhaps the most interesting aspect of the election is contested judicial positions, particularly the State Supreme Court, which has five positions up for election this year, all of which have at least two candidates running. Again, the entire list of who’s filed with King County Elections is here (where you’ll also find links to the candidates’ websites); if you’re not yet registered to vote, here’s how.
Thanks for the tip about a power “blip” around quarter till 2 noticed by some in West Seattle. SFD is handling a situation in the 8100 block of Occidental Avenue S. in west South Park [vicinity map], reported as a flipped/sideways truck that took down power lines and might also have sparked a brush fire. It hasn’t led to a major outage, according to the City Light map, but the live wires have required the area to be blocked off.
(Photo by Tom Trulin – Monitor Dennis Hinton with a healthy coho smolt)
By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog
Volunteers have just capped a busy spring of comings and goings by coho salmon in West Seattle creeks.
Because culvert construction has temporarily closed upper Fauntleroy Creek to Salmon in the Schools releases, volunteers organized by the Fauntleroy Watershed Council supported nine groups that put 634 fry into lower Fauntleroy Creek and another nine groups that put 920 fry into Longfellow Creek. A total of 686 preschoolers through high schoolers released fish and explored habitat.
(Photo by Julia Chase – “Bug Man” Pete Draughon showing some of the aquatic insects juvenile coho will find to eat)
Spring is also when coho smolts leave freshwater for their two years in saltwater. To count these “teenage” fish, volunteers checked net traps in upper and lower Fauntleroy Creek at least twice daily from mid March to mid May. They documented 16 healthy smolts, for a five-year average of 24.
“These comings and goings attracted new volunteers and proved that we could meet new challenges,” said fish guy Dennis Hinton. “Thanks to Shannon Ninburg, we maintained ties to schools temporarily releasing in Longfellow and, by welcoming our first group of neurodivergent students, we increased our ability to support all kids who want to get out in nature.”
(WSB July 4, 2025, photo by Oliver Hamlin)
Now that it’s the 4th of June, we have the chance to remind you that we’re exactly one month away from the peninsula’s biggest 4th of July event – the Kids’ Parade, again presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, 10 am start along a neighborhood route that starts at 44th/Sunset [map], heads west a bit, then south, then east to Hamilton Viewpoint, where sack races, games, and food/treat trucks/carts await. No entry forms or RSVPs or entry fees for the parade – just show up (on foot or on human-powered wheels) and you’re part of it! The ANA also is still welcoming sponsors to help cover the costs of running the parade and post-and parade celebration – you can sign up here.
Thanks to Stewart L. for the photo of sea lions seen early today at Don Armeni Boat Ramp. Here are our highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks to everyone who sends events for us to share!):
FREE PLAYSPACE: Church of the Nazarene‘s free drop-in space is open until noon. (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
THURSDAY KAYAK CLUB: 10 am with Alki Kayak Tours at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW) – details here if you want to set a reminder to join up next week!
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Whether you’re planting or planning – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Sale this week, too!
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily-splashing season at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
MEDICARE INFO: Got questions? Get answers, 11 am-noon at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
BLOOD DRIVE: 12:30-6 pm at Bethany Community Church (8600 9th SW) – check to see if appointments remain.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!) Often C & P Coffee, we’re told (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
DROP-IN CHESS: For young players, drop in to play starting at 4 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT x DUB SEA FISH STICKS: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS this week – every Thursday, 5-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s a DubSea Fish Sticks (baseball team) takeover with their Crispy’s food truck plus team gear and tickets for the season that’s about to begin.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) needs volunteers to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks (and you can take some home too). Just be there 5-7 pm!
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle! West Seattle Book Club venue (see below) too.
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run OR track workout.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Or – you can walk! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by The Roxbury Saints, outdoors, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
KIDS’ KARAOKE AT THE SKYLARK: 5-10 pm, young singers get the mic, no cover, all welcome, at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: Multiple venues to read a book you brought and then chat, or not! 7-9 pm.
TALK WITH YOUR LEGISLATORS: 7 pm, all three 34th District legislators are expected to appear at the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting in White Center (1243 SW 112th)
TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
TRIVIA AT THE VOID: 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight’s musical event at Revelry Room (4547 California SW) features BYO Vinyl night starting at 8 pm. 21+.
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Flag football is a growing sport and the West Seattle YMCA> (WSB sponsor) is offering girls 10 to 16 years old a chance to learn the basics for free. It’s noon-2 pm this Sunday (June 7) at Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon); registration info is on this flyer provided by organizers or at seattleymca.org/youth-flag-football. Email raymondbelleza@seattleymca.org with questions.
UPDATE: No registration needed – just show up!
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, June 4, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Possible morning rain, then partly sunny, high in the upper 60s, breezy. Sunrise was at 5:13 am; sunset will be at 9:02 pm.
(Wednesday sunrise photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Juneau), cameras are also at Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and (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 trouble 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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