According to a GoFundMe campaign created following the fire, Sara and Sam Lucchese lost their food production kitchen, many personal belongings, and sustained significant damage to their living space in the June 9 fire. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

The Luccheses are longtime Ballard residents and longtime participants in Seattle-area farmers’ markets through their businesses Vespucci Pizza, Pasteria Lucchese, and La Crespella. The couple also owned Strega Pizzeria, which they recently closed to dedicate more time to their other businesses.

In a message shared Wednesday, the Seattle Farmers Market Association said the fire has put the future of the family’s businesses in jeopardy and encouraged community members to support a GoFundMe campaign established to help with recovery efforts.

According to the fundraiser, donations will be used to replace essential equipment, make repairs needed to restore the commercial kitchen, and address damage to the family’s living space.

“As market-goers, we should step up to support them in this time of need. Your support will help them rebuild and continue sharing their incredible food and spirit with the community,” the GoFundMe says.

As of this writing (Wednesday, June 10), the campaign has raised $6,193 of its $13,000 goal.

Seattle Fire Department investigators said the cause was ruled accidental. Investigators determined the fire was likely caused by a container of hot embers that ignited a pile of wood, which then spread to the exterior and then the interior of the residence.

Seattle Fire estimated the loss at $500,000.

Photo by John Odegard

The street fest will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. at Crown Hill Plaza, located at 9000 Holman Road NW.

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This year’s event will feature live music from Blast Radius and food from Tacos & Beer. Organizers are also hosting a toiletries drive benefiting Labateyah Youth Home and encourage attendees to bring donations. “Every bar of soap, toothbrush, and bottle of shampoo makes a difference,” the organizers said.

The Crown Hill Village Association is also seeking volunteers to help make the event happen. More information is available through the Crown Hill Village Association.

Photo: Crown Hill Village

According to SPR, the strategy was developed in response to the growing popularity of tennis and pickleball, as well as feedback gathered during an earlier round of public engagement.

The upcoming meetings will present findings from the first phase of outreach and give community members an opportunity to provide additional feedback.

SPR has scheduled four in-person sessions across the city:

• June 23 at 6:30 p.m. — Dakota Place Park Building, 4304 SW Dakota St.
• June 25 at 6:30 p.m. — Mt. Baker Rowing & Sailing Center, 3800 Lake Washington Blvd. S.
• June 27 at 10:30 a.m. — Magnolia Community Center, 2530 34th Ave. W.
• June 30 at 6 p.m. — Loyal Heights Community Center, 2101 NW 77th St.

All meetings are scheduled for 90 minutes, with doors opening 30 minutes before the start time.

The strategy follows ongoing discussions about how Seattle’s park system should accommodate growing demand for both tennis and pickleball courts. Earlier this year, Seattle Parks outlined preliminary concepts that could change the use of some existing courts, including facilities near Ballard. SPR’s draft concepts included converting the four tennis courts at Gilman Playground into dedicated pickleball courts, while adding new tennis courts at Salmon Bay Park and Soundview Playfield. The proposals were presented as part of a broader effort to address growing demand for both sports citywide.

Residents who are unable to attend a meeting in person will be able to review the presentation materials online and participate in a survey through the project engagement hub.

Photo: Seattle Parks

Councilmember Dan Strauss announced the improvement plans in his newsletter, which would affect Shilshole Avenue NW between the Ballard Bridge and NW Market Street.

According to Strauss, he worked with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to secure funding for improvements on the corridor. Planned work includes expanding the shoulder on the southwest side of the street, filling in grooves and potholes, and painting lines better to identify existing driveways, parking areas, and walkways.

Strauss said the changes are intended to improve access and safety for people walking, biking, parking, and driving along the roadway.

Funding for the project comes from the District Project Fund, a transportation funding program Strauss said he helped create several years ago. He said the fund allows councilmembers to identify and address transportation improvements within their districts, and that these projects are the first to receive funding through the program.

Strauss also announced three additional projects that will move forward with funding:

• NW Locks Place from NW 54th Street to NW Market Street: New trees and improvements designed to better define sidewalk and driveway areas and improve separation between vehicles and pedestrians on the existing Burke-Gilman Trail.
• NW 62nd Street and 2nd Avenue NW: Installation of a new traffic circle with landscaping intended to encourage slower vehicle speeds.
• NW 83rd Street and 18th Avenue NW: Installation of a new traffic circle with landscaping intended to encourage slower vehicle speeds.

Strauss said he is continuing to work with community members to identify additional neighborhood transportation needs for future rounds of funding.

The announcement comes shortly after SDOT released updated plans for completing the Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link along Leary Avenue NW. The city had previously pursued a trail alignment along Shilshole Avenue NW, but years of litigation delayed the project, prompting SDOT to advance the Leary Avenue route to complete the 1.4-mile gap.

Photo: Google Image Capture Sept 2025

The changes affect portions of NW Ballard Way, NW 46th Street, 14th Avenue NW, and 15th Avenue NW.

According to SDOT, the Ballard Blocks area experiences high demand for on-street parking. The agency said the changes are intended to improve parking availability, reduce the amount of time drivers spend searching for parking, support deliveries, and increase access for people with disabilities.

New two-hour paid parking is now in effect Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on portions of NW Ballard Way, NW 46th Street, and 14th Avenue NW. Parking remains free on Sundays and city holidays.

Current parking rates are:

• 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.: $1 per hour
• 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: $2.50 per hour
• 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: $2.50 per hour

SDOT said it reviews data in paid parking areas and adjusts rates citywide two to three times per year. The next rate review for the Ballard Blocks area is scheduled for fall 2026.

The project also added new load zones and disabled parking spaces. In addition, some streets received two-hour time-limited parking instead of paid parking.

The agency conducted outreach with area property owners and businesses during fall 2025 and early 2026. SDOT said the outreach included mailers, flyers, door-to-door visits, emails, and one-on-one meetings.

Mike’s Chili Parlor owner Mike Semandiris has voiced frustration over the change.

“As a small business owner who lives [and] works on this street, I have offered numerous ideas to preempt the addition of parking meters,” Semandiris wrote on social media. “For 6 months, my expectation was that SDOT would at least fully consider them. Instead, they’ve move[d] forward with parking meters, which will start the countdown for the end of this small business.”

The changes follow a parking study conducted in spring 2024. According to SDOT, the study found that on-street parking in the area was more than 90% occupied during midday hours, while nearby garages and parking lots still had hundreds of available spaces. The project is one of several transportation and curbspace management efforts underway in Ballard, including SDOT’s work on the Route 40 corridor.

The agency also found that while some streets already had time-limited parking, most blocks had unrestricted parking, allowing vehicles to remain parked for extended periods and making it more difficult for customers and visitors to find available spaces.

SDOT said the project’s goals include making it easier for customers and visitors to find parking, reducing traffic from drivers searching for spaces, improving safety, creating dedicated space for deliveries, and encouraging longer-term visitors and employees to use nearby parking garages and lots.

Photo: Google Image Capture Sept 2025

David Guthrie and his wife purchased the house from the Layton family in 1998. The previous owners had lived there for roughly 45 years, and at the time, the neighborhood was largely made up of longtime residents.

Now, after raising two daughters in the home, the couple is renovating the basement to create a mother-in-law apartment while also updating the main-floor kitchen and bathroom. Guthrie said their goal is to make the changes blend seamlessly with the original structure.

The house retains much of its original interior woodwork, trim and cabinetry. Over the years, the couple carefully removed interior trim pieces, stripped and refinished them, then reinstalled them. Original hinges, door handles and other hardware were removed, replated in a naval bronze finish and reattached.

Among the home’s unusual historic features was its original toilet room, which was accessible only from the back porch. Until construction began this year, residents had to leave the kitchen, step onto the enclosed porch and then enter the toilet room.

“I guess an outhouse was too far away, but having a toilet in the house was frowned on at the time,” Guthrie said.

The couple continued using the toilet room until the current renovation project began. In 2000, Guthrie added a sink to the space so family members could wash their hands.

Other remnants of the home’s early design remain visible. Before the current owners purchased the property, one upstairs bedroom had been converted into a bathroom. Marks on the floor still showed where a wood- or coal-burning stove once stood at the top of the stairs, providing heat to the upper-floor bedrooms.

The house was later converted from its original heating system to oil heat and eventually natural gas.

The restoration effort has included recreating architectural details that had been removed over the years, including a pass-through between the living and dining rooms and sliding pocket doors separating the entryway from the living room.

In 2016, the couple removed the home’s vinyl siding and discovered that much of the original siding remained intact beneath it. Damaged siding and decorative moldings were repaired before the house was repainted.

The home’s preservation work earned it a spot on the 2019 Ballard Classic Home Tour, where hundreds of visitors toured the property.

Guthrie said the couple had been considering the current renovation project for more than 20 years. They hope that the house, now more than a century old, will continue serving future generations.

“Our goal would be to have it continue to live on for the next 100 years,” he said.

Photos and video courtesy David Guthrie

Tons happening this week, from multiple trivia nights to Reuben’s Brews annual family pride fest and a massive fundraising sale at Ballard Clay. Enjoy your week in Ballard!

Monday, June 8

• De-escalating Harm in Our Life & World, Kadampa Meditation Center, 7 p.m.
  • In this course we learn how to de-escalate in our life and our world, through Buddhist methods on non-retaliation. When we are harmed, or someone we care about is harmed, our instinct is to retaliate, but this only creates more problems and suffering. In this course, learn powerful methods to respond compassionately and wisely to harm. With Resident Teacher Kadam Trina Gunther and Nick Birdsall

Tuesday, June 9

• Realization Process/Family Constellation Workshop, Ballard Homestead, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
  • Using Realization Process attunements, we will cultivate ground for resilience and greater wholeness in ourselves. Systemic and Family Constellations are offered to restore balance and deepen our experience of the flow of love in all our relationships; to see what has been hidden and the strengths and challenges to belonging.
• Trivia Night at Ballard Beer Box, 6 – 8 p.m.
  • Get ready to put your knowledge to the test!

Wednesday, June 10

• Trivia with Head in the Clouds, Reuben’s Brews, 7 – 10 p.m.
  • Think you’ve got the answers? We’ll see! Grab a pint, grab your crew, and battle it out for bragging rights (and prizes). Join us every Wednesday for Trivia Night at Reuben’s Brews taprooms! It’s your mid-week brain refresh with a friendly competitive streak. Our trivia hosts keep the pace quick and the categories wide—music, movies, local lore, and the occasional curveball. It’s community tables, cheers for good answers, and no gatekeeping. Build a team or join one on arrival. Either way, you’ll enjoy fresh beer and leave with new facts and a few new friends.

Thursday, June 11

• Tarot Thursday with Reader by the Wood, Skål Beer Hall, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  • Connect with Jamie Anderson from Reader by the Wood for comprehensive, empathetic, and candid tarot readings. Walk-ins only
• Fiber Arts Class: Punch Needle, Swoon City, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
  • Punch needle is the craft of using a manual to make a field of loops on a fabric surface, creating an image. In this workshop, you will learn all about this very fun, approachable, and beginner-friendly craft! Design your own image or choose one of Clé’s templates, learn to transfer the design to an embroidery hoop, and use the punch needle tool to create a colorful and beautiful piece of art to display in your home with pride. Punch needle tool will be available for purchase at the end of class for those who want to continue their punching journey at home!
• Clay and Fire Workshop, Atria, 6 – 10 p.m.
  • During this 4-hour beginner-friendly workshop, guests will be guided through foundational hand-building techniques, including pinch and coil methods, to create two unique ceramic pieces. No prior experience is necessary—this workshop is designed for beginners and anyone seeking a slower, more intentional approach to making.
• Meet the Author: Nicola Griffith, National Nordic Museum, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
  • Meet local queer author, Nicola Griffith, who will discuss her Aud Torvingen series: three literary crime thrillers that follow the daughter of a Norwegian diplomat on an internal journey from a cool, self-reliant individual to a fully-rounded human being. Griffith’s beloved Aud Torvingen trilogy reshapes the noir suspense novel into something refreshing and excitingly new. The talk will be followed by a Q&A about her life as a writer and researcher hosted by her wife and fellow writer, Kelley Eskridge.

Friday, June 12

• Dining Dead and All of our Cornbread, Conor Byrne Pub, 7 p.m.
  • Dining Dead, a Seattle-born music project, was formed after Emma Belmont and Sammy Skidmore, both Seattle natives, reconnected years after meeting at summer camp. Bonding over their shared love of guitar, The Shins (they would see the band together at Bumbershoot in 2008) and The Pixies, they were fast friends in 7th grade. Fast forward years later, and the two began writing songs at Emma’s home, joined by future drummer Bogie Pieper. The project’s sound expanded from singer/songwriter to full-blown band with the addition of Shannon Barberry (bass), Bogie Pieper (drums), and Kennedy Webb (violin, synth, and backup vocals).
• Russian Blue, Bonney Rubble, and Iris Kymm, Tractor Tavern, 8 p.m.
  • Doors open at 8 p.m., music starts at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 13

• Ballard Reuse 12th Anniversary Party, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 13th Ballard Reuse will be having our 12th Anniversary Party / Customer Appreciation Day. We’ll have a storewide 20% off sale all day (9-6). Ian from Secret Sausage will be grilling free dogs and sausages (with veggie options) and Thom from Mainstay Provisions will have his affogato truck handing out soft serve. Food will be 11-2 or sooner if they run out. Erik from T-shirt Madness has reprinted our Kyler Martz-designed tees in new colors for the occasion as well.
• Sewing Class: Hand Stitched Felt Stuffies, Swoon City, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Design and sew your own hand-stitched stuffed “monster.” You’ll start by making a plan (sketch, select from available templates, or just wing it). Then you’ll cut out felt pieces for a body and any desired extremities. Finally, you’ll stitch them together using a few different stitching styles and add stuffing right before they are complete. Kiddos aged 8 and up are welcome in this class with a ticket-holding adult. Spend the afternoon making monsters!
• Fundraising Sale, Ballard Clay, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Come by and shop all of our donated pots from all of our members and neighborhood friends. As well as clearing our shelves of abandoned pots from over the past year. Pricing is pay what you are willing to donate! We will have a suggested range, but come and give what you can. 100% of proceeds will be donated.
• Family Pride Fest, Reuben’s Brews, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Have Fun and Help Raise Money for Seattle Pride. We’re throwing another day-long, all-ages Pride celebration at our Ballard Taproom on Saturday, June 13th that’s going to be lots of fun. Here’s what to expect:
    • Face Painting
    • Hat Decorating Station
    • Rainbow Wings Photo Booth
    • Friendship Bracelet Making
    • A danceable soundtrack from 3 – 7:00 p.m. by DJ Summersoft
• Fiber Arts Class: Beaded Crochet Necklace, Swoon City, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Learn a simple crochet chain stitch to create a single-strand necklace. You’ll start by choosing a collection of beads, a cording color and an approximate length for your necklace. Then you’ll learn and master the crochet chain stitch while creating your personalized necklace.
• Seattle A Cappella-Palooza, Center for Spiritual Living Seattle, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
  • THREE local a cappella groups. ONE pitch-perfect night. ZERO instruments. Experience the power and artistry of the human voice as three premier local Seattle-area a cappella groups – Puget Sound Company, Stage Appropriate, and Seatown Sound – come together for a special showcase of unplugged musical magic at Center for Spiritual Living Ballard.
• Dirty Couch Brewing Pre-Summer Bash, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Dirty Couch Brewing is gearing up for Summer, and we’re celebrating with personal pizzas, beer slushies, and live music. Beer and pizzas will be available all day, and Grunge Tree will kick things off around 5 pm! Saturday looks like it has some great weather in-store (knock on wood)!

Sunday, June 14

• Ballard Farmer’s Market, Ballard Ave, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.(recurring)
  • Open since 2000, The Ballard Farmers Market is Seattle’s first year-round neighborhood farmers market selling produce exclusively from Washington state farmers. The Market has operated along the historic cobblestone stretch of Ballard Avenue NW between Vernon Place and 22nd Avenue.
• Community Yoga with Flood Yoga, 8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
  • This Slow Flow class is a gently-paced vinyasa practice that invites you to move, breathe, and settle into your body — no experience necessary, all levels welcome. Slow Flow sits in the sweet spot between active and easeful, blending softness with strength. Expect a continuous, fluid sequence of standing and seated poses, linked with breath and held just long enough to find your foundation and fully arrive in each shape. This is a mindful, accessible flow designed to move with intention rather than speed. We’ll close every session with a generous savasana, so you leave feeling grounded and renewed.
• Ballard Bookworms Community Storytime, Ballard Locks Lawn, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Join Ballard Preschool Co-op’s beloved Teacher Christine, along with special guest Danielle Beiling of Little Light Yoga, for a fun and engaging story time designed to spark a love of reading and build community connections. Grab your picnic blanket and join us on the lawn at the Ballard Locks (or in the Visitor Center if it rains). Ballard Bookworms is free and open to the public. Recommended for ages 5 and under (older siblings welcome).
• Gem Painting: Dazzling Book Covers, Swoon City, 3 – 5 p.m.
  • In this delightful 2-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to place gem rhinestones on the cover of your favorite book to create a dazzling design sure to be the star of your shelfie.
    

Have an event to share? Add it to the Ballard event calendar!

Photo: SDOT

SDOT has shared its 60% design for the proposed route and is seeking public feedback on the latest design through Monday, June 29.

The route would connect two existing sections of the Burke-Gilman Trail in Ballard along 1.4 miles of Salmon Bay east of the Ballard Locks.

According to SDOT, changes from the 30% to 60% design include more separation between the sidewalk and trail where possible, wider trail segments in some constrained areas, brick-red asphalt to distinguish the trail from sidewalk space, and raised crossings at all intersections.

The updated design also includes additional loading zones and curb-space changes to address business needs.

The project scope now includes curb-to-curb roadway paving on NW Market Street from 24th Avenue NW to Leary Avenue NW, along with select water main replacements and upgrades on NW Market Street between 24th Avenue NW and Leary Avenue NW.

At Leary Avenue NW and 17th Avenue NW, SDOT has redesigned the proposal to include a full traffic signal and a bike crossing connection to the existing 17th Avenue neighborhood greenway.

The updated design would close southbound traffic on 17th Avenue NW at the approach to Leary Avenue NW, allowing vehicles to travel only northbound onto 17th Avenue NW from Leary Avenue NW.

Other changes include adjustments to center turn lanes for larger vehicles, relocating the southbound bus stop on Leary Avenue NW near 20th Avenue NW, and continued refinement of the Ballard Landmark Senior Home drop-off zone.

SDOT says it is still evaluating two design options for the Ballard Landmark Senior Home area.

The agency says parking totals remain about the same overall, with curbside parking removed along the eastern side of Leary Avenue NW and replaced with back-in angle parking on 22nd Avenue NW and NW 48th Street.

Tree impacts are also similar to the 30% design, with about 30 trees expected to be removed and about 90 trees expected to be replanted.

The Market-Leary-17th alignment follows several years of work on an alternative route for completing the Missing Link. My Ballard first covered SDOT’s early design for the Leary and Market route in November 2023, when SDOT proposed a 10-foot-wide, roughly 0.6-mile trail along the south side of Market, the west side of Leary, and the west side of 17th Avenue NW.

In August 2024, My Ballard reported that SDOT had reached the 30% design stage, with proposed elements including wider trail sections in some places along Leary, loading-zone changes near Ballard Landmark, ADA-compliant bus stops and crossings, curb and crossing modifications for freight movements, and a full traffic signal and marked crossing at 17th Avenue NW and Leary Avenue NW.

SDOT’s current project page says the 30% design outreach included another community survey with more than 200 respondents.

The Missing Link has long been delayed by disputes over the Shilshole Avenue NW alignment. SDOT says it has a 100% design for the Shilshole route, but construction has been paused due to litigation for more than 25 years.

In March 2025, My Ballard reported that the Washington State Senate was considering HB 1814, a bill that would exempt the Burke-Gilman Missing Link project from the State Environmental Policy Act. The bill died early last year when the Senate chose not to vote on the bill.

SDOT says the next step after 60% design is continuing toward 90% design. You can offer feedback on the design via SDOT’s online form.

Read more

State Senate to consider bill to exempt Ballard Missing Link from environmental reviews

Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link completion inching closer to reality

Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link: First look at SDOT’s design for Leary Ave NW and NW Market St

All images courtesy SDOT

The afternoon begins with Salmon Bay FC taking on the Portland Cherry Bombs at 3 p.m. The match marks the first meeting between the two clubs and the start of a new Cascadia rivalry in the USL W League.

Portland Cherry Bombs FC joined the league this season and currently sits fourth in the Northwest Division with four points from three matches. Salmon Bay FC returns home after a three-match road stretch and enters the game after scoring 17 goals across its previous two home matches at Interbay Stadium.

The evening match features Ballard FC hosting the Portland Bangers at 7 p.m. The matchup pits the only two undefeated teams remaining in the Northwest Division against one another.

The clubs met twice during the 2025 season, with each team winning its home match 1-0. Portland entered USL League Two in 2025 and currently holds a 6-0-0 record. Ballard FC comes into the contest after a 2-1 win over FC Olympia and a 1-1 draw against the Tacoma Stars.

Saturday’s event is also Music Night, with activities planned throughout the day and evening. During the break between matches, fans can visit a tailgate at Pagliacci Pizza featuring music from KEXP and drinks from Stoup Brewing.

Additional Music Night programming includes music from KEXP DJ Atticus during the tailgate and a performance by the Ballard High School Band.

The doubleheader comes as work continues on the first phase of the Interbay Stadium expansion, bringing additional seating and concessions to the stadium.

Fans attending both matches should note that the stadium will be cleared following the Salmon Bay FC match before gates reopen for the Ballard FC game at 5:30 p.m.

Salmon Bay FC gates open at 1:30 p.m., while Ballard FC gates open at 5:30 p.m. Both clubs will also stream their matches live through their respective websites.

Photo: Salmon Bay FC

The festival, happening July 31 and August 1, was originally conceived before the COVID-19 pandemic. Described as a festival created “in, by, and for Ballard,” the lineup includes musicians and bands from Ballard’s music scene of the 2000s and early 2010s. Musical acts will include Massy Ferguson, Old Coast, Heels to the Hardwood, Jeff Fielder/Tekla Waterfield, and Jaws of Brooklyn, along with additional performers.

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A single $15 ticket provides admission to both Friday and Saturday performances. Tickets will be available at the door through a will-call system for those who purchase in advance.

Photo: Mike’s Chili Parlor

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, on- and off-ramps along the closure area are scheduled to begin closing at 9 p.m. Friday, June 5. The northbound I-5 mainline is scheduled to fully close at 11:59 p.m. All lanes and ramps are expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, June 8.

Ballard and Fremont drivers may see increased traffic on the Ballard Bridge, Fremont Bridge, Aurora Avenue, and other north-south routes.

The closure will allow crews to remove the work zone associated with the Revive I-5: Ship Canal Bridge Preservation project. WSDOT says all lanes of mainline I-5 will remain open from June 8 through July 10 to accommodate travel during the world championship soccer matches being held in Seattle.

During the closure, the I-5 express lanes will remain northbound-only. On Monday morning, June 8, the express lanes will return to their regular schedule, operating southbound in the mornings and northbound in the afternoons and evenings.

WSDOT said crews will return for another weekend-long closure of northbound I-5 between July 10 and July 13 to establish a new work zone in the two right northbound lanes of the Ship Canal Bridge.

The agency is encouraging travelers to plan ahead, expect delays, allow extra travel time, and consider alternate routes, transit, biking, or carpooling.

Additional regional traffic impacts are expected this weekend as State Route 18 will fully close at the Interstate 90 interchange from 9 p.m. Thursday, June 4, through 5 a.m. Monday, June 8 for paving work. WSDOT advises travelers to follow signed detours and expect congestion near the interchange.

Photo: King County Metro

Terminal One Motor + Yacht Club is proposed for an 8.9-acre site at 2727–2808 W. Commodore Way along Salmon Bay. The project is being developed by Cantera Group and marketed by Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. According to the Puget Sound Business Journal, Cantera acquired the former industrial property in 2020 for approximately $5.6 million.

The site includes 550 feet of waterfront and was previously used as a petroleum storage and distribution facility. According to the developer, environmental cleanup and redevelopment work has been underway for several years in coordination with the Washington State Department of Ecology.

The project would be built in two phases. Plans call for approximately 100 commercial condominium units across four buildings, each designed as an individually owned collector garage with private access doors. Units are planned to range from approximately 850 to 1,250 square feet, with the option to combine spaces into larger premises.

The development would also include shared amenities, including an owner’s lounge and gathering space known as The Forum.

A future phase would add a marina with four private docks and approximately 2,300 linear feet of moorage. According to project plans, slips could accommodate vessels up to 300 feet in length, and some garages may be designed to support indoor boat storage.

The development team says permitting and entitlement work is currently underway. Site construction is anticipated to begin in mid-2026, with occupancy for the first phase targeted for summer 2027. The marina component is planned for completion in late 2028.

Seattle-based LMA Architects is leading the architectural design of the project. Olson Kundig is designing the common areas and conceptual garage interiors.

According to the announcement, the project is intended to combine collector garages, marina facilities, hospitality amenities, and community gathering spaces on the Salmon Bay waterfront.

The development team is hosting a launch event on June 7 in Kirkland and says initial ownership opportunities will be offered through a priority reservation process ahead of broader public sales.

Rendering by RSIR

The site, called Bayside Enhanced Shelter, is located at 1551 W. Armory Way. It is operated by Everyone Deserves Housing and was built by Pallet Shelter, a company based in Everett.

According to project information, the shelter is designed as a low-barrier program serving people coming directly out of chronic homelessness. The site includes 75 units and will provide transitional housing along with supportive services for residents.

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Expected services include case management, housing navigation, and connections to behavioral health and other community resources.

The shelter is part of Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s broader effort to expand emergency shelter capacity throughout the city. In April, Wilson set a goal of opening 1,000 new shelter beds in 2026, including 500 by mid-June ahead of the FIFA World Cup. However, city officials have acknowledged that the 500-unit target will not be reached before the tournament begins. Bayside Enhanced Shelter is the first site to open under the initiative.

Another micro-housing community is planned for South Park as part of the city’s shelter expansion efforts.

The Interbay project was announced earlier this year for the site at W. Armory Way, replacing a previously proposed pickleball and hotel development. The shelter community is intended to provide a pathway from homelessness to permanent housing through on-site support services and housing-focused case management.

Photo: Pallet Shelter

Hosted by Heron Habitat Helpers, the free event celebrates the nesting season of the great blue heron colony near the Ballard Locks.

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Visitors will be able to view heron chicks through spotting scopes, explore educational displays, speak with Heron Habitat Helpers naturalists, and enjoy birthday-themed treats.

According to organizers, this year’s colony includes 63 nests. With at least two chicks in each nest, attendees can expect plenty of activity in the trees overlooking the park.

The event takes place at Commodore Park, located at 3330 W. Commodore Way on the Magnolia side of the Ballard Locks. Organizers say visitors should look for the trees between the fish ladder and the train bridge.

The event is free and open to the public.

Photo: Two chicks from last year’s colony (photo by Elston Hill)

The vote follows last week’s Sound Transit decision to fully fund light rail from SODO to Seattle Center while leaving future funding for the segment between Seattle Center and Ballard unidentified. Strauss said he voted against the proposal because construction funding for the Ballard portion of the project remains uncertain.

In a message to supporters, Strauss described the outcome as a big hurdle, but said the project is still moving forward in several ways due to advocacy efforts from community members and elected officials.

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“There’s no question this is a major setback. But, this is not the end of the line for Ballard Light Rail. The only reason the Ballard Link is not dead is because of your advocacy,” Strauss shared. “Today, we have more support from Sound Transit Board Members for Ballard than we did when this was initially proposed. The work we did together scored some critical improvements to the plan that will help us win this fight.”

According to Strauss, several amendments were adopted as part of the process. One amendment requires Sound Transit to release a date range showing when light rail could reach Ballard under the current plan. Strauss said the timeline is expected to show significant delays but will provide greater transparency and help guide future efforts to accelerate the project.

Strauss also said the full $300 million budgeted for design work on the Ballard Link Extension remains funded, allowing project design to continue while officials work to address the funding gap.

Another amendment, proposed by King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and supported by Strauss, directs Sound Transit to explore additional cost-saving measures and technologies that could reduce the cost of completing the Ballard extension. The amendment also requires the agency to report on efforts to mitigate impacts from project delays.

In addition, Strauss said Sound Transit will be required to present options next year for improving revenue and financing tools that could help close the funding gap for the Ballard extension.

A separate amendment proposed by Strauss would have prioritized funding a Westlake-to-Ballard starter line before construction of a second downtown tunnel. That proposal did not receive majority support from the Sound Transit Board, though Strauss said several board members expressed interest in further studying the concept.

Meanwhile, the advocacy group Save Ballard Rail is planning a community meeting on Sunday, June 7, at 2:30 p.m. at Bale Breaker & Yonder Cider Taproom. Organizers say the gathering will include a discussion of recent Sound Transit actions, a recap of outreach efforts, community feedback, and planning for future advocacy efforts.

Photo: Sound Transit

According to organizers, the daylong festival will feature live podcast and television tapings from programs including Fresh Air, Radiolab, The Political Scene, Radio Atlantic, and Open to Debate.

Scheduled speakers include Ibram X. Kendi, Nancy Pelosi, Monica Lewinsky, Laverne Cox, Kenny Mayne, Tonya Mosley, Adam Schiff, Robby Hoffman, and Kevin Sur. Organizers say additional speakers and sessions are also planned throughout the day.

Events will be held at three Fremont venues:

• Fremont Studios (155 N 35th St), which will host the Mainstage
• The Picklr (124 N 35th St), home of the Big Ideas Stage
• Hidden Hall (400 N 35th St), which will host the Northwest Stage

Organizers say there will also be activities along N 35th St, including art, vendors, coffee, and food trucks.

Additional information, including tickets and a full schedule of speakers and sessions, is available through Cascade PBS.

Photo: Cascade PBS

All Ballard Locks concerts are free, but donations are suggested and help pay for the volunteer performances, garden upkeep, and educational programs at the Locks.

The concerts are outside and organizers recommend bringing your own chair and/or blanket, as seating is not provided.

Here’s the summer calendar:

June

• Eastside Modern Jazz Orchestra
  • Saturday, June 6, 2 p.m.
• Ballard Brass
  • Sunday, June 7, 2 p.m.
• Woodinville Community Band
  • Saturday, June 13, 2 p.m.
• Around the Sound Community Band
  • Sunday, June 14, 2 p.m.
• Poker Club Brass Ensemble & The Usual Suspects
  • Saturday, June 20, 2 p.m.
• Elliott Bay Pipe Band — Father’s Day
  • Sunday, June 21, 2 p.m.
• Kirkland Civic Orchestra
  • Saturday, June 27, 2 p.m.
• 85th Street Big Band
  • Sunday, June 28, 2 p.m.

July

• Seattle Civic Band — Fourth of July
  • Saturday, July 4, 2 p.m.
• Cascadia Big Band
  • Sunday, July 5, 2 p.m.
• Tutti Flutti Flute Ensemble
  • Saturday, July 11, 2 p.m.
• Coal Creek Jazz Band
  • Sunday, July 12, 2 p.m.
• Greenwood Concert Band
  • Saturday, July 18, 2 p.m.
• West Seattle Big Band
  • Sunday, July 19, 2 p.m.
• Phinney Ridge Steel Band
  • Saturday, July 25, 2 p.m.
• STRUM (Seattle’s Totally Relaxed Ukulele Musicians)
  • Sunday, July 26, 2 p.m.

August

• Centerpiece Jazz Band
  • Saturday, August 1, 2 p.m.
• Pacific Cascade Big Band
  • Sunday, August 2, 2 p.m.
• Batucada
  • Saturday, August 8, 2 p.m.
• Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band
  • Sunday, August 9, 2 p.m.
• Mach One Jazz Orchestra
  • Saturday, August 15, 2 p.m.
• Pacifica Big Band
  • Sunday, August 16, 2 p.m.
• StageOne
  • Saturday, August 22, 2 p.m.
• HyperResonance Sax Ensemble
  • Sunday, August 23, 2 p.m.
• Musica Molida
  • Saturday, August 29, 2 p.m.
• Lynnwood Community Band
  • Sunday, August 30, 2 p.m.

September

• Washington State Letter Carriers Band
  • Saturday, September 5, 2 p.m.
• Third Harbour
  • Sunday, September 6, 2 p.m.
• Moondance, Van Morrison Band — Labor Day
  • Monday, September 7, 2 p.m.

Photo: Ballard Locks

The project to beautify the Ballard Brewery District started in mid-May, when a collection of local artists was commissioned to paint large-scale murals in four locations around Ballard.

• 950 NE Leary — Stevie Shao
• 1415 NW 52nd Street — They Drift
• 4612 NW Leary Way — B Line Dot
• Bay Auto, 5015 14th Ave — Craig Cundiff

Brewery District Mural Week was created by Aaron Asis, with support from the Office of Councilmember Dan Strauss and members of the Ballard community. Asis and Strauss toured the new murals and met several of the artists upon their completion in May.

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Photos by Anthony Monzón from Films about Artists

Owner Josh Dand told My Ballard that he hopes to open the new location, called Barn Owl Vintage A to Z, by SeafoodFest (July 10).

Barn Owl first opened in Ballard in 2021 inside Sparklebarn, occupying a roughly 700-square-foot space in the back of the shop. At the time, Dand said the business was looking for opportunities to grow, and the company later moved operations outside Ballard to 6012 12th Ave S.

In announcing the return, Dand said the business had been looking for a larger space in Ballard for several years and decided to pursue the former Tactics location when it became available. Tactics closed in February 2026 after two years in Ballard.

“We never wanted to leave Ballard, but we ran into the problem of needing a bigger boat,” Dand said.

“We very quickly discovered that our 700 sf spot in the back of Sparklebarn wouldn’t allow us to grow and it seemed that everywhere I looked back in those days for commercial real estate with good foot traffic, it had already been leased. Over the past few years, I have been keeping a look on commercial real estate spaces and always pining to return to our old stomping grounds but had to wait for the perfect situation to present itself and when I saw the old Tactics/Second Ascent space was available, I jumped at the chance to get in there.”  

According to Dand, the new shop will continue offering vintage Filson items and workwear while expanding its inventory through a partnership with Aidan and Zay.

“We’ll also give a head nod to the Second Ascent past by bringing in a good deal of vintage outdoor gear and treasures from Seattle’s workwear manufacturing past,” Dand said.

Photo: Google Image Capture Oct 2024

Ox Burger, which is located at 1523 E Madison St, is an offshoot of Seattle Lao restaurant Taurus Ox and is known for blending Lao flavors with classic smash burgers. The restaurant’s signature Lao Burger features smashed beef patties alongside ingredients such as house-cured pork belly, jaew bong mayo, pickled red onions, taro stem, cilantro, and tomato jaew.

Last year, Food & Wine included Ox Burger on its list of the top burger spots in the United States, highlighting its Lao-inspired approach to the smash burger.

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The burger operation will serve food at the taproom on Sundays and Mondays. The residency adds a second food partner at the brewery. La Marea will continue serving in the taproom Tuesday through Saturday.

This isn’t the first time Fair Isle has joined forces with a wildly popular burger joint: Back in 2023, Beast & Cleaver operated inside Fair Isle with its 49th St Beast concept for about a year.

Fair Isle said the new arrangement started last weekend and will continue on an ongoing basis.

Photo: Ox Burger

Highlights this week include PhinneyWood’s Pride Rainbow Hop on Saturday, and a 5K run hosted by Old Stove Brewing to raise funds for the Ballard Food Bank. Enjoy your week in Ballard!

Monday, June 1

• Free Lindy Hop Lessons at Conor Byrne Co-op, 6:30 p.m.
  • Free Lindy Hop dance lessons followed by live music from Django Jazz group Si Tu Savais! No partner or experience required!

Tuesday, June 2

• Knitting 101 Class: Knitted Bookmarks, Swoon City, 6:30 pm – 8:30 p.m.
  • In this class you will learn basic knitting stitches while making a bookmark. We will cover casting on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, and casting off. You will be provided with knitting needles and a ball of yarn—enough to complete the project and to take some home.

Thursday, June 4

• Inspired by Italy: Crafts & Cocktails at Niche Gallery, 6 – 8 p.m.
  • Escape to Italy with us for a delightful, Italian-inspired Craft Cocktail event on Thursday, June 4th (6 – 8:30pm) at Niche Gallery in Ballard! Sip limoncello spritzes and italian margaritas (including NA versions), while learning the art of bargello (a style of Italian stitching featuring striking geometric motifs). Learn how to make earrings, coasters or even sunglass cases using this unique and gorgeous technique.

Friday, June 5

• The Northwest Firelight Chorale presents “What The World Needs Now”, Ballard First Lutheran Church, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
  • In times of uncertainty, a single spark can ignite courage and hope. The Northwest Firelight Chorale invites you to gather in that light to find both strength, and peace. This program draws on songs of compassion and resilience, featuring beloved pieces like “People Get Ready,” “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” “Lean on Me,” and more. As we raise our voices in harmony and resolve, the lasting truth emerges: even during darkness and disorder, a steady and unifying love endures that is impossible to silence.
• The Comedy of MacBeth, Crown Hill Center, 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm (recurring June 5-7)
  • Macbeth is one of the great dramatic tragedies in all of theatre. But what if it was also… funny?
  • Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, performed as a comedy. All the pathos of the original, now with 900% more jokes! The Scottish Play has never been so playful. The show is as kid-friendly as a story about murder can be (there is some violence and a little pretend blood). If you would take your children to see Shakespeare in the park, they’ll be just fine at this show.

Saturday, June 6

• PhinneyWood Pride Rainbow Hop, Phinney Greenwood Neighborhood, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
  • This Pride and LGBTQIA+ event celebrates finding oneself, encourages inclusivity and diversity in our community, and seeks to help individuals feel authentically seen, heard, and valued. We invite you to be a part of this gay, family-friendly, and multi-generational celebration!
• Stained Glass Class: Sunflower Power, Swoon City, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • In this 4 hour class, you will learn how to use the Tiffany method of foiling, gain guided experience with soldering technique, learn how to frame with lead came, and how to properly clean and polish stained glass. Each student will receive and work with a pre-cut and ground glass kit of the design pictured. All materials are included.
• 5k Beer Run x Old Stove Brewing x Ballard Food Bank, Old Stove Brewing,  11:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Looking for a 5k in Ballard, WA? Enjoy locally crafted beer? Like to support a good cause? Join the Washington Brewery Running Series for a beer run at Old Stove Brewery June 6th! This untimed, non-competitive fun run starts and ends at the brewery, taking runners, joggers, and walkers through the heart of Ballard to the Ballard Locks and back before finishing with a cold, locally-crafted beer.
• Bark at the Byrne a Low-Volume, Dog-Friendly Concert!, Conor Byrne, 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Bring your four legged friend down to Conor Byrne Co-op for a low-volume, dog friendly concert! Music provided by soul artist, Rae, and accordionist Owl Scary.

Sunday, June 7

• Ballard Farmer’s Market, Ballard Ave, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.(recurring)
  • Open since 2000, The Ballard Farmers Market is Seattle’s first year-round neighborhood farmers market selling produce exclusively from Washington state farmers. The Market has operated along the historic cobblestone stretch of Ballard Avenue NW between Vernon Place and 22nd Avenue.
• Stained Glass Class: Stained Glass Plant, Swoon City, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • In this 2 hour class, you will make your own stained glass plant with pre-cut and ground leaves to create your own unique arrangement of leaves to capture and refract light. You will gain guided experience with soldering technique, learn how to frame with lead came, how to solder tinned copper wire, and how to clean and polish stained glass. All materials are included. At the beginning of class, we will cover best safety practices working with stained glass, and briefly cover the tools and materials you will be using before diving in.

Have an event to share? Add it to the Ballard event calendar!

Just imagine.

Imagine carrying a squirming toddler up the hill from the Locks without getting winded. Imagine your knees not screaming at you on the stairs down to Golden Gardens. Imagine actually having the energy to walk the Sunday Farmers Market after a long week, instead of spending Saturday on the couch recovering from it.

Truth is, there’s not much we can tell you about fitness that you haven’t heard before. What Anchor does, and does very well, is ensure fitness always has meaning beyond itself.

That’s the whole idea behind Anchor Training Club.

Fitness isn’t the end goal. Life is. We’re just here to ensure every rep counts toward the life you build.

Anchor Training Club opens June 1st at 7750 15th Ave NW, Suite 120. If this resonates with you, it’s worth a conversation. Text #myballard to (206) 279-6658 to schedule a visit.

Photo: Anchor Training Club

The Washington Brewery Running Series will host a “5K-ish” beer run at Lucky Envelope Brewing on Aug. 8. The event will start and finish at the brewery, taking participants through Ballard to the Ballard Locks and back.

According to event organizers, the run is open to runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages and paces. The event is also family- and pet-friendly.

Ten percent of proceeds from the event will be donated to Ballard Food Bank.

Registration includes a finish-line beer from Lucky Envelope Brewing for participants who are 21 and older. Participants under 21 will receive a non-alcoholic token. Registration also includes a collector’s pint glass or Brewery Running Series swag item, a race bib, and an automatic raffle entry for prizes from local breweries and partners.

The event will take place at Lucky Envelope Brewing, located at 907 NW 50th St. Check-in opens at 10:30 a.m., and the run begins at 11 a.m.

Organizers say the event will take place rain or shine, and walk-up registrations will be accepted.

Photo: Washington Brewery Running Series

The updated plan was developed as Sound Transit works to address an estimated $34.5 billion funding gap over the next 20 years.

Under the plan, Sound Transit says the Ballard Link Extension’s initial segment to Seattle Center is fully funded and will move forward through construction. The agency also approved funding to complete final design work on the full Ballard project.

However, the segment between Seattle Center and Market Street in Ballard is listed among projects that are not currently affordable within existing resources. Sound Transit says it will continue pursuing additional funding opportunities for that portion of the project.

“A year after launching the Enterprise Initiative to address rapidly rising capital and operating costs and affordably deliver the objectives of the ST3 program voters approved in 2016, the Sound Transit Board has adopted an updated system plan,” the agency said in a news release announcing the vote.

Sound Transit Board Chair and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said the adopted plan is intended to keep projects moving while maintaining the agency’s long-term goals.

“While the financial challenges facing Sound Transit are significant, this action creates a responsible path forward that keeps critical projects moving, protects the long-term health of the system, and positions us to advance more of the ST3 vision as economic conditions improve and new opportunities emerge,” Somers said.

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay said the plan keeps the Ballard project advancing through the design phase.

“We secured meaningful progress on the West Seattle Link Extension, the long-awaited Graham Street Station, the 4 Line in East King County, and transit mitigation investments in South King County communities while keeping the Ballard Link Extension moving forward through the design phase so we can identify potential cost savings and efficiencies,” Zahilay said.

The board also rejected an amendment from Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss that would have prioritized construction of a Westlake-to-Ballard segment ahead of the agency’s current phased approach.

The adopted plan identifies projects that can be completed within existing funding, projects that can move through planning and design while additional funding is sought, and projects that will be deferred until more resources become available.

Sound Transit said it will continue pursuing federal and state funding opportunities, additional debt and bonding capacity, and partnerships with local governments to help advance projects throughout the ST3 program.

Photo: Sound Transit

According to the Ballard Alliance, 26 flower planters were installed this year. Each planter is sponsored by a local business or resident.

The organization is using a new electric watering cart this year. The cart has a 65-gallon water storage capacity and will be used to water the planters throughout the summer. The Ballard Alliance said the cart is expected to provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to maintain the program.

The Ballard Alliance plans to hold a naming contest for the new cart next month. The cart will be operated by flower planter assistant Sam, who will water the planters each week.

This year’s planter sponsors include local businesses, organizations, and residents throughout the neighborhood. The Ballard Alliance also announced upcoming “Volunteer Planter Pruning + Coffee Mornings” for community members interested in helping maintain the displays.

Read more:

Flower planters are returning to Ballard

Photo: Ballard Alliance

Crews are responding to an outage in the Queen Anne, Interbay, and Magnolia neighborhoods affecting approx. 6,520 customers. The cause is under investigation and an estimated time of restoration is yet to be determined. Follow along on our outage map at: https://t.co/d6KxjvLmr6 pic.twitter.com/XzGgH1xEBY

— Seattle City Light (@SEACityLight) May 28, 2026

Seattle City Light says they restored power to all 6,520 customers within a couple of hours of the incident.

Photo: Google Maps

In a social media post, the bakery said customers ate 235 bagel toasties in one morning during the event. Salmonberry Goods said it partnered the fundraiser with a pay-what-you-can model so that “anyone [could] be able to walk in and grab a bagel for breakfast.”

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“Our bakery is just down the street from the Ballard Food Bank, and we see them providing nutritious food to long lines of our neighbors all day,” the bakery wrote in the post.

Salmonberry Goods, which opened in Ballard in 2024, said it was initially “a little nervous” about combining a fundraiser with a pay-what-you-can approach, but said the community response exceeded expectations.

“But when you let your guard down and just let people be people, magic happens,” they said.

Photo: Salmonberry Goods

When people retire, there are a few stereotypical things they may do. They move to Florida. They start playing pickleball. They travel around the world. But retirement looks a little different for Ballard resident Chris Mills. 

Mills worked as a software engineer for over 20 years for companies such as Indeed. Happily retired for three years, he now spends his time doing whatever he wants. His most recent project? Sea Lion Radio, a station of sea lion noises. 

“It probably started with one too many beers at Olaf’s with some buddies one night,” Mills said. “But it turned out to be surprisingly easy.”

Mills started Sea Lion Radio in April, compiling self-recorded audio footage of the Ballard sea lions barking. While the majority of sea lions have now migrated away for the season, back when there were dozens, he would spend about an hour per visit recording the sound. 

“Once I started recording them and then listening to the recordings, there was a new way of understanding them that I didn’t really get just by watching them,” Mills said. “You can kind of hear different personalities,” Mills said. 

Sea lions often migrate north to the Puget Sound from California in the winter season, according to the Puget Sound Institute. The institute also identifies that in the past few years, sea lions have begun creeping up on docks and the breakwall in Ballard, likely in an attempt to stay safe from orcas. Their barking travels from the water up into Ballard neighborhoods, creating an almost constant symphony of yapping.

He recalls a time when some paddleboarders got too close to the colony of resting sea lions, sending them into the water in a frenzy. His recordings captured the moment the sea lions erupted. 

“It’s even in the recordings,” Mills said. “I’m probably the only one who would really know what it is.”

Mills isn’t aiming to go viral. Having lived in Ballard for a few decades, he recognizes how special the sea lions visiting Ballard are. Their barking has become background noise in Ballard, but he doesn’t want locals to take it for granted. He also hopes those who don’t get to listen to sea lions loudly expressing themselves daily can experience it through his recordings. 

While the station averages about 15-20 listeners per day, they tend to stick around for 15 minutes, which is Mills’ recommended “dosage” time. Some days have yielded more than 200 site visitors. Listeners come from all over the globe, according to Mills: 34 out of the 50 states plus D.C., and 18 countries outside of the U.S. 

Though the numbers seem low, Mills’ listener base makes its presence known. He’s opened up an email for the station and responds to inquiries from listeners, whether they are requesting his free stickers or praising the barking background noise. He recently emailed the Puget Sound Institute.

“I sent them a note because I learned a lot from their articles,” Mills said. “They mailed me back saying that [the radio] is on heavy rotation in the office.”

Mills proclaims that he is no sea lion expert and consults online resources to learn more about the species. He is done recording for the year as the sea lions have moved on from Ballard, but he has a few hopes for the radio station’s impact before the barking bunch returns next year. 

He recalls that back in the early days of the internet, some websites were around just for fun, such as The Million Dollar Home Page or The Infinite Cat Project.  

“The web back then wasn’t about all advertising everywhere and all this stuff,” Mills said. “It was more about people just seeing what they could do with it, and I always liked that.”

While he admits the “old” internet was a source of inspiration, he hopes Sea Lion Radio will live on to uphold a legacy of bringing fun back to the web. He is keeping it simple on purpose: stickers and sounds. 

Mills’ daughters, Katie and Olivia Mills, both live in Boise. They were completely unaware of his sea lion undertaking until he sent a link to the radio station in their family group chat. 

“He just does this, in a great way,” Olivia Mills said, “he’ll just come up with an idea, and he’s so determined, he’s like, ‘I’m gonna make it happen.’” 

“It’s not about the money for him, it’s about ‘why not,’ you know?” Katie Mills said. “There’s no reason not to.”

Katie and Olivia Mills identify their dad as a brilliantly intelligent person with a profound ability to tap into his creative side. 

“For the last 30-ish years, when he was doing [software engineering], he had to be on the logical side of his brain the whole time,” Olivia Mills said. “So I think now that he’s not tied down to anything, he can do whatever, he’s expressing his creativity through this.” 

In their childhood, while their house was mid-construction, Mills encouraged them to draw on the plywood walls and stairs before they were covered up. The sisters identify it as one of their fondest memories of their dad, especially knowing that their youthful scribbles still live in the walls of the house. 

“He was just like, ‘Not only is it cool now, but that’ll be cool in 100 years,’” Katie Mills said. 

The same line of logic runs through this memory from Katie and Olivia and through Mills’ philosophy for Sea Lion Radio. If you can do something, especially something with longevity, why not just do it?

“My plan is, this will be there forever,” Mills said. “The sea lions are pretty much gone for this year. So it’ll probably wait till next year, but it will just be there.” 

Mills’ focus until the sea lions come back? A former Icelandic Coast Guard Gunboat named Albert. He wants to write a book about the boat’s extensive history. 

“He’s flown to so many places, to the National Archives to look up stuff about this boat,” Olivia said. “He’s literally gone to London.” 

It’s tough to identify exactly what inspires Mills in his undertakings, but he explains it pretty simply. 

“Well, I have a background in doing whatever the hell I want,” Mills joked. 

Tune in to some of Mills’ sea lion white noise on SeaLionRadio.org. 

Photo by Chris Mills

The Ballard Commons spray park is one of 12 spray parks across Seattle that reopened on May 23. It will operate daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day, Sept. 7.

Seattle Parks and Recreation also announced schedules for wading pools around the city, including several in Northwest Seattle.

The wading pool at Gilman Playground, located at 923 NW 54th St., is scheduled to operate Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. between July 3 and Aug. 22.

Other Northwest Seattle wading pools include:

• Green Lake Park: Daily, June 27 through Sept. 7, noon to 7 p.m.
• Bitter Lake Community Center: Wednesdays through Fridays, July 1 through Aug. 21, noon to 7 p.m.
• Sandel Playground: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, June 30 through Aug. 19, noon to 6:30 p.m.
• Soundview Playfield: Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays, June 29 through Aug. 23, noon to 7 p.m.
• Wallingford Playfield: Thursdays through Saturdays, July 2 through Aug. 22, noon to 7 p.m.

Seattle’s indoor pools, including Ballard Pool, will remain open year-round.

The city also noted that the Eddie Vine boat launch at Golden Gardens Park is among the Seattle launches currently open for the summer boating season.

Photo: Seattle Parks

GeekWire shared a video of the spectacle, which they noted happened on the same day that Meta announced 1,400 job cuts to its Washington workforce.

According to GeekWire’s report, Zuckerberg was not on board the yacht when it went through the Locks. Launchpad is reportedly worth $300 million.

Photo: Todd Bishop, GeekWire