West Seattle, Washington
09 Monday
Thanks to those who forwarded this: One night before the Seattle Public Schools Board was scheduled to have a special meeting to authorize superintendent Dr. Brent Jones to withdraw his plan to close four schools, he sent families a message tonight saying he’s doing just that, declaring the district will find other ways to save money – next school year, at least:
As Superintendent, I take seriously the responsibility of ensuring our district’s schools meet the needs of every student while operating sustainably for the future.
Earlier this year, the Seattle School Board directed me to develop a preliminary recommendation for elementary school closures and consolidations to address enrollment declines, budgetary challenges, stabilizing programs and services.
After much deliberation, reflection, and engagement with our community, it is clear there is no longer a pathway for this approach for the 2025-26 school year. I am withdrawing my preliminary recommendation, and we will not pursue school closures and consolidations for the upcoming school year. The Board will vote Tuesday to formally approve this direction.
This decision was not made lightly and reflects the Board and my shared priority: the needs and well-being of our students, families, and community. While our Board recognized the vision for the proposed changes, and many in our community understood the need for stability behind them, this decision allows us to clarify the process, deepen our understanding of the potential impacts, and thoughtfully determine our next steps.
The projected $5.5 million savings from the proposed closures are significant. However, we agree that achieving these savings should not come at the cost of dividing our community.
The discourse surrounding this issue highlighted the need for constructive conversations and collaboration to replace conflict, as meaningful progress for our students requires unity and shared purpose.
Instead, we will focus on addressing our district’s budget shortfall through legislative and levy renewal advocacy, as well as pursuing operational efficiencies aligned with our shared values and priorities. We also remain committed to addressing the underlying issues that drove this initial proposal. These challenges remain critical to ensuring the long-term health of our district, and we will continue to work together to find solutions and ensure any adjustments we make are both equitable and sustainable. …
The closure possibility loomed over months of meetings, discussions, and protests about what the district originally suggested would result in a system of “well-resourced schools” – a concept first introduced a year and a half ago – closing up to 20 of them and offering two possible slates of closures. That was eventually whittled down to four elementaries including Sanislo. Then last week’s emotional board meeting ended with Dr. Jones saying he might withdraw the plan.
P.S. If you want to talk with West Seattle/South Park school-board director Gina Topp about any of this – or any other SPS topic – her community conversation meeting remains on for 6:30 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, November 26) at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), shortly after the board’s one-issue, online-only meeting to officially cancel the closures.
That’s part of the colorful display – also including seawall luminarias – the Alki Community Council created as part of its first-ever Alki Holiday Lights celebration Saturday night, before and after the Christmas Ship’s visit to the beach (WSB coverage here). The event also included business participation, plus the Log House Museum, and a food drive. One of the ACC organizers, Zak, tells WSB, “I made a survey to gather feedback on this first annual event. Hoping to have 2025 be bigger and better. Would love to have more attendees fill it out and hear what we did well or could improve on.” If you were there and can offer some feedback, here’s how!
If you got stuck in a pre-dusk jam near the Fauntleroy ferry dock, this crash at Fauntleroy/Wildwood might have played a role. Sent by Mike:
Apparently the car was heading west on Wildwood when the brakes failed. The driver was trying to slow it down by trying to put it in Park. It wouldn’t go so he made a sharp left turn onto Fauntleroy heading south in order to avoid a potential collision with cars or pedestrians at the ferry dock if he were to follow Fauntleroy heading north. No injuries. Driver just shaken up.
The scene has since cleared.
Announced today by the King County Wastewater Treatment Division, as their million-gallon sewer-overflow tank project continues taking shape:
Utility investigation work near First Avenue South bridge beginning December 2
King County Wastewater Treatment Division is planning to build a wastewater and stormwater storage tank near the First Avenue South Bridge to reduce combined sewer overflows into the Duwamish River, with construction expected to begin in summer 2025. Starting as early as (next Monday) December 2, 2024, crews will spend up to three days potholing, or digging small holes, near the future storage tank site in preparation for upcoming construction. This work will help King County to better understand the locations and condition of existing utility lines.
What you can expect
-Work hours 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for up to three days, starting as early as Monday, December 2. Work on Highland Park Way SW may happen at night to avoid disrupting traffic.
-Temporary lane closures with flaggers on site to assist vehicle and pedestrian movement.
-One drill rig and up to four service vehicles on site.
-Noise and slight vibrations during work hours, including engine noise and periodic hammering.
-Occasional truck traffic accessing the site during work hours.Please watch for equipment and signs in the area, travel slowly to stay safe and follow direction from flaggers.
The overflow tank has been in planning for years – here’s some of our past coverage.
1:31 PM: Police and fire are responding to a report of two people stabbed at 30th/Cambridge [map], just west of Roxhill Park. Updates to come.
1:35 PM: Police are looking for at least one vehicle in connection with this – described as a newer silver SUV, possibly a Nissan Murano. They confirm there are two victims, describing as “one in a fight that got stabbed, one who we’re interviewing right now.”
1:44 PM: SFD has reduced its response size; we’ll be checking with them regarding conditions. No further info from police yet regarding suspect(s)/circumstances.
1:47 PM: Police have just said the suspect(s) and victims in this “are all juveniles” and they’ve checked the parking lots at nearby schools but no sign of the involved vehicle.
2:02 PM: They are looking for a teenage girl and apparently have her name.
2:50 PM: SFD says its medics treated a 17-year-old girl who was in stable condition when taken to the hospital and a 15-year-old girl with “minor injuries” who did not want to go to a hospital.
ADDED 5:17 PM: We followed up with SPD too. Det. Eric Muñoz noted, “There is a family relationship between the suspect and stabbing victim, making this a domestic violence-related incident. Another female juvenile victim sustained minor injuries (scratches); and was treated on scene. Video surveillance was obtained by officers. The weapon used was not located. The 16-year-old suspect fled the scene and was not located. Police are actively searching for her. Police are also looking for another involved male suspect; his involvement in this incident is under investigation.”
6:28 PM: SPD confirms the suspect has just been arrested.
(WSB photo, July)
Four months ago, we reported that city permit files showed a Gene Juarez salon was penciled in for the former Sound Credit Union space at 4730 California SW. At the time, the company’s CEO Katie Trent had no comment. Today, she emailed us this announcement:
I am happy to now confirm that we have leased the space formerly housing Sound Credit Union.
We are thrilled to bring our award-winning salon and skin care services to the Junction. Many of our staff (including me) live in West Seattle, as do many of our existing guests. It is a privilege to join the vibrant business scene in West Seattle/the Junction, and we look forward to making a positive contribution through additional foot traffic to the Junction as well as involvement with the many wonderful community events throughout the year.
Trent says they’re hoping to open in April. She adds:
The salon will feature our full complement of salon services, including texture/curl specialists and specialty extension services. We have been certified carbon neutral for beauty services by our sustainability partner, Green Circle Salons, since 2022 and intend to carry that practice to this location. Our skincare team offer a full suite of facial services as well as waxing, lash and brow services.
12:34 PM: Thanks for the photos, including the one above from Steven Rice – the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is inbound, headed for Bremerton. According to this report, it left San Diego one week ago – the same day two other carriers departed.
ADDED 1 PM: This photo’s from Sid:
Two reader reports so far today:
ROCK THROWN: From T:
I live at an apartment on Edmunds and 42nd Ave SW. About 3:15 am, a rock was thrown into our sliding glass door and shattered it. It landed in my dog’s bowl and broke that too. There is glass all over the living room – I was asleep on the couch when this happened.
If anyone saw anything, a police report has been filed.
The temporary number for that is T00017786.
DUMPED TABLETS: Sent by M:
Wanted to let readers know that I found 2 tablets dumped in the street near 35th & Trenton this morning.
One was a kid’s and one was an adult’s, based on the cases. The adult’s tablet seems to still function. The kid’s one seems damaged though. If they can identify the brand of the tablet and describe the cases, happy to get them reunited with the owner!
Email or text us and we’ll connect you.
Today, as our West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlights on local nonprofits continue, you can ensure a nonprofit preschool can teach big lessons to more little kids. Three times a week through year’s end, WSB is bringing you this special holiday-season opportunity to learn more about some of this area’s amazing local nonprofits, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation. Today – open the doors more widely to Hazelwood Preschool – here’s their story:
At Hazelwood Preschool, children discover the joy of learning through a blend of play-based education and connection to nature.
We are a non-profit preschool serving around 40 children ages 2-5 in West Seattle. Nestled against Fauntleroy Park, Hazelwood Preschool provides a unique learning environment that focuses on social-emotional growth. Children are encouraged to build empathy, resilience, and confidence while forming lasting friendships. A central focus of our curriculum is our outdoor program where children explore the natural world, fostering curiosity, and a deep respect for the environment. Our approach to education is holistic, incorporating art, music, and hands-on science activities alongside structured and free play. We celebrate diversity in all its forms, ensuring that every child sees their identity reflected in our curriculum.
At Hazelwood, we are committed to making high-quality early education more accessible. Our scholarship program is deeply meaningful to us, as it allows us to remove financial barriers for families. With your generosity, we can give more children the opportunity to develop a lifelong love of learning and a connection to their community. Contributions to our school enable us to expand our scholarship program, retain passionate educators, and keep tuition affordable.
Hazelwood parent Katy says, “It has been amazing watching my daughter transform during her years at Hazelwood. She went from hesitant and shy to outspoken and immensely proud of herself. She comes home every day excited to tell us about something, whether it was a funny moment with her friends, or the art she created. It is such a relief as a parent to know my child is in a safe and supportive place she loves.”
We are grateful to be part of the incredible West Seattle community. The support and involvement of our families, staff, and neighbors make it possible for Hazelwood Preschool to thrive, and for that, we thank you.
To support Hazelwood Preschool with your West Seattle Giving Spirit, go here! To see who we’ve featured already – browse this WSB archive.
(Eagle at Alki, photographed by Christopher Boffoli)
Here’s our list for your Monday, from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and West Seattle Holiday Guide:
FORGOTTEN CHILDREN’S FUND TOY DRIVE: Today’s the first day you can bring new, unwrapped toy donations to the John L. Scott Westwood offices (WSB sponsor) on the breezeway at Westwood Village (2600 SW Barton).
DONATE WARM CLOTHES & DESSERTS: Today’s the first day you can donate warm clothes, blankets, socks, and/or desserts at D Squared Hospitality‘s offices – 4105 Airport Way S. – for Thursday’s free community dinner at The Hall at Fauntleroy.
BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), for kids 0-2.
BINGO! Monday nights at Locust Cider on Alki, 6 pm. (2820 Alki SW)
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, including first-time players.
LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: No Monday night meeting this week.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three places to play tonight – 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: You’re invited to free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MEDITATION IN ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community also hosts Monday night meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 7-8:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: The Alley in back of Bonjour Vietnam is open – Monday nights, live music from The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
SING! 9 pm is the start time for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, and/or something for our Holiday Guide, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(2023 photo courtesy Thunder Road Guitars)
Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) is bringing back the Dick’s Drive-In burgers-and-shakes truck on Black Friday (this Friday, November 29)! Here’s the TRG announcement:
This Black Friday Weekend is going to be LEGENDARY! For the first time ever, Thunder Road Guitars Seattle & Portland are offering:
-20% OFF select new, used, and vintage guitars, amplifiers, and pedals!
-Shop online at www.thunderroadguitars.com with code BLACKFRIDAY20 to save big!
-Or visit us in-store in West Seattle or Portland to snag these epic deals.
BONUS: At our West Seattle location, the DICK’S DRIVE-IN Truck will be on-site Friday from 12-2 pm! Treat yourself to lunch with purchase of any item in store. Guitars + burgers = Black Friday done right!
Hurry! Sale runs Black Friday Weekend only. Some exclusions apply, so call or email for details.
In West Seattle, Thunder Road Guitars is at 6400 California SW in Morgan Junction.
Anyone else with Black Friday festivities? Email – westseattleblog@gmail.com – or text – 206-293-6302 – us so we can add to our West Seattle Holiday Guide – thanks!
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, November 25, as we start the pre-holiday-week.
SCHOOLS
No classes at Seattle Public Schools elementaries and K-8s, since the days before Thanksgiving are conference time.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, showery, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:29 am, while sunset will be at 4:23 pm.
TRANSIT
Water Taxi today – Regular service.
Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the south half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the north side. Fairmount Avenue remains closed beneath the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Police say a driver has hit a pole on the northbound side of the 3600 block of Admiral Way [map], and brought down wires/cables; traffic on that side will be blocked for a while.
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