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Spotlight Stories

GRADUATION: Congratulations, Chief Sealth International High School Class of 2022!
June 13, 2022 10:21 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle live | West Seattle schools

(WSB video/photos)

“Class of 2022, you made it!” That’s how Chief Sealth International High School principal Ray Morales greeted his first graduating class tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. He acknowledged what the 230+ seniors had experienced, with the pandemic dominating more than half their time in high school. But no one dwelled on that. Student speaker Joselyn Panganiban quoted the school’s namesake, Chief Seattle: “Take nothing but memories and leave nothing but footprints.”

Staff speaker Matthew Baudhuin speculated that students chose him for his “dad jokes” – and told a few – while also sharing words of inspiration, advising the grads to “go forth and be awesome.”

This was the shortest of the night’s two ceremonies at NCSWAC, but it included unique elements, starting with a land acknowledgment followed by a Native song:

As the graduates walked up for their individual moments of acknowledgment, many of their caps told stories, in some cases what’s next for the grads:

And in some cases, words of wisdom:

Whatever was or wasn’t on them, many of those caps went toward the sky after the tassel turn led by Jessica Hong:

School Board director Leslie Harris, asked by principal Morales if she would accept the class, declared, “Indeed I do!” Morales, meantime, was congratulated on his first year by also-first-year Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones:

(L-R, director of secondary schools Chris Carter, Harris, Morales, Jones)

In less than an hour, the ceremony concluded, with proud family and friends ready to greet the grads:

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Suspect arrested, charged in West Marginal carjacking
June 13, 2022 7:33 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

A short police summary from the weekend noted that, at 2 pm Saturday, “officers were searching for a suspect wanted for armed carjacking and eluding police … located the man mowing his lawn outside of his home and took him into custody.” Pursuing further information, we learned that the suspect was wanted for the May 12th shot-fired carjacking incident on West Marginal Way. 28-year-old James C. French was charged three weeks ago with first-degree robbery, and that’s why police had a warrant to arrest him on Saturday.

(WSB photo, May 12th)

The charging documents say French first caught police’s attention May 12th near 40th/Dakota, as what turned out to be a stolen vehicle was being loaded onto a trailer. Police caught up with the Ford Expedition towing the trailer under the West Seattle Bridge and tried to pull it over; the driver, believed to be French, didn’t comply. Police did not pursue but shortly thereafter happened onto a collision involving the Expedition and trailer (above) and another vehicle. French and others were photographed walking away from the scene toward a nearby gas station, where French is accused of stealing another vehicle at gunpoint, firing a shot in the process. Police found that stolen vehicle near 21st and Holly. The charging documents say that’s near French’s house, though police didn’t yet know that he was the suspect. They did find his ex-girlfriend, who said the Expedition was hers and that she already knew about it because someone had shown her, the charging document says, “a photo of her crashed white Expedition on the West Seattle Blog.” The investigation continued, and within a few days, police say, the carjacking victim identified French’s photo from a montage. He was charged May 24th but did not show up for his scheduled arraignment last week, so the warrant was issued. He’s now in jail in lieu of $150,000 bail. According to court documents, he has no prior felony record.

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WEST SEATTLE ART: Desmond Hansen’s newest box mural
June 13, 2022 6:36 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thanks to Brandy for sending the photo! That’s West Seattle muralist Desmond Hansen, working today on his newest signal-box portrait. It’s on the southwest corner of 35th and Trenton, and in case you don’t recognize the subject, we noticed in passing that the north side of the box now identifies him – Portland drummer Joe Plummer, known for his work with bands including Modest Mouse. (Added – commenter points out Plummer has Portland roots but calls West Seattle home!)

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Fire at South Park transfer station
June 13, 2022 5:30 pm
|    Comments Off on Fire at South Park transfer station
 |   South Park | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

You might have noticed this response on your way to or from the 1st Avenue South Bridge: Seattle Fire was called to the transfer station on South Kenyon for what turned out to be a “smoldering garbage” fire. They put it out quickly, and no one is hurt.

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BIZNOTE: Opening day for Alki Phở & Bar
June 13, 2022 2:29 pm
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(WSB photos)

Two months after we first reported that Alki Phở & Bar was on the way to 2808 Alki Avenue SW, it’s opening day.

The proprietors are Lynda Nguyen and Bien Phu Le.

They’ll be open 11 am-9 pm Sundays through Thursday, 11 am-11 pm Fridays and Saturdays.

You can see the menu here and here. The previous establishment in the space. J & J Public House, closed last November.

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WADING POOLS: Here’s when they’ll open in West Seattle
June 13, 2022 12:25 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB file photo, Delridge wading pool)

The city is finally out with this year’s schedule for wading pools. The list indicates four wading pools in West Seattle and South Park will be open:

JUNE 25-SEPTEMBER 5
Lincoln Park wading pool (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
7 days a week, 12 pm-7 pm

JUNE 27-AUGUST 21
EC Hughes Playground wading pool (2805 SW Holden)
Mondays, Tuesdays, Sundays, 12 pm-7 pm

JUNE 27-AUGUST 17
South Park Community Center wading pool (8319 8th Ave. S.)
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 12 pm-7 pm

JUNE 29-AUGUST 19
Delridge Community Center wading pool (4501 Delridge Way SW)
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Friday, 12 pm-5:30 pm

The Highland Park spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is already open, 11 am-8 pm daily through September 5th.

You’ll notice that the Hiawatha wading pool is not on the list, likely because of work at the center and upcoming work at the play area, but its absence is not explained in the city announcement, so we’re following up. It hasn’t been open since 2019.

P.S. Take note, especially in this cooler-than-usual-so-far season, that the city generally opens pools on days when sunny/70-degrees-or-more weather is expected.

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Graduations and more for the rest of your West Seattle Monday
June 13, 2022 10:59 am
|    Comments Off on Graduations and more for the rest of your West Seattle Monday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

The biggest events tonight are both at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), where preparations are under way:

That’s the field where our area’s two biggest high schools will have their Class of 2022 graduations tonight – Chief Sealth International High School at 5 pm, West Seattle High School at 8 pm.

Also happening in the hours ahead:

LOW-LOW TIDE: Today’s tide was out to -3.2 feet just after 10:30 am, as previewed here last night, and that means prime beachwalking time for the rest of the morning and early afternoon.

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm, councilmembers look at the week ahead and recap the past week. No public-comment period, but the agenda explains how to attend/watch/listen.

WOMEN’S PERSONAL-SAFETY CLASS: 6 pm, online, free. Details, including the registration link, are in our calendar listing.

OPEN D&D: Drop in to play 6:30 pm-10 pm Mondays at Meeples Games (3727 California SW).

ZEN SITTING/MEDITATION: Free weekly event at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm.

TRIVIA X 3: Three scheduled options tonight for trivia players – 7 pm at Best of Hands (35th/Webster), 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Have something coming up that should be listed on our calendar and in our daily previews? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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CRIME WATCH: Vandalism temporarily closes West Seattle COVID test site
June 13, 2022 10:03 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

10:03 AM: Thanks for the tips. That big red SITE CLOSED sign is what you’ll see if you show up at the city’s COVID-testing site at 2801 SW Thistle. We went over to find out why; staff at the site told us the generator was vandalized, and crews from UW Medicine, which does the testing at the site, were on their way to assess. They’re not sure yet whether they’ll be able to reopen today (normal hours are 9 am-5:30 pm), so for now they’re directing everyone to the SODO site (3820 6th Avenue South, same hours). As we note in our weekly COVID-stats updates (like this one published last night), there’s also a Curative-operated testing kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW), open until 3 pm.

3:46 PM: UW Medicine says the site reopened later in the morning.

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SUMMER: What West Seattle High School fall-sports athletes need to know
June 13, 2022 9:50 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

As noted, it’s the last week of classes for most local students. If your household includes a West Seattle High School student who’s planning on sports involvement this fall, you need to know what’s happening before school starts, with registration, tryouts, and practices starting in August. Fall sports include golf for both girls and boys; cross-country for both girls and boys; soccer, swimming/diving, and volleyball for girls; and football for boys. All the info you need is in this document sent by WSHS athletic director Corey Sorenson.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Mid-June Monday
June 13, 2022 6:01 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Mid-June Monday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:33 AM: The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry route is down to one boat – the Kittitas is out for repairs.

7:27 AM: 2-boat service has resumed.

Earlier:

6:01 AM: Good morning; welcome to Monay, June 13th.

WEATHER

Breezy, partly sunny, chance of showers, high in the 60s.

ROAD WORK

Seattle Public Utilities‘ pavement-restoration work at California/Myrtle continues.

LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL

-Some schools are already out; Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) and Summit Atlas are out after Tuesday; Our Lady of Guadalupe is out after Wednesday; Westside School (WSB sponsor) is out after Thursday; for Holy Family and most Seattle Public Schools, Friday is the final day (for Chief Sealth IHS, it’s next Tuesday).

–Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex will see a lot of traffic tonight – the CSIHS (5 pm) and WSHS (8 pm) graduations are happening.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on its regular weekday schedule; watch @kcmetroalerts for word of reroutes/trip cancellations.

The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.

Ferries: WSF continues on the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

813th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)

1st Avenue South Bridge:

South Park Bridge:

West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way (one of four new cameras!):

Highland Park Way/Holden:

The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are tweeted by @wsdot_traffic.

All city traffic cams can be seen here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page

Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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CORONAVIRUS: This week’s West Seattle, King County numbers
June 12, 2022 10:03 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

We’re continuing our weekly updates on West Seattle and countywide COVID trends – here’s what we have this week, from the Public Health – Seattle/King County dashboard:

*19 percent more cases countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 1,250 new daily cases countywide (up from 1,042 when we checked a week ago)

*2 percent more hospitalizations countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 15 new hospitalizations daily (down from 16 a week ago, the county says, though the total is slightly up)

*Same death rate countywide in the past two weeks as the two weeks before (the dashboard doesn’t offer a one-week increment)
*Currently averaging 2 deaths daily (same two-week average as last week)

For West Seattle, we have two-week comparisons (these are the combined totals from two “health reporting areas,” labeled West Seattle and Delridge):
*956 cases between 5/23 and 6/6, up from 951 between 5/8 and 5/22
*9 hospitalizations between 5/23 and 6/6, down from 12 between 5/8 and 5/22
*2 deaths between 5/23 and 6/6, up from 0 between 5/8 and 5/22

VACCINATION: Boosters are recommended for everyone 5 and up. Checking vaccination rates:
*81.3 percent of all King County residents have completed the initial series (same as a week ago)
*86.1 percent of all King County residents ages 5 and up have completed the initial series (up .1% from a week ago)
*50.1 percent of all King County residents have had the initial series plus a booster (up .4% from a week ago)

*In West Seattle, here are the zip-code vaccination rates for ages 5 and up (reminder, 98106 and 98146 are not entirely within WS):
98106 – 88.3% completed initial series (same as a week earlier), 54.1% have had a booster (up .4%)
98116 – 93.2% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 65.9% have had a booster (up .4%)
98126 – 83.9% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 56% have had a booster (up .4%)
98136 – 94.1% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 69% have had a booster (up .4%)
98146 – 83.3% completed initial series (same as a week earlier), 48.7% have had a booster (up .2%)

VACCINATION AND TESTING: Two pop-up clinics for Seattle Public Schools students, staff, and families are planned in West Seattle this week, as previously announced here; otherwise, look for vaccination locations via this statewide lookup. … If you want to get tested and don’t have a kit at home, public testing sites include the city-supported site at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle, 9 am-5:30 pm Mondays-Saturdays except holidays) and the Curative kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1220 Harbor SW, 9 am-3 pm Monday-Friday except holidays). … If you need to report self-test results, that’s explained on this page.

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EXPLORE THE SHORE: This week brings this year’s lowest low tides to West Seattle beaches
June 12, 2022 8:25 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

That’s what the beach off Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook was like this morning, shortly after the day’s lowest tide, which was “only” out to -2.0 feet. So imagine how far the water will recede when the year’s lowest tides arrive this week. Here’s what’s ahead:

Monday, June 13 – 10:37 am, -3.2 feet
Tuesday, June 14 – 11:22 am, -4.0 feet
Wednesday, June 15 – 12:09 pm, -4.3 feet
Thursday, June 16 – 12:58 pm, -4.1 feet
Friday, June 17 – 1:48 pm, -3.5 feet
Saturday, June 18 – 2:39 pm, -2.4 feet

After this, your next chance to see the shore at mega-low tide will be in mid-July, when it’ll be out to -4.0 feet on July 13th and 14th. Meantime, Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists will be at Constellation and Lincoln Parks Tuesday through Saturday this week – times vary each day, and are listed here. (And whether or not you go when naturalists are present, their program offers these guidelines for exploring the shore without doing harm.)

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WEEKEND SCENE: Farewell party for longtime local advocate James Rasmussen
June 12, 2022 6:30 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | South Park | West Seattle news

(Photo by Tom Reese)

One our area’s most-passionate advocates is retiring and moving away. As noted in our daily event list, a gathering Saturday in South Park was a sendoff for James Rasmussen, who’s spent 20 years with the Duwamish River Community Coalition, most recently as its Superfund Manager. from the DRCC’s announcement of his departure:

Having represented the Duwamish Tribe on the organization’s Advisory Council for 10 years before joining the staff as Executive Director/Coordinator, as a member of the Duwamish Tribal Council for 26 years, and as the founding Director of the Duwamish Tribe’s Longhouse and Cultural Center, James has been a consistent and active voice in environmental, habitat, and community issues along the Duwamish River and in the Seattle region for over 30 years. He played a fundamental role in the Environmental Protection Agency’s formation of the Duwamish Superfund Roundtable, which will inform the next phase of the Cleanup Plan, and is a beloved and legendary figure within the community as well as further afield for his great depth of knowledge of the River, its history, as well as the science of the Superfund cleanup.

James is much sought-after as a public speaker and allyship for his serene yet tireless advocacy for a clean and healthy River and River Valley. He will be missed greatly and we wish him a peaceful and satisfying retirement—as Duwamish Valley community members, we owe him a debt that can never be repaid. He has our deep gratitude for pushing policy-makers and Responsible Parties to work towards a better environment.

Rasmussen is moving to Las Vegas to be with family. With him in the photo above are, at left, DRCC executive director Paulina López and, center, Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen. One month ago, when the tribe announced its legal action to secure full federal recognition, Rasmussen was among the speakers, declaring, “The recovery of the Duwamish River must include the restoration of the Duwamish Tribe.”

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Got a boat? Local marina has openings
June 12, 2022 5:25 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

The photo is from Andy Carlson, who wanted to share the news that Jim Clark Marina has rare openings:

Jim Clark Marina now has moorage available on Harbor Island.

Up to 33′ slips are open now. 6 larger slips to 44′ open in September with boathouse options.

We are a nonprofit co-op community that operates our marina with DIY labor and volunteers. We keep our rates low and have ice, power, and water included,

Here’s where to go to apply.

https://www.jimclarkmarina.com/

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WEED WARNINGS: Two reader alerts about plants that people and pets should avoid
June 12, 2022 3:11 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

From the WSB inbox, two reader reports about plants to steer clear of:

FOXTAIL: J sent the photo, hoping to warn pet owners about “the dangers of foxtail grass, which is becoming more ubiquitous every spring and summer around West Seattle. The awns can embed themselves into an animal through the skin, nose, ears, or eyes, and once they are in, they can cause infection or even death. I see huge patches of foxtail right around many of our dog-friendly apartment buildings, as well as in parks and private lawns. (In early June) I spotted it all along the beachfront path at Lincoln Park. Pet owners should clear any foxtail on their private property, know to avoid it while out and about, and be able to spot the symptoms that require veterinary care. A good primer is here.” The photo is from the Lincoln Park sighting that J mentioned.

HEMLOCK: Bronwyn reports this “large patch of hemlock next to the sidewalk on the east side of 36th Ave SW on Seattle city property, Lander is the closest cross street. Neighbors often forage for blackberries here”:

Hemlock, which can be deadly, is on the “control required” list of weeds in King County – see the full list here; you can report them here.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Junction demonstration
June 12, 2022 1:56 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

On Saturday, as thousands rallied across the country against gun violence, the March For Our Lives events were originally supposed to include a West Seattle Junction demonstration too, but it was canceled earlier in the week. However, Anni and friends showed up anyway. She sent the photo and report today:

Our small group showed up at the WS Junction for a gun-reform rally that we didn’t know had been canceled. From 1-2 PM we crossed during the walk lights, carrying signs and chanting slogans, such as “Keep Our Children Safe”. We had a good response based on friendly thumbs-ups and horn-honking. This felt like a purposeful hour to our group, which included 5 teachers.

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: Humpback whale in view off West Seattle
June 12, 2022 10:12 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

(Added: Camera view-screen image sent by Kersti)

10:12 AM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the report – again today, a humpback whale is in view off West Seattle. Right now it’s traveling westbound along Alki, close to the Lighthouse, “super close” to shore.

12:33 PM: Kersti says in comments that two humpbacks are in the area. Thanks to her and everyone who’s been commenting with sighting updates below!

2:03 PM: Thanks to Renee Umeno for this short but sweet clip of a humpback as it dove off Constellation Park:

7:55 PM: Thanks to Steyn Benade of Always Local Photos for the next two images:

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 15 notes!
June 12, 2022 6:34 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 15 notes!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Caity Gerhardt)

Here’s what’s ahead for your Sunday:

(added) TRAFFIC ALERTS: SDOT’s alerts for today:

(Continuing) Sunday, we’ll be working on a walkway extension on Sylvan Way SW between SW Holly St and Sylvan Heights Dr. This work is scheduled to begin as early as 7 AM through 5 PM on both days. Our trucks will be entering and exiting the roadway as we complete this work. Please anticipate slowdowns in the area.

On Sunday, we will be doing some maintenance work on Dumar Way SW and SW Orchard St. We will begin this work as early as 8 AM and conclude by 4 PM. There will be minimal traffic impacts; however, you may see our crews in the area.

CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s list here.

10U ALL-STAR BASEBALL TOURNAMENT: Tournament play continues at 9 am for 9 teams playing at West Seattle Baseball‘s PeeWee fields (lower Riverview, 7226 12th SW), as covered here Saturday.

LOW-LOW TIDE: The next string of low-low tides starts today – at 9:55 am, the tide will be out to -2 feet.

WEST SEATTLE ROCK AND GEM SHOW: Continuing today at Alki Masonic Hall (40th/Edmunds), 10 am-5 pm, no admission charge, as covered here Saturday.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, find fresh food – produce, meat, fish, cheese, beverages, baked goods, and prepared food – and plants at the weekly WSFM. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

DONATION DRIVE: Food and clothing donations are being accepted today at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 11 am-3 pm.

LAST DAY: Closing day for Lika Love Boutique and In The Heart in The Junction (4547 California SW), 11 am-9 pm.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society has reopened its museum on Alki, and you can visit noon-4 pm, (61st/Stevens)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: Weekly tours are back, as reported here! First tour at 1 pm, last at 3:45; here’s how it works.

DOG PARADE: You and your dog(s) are invited to parade around The Kenney – meet at the main entrance (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW) by 3 pm.

NEED FOOD? White Center Community Dinner Church serves a free meal (take-away available) at 5 pm Sundays at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge (9050 16th SW).

KUNDALINI YOGA & MEDITATION: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio (7356 35th SW) – details here.

SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.

SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

Have an event to list on our calendar? We update it daily – email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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GRADUATION: Congratulations, Seattle Lutheran High School Class of 2022!
June 11, 2022 9:51 pm
|    Comments Off on GRADUATION: Congratulations, Seattle Lutheran High School Class of 2022!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos)

Every graduation ceremony is a momentous occasion in the graduates’ personal histories. Last night’s Seattle Lutheran High School Class of 2022 graduation was also a historic occasion for the school – its 42nd graduation ceremony is its last. SLHS announced in April that the school – West Seattle’s only parochial high school – will close after this school year. Despite that, the ceremony was not a requiem; it was as celebratory as a graduation should be.

That’s Devin Christie, valedictorian and recipient of the Faculty Scholarship Award and Math Award. She observed in her speech that “our class has changed a lot, and the world has changed a lot.” Also speaking was salutatorian and Leadership Award winner Bella Nowicki, who sounded a humorous note in her speech, detailing how each of her 17 classmates might behave if faced with a zombie apocalypse.

She noted that the pandemic had posed challenges not unlike what that mythical event might bring. After speeches and awards, it was diploma time, with exuberance from some grads, including TaiAmari English:

As each of the 18 graduates was announced, their future plans were too. Most were going to college – one as far away as Hawaii – several as close as Western Washington University in Bellingham and South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) here in West Seattle. Two are joining the U.S. Marine Corps.

One of those few allusions to the school’s impending closure came in the closing prayer from Oskar Schoening of the SLHS Student Council, giving thanks for 44 years:

West Seattle has two more graduation ceremonies ahead – Monday night, the commencement ceremonies for both Chief Sealth IHS (5 pm) and West Seattle HS (8 pm) are scheduled at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. (Our coverage of the Summit Atlas graduation is here.)

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SUNDAY: You and your dog(s) are invited to join a parade!
June 11, 2022 8:20 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Pets | The Kenney | West Seattle news

It’s parade season, and you’re invited to be part of one tomorrow – if you have a dog to bring along. The Kenney invites dogs and their people to bring joy to residents by parading around the senior-living complex’s grounds. Just be at the main entrance (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW) by 3 pm Sunday; the parade is expected to last until about 3:45 pm.

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UPDATE: Driver hits pedestrian at Delridge/Roxbury
June 11, 2022 6:20 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

6:20 PM: 16th SW was already blocked on the south side of Roxbury for the White Center Pride Street Festival, and now an emergency response is blocking the north side. So avoid the area. We are here trying to find out more.

6:31 PM: We are told a driver hit a pedestrian, who was taken to the hospital. The scene cleared quickly and all responders are gone now.

10:15 PM: SFD says the victim was a 32-year-old man, in stable condition when taken to the hospital.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Humpback whale
June 11, 2022 5:43 pm
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

Thanks to Michael Ostrogorsky for the photos of a humpback whale seen off Alki this afternoon.

Possibly the same one Kersti Muul says is in view off Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (4500 block Beach Drive SW) right now. Let us know if you see it!

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CONTINUING SUNDAY: West Seattle Baseball hosts All-Star tournament at PeeWee fields
June 11, 2022 3:33 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Big weekend of baseball at the West Seattle PeeWee fields (lower Riverview, 7226 12th SW) – it’s All-Star tournament season, and nine teams (all but one are 10U) are competing in this tournament: Two West Seattle Baseball teams (Red and Navy), FSP, Issaquah All-Stars, Shoreline Royals, two City Baseball teams (Gold and Navy), Rock Creek (9U), Driveline Academy. Spectators welcome!

You might say there’s a bonus All-Star on the sidelines – Uncle Paulie’s meatball sandwiches, with proceeds benefiting WS Baseball:

The players competing on the All-Star teams are guaranteed four games in this tournament before it ends tomorrow. Here are the brackets; note that today’s schedule slid by two hours so the fields could dry out.

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