West Seattle, Washington
18 Sunday
(Saturday sunset at Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook – photo by Bob Burns)
On the third Sunday of the new year, here’s what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find more listings!):
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club starts its 9 am run at Highland Park Corner Store today. (7789 Highland Park Way SW)
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Weekly Sunday morning games at the new location of The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
SUNDAY MORNING MEDITATION: 9:30 am at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open as usual on California SW between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in winter produce-and-products season – roots, greens, peppers, mushrooms, beans, garlic, apples, more – plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, pasta, more.
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESIST: Back to the regular weekly West Seattle Resist Sunday sign-holding event, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Spend part of your Sunday afternoon relaxing at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
LIVE AT TIM’S: 2 pm, Korner Blues at Tim’s Tavern (9655 16th SW, White Center), all ages.
WINTER ART MARKET: First of two events today at Mr. B’s Mead Center – Winter Art Market with vendors, musicians, art, performances, food! 1-5 pm. (9444 Delridge Way SW)
WORKSHOP AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5:30 pm, Inner Canvas: A Journey in Vision Crafting, all ages, tickets here. (9444 Delridge Way SW)
ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, 5:15 pm and onward tonight. Tickets and info here.
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: 7:30 pm, free to play, win prizes! (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, wrap up your weekend with live music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could add to the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Thanks to the reader who texted that photo from tonight’s Seattle University men’s basketball game vs. Gonzaga, after being surprised to see a halftime performance with West Seattle’s own Rain City Ropeworks jump-rope team. “It was a great show, got the loudest applause of the night,” the texter added. (Seattle U lost the game, 71-50.) Rain City is coached by Rene Bibaud, the West Seattleite who holds multiple jump-rope world championships.
Tire-dumping in West Seattle greenspaces seems to be a recurring problem. After multiple reports in the West Duwamish Greenbelt, tonight word of another location – a texter sent the report and photos:
Someone dumped maybe 50 tires on the side of the road on Fairmount Avenue. It’s kind of a criminal amount of illegal dumping … I just got home from the airport … Sounds like this happened sometime Thursday night or Friday.
That timeframe was according to the texter’s neighbors. The city’s page about illegal dumping explains, among other things, how to report it (and also has a map of recent reports).
P.S. Almost forgot to mention, the dumped-in-Fauntleroy spa chairs shown here earlier this week have been taken away, reports Tom (who sent the original photo of the chairs).
Metro is proposing changes affecting Route 60, which runs from Westwood Village to Capitol Hill via White Center, South Park, Georgetown, Beacon Hill, the International District, and First Hill. The changes could affect other transportation-corridor users, so you might be interested in offering feedback even if you’re not a bus rider. They’re asking for feedback via this survey, and detailing the proposals in four segments – here’s the summary of how the West Seattle (and vicinity) segment could change:
Segment 4: East Marginal Way & 16th Avenue South to Westwood Village (South Park, Westwood-Highland Park).
The East Marginal Way to Westwood Village segment includes portions of the South Park and Westwood-Highland Park neighborhoods. The route serves multiple community assets such as the Olson/Myers Park and Ride and Westwood Village.
Potential improvements to this segment may include:
-A new bus priority lane on Cloverdale Street approaching 14th Avenue South. This lane would help buses bypass long lines of traffic during morning and evening rush hours.
-Intersection improvements near the Olson Place and Myers Way Park and Ride to reduce travel time and improve bus reliability.
-Closure of the eastbound bus stop at Barton Place and 22nd Avenue Southwest. Removing this stop will help improve travel time and result in better stop spacing that aligns with Metro’s recommended guidelines.
All segments’ proposed changes are detailed here. Metro is asking for responses to its Route 60 survey by February 20.
We often publish obituaries on WSB, mostly for humans, but occasionally for pets, like this one sent by Jyl, whose dog Boo was a bit of a “neighborhood celebrity,” so Jyl wanted the community to know he’s gone:
Boozhoo (aka Boo) the self-proclaimed Mayor of West Seattle, passed away at home on January 16. Boo was 13 1/2 years young and was deeply loved.
He was rescued in 2019 as part of a hoarding case in Texas. Because of his sweet spirit, Boo served as a temperament tester for the rescue before he was sent to Seattle for his retirement years. Boo was adopted at the start of COVID and quickly learned why West Seattle is the best Seattle. Like many pit bulls, he knew he had to be an ambassador for his breed, so he was always seen with a T-shirt and bow tie on so people knew he was a sweet boy. He made friends with every dog he met and every human who would stop to pet him. Until he started to slow down in his super senior years, he could be seen daily walking all over the neighborhood in search of a good smell and a friendly pet. People regularly stopped traffic to say hello and on at least one occasion to give him a serenade. Friends like Bernie and David showered him with gourmet treats whenever they crossed paths.
In his self-appointed role of Mayor, he supported local businesses. The guys at Alki Lumber became his favorite source of treats and “dad pats,” and RealFine Coffee on Fauntleroy always had the best pup cups. He wooed the staff at Next-to-Nature Pet Markets to give him extra snacks, and he knew a stop at El Chapulin Oaxaqueño meant his favorite carnitas. Boo was a big fan of all the folks at Pet Care Center at Luna Park, even when they trimmed his nails.
He visited Alki Beach regularly, and he watched all the football games at West Seattle Stadium. If you’ve walked down Avalon Way and found your path blocked by an 80-pound pit bull hoping for a pet, that was Boo. He will be missed by his large extended family in the Westside Flats apartments and all his dog friends, especially Naya, Lemon, Misha, Kiba, Buddy, Scarlett, and Robbie. If you loved Boo, you can honor his memory by donating to the shelters who rescued him, Dallas Dog RRR and Seattle Humane. Boo made stickers every year for his friends, and if anyone would like one, they can stop by RealFine Coffee on Fauntleroy to pick one up.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
(Added: WSB photo, Water Taxi boarding just before 4 pm)
If you’re going to the Seahawks‘ playoff game (5 pm at Lumen Field vs. the 49ers), reminder that you can take the West Seattle Water Taxi there and back. The WT website says, “After the game, there will be special post-game sailings from Pier 50 to the Seacrest dock at 8:30 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Then you can take the free shuttle from Seacrest to the West Seattle Junction (Route 773) or ride along Alki (Route 775).”
Something else the sunshine brings to mind … spring cleaning, and the free West Seattle recycle/reuse events that can help with it. Here are two dates to save (both Saturdays):
(WSB photo from March 2025)
MARCH 21: The annual recycle/reuse event organized by the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is set for this date. This is in partnership with multiple organizations that accept a variety of recyclable/reusable items. We don’t have this year’s specifics yet – and the location might change from past years – but we’re told you can definitely count on this date.
APRIL 25: This will bring Fauntleroy UCC‘s next twice-yearly Recycle Roundup – one partner but a long list of items they’ll accept, including electronics, and plenty of capacity. (We usually are able to publish that list well in advance; not this early, though.)
UNTIL THEN: Can’t wait to dispose of some items? Find options via the Seattle Public Utilities “Where Does It Go?” lookup.
The sunshine reminds us that spring isn’t far. For many families, that means youth-sports seasons are approaching too. This year, two local lacrosse clubs are welcoming prospective players from kindergarten age to high-school age – and offering free drop-in sessions soon. Here’s the invitation sent to us to share with you:
Looking for a fast-paced, team-oriented sport for your child? Try lacrosse!
(Photo by Mike Jacobs)
There are two clubs that serve our area — the Southwest Lacrosse Club (a.k.a. SW Titans) and the West Seattle Lacrosse Club. We would love to meet your family and support your player this spring. Whether your child is brand new to lacrosse or has played before, our spring season is a great way to learn the game, stay active, and have fun with friends.
Our youth teams (K-8) welcome players from West Seattle, White Center, South Park, Burien, Tukwila, SeaTac, Normandy Park, and Des Moines. High school teams welcome any West Seattle High School, Chief Sealth International High School, or private high-school student who lives in the West Seattle or Highline School District reference area.
Registration for our co-ed player development program (K-2), girls and boys youth teams (3-8), and girls and boys high-school teams is open now! K-2 clinic starts in April (Sundays) with two weekend game jamborees planned in May. Grades 3-8 practices begin in February (two nights per week), and weekend games run from mid-March through the end of May.
Register for the K-2 Development team or Boys Youth Teams through the SW Titans: swlacrosseclub.org/registration
Register for Girls Youth Teams, Girls High School Team, or Boys High School Team through West Seattle Lacrosse: https://www.westseattlelaxclub.org/home
Interested in the sport, but want to try it out before you commit? We’ve got you covered! Join our FREE drop-in sessions for new players in 2nd to 8th grade. Saturday mornings (February 1, 8, and 22; March 1) from 9-10 am at Hiawatha Playfield. No RSVP or equipment necessary, just show up and play!
We believe lacrosse should be accessible to everyone. Both clubs offer full and partial scholarships, loaner equipment, and a great community of players and families. If you have questions, please email us at swlctitans@gmail.com or westseattlelax@gmail.com with any questions.
(Mount Baker, aka Kulshan, photographed by Kevin Freitas)
Happy Saturday! Yes, there’s more going on than just The Game. Here’s our list for the hours ahead, mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run.
FREE MEDITATION: Start the weekend with Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3620 SW Alaska).
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile as a prelude to the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fauntleroy Way SW.
PLAY-TO-CONNECT + OPEN HOUSE: At The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary (10300 28th SW), come to play and to learn about the school.
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group – details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Four varsity home games today/tonight – 11:30 am, Chief Sealth IHS boys host Cleveland (2600 SW Thistle); 1 pm, Chief Sealth girls host Cleveland; 4:30 pm, West Seattle HS girls host Bishop Blanchet (3000 California SW); 6 pm, WSHS boys host Blanchet.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, noon-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm Saturdays, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Today, 12 percent off all bottle purchases in honor of the Seahawks‘ playoff game!
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 3 pm, listen to new music – NOT live (that’s later this month) – by The Format. (4559 California SW)
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
PLAYOFF GAME: Just a reminder – the Seahawks host the 49ers at 5 pm.
ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, first admission 5:15 pm. Tickets and info here; extended through February.
EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Roo Forrest & Friends at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, all ages, no cover.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Local live music at The Skylark, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Soft Pass, Hard Softee, All Friends Here, $10, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 7 pm, free in-store show by Katherine Van Bebber. (4556 California SW)
LIVE AT TIM’S TAVERN: Benefit for the venue, featuring Well Adjusted, MFD, Two Minute Hate, doors 7 pm, music 8 pm, tickets here. (16th SW & SW 98th, White Center)
WINTER PARTY AT WOLFPACK CELLARS: 8 pm-midnight “aprés ski” party even if you haven’t been to the slopes! Ticketed event at Wolfpack Cellars (9617 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm, DJ Buttnaked spins. (4547 California SW)
SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome to a listing on our calendar, which is free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
SATURDAY NOON UPDATE: The missing man’s family reports he’s been found.
Earlier:
It’s already Saturday in Paris, where Bakery Nouveau owner William Leaman has just 3 days left before his second Coupe du Monde de Boulangerie competition, this time as a coach.
We first told you in October about Leaman’s return to the competition two decades after winning it as a member of Team USA in 2005. Since agreeing to coach last year, he’s been traveling regularly to practice with the 3 bakers selected from around the U.S for the competition. The team made it past the preliminary round last October in Las Vegas, and has been focused on the finals ever since.
(photos by William Leaman)
Leaman shared a photo of a recent practice day, showing the breads, pastries, savory “snacks,” and an artistic piece that depicts “the great inventions of your country” that each team must produce in a single day. They’re up against nine other teams from around the world. The competition is held every 2-3 years.
“We are done with practice and made our adjustments to the French flour; honestly, we feel pretty good!” said Leaman.
Next they will search Paris’ higher-end markets for finishing touches. “We have 2 more days to select the best possible ingredients we can find to garnish our products.”
Leaman says they’re staying across the street from Porte De Versailles, the exhibition hall where the competition is held, making it a hassle-free commute when it’s showtime very early in the morning on January 20th. Team USA will bake alongside Brazil, France, Japan, and Senegal. The following day, it will be Canada, Chinese Taipei, Denmark, Morocco, and South Korea, with judges announcing winners on January 22nd.
Here are our toplines from another of this week’s community-organization meetings – this time, the Admiral Neighborhood Association gathering Tuesday night at Admiral HUB, facilitated by ANA president Joanie Jacobs.
SEATTLE POLICE: The night’s main guest was Crime Prevention Coordinator Matt Brown representing SPD. He first presented 2025 stats for the precinct’s coverage area, West Seattle plus South Park:
-3,718 reported crimes
down 19 percent from year before
-415 reported crimes in Admiral last year
down 17 percent from year before
Typical of most if not all areas city-wide, Brown said, also noting, “The majority of crime is property crime.” Violent crime in Admiral held steady – 44 last year, 41 a year earlier. Confirmed gunfire for the entire precinct area – 91 total instances, 6 involved injuries, no deaths; 9 of the gunfire incidents were in Admiral, most recently in October. Brown said the department continues to closely track this. If you think you hear gunshots, even if you’re not sure, call 911. In all cases, even if you’re not 100 percent sure something’s an emergency, if it’s happening now or just happened, better to call 911 than not to – they’ll redirect you if needed.
Regarding personal safety, Brown offered some advice, having just taught a class earlier in the day. Be aware of everything. happening around you, was his top tip. But “if you’re constantly on high alert, you’re going to be exhausted.” Also: “Trust your feelings … trust yourself if you have a gut feeling about something, someone,” or some situation. Have a plan for what you might do in a specific situation. Evaluate your home’s security characteristics – you can replace a window with safety glass, for example, that resists breakage for longer. How bright are your lights? President Jacobs, who manages the coffee shop West Seattle Grounds, talked about reporting problems. What about if you’re not comfortable in a situation? Don’t jump in – but on the other hand, don’t ignore the impulse to try to help, like calling 911. He talked about alternate responders and their roles. “Go ahead and talk to them” if you see them at a scene or event.
There was also discussion of the 988 hotline, as well as the CARE Team – for dispatch of the latter, it all starts with a call to 911, Brown reiterated. And in response to a question from Jacobs, Brown said there are resources for businesses to work on crime, safety, and damage repairs.
ANA board member Ryan Crompton asked about police hiring. Despite the “huge hiring” success last year, the department still has a lot of ground to gain to get back to what’s considered full staffing. SPD remains “very optimistic about the numbers.”
Have we had any ICE activity in West Seattle? another attendee asked. While cautioning that he may not be the best authority, Brown said, not that he’s heard of. And in general, he said that if you see someone looking as if they’re being kidnapped, call 911, officers will respond and will sort it out if it turns out to be federal law enforcers.
MEMBERSHIP: New levels are available to support the ANA and its community work and events, ANA board member Dan Jacobs said. One businessperson who got a shoutout for offering major “All in for Admiral” support is Paula Kennedy from Timeless Kitchen Design (also a WSB sponsor), for example. Community support via membership is a huge reason why the ANA has been able to expand the size and number of events offered. There was talk of how to increase residential membership too – if you sign up for a $40 membership, what does that money do? They’re working on clear communication of the answer to that question. One attendee suggested that even features at events – like portable toilets! – could feature signage saying “Your membership dollars helped pay for this!” Also noted: A mistaken assumption that Admiral is, like The Junction, a “business improvement area” (BIA) with dues and funding. In short – it’s not. Some residents may in fact have the assumption that ANA is just a business group, Kennedy suggested – but it isn’t, at all (in fact, business involvement has been relatively recent, after a few attempts at creating an Admiral business group ebbed). Brainstorming ensued, including ways to network with other Admiral residents – dog walking? crafting? gardening? microneighborhood activities?
2026 EVENTS: Less than six months till this year’s Fourth of July Kids’ Parade! Joanie Jacobs said volunteer power aplenty is needed, as always, to make it work. “And it’s a great way to connect and meet people!” she enthused. This year’s Admiral Music in the Parks – last three Thursdays of July – will again be at three different parks (even though Hiawatha, the longtime venue will finally have reopened by then), and that needs volunteer help too. The Admiral Block Party also needs “lots of volunteers” – fourth Saturday of August. Then there’ll be a neighborhood cleanup too, maybe even two.
NEXT MEETING: March 10, also at the Admiral HUB. (And before then, Dan Jacobs reminded everyone, and as was announced here in mid-December, Hiawatha Community Center‘s grand reopening celebration is set for February 21st – the city is organizing that, so details are yet to come.)
-Tracy Record, WSB editor
1:53 PM: Reported by Sebastian: A friend’s car was stolen this morning in the Pelly Place ravine area north of Lincoln Park. It’s an olive green 1994 right-hand-drive Toyota RAV4. We’re awaiting the license-plate and police-report numbers, but in the meantime, if you find it, call 911.
5:04 PM: Just heard from the vehicle’s owner – it’s been found.
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
Before the three-day weekend that ends with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, at least one local school honored his memory with an assembly followed by a march.
Students and staff at Louisa Boren STEM K-8 marched around their campus along the 5900 block of Delridge Way SW this morning.
They carried handmade signs with messages of peace and justice.
Some signs highlighted quotes from Dr. King.
Thanks to the STEM K-8 PTA for letting us know about this!
(Olympics’ appearance Thursday afternoon – courtesy JCV)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE STROLLER STRIDES CLASS: 9:30 am at West Seattle VFW Hall with FIT4MOM – info in our calendar listing. (3601 SW Alaska)
ONLINE-ORDERING FOOD FUNDRAISER: Order pickup or delivery online today from Panda Express using this information, and part of the proceeds will benefit The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER It’s open again today, 10 am-3 pm at north end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus (6000 16th SW).
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Free indoor playtime for little ones and their caregivers, 10 am-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
BABY STORY TIME: 11 am-11:30 am at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: New session continues at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 12:30 pm-2 pm Fridays, no registration required.
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy by the bottle.
TEEN ART JAM: From ArtsCorps:
Join Arts Corps for art making in the first Teen Art Jam of 2026 Friday, January 16, 5-7pm.
Whether your new year’s resolutions include more art making, or if you just want a place to hang out with some friends, we welcome all teens ages 14-19 to attend this open studio time. Teen Art Jam is free, with dinner and supplies provided. It takes place at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW, Suite 110.
You can RSVP here: tfaforms.com/5104910
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: No home games tonight.
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, Singer-songwriter Phil Parsons at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
ADMIRAL PUB BINGO: 7 pm, classic bingo! (2306 California SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLAEK: Cheap Fun, SULK, Supreme Masters of Relaxed Living perform at 8 pm (doors at 7), all ages, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE AT TIM’S: 8 pm, 3 local singer-songwriters. (16th/98th, White Center)
SPINNING: Revelry Room is open tonight (4547 California SW), with DJ Ryan Fresh, 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to Forest Ray & Billy and the Dreamboats, 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Added: Video by Mark Bauschke)
8:04 AM: Killer whales are in Elliott Bay this morning, off Duwamish Head, Kersti Muul tells us. She says they are headed toward Alki Point.
8:24 AM: She says three transient orcas are almost to the Vashon ferry lanes.
8:41 AM: A second group, she says, is still north of Alki Point, headed southbound.
9:23 AM: Update from Kersti, first group has passed Lincoln Park, SB, and the other is off Duwamish Head “on a kill.” Meantime, she adds that Southern Residents from K-Pod are in the Tacoma area: “Whales everywhere!”
1:04 PM: Thanks to Mark Bauschke for the video – added above.
5:22 PM: Thanks to everyone else who’s since shared photos and video too – we’ve been away from the desk much of the afternoon but are adding now. First, Trileigh Tucker caught a breach on video:
She also sent photos:
These next two photos are by Daniel Walsh:
ADDED: Video by Mark Rhea:
Check comments too!
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, January 16, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts a sunny day, high around 50, north breeze. Sunrise at 7:52 am; sunset at 4:46 pm.
(Thursday sunset, photographed by Bob Burns)
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule. The WT *will* run on. Monday.
Washington State Ferries – According to WSF’s alerts page, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is back to three boats but will be on two-boat service Monday because of boat moves; also, some trips will be canceled tonight.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today (as well as Monday).
ROAD WORK
*In White Center, the final phase of work on 16th SW between 100th and 107th is under way.
3-DAY REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY WEEKEND
*Saturday, Seahawks postseason home game – 5 pm vs. 49ers at Lumen Field
*Monday, closures – including schools – and other changes will mark MLK Day.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
As previously reported. Seattle Police postponed the next quarterly-ish Southwest Precinct Advisory Council from its originally scheduled date this week – and now there’s a new date, so you can set your calendar if you’re interested in attending. This meeting is an opportunity for people in the area to hear from and talk with local police. Crime Prevention Coordinator Matt Brown says the official time/date is now 6:30 pm Tuesday, February 17, at the precinct’s community room, 2300 SW Webster – all welcome.
Two months after the King County budget process put Harbor Island Studios‘ future into question, the county’s Film Advisory Board led a meeting there tonight. Joe Follansbee sent photos and a short summary:
I attended the informational meeting tonight at Harbor Island Studios held by the KCFAB.
Big turnout. No real news. The future of the facility is still in doubt. But there’s plenty of community support.
The KCFAB promises status reports in a newsletter you can subscribe to here.
One week from tonight, Chief Sealth International High School opens its doors to prospective students and their families for an open house. School administrators asked us to share the reminder. The open house starts at 5:45 pm Thursday, January 22. Here’s a brief preview on the school website. A student panel will be there to answer questions, along with staff. Food will be provided in the Galleria, and interpretation will be available in Spanish, Somali, and Oromo. CSIHS is at 2600 SW Thistle.
A 60-year-old man is charged with three felony counts of organized retail theft for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars in merchandise from Ulta Beauty stores all over King County, including the one in Westwood Village.
(Images from charging documents, showing Gama at WWV Ulta store)
David J. Gama is charged in 24 thefts over 55 days from November to early January, with stolen merchandise estimated to total well into five figures, including an almost-thousand-dollar theft from the Westwood store on December 1, a $400+ theft there five days later, a $1,600+ theft there the net day, a $500+ theft three on December 18, a $300+ theft there on New Year’s Day, and a $200+ theft there on January 4. The charging documents provided by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office describe most of the stolen merchandise as “fragrance.”
The documents also say Gama has been the subject of 75 arrest warrants dating back to 1980, and that his record includes five felony convictions, 19 gross misdemeanors, and 11 misdemeanors. He’s been in jail since last Friday, in lieu of $50,000 bail. He pleaded not guilty at arraignment this morning. KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney explains that felony charges are not common in shoplifting cases: “The overwhelming majority of shoplifting cases are misdemeanor offenses under the law, meaning that they are handled at the city level and do not come to King County prosecutors. When you have evidence to show organized retail theft allegations in cases such as this one, a case are referred by police investigators as a felony referral.”
(File photo, WCFB HQ)
The White Center Food Bank – which also serves south West Seattle – is halfway to its “end of year” (and start of new one) fundraising goal, so they can keep up with an ever-growing need. They’re grateful for the nearly $50,000 contributed so far, and looking for help to get closer to the finish line. From the request for support:
This milestone comes during a year of extraordinary growth and achievement for White Center Food Bank. In 2025, we successfully sunset our Capital Campaign after raising $1.5 million above its $8.6 million goal, paid off ourare debt-free owners of our new building. We also sold out the 4th annual Taste of White Center, expanded gleaning programs at the West Seattle and Burien Farmers Markets, resulting in more than 45,000 pounds of donated produce while also strengthening community connections through artist collaborations, donor appreciation events, and community partner meetings.
If you can support WCFB, all you have to do is go here.
In the spirit of the Wine Walk, the West Seattle Junction Association has announced its first-ever Sweet Stroll, and your ticket awaits!
Grab your sweet tooth and your walking shoes! The West Seattle Sweet Stroll is your chance to spend a cozy Sunday afternoon sampling desserts from some of the Junction’s most-loved spots — all for just $20.
From pies and doughnuts to ice cream and pastries, you’ll stroll at your own pace, collect stamps in your Sweet Stroll passport, and enjoy exclusive samples from A la Mode Pies, Molly Moon’s, Top Pot Doughnuts, Bakery Nouveau, and Panterelli.
It’s fun, it’s delicious, and it’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself (and maybe a friend). Tickets are limited — don’t miss this sweetest walk of the winter!
The Sweet Stroll is set for 2-5 pm Sunday, February 1st, and ticket(s) are available here while they last.
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