(WSB photo, 2022)

Some of the longtime RV-encampment areas along West Seattle streets have been addressed with added parking restrictions – Harbor Avenue SW and SW Trenton, for example – and 16th SW alongside South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) might be next. The college has just announced a community meeting, and though the announcement doesn’t specifically mention RVs, it does mention the city’s Unified Care Team, which works solely on encampments:

South Seattle College is hosting a community meeting for members of the campus community and neighbors of the college in the Puget Ridge neighborhood of West Seattle on the evening of Wednesday, February 4.

The City of Seattle contacted South Seattle College about the possibility of installing parking restrictions along a portion of 16th Ave SW in front of the college to address long-term vehicle parking.

This meeting will be an opportunity to hear from Seattle Department of Transportation staff and the Unified Care Team about the work they do and possible solutions for our area. We will then shift to a community conversation where folks can ask questions, share their experiences, and provide feedback to the city and college about preferred solutions.

Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm to 7 pm
Location: Cascade Hall, Room 107
South Seattle College Main Campus
6000 16th Ave SW

Cascade Hall is listed as “CAH” on the campus map. Parking in the North Parking Lot will be free, and closest to the building.

What local, state leaders are saying about preparedness here in wake of federal agents’ deadly violence in Minnesota

January 26, 2026 4:02 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news

Local and state leaders all had Minnesota on their mind today. Three notes:

First:

(Governor’s Office photo)

“It’s outrageous in the extreme and it has to stop.”

That’s what Gov. Bob Ferguson said today about what’s happening in Minnesota, appearing at a media briefing with state Attorney General Nick Brown (a West Seattle resident). He wasn’t only speaking about the killings by federal agents of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, but also about their enforcement tactics, “plucking people off the street” and going into homes without judicial warrants.Ferguson and Brown detailed some of the steps they’re taking in case a federal escalation happens here, though they said they’re not revealing all the steps they’re taking in preparation, so as to not reveal their “playbook” to the feds. “We will not allow this administration to turn our nation into an authoritarian regime,” vowed Gov. Ferguson. Attorney General Brown said what’s happening has nothing to do with the president’s vow to “go after the worst of the worst” and described the administration as a “cabal of cruelty.” He also said it’s important to not just “hunker down and try to survive the next few years,” but to focus on preparedness and action. “Everyone in our state” has a role in that, they said. You can watch the entire news conference here.

Second:

Seattle City Councilmembers voiced their outrage at their weekly “briefing meeting,” where each member provides updates and observations. Our area’s Councilmember Rob Saka, noting that he’s a Minnesota native, decried the killing of Alex Pretti as “another horrific execution-style … murder of a resident.” Saka said it’s “appalling and outrageous” that federal agents are “running amok … killing people for no reason.” (His remarks are 47 minutes into the meeting video above.) Councilmembers reiterated the call to ensure the city is prepared, including the Public Safety Committee‘s chair Councilmember Bob Kettle, whose committee meets tomorrow morning.

Third:

We’ve learned that Fauntleroy Church‘s pastor Rev. Leah Atkinson Bilinski was part of a Northwest clergy delegation that went to Minnesota as a show of support. She is back and slated to speak during a protest rally at the Federal Building in downtown Seattle tonight, around 20 minutes into the 5 pm rally. We hope to speak to her about her Minnesota trip soon.

LAST CALL! Final week for ‘free’ curbside recycling of Christmas trees

January 26, 2026 1:21 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Environment | Utilities | West Seattle news

Seattle Public Utilities just sent the reminder – this is the last week for “free” composting of Christmas trees and other holiday greenery – either via curbside pickup, or transfer-station dropoff:

Remove all decorations, cut into sections 4-foot or less, and place trees or bundled greens next to your Food & Yard Waste cart on your regular collection day. Apartment residents may place up to two trees next to each Food & Yard waste cart at no charge. You can also drop off up to 3 trees less than 8 feet in length at a Transfer Station.

The “free” tree-cycling continues through Saturday (January 31). After that, you’ll have to chop up your tree so it fits in your yard/food-waste cart, or take it to the transfer station (South, in west South Park, is the closest)

You asked, so we asked: When will Jack Block Park’s long-closed public pier be rebuilt?

January 26, 2026 11:59 am

| 18 COMMENTS

| Port of Seattle | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photo, 2021)

A recent walk in Jack Block Park (2130 Harbor Avenue SW) inspired a reader to ask when its long-closed pier will be rebuilt as promised. It’s been closed for safety concerns for more than five years; our last followup was two years ago, at which time some money had been budgeted, and design was supposed to start before the end of 2024. But the project has not proceeded much if at all since then. This is in a Port of Seattle park; the Northwest Seaport Alliance – comprising the cargo ports of Seattle and Tacoma – is funding it, so NWSA spokesperson Melanie Stambaugh Babst responded to our inquiry about timeline, design, and $ status. She says construction is still at least two and a half years away:

The Jack Block Pier replacement is early in the design phase, so we do not have any design drawings to share yet. The current estimated project cost is between $10 – $14 million and our project team is exploring some design opportunities that account for this range. At this time, the estimated construction start is Q4 2028.

Funding for the pier and plaza repairs will come from the NWSA, but there are additional scope elements that will be funded by Port of Seattle.

The damage that ultimately led to the long-range closure was attributed to a vessel hitting the pier, though it’s never been disclosed which vessel did it, when, and how.

12 options for your West Seattle Monday

January 26, 2026 9:54 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Seen at Lincoln Park this weekend – photo by Betty Scott)

Here’s what’s on our list for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).

FREE HOMEWORK HELP: Drop-in assistance for K-12 students at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:45 pm.

D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too!

‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group gathering for people experiencing grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee; RSVP here. (4034 California SW)

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 4: Four venues for trivia/quiz tonight! Music Quiz at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 6:30 and 7:30 pm, free, all ages … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).

CHESS NIGHT AT MISSION CANTINA: 7 pm, players welcome in the upstairs mezzanine! (2325 California SW)

MEDITATE IN ALKI: Monday night meditation at Alki UCC is back this week, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)

POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players are invited to enter The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)

MEDITATE IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

LIVE JAZZ: Monday night music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

SING! 9 pm Mondays, karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

Thanks as always to everybody who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

YOU CAN HELP: Invest in Youth needs a few more tutors at West Seattle schools

January 26, 2026 9:02 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Local educational nonprofit Invest in Youth tells us that some of their best tutors come through WSB, so they’re again asking us to help with recruitment. If you can help with a small weekday gift of time, here’s how!

Are you interested in giving back to our community, narrowing achievement gaps for neighborhood students and promoting educational equity right here in West Seattle? Invest in Youth offers a unique opportunity to connect one-on-one with a local student.

Tutors meet one day a week with the same student in the classroom with other student-tutor pairs, and work on math and reading fundamentals, all while serving as a mentor to foster lifelong academic success.

No experience is necessary; just a commitment to show up for one hour, one day a week. Two local schools need tutors:

Roxhill Elementary at E.C. Hughes
Sanislo Elementary

Visit our website for more information or complete our tutor application to reserve your spot to begin tutoring.

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: January’s last Monday

January 26, 2026 6:02 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, January 26, 2026.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

After another night in the 20s, today’s forecast is for clouds and a high in the upper 40s. Sunrise at 7:42 am; sunset at 5:01 pm.

(Sunday morning photo by Chris Frankovich)

TRANSIT TODAY

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

Washington State Ferries – According to WSF’s alerts, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is back to three-boat service as of today.

Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.

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!

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Updated – two gunfire incidents; stolen mail found, returned

January 25, 2026 9:12 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports tonight:

PARK GUNFIRE AGAIN: For the second consecutive night, police have found evidence of gunfire in the south lot at Westcrest Park, after a 911 call. No other details yet – this happened within the last half-hour – and no reports of injuries.

(added 10:30 pm) SECOND GUNFIRE INCIDENT: Second gunfire incident of the night was reported before 10 pm in the 9000 block of 17th SW – casings found after a man driving a gold or beige pickup was reported to have fired from/inside his truck.

STOLEN MAIL FOUND, RETURNED: Vanessa sent the report and photo:

Just heads up, this morning I found a trail of open package materials and stolen mail on Bradford and 41st all the way down to Olympia Coffee on California. I sorted and delivered the mail I found and returned it to people’s homes. Some of the group mailboxes definitely had some damage from them being pried open. Just be on the lookout! Some of the mail was W-2s so lots of sensitive info. Also saw a broken window on a car on the same block where mail was stolen. Maybe the same thieves?

CONGRATULATIONS! Seahawks fans celebrate as team wins Super Bowl spot

January 25, 2026 7:19 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

If you heard fireworks a little while ago, they were probably a lot closer than Lumen Field – seen above in Jerry Simmons‘s photo – but same reason: The Seahawks beat the L.A. Rams 31-27 and are headed to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2015 – February 8, 3:30 pm, in Santa Clara, California. Where will you watch? First Super Bowl party announcement we received – even before the Seahawks’ win – is from Ounces in North Delridge (all ages, “well-behaved pups” welcome too). We’ll add all the announcements we receive to the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

WEEK AHEAD: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry route back to regular service

January 25, 2026 6:56 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

Good news for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry-route travelers – the route is back to three-boat service as of Monday, according to Washington State Ferries, which says the boats that broke down, cutting Triangle Route service (and elsewhere), are now fixed.

SEEN OVER WEST SEATTLE: Seahawks flyover, before the victory

January 25, 2026 5:40 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

5:40 PM: Even if you didn’t see the flyover before the Seahawks game, you might have heard the jets (we did). The team says these were two F-15EX Eagle IIs from the 123rd Fighter Squadron of the Oregon Air National Guard.

Thanks to Steven Rice for the two photos above, and Jerry Simmons for this one:

The squadron is based in the Portland area.

7:01 PM: The Seahawks won (lots of fireworks as a result) and are headed to the Super Bowl, February 8 vs. the New England Patriots.

WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: Gameday mini-gallery

January 25, 2026 3:59 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

With the Seahawks‘ conference-championship game under way, we have one of our periodic game-day mini-galleries of bird photos sent by readers – starting, above, with the real-life “seahawk,” an Osprey, photographed by Steve Bender, who added the caption. Steve also sent these next three photos – Barrow’s Goldeneyes:

A Mallard:

And Canada Geese:

Also by the sea, a Gull photographed by @alexdavismitt

Also in the fog, a Hummingbird view from Troy Sterk:

Thanks again for the bird photos (which we also publish with some of our daily event lists, between galleries, like this one) – westseattleblog@gmail.com any time!

On White Center Now: Community celebration of newly opened HUB and adjacent apartments

January 25, 2026 2:01 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | White Center

(WCN/WSB photo – center, WCCDA leaders past and present, Sili Savusa and Aaron Garcia)

On our partner site White Center Now, one of Saturday’s biggest stories – community leaders and elected officials gathering to celebrate the newly opened White Center HUB and adjacent Canopy Apartments, a mixed-use complex at 8th SW and SW 108th [map], now the new home of nonprofits including the White Center Community Development Association, which has long been working to bring the HUB to life. It’s also home to community resources from day care to a health clinic, plus an event venue. See our full story, including video, by going here.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Catalytic-converter theft attempts; repeat mailbox break-in

January 25, 2026 11:34 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Reader eeports in Crime Watch this morning:

CATALYTIC-CONVERTER THEFT ATTEMPTS: We haven’t heard catalytic-converter theft mentioned in a long time (we were among the victims in an earlier wave). But this morning, two notes – Joanna reported:

just wanted to give a heads up about a car catalytic converter thief who is driving around Beach Drive. They did not (succeed) but they have been caught twice trying to steal the converter. Police have been notified. They seem to be driving between the hours of 3 AM-5 AM.

Then we heard from Anthony:

About 3:55 am in the 5400 block of Beach Dr SW, heard loud grinding sounds outside. Looked out the window and saw two persons at the passenger side of my car. One was lying down very close to the passenger door and the other was standing near looking at him. Yelled for them to get away. Went to front door and yelled again. They then left in a black newer crossover which had been standing in the southbound lane next to my car, on Beach Dr.

Examining my car, they had made a single complete cut through the pipe from the engine to the exhaust.

About a half hour later a dark car returned, parked again next to my car and a person was walking around to the passenger side of my car. I opened the door to my home and yelled, fervently, that they should quickly leave. They did. I went out to examine my car. There was a black knit cap next to the driver’s-side door that had NOT been there a half hour before. Talking to the police officers about a half hour later, they remarked that that they couldn’t recall a converter theft report for several years.

They took the hat.

Our archives remind us this type of theft was especially frequent in 2022.

MAILBOXES BROKEN INTO, AGAIN: The report and photo are from Keenan:

I live in a 16-unit townhouse complex on 44th Ave SW between Oregon and Genesee. This morning I noticed our shared mailbox was broken into last night and the doors are currently open. My neighbors reported this happening last year as well – this is only the latest incident. The post office has not been helpful at all – the only solution is for them to change the master locks on all of the mailboxes in the area so the stolen key the thieves have no longer opens our box. But they refuse to help.

Memorial service Thursday for Daniel R. Winnie, 1956-2026

January 25, 2026 10:42 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather Thursday to remember Dan Winnie and are sharing this remembrance now:

Master Sergeant (Ret., USAF) Daniel Robert Winnie passed away on January 8, 2026.

Born in 1956, Daniel grew up in South Everett and attended Saint Mary Magdalen and Mariner High School, where he was a member of the swim team, Civil Air Patrol, and ROTC.

Upon graduating, he entered the United States Air Force, beginning a 24‑year career. Dan was a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan, Grenada, Iraq, Kuwait, Panama, Saudi Arabia, and many other places. He was in Berlin when the Wall fell.

Following his military retirement, Dan flew for Kalitta Charters, where his missions involved returning the remains of fallen servicemembers to their families. Later he moved to West Seattle and enjoyed working as a flight instructor.

Daniel had an unbounded sense of adventure. He explored six continents by air, truck, and motorcycle. A few years ago, he completed a one‑month, 48‑state motorcycle ride – having ridden to Alaska the year before. He loved camping, whether alone or with friends. Like a true Winnie, he appreciated a strong cup of black coffee and good conversation. He always had a story to tell, including his long‑running feud with the neighborhood raccoons.

Dan enjoyed what he called his “$500 hamburgers” – flying his Cessna with a friend a few hundred miles to a small airport, sharing a meal, and savoring the time spent in the air.

Quiet generosity was one of his defining traits. The list of people he helped is too long to mention. Typically, whenever Dan left on a trip, he ensured the outside automatic cat feeder was correctly loaded so his feral friends would be fed.

Daniel is survived by his sons, Shawn and Michael; his sisters Ellen Winnie (Ralph Lindberg), Susanne Howard, Kat (Brad) Kirby, and Sharon Cline; and his brothers Randall Winn, Steven (Sheri) Winnie, and David Winnie. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and by many dear friends who became his second family – most especially his lifelong friend, Sue‑Lon Webert.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Doris Winnie; his brothers Robert Jr, Joseph, and Eric; his nephew Jonathan; and brother-in-law Jim. As he wished, his corneas were donated to restore eyesight to others.

Services honoring Dan will be held at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, on January 29. Viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a short service at 11:00 a.m. Please bring your fond memories.

Following the ceremony, Dan will be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery in a ceremony beginning at 2:00 p.m. Afterward, join us for light refreshments at Lake Wilderness Lodge Maple Room, 22500 SE 248th Street, Maple Valley. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Seattle Children’s Hospital, a favorite charity of his.

All friends and family are warmly invited to attend and remember Dan with us.

(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)

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 18 notes!

January 25, 2026 6:07 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Skyline at dusk with Seahawks colors and 12 flag on Space Needle – photo by Greg Snyder)

Wondering what’s up before and after – maybe even during – The Game? Here’s our highlight list 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 Dough Joy Donuts today. (4310 SW Oregon)

FREE WEST AFRICAN DANCE CLASS: Go get moving! 9:30 am at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale).

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Also in The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games at the new location of The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.

SUNDAY MORNING MEDITATION: See if there’s space in the small-group meditation session at 9:30 am at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW).

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-1 pm, prospective families and students are invited to visit the school. (34th/Myrtle; WSB sponsor).

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: Regular weekly West Seattle Resist Sunday sign-holding event, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)

HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Noon-1:30 pm, prospective families and students are invited to visit. (42nd SW and SW Genesee)

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)

WEST SEATTLE CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: 2:30 pm chat, 3 pm discussion, second half of “Dr. Zhivago” is this month’s topic at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

SEAHAWKS GO FOR NFC CHAMPIONSHIP: 3:30 pm game at Lumen Field vs. the L.A. Rams. If you’re going, remember you can take the West Seattle Water Taxi because Metro is adding postgame sailings.

TRIVIA AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5 pm to 8 pm, trivia with host Morgue Anne, free to play! (9444 Delridge Way SW)

FREE COMMUNITY MEAL: 5:30 pm at Bethany West Seattle (8600 9th SW), everyone’s welcome to enjoy a free hot meal.

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, 5:30 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!

REPORT #2: West Seattle protest march, planned weeks ago, affected by new Minnesota violence hours earlier

January 24, 2026 11:56 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

(First two photos by Macey Wurm)

By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Hundreds of protesters gathered at Hiawatha Playfield this afternoon to start West Seattle Indivisible’s “We’re Still Standing” rally and march. The event, in collaboration with activist groups Defund Musk, Evergreen Resistance, 50501, and The Seattle Handmaids, was WS Indivisible’s first major event of 2026.

“We’re Still Standing” was intended to acknowledge a year of resolve under the Trump administration and a resolution to continue standing in resistance. While the event was announced weeks ago, and was not planned as a response to the Minnesota violence involving federal agents and subsequent unrest, this morning’s shooting death of 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti brought a new sense of purpose to the afternoon’s gathering.

“‘We came in today ready to mark the first 365 days of this atrocious administration…and then this morning in Minnesota, there was another killing that happened,” said Laurie Reinhardt, co-director of West Seattle Indivisible. “So that has put us in a head space and heart space where we are committed to nonviolence and peace… it’s demonstrating at the same time that our hearts are hurting.”

Participants pulled their signs from the trunks of cars, and friends greeted each other familiarly. A sign reading “Dance 4 Democracy” drew an assembly of line-dancers. Around 12:30 pm the crowd settled in anticipation of leadership speeches. Among the speakers was Devin Hermanson, founder of Defund Musk.

“This is what real community looks like. It’s people who are bound not by money, but by compassion, care for one another, love for one another, for real community.” Hermanson said to the crowd. “That’s why we’re strong. That’s why they can’t break the people of Minnesota.”

Hermanson was followed by a few additional speakers and some direction on marcher safety, before protesters were invited to grab one of the some-300 signs West Seattle Indivisible members had made for the march itself.

(Photos from here by Dave Gershgorn for WSB)

The crowd took to the sidewalk around 1:00 pm for the 1.4-mile march down California Ave SW to The Junction. Several passersby waved and honked their horns in support, and residents lingered outside their homes to observe the lengthy mass.

One West Seattle local said he had been attending protests such as these since the 1960’s, another simply explained she was in support because she was from Minnesota, accompanied by, “F–k Trump.”

“I am really upset by the events going on in Minnesota, with the way ICE is interacting with regular citizens, not doing what they say their job is, and all the violence and murder they’re instigating.” A third marcher said, “It’s just unacceptable in America.”

The march concluded at the intersection of SW Alaska St and California Ave SW, where photo-ops commenced, and participants were instructed to leave their signs. West Seattle Indivisible announced they will have a presence at University Village next weekend and that they will be participating in rapid-response training on February 6.

Brown water in Arbor Heights

January 24, 2026 9:43 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Arbor Heights | Utilities | West Seattle news

Jake reports brown water near 37th SW and SW 99th. Nothing on the Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map. As always, the reminder – if this happens at your home/business, call SPU at 206-386-1800. (One frequent explanation is hydrant testing, which SFD does as time allows, but that seems unlikely on a freezing night.(

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire at Westcrest Park (updated Monday)

January 24, 2026 7:51 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

7:51 PM: After 911 calls reporting suspected gunfire in the Westcrest Park area (and two people texting us about it), police went to the park and just radioed in that they found “multiple shell casings” in the park’s south lot. No injuries reported so far.

7:56 PM: An officer on scene just told dispatch it’s a “mix of rifle and pistol casings,” including 9mm and .556, and that there’s “property damage” at the park.

ADDED MONDAY: Only one bit of added info in the brief SPD summary about this – the “property damage” is described as having been found on “a temporary ‘notice of planned construction’ sign.”

WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Last 4 pm-hour sunset of the season, heading into cold-temp alert night

January 24, 2026 6:02 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to James Bratsanos for the photo of tonight’s sunset, notable not just for its beauty, but – as we’ve been noting in our weekday weather/traffic roundups – because it’s the last one in the 4 pm hour until next fall. Tomorrow’s official sunset time is 5 pm. Meantime, the National Weather Service has issued another Cold Weather Advisory alert for midnight to 9 am. The NWS did the same thing last night, saying the temperature could get down below 25 degrees; the official overnight low was 31. Separate from the advisory, tonight’s forecast low is 32.

FOLLOWUP: Fauntleroy Church Festival of Trees did a ton of good!

January 24, 2026 4:11 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Holidays | West Seattle news

The Christmas season doesn’t end on December 25 .. and here’s a ton of proof.

Judy Pickens sent this followup about the results of one of this past season’s unique giving opportunities:

Results are in from the annual Festival of Trees at Fauntleroy Church – which continued into the first week of January – and they’re impressive.

The goal for the forest of 16 creatively decorated trees was to collect 1,500 “votes” of shelf-stable food items for area food banks. Those who came to enjoy the trees generously blew past that goal to give just over 2,000 items. West Seattle and White Center food banks were able to restock their shelves with a full ton of food from the project.

Three trees tied for the most votes:

Furry Friends – the Goldfines & the Mandts
Love in Many Languages – the Petty, Johnson & Harwood team
Year-Round Joy in Fauntleroy Park – Hazelwood Preschool (below)

We showed some of the trees in this early-December report, as well as in some of our daily event lists, as the trees were on display for visitation for about a month.

PHOTOS: ‘We’re Still Standing’ march to The Junction, report #1

January 24, 2026 1:56 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

1:56 PM: WSB contributing photojournalist Dave Gershgorn just sent that photo of the “We’re Still Standing“ march headed southbound on California SW toward The Junction. Police monitoring the march (SOP for protests) radioed to dispatch a few minutes ago that marchers had passed SW Bradford and so far “minimal traffic disruption.” We’ll have a full report with more photos later.

4:54 PM: Before that report from WSB’s Macey Wurm, which we’ll publish separately later tonight, we’re adding more of Dave Gershgorn’s photos now:

This march/protest was planned weeks ago, but it had an extra edge today after another deadly shooting in Minnesota by an ICE agent.

Calling artists: Want to be part of this year’s West Seattle Art Tour?

January 24, 2026 10:44 am

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| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Planning is under way for this year’s West Seattle Art Tour, and the call has gone out for artists to participate. Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:

The West Seattle Art Tour is pleased to announce its Call for Artists for its third annual event, scheduled for September 19–20, 2026.

This two-day, self-guided event connects local artists directly with collectors and art enthusiasts throughout the neighborhood. Through a juried selection process, artists are chosen to display their work at host sites—selected artists’ homes and studios that can accommodate a few artists. Visitors navigate the tour using printed maps, interactive digital maps, and social media.

The committee welcomes diverse submissions from artists working in painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry, mixed media, and other mediums. We seek artists who demonstrate a unique vision and technical mastery.

• Applications are accepted online at www.westseattlearttour.org/forartists.

• Application Deadline: February 28, 2026

• Criteria: Artists must live, work, or teach in West Seattle, or demonstrate an ongoing connection to the community. For more details visit www.westseattlearttour.org.

If you have questions or are interested in supporting the tour, email info@westseattlearttour.org or visit our website at www.westseattlearttour.org.

The West Seattle Art Tour is a volunteer organization run entirely by artists who dedicate their time to fostering and promoting the local arts community.