West Seattle, Washington
11 Sunday
We reported last month that the proprietors of the new UPS Store at Westwood Village announced they planned to soft-open this coming Monday, January 5. They’ve sent us an update saying they’ve had a slight delay and are now hoping to open a week later than that, on January 12. As noted in our mid-December report, it’s their fourth UPS Store in the region, and they plan to offer a variety of services (including the always-in-demand shredding).
Thanks for sending photos! Above, from Chris Frankovich, below, from Javier Fosado – those sailboats are part of the Three Tree Point Yacht Club‘s Duwamish Head Race.
The race’s start and finish is at the Des Moines Marina; it’s the first race of 2026 but the second in the club’s Southern Sound Series.
ADDED: One more photo, sent by James Bratsanos:
Two readers report abandoned bicycles, which we often show because they frequently turn out to have been stolen and dumped – first, sent by Tina:
Kids’ bike found in Orchard Street Ravine. Currently at dead end of 38th & Myrtle.
And sent by Kit:
Propped on the rail in center of Lincoln Park along ridge / view. Nice bike, has been deserted with broken chain.
You can scroll through our archive of found-bike reports by going here. Otherwise, our board for other lost/found/non-pet reports is in the WSB Community Forums.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow=O’Connor)
Happy Saturday! Here’s what’s happening (and a few regular events that aren’t) as we begin the post-holiday weekend, mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run.
FREE MEDITATION: Start the New Year’s first weekend with Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3620 SW Alaska).
WEST SEATTLE TAE KWON DO: 9:30 am, 2026’s first class at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW).
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile as a prelude to the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fauntleroy Way SW.
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, noon-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm Saturdays, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: What’s technically the December meeting is happening on this first Saturday in January, 1 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), discussing “The Unclaimed.”
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open for you to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Closed for winter break.
BASKETBALL: Two varsity home games today/tonight at Chief Sealth IHS – girls’ basketball hosts Holy Names at 2:30 pm, boys’ basketball hosts Lincoln at 5:30 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
ART RECEPTION: Four artists are showing work in the new Alki Arts (6030 California SW) exhibit “People, Places, and Things” – meet them 5-7 pm tonight, as the show opens.
ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, first admission 5 pm. Tickets and info here.
EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, acoustic Circle of Songs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
AT THE SKYLARK: Local live music at The Skylark, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm, all ages, The Potholes, Rootbeer Rootbeer, Mothtide, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM: No Saturday spinning tonight.
SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with DJs, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? New Year’s Eve or Day, or beyond? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar, which is free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(December 25 reader photo of high-tide aftermath on Alki promenade)
The next round of “king tides” – the year’s highest high tides – peaks in the next several days, and low atmospheric pressure could mean higher water levels than predicted. First, here’s what the tide tables predict for our area:
Saturday: 12.8 feet, 5:51 am
Sunday: 12.9 feet, 6:30 am
Monday: 13.0 feet, 7:08 am
Tuesday: 12.9 feet, 7:43 am
Wednesday: 12.8 feet, 8:17 am
WSB reader Lura points out that atmospheric conditions can push the water levels higher than predicted – see the red line on this chart, for example – and she notes that if forecast conditions bear out, that could mean 14-foot high tides ahead. The National Weather Service has a Coastal Flood Advisory alert for 4 am-8 am Saturday; along the Duwamish River, the city says “… river overtopping is not forecasted. However, significant street flooding in the industrial area of South Park is expected on the mornings of Saturday, January 3rd and Sunday, January 4th.”
8:19 PM: Thanks for the tips. While we were away from the desk for a while, yet another collision was reported in the curve/pullout area toward the southwest end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge. The SFD 911 log shows initial dispatch just after 6 pm; there was another dispatch just before 7 but archived radio indicates that was NOT a new crash – apparently someone called in the same one a second time. Our video shows the spun-out car and downed pole/sign around the time of the second response – we assigned a back-seat passenger to try to get a visual as we past eastbound; that didn’t work so we turned around and went westbound, and what you see is what we got – the car is briefly visible around :13 in. We’re checking with SFD re: injuries. If you missed it, here’s our latest story on what SDOT says it will do regarding the crash risk in that area.
10:19 PM: SFD says no injuries were reported.
If you’re starting the year with a decision to make about school for a very young member of the family – don’t miss the West Seattle Preschool Fair on Tuesday:
West Seattle Preschool Fair – January 6, 5:30 to 7:00 pm
Hope School Gym: 4100 SW Genesee St (Gym Entrance on Genesee). Parking available in the lot on the east side of 41st and Genesee St. Look for signs.
Parents of preschool-age students are invited to attend the West Seattle Preschool Fair January 6th at 5:30.
Twelve local preschools will be in attendance to inform you about their programs and help answer questions about preschool readiness. January is a perfect time to begin your search for the program that meets the needs of your student, and what better way to research than to have access to all these programs in one spot! You can pre-register by clicking here. Children are welcome! Questions? Email event organizer Sally Heit at sheit@hopeseattle.org.
Our participants are:
Holy Rosary Preschool
Hope Lutheran Preschool
ARK Preschool
The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary
Bright Horizons at West Seattle
Westside Wonderspace
The Cove School
Community School of West Seattle
SSC Cooperative Preschools and Parent Education Program
Urban Nature Preschool LLC
Cometa Playschool
West Seattle MontessoriAlso:
Sunshine Music
The Little Gym of West Seattle
Thanks to Collin for the photo and this report from the east end of the Roxbury corridor: “Olson Place and Cambridge, 1-car accident blocking 1 lane going up the hill. No injuries but will need a tow truck.”
(Thanks to Trileigh for sending the photos)
3:25 PM: Seattle Fire crews are responding to a possible house fire in the 6500 block of Beach Drive SW [vicinity map]. Updates to come.
3:30 PM: Crews have not yet found a fire but say a resident told them smoke had been coming from the roof. … They say the attic is clear, so they’re dismissing most of the units.
3:51 PM: Beach Drive is still blocked as of a few minutes ago, texters tell us, but SFD has just given the clear to cancel all units, so that shouldn’t last too much longer.
One day after we reported that the West Seattle Junction Post Office‘s outdoor mailbox is out of commission again, looks like the one at the Westwood Village Post Office is too. So reports Cindi, who sent the photos a short time ago and explains:
Just as I drove up they were in the middle of taping up the box at Westwood; somebody vandalized it and they have just discovered it.
The lock picture is where they started to try and pry off the drop chute.
While Cindi was there, workers were emptying mail out of the damaged box. We already had an inquiry out to USPS about the Junction box; we’ve added an inquiry about this too. It also was recently returned – in November – after 2 1/2 months away because of a break-in.
(‘Live’ image from WSF camera at Fauntleroy terminal)
In this morning’s traffic/transit/weather roundup, we mentioned that the Triangle Route was down to two ferries. WSF now says that’ll last at least until Tuesday:
The #1 vessel, Kittitas, is out of service due to necessary vessel maintenance. The route will be on two-boat service until further notice. Early this morning, Friday, Jan. 2, we discovered damage to an oil seal in the vessel engine room. We expect repairs to be completed early next week.
Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth service through Tuesday, Jan. 6:
Friday, Jan. 2: As of 11:20 a.m., we are now running the two-boat schedule with the #1 Cathlamet and #2 Sealth. Please expect some delays during this schedule change.
Saturday, Jan. 3 and Sunday, Jan. 4: Regular weekend two-boat schedule.
Monday, Jan. 5 and Tuesday, Jan. 6: Alternate weekday two-boat schedule.
(WSB photo)
11:55 AM: Katie Barrett Wilson is now Seattle’s 58th mayor, third woman in the job. We’re at City Hall, where her swearing-in ceremony has segued into photo ops. She stood at a city-logo podium on a small stage, in City Hall’s huge main lobby, with her husband Scott Myers – who emceed the ceremony – and their daughter Josie at her right, as the oath of office was administered by Pauline Van Senus, a founding member of the Transit Riders Union, the nonprofit that Mayor Wilson led before her election.
(WSB photos from here down by Torin Record-Sand)
Wilson’s speech, in front of supporters holding campaign-style signs with her “This Is Your City” slogan, emphasized that she can’t do the work ahead alone – the city’s success “is going to require all of you. … Seattle is what we make of it together.” She didn’t list any specific policy plans but rather a sweeping vision that this should be a city where what you do in your off-hours should be valued too – “a city that thinks you should be able to read a book,” or make music, or sit in a park and daydream: “We need bread, but we need roses too.” We have her speech on video, and what others said before she took the stage, and will add to this story when we’re back at HQ.
2:07 PM: Above is video of the ceremony in its entirety, from her ovation-greeted arrival, through the four speakers who preceded her oath of office, followed by her speech. The crowd filled the lobby, and some watched from the mezzanine:
ADDED 3:33 PM: First speaker was Ifrah Abshir, a Somali-American health services researcher and writer now working on her doctorate:
“Rights are not just words – they are practice,” she observed, adding that while “cities can’t fix everything … they can help.” She also recalled her work, when studying at Rainier Beach High School, improving bus service for students.
Speakers also included Cynthia Anne Green, an 80-year Seattle resident and longtime community advocate:
She hailed Wilson as “a mayor who didn’t come from the loudest rooms or richest donors, but from the long hard work of organizing, the type of person the world needs more of.” She suggested that people might suggest lowering their expectations only because they’ve “grown comfortable living with inequity” and added that
Wilson’s election brought new hope, while also cautioning that this is just the beginning, though it’s a jubilant moment as a “victory for those who refused to disappear from this city.”
Also speaking (above) was Jarvis Capucion, an advocate for homeless people, formerly homeless himself. He addressed that issue, stated by Wilson as one of her top priorities, declaring that “without shelter, people die.” He is looking for the new mayor to address the homelessness crisis “at the scale it deserves.”
ADDED 4:55 PM: Wilson referred to “at least one former mayor” in attendance – we believe she was referring to West Seattleite Greg Nickels, visible in the lower left corner of our photo above, who was there with wife Sharon Nickels. They sat in a gallery that included other dignitaries – toward the center of the photo you’ll see new King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. Our area’s King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda was there too..In addition to her and the Nickels, locals we noticed included a delegation from the Duwamish Tribe – including Tribal Council member Ken Workman and longhouse director Kristina Pearson – and Paulina López of the Duwamish River Commmunity Coalition, a member of Wilson’s transition team; she was among those standing onstage with the new mayor during the event, and told us she’s encouraged that Wilson is paying attention to Duwamish issues.
WHAT’S NEXT: Mayor Wilson has yet to announce some key leadership decisions. Meantime, city politics-watchers will also turn their attention to the City Council, which will elect its new president on Tuesday.
(Photo by James Bratsanos)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight – and not happening, as some regular events take a quick post-holiday break to recharge! Listings are from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – plus one special event, not in West Seattle but of citywide interest:
MAYORAL INAUGURATION: Mayor Katie Wilson takes the oath of office at City Hall at 10 am. Open to the public, as we reported earlier this week, or watch the Seattle Channel live stream. The ceremony, including her inaugural address, is expected to last about 45 minutes.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER Closed today for winter break.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.
QI-GONG: Natalia‘s Friday session is on hiatus today.
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.
COFFEEHOUSE OPEN MIC: 6-8 pm, Open Mic at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
CLASSIC BINGO: 7 pm at Admiral Pub. 21+. Free to play. (2306 California SW)
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: No varsity home games scheduled tonight.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7, music at 8 pm, with Kira Severy, Dormchair Therapist, Maybe Even, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
NO SPINNING: Revelry Room is closed tonight.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING:Tonight, skate during Sweat at the Disco with DJ Slayground, 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!
Love bunnies? Monday morning (January 5) outside C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can meet some – and support them by buying a calendar. The rescue organization Special Bunny will be there, with some of their adoptable rabbits, 8 am-11 am Monday, selling calendars “with all proceeds going toward supporting the rabbits in our care.” You can preview the calendar (or buy it, if you can’t get to the event at C & P) by going here.
7:35 AM: The Triangle Route is down to two boats because of trouble with the #1 vessel, Kittitas. The WSF alerts page has updates.
Earlier:
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, January 2, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts clouds, probably more rain, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise will be at 7:57 am; sunset at 4:29 pm. (Just a little over three weeks until the sun stops setting before 5 pm!)
SCHOOL’S OUT
Last weekday of winter break.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check WSF’s alerts page for any last-minute changes.
Metro buses – They’re back to the 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!
11:30 PM THURSDAY: A few people texted to ask about a big police response at The Whittaker at midday today. All that we heard over police radio was that it involved a man believed to have a knife, in some sort of confrontation/dispute with armed security guards for the mixed-use complex, which includes the Whole Foods store. One person was reported detained. This was on our followup list for tomorrow but SPD released their preliminary summary tonight:
At 1149 hours, Officers were dispatched to a public parking garage for reports of a subject armed with a Taser and a knife, threatening a homeless person and armed security for that property. Officers quickly arrived and took control of the scene. During the investigation, officers learned the suspect, based on his own statements, targeted the victim because he was homeless. Management of the property also stated they’ve had issues with the suspect harassing the homeless in the parking garage. After interviewing all involved and reviewing video footage. It was determined the suspect lunged at the homeless person with a taser, attempting to tase them. The suspect was arrested for felony assault and malicious harassment.
We’ll be asking for the full narrative as well as trying to find out more about the suspect’s status.
ADDED 10:23 PM FRIDAY: Here’s the narrative we obtained from SPD:
U contacted the suspect XXXXXX who was standing inside of the parking lot a few feet from the victim. (Suspect) was told to walk toward officers, with his hands up. Before walking toward officers, (suspect) dropped his taser on the ground. While being placed in handcuffs, (Suspect) was told that he was being detained. The Victim, later identified as XXXX, was also told that he is being detained. Both parties were separated for further investigation.
While speaking to Suspect/1, he stated that he was an employee for a company to keep homeless people out of the parking lot. Suspect/1 was unable to tell me the name of his employer, but said that it was written on a piece of paper in his wallet. XXXX XXXX XXXX, #XXX-XXX-XXX, was written on the paper Suspect/1 stated as his employer. Officer XXXX #8720, was able to verify that Suspect/1 is not an employee of XXXX XXXX. Suspect/1 kept repeating himself, saying that homeless people keep returning and it’s his job to keep them off the property. I asked him to explain why he had a taser out, and he stated that Victim/1 pulled out his knife first. I asked why Victim/1 pull out his knife first, and he responded by saying he told Victim/1 to get the ‘f— out’ while standing about 5 feet away. Suspect/1 also stated that he did not lunge towards Victim/1
I spoke with the XXXX XXXX of Whole Foods, later identified as XXX, XXXX, #XXXX-XXX-XXXX. She stated that this is an ongoing issue with Suspect/1. She did not witness the incident but stated that as of today, she wants Suspect/1 to be officially trespassed. Suspect/1 was told not to enter Whole foods on 4755 Fauntleroy WY.
I contacted Victim/1 who stated that Suspect/1 randomly walked towards him telling him to get out of the parking lot. Victim/1 said Suspect/1 then kicked his $500 Samsung phone, which is now damaged. He said he tried to kick again towards him but missed. Victim/1 stated Suspect/1 then had a knife in his hand, and lunged towards him, but he was not physically assaulted. Victim/1 stated that Suspect/1 also used his taser in an aggressive manner towards him by ‘sparking’ it and waving it at him. Victim/1 also said that he has video footage of Suspect/1 using the knife and taser as a threat towards him. While viewing the video, Victim/1 stated that the Whole food security guards arrived after Suspect/1 used the knife towards him, but then shortly redacted his statement. Victim/1 said that he is now not sure if the knife was used towards him but said that Suspect/1 held the knife in his right hand. I personally did not see the knife in Suspect/1 right hand, from the video shown. I observed Suspect/1 holding a dog leash in his right hand and using the taser with his left hand. Suspect/1 sparked the taser about 2 times and reached his arm out with the taser towards Victim/1. Both individuals appeared to be standing from each other, no more than 6 feet. Victim/1 did state that he believed he was targeted because he is homeless.
Victim/1 appeared to fear for his life and stated that Suspect/1 is the same individual who harassed him about a month ago. I asked was that incident reported and Victim/1 stated no. Based on Suspect/1 statements of having what appears to be a fixation towards individuals who are unhoused, there is a bias.
Suspect/1 was read his Miranda rights and told he is under arrest. Suspect/1 was then searched and transported for booking at King County Jail. I have probable cause for RCW- 9A.36.021 ASSAULT 2, and SMC- 12A.06.115-Malicious harassment.
According to the report, the suspect is 74 years old and the victim is 69. The jail roster shows the suspect remains in the King County Jail tonight, bail set at $2,000 for investigation of two misdemeanors.
(Video of all paraders as it began)
Story, video, photos by Jason Grotelueschen and Tracy Record
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The “horse” that led the Not-So-Silent-Night Parade in Highland Park on New Year’s Eve served two purposes.
Not only did it honor the fact that 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, it also demonstrated that the parade has now spanned a generation: Former Highland Park Action Committee co-chair Billy Stauffer noted that his son Franklin was a baby in a front-pack during the first Not-So-Silent-Night Parade … and last night, he was under the front of the horse, leading the parade. That first parade was small but spirited, maybe 20 people. Last night, we counted more than 220, toting lanterns, wearing lights, blowing horns, shaking bells:
Before the crowd hit the streets, Highland Park Improvement Club‘s vice president Alex Wheeler and trustee Galen Van Horn said a few words about the group and its work, including their monthly “First Friday” events and how fundraising is going for HPIC’s new building – but first, a lively group photo:
Until the new HPIC building is complete and open, Highland Park Corner Store is the starting place for this parade.
From there, the group paraded through the neighborhood on the way to Riverview Playfield to celebrate the end of 2025, and to welcome the arrival of 2026 (complete with glowing luminarias) :
At Riverview, participants cheered on the lighting of two “sage comets” in honor of those dearly departed from us in 2025.
Organizers then served tasty treats and hot chocolate behind the dugout at the playfield:
On the way to Riverview, the group passed the HPIC construction site at 12th/Holden, with work well underway to replace the HPIC building that was gutted by a fire four-and-a-half years ago (see our WSB status update from mid-December).
If you’re thinking about joining the parade next year, note that it’s a one-mile one-way route from HPCS to Riverview, about half an hour – then up to you to find your way back to the starting point. To keep up with what HPIC is doing all year ’round, including the rebuilding project, see hpic1919.org.
Thanks to Carol Ann for the tip. The West Seattle Junction Post Office’s outdoor mailbox is taped up and out of service, just three months after its return, which followed a year-and-a-half absence. Since today’s a holiday, we have no way to check on what happened to it, when, and whether any mail is missing; the signage simply declares it “broken,” and so far we don’t see any incidents logged for police at that spot, so we’ll follow up with USPS tomorrow.
1:15 PM: Police are in the (corrected) West Duwamish Greenbelt between Riverview and West Marginal Way, where they’d gone because of a vehicle possibly with stolen plates, found but on fire. They’ve told dispatch that the fire appears to have been set; SFD has responded too, but it’s apparently happening in a tough-to-access place. They’ve also reported that the burning van has had two explosions – so if you’re in the area and think you’ve heard shots, that’s probably what you heard. So far no description of suspect(s) in the arson but the investigation and response continues.
(Reader photo: Smoke rising from greenbelt as seen from Riverview Pee-Wee Fields)
3:02 PM: The vehicle was reported fully engulfed in flames at one point and described as a van possibly belonging to a local nonprofit.
6:24 PM: Added the photo sent by a reader of what appears to be the burned van, seen by an area resident that saw it while walking on a trail near Riverview.
10:33 PM: Here’s the police summary about this incident, released tonight:
At 1129 hours, officers were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle call. The caller stated there was an occupied that drove on the walking trail in a wooded area and appears to be stuck. Caller stated the driver appeared to be smoking something. When officers arrived, they attempted to knock on the vehicle but quickly recognized there was a larger than normal amount of smoke in the vehicle (cargo van). Officers checked to make sure there was nobody inside and it was unoccupied. The rear window broke out, due to the fire and officers observed the lone rear seat was on fire and there was some sort of device with wires coming out of it, underneath the seat. They backed away from the vehicle to get to a safe distance. While moving away from the vehicle there was a significant explosion inside. ABS was called and responded to the scene. It was determined there was an improvised incendiary device at the seat that exploded to create the larger fire that fully engulfed the van. SFD arrived on-scene and was able to extinguish the fire. No citizens or officers were injured from the explosion.
If you have any info, the SPD case # is 2026-000421.
That was just part of the crowd – likely 2,000+ strong – that ran into and out of Puget Sound all along Alki Beach at 10 am sharp. Biggest crowd yet, as estimated by some practiced eyes – the beach was full of scenes pre-swim that resembled tailgate parties. The food-donation bins put out by organizer Mark Ufkes and family were getting filled, too, adding an expression of giving spirit to the ever-more-popular occasion.
ADDED 11:50 AM: Mark and wife Lois Schipper, a longtime public-health professional now living with early-onset Alzheimer’s (as Mark mentioned in this year’s swim announcement), went into the water from mid-beach
(WSB photos from here by Dave Gershgorn)
But first he had to do the countdown!
Pre-plunge, Mark told WSB’s Jason Grotelueschen – who recorded the video above – that it’s amazing to see the community come out every year… this year the water temperature (mid-40s) was considerably warmer than the air temperature (mid-30s), which makes going in less shocking, “at least that’s the theory! But we never truly get used to it.” Going into 2026, he encouraged people to truly care for each other and encourage each other because “they need it more than we’ll ever know.” Many were there with friends, family, as Dave Gershgorn‘s next 12 photos for WSB show:
ADDED 12:55 PM: Other sights:
(WSB photo by Jason Grotelueschen)
No fewer than three mobile saunas were there – a microbusiness trend around here – as part of a group of wellness enterpreneurs who set up at and near the Bathhouse, along with the Alki Community Council, whose president Charlotte Starck and vice president Zak Nyberg walked the beach handing out mylar blankets – like the one modeled here by Alki Beach Pride‘s Stacy Bass-Walden:
(WSB photo by Tracy Record)
Shortly after arrival, we passed a family whose littlest member could be heard asking their parents, “Why are there hundreds of people?” We didn’t hear the answer but ultimately it could be – why not? Happy 2026!
(Added: WSB photo of Ashcroft Building today)
Starting off the new year is this announcement of a new home for Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) and The Bass Shop. They’ll be moving from Morgan Junction to the historic Admiral District building that Mud Bay is vacating for its move across the Admiral/California intersection. Here’s the announcement we received this morning from TRG proprietor Frank Gross, who recently bought the 2611 California SW building:
I am thrilled to announce Thunder Road and our roommates The Bass Shop will be moving to the historic Ashcroft Building located at 2611 California Ave SW in the Admiral District here in West Seattle early this spring.
This move nearly triples our current square footage and sets the stage for what I believe will be the very best version of what we do. The building has great bones and our goal is to create an inspiring and visually captivating environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
2026 marks our 15th year in business, and I can’t help but feel extremely grateful to this community, and the community of guitar enthusiasts worldwide that we consider customers, colleagues, friends and family. None of this would be possible without the incredible support from West Seattle and the greater Pacific Northwest. Your loyalty, passion for guitars, and your belief in what we do has put gas in our tank and guitars on our walls and we are forever in debt to you.
Fun West Seattle 1990s era knowledge bomb: When I was a kid this very building we are moving into was the original Alki Bike and Board. Stu, the owner of this establishment, was nice enough to let me put a K2 Shovel BMX on layaway for an entire summer. Come August I must have mowed every single lawn in West Seattle and made enough to pay off the bike. Stu’s kindness and compassion for a young kid who wanted a proper bike was never lost on me and inspires me to this day of how to treat people and run a business.
As for our existing storefront, our new friends at NW Fitness Project will be taking over that location this spring. Here is some info from them about their new location: NW Fitness Project, a celebrated Fremont-based boutique fitness studio specializing in personal training, strength based small-group training, and running coaching, is beyond amped to be moving in for their second location. Known for their “person over program” philosophy and commitment to sustainable, long-term fitness, NW Fitness Project has built a loyal community over eight years through adaptive training that meets each person exactly where they are.
We’re thrilled to pass the torch to fellow small business owners who share our commitment to community investment and are excited to see them serve West Seattle’s active, health-focused residents.
Follow our journey as we restore this 100 year old building and make it our own, one guitar at a time. Look out for moving announcements early this spring.
With love & gratitude,
Frank Gross
Owner & Founder, Thunder Road Guitars
This will be Thunder Road’s third move to ever-bigger spaces in the past 11 years – from 3916 California to The Junction in 2015 and then from The Junction to Morgan Junction in 2019.
(Reader photo, foggy New Year’s Eve at Solstice Park)
Welcome to 2026! We hope this info will be helpful on your New Year’s Day holiday:
WEATHER ALERT: Dense Fog Advisory this morning. Besides visibility challenges, beware of frosty streets.
BUSES: Metro‘s on the Sunday schedule. (Free rides were just for New Year’s Eve, so fares ARE being collected again as of a few hours ago.)
WATER TAXI: Not running today.
FERRIES: Weekend schedule on Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route – check for alerts here.
MORE TRANSPORTATION NOTES: No charge for street parking in areas of the city with pay stations … West Seattle-relevant traffic cameras are here; see all cameras citywide via this SDOT map.
COFFEE AND RESTAURANT/BAR HOURS: This year, we made lists, though closures for New Year’s are far fewer than for Christmas; open/closed coffee shops are listed here, open/closed restaurants/bars are here (scroll past the Christmas info to get to the New Year’s info).
GROCERY HOURS TODAY: A few changes today – our list is here.
NEW YEAR’S DAY WALKS: As they do every year, the Emerald City Wanderers are hosting New Year’s Day walks, starting at St John the Baptist Episcopal Church. The 5- or 10-kilometer walks are noncompetitive, starting between 8:30 and 11:30 am. There is no fee, though contributions to help cover costs are welcome. Hot soup will be available after the walks. St John’s is at 3050 California SW.
ALKI POLAR BEAR SWIM + FOOD DRIVE: You’re invited to join in the annual tradition of running into Puget Sound with more than a thousand others at 10 am sharp, from the beach across from Do Si BBQ, or really, anywhere along the sand – this year, bring a nonperishable-food donation if you can – here’s here’s our most-recent reminder.
OTHER THINGS TO DO: See our Event Calendar – the West Seattle Book Club‘s special holiday edition at 7 pm is a highlight!
OTHER NOTES: Seattle Parks closure info is here … Libraries (city and county) are closed … Solid-waste pickups are on one-day delay for the rest of the week.
If you see/hear news, please text/call 206-293-6302 – we appreciate your tips 24/7/365!
While we were checking out fogged-in Harbor/Alki Avenues around 11 pm, police were investigating gunfire in the Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex/Southwest Teen Life Center/SW Pool vicinity. It’s not easy on a night like this to discern gunfire from fireworks but in this case, the report didn’t come from 911, it came from an officer who told dispatch he saw the gunfire just before multiple vehicles scattered, and reported “casings all over the place” – from at least two different guns, a handgun and rifle. He told dispatch he surmised people in multiple vehicles “were shooting at each other.” No report of injuries, nor of where exactly it happened – the address 2801 SW Thistle covers a lot of ground at those facilities; we’ll be requesting the report.
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