West Seattle, Washington
19 Sunday
Police are talking with a person who reported being a victim of a street robbery late tonight at or near California SW and SW Raymond. The initial report was that two Black male juveniles, both in masks and hoodies, held the victim up at gunpoint, stole their phone, and got away in a gray Tesla with no plates.
8:40 PM: Police have responded to a report of suspected gunfire on Alki, near 61st SW and Alki Avenue SW. No injuries reported. But dispatch told them at least two callers reported finding shell casings behind the building on the southeast corner. They are also reported to be questioning three possible suspects at 61st/Admiral.
(WSB photos)
8:57 PM: Adding photos from our crew in the area. Above, the scene where the three were stopped; below, a few of the casings in the street on 61st:
9:27 PM: And here’s our photo of police as they started marking the casings with cards. Double digits, according to our photographer:
We haven’t heard any confirmation of whether any of the people stopped and questioned were arrested or not. … The same area was sprayed with gunfire back in March.
7:15 PM: Our video is from the Walk All Ways dance party that’s part of tonight’s multiple-venue Pride celebration in the West Seattle Junction. More coverage to come!
ADDED EARLY FRIDAY: Thanks to Chris Peak for this photo from Walk All Ways:
Photos from here are by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand:
More Pride events are ahead in West Seattle this month – and of course Alki Beach Pride in August – watch our calendar and daily highlight lists!
5:33 PM: While SFD wraps up at the house fire on Puget Ridge, they are handling a two-alarm fire that broke out a short time in what’s described a “a commercial building in the 800 block of NW 42nd SW.” (update) Above is a reader photo of the huge smoke column visible to the north.
5:39 PM: Now this fire is going to three alarms.
6:13 PM: As noted in a comment, the address cross-references to Consolidated Supply Company.
9:47 PM: Thanks to Wyatt for this photo from earlier, near the fire scene:
5:15 PM: California SW is partly blocked in the 7300 block, just south of the Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation church, after a collision reported to involve a motor-scooter (Vespa) rider. No further details; we’ll be checking with SFD on the rider’s condition.
6:09 PM: The scene is cleared, according to our photographer, who went by after leaving the Puget Ridge house fire..
8:53 PM: According to SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty, “An aid crew responded to a report of a Vespa collision with one patient. The crew treated an approximately 55-year-old female in stable condition. The patient was transported to Harborview by AMR.”
(Added: WSB photos)
4:50 PM: Seattle Fire is arriving at a house fire in the 5600 block of 16th SW, just north of South Seattle College [vicinity map]. Firefighters report “heavy fire and smoke.” Updates to come.
4:55 PM: Smoke is visible from miles away. Firefighters have water on the fire as a first step toward extinguishing it; they’re calling for a few more crews.
5:01 PM: The fire is reported to be under control. Northbound traffic on 16th is being diverted.
5:47 PM: This fire is out. SFD has a much bigger fire working in the north, smoke visible from north-facing West Seattle; we’ve written about it here.
6:02 PM: Back to this fire scene – 16th SW is now open northbound, officers have just told dispatch. No word of injuries but we’ll be checking with SFD.
After the Sound Transit board passed a revised ST3 system plan two weeks ago, including a commitment to build West Seattle light rail as planned – minus the Avalon station – the agency said “a flurry of activity” would follow. Today brought evidence of that – the board’s Executive Committee System Expansion Committee voted this afternoon in favor of motions committing more than $400 million to the ext stage of the project, primarily to advance design past the current 30 percent level. A large part of the allocation was described as being for “supplementing” ST’s own staff, though it was promised that if in-house staff became available, they’d be used instead. ST’s Brad Owen – whose role has just been elevated with the impending departure of deputy CEO of megaprojects Terri Mestas – also told the committee that “cost-saving work continues” and the current estimated price tag of the West Seattle extension is $4.9 billion to $5.3 billion, as shown on this slide:
SEE THE DETAILS: The slide deck from this part of today’s meeting is here; the motions that got committee support today are here, here, and here. They’ll go to the full board in two weeks.
Beautiful day to be near the water, and if you are, you might see a humpback whale. Kersti Muul tells WB that one has been sighted off Blakely Rock [map], southbound, so that might put it in view from west-facing West Seattle. Let us know if you see it!
Also in The Junction, the Easy Street Records marquee is a reminder of a big-name book signing coming up Saturday night: Grammy-winning, Hall of Fame-inducted Kim Thayil, founding guitarist of Soundgarden, has published his memoir, and if you buy it, you can get his signature during a 7 pm event at Easy Street (4559 California SW). You might already have heard about this – it’s been in our calendar a while – but you might not realize that his co-author is a longtime West Seattle resident: Adem Tepedelen co-authored the memoir, “A Screaming Life: Into the Superunknown,” and emailed to be sure we knew the West Seattle angle goes beyond the location of the signing. Here’s how to buy the book from Easy Street. The publisher’s description promises not only the behind-the-scenes story of Thayil’s life but also notes that he “takes readers backstage to meet the band that boldly broke the traditional rules of rock,forging a new genre while selling over 30 million albums and building a fiercely loyal fanbase across the globe.”
12:55 PM: Again this year, the West Seattle Junction Association has decked the heart of the business district with rainbow flags to celebrate Pride on the night of June’s WS Art Walk. As featured in our calendar and daily event list, Pride events tonight include a meetup at VAIN (4513 California SW) at 6 pm and then a “dance party” in the Walk All Ways intersection at 6:30; that’ll be followed by a drag show at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) and the only event on the slate that’s not all-ages, an 8:30 pm afterparty at The Poggie.
ADDED 3:15 PM: Victoria at VAIN sent several reasons to stop there at the start of tonight’s celebration – “We have a limited number of Pride flags to give away before we proceed down to the intersection. We have a small run of West Seattle Pride shirts to sell. PFLAG will have an info table with some giveaways as well.”
As featured on our “last day of school” list, today is the end of the year for The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary, the only cooperative elementary school in this area. It’s also the end of operations for the school, which is closing due to low enrollment, according to board secretary Zoe Wilkins. It was one of the area’s newer schools, open for five-plus years at 10300 28th SW. And that’s where they’re having an everything-must-go sale – plus community playdate – this Saturday (June 13), 10 am-4 pm, selling all the school’s inventory – art supplies, musical instruments, toys, furniture, more.
Thanks to Theresa Arbow-O’Connor. for the photo from today’s sunrise – as we’ve been noting in the morning traffic roundups, it’s at 5:11 am, earliest of the year, until June 23. Meantime, 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.
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily-splashing season at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
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: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS this week – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Asian Crazy.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 5-8 pm at venues from Alki to Gatewood, artist receptions, art shows, food/drink specials – and this month a new way to see what’s happening where, this interactive map – click any venue to find information on its plan for tonight!
BENEFIT BAKE SALE: West Seattle Indivisible is raising money with a bake sale 5-7 pm at California/Alaska.
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 Art Walk venue too.
PRIDE IN THE JUNCTION: 6 pm on, with a slate of highlights including another “dance party” in Walk All Ways (California/Alaska) at 6:30 pm and a drag show at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) at 7:30 pm, both all ages.
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, tonight with a Skechers shoe demo.
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 Tripp Rezac, outdoors, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: 6 pm online, author Bryan Johnston talks about a legendary NW true-crime story. Register to get the link.
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 7 pm in-store show by Clouds of the West, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
‘WISH YOU WERE HERE’: Official opening night for ArtsWest’s new play, 7:30 pm curtain. (4711 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 DJ Supreme La Rock starting at 8 pm, after the West Seattle Pride Drag Show. 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!
9:04 AM: Today is a major date on the West Seattle calendar – the anniversary of the day that paved the way for the current West Seattle Bridge, June 11, 1978, when a freighter piloted by Rolf Neslund hit what was then the main West Seattle Bridge and rendered it inoperable, settling a long tussle over replacing it. For a variety of reasons, Neslund has since become the subject of lore, and even of tributes chronicled here in recent years. The Southwest Seattle Historical Society is now the home of what remains of one of them – here’s the announcement:
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society is pleased to announce a unique donation from West Seattle resident Rose Feliciano.
(SWSHS photo: Executive director Elizabeth Rudrud, donor Rose Feliciano, Mike Shaughnessy of WSHS board)
The Rolf Neslund Memorial Shrine bust was placed by the West Seattle bridge by an anonymous artist who identified themselves as Lars Fujikawa in September 2020. The original bust was placed with a plaque credited to the “Delridge Maritime Historical Society and the Center for General Annoyance.”
Shortly after the mysterious installation, the statue was vandalized and the concrete bust of Rolf was stolen. (Presumably) Fujikawa repaired and replaced the bust later that month.
In June 2023 the statue was again vandalized and toppled. A local neighbor, Rose Feliciano, with the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, saved the damaged parts, erected a temporary plinth, and reattached the bust and plaques (read more here). In May 2024 the statue was toppled again and once again, Feliciano saved the bust, this time bringing it home. Later that month, (presumably) Fujikawa returned and replaced the entire shrine with a new bust and pedestal.
This announcement arrives on “Saint Rolf’s Day,” commemorated on June 11th, the anniversary of the 1978 event when the freighter Chavez rammed the West Seattle Bridge.
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society recognizes the cultural impact and historic association of this artwork. The organization will plans to accept the artifact as a loan while efforts to contact the original artist continue.
You can learn about Rolf Neslund, how the fateful accident resulted in the current high-level bridge, and his grisly fate, in the Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s upcoming permanent exhibit, expected to open next month at the Log House Museum.
Happy “Saint Rolf’s Day!”
The museum is in the midst of a temporary closure for that new exhibit.
10:50 AM: We’ve heard from Lars – via email with the same reaction in this comment below.
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, June 11, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Mostly sunny, high in the upper 60s. Sunrise was at 5:11 am (earliest of the year, staying there until June 23); sunset will be at 9:07 pm.
ROAD WORK
In advance of the first Seattle World Cup match next Monday, the “pause” for work in the right-of-way along certain Seattle routes has begun – this map shows where. Projects continue on other streets, though, including utility projects toward both ends of Beach Drive – near Constellation and Lowman Beach parks.
SCHOOL’S OUT
As noted on our West Seattle-wide list, four local schools are now out, with the rest having their last day of classes today, tomorrow, and next week.
.
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. Also note the summer sailing schedule stargx Sunday.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
The city cameras’ updated-framegrab feature is still not working; we’ve reported it, no ETA yet for restoration. In the meantime, you can check live video for any SDOT camera via their map. State cameras are working and we do have one in the regular lineup:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
(We’ll return the regular camera lineup when the city cams are fully working again.)
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!
| 9 COMMENTS