West Seattle, Washington
14 Wednesday
(WSB photo: Work continuing at Kenyon Hall today)
One month ago today, we reported that Kenyon Hall – the historic event venue at 7904 35th SW in Sunrise Heights – had obtained the permits needed for its final round of improvement work. It’s been closed since mid-summer for some much-needed work – which we previewed in May – and which continues (flooring, painting, tiling in progress or soon) – but today Kenyon Hall management just announced the reopening dates – Thursday, January 29, through Sunday, February 1, with a full slate of fun stuff, starting with an “industry mixer” and concluding with a Root Beer Social where everyone’s welcome to come in and look around. (Inbetween are one of KH’s free Open Mics, plus the next edition of the popular Cartoon Mess Live! for which tickets are on sale now.) Kenyon Hall is a 110-year-old building originally built as a social hall, now owned and operated by the nonprofit Seattle Artists.
Just heard from Kersti Muul that “a large group of transients” is headed northbound past Blake Island. Let us know if you see them!
PawsVIP recently moved into 9064 Delridge Way SW and is a new WSB sponsor, which means they get to tell you about what they do:
What We Do:
PawsVIP is a locally owned dog day care and boarding facility. We’ve been running our first location near SeaTac since 2019, and West Seattle (9064 Delridge Way SW) is our second home.
Our Services:
At our West Seattle location, we offer day care, overnight boarding, and exit baths for pups heading home after a day of play.
Our Tukwila location has all of that plus full grooming and airport layover services for families moving or traveling with their pets.
Both locations have a 24/7 vet on call.
What Makes PawsVIP Different:
We’re a locally owned business. We’re all pet lovers. We’ve been doing this since 2019. We’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to build a team that genuinely cares. We’ve focused on building a place where people want to stay, because your dog deserves to see familiar faces, not strangers every week.
We provide top quality care for your pet. We remember their habits, preferences, and their playmates. We want them to have fun and be taken care of while you’re away.
We also do our best to provide top quality service for pet parents. We’re communicative and transparent. We work to provide seamless experiences and accommodate your schedule by operating 5am to 9pm, seven days a week.
We’re structured and safety-focused. Kenneled facility, play groups organized by size and temperament, trained staff, 24/7 vet access. We don’t cut corners.
We know transparency matters. We post photos and videos daily because pet parents shouldn’t have to wonder what’s happening with their dog. Check out our Instagram and you’ll see real dogs having real fun.
Our Team:
Everyone on our team is a pet owner. We go home to dogs, cats, you name it. This isn’t just a job for us.
All staff go through background checks before hiring. From there, we train on dog handling, dog behavior, and animal safety. We take the time to do it right because we know the care your dog gets comes down to who’s actually with them.
We’ve tried to build a place where people want to stick around, learn, and grow. When staff are happy and invested, the dogs feel it.
Meet the team: pawsvip.com/team
Soft Opening Offer:
$9.99 day care through January 15, 2026. Trust is earned, and we want people to come see the space and meet us before committing.
Contact PawsVIP:
Email: petcare@pawsvip.com
Phone: 425-230-0344
Book online: pawsvip.com/west-seattle
We thank PawsVIP for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in joining our sponsor team? Please email WSBadvertising@wsbsales.com for information – thank you!
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER It’s open again and having a sale. 10 am-3 pm at north end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus (6000 16th SW).
BABY STORY TIME: 11-11:30 am at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: New session starts at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 12:30 pm-2 pm Fridays, no registration required.
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy by the bottle.
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: 2 games at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) that are both sold out – girls vs. Lakeside at 5:30 and boys vs. Rainier Beach at 8:30 pm – and one at Chief Sealth IHS (2600 SW Thistle), girls vs. Mt. Tohoma at 7 pm, preceded by tribute to the late Regina Rogers-Wright.
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, Songwriters’ Showcase at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
LIVE AT EASY STREET: Tiny Monsters perform at 7 pm, all ages, no cover. (4559 California SW)
LIVE AT TIM’S: 8 pm, Taylor Swift tribute band Red Karma, $15-$20 cover. (16th/98th, White Center)
BACK TO SPINNING: Revelry Room reopens tonight (4547 California SW).
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to Man Plus & Atomic Pines, 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
A big post-holidays thank you from Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3435 California SW; WSB sponsor) after this year’s generous response to their annual holiday-season warm-clothing drive:
Thank You, West Seattle Community!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to our incredible community for the overwhelming support of our recent clothing drive benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank‘s Helpline. Your generosity truly made a difference.
Thanks to your contributions, we were able to deliver four to five full loads of donations, including brand-new, unopened socks and underwear for both men and women, as well as thoughtfully donated hand-knit caps. These essential and heartfelt items will provide comfort, warmth, and dignity to those in need.
A special thank you to Roger Tanner for his help with loading and unloading donations. His support played an important role in making this effort a success.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated, helped, or supported this drive in any way. This experience was a powerful reminder of how much people care about one another and the strength of our local community.
We are proud to support the West Seattle Food Bank’s Helpline and thankful to be part of a community that truly shows up for its neighbors.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, January 9, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts clouds to start, later clearing, high near 50. Sunrise at 7:55 am; sunset at 4:37 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route remains on a two-boat schedule until at least next week, with a third “bonus boat” added, according to WSF’s alerts page.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.
‘REVIVE I-5’
If you use northbound I-5, you need to know about the work resuming this weekend and continuing for months.
WHITE CENTER WORK RESUMING NEXT WEEK
Monday, the final phase of work on 16th SW between 100th and 107th is scheduled to start.
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!
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand unless otherwise credited)
The Alki Statue of Liberty once again served tonight as a gathering place in time of national crisis. More than 100 people showed up for a vigil organized by West Seattle Indivisible in the wake of the shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis and Portland.
WSI’s Laurie Reinhardt spoke to the group for a few minutes before they began their silent vigil.
Earlier in the evening, others gathered at Roxbury and Delridge:
The paper chain carried names of people reported to have died in ICE custody:
(Reader photo sent by Genna)
And hours earlier, more than a dozen people joined Marjorie, who protests daily at 35th SW and SW Edmunds:
Four city councilmembers issued news releases today decrying the Minnesota shooting – citywide Councilmembers Alexis Mercedes Rinck and Dionne Foster, as well as district Councilmembers Bob Kettle and Eddie Lin; Mayor Katie Wilson recorded a statement on video, also addressing three reported ICE detentions in North Seattle.
ADDED FRIDAY: District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka‘s office points out that he actually posted a video reaction on Instagram yesterday; it wasn’t mentioned in the council’s news release channel so we weren’t aware of it. It’s now also on YouTube, which doesn’t require a login to view – see it here.
(WSB photos, video by Tracy Record)
“We must not capitulate. We must not conform. We must not pre-emptively comply … I have never backed down from a fight.”
Those declarations about federal actions came toward the end of District 8 King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda‘s campaign-kickoff speech tonight at the new White Center Hub event space.
What began as a relatively amiable speech by Mosqueda with her six-year-old daughter Camila at her side – noting Camila is “crushing kindergarten” – and an opening list of accomplishments, she built to a crescendo after referring to the shootings involving federal agents this week in Minneapolis and Portland. Here’s the heart of her speech, after a list of acknowledgments aimed at high-profile supporters and donors – six minutes in is where she talks about the ICE shootings and crackdowns:
“They’re coming for us because we’re effective .. they think we’ll turn on each other, but we won’t take the bait,” she vowed. Before she spoke, introductory speakers were introduced by Aaron Garcia, executive director of the White Center Community Development Association, which led the building of the Hub. These speeches included one on video by U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal in D.C.
Elected officials past and present who were announced in attendance included state legislators and local leaders from jurisdictions north and south of Seattle as well as Joy Hollingsworth and Dionne Foster from the Seattle City Council, on which Mosqueda served before moving to the county council. Her job is back on the ballot after three years rather than four years because voters approved changing the county charter so that offices like this are now on the ballot in even years. So far no one else has registered a campaign for the position. Tonight’s event was announced as having a $30,000 fundraising goal.
ADDED: Video of Mariachi Monarcas, the band that played before the speeches:
When Seattle Police announced the next Southwest Precinct Advisory Council community updates/Q&A meeting would be held on January 13, it was pointed out that the date conflicted with the longstanding meeting night for at least three major neighborhood groups. SPD at the time decided to keep the date anyway. But now with less than a week to go, Crime Prevention Coordinator Matt Brown says they’ve changed their mind and decided to postpone the meeting until a TBD date in February instead. So if you’d marked your calendar for the January 13 meeting with police, scratch it, and stand by for a new meeting date.
(Photos courtesy Dan Jacobs, Admiral Neighborhood Association)
Ash Lemus is one of the West Seattle HS student artists showing work at tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk, first one of the new year. Danifah Da is another of the student artists:
The students are at <strong>West Seattle Grounds> – as are their teachers – until 8 pm.
Lots of venues to choose from, as spotlighted at wsartwalk.org!
Two announcements regarding local high-school basketball games scheduled tomorrow night. First, West Seattle High School athletic director Corey Sorenson sent this community announcement:
Dear West Seattle Community,
We are excited for our upcoming basketball matchups this Friday and appreciate the incredible support for our student-athletes.
At this time, we have reached full capacity for Friday’s Girls Basketball game vs. Lakeside and Boys Basketball game vs. Rainier Beach High School. As a result, tickets will no longer be available.
For those who are unable to attend in person, both games will be broadcast live on the NFHS Network with a subscription. You can access the stream using the link below:
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/west-seattle-high-school-seattle-wa/basketball
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our athletic programs. Go, Wildcats!
(added) As a commenter notes, one big reason for the interest in the WSHS-Rainier Beach boys’ game is that the nation’s top-ranked player is on the RB team.
Second, Chief Sealth International High School‘s girls-basketball home game at 7 pm vs. Mt. Tahoma will be preceded by a ceremony honoring Sealth legend Regina Rogers-Wright, who died in 2024. Among the participants will be City Council President Joy Hollingsworth and District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, presenting a proclamation.
(WSB photo)
We first told you about plans for an expanded Pilates studio in the former Bel Gatto space in Fauntleroy’s Endolyne business district last year, and the owner’s hope that it would to be ready by summertime. As the new year starts, Lagom Studios owner Melina Moore says she is still waiting on permits for the new space, but is optimistically seeing the delay as an opportunity, bolstered by a good interim solution for more space.
Lagom Studios has been steadily outgrowing their original space at 4507 SW Wildwood Place for the last few years, running private and group pilates classes in a narrow storefront wedged between two others. They signed on to add the neighboring Bel Gatto space (9253 45th Ave SW) to the footprint of their business with a goal of having both more space for classes and some added amenities, including a Finnish-style dry sauna.
As the months rolled by with no permit in hand for the new space, Moore says the space directly next door, formerly Guided Ground massage (4509 SW Wildwood Place), unexpectedly became available to rent. This freed up room for a row of Pilates machines required for group classes, and enough room to stretch out—literally—during private lessons in the original space.
“I really believe that it’s been nice having a later timeline,” says Moore, who has been able to talk with clients about what they value, build community with interactions between the overlapping group and private lessons and to design things like the sauna so that it’s right-sized. “Somewhere between 5-8 people can be in there. I like to keep to it 5, so that you can actually connect with others.”
In the meantime, she’s making the temporary studio on Wildwood feel like home, with new artwork from West Seattle muralist Kristina Tamaria, and she is mostly at peace with the extended time it’s taking to expand. “We’re working with the city for permitting, so it’s on its own timeline. It will happen at the right time.”
Sent by Mike:
I found these lost/stolen items dumped in my yard (around 35th & Fauntleroy) this morning. PAC soccer backpack filled w/ equipment.
If any or all of this is yours, contact us and we’ll connect you.
12:38 PM: (corrected) One day after an ICE agent shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis, demonstrations are happening across the nation, and we’ve just learned of two planned in this area tonight. Here’s the announcement sent to us:
West Seattle Indivisible is hosting a gathering tonight (Thursday 1/8) at 7 pm at Alki Beach/Statue of Liberty, a candlelight vigil and protest of the ICE murder of Renee Good in Minneapolis. We cannot allow this outrageous tyranny to continue and we must show up to stand against these egregious abuses of power.
There is also a protest [in] White Center from 5-6 pm at the corner of Roxbury & Delridge.
The Minnesota incident is under investigation. According to local coverage – which includes bystander video of the incident – today’s developments include the disclosure that the agent who killed the woman had been injured last year when he was dragged by a driver.
12:52 PM: We’ve also just learned that some local activists plan to join daily protester Marjorie at 35th and Edmunds 3 pm-3:30 pm today on the same topic.
(WSB photos)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“I want to do other stuff.”
That’s the simple reason Greg Whittaker is open to turning over his two outdoor-focused West Seattle businesses to a new owner “if the right person comes along.”
He’s founder and proprietor of Alki Kayak Tours and Mountain to Sound Outfitters, both of which he describes as “fun” and “profitable.” M2SO was bustling with skiers seeking gear and services when we sat down to talk on Wednesday afternoon, two days after the shop’s email newsletter revealed he’s “looking for new ownership.”
When he said to himself that he wants to do other things, “I felt a release of pressure,” Whittaker acknowledged. “I don’t need to [sell the bsinesses] – I can keep operating them.” But he thinks a new owner would be best for his businesses’ future. “I’m reaching out to West Seattle because this store is a West Seattle benefit,”
That’s evident during our visit – the snow has finally started piling up in the mountains, and the ski resorts are open. Not only does Mountain to Sound sell skis, boards, boots, and other items needed by skiers and boarders, it offers servicing too. And the shop has a long history, as the marquee outside serves to remind passersby as well as customers:
Over those 16 years, he’s proud of the fact that his shop has played a role in getting many local youth interested in skiing – some of whom work in the shop now. And Whittaker says he has the seasonal rhythm down to a science, even when nature throws a curveball like this year’s late start to the season: “I know the formula. Do early events like ski swaps” – M2SO has one every October – “be ready when it snows … it always snows.” They also sell and rent camping gear. “We have the building blocks for someone to take over if they want to.” The shop has thriving relationships with specific manufacturers/dealers, which isn’t something that comes easily, Whittaker explains – it’s hard work.
And Alki Kayak Tours, which he’s been operating seasonally at Seacrest Boathouse for more than 20 years, is “service-based” – focusing on rentals and tours, rather than retail. (AKT had a big boom time back in the pandemic days.) “The whole puzzle works together.” Whittaker’s businesses are tenants at both spots, though he owns part of the Triangle building that houses Mountain to Sound at 3602 SW Alaska.
So what might that “other stuff” in his future be? He says he is first and foremost an entrepreneur, so he would continue in that vein. By means of background, he says he has “been a ski bum forever” before going into the “kayak business” and was an “environmental manager” after that, so his next business might be along those lines – “I know how to speak governmental language!” he notes. But first, if and when he finds that new owner, it’ll be time for some self-care and “a breather …. for 20 years I’ve worked seven days a week.”
He’s not complaining, though: “I’m lucky and blessed and very thankful for the West Seattle community and the culture we’ve created around the activities we all love.”
And right now, those activities are roaring to life, so we wrapped up our chat and he jumped in to help as more customers were coming through the doors. He expects to formally announce the sale plans soon.
(Photo by James Bratsanos)
Back to regular Thursday events after two weeks of Thursday holidays, plus special monthly events too! From the Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):
FAUNTLEROY FESTIVAL OF TREES: Until noon, the Fauntleroy Church hall is open for viewing this year’s trees one last time, open to “voting” for your favorite by placing nonperishable food donations beneath it. (9140 California SW)
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 Tuesdays. (5048 California SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: The ground still hasn’t frozen, so this remains a good time to plant! Explore the possibilities – the center is backopen Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – having a sale, too! – 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.
MEDICARE INFORMATION: 11 am at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
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)
IRISH DANCE LESSONS: The Comerford School of Irish Dance welcomes new students, with Thursday lessons starting at 4:45 pm at the West Seattle VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska).
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 Paparepas.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
LOUISA BOREN STEM K-8 OPEN HOUSE: Families are invited to the school tonight:
Open House: January 8
Elementary @ 5:15 pm
Middle School @ 6 pm
(5950 Delridge Way SW)
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! And tonight, an Art Walk venue!
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 5-8 pm is the window for most venues having receptions tonight. Here’s the overall list of participants (including food/beverage specials), from Alki to Morgan Junction:
Venues featuring artists this month are spotlighted here. That includes the quilt-art show we previewed earlier. Whether you visit one venue or 10, just get out tonight and explore!
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: 6 pm online speaker series presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. Tonight, author David B. Williams discusses his book “Wild in Seattle,” joined by historian Judy Bentley. Our calendar listing includes the link to register for viewing.
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 event for you too! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
’90S TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm, prizes, 21+. (2306 California SW)
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: New West Seattle trivia night! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
JOKES AT THE JUNCTION: Comedy tonight at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW), 8 pm.
DJ NIGHT: Spinning resumes tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 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 will gather Sunday to remember Don Wilson. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community:
Don Wilson
April 16, 1933 — December 31, 2025Don Wilson (April 16, 1933 – December 31, 2025) died peacefully at age 92 following several years of declining health after a lifetime of service and ministry.
Don spent his life on three continents – born and raised in London, he then spent 40 years in South East Asia working as a missionary with OMF International – a decade in Laos and then almost 30 years in Thailand where he also met Martha his beloved wife of 56 years – before retiring to Martha’s US home of Seattle. For the past 30 years he had been actively serving at West Side Presbyterian Church as friend, deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher, prayer partner and leading prayer, mission and other groups all while being husband to Martha, dad and Papa to Esther (and Jon, Hana and Naomi) and Duncan (and Wi, Korya and Mana.)
Thankful, Relational, and Available are three defining characteristics of Don’s life and personality and these along with his prayer life for all those around him only increased in his later years. May his example of faithfulness continue to inspire all of us that knew and loved him.
Memorial Service to be held at West Side Presbyterian Church, Seattle, on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 2 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to West Side Presbyterian Church Deacon’s Fund or to OMF International.
Please share memories & sign the guestbook at: www.emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/don-wilson
– Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle –
(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)
7:14 AM: Thanks for the tips. Crash at 35fh and Avalon.
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, January 8, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts possible rain/snow mix this morning, warming to all rain, high in the mid-40s. Sunrise will be at 7:56 am; sunset at 4:36 pm.
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route remains on a two-boat schedule until at least next week, but a third “bonus boat” has been added, according to WSF’s alerts page:
The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will stay on the two-boat schedule at least through Monday, Jan. 12. The #1 Kittitas and #2 Cathlamet are running on the two-boat schedule.
The Salish has joined them as the unscheduled third boat.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.
‘REVIVE I-5’
If you use northbound I-5, you need to know about the work resuming this weekend and continuing for months.
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!
(Photos of Takata from court docs that noted he frequently altered his appearance)
As mentioned here, we’ve been going through court records to see what happened to some of the cases in which we reported that charges were filed last year. We’ll report on results in the days to come. First followup is from charges that the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed last February against then-28-year-old Christopher K. Takata, described as a “prolific shoplifter.” He was charged with multiple counts of organized retail theft and commercial burglary, accused of stealing thousands of dollars of merchandise from stores around Seattle, including the Westwood Village Ulta Beauty. Court files show that he pleaded guilty to 10 felonies and was sentenced in October to just under five years in prison. His lawyer said Takata did it “to feed his drug habit” and that the defendant hoped prison would help him get and stay clean, while working a job in prison to cover some of the more than $50,000 restitution he is ordered to pay to Ulta and Target. The state Department of Corrections website shows Takata is currently one of 2,439 inmates at Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla.
(WSB file photo)
Before school PTAs, PTSAs, and other types of PTOs can invite guests to fundraising auctions, they need to get donations so they have something for guests to bid on. This is another role local businesses play in the community – they often support local schools via donations for these events. The first PTA to contact us this new year is from Genesee Hill Elementary, asking us to share their request:
On March 7th 2026, the Genesee Hill Elementary PTA will host our annual auction — our biggest fundraiser of the year! It’s an uplifting community celebration that directly supports nearly 500 students, teachers and staff members. We’re inviting caring individuals and local businesses to help us make this event a success by donating an item or contribution. Would you consider supporting our students by donating goods, services, experience, gift certificates, or cash?
Your donation will help support fundamental student needs like reading intervention, classroom supplies, sponsorships, and mental health services – and we greatly appreciate anything you are able to provide.
Our PTA is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and your donation is 100% tax-deductible. A donation receipt with our tax-exempt ID (91-1252753) will be provided. Should you donate by February 20, your organization will also be recognized in the event program.
To donate goods, services, experiences, or gift certificates, please visit:
geneseehill.schoolauction.net/2026/donate_items/new?qr=1To make a cash donation or sponsorship, please visit:
geneseehillpta.givebacks.com/shop/items/1101842Thank you for investing in our students and helping us create opportunities that last far beyond the auction night. Your generosity makes a real and immediate difference.
(Added: WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
5:45 PM: For those asking about the law-enforcement response near 48th/Waite [map], police are in a standoff with a man who they say has a state Corrections Department warrant out for his arrest, He is reported to have barricaded himself in an apartment. Police have called in negotiators; state corrections officers have responded too. What the warrant is for, we don’t know (yet). Avoid the area.
6:21 PM: No updates. They’ve gone to encrypted communication so there may not be any until it’s resolved.
7 PM: SPD has left, according to WSB senior contributor Christopher Boffoli, who went over to check out the scene; he says they told him it’s a DOC matter from here.
Looking for a K-5 school? Tilden School (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) is having its final open house of the season this Saturday. Here’s the invitation:
Tilden School Open House
Tilden School invites prospective families to its Winter Open House on Saturday, January 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Families are welcome to drop in at any time during the event to tour the campus, learn more about Tilden’s academic program and close-knit community, and meet faculty, administrators, current parents, and alumni.
Tilden’s Open Houses offer a meaningful opportunity to explore the school’s educational philosophy and discover what makes this independent K–5 school such a special place to learn and grow.
For those unable to attend our final Open House of the season, private tours may also be scheduled by contacting the school office.
There are limited openings available for students in grades 1–5. Applications can be found online at tildenschool.org.
For additional information, please contact Jennifer Trise at info@tildenschool.org.
I-5 has seen some construction closures in recent months, but things are about to get more serious, and it seems like time to share the full WSDOT explanation here too:
The largest active highway preservation effort in Washington state will enter its second year of construction beginning beginning the weekend of Jan. 9-12, weather permitting. This temporary full closure of northbound Interstate 5 in Seattle will allow crews to establish a work zone to perform important work on the Ship Canal Bridge. During the construction lane closures, the I-5 express lanes will only run northbound 24 hours a day.
Once the interstate reopens, travelers can expect months of partial lane closures as crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation work to preserve and extend the life of the bridge. Due to the time-intensive nature of removing the old roadway surface, completing structural repairs and placing new concrete, crews must establish a long-term work zone across the bridge. The work zone also helps safeguard the crews undertaking this work.
Leaders from WSDOT, Seattle Department of Transportation, Sound Transit and King County Metro emphasized their shared commitment on Tuesday, Jan. 6, to help keep people and goods moving safely and reliably through the region during construction.
“Preserving the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge is essential to a safe and reliable regional transportation system,” said Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith. “Building on our success from 2025, we know we can manage the traffic impacts of four weeks of lane reductions with thoughtful planning. We’re asking everyone to consider choosing alternate routes, carpooling, adjusting travel times or using transit to help keep everyone moving.”
The Revive I-5: Ship Canal Bridge Preservation project is a multi-year effort that includes repairing and resurfacing the upper bridge deck, replacing aged expansion joints and improving drainage. In 2025, WSDOT started this project by completing early drainage improvements and repairs. In 2026 construction will focus on the northbound bridge deck and in 2027 the southbound bridge deck. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2027.
During this work, close coordination between state, city and transit agencies helps minimize regional impacts and provide travelers with reliable alternatives. …
Construction closure details
Starting as early as 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, crews will close all lanes of northbound I-5 from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street to set up a work zone in the two left lanes of the Ship Canal Bridge. When northbound I-5 reopens Monday morning, Jan. 12, a two-lane reduction will be in place until early June. Revive I-5 work will pause and the work zone will be removed for FIFA World Cup matches in Seattle from June 8-July 10. All lanes will be open during the World Cup. After the World Cup matches in Seattle conclude, work will resume again with more long-term lane reductions through the end of 2026.The weekend-long full closure for work zone set-up depends on dry weather to restripe lanes. That means if the weather is too rainy, crews will reschedule work for the following weekend.
Express lanes will operate ‘northbound only’ during 2026 Revive I-5 construction
During the construction lane closures, the I-5 express lanes will only run northbound 24 hours a day. Those traveling to or through Seattle may experience traffic delays as the express lanes will not run southbound like they typically do during the morning hours. Keeping express lanes northbound only allows WSDOT to balance the regional traffic system more effectively during this work.
WSDOT projects under the “Revive I-5” umbrella go as far back as 2018.
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