The West Seattle Giving Spirit sustains thousands of people in our neighborhoods – and orcas too, as you’ll see in today’s spotlight. Three times a week through year’s end, WSB is bringing you this special holiday-season opportunity to learn more about, and support, some of our area’s tireless nonprofits, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation. Today – The Whale Trail, which may sound like a place, but is much more than that:

Celebrating West Seattle’s Role in Orca Conservation: The Whale Trail

(Girl Scouts learning about whales at Lincoln Park)

The Whale Trail is a series of places to watch orcas or other marine mammals from shore. Their mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship for marine mammals and their environment. Their overarching goal is to recover the endangered southern resident orcas from the threat of extinction.

From 16 inaugural locations in Washington, there are now more than 130 sites along the west coast from California to British Columbia. Each site has an accompanying page on their website, and many feature interpretive panels. In 2012, the organization received a City of Seattle Neighborhood Matching Fund grant to place four signs in West Seattle and purchase 36 pairs of binoculars, which have been put to good use along West Seattle shores!

“When whales are near, our volunteer naturalists pass out the binoculars and help people spot and learn about the whales they are seeing.” Sandstrom says. “Watching whales from shore has played a critical role in orca recovery. When people learn the whales are endangered, the first thing they want to know is, how can I help?”

The Whale Trail was founded in 2008 by a core team of partners including NOAA Fisheries, WDFW, Seattle Aquarium, and the Whale Museum. Many members of the team first met through successful efforts to return Springer, an orphaned orca, to her pod. “Springer showed me what’s possible when people work together for the whales.” Sandstrom notes, “The Whale Trail was founded in that same collaborative spirit.”

The Whale Trail is headquartered in West Seattle. “I’m not sure I could have started this project anywhere else.” Says Sandstrom. “From businesses and community groups to our incredible volunteers, everyone has been so supportive. I feel lucky to live in a place that really embraces nonprofits.”

Leadership in Orca Recovery

Sandstrom recently served on Governor Inslee’s Task Force on Southern Resident Orca Recovery, where she championed a recommendation to license commercial whale-watching. The recommendation became law in 2019, with rules that were recently updated.

Starting January 1, 2025, all boaters must stay at least 1,000 yards away from southern residents. The distance is based on science showing the harmful impact of noise and disturbance on the orcas ability to find and catch their prey.

“When the whales return to the Salish Sea, it’s quieter,” Sandstrom says. “We can all be proud of a public process that worked! There are now nine calves under five years old, and six of those are female. Whether they survive and thrive into adulthood is up to us.”

Welcome the Orcas 2024

Join The Whale Trail next Tuesday (December 10) to celebrate the seasonal return of the southern resident orcas to central Puget Sound, and learn how to protect them. Get tickets here.

The Whale Trail is a small organization with a mighty impact! You can help by donating, volunteering, and attending events. Visit The Whale Trail’s website to learn more.

DONATE HERE
VOLUNTEER HERE
LEARN MORE HERE
QUESTIONS? Donna Sandstrom – info@thewhaletrail.org

Scroll through our archive of West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlights here (newest to oldest), and watch for the next one on Monday!

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: 3 updates in 15-year-old’s shooting death

December 6, 2024 1:24 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | High Point | West Seattle news

Two days after 15-year-old Chief Sealth International High School student Sudaysi Ida was shot and killed in High Point, three updates:

INVESTIGATION: At last night’s Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council meeting, precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair gave attendees a brief update on the case: “We don’t think it’s random,” adding that the “Homicide Unit has some good leads.” (We’ll publish a full report on the rest of the meeting later.)

FUNDRAISER: Several people have messaged to ask us to publish this link to a fundraiser for the victim’s family, set up by a teacher of the victim’s sibling:

The family is in urgent need of support to cover funeral expenses during this incredibly difficult time.

As teachers of the younger sibling, we have witnessed the strength and resilience of this family. Compelled to help during this unimaginable time, we are working with the community to raise funds for the family’s immediate needs.

Time is critical due to the family’s cultural and religious practices, and we are coming together to provide support as quickly as possible. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help ease the financial burden and allow the family to focus on healing. All funds raised will go directly toward funeral costs, with any additional support assisting the family as they navigate this tragedy.

HIGH POINT MANAGEMENT LETTER: This has raised questions and concerns about neighborhood safety, so the High Point Open Space Association Board also wanted to share this open letter with the wider West Seattle community:

Dear High Point Community Members,

It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the tragic loss of a young life in our community this week. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the victim’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. We also extend our sympathy to all our neighbors who are affected by this loss.

In light of this event, we want to reassure you that we are committed to the safety and well-being of our community. We are actively working alongside the Seattle Housing Authority, Neighborhood House, and other partners to enhance community safety through various events and activities. These efforts are aimed at fostering a supportive and safe environment for everyone.

We maintain regular communication with the police to ensure a proactive approach to community safety. We encourage you to participate in the Seattle Police Department’s quarterly Crime Prevention Council meetings, as these are valuable opportunities for you to stay informed and involved, as well as ensuring SPD knows what is happening in High Point. Furthermore, we invite you to attend the regularly scheduled safety meetings led by SHA’s Community Builder. These meetings are a platform for you to share your concerns, ideas, and suggestions on how we can collectively enhance our neighborhood’s safety. Look for more information regarding the time and place of these meetings in High Point’s weekly newsletter and on the High Point Network Facebook group.

We believe that open dialogue and community involvement are key to creating a safe and thriving environment. Your voice matters, and we welcome any ideas or comments you might have. Together, we can work towards a safer and more connected community for everyone.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment.

Share This

TRAFFIC ALERT: Delridge Way shifts as pedestrian-bridge project moves to final phase

December 6, 2024 12:38 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WSB photo: Delridge project site, earlier this week)

As we’ve been mentioning in our daily traffic updates, we’ve had an inquiry out to SDOT about the status of the Delridge Way pedestrian-bridge seismic-strengthening project. We just received the update, and it includes word of a configuration change at the project site:

The Delridge Pedestrian Bridge is expected to reopen in early 2025. Crews will be wrapping up retrofits to the bridge’s components throughout December. Over the last year, we have made the bridge stronger by widening its foundation, adding carbon fiber wrapping, making structural reinforcements, rebuilding the ramp landings, and replacing the expansion joints.

If all goes well and the weather allows us to complete our work on schedule, we expect to be able to temporarily reopen the bridge to pedestrians in January 2025. There will still need to be short closures later in the year lasting a few days at a time to install the bridge railings.

Today (December 6), we will be shifting the travel lanes on Delridge Way SW to make room for the next phase of construction. There will continue to be two open lanes, with one lane for each direction of travel. We expect to fully reopen the road in early 2025.

Work on the project started last spring, after the city determined it would keep and strengthen the overpass rather than tearing it down.

Share This

WEEKEND PREVIEW: 3 big reasons to be in The Junction on Saturday

December 6, 2024 12:20 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Fun stuff to do | Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Three quick reminders about don’t-miss events in the West Seattle Junction tomorrow (Saturday, December 7):

(WSB file photo)

KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Start your Saturday at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds, lots of free parking if you’re driving) for a tasty breakfast cooked by the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle – pancakes, Husky Deli ham, orange juice, coffee/tea … Santa’s there for photos and Marines are there to collect new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Drop in any time between 7 am and 11 am. $10 at the door, $8 in advance, kids under 10 eat free with a paid adult.

P.S. The Kiwanis Club also is raising money for youth and other community work right now via this online silent auction – bid for cool items donated by local businesses!

(WSB photo – Caudle Family on donation-drive day in 2023)

DRIVE-UP/RIDE-UP/WALK-UP COAT AND FOOD DRIVE: Bring your donations to the lot behind Hope Lutheran (off Oregon just east of 42nd) for the Caudle Family‘s annual drop-off drive collecting new/gently used coats and nonperishable food, 10 am-3 pm.

HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS FESTIVAL AND TREE LIGHTING: 4-8 pm Saturday, gather in the heart of The Junction! The event is centered on SW Alaska between California and 42nd, which will be closed to through traffic – here’s the schedule:

4:00 PM – Festival begins. Night Market is open. Carolers, Metropolitan Singers, and Santa will be roaming the area.
4:30 PM – Endolyne Children’s Choir Performance
5:00 PM – The School of Rock Performance
5:30 PM – Pet Costume Contest on Stage
6:00 PM – Tree Lighting with carolers (Seattle Metropolitan Singers)
6:30 PM – Christmas DJ spinning holiday tunes
8:00 PM – Night Market closes

The list of Night Market vendors is here (and glow wands will be available for kids for $3). Check out the new more-walkable layout this year! For added festive touches, you’ll also see stilt-walkers, LED hula hoops, fire pits, lots of lights in Junction Plaza Park … that’s where the stage will be this year, and Brian Callanan will be this year’s emcee. In addition to adult beverages in the Beer Garden, you’ll also find cocoa being served up by Hope Lutheran.

These 3 events are just part of a BIG holiday lineup for this weekend – see it all in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide!

Share This

BIZNOTE: Paper Boat Booksellers plans to move after the holidays

December 6, 2024 11:38 am

| 18 COMMENTS

| West Seattle books | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

After five years, independent bookstore Paper Boat Booksellers is moving out of Morgan Junction. Co-proprietor Desirae Wilkerson confirms to WSB that the shop will move to a new location in the West Seattle Junction early next year. “We will be moving into the left [north] side of the Windermere building – it’s double the square footage and will allow us to have more seating and room for bookstore events. The biggest reason we are moving though, is location.” The Junction gets foot traffic year-round, while the current location is slow outside of the holiday season, Desirae says. As for timing, “Our lease is up on January 31st and we expect to close for a bit to move everything over and open back up early February.” She says they’ve been looking for another location for about a year. And she believes they’ll synergize with The Junction’s longtime bookstore Pegasus Book Exchange – she says the two stores share lots of customers and Paper Boat points people to Pegasus all the time when something’s not in their stock.

Share This

‘Light Up the Night,’ movies, theater, music, Winter Wander, much more for your West Seattle Friday!

December 6, 2024 9:58 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Doug Eglington for the photo of today’s colorful sunrise! On to a busy day and night – here’s what’s on our list for you, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round West Seattle Event Calendar:

INDOOR PLAY: Need an indoor place for your little one to play on this chilly day? 10 am-11:30 am, you’re welcome to drop in for the weekly free “Stay ‘n’ Play” event at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Open with poinsettias, holiday swags, and more! North side of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the home of West Seattle’s history to see what’s new as well as what’s old, noon-4 pm. (61st SW & SW Stevens)

QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: 12:15 pm-12:45 pm Fridays. More info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room is open 1-6 pm in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

(times updated) SCHMITZ PARK CREEK RESTORE: Come to Alki Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW) this afternoon for a presentation and open house involving university students involved in the next step of this project – 2 pm presentation, 1-4 pm open house.

RAIN CITY CLAY HOLIDAY SHOW: The Arbor Heights studio/gallery hosts the show’s opening reception 4-8 pm – details in our calendar listing. (4208 SW 100th)

‘WINTER WANDER’ SCAVENGER HUNT BEGINS: Alice Kuder presents the “Winter Wander” scavenger hunt again this year, starting tonight – pre-registration open now; email wswinterwander@gmail.com:

The Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt is a free, 10-day community event designed to bring friends and families together for holiday fun. Wanderers download a Bingo-style clue sheet, scour West Seattle to identify the locations that solve the clues, and upload selfies in front of those locations to qualify for prize drawings. Open to everyone of all ages! Winter Wander starts at 5 PM, Fri., Dec. 6th , and concludes at 7 PM, Sun., Dec. 15th, 2024. Sign up by registering at wondersinaliceland.com.

VISCON CELLARS: Season’s just right for the ambience of this tasting room/wine bar, open for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

‘ALL WE CARRY’: 5:30 pm screening of this documentary featuring a local immigrant family’s journey and the community who welcomed them. Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall. Free, donations welcome. (9140 California SW)

HOLIDAY MOVIE DOUBLE FEATURE AT WSCC: “West Seattle Christian Church is hosting a Movie Night at the church starting at 6 pm. We are playing 2 movies: ‘The Star’ followed by ‘Christmas with the Kranks.’ We will have a craft for kids between the movies and concessions selling popcorn and hot cocoa! Proceeds will go to the Westside Neighbors Shelter and we will be collecting Twin XL Blankets for the shelter as well.” (4200 42nd SW)

HOLIDAY MOVIE AT LOCUST CIDER: “December 6th, December 13th, and December 20th we have Christmas movie nights starting at 6 pm.” (2820 Alki SW)

‘LIGHT UP THE NIGHT’: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish & School invite you to “Light Up the Night,” with music and of course, lights, including the giant tree – highest-altitude community tree in the city! Bring nonperishable food donations to fill the sleigh in the Walmesley Center, which is open 6-8 pm with the lighting/caroling around 7 pm. (35th SW/SW Myrtle)

HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR AT OLG: The popular fair-trade-gift fair returns to Our Lady of Guadalupe, with the first night during “Light Up the Night,” 6-8 pm Friday, 4-8 pm Saturday, 9:30 am-1:30 am Sunday.

‘MOANA’ MOVIE NIGHT: West Seattle High School‘s AAPI Club invites you to the school theater to watch “Moana” – the original – with them tonight. 6:30 doors. Cash if you haven’t bought an advance ticket or want to buy concessions. More info in our preview!

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Folk-rock with Dublin Abbey live at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. No cover.

BEN ROOT AT EASY STREET: Album-release performance, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW). Free, all ages.

AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

‘RAKE’S PROGRESS’ AT CSIHS: Second chance to catch the student production, 7:30 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium (2600 SW Thistle); details and ticket link in our preview.

BELLS OF THE SOUND: 7:30 pm concert with Puget Sound’s premier handbell choir at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW) – “A Very Bell Noel” is this year’s theme. Ticket info here.

‘SNOWED IN (AGAIN)’: The holiday musical continues at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm; ticket info is in our calendar listing.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Lady Coco tonight! (4547 California SW)

MAKE IT LOUD: Skating to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), doors at 9 pm, $18 cover, $5 skates. Tonight’s slate: Dining Dead, Loose Wing, Male/Gaze.

Are we missing anything? If you have something else to add to our event lists, calendar, and/or Holiday Guide, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

WEEKEND PREVIEW: Tilden School, Bridge Co-Op open houses Saturday

December 6, 2024 9:04 am

| Comments Off on WEEKEND PREVIEW: Tilden School, Bridge Co-Op open houses Saturday

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

School-shopping? Two local independent elementaries invite you to open houses tomorrow (Saturday, December 7):

(Photo from 2023 ‘Poem in Your Pocket’ day at Tilden School)

TILDEN SCHOOL: This longtime WSB sponsor is at 4105 California SW, and the Saturday open house is 10 am-noon. Here’s what Tilden School offers:

Academic, engaging, individualized K-5 education

Our integrated curriculum embraces opportunities for students to weave the many threads of their education together. Dedicated to smaller class sizes with low student-to-teacher ratio, Tilden offers a rich and rigorous program for the intellectual, artistic, social, emotional, and physical development of each student.

You can register to attend the open house by going here.

BRIDGE CO-OP ELEMENTARY: The Bridge School, also a WSB sponsor, is also welcoming visitors 10 am-noon tomorrow: “Staff and current families will be onsite to show families around and answer questions. We invite the community to come find out what makes cooperative elementary unique!” The school is at 10300 28th SW.

Share This

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Friday info + weekend alerts

December 6, 2024 6:01 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, December 6th.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Chance of rain tonight, some sun till then, with a high around 50. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:43 am, while sunset will be at 4:18 pm.

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

WEEKEND ALERTS

*Tonight – take extra care near the east side of 35th/Myrtle, where a crowd will gather for the OLG Christmas tree lighting.

*Late tonight/early Saturday – closure planned for the Highway 99 tunnel – details here.

*Saturday afternoon/evening – street closures in The Junction for Hometown Holidays festival, 4-8 pm (plus setup time), including the tree lighting in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska).

TRANSIT

Water Taxi today – Regular service today.

Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

ROAD WORK/CLOSURES

*Beach Drive gas-pipeline work continues for at least another month – here’s our update.

*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. (We’re still awaiting SDOT’s response to our request for a progress report.)

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.

See trouble 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!

Share This