West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories

WHALES: Southbound orcas in area – K-Pod, with calf
December 11, 2025 8:42 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

8:42 AM: Orcas are in the area, southbound and in view from northwest West Seattle, reports Kersti Muul, with more headed this way. She says the whales include “multiple males” – more visible because of their larger dorsal fins – and are “spread out … from Constellation, north Blake Island, and some still coming north of Restoration Point.”

9:27 AM: Kersti says in a comment that these are confirmed from K-Pod – which has a brand-new calf.

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday notes
December 11, 2025 6:01 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, December 11, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

In the forecast – more rain, high in the low 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:47 am; sunset, at 4:17 pm (as early as it gets, remaining there until this weekend, when sunsets start getting later).

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – WSF says the Triangle Route is expected to be down to two boats for up to three weeks. WSF’s alerts page has the details; Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.

Metro buses – They’re on the regular weekday schedule and routes.

Water Taxi – regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, maritime-opening info is again 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!

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UPDATE: Missing man found safe
December 10, 2025 10:16 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

8:34 AM: The missing man’s family just told us he’s been found safe in South Park.

Earlier:

Read More

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Tree down in Seaview
December 10, 2025 10:12 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Perla sent that photo of a tree down on 48th SW between Eddy and Beach Drive. She says it came down a few minutes after 9 and just missed her and her husband. She’s reported it to 911.

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: ‘They’re back!’ – and marking a milestone
December 10, 2025 8:23 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Thanks to Don Rice for the photo of his famous West Seattle holiday display at 2128 47th SW [map], a tribute to “Charlie Brown Christmas.” Don notes, “Charlie Brown and his good friends…… they’re back. Charlie Brown’s first comic strip was 75 years ago this last October.” That strip, of course, is “Peanuts” by Charles Schulz. Don’s display has hit a milestone too, according to our records – this is the 50th year!

(Seen lights? Got lights? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks to everyone who’s been contributing!)

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VIDEO: Cheeriest Christmas concert of the season, West Seattle Big Band
December 10, 2025 7:02 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The West Seattle Big Band plays music you can’t help but dance to. Some of the ~150 people at last night’s WSBB holiday concert at Grace Church proved that. We were there and would have been dancing too except that we had to mind our video camera! Here are eight of the songs played by the band, directed by Jim Edwards:

“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”:

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”:

“Feliz Navidad”:

“Mele Kalikimaka”:

“All I Want for Christmas Is You”:

“In the Christmas Mood”:

“Big Band Christmas 2” (medley):

“Big Band Christmas 1” (medley):

(Vocalists were Jenaige Lane and Ryan Alvis.) The band is all-volunteer; any revenue gets donated to school-music programs.

P.S. You can find the other dozen-plus clips on the WSB YouTube channel. Even better, go see the West Seattle Big Band’s next holiday-season gig, Saturday (December 13)at the West Seattle Eagles HQ in The Junction (4426 California SW), with music at 7 pm after 5:30 pm dinner, as previewed here.

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PREVIEW: From carolers to treats to art to music, reasons to not stay home Thursday night
December 10, 2025 5:22 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

By this time tomorrow, according to the forecast, the wind will have quieted, and the rain might even take a break. So here are other reasons to plan on going out tomorrow night:

SHOP LATE THURSDAY IN THE JUNCTION: It’s the second of two Thursdays in which The Junction will be a bit more festive – here’s how the West Seattle Junction Association summarizes what’s planned for 5:30 to 7:30 pm Thursday:

*Beecher’s Cheese handing out soup and cheese samples in front of Key Bank.
*Santa’s Elves running around handing out candy canes and special ornaments.
*Silver Belles Carolers performing – starting around Northwest Art and Frame, and heading north from there

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: This is the big holiday-season art walk, at various venues from Alki to Morgan Junction, starting around 5 pm. Here’s the list for this quarter:

See details on participating venues – including who has a reception (usually 5 to 8 pm) – here.

ART OF MUSIC: Accompanying the Art Walk again this month is The Art of Music, a collection of three mini-concerts, 6 to 7:45 pm, in Admiral, The Junction, and Morgan Junction. Here’s the rundown:

Friends and Folk @ West Seattle Grounds in the Admiral District [performance starts 6:20 pm]

CenterPlay @ Great American Diner & Bar in Alaska Junction

jean mann @ Beveridge Place Pub in Morgan Junction

Learn more about this month’s performers here.

ADMIRAL JUBILEE: In addition to Art Walk-ing, in the Admiral Junction area, you can join in the Jubilee, strolling to multiple participating businesses, 4-9 pm – see the map – and special events – here, including a pop-up market at hosting business Hoste.

There are other events planned tomorrow night too – check our calendar for more!

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Mayor-elect Wilson says she’s keeping current chiefs as part of her ‘holistic approach to public safety’
December 10, 2025 3:04 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

Of all the policy areas over which Mayor-elect Katie Wilson will preside, much speculation has centered on public safety – what will she do to help make Seattle a safer city? Today she’s announced her “vision for public safety,” including her decision to keep the current public-safety chiefs (Police, Fire, CARE chiefs and Office of Emergency Management director). Here’s her full announcement:

Seattle’s next chapter begins with a commitment to a shared vision of community safety: that everyone in Seattle, of every background and every income, deserves to be safe in their homes, streets, parks, and places of business in every neighborhood across our city. We envision welcoming public spaces, thriving local businesses, and lively communities where every person is safe, supported and valued. Achieving this vision requires a comprehensive strategy that builds trust, strengthens accountability, and modernizes our public safety system so it works for everyone who lives, works, and travels in our city.

I understand public safety as a shared responsibility, requiring police, fire, emergency management, alternative responders, service providers, community leaders, businesses, and residents to work together to get results. And it is time to build a coordinated, modern system which reflects that shared responsibility and helps us address our most difficult challenges, including persistent neighborhood-based safety issues, gun violence, behavioral health, and substance abuse.

That’s why I am retaining Seattle Police Department (SPD) Chief Shon Barnes, Seattle Fire Department (SFD) Chief Harold Scoggins, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Curry Mayer, and CARE Chief Dr. Amy Barden. They are each committing to lead their departments in accordance with my vision of community safety. With active partnership and direction from the Mayor’s office, I believe these leaders can work together and form a unified team committed to strengthening coordination, reform, accountability, and results.

My administration will work with Chief Barnes to make SPD a place where professionalism, integrity, compassion, and community partnership are at the center of every action. We will strive for a workplace culture where employees are valued and empowered. Promotions will be rooted in performance, integrity, and good judgment, and every SPD employee will be encouraged to share concerns, experiences, and good-faith feedback with leadership. I am committed to retaining and recruiting officers who represent the diversity and values of Seattle, and to building trust between SPD and communities across the city.

SPD cannot — and should not — respond to every challenge alone. My administration will work with Chief Barden to fulfill the mission of the CARE department to respond to calls that do not pose a threat of violence or involve a medical emergency. CARE now houses our diversion programs, public safety shelter resources, and street safety teams, moving toward a more fully integrated continuum of response to public order issues stemming from unmet needs. And central to our modern, diversified safety model, seamless coordination between SPD, CARE, and other non-police services will ensure the right responder is dispatched for behavioral health crises, welfare checks, and nonviolent situations. Fulfilling CARE’s intended role is essential to improve outcomes for vulnerable residents and neighborhoods alike and to support sworn officers to focus on the critical work for which they are the right responders.

SFD under Chief Scoggins will continue its national leadership in life safety and emergency medical response and deliver high-quality fire, EMS, and rescue services across all neighborhoods.

And through Director Mayer’s leadership at OEM, we will build our city’s resilience to disasters, including severe weather, and emerging threats by working hand-in-hand with communities to ensure preparedness efforts reflect their needs and strengths.

Most fundamentally, our vision of public safety will be rooted in community partnership. We will build long-term relationships in neighborhoods and work intentionally with service providers, outreach teams, diversion case managers, business improvement areas, small businesses, and community organizations and adopt a problem-solving approach that addresses root causes instead of relying solely on enforcement.

Seattle is ready for a new chapter — one where public safety is effective, equitable, accountable, and rooted in partnership with our communities. And with this leadership team, and with your support, we will deliver a safer, stronger, and more resilient Seattle.

While the work of these four departments is essential to keeping Seattle safe, a comprehensive vision of public safety involves the work of many more City departments and stakeholders. Public safety also means protecting our immigrant communities, ensuring the safety of LGBTQ+ community members, protecting privacy and addressing concerns around surveillance technology, and preventing traffic violence and ensuring that our streets and public spaces are safe for all users. It also means working to ensure that every resident has what they need to live a dignified life, so that fewer people commit crimes of poverty and desperation. My administration will take this holistic approach to public safety seriously and we will be announcing further decisions and actions in the weeks and months ahead to further this vision.

(WSB photo from Election Night)

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Package theft in the rain
December 10, 2025 2:47 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The people out working in this blustery weather include thieves. That’s what Andrew‘s porch-camera video shows. He reports, “This happened December 10th @ 11:45 AM in Gatewood, minutes after the package was delivered.” The camera did not catch a getaway vehicle. But if you’re expecting a delivery, you’re best advised to have a plan to claim it quickly.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Spinout on West Marginal Way SW
December 10, 2025 1:52 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Just sent by a reader, that photo of a spinout crash in the 5600 block of West Marginal Way SW. The reader said it’s important to remember how slippery it is out right now; they took the photo before emergency responders arrived but said 911 had been called. SFD is on the way after a report that at least one person might be hurt.

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SPORTS: West Seattle High School’s first boys-basketball home game of the season
December 10, 2025 12:58 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

The West Seattle High School boys’ basketball team hosted its first home game of the season last night, with Garfield visiting. Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was there for WSB.

(#5, junior Tatum Joyner)

(#13, sophomore Gabe Kearney)

The Wildcats are still looking for their first win of the season, falling to the Bulldogs, 78-66.

(#25, sophomore Markos Kassa)

(#11, senior Owen Merta)

(Head Coach Rick Ticeson)

(#3, senior Jack Aykens)

Next home game for the WSHS boys is Saturday (December 13), 8:30 pm vs. Peninsula.

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UPDATE: Another crash on westbound West Seattle Bridge
December 10, 2025 12:30 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

12:30 PM: Police have just been dispatched to another crash reported on the westbound West Seattle Bridge, this time described as near the Delridge offramp, someone spinning out and hitting the barrier. No word yet on injuries.

12:44 PM: The scene is reported to have cleared quickly.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: ‘Largest floating crane on the West Coast’
December 10, 2025 11:58 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

Two readers emailed us last night to point out that the floating crane Pacific Titan is moored in the Pier 1 area just north of the west entry to Jack Block Park (same area where hundreds gathered for the International Peace Day rally back in September). This is the largest floating crane on the West Coast, according to a spokesperson for its owners Stor Kran LLC, who emailed us about it a few weeks back, but didn’t have information at the time that it would be tied up here. Its booms alone are 330 feet; you can’t truly appreciate its size without an in-person look. If you’re interested in other stats about Pacific Titan – whose owners say it’s available for charter – here’s a news release they published on a maritime website, and here’s its page on the Stor Kran website, which notes it was formerly known as the Left Coast Lifter and used for projects including the San Francisco-Oakland bridge. According to this report from The Olympian, it spent a few weeks at the Port of Olympia before heading here.

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Find out about Walk Fit, take holiday photos, more for your West Seattle Wednesday
December 10, 2025 9:59 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

(Longfellow Creek, photographed by Kevin Freitas)

Here’s our Wednesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide (and if we’re missing something – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!):

FAUNTLEROY FESTIVAL OF TREES: Until noon, the Fauntleroy Church hall is open for viewing this year’s trees and “voting” for your favorite by placing nonperishable food donations beneath it. (9140 California SW)

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE: Bring donations of warm clothing in the bin at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3435 California SW; WSB sponsor), 9 am-5 pm weekdays.

HOLIDAY ROOM SELFIES: Drop-in DIY photo ops at Curious Kidstuff (4740 California SW), 10 am-6 pm: “Head to Curious Kidstuff for a magical photo opportunity in a festive holiday room. Drop your letter to Santa in the special North Pole mailbox, and enter to win a giant PomPom Penguin!”

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (this is our weekly last-minute reminder, so would-be walkers can be there next Wednesday morning!).

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)

SSC FOOD TRUCK: South Seattle College culinary students are selling Italian-inspired cuisine from the truck again today, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, near the campus Clock Tower. (6000 16th SW)

SILVER SOUNDS HOLIDAY SHOW: 1 pm at the Center for Active Living (California/Oregon), “In this unique holiday comedy, the Grinch engages in a lively and spirited campaign to ruin the holiday season. Will he succeed? Join the fun by singing along to familiar holiday tunes, enjoy some goofy holiday comedy and receive free prizes plus a mystery raffle.” RSVP required.

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, play at the newly reopened Missing Piece (4707 California SW).

WHITE CENTER CELEBRATION CANCELED: The lighting celebration that was planned for just before 4 pm in downtown White Center has been canceled because the county’s handling the weather emergency in other areas.

DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), drop-in help for students.

CONSULTING, SIGNING, NOTARIZING FOR ADVANCE DIRECTIVES: 4-6 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), registration required.

ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)

CRIBBAGE NIGHT: Play at Delridge Community Center! Dinner provided, prizes up for grabs. 5:30 pm. (4501 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).

POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm, drop in and create! If you want some inspiration, this month’s spotlight project, if you don’t have is a trio of personalized holiday-tree ornaments. (3400 Harbor SW)

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!

WALK FIT INFO NIGHT: Also at West Seattle Runner, tonight’s the informational night for a new free training program – Walk Fit. Start from scratch and get ready to walk a 5K or 10K in a few months! 6:30 pm. (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor)

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 (and Holiday Guide too, if it’s seasonal)! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Two Seattle Parks notes: Winter registration starts; closures Thursday
December 10, 2025 9:13 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Two Seattle Parks notes:

WINTER REGISTRATION STARTS: Signup time has begun for winter classes, events, and programs that require registration. The program brochures and other info can be found here,,

CLOSURES TOMORROW: Staff training tomorrow (Thursday, December 11) will close many Seattle Parks facilities to the public – that includes community and teen-life centers and indoor pools. Details are here.

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Wednesday morning, with Wind Advisory continuing; Delridge law-enforcement response
December 10, 2025 6:00 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

8:00 AM: Thanks for the tips. A large law-enforcement response is blocking northbound Delridge Way near Orchard. Photojournalist Tim Durkan reports it is the end of a King County Sheriff’s Office pursuit that started with an armed carjacking in the White Center vicinity. He reports one person is in custody.

8:31 AM: Metro has finally just sent an alert saying the H Line is rerouted in the area. But our crew member checking out the scene says it appears close to clearing – a tow truck is on scene and more of the Burien PD/KCSO cars are leaving. Photo added above. (We’re following up with KCSO for further info on what started this.)

9:45 AM: A tree is down, blocking part of the 7500 block of 20th SW.

10:10 AM: SDOT is reported to be on scene to clear the tree.

Earlier:

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

Blustery night but no major trouble reported so far; a Wind Advisory alert remains in effect until 10 pm. Otherwise, the forecast is for more rain. High in the upper 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:47 am; sunset, at 4:17 pm (as early as it gets, staying there until this weekend, when sunsets start setting later).

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – Now WSF says the Triangle Route is expected to be down to two boats for up to three weeks, because another vessel elsewhere has broken down. WSF’s alerts page has the details; Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.

Metro buses – They’re on the regular weekday schedule and routes.

Water Taxi – regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, maritime-opening info is again 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!

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UPDATE: Crash on westbound West Seattle Bridge
December 9, 2025 11:23 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

11:23 PM: Beware if you’ll be heading westbound on the West Seattle Bridge any time soon – that two-car crash is right in the middle of the westbound lanes near midspan. No serious injuries reported.

11:56 PM: Not cleared yet; SDOT crews are in place east of the collision scene, to warn traffic to go around it by using the outside westbound lane.

12:35 AM: They’ve just reopened all westbound lanes.

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Bright on Wright
December 9, 2025 9:58 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Thanks to Brian for tonight’s lights – they’re at 7130 Wright Avenue SW. Here’s a closer look:

More and more lights are popping up with sunbreaks between the storms – so we’re happy to keep getting tips, with or without photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – go here to see what we’ve already shown.

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SPD @ CITY COUNCIL: Crime and hiring stats; police contracts, and why Councilmember Saka voted ‘no’ on one
December 9, 2025 6:25 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police | West Seattle politics

Two City Council meetings today had SPD in the spotlight:

2025 CRIME STATS: When the Public Safety Committee met in the morning – as mentioned in our daily event list – the biggest agenda item was SPD’s year-in-review update, including a look at crime/safety trends through the end of November. First, here’s the meeting video – the SPD item is 47 minutes in:

Here’s the slide deck that accompanied their briefing. Among the slides, this one mentioned a drop in several crime categories:

Of the homicides that did happen – so far this year, none in West Seattle – SPD says they’re solving more of them:

Gunfire has been an area of concern, here and elsewhere, throughout the year. In the lower right corner of the next slide, SPD lists the top 10 neighborhoods for shots-fired incidents, and none are in West Seattle:

One other slide of note – SPD says its hiring is still going well:

POLICE CONTRACT VOTES: In the afternoon, the full City Council voted to approve two SPD contracts. Here’s the meeting video:

The documents are linked from the agenda. The Seattle Police Management Association contract was approved unanimously, while the Seattle Police Officers Guild contract was approved by a vote of 6 to 3, according to District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, who was one of the three “no” votes. He explains in part:

I approached this contract with two priorities: keeping our community safe and making sure our systems are worthy of your trust. That means strong response options, clear expectations, and accountability that works.

This agreement offered some positive movement, but it did not meet those standards. It also came with a significant cost increase to the city, even though Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers already are and would have remained the highest paid officers in the entire state, with or without the deal.

Seattle deserves a contract that strengthens transparency and gives civilian oversight agencies the tools they need to do their job. This proposal left too many gaps, especially around investigations and consistency in discipline. Those gaps weaken trust, and we cannot afford that.

Read Councilmember Saka’s full explanation, in an email newsletter, here.

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FOLLOWUP: No temporary Highway 99 tunnel toll increase during FIFA World Cup, state Transportation Commission decides
December 9, 2025 4:30 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Highway 99 tunnel | Transportation | West Seattle news

The potential downsides of temporarily increasing Highway 99 tunnel tolls during the FIFA World Cup would outweigh the benefits. That’s what Washington State Transportation Commission members just decided, so the idea is dead; we mentioned last week that this was on their agenda for today. Two possibilities were studied – a 50-cent surcharge or a one-dollar surcharge, potentially in effect June 1st through July 15th of next year. The higher of the two would raise about $1.6 million dollars, and that could help cover $2 million in extra maintenance costs. But commissioners were told that tunnel revenue under current rates would cover that cost just fine (they had seen an earlier presentation showing that the tunnel’s finances are in fairly good shape). And they also were told that increased tolls were likely to lead to more drivers diverting to surface streets, leading to more traffic trouble. So they voted unanimously to scrap the idea. (The WSTC is responsible for setting tolls and ferry fares on state facilities. The whole temporary-toll-increase idea came up because the Legislature told the commission to study and consider it.)

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FOLLOWUP: Kenyon Hall milestone toward reopening after renovations and ‘game-changing improvements’
December 9, 2025 2:40 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

When we last checked in with historic Kenyon Hall‘s management about the KH renovations, there was hope of reopening in time for holiday shows, if not sooner. That’s not going to happen – like so many projects of all types, it’s taking longer than expected, and it’s grown – but an email update today says they hope to reopen the venue at 7904 35th SW “early” next year. From the update:

… We are excited to announce that we have obtained the final permits to move ahead with the improvements and look forward to inviting artists and audiences back to Kenyon Hall in early 2026!

Anyone who has renovated an older structure knows how quickly projects can evolve, and how complex the interplay of permitting and redesign can become. What was planned as a twelve-week refresh grew into an opportunity to revisit how we could apply the generous grants from the community to make game-changing improvements to the 108-year old building. Here are some of the updates you’ll notice when the Hall reopens:

-New exterior siding
-Brand new, ADA compliant bathrooms
-Completely upgraded electrical systems
-Refinished hardwood flooring
-Redesigned artist loft
-Improved front entry
-New AV/mixing suite
-Comprehensive, pipe-by-pipe cleaning of our Mighty Wurlitzer. Our long-time Wurlitzer technician also seized this opportunity to mentor a new technician, in the hopes of keeping this amazing instrument sounding great for future generations.

We want to thank Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections for helping us navigate the permitting process and our amazing contractor team at AVA Design Build for guiding us in our decisions.

As we approach reopening, we look forward to working with you to make sure we are meeting the evolving needs of our diverse community and fulfilling our mission to engage the artist in anyone and inspire the arts in everyone. It is a unique responsibility to take care of such a beloved space–one of the few in the area that regularly offers affordable options to audiences. We hope you’ll engage with us to guide our programming, whether you’re interested in performance, education, or other community functions. …

The email update was signed by Mark Desierto, board president of Seattle Artists, the nonprofit that owns and operates Kenyon Hall. We published an in-depth preview of the renovation plan back in May.

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GIVING: Nucor Steel and its workers outdo themselves with this year’s West Seattle Food Bank gifts
December 9, 2025 12:52 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)

This year, Nucor Steel (WSB sponsor) and its workers literally outdid themselves with their annual holiday-season gifts for the West Seattle Food Bank, delivered this morning to WSFB HQ in High Point.

A truck from Certified Hydraulics served as Santa’s sleigh to transport the nearly three tons of donated food from Nucor’s mill next to the West Seattle Bridge:

From cans of Ensure to flats of Sriracha, cases of soup cans and mac-and-cheese boxes, WSFB says all this will help them provide a variety of food to the growing number of people in need of their services.

WSFB’s development director Robbin Peterson explains that this is Nucor’s biggest gift yet: “This year they looked up what every department had raised in the past and found the highest for each department and requested they beat that number” – and, she says, they did! 5,900 pounds of food, and $31,201 worth of cash, checks, and gift cards:

That includes a company match of $1 for every pound of food and dollar donated – here’s a closer look at the ceremonial check, with WSFB’s Robbin and executive director Fran Yeatts:

We asked them what the WSFB is most in need of right now, if you’re able to give. Obviously money remains big – they can buy more food with your dollar – but they also need baby essentials like diapers, wipes, and formula. Many places have WSFB bins this season; more donation information is on their website. Also note that the WSFB clothing bank Clothesline is the beneficiary from the Cocoa and Coat Drive coming up Sunday (December 14) at the south end of the WS Farmers Market (California/Alaska, 10 am-2 pm).

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Tangelo Health: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor
December 9, 2025 11:56 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news

Today we welcome Tangelo Health (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW) as a new WSB sponsor, That means Tangelo Health gets to tell you about what they do:

Welcome to Tangelo: Your Destination for Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Care in West Seattle

West Seattle, meet Tangelo Health! Your trusted clinic for chiropractic and rehabilitative care designed to help you move better, feel better, and live better. With over 15 years of experience serving the Greater Seattle community, Tangelo delivers proven techniques with personalized treatment plans that create real, lasting relief. Our mission is simple: reduce pain, restore mobility, and help you get back to what you love.

Healing That’s Personal, Proven, and Results-Driven

At Tangelo, every patient receives an individualized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and goals. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or looking to improve your overall function, our team focuses on addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms. Our long-standing presence and thousands of positive outcomes reflect the consistent results patients trust.

Conditions We Treat

Our providers care for a wide range of conditions, including:

-Back and neck pain
-Sciatica
-Shoulder, knee, hip, and ankle injuries
-Tendonitis and overuse injuries
-Postural dysfunction
-Sports injuries
-Auto-injury–related pain
-Mobility limitations and chronic discomfort

No matter the condition, we help you move confidently, recover fully, and get back to feeling your best.

What Sets Tangelo Apart

-Comprehensive chiropractic and rehabilitative services
-Customized treatment plans focused on you feeling better, faster
-Experienced practitioners with years of proven success
-Thousands of satisfied patients and trusted reviews
-Advanced therapies, including MLS Laser Therapy and Spinal Decompression Therapy

These tools, combined with our hands-on approach, help patients experience faster relief, improved function, and long-term results. With expert care, advanced therapies, and a team committed to helping you feel better and move better, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Book an appointment here.

We thank Tangelo Health for choosing to advertise their services by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in joining our sponsor team? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com for information – thank you!

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