West Seattle, Washington
15 Thursday
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.
SDOT sent that photo as part of a reply to our question about the status of the additions it promised at “the curve” toward the southwest end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge, a location that’s seen more than a few crashes. The department says its crews have finished installing what it told us about two weeks ago – “curve warning signs, and raised pavement markers to enhance visibility for approaching drivers.” SDOT says they’re still evaluating additional action, including “reflective markings on the existing guardrail” and “either grinding the top layer of pavement or installing a high-friction surface treatment.” We’ll continue following up.
12:25 PM: Mayor Katie Wilson has announced her first two executive orders. One is regarding homelessness. Here’s how the city announcement summarizes it:
Mayor Wilson is ordering immediate action to bring people inside by expediting the expansion of shelter and affordable housing.
Her executive order to accelerate the expansion of emergency shelter and affordable housing will:
-Rapidly expand and expedite the provision of new shelter and affordable housing by immediately launching an interdepartmental team to identify options for financial incentives, permitting changes, and other policy changes.
-Identify and prioritize city-owned public land and other public lands which could be used to temporarily or permanently site new emergency shelter and housing.
-Coordinate with regional partners to identify shelter programs that have capacity to add units to existing programs.
-Identify best practices working with organizations with expertise in behavioral health to support substance use disorder treatment and mental health counseling for housing and shelter programs.
You can see the actual order text here. We’re asking some followup questions, including the timeline. The other executive order involves a bus lane on Denny Way downtown; read that order here.
ADDED 3:28 PM: We received answers to our followup questions via mayoral spokesperson Sage Wilson.
-We asked about a timeline – “rapid” could mean many things. His reply: “The literal reality of ‘rapidly’ is one of the early outcomes of the EO – need to hear from the departments what is possible. The mayor is determined to move quickly, however, and spoke today about FIFA this spring as a time to take stock. (Her full remarks are available on Seattle Channel.)”
-We also asked if encampment resolutions (sweeps) were being suspended until more shelter is available. The reply: “Resolutions of encampments are not suspended and the Unified Care Team certainly still exists and is still at work. For example, I believe an RV site near the stadiums was just cleared recently. The mayor is assessing how we can do better than the current procedures, and her visit in Ballard yesterday was part of that to really see for herself. But resolutions are continuing to proceed – city reporting shows 101 resolutions of encampments & RV sites since 1/4. And as the mayor said in her statement yesterday, clearing encampments and managing public space will continue to be part of the city’s approach.”
One question Wilson is checking on further – and we’ll add the answer when it arrives – is whether private shelters like the one in West Seattle have a role in the planned pursuit of more space.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
From the Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):
FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace two mornings a week, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)
GATHERING AT THE VOID: Get out of the home office for a few hours! “Work, Game, Craft, or Chat! At The Void” hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon Thursdays. (5048 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY RUN/WALK: New free, fun gathering, 10 am, starting from Lincoln Park parking lot #2. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: The ground still hasn’t frozen, so this remains a good time to plant – and/or plan! Explore the possibilities – the center is back open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
TODDLER STORY TIME IN WESTWOOD: Southwest Library story time (9010 35th SW), 10:30 am.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: West Seattle Library story time (2306 42nd SW), 10:30 am.
FREE MIDDAY JAZZ CONCERT: Noon at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), live music, all welcome!
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!)
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is on today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events at HPCS – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s The Original Philly.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY, EVENING EDITION: 5 pm gathering at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW) for long-distance advocacy.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle!
RAT CITY ART WALK ON HIATUS: The third-Thursday art-and-food walk in White Center is taking a few months off, back on April 16.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: If you’d rather walk, there’s an option for you too! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), all welcome, with topics including community safety and the new banners.
TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm, prizes, 21+. (2306 California SW)
CONSCIOUS CONNECTION: 7:15 pm at Revitalize Spa (8142 15th SW), a time and place to connect, reflect, meditate, more. Our calendar listing has more info.
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: New West Seattle trivia night! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
DJ NIGHT: Spinning happens tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Slow at 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering Loren D. Milliman and sharing this remembrance with the community now:
Loren approached life with an open mind, a playful sense of humor, and an unshakable curiosity about how things worked—and where the next road might lead.
Loren Delong Milliman, born on June 27, 1937, passed away on August 4th, 2025, at the age of 88. Born to Loren Holcombe Milliman and Delia Grace Milliman (née Delong), Loren was raised in Portland, Oregon, and was a beloved member of his family and community.
Graduating from Grant High School in 1954, Loren’s academic journey took him to Stanford University, Portland State College, and the University of Washington. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from UW in 1963 and explored electrical engineering and physics as a UW graduate student along the way. While working in a UW physics lab, Loren helped develop electronic circuitry that ultimately became part of a Seattle World’s Fair exhibit — an early sign of the meaningful and fascinating work that would define his career.
While a student at UW, Loren met Norma and they were married on March 19, 1962. Shortly after, they moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where Loren spent a year contributing to the NASA space program through his work with the Chrysler Corporation. He played a role in the ambitious efforts of the space race before returning to the Pacific Northwest to begin a long career at Boeing in October 1963. Over more than two decades at the Boeing Radiation Effects Laboratory, Loren worked on advanced projects including designing and implementing control systems for the Free Electron Laser. Before retiring from Boeing he worked on test code development and computer program verification for the Boeing 777. He was widely respected for his precision, creativity, and commitment to quality — and for his memorable saying, “If you can’t do it in Excel, why bother?”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Loren found joy in his family, in the outdoors and the arts. He loved camping and hiking with his family — exploring new places, taking photographs, sailing, biking, and embracing moments of silliness. Music was a constant companion throughout his life. He played saxophone in high school and college, performed with the All City Band in Portland, played piano, sang in the church choir, and rang handbells with Bells of the Sound, Beaus and Bells, and the Valley Ringers, even arranging handbell music for the groups. When his grandchildren arrived, they brought even more joy to his life.
Loren often volunteered his time to help others with anything computer related; he served as the webmaster for the Snoqualmie Falls Theater, as well as being a member of the Green Valley Computer Club. His early years as a Boy Scout helped instill a lifelong love of learning, exploration, and service. He also served as a precinct committeeman for our neighborhood in the North Admiral district, was active in the Mountaineers, and spent many years as a soccer referee for youth teams.
During the early 2000s Norma and Loren became snowbirds with a second home in Green Valley, Arizona. Their home base was in West Seattle for over 50 years, where they created many memorable moments, before moving in 2023 to Wesley Des Moines.
Loren is survived by his sister-in-law, Patt Cranage; his daughter, Elizabeth (Ernie); his son, Loren M. (Janice); and four of the greatest joys of his life — his grandchildren, Delia, Loren A., Norman, and Patrick. He was preceded in death by his sister Grace and by the love of his life, his wife Norma Milliman, who passed away in February 2025.
Loren will be remembered as a man of intelligence, kindness, humor, and wonder — someone who never stopped asking questions, making music, or discovering what might be just down the road.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite Alzheimer’s charity.
(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)
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, January 15, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts a partly sunny day, high around 50, north breeze. Sunrise at 7:52 am; sunset at 4:45 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – According to WSF’s alerts page, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is back to three boats, with M/V Sealth as #3.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.
ROAD WORK
*In White Center, the final phase of work on 16th SW between 100th and 107th is under way.
UPCOMING HOLIDAY
*Monday, closures – including schools – and other changes will mark Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 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!
11:21 PM: Police and fire are on their way to the 6500 block of High Point Drive, where at least one shooting victim is reported after word of gunfire. The shots may have been fired from a “dark SUV.” Updates to come.
11:27 PM: Updated location is the 6500 block of Sylvan Way, where the westbound lanes are being blocked for the investigation. Initial assessment of the person shot is that their wound(s) are serious but not life-threatening.
(Reader photo, from comments)
11:35 PM: Officers told dispatch that witnesses say the vehicle might have been a Highlander, with five people inside, teens to early 20s, black clothing, black face masks. Meantime, officers are finding some bullet damage to parked vehicles.
1 AM: Sylvan Way has reopened.
ADDED 8:56 AM: Here’s what SPD has released:
Seattle police detectives are investigating a shooting that injured a 42-year-old woman in the High Point neighborhood last night.
On Jan. 14 about 11:15 p.m., patrol officers responded to a shooting in the 6500 block of Sylvan Way Southwest. There, officers found a victim shot in her arm. Police and firefighters treated the woman and medics took her to the Harborview Medical Center in stable condition.
Detectives in the Gun Violence Reduction Unit (GVRU) responded to process the scene and interview the victim. Police determined that multiple suspects shot at the victim’s vehicle, striking her inside of it. Multiple vehicles and at least one occupied home were also struck by gunfire. Approximately 60 rounds were fired.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting are under investigation. The suspects fled the area in a vehicle before police arrived and officers did not make any arrests.
This is an open and active case assigned to GVRU. Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted. Incident Number: 2026-13556
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The Fauntleroy Community Association met on Tuesday night at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse for their January meeting, to kick off the new year.
One important “save the date” for neighbors to make note of, which was discussed and decided in the meeting: The group’s annual meeting and popular “Food Fest” will be held Tuesday, March 24, from 6-8 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW). More details below, and in our coverage of last year’s event.
Additional notes and toplines from the meeting, which was led by president Frank Immel:
SPD UPDATE: Jamie Heslin from Southwest Precinct was on hand to provide some updates and crime statistics, focusing on “year over year” comparisons for 2025 vs 2024:
One attendee asked about the ambiguity between hearing gunshots and fireworks, and Heslin emphasized “when in doubt, just call it in,” and 911 is the preferred number. For anything considerably less urgent, the non-emergency number is 206-625-5011. Although many Ring cameras are associated with neighbor-provided crime reports, Heslin said “Ring posts are not police reports” and encouraged people to always call 911 to report it, rather than just posting online.
Attendees asked about the Jan 6 evening helicopter/ground search in and near Fauntleroy Park (see WSB coverage here) involving a stolen and abandoned car. Heslin didn’t have any additional details, because SPD CSOs (Community Service Officers) such as herself typically work until 10 pm, and this incident occurred after that. SPD and KCSO officers responded, and the search involved quite a large area.
Heslin then excused herself from the meeting, explaining that SPD was “in four different places tonight,” providing community updates to various groups.
FINANCIAL UPDATE AND BUDGET: Treasurer Alan Grainger presented a year-end overview of the group’s 2025 finances, and led a discussion about items planned for the 2026 budget. The group’s finances were better than budget in 2025, and Grainger presented a balanced budget for 2026. As discussed in last month’s FCA meeting, the group is still planning to do some sort of neighborhood survey in 2026 (see the 2023 results here) and is budgeting for that. FCA is the area’s only community council that regularly surveys its residents and businesses. Fundraising efforts for the Fauntleroy Fall Festival were particularly strong.
Other budget items discussed included maintenance of neighborhood plantings, crossing flags (the group places these in the neighborhood but their current supply is depleted), website and administrative costs and potential savings, and various fundraising ideas (including sponsored flower baskets similar to those in the Alaska Junction). Grainger will make revisions to the budget based on the group’s discussion, and they’ll vote on approval of the budget in their February meeting.
ANNUAL MEETING AND FOOD FEST: As mentioned above, the date and time is set for Tuesday, March 24, 6-8 pm. Board members David and Reed Haggerty attended Tuesday’s meeting via phone, to talk about preliminary plans and to get feedback from the board. The group will start promoting the event via email and their newsletter. They want to consider doing some different fundraising ideas and displays this year, and as usual they’ll need lots of volunteer support. More to come in the near future.
501c3 vs 501c4 STATUS: Vice president Catherine Bailey led a brief discussion regarding her research into the group’s non-profit status. FCA currently has 501c4 status, and there has been some discussion about considering 501c3 status to potentially unlock broader funding and tax-deductible donations. There are pros/cons and things to consider for both options, Bailey said, including potential limitations on community advocacy and endorsements. Next steps: More research into the options, and consulting legal/tax counsel before making any decisions.
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE:
The Fauntleroy Community Association board meets on the second Tuesday of most months at 6 pm, usually in-person and online – go here for info. The group will meet again in February, on Tuesday the 10th.
King County Metro is increasing service, and is now hiring for drivers to make sure they can keep up with an influx of tourists this summer and beyond. Part of the increase is for the World Cup, but there are longer-term increases in service too, including additional RapidRide lines. Metro plans to hire 375 part-time and 150 full-time drivers this year.
(King County Metro photo)
When hired, drivers go through up to 2 months of paid training, including getting the license that allows them to drive busses. There is also a bonus available and a starting wage of $31.39 after training.
The deadline for applications for part-time positions is next Friday, January 23rd. More information can be found on Metro’s website.
A West Seattleite is the incumbent in the race for King County Prosecuting Attorney this year. In a news release today, Leesa Manion said she will seek a second 4-year term after making some significant changes in the Prosecuting Attorney’s office during her first term. So far, campaign finance records show she is the only candidate.
Manion started her last term by adding new units within the office for gun violence prevention, gender-based violence and prevention, an economic crimes and wage theft division, and a felony traffic unit. Last October, she modified case review policy in the office so that all charges referred by law enforcement would have a decision about whether they would be filed within 30 days.
In announcing her candidacy for re-election, Manion pointed to progress made, from juvenile justice to increased focus on retail theft and more. “I’m proud of our accomplishments, from reducing the pandemic-era backlog of unfiled cases in our courts to proactively addressing public safety priorities,” said Manion. “We made our office more responsive to the needs of our diverse communities and more effective at balancing accountability, crime prevention, and victim support.” She also points to work still to be done around hate crimes and federal overreach.
Manion won the election in 2022 with 58% of the vote. She succeeded Dan Satterberg, for whom she was chief of staff.
(photo by Charlotte Starck)
New flags are being installed today on light poles along a portion of the Alki Beach sidewalk/path as an eye-catching part of a beautification effort by Alki Community Council. They’re expected to stay up through the World Cup this summer and beyond.
When the install is complete, there will be 16 colorful flags total, on every other light pole between 54th and 63rd Avenue SW. There are two flag designs, with graphics of the Olympics, Orca whales, and ferries, all nestled along Alki Beach. Design work was donated by Rupert, a marketing and design firm.
Alki Community Council started work on planning the flags following a request they made for maintenance by City Light on the light poles, which had become rusty. After those were spruced up, volunteer members of the non-profit council got to work on securing funding, and planning to make and install the flags. A Seattle Department of Neighborhoods grant helped fund the effort.
There have been flags installed on the light poles in the past, with one of the last during Seafair in 2009. Community Council President Charlotte Starck says that makes it high time for these improvements. “This project goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about restoring vitality, signaling care, and reminding residents and visitors alike that Alki Beach is a place worth protecting and nurturing.” The flags are designed to stay up for several years.
(Photos taken at Roxhill Elementary with classes of Kyoko Giedeman and Margaret Gamache)
Story by Judy Pickens
Photos by Torin Record-Sand
For West Seattle Blog
Since 1991, West Seattle schools in the Salmon in the Schools program have received their coho salmon eggs in early January, but not this year.
Students returned from winter break to find their tanks already populated by tiny alevin (the first stage of growth).
“Temperature affects the pace at which salmon eggs mature and our mild fall weather caused them to mature much faster than usual,” explained Phil Sweetland with the Fauntleroy Watershed Council. “On very short notice, teachers had their tanks ready for eggs two weeks early.”
In the quiet of hallways across West Seattle, those eggs started hatching into more than 2,000 alevin on December 24. Because they come equipped with a food sac, the alevin took care of themselves until classes resumed. As they watch their alevin grow and change into fry, students will be learning about biology, habitat, and stewardship until release season in May.
Fauntleroy volunteers will assist with an expected 17 release field trips.
Because of construction to replace the Fauntleroy Creek culvert under 45th Ave. SW, preschool and other small groups will release into the lower creek and elementary groups will release into Longfellow Creek.
(WSB photos)
West Seattle’s newest business has opened. As of 8 am, the new UPS Store at Westwood Village is open for its first day on the breezeway across from Fitness 19. Proprietors Tami and Mike Lindquist had already welcomed. their first customer by the time we stopped by around half an hour after they opened.
As noted in this preview, they’re offering a variety of services. That includes about 400 mailboxes – not all self-serve like these – others are in the back:
The Lindquists own three other UPS Stores around the region. The new one will be open until 6:30 pm if you want to visit on Day One.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the list of what’s happening in the hours ahead!
FAIRMOUNT PARK DINE-OUT AT PANDA EXPRESS: 10 am-10 pm, get food at or from Panda Express in Westwood Village, mention the Fairmount Park Elementary PTA fundraiser, and part of the proceeds will be donated, with the FPEPTA channeling it to the West Seattle Public School Equity Fund.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy.
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, play at the newly reopened Missing Piece (4707 California SW).
ART WORKSHOP: Drop-in art for kids withRec ‘N The Streets at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 3-4:30 pm
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), drop-in help for students.
ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix your broken item instead of throwing it out! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Monthly meeting via Zoom, pre-meeting discussion of health care at 6 pm, meeting at 7. Register here to get the attendance link.
POETRYBRIDGE AT C & P: 6-8 pm, PoetryBridge‘s gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm, drop in and create! (3400 Harbor SW)
CRIBBAGE NIGHT: Almost-weekly tournament at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), 6 pm. Membership not required.
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: You’re invited to this 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Get moving in the middle of the week – the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) is tonight – all welcome, regardless what pace you run at!
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
KUNDALINI YOGA: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.
TRIVIA x 5: We have five West Seattle trivia spots on our Wednesday list: at Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), 7 pm, free to play … 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), free to play … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, it’s trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: West Seattle’s longest-running open mic! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: Sing at the pub starting at 8:45 pm. (2306 California SW)
Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The Special Olympics of Washington Seattle Polar Plunge isn’t coming back to Alki this year – the late-winter fundraiser is set for Magnuson Park instead, exactly one month from today, paired with a 5K run. But there’s a West Seattle angle – a group working to revitalize Special Olympics sports in West Seattle will participate to raise money and awareness. Here’s the announcement they asked us to share with you:
Special Olympics is returning to West Seattle, and organizers are inviting the community to get involved as a local program is rebuilt from the ground up.
(Photo courtesy West Seattle Special Olympics)
To help kick off the relaunch, Special Olympics West Seattle will participate in the Seattle Polar Plunge & 5K Run on February 14, 2026, a statewide fundraiser supporting Special Olympics athletes. The event will serve as the first major fundraising and awareness effort for rebuilding a West Seattle–based Special Olympics community.
Organizers are currently working to recruit athletes, families, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners. Funds raised will support foundational program needs such as uniforms, equipment, practice space, permits, and other essentials required to launch and sustain local programming.
There are multiple ways for community members to participate, including plunging or running in the event, volunteering, sponsoring, fundraising, or helping spread the word to athletes and families who may be interested.
More information about the West Seattle program and how to get involved is available here!
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6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts a mostly cloudy day with some fog, high in the low 50s. Sunrise at 7:53 am; sunset at 4:44 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – According to WSF’s alerts page, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route will be back to three boats today, with M/V Sealth as #3.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.
ROAD WORK
*In White Center, the final phase of work on 16th SW between 100th and 107th is under way.
*On Highway 99, WSDOT says the left lane in both directions will close at Alaskan Way/Dearborn Street (milepost 30) for maintenance work again tonight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
UPCOMING HOLIDAY
*Monday, closures – including schools – and other changes will mark Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 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!
Sent by a friend of the vehicle’s owner:
Greg had his work van stolen this afternoon (1/13/26) approximately 3:15 – 3:35 pm. It was parked at the south end of the lot, in Pro Parking, @ Home Depot on Delridge. He was in the store about 20 minutes, when he came out, it was gone.
The van is a 1997 White Ford Econoline E-250 cargo van with black steel roof rack. WA license CBB1999.
To add insult to injury, all his tools were inside the rig too. He still does light construction and handyman-type work so this is a huge loss to him. They’re compiling a list of tools as well.If anyone sees the van, please contact the police. You can reference Police report #26-012247.
Greg is a lifelong West Seattleite and active member in the community. Hopefully something turns up and he can recover some of his lost property.
Call 911 if you find it.
Back in WSB’s early months in 2007-2008, a comment controversy centered on the repeated rapid removal of once-tolerated banners hung on the foot/bike overpass over the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge. The person or persons dubbed the “Banner Police” had no mercy, removing even the simplest, cheeriest of signs. Yes, banner-hanging was against city law, and eventually people stopped trying. When they did try, removal was again usually rapid. But not today:
CJ sent that photo,saying that banner (basically Spanish for a phrase seen often in English at protests these days, “F— ICE”) was up for at least six hours – they reported seeing it inbound and outbound, at 8 am and 2 pm. Or maybe at least eight hours – another reader later texted a photo taken 4 pm-ish, showing someone taking it down – whether removing it to reclaim it or removing it to dispose of it, no way to know. (Here are related city rules, by the way.)
The next City Council committee to have its first meeting of the new year is the Libraries, Education, and Neighborhoods Committee, meeting at 9:30 am tomorrow (Wednesday). Its main agenda item is an overview of the Seattle Public Library; during this week’s council briefing meeting, the committee’s chair, Councilmember Maritza Rivera, said this is an opportune time as the 2019 Library Levy is about due for its renewal/”refresh.” The slide deck for the briefing can be previewed here; you can find out how to attend/watch/comment at the meeting via info in the agenda.
4:55 PM: Thanks to Sam for the tip. Traffic on Sylvan Way is problematic at the moment because what police described as a shuttle-type bus has broken down near Sylvan Heights Drive, and they have to get a tow truck to deal with it. Sam says drivers are turning around on the westbound side to “go back down the hill.”
5:15 PM: Tow truck just arrived so this may ease soon.
5:23 PM: Sam says uphill traffic is moving again and police just told dispatch that they’ve reopened the road.
3:20 PM: Southern Resident Killer Whales seen heading south this morning are now northbound, reports Kersti Muul – approaching Southworth.
3:33 PM: Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail says she’s heading to Emma Schmitz Overlook shortly with binoculars to share.
(October WSB photo)
Three months after SDOT‘s Arbor Heights walking tour to talk about possibilities for new sidewalks/pathways (WSB coverage here), the department is out with its report on what it heard and what it plans to do. The report (see it here) includes this map showing blocks “moving into conceptual design” for potential new sidewalks/walkways:
The report was emailed with this brief note from SDOT:
After carefully considering and analyzing all input from the community, we have developed the draft design for the new sidewalks, walkways, and other related Arbor Heights neighborhood improvements. Please review the attached plan and let us know if you have comments by Tuesday, January 20.
The email didn’t include a specific address or survey link for feedback (we’re following up) but the program’s general feedback address is levysidewalks@seattle.gov – whichever blocks are chosen for new sidewalks/walkways, the funding will come from the voter-approved $1.5 billion, eight-year Seattle Transportation Levy, which included funding for 350 new blocks of sidewalks/walkways citywide.
1:22 PM: Thanks for all the tips about the southbound full-code SPD cars. They’re heading to Arbor Heights after a report of someone “brandishing a gun” at or near Summit Atlas middle/high school, which SPD reported has gone “into lockdown” as a result. No gunfire reported, no injuries, but the reportedly armed person was reported to have headed eastbound on Roxbury on foot, described as a Black man in his mid-20s with black puffy jacket, gray sweatpants, possibly accompanied by several other people.
1:32 PM: Police have detained two people at Roxhill Park.
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