The stage production of the 1984 film, made famous for its soundtrack and emerging star-quality cast, opened up last weekend at the Renton Civic Theater (RCT) to a nearly packed house and joyful crowd.

The  rock-and-roll classic about healing with community brought our own community together as local artists, from King County high schoolers to longtime musicians, performed for a charmed audience.

The story follows Chicago teen Ren McCormack, portrayed by a new addition to the PNW, Julio Ulloa Jr, as he processes the abandonment of his father. Ren and his mother, Ethel (Michele Greenwood Bettinger), are left with no choice but to move to the rural town of Bomont, where dancing has been outlawed following the tragic car accident that resulted in the deaths of four Bomont-teens who were on their way home from a dance a few years prior.

From his years in the clubs of Chicago, Ren has used dance as an expression of joy. In his new home, it chafes against the avoidance of small town, conservative America. Ulloa Jr. brought charm and enthusiasm to the role of a rebel outsider in a convincing display of the hero Ariel Moore (Ella Tennant Swensons) sings for in “Holding Out for a Hero”.

As the town walls themselves off against their loss, it also blocks out their joy. Ren recognizes the pain, and, with the help of friends, engages in a long-term American tradition: protest against weaponized and misguided religion. 

This long-term denial of grief comes out as abuse, a specific elephant in the play whose resolution felt limited due to the forum. In a beat-by-beat story, there’s restrictions on a musical’s ability to slow down and tug at each individual heartstring, both good and bad. The production felt humorous and joyful, which lifted us up with hits like “Still Rockin” and “Let’s Hear it for the Boy”, though the script overlooks some of the more somber parts of the story; the abuse and silencing of women, for instance. 

The uproarious standout performances of Sydney Belden as Rusty, whose humor, timing, and vocal ability shined every time she was onstage, and Mykahla George as Willard Hewitt, who nailed the emotional journey of our bumbling cowboy, carried the energy of the play for the entire opening night run. 

The connection between Russell Mathews as Revered Shaw Moore and Noel Pederson as Vi Moore stood out as the two not only acted their parts, but reacted to each other, giving the emotional family dynamic a stronger delivery. 

A major strength in RTC’s production was its musical direction. The musical trio of Rusty, Urleen (Sonja Rose Usher), and Wendy Jo (Amelia Dooley) were a continuous source of admiration from beginning to end. 

The show closed out to a standing ovation full of friends, families, and teachers. In an American moment where community is stripped away – whether that be by corporations, politicians, or technology – productions like the RTC’s “Footloose” remind us of the power of coming together for our youth. 

The story of “Footloose” is based on the real story of Elmore City, Oklahoma who had outlawed dancing at its founding in 1898, long before the genre of ‘rock and roll’ surfaced as radio hits. The law was rescinded nearly a century later, in 1980, drawing national news attention as the town’s high school held its first prom.

Songwriter Dean Pitchford read a short article about Elmore City that year, which inspired him to write his first screenplay for “Footloose”.

The original 1984 film was made famous for its iconic rock-and-roll soundtrack and starsetting cast, and soon after its initial release was adapted for Broadway in 1998 with a slightly different soundtrack and the dance steps of other running shows at the time. It was remade for a modern movie audience in 2011.

Tickets

The RCT run of “Footloose” takes place Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., through June 21. Industry night takes place Monday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m.

For more information and ticket purchases, visit the Renton Civic Theater website here. 

Sonya Rose Usher, Sydney Belden, and Amelia Dooley belted out a a consistently excellent performance, opening the show in a Chicago nightclub and closing out at Bomont’s first high school dance.

Photos courtesy Colin Madison Photography.

EDITOR’S NOTE: South King Media Founder/Publisher Scott Schaefer serves on the Board of Directors for the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce.

The Seattle Southside Chamber and Success Foundation are seeking sponsors for their 2026 Southside Leadership Conference on Friday, July 10 at Highline College.

As one of South King County’s premier leadership events, this annual conference brings together business owners, executives, policymakers, community leaders, and emerging professionals for a morning of insight, connection, and inspiration.

This year’s program will feature high-impact conversations designed to help leaders navigate today’s rapidly changing business environment, including:

• South King County Economic Outlook – Explore the trends, workforce shifts, and growth opportunities shaping our regional economy.
• Policy & Regulatory Forecast – Gain insight into the legislative and regulatory issues impacting employers and business growth.
• Capital, Cash Flow & Resilience – Learn how strong financial leadership drives organizational success and long-term sustainability.
• Strategy in Motion: Leading Through Change – Discover practical approaches to strategic thinking, adaptive leadership, and driving results in uncertain times.

Organizers will close the conference with a special fireside conversation featuring King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, moderated by Tukwila Mayor Thomas McLeod. This candid discussion, The Journey So Far: Resilience, Risk & Reinvention, will explore leadership, perseverance, and the lessons learned through navigating growth, challenge, and change.

In addition to the educational programming, attendees will have access to a Leadership Resource Fair, connecting them directly with businesses, organizations, educational institutions, and service providers that support professional growth, workforce development, business success, and community impact. This highly interactive portion of the conference creates meaningful opportunities for sponsors to engage directly with attendees, showcase resources, build relationships, and increase brand visibility.

By sponsoring the conference, your organization will:

• Showcase your brand alongside respected regional leaders and organizations
• Connect directly with business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders
• Demonstrate your commitment to leadership development and workforce growth
• Gain visibility through event marketing, onsite recognition, and attendee engagement
• Participate in the Leadership Resource Fair and build valuable new connections
• Invest in the future success of South King County

“Whether you are interested in premier event visibility, a panel sponsorship, a resource fair table, or simply supporting leadership development in our region, there are opportunities available for organizations of all sizes,” organizers said.

Download the sponsorship packet at this link:

Download the Sponsorship Packet Here

“Thank you for your continued investment in our business community. Together, we are building stronger leaders, stronger businesses, and a stronger Southside.”

More info on this event is available here.

REMINDER: Soccer fans will have two opportunities this week to gather in SeaTac for public World Cup viewing parties as the city launches a summer of community events centered around the tournament.

Viewing Party at Bull Pen Pub Site

The city’s first-ever World Cup Viewing Party will be held this Thursday, June 11, beginning at 4 p.m. at the site of the Old Bull Pen Pub, located at 2825 S. 200th Street and International Boulevard (map below).

The event will be hosted by Metier Brewing.

Adjacent to the Angle Lake Station, the site, which was recently acquired and transformed by the city, will serve as a cornerstone of SeaTac’s FIFA footprint.

This event will feature community programming, food, and entertainment with programming on Sundays and Thursday, with a capacity for about 180 people.

Viewing Party on Friday, June 12

The city also announced that Stoup Brewing will launch its first viewing party of the summer on Friday, June 12, at 6 p.m. at the Old Chase Building, 18400 International Blvd. (map below).

According to the City of SeaTac, the events are part of a series of activities planned for the week and throughout the summer, bringing the community together to celebrate the World Cup.

https://www.seatacwa.gov/our-city/fifa-world-cup-2026

By Sarah Toce

The Highline School Board convened on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, for a nearly three-hour discussion on hot button items that included classified staff relocation, transparency concerns, and more.

While there was not an official June proclamation, the board recognized National Safety Month, Pride Month, Flag Day, and Juneteenth.

Highline Education Association President Jeb Binns took a few moments to recognize and thank retiring staff members, as well as guest teachers. Binns encouraged acceptance of all students and community members as a sponsor of Burien Pride.

Mobile Devices

SB 5346 (companion bill HB 1122) addresses student use of mobile devices in public schools. The Superintendent Student Leadership Team urged policymakers to utilize student perspectives in decision-making. The new policy is slated for implementation on June 11, 2026.

The Superintendent Student Leadership Team meets monthly at different schools throughout the year, offering leadership lessons and values-based leadership opportunities. Guest speakers from Evergreen and Tyee shared their findings on cell phone and social media usage, as well as access to smart devices. The survey included feedback from an estimated 946 students, 35 staff members, and close to 100 parents, according to their presentation.

“Phones affect the learning environment every day, so the rules around them can shape whether the classroom feels safe and focused, and also respectful and fair,” the group offered. “So when expectations are clear and consistent, students are most likely to feel able to understand the boundaries and make more responsible choices.”

The student leaders emphasized the need for transparency and inclusion for non-traditional circumstances, such as students using their mobile devices for familial interaction, translation apps, and general anxiety reduction.

“And some students have to text their parents because some of them have to pick up their siblings or other family members, or let their family know where they are, because some parents work while school hours happen, and they want to know where their students are (and their kids) – and if they’re safe,” the group relayed.

They said in conclusion, “As a policy is developed, families need clear, consistent information so they will understand the expectations, the reasons behind them, and how the policy will affect the students’ day-to-day. It is also important to make sure communication is accessible in different languages because families cannot support a plan if they do not fully understand it.”

2026 Bond Recommendation

The community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) presented its 2026 bond recommendation at the meeting. Co-lead Tova Tupper started by saying, “This community-led group has spent the past two years studying Highline’s facility needs and developing a recommendation for the board’s consideration. Additional co-leads were Jackie Bryan and Omaha Sternberg.

“The CFAC was formed in 2015 to support bond planning and has successfully recommended the 2016 and the 2022 bond packages,” Sternberg said. “Membership includes appointed representatives from local jurisdictions, high schools, labor, and community organizations. And about half of CFAC members are also selected through a lottery process. Our committee charge was to develop recommendations for future facilities. This is not easy work, as you can imagine, and requires hard decisions, thinking about the needs of students in our district as a whole, and not just in our own neighborhood.”

The committee’s bond recommendation includes two full replacements, two partial replacements, and additional funding for design work and critical needs.

Student co-chair Cheryl Forbes said:

“This $595.4 million bond package invests in Highline’s future by bringing our deteriorating neighborhoods’ middle schools up to modern safety and learning conditions, just as our community has done for our neighboring high schools.”

Eric Hustad, the father of a fifth-grade student at Hazel Valley, said:

“For Sylvester, CFAC recommends rebuilding Sylvester Middle School at the existing site based on urgent building system maintenance and safety needs. Sylvester’s campus includes multiple aging buildings, with some dating back to 1953. The school’s overall building condition is well into the poor category. CFAC believes rebuilding Sylvester at the current site is the most fiscally responsible approach and would provide students with a modern, safer learning environment.”

Hustad continued, “CFAC recommends rebuilding Cascade Middle School at the Salmon Creek site based on student safety, long-term site feasibility, and fiscal responsibility considerations. Cascade’s current campus includes multiple aging buildings dating back to 1957. CFAC reviewed significant challenges with rebuilding at the current site, which includes wetlands buffers, a large sewer easement, limited buildable space, and the need for a more complex multi-story design. After reviewing conceptual site plans and cost estimates, CFAC concluded the nearby Salmon Creek site provides a more practical and buildable location for a new middle school campus. Rebuilding Cascade at Salmon Creek will save $44 million compared to rebuilding at the current site.”

Hustad said CFAC “asked for and read community input, including a group of Salmon Creek neighbors who are concerned about Cascade being rebuilt adjacent to them, and community concerns about what would happen to the garden hosted on the school property.” CFAC members were strong in their consensus to prioritize students and their needs above other factors while also making the most fiscally responsible long-term decision for Highline.”

CFAC members “understand there will be extensive opportunity through the permitting traffic and feasibility review processes to study impacts in greater depth and address neighborhood concerns,” Hustad added.

“CFAC recommends a major rebuild and modernization of Chinook Middle School based on aging facilities, declining building systems, and equity with other neighborhood middle schools,” said CFAC member Terri Hewitt. Hewitt is an alumni of Tyee High School and the parent of three children who graduated from Mount Rainier High School. 

“The recommendation includes replacing several buildings with new construction, while modernizing portions of the existing campus where it makes sense to do so,” Hewitt added. “The redesigned campus would create updated learning spaces for programs like career and technical education, science, art, and music, while improving safety and overall learning conditions for students.”

Choice Academy is currently housed in the district’s lowest-rated school building. The CFAC recommends rebuilding the Southern Heights site “using insurance funding already available following the 2024 arson fire, while renovating portions of the existing classroom wings,” Hewitt said. “CFAC believes this project creates an opportunity to provide Choice students and staff with a modernized learning environment designed around the needs of the program and school community. While also maximizing available insurance dollars to reduce the overall impact of the bond funding.”

Katie Kresly said she served on the CFAC for the past three years and challenged:

“For the committee described as community led, but [composed] of 50% hand-selected members, that raises questions. If transparency, equity, and being a good neighbor are true priorities, then community members deserve meaningful opportunities to be heard in person before major decisions are made and finalized. That’s how trust is built, and that’s what being a good neighbor looks like.”

The CFAC said they also considered potential rebuilds or major modernization projects for both Hilltop Elementary and Valley View Early Learning Center. 

“Ultimately, members prioritized the schools and projects previously discussed based on urgency, student impact, and available funding,” Hewitt added. “At the same time, CFAC recognized both schools have facility needs and recommends including funding for initial design work and targeted critical need improvements at both sites while they await a future bond.”

The committee made the recommendation to set aside $40 million for critical facility needs district-wide, allowing Highline to address required building system upgrades, emergency repairs, and site improvements.

Raisbeck Aviation High School

Multiple pleas for outgoing Raisbeck Aviation High School Principal Therese Tipton to be allowed to attend graduation on June 11 radiated throughout the room.

“For four years, Principal Tipton has shown up, not as a title, but as a person. She has celebrated these students and their victories manual or measured in a performance metric. It is earned slowly, consistently, one student at a time,” said commenter Amy Ely. “Today, 92 seniors stand on the threshold of one of the most significant moments of their lives. They are proud, they are ready, and many of them are hurting, because the principal who walked with them through four years of growth may not be allowed to witness the moment they cross the finish line.”

Ely continued, “What we do not understand is why student voices carry so little weight in a decision that directly affects their experience. They are not abstract stakeholders. Graduation is not about policy or politics. It’s about students, always has been. Everything we do as educators, leaders, family members, and community partners exists to serve them.”

“When you removed Ms. Tipton, you left an enormous void,” said Rehana Meyer, a parent of a sophomore attending Raisbeck Aviation High School. “She is the backbone of Raisbeck. Her dedication to her staff and students is a major reason this school is successful, and we want her back.”

Cascade Relocation

Third-generation White Center resident Haley Matsui commented, “My grandmother taught in Highline schools, my mom and I attended Highline schools, and I am expecting my first child, who will be a fourth-generation Highline student, and a future Cascade Middle School student. So this upcoming bond to rebuild middle schools in our district is really personal to me, because I’ve heard, and more tonight, that there is talk that Cascade might be left out of this bond.”

Matsui added, “My mom went to Cascade in the ’70s and also remarked that it needed to be rebuilt back then. And so learning that rebuilding Sylvester and Chinook, but not Cascade, feels really unacceptable to me, and it’s not an equitable option. I am a future Cascade parent, and I care deeply about North Berrien, White Center, and every middle school across the district deserves to be rebuilt, not just those in the wealthier south end. Let’s not leave behind the communities that have been historically underserved.”

Mika Sundberg, a parent of students at Hazel Valley Elementary and Cascade, is also the co-chair for Yes for Highline and has served on CFAC since 2018.

“For two years, CFAC reviewed enrollment projections, facility conditions, and tax impacts. Throughout the process, we worked to balance student needs with financial responsibility and considered how voters across the whole district would view the proposal. As part of our work, we asked the district to look at different options for several projects to see if there are ways to save money while still providing students with the schools they deserve. This included relocating Sylvester and Cascade to better sites, and consolidating Choice Academy and Big Picture at Southern Heights.”

Sundberg continued, “Not every option proved feasible. Relocating Sylvester proved more expensive than rebuilding on site, and Big Picture depends heavily on transit access and asked not to be included at this time. Concerns were also raised about relocating Cascade to Salmon Creek, though many in the Cascade community indicated a new location was okay if it resulted in a better school. Ultimately, CFAC recommended adding Chinook Middle School, along with Cascade and Sylvester, to the bond package, because investing in Chinook now allows the district to reuse portions of the existing building, avoiding higher costs in the future and ensuring all Highline Middle School students have the benefit of a new building.”

Current Cascade student Pascal Global spoke about why he felt his school should be replaced.

“Cascade is very old school. It’s infested with roaches. The ceilings are caving in in some places. And as I’ve learned, the buildings are sinking,” Global said. “So when I’m in math class and all of a sudden, a roach comes out of nowhere, it disrupts the entire class. And kids are yelling, and it’s hard to focus. So it would be good to have a new school because being in an old school, it feels somewhat unsafe, and it’s always having to be [repaired].”

Carson Ivins asked the board to reconsider building Cascade at the Salmon Creek site and instead rebuild Cascade at the shared Evergreen Cascade campus. 

“As many of you have seen, there is a petition signed by nearly 400 Burien area residents asking the board to take a closer look at these concerns before adding it to the bond package,” Ivins said. “What concerns us is that one of the district’s largest middle schools is now being proposed for one of its smallest sites. Salmon Creek is only 6.65 acres, while Washington State siting guidelines recommend five usable acres plus one acre per 100 students and an additional five acres for schools serving grades above sixth grade, which puts the Salmon Creek site at almost one-third the space recommended.”

Additional public comments can be viewed in the video below.

Video

Watch video of the full this school board meeting:

EDITOR’S NOTE: The author of this story is a CFAC committee member and worked on the 2026 bond package recommendations. She is dedicated to fair and accurate reporting.

This month, the world’s biggest sporting event comes to our region, and there’s no better place to kick off the excitement than at the Tukwila United Block Party on Saturday, June 13.

On June 13, the City of Tukwila invites residents and visitors alike to gather on Baker Boulevard in Tukwila’s Southcenter District for a free, family-friendly celebration of soccer, culture, and community. From 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the street will transform into a vibrant festival filled with live entertainment, great food, and activities for all ages.

The Tukwila United Block Party is more than a watch party—it’s a celebration of the diverse cultures and communities that make Tukwila so special. Guests can enjoy live match viewing alongside fellow fans.

Live Match Schedule: 

• Qatar vs. Switzerland: 12 p.m. 
• Brazil vs. Morocco: 3 p.m. 
• Haiti vs. Scotland: 6 p.m.

Throughout the day, attendees can explore a variety of local food trucks serving up delicious eats, enjoy live music performances, and experience cultural dance presentations that showcase the global spirit of the game.

Families will find plenty to keep kids entertained with interactive activities and hands-on fun designed for all ages.

Guests 21 and older can also relax and enjoy the beer garden while soaking in the festival atmosphere.

Whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan or simply looking for a fun way to spend the day with friends and family, the Tukwila United Block Party offers something for everyone.

Wear your team colors, bring your cheering spirit, and join fellow fans in celebrating the sport that brings the world together.

The event is free and open to the public – learn more at:

https://www.tukwila26.com/event/tukwila-united-block-party/

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sponsored Posts like this are paid, “Native Advertisements” that help businesses and organizations improve their internet presence and all-important SEO. South King Media also underwrites fundraisers from local nonprofits. To learn more about how your business or organization can directly reach our expanding, engaged audience in South King County, please email Theresa Schaefer at vtheresa@comcast.net.

The SeaTac school’s Wind Ensemble and Prelude Orchestra traveled to Idaho for the event, where both groups competed in the AA band and orchestra divisions. Each ensemble performed two musical selections before an audience and two judges who were music professors from local universities.

According to Kuborssy, both groups earned second place in their respective divisions.

“For our first national competition, we are thrilled and proud to have placed so high,” Kuborssy said.

The trip began with a stop at Eastern Washington University, where students participated in a campus tour and student panel. Students learned about academics and campus life by speaking with university students and faculty members.

Following their performances, students spent time at Silverwood theme park before attending the competition’s awards ceremony.

Kuborssy said the students also received praise from festival organizers and members of the public for their conduct throughout the trip.

“We got lots of compliments on how kind and respectful and well behaved we were on the trip by many strangers and festival organizers,” she said.

Kuborssy credited community support for helping make the trip possible and thanked donors who contributed to fundraising efforts throughout the year. She also recognized Gear Up and the Highline Schools Foundation for supporting the students’ participation in the event.

The competition marked the first national level music contest for Glacier Middle School’s ensembles and resulted in two top finishes for the SeaTac school’s music program.

The band was accompanied throughout their trip by “Gerald” a beloved rubber chicken adopted by students seven years ago during Glacier Openers. What started with one chicken has grown into a collection of more than 10 rubber chickens, and Gerald continues to accompany students to concerts, recruitment events and field trips.

Photos

Below are photos from the event, courtesy Band Director Kuborssy:

Videos

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No one flies into SeaTac expecting an international food destination. San Francisco has its sourdough, New York has its pizza, and Los Angeles has its street tacos, but a mere three miles past the parking lots and rental car returns, SeaTac boasts a culinary capital that has been quietly thriving for decades; the rich, aromatic world of authentic East African cuisine. 

Though the food is excellent, these places aren’t simply a stop for a wonderful meal. Each restaurant is paired with its own market, where the ingredients, spices, and pantry staples of East African cooking are yours to explore.

Zain Restaurant & Bakery Cafe

Zain Restaurant & Bakery Cafe is family-owned and operated and home to the best gyros you’ve ever had in your life.

Choose from lamb, beef, or chicken, and be served a bursting gyro stuffed full of bright, fresh vegetables, tzatziki sauce, and mild spicy mustard next to a pile of hot golden fries.

The medley of flavors in Zain’s gyros is sensational, the spices of the meat blending with the fresh peppers, cucumber, and tomato to find a perfect balance, married perfectly to the neutral backdrop of soft pita bread.

The fries come lightly sprinkled with seasoned salt and crisped to perfection, with an outside that has a satisfying crunch and an inside that melts in your mouth.

While Zain Restaurant Bakery & Cafe is a prime lunch spot, it’s also an excellent choice for breakfast.

Zain’s pastry case is full of tempting confections, including coconut cake, baklava, and donuts (come early for these, they will be sold out by the afternoon!).

All pastries are made fresh in-house every morning, and you can tell as soon as you take your first bite.

The baklava in particular bursts with sweet flavor. Layers of carefully-crafted flaky pastry are stuffed with ground pistachio and almond and soaked in a sweet syrup for a final touch. Enjoy with a coffee or a hot cup of aromatic Somali tea for a fully rounded sensory experience.

Tawakal Mini Market

Directly adjacent to Zain Restaurant & Bakery Cafe is the Tawakal Mini Mart, owned by the same family as the cafe and in operation since 1999.

Once you’ve tasted the brilliance of your East African breakfast or lunch, hop on over to the mini mart and pick up some ingredients to experiment with in your own kitchen.

Tawakal serves its East African community with well-stocked shelves of pantry staples, including Ugali, Injeria, grains, and legumes in large rough sacks piled against the wall, and boxes of pasta ready for the freshly prepared meat butchered directly in-shop.

The walls are lined with spices imported from over a dozen countries, making them a perfect item to pick up as a useful souvenir from your travels.

Choose from Tandoori, Kenyan curry, lemon pepper, cardamom, cloves, star anise, nutmeg, niter kibbeh, Berbere spice mix, and so many more.

SeaTac Cuisines

SeaTac Cuisines is a bustling place. Packed with diners catching a late lunch, the restaurant serves as a community hub, with nonstop comings and goings as neighbors greet each other at the door, pull up a chair, and start happily chatting over their plates of lamb, rice, and pasta.

When asked what his favorite thing on the menu is, the smiling server points to the Injera Ethiopian Combination Dish. When asked why it is his favorite, his smile widens, and he says, “It’s simply delicious!”

The description is apt. The Ethiopian Combination Dish is served on a large piece of Injera bread, a spongy, flexible flatbread meant to easily sop up sauces and grab meat and vegetables. 

The platter includes a generous portion of lamb shank smothered in a spicy tomato sauce. Tender and falling off the bone, the lamb’s spiciness is perfectly mellowed by the Injera and the toasted, nutty spinach served on the side.

The lentils blend with all other foods in the dish, creating a pleasing variety and excellent balance to the overall meal.

The portions at SeaTac Cuisines are generous and filling, so come with an appetite and bring a friend!

Tabarak Market

Like the Tawakal market next to Zain Restaurant & Bakery Cafe, Tabarek Market is connected to SeaTac Cuisines and ready for browsing as soon as you’ve finished your delicious meal.

You will find many of the same spices and staples at Tabarek as you did at Tawakal, but there’s one aisle in Tabarek you don’t want to miss.

In the middle of the shop, you will find shelves of tea and coffee. Make your own Somali tea at home with blends infused with cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, and snag a bag of locally roasted single-origin African coffee beans to elevate your morning coffee!

Easy to Overlook, Impossible to Forget

Every year, thousands of travelers rush through SeaTac, never pausing to discover the extraordinary culinary world unobtrusively setting its table for anyone willing to walk through its door. Don’t let SeaTac’s East African food community be the best meal you ever missed. 

The invitation is open. Come on in.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sponsored Posts like this are paid, “Native Advertisements” that help businesses and organizations improve their internet presence and all-important SEO. South King Media also underwrites fundraisers from local nonprofits. To learn more about how your business or organization can directly reach our expanding, engaged audience in South King County, please email Theresa Schaefer at vtheresa@comcast.net.

Drivers should expect nighttime lane and ramp closures on SR 509 in SeaTac Monday, June 1 to the morning of Thursday, June 4, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

These closures will allow contractor crews working for WSDOT to add new lane lines and road markings that help guide drivers and clearly define lanes.

This work is part of the SR 509 Completion Project.

SR 509 ramp closure information

Monday, June 1 to the morning of Tuesday, June 2:

• 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. – The southbound SR 509 exit to South 188th Street will close overnight. A signed detour will be in place.

SR 509 lane closure information

Wednesday, June 3 to the morning of Thursday, June 4:

• 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. – One lane of northbound SR 509 will close overnight from South 176th Street to South 168th Street.

SR 509 Completion Project information

The SR 509 Completion Project builds 3 miles of new tolled highway between I-5 in SeaTac and South 188th Street near the south end of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Crews are building the new expressway in stages. The first stage, completed in 2022, built a new bridge on SR 99 in SeaTac. The next stage, which opened in summer 2025, built the first mile between I-5 and 24th Avenue South. That stage also included the new Veterans Drive tunnel in Kent near the SR 516 interchange.

Crews are now working on the final stage which builds the remaining 2 miles of the expressway between 24th Avenue South and South 188th Street in SeaTac. The entire expressway is scheduled to open to the public in 2028.

Puget Sound Gateway Program overview

The SR 509 Completion Project is part of WSDOT’s Puget Sound Gateway Program, which also includes the SR 167 Completion Project in Pierce County. Together, the two projects complete critical missing links in Washington’s highway and freight network.

The free, family-friendly event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Roadhouse at Angle Lake Station (map below). It coincides with the grand opening of the city’s summer Farmers Market, which will operate from 3 to 7 p.m. outside the venue.

This event will focus on major initiatives completed or launched during the past year, including the purchase of the future site of the city’s planned International Village and implementation efforts related to Envision SeaTac 2044.

“A year of progress. From the purchase of the future site of our new International Village to the implementation of Envision SeaTac 2044, the past year has been one of substantial groundwork,” the city said in announcing the event.

City officials also plan to discuss preparations for major international soccer events coming to the region this summer and provide updates on three free community gathering sites expected to open soon.

In addition, officials will outline the city’s approach to developing its 2027-2028 budget.

“Like many cities across Washington, SeaTac is preparing its 2027/2028 budget,” the city said. “We’ll share more about the path forward and what it means for you and our City.”

The city is encouraging residents to attend, ask questions and learn more about decisions that will shape the community’s future.

The event will also feature live music, free snacks and giveaways including soccer balls and backpacks.

SeaTac’s Farmers Market grand opening will take place immediately before and during the event, giving attendees an opportunity to shop and participate in both activities.

The 2026 State of the City will be held at The Roadhouse at Angle Lake Station and is free to attend.

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Shred Day is this Saturday, May 30!

NOW is the time to go through those old file cabinets, shoe boxes, and piles on your table to see what you can get rid of! Think about all the unnecessary documents, receipts, and papers that are just taking up space and collecting dust. Take this opportunity to declutter your workspace and get organized! Plus, it’s a great way to protect your identity by securely shredding sensitive documents. So, get started today and make the most of Shred Day!

Community members will have a chance to securely dispose of sensitive documents and old electronics for no charge during the 8th Annual Shred Day and E-Cycle Event, hosted by Sunrise Financial Services this Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 431 SW Ambaum Blvd. in Burien (map below).

The free event offers on-site shredding with no limit on paper materials, including old bills, medical forms, personal files, and even CDs, floppy disks, and sticky notes.

It will also include e-cycling services for approved electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, printers, monitors, and phones.

The E-Cycle portion of the event — now in its fourth year — will accept a range of devices, including modems, routers, game consoles, cameras, and more.

Televisions, plastic materials, batteries, and binder clips will not be accepted.

Organizers note that e-cycle services may be limited to ensure that as many attendees as possible can participate.

In addition to shredding and recycling, the event will also collect donations of unopened, non-perishable food items to support the local food bank.

For more information, residents can contact office@sunrisefinancial.net or call (206) 420-8520.

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