West Seattle, Washington
02 Thursday
Story, photos and video by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Highland Park neighbors of all ages took to the streets on New Year’s Eve to walk in the annual “Not-So-Silent-Night Parade” organized by the Highland Park Improvement Club. The annual event has been going strong since 2009 (except for the COVID shutdown).
Neighbors gathered at the start of the parade route at the Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), drawing a crowd of well over 100:
The group paraded to the Riverview Playfields to celebrate the end of 2024, and to welcome (complete with festive luminarias) the arrival of 2025:
Here is our full video of the paraders: Highland Park New Year’s Eve parade
Here is our full video of the post-parade gathering at Riverview Playfields: Highland Park New Year’s Eve parade at Riverview (includes the lighting and swinging of the “sage comet” in honor of those dearly departed from us in 2024)
After the parade, organizers served hot chocolate and tasty treats:
Parade organizers dressed in festive attire for the occasion:
Every year, this is the one and only “year in review” story we publish – the 10 WSB stories that got the most comments during the year. It doesn’t mean they were the most important, or most read, stories, but the comment totals are a clearly quantifiable component in our publishing system. Last year was unique, with half of the top 10 relating to one ongoing controversy – the eventually scrapped plan to convert former tennis courts in Lincoln Park to pickleball courts. This year, though, the top 10 includes one story related to that controversy, two related to another controversy, and seven others about other unique situations.
#10 – TWO ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL-CLOSURE LISTS UNVEILED
September 11, 2024 – 151 comments
Seattle Public Schools‘ short-lived plan to close schools went through multiple iterations. This one offered two alternative lists. Two West Seattle schools wo schools, Louisa Boren STEM K-8 and Sanislo Elementary, were on both potential lists.
#9 – WILDLIFE ADVOCATES UPSET WITH ALKI POINT HEALTHY STREET PARKING REMOVAL
February 29, 2024 – 153 comments
As the long original headline for this story noted, SDOT originally said Healthy Streets wouldn’t involve parking removal. The Alki Point Healthy Street did, and local wildlife organizations said that would impede their work and general public access to see and appreciate wildlife.
#8 – CANTANNA FEST COMING TO LINCOLN PARK
July 25, 2024 – 156 comments
We learned a music-and-marijuana-appreciation festival had gotten the OK from Seattle Parks to bring thousands to Lincoln Park. The plan didn’t last long, and the festival eventually ended up at a farm in Pierce County.
#7 – MOLLY MOON’S ICE CREAM ON THE WAY TO WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION
April 5, 2024 – 167 comments
A banner in a Junction window revealed the ice-cream mini-chain was headed this way. Since then, it’s switched planned West Seattle locations, and will open in the ex-Cupcake Royale.
#6 – WOMAN SHOT AND KILLED SOUTH OF THE JUNCTION
October 1, 2024 – 174 comments
Though the shooting death of Dr. Tammy Towers at her home south of The Junction was ruled homicide, no criminal charges have ever been announced.
#5 – ALKI POINT HEALTHY STREET OPPONENTS ANNOUNCE COMMUNITY MEETING
May 13, 2024 – 180 comments
This story, like #9, stemmed from local wildlife advocates trying to convince SDOT not to remove parking as part of the Alki Point Healthy Street project.
#4 – LINCOLN PARK PICKLEBALL OPPONENTS SAY CITY HAS OFFICIALLY SCRAPPED PLAN
May 24, 2024 – 195 comments
Last year’s big controversy didn’t come to an official end until this spring.
#3 – POWER OUTAGES FOR 13,000+
November 19, 2024 – 208 comments
It’s not a most-commented list without a power outage and many readers weighing in on whether they’re out or not. This outage drew more comments than usual because Seattle City Light‘s info map was malfunctioning.
#2 – ABOUT THE TRUMP-MERCH TENT IN THE TRIANGLE
February 19, 2024 – 236 comments
Nine lines about a traveling vendor churned up a lot of discussion, almost nine months before the presidential election
#1 – ANNOUNCING A DEATH IN THE WSB FAMILY
October 18, 2024 – 669 comments
17 years after co-founding WSB, Patrick Sand died suddenly, without warning, at home the morning of October 17. We miss him every minute of every day. The work to which he was devoted – thoroughly, accurately, ethically, cheerily covering West Seattle news and events – goes on, led by co-founder Tracy Record, with new collaborators. We will talk with you more in the New Year about the state and future of WSB. For now, we want to thank everyone for the condolences, well-wishes, and support, and the many people who have taught us things we didn’t know about Patrick, by recounting what he meant to them and how they’d interacted. Thank you all so much, and we treasure your continued partnership in community-collaborative news, which we continue to cover 24/7.
PREVIOUS YEARS: Here are our previous most-commented-stories lists, going back to 2011:
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
One more way to spend your New Year’s Eve … exploring the beach at the -2.5-foot 11:13 pm low-low tide!
Rosalie Miller sent photos of what she encountered on the beach at last night’s similarly low tide – a kelp crab, red rock crab, and mottled star.
If you go out exploring, tread lightly!
(WSB photos, this afternoon)
Thanks for the tips. As announced, SDOT switched the traffic flow on the Admiral Way Bridge(s) again today – now it’s one outside lane each way, inside lanes blocked off for the next phase of the earthquake-resistance strengthening project. As also planned, the temporary crosswalk at 39th SW/Admiral Way has been removed as part of the change.
And Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge remains closed until the end of construction, which SDOT says might not be until early summer.
Preschool-shopping for your little one(s)? One week from tonight, you can meet reps from 15 local preschools, all in one place! The West Seattle Preschool Fair is set for Tuesday night, January 7th, 5:30 pm, and is sponsoring WSB to be extra-certain you hear about it. Here’s the latest:
Looking for the right preschool for your child? Attend the West Seattle Preschool Fair in the Hope School Gym (4100 SW Genesee) January 7th to visit 15 local preschools and learn what each program has to offer your child! No RSVP necessary.
Parking is available on the street or in the parking lot on the corner of 41st & Genesee St (East side of 41st).
Schools Attending:
ARK Preschool
Bloom Preschool
Cometa Playschool
Community School of West Seattle
Fauntleroy Children’s Center
Giddens School
Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School
Holy Rosary Preschool
Hope Lutheran School
Our Lady of Guadalupe Early Learning Center
South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools
Southwest Early Learning Bilingual Preschool
St. Bernadette Early Learning Center
The Cove School
Westside School
The Preschool Fair is a drop-in event, 5:30-7 pm next Tuesday.
Words of thanks, and a renewed invitation, regarding a clothing-donation drive continuing beyond the holiday season:
The West Seattle Food Bank/Clothesline clothing and food drive continues at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance in West Seattle. We have already taken a truckload of clothes to the Helpline, and we’ll drop off another load this Thursday. Our plan is to continue collecting donations of clothing and food through the end of January.
Thanks so much to those who dropped off much-needed cold-weather clothing and food, and thanks to the West Seattle Food Bank and Clothesline for their hard work.
The Dave Newman State Farm Insurance office (one of WSB’s longest-running sponsors) is at 3435 California SW. The office is open for donations Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Tuesdays 9 am to 2 pm, except for holidays.
(File photo, courtesy Westside Neighbors Shelter)
As the year ends, the temperature has dropped, and West Seattle’s only emergency shelter is busy. Manager Keith Hughes shares wish lists periodically, and we just got this, if you’re inclined to help:
Thank you, West Seattle, for continuing to generously support your Community Shelter. We have averaged over 40 people per night for the past month, and that takes a lot of supplies. Needed now:
Dixie Ultra 10″ paper plates and 20 oz bowls
12″ and 18″ aluminum foil
CoffeeMate powdered coffee creamer
jelly
jarred pasta sauce
Sugar, 5#, 10# bags
pancake syrup (quarts)
12 oz hot cups (no lids)
toilet paper, paper towels
Pam Spray
vegetable oil for cooking
raisins (for the oatmeal)…. Big Item Request …. Alpha Camp folding camp cots. I need 10. Maybe a project for a group/organization that can do it together?
The shelter is at 3618 SW Alaska. Info on how and when to donate items, including online ordering/delivery if that works better, is on its website.
(Pink clouds to the west at sunrise – photo sent by Janice Christiansen)
Happy New Year’s Eve! From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar, here’s what we have on the list for today/tonight:
FARE-FREE TRANSIT: See this morning’s traffic etc. roundup for info on who’s not charging you to ride today/tonight.
NEW YEAR’S EVE (AND DAY) WALKS: “The Emerald City Wanderers again will host noncompetitive walks on New Year’s Eve and Day, starting at St John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW). Different 5K and 10K walks will be offered on each day. On New Year’s Eve start any time between 4 and 7 PM from the Church, and enjoy hot soups and treats afterward in the Church community room. On New Year’s Day start any time between 9 AM and noon, with hot soups and snacks afterward. This is a great way to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025. Donations are requested. Info: Mike Nagan at m.nagan@comcast.net.”
NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHT PARADE: Highland Park Improvement Club will again lead a neighborhood walk/parade with noisemakers on NYE to say goodbye to the old year. Details:
Celebrate the arrival of the New Year with friends and neighbors with an all-ages, family-friendly march through Highland Park. An annual event since 2009 (with the exception of the COVID shutdown), the Not-So-Silent-Night Parade is a community celebration to ring in the new year. All ages welcome.
5:30- 6 pm: Assemble at the Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW). The store will be open for mingling, snacks and libations.
6 pm: Parade begins
Bring your personal noise or music makers and festive lighting, and help ring in 2025 as we parade down to the Riverview Playfields for a ceremonial goodbye to the old and welcome to the new!
Tips & Info
We parade via sidewalks primarily on quiet side streets
The route is approximately one mile, with some moderate hills. Folks are welcome to join in at any point.
This is an all-weather event! Light up your umbrella, wear your snow boots, come bundled up for whatever the season brings us.
Don’t feel up to walking? Onlookers are welcome to wave and cheer us on – or meet the marchers at the end of our route to join the ceremony and hospitality table by the Playfields. Route ends at SW Webster and 11th Ave SW. Pets may want to stay home — it can get loud!
NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW AT TIM’S TAVERN: Seven bands! Doors 6 pm, show 6:30 pm, all ages. Details here. (16th/98th, White Center)
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT WEST SEATTLE BOWL/THREE9 LOUNGE: 7 pm-midnight, book ASAP. Details in our calendar listing.
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT MAHARAJA: DJ Kingblind! 8 pm until 2025, at Maharaja in The Junction (4542 California SW).
NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW AT THE SKYLARK: Live music at The Skylark with Cofgod, Our Ex Parris, Manatee Alchemy, Déjalo, doors at 8, music at 9, 21+. Free champagne toast at midnight! (3803 Delridge Way SW)
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm-2 am, book ASAP. Details in our calendar listing.
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT WEST SEATTLE BREWING: 10 pm, DJ Raw One with hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeat. (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW)
NEW YEAR’S EVE AT POGGIE TAVERN: Champagne toast at midnight. (4717 California SW)
NEW YEAR’S EVE DINING: See the Holiday Guide for info, including our list of New Year’s Day restaurants that also are open tonight.
SPACE NEEDLE FIREWORKS, DRONES, LIGHTS: Yes, the Space Needle plans fireworks, a drone show, and a light show again to greet 2025. Ten-minute light shows at 10, 10:30, 11, 11:30, then the big show starts a few minutes before midnight. If you’re going down to the West Seattle waterfront to watch from across the bay, go early to get a spot!
Anything to add/change? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather January 10-11 in memory of Paula Mitchell, and are sharing this remembrance now:
Pauline Eleanor Mitchell, born in West Seattle and a graduate of West Seattle High School, died peacefully at Providence Mount St. Vincent at age 94.
Paula is survived by her nine children (Lori, Sue, Duffy, Jeffry, Tom, Tim, Mark, Colleen, and Jenny); their partners; 24 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. Her husband of 53 years, John, preceded her in death. For more than 15 years she and John moved their growing brood across the country for Boeing assignments. About every two years Paula handled the packing up, moving, and resettlement of the kids in their new schools. Despite the challenges of frequent moves Paula created a loving and welcoming home.
The Mitchell house was “the house” where the neighborhood hung out. The picnic benches at our table always had room for one more. She lived by and taught us “the golden rule.” Paula adored and took an individual interest in each grandchild and great-grandchild. She had a soft spot for the little ones, and they brought her so much joy.
The family is grateful for the compassionate caregivers at the Mount. A Wake/Rosary will be held in the Mount St. Vincent Chapel Friday, January 10, 2025, 6:00-8:00 pm. Paula’s Memorial Mass will also be in the chapel on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at noon; followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be donated to Providence Mount St. Vincent Foundation.
(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)
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to New Year’s Eve 2024 – Tuesday, December 31st.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The forecast suggests a mostly cloudy day with high in the low 40s, potentially rainy night with low in the upper 30s. The year’s final sunrise/sunset – 7:57 am and 4:28 pm.
FARE-FREE NEW YEAR’S EVE TRANSIT, + FERRIES
Water Taxi – Regular schedule today, but fare-free (New Year’s Eve), then no service Wednesday (New Year’s Day).
Metro buses – Regular schedule today, fare-free to 3 am Wednesday, Sunday schedule all day Wednesday.
Washington State Ferries – Fares WILL be charged; 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Tillikum as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.
Other transit agencies/services – Here’s a roundup.
ROAD WORK
*Today is the day the Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is scheduled to shift traffic flow to outside lanes. (Please let us know if and when you see this happen, once you can safely text 206-293-6302.)
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!
(Photo from comment by ‘Tired’)
11:03 PM MONDAY: Police checking out 911 calls about possible gunfire just before 11 pm in the Westwood area have just confirmed it. Officers told dispatch they’ve found casings at 27th/Thistle [map], near Chief Sealth IHS and Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex. No word yet of injuries; at least one parked car is reported to have damage.
TUESDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: The SPD summary of the incident changes the intersection to 27th/Trenton and adds other details:
At 2253 hours, several callers reported hearing the sound of gunfire in the area of 27 Av SW and SW Trenton St. Officers arrived at that intersection to find 13 spent 10mm shell casings on the east side of the intersection, and three spent 9mm shell casings approximately 10-15 yards west of them. A nearby parked and unoccupied vehicle had a round go through both the rear window and windshield. No bullet fragments were recovered. Surveillance footage didn’t reveal anything of evidentiary value. The spent shell casings were photographed and placed into evidence.
Every year, you can count on WSB to be your holiday-info HQ, so a quick reminder if your plans for New Year’s Eve and/or Day aren’t set – this holiday is the grand finale for this year’s WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, and we have a dozen listings, from New Year’s Eve walking and parading to New Year’s Day polar-bear swimming, plus restaurant and coffee “who’s open?” lists.
P.S. Not too late for any changes or additions – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The photo and report are from Stewart:
At 11:52 PM on Saturday, December 28, two men stole a convex mirror mounted in front of my building on Harbor Avenue SW. Took them three minutes. One unbolted the mirror, the other kept watch. Taller man wearing dark blue pants.
Screen grab from building security camera. Stolen mirror is on the left in the photo. Has a partial black protective cap.
If anyone saw or knows anything about this, contact Seattle Police at case number below:
24-948624
That coyote-sighting clip sent by Robert, from an exterior home camera alongside a slope in Upper Fauntleroy, is quick, but close up. Same camera caught one back in August. If you’ve missed our previous disclaimers – we feature coyote sightings for awareness, not alarm; one-sheets/infopages like this explain how to increase the chances they and we can keep a healthy distance apart. (Top tip: Don’t leave out food, including unaccompanied small pets and unsecured garbage/food waste.)
(‘Live’ photo from WSF dock cam)
3:29 PM: Just in from Washington State Ferries:
Due to a hydraulic fluid leak at the ferry dock, the Fauntleroy Terminal will be closed for about 2 hours, effective immediately. This closure is necessary to prevent the fluid from leaking into Puget Sound.
The route will continue to run between Vashon Island and Southworth. The Pt. Defiance/Tahlequah route is another option for customers needing to leave Vashon Island.
We are working as quickly as possible to repair the leak and will send an update as soon as we have more information.
4:10 PM: Update from WSF: “In an effort to move displaced traffic, the M/V Issaquah will run an unscheduled sailing to Seattle from Vashon. The vessel will load traffic and depart.”
4:26 PM: We asked WSF what exactly is leaking. We don’t have that info yet but spokesperson Dana Warr did note, “Pipefitters from our Eagle Harbor maintenance facility will assess when they arrive shortly, if not already there, and potentially fix on the spot. Based on the assessment, further impacts may occur, which our customer service teams will provide to the public.”
4:46 PM: Warr says the leak is from “concrete (components) that raise and lower the platform.”
5:28 PM: Repairs are done and Fauntleroy is reopening. We just drove by Lincoln Park and cars were already (or still) lined up more than halfway alongside the park, waiting. No boat at the Fauntleroy dock yet, though – Vessel Watch shows M/V Issaquah about two-thirds of the way back to Vashon (where M/V Cathlamet is) from its Seattle diversion.
2:17 PM: Thanks to Juanita for the tip. Three months after the city cleared the RV encampment along SW Trenton by Westwood Village, new parking-restriction signs are in place, declaring it a four-hour-maximum zone between 7 am and 6 pm, Mondays through Saturdays. The signs are on both sides of Trenton between 26th and 28th.
We have an inquiry out to SDOT for more info.
This isn’t the first area where the city has made changes after clearing an RV encampment – others include Harbor Avenue (overnight-parking restrictions) and SW Andover (bike lane added). This area also has had school-zone-related changes in recent months, with Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School a short distance north (on the other side of Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex) – speed cushions and a new four-way stop – but these are the first changes directly affecting parking, which is in abundant supply (more than a thousand spaces) at the adjacent shopping center.
6:04 PM: To be a little more precise, WWV has just under 1,300 parking spaces. Nonetheless, SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson says supporting access to the “commercial areas” is a goal of the new restrictions:
The new parking restrictions were added based on community requests relayed to SDOT staff by the Unified Care Team. The changes are intended to support parking turnover and curb access near parks and commercial areas. The parking time limits will apply to a slightly larger area than you mentioned, on the north side of SW Trenton St between 26th Ave SW and 29th Ave SW, and on the south side of the street for most of the block between 26th Ave SW and 28th Ave SW. The paint and posts that you describe are intended to help clarify the areas where parking is not allowed near crosswalks in order improve visibility for people to safely cross the street.
The paint-and-posts are “curb bulbs” we also noticed in the area – here’s one at 26th/Trenton:
All holiday season long, we’ve published the stories of area nonprofits, explaining what they do and how you can support their work. This pilot project started with an invitation from the Learning Communities Foundation, and concludes today with our final spotlighted nonprofit – SMASH. Here’s their story!
At SMASH (Seattle Musicians Access to Sustainable Healthcare), we believe healthy musicians make for a healthy music scene, and Seattle’s music scene rocks! But here’s the thing: many of the musicians who bring us joy on stage, struggle to access basic health care. That’s where we come in.
SMASH offers free and low-cost health services to musicians living in the greater Puget Sound area, helping them stay in tune with their health so they can keep creating the music we all love. From dental and hearing care to mental health support, we make sure our local music creatives get the services they need to thrive.
This mission is personal to us, and it’s inspired by incredible people like West Seattle’s Susie Tennant. Susie was a beloved figure and neighbor in the West Seattle music community, known for her kindness, energy, and tireless support of musicians. Her advocacy for musicians in our community helped lead to the breakout of bands like Nirvana and countless others, and she is widely recognized as one of the most powerful people in Seattle music. Her legacy lives on in everything we do, and through our Susie Tennant Memorial Fund.
Supporting SMASH isn’t just about health care — it’s about continuing Susie’s vision of a music scene where artists are cared for and empowered to shine.
Now, in order to keep musicians healthy and playing the music we love, we need your help. By making a donation today, you will help SMASH fund life-changing care for the artists who make West Seattle – and all of the Puget Sound area – so special. Whether it’s helping a musician protect their hearing for their next gig or get the mental-health support they need, every gift makes a big difference.
Join us in supporting the creative heartbeat of our community. Be a rock star for our rock stars, and help keep our local musicians healthy – because a healthy music scene is a thriving music scene.
Thanks again to everyone who’s made the West Seattle Giving Spirit series possible, from the nonprofits telling their stories to the people reading them and to those who’ve chosen to support them. Learn about all the nonprofits we’ve featured by scrolling through this archive.
A few happenings from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide (if there are any cancellations we haven’t yet heard of, please text 206-293-6302):
BEBOP WAFFLE SHOP’S FINAL DAY: Last day before Bebop Waffle Shop closes (as announced last month) – open until 3 pm. Photo above is from M, who bought the mug and suggests inquiring about other dishware availability. (2600 California SW)
FAUNTLEROY CHURCH FESTIVAL OF TREES: Another chance this morning to go see the decorated trees in the Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). “Vote” for your favorite(s) with nonperishable food donations.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: Blood-donation pop-up in West Seattle today – check if appointments remain.
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, timed entries starting at 5 pm. Tickets and info here.
HANUKKAH: Tonight is the sixth night; no public events scheduled.
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: 6:30 pm with Tamara Kubacki, meeting at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW). “Grief groups are brave and safe spaces where bereaved people can share their stories and speak their loved one’s name without fear of getting advice, platitudes, or being shut out, no matter how long it’s been since their loved one’s passing.” – you can attend once or multiple times. Fee. Preregistration requested – our calendar listing explains how.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Four places to play tonight! Easy Street Records‘ every-other-week Music Quiz has 6:30 and 7:30 pm sessions (4559 California SW) … 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: Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: The Alley in back of Bonjour Vietnamhas music Monday nights, with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm, it’s 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 our Holiday Guide, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
West Seattle’s only holiday-season scavenger hunt keeps growing every year! Winter Wander creator Alice Kuder asked us to share this wrapup of how it went this season:
Thanks to the more than 200 fun-loving West Seattleites who participated in this year’s Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt, the event easily met its goals to provide free family fun, promote local small businesses, and solidify a West Seattle holiday tradition.
Collectively, Wanderers solved 25 clues that led them to 15 local businesses. They submitted 377 selfies to win more than $800 in prizes! There’s no way of telling how many smiles and how much laughter everyone shared, but all reports point to lots of both.
Prize donations from the businesses filled three Flee Bags® donated by event orchestrator Alice Kuder, Disaster Preparedness Coach with Just in Case, LLC. Alice is also a real-estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, NW Real Estate.
Three lucky teams were chosen by random drawing to win the prize bags. Those teams were: The Merry Medlocks; Cotton-Headed Ninny-Muggins; and, 34th scAVEngers.
Mark your calendars now for the 6th annual Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt, which is scheduled for Dec. 5-15, 2025. If you want to be notified when registration opens in November, send your request to Alice@JustInCasePlans.com. You can contact Alice at the same address if you own a local business and would like to be featured in next year’s Winter Wander.
Thank you to all past, present, and future Wanderers! You make West Seattle the Best Seattle!
Following is a list (in no particular order) of the 15 local businesses that enthusiastically participated in Winter Wander 2024 and their associated clues. Please reward them with your patronage!
How many could you have solved?
Clue: If your angle is to test your skill, this gem of a store isn’t “run of the mill.”
Solution: Emerald Water Anglers – 4707 California Ave SWClue: A centripetal force infuses the Junction; at California and Oregon there’s many a function.
Solution: Center for Active Living – 4217 SW Oregon St.Clue: Fish and rice are more than okay. Add healthy toppings at ____ ____.
Solution: Just Poké – 4735 42nd Ave SWClue: Full or crescent, whatever the phase, our wellness goods are sure to amaze.
Solution: Moon Room Shop and Wellness – 5902 California Ave SWClue: Come for the gallery, stay for the fun. Create, sip and laugh with everyone!
Solution: Alki Arts – 6030 California Ave SWClue: Go West of California for spirits galore. Add burgers and sports, who could want more?
Solution: Whisky West – 6451 California Ave SWClue: Between Red and Yellow we will show how weights and treads make fitness grow.
Solution: Orangetheory Fitness – 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW, Suite 130Clue: A Cuban sandwich will bring you luck with boiled peanuts from my truck.
Solution: Aimee Owenz – 9050 35th Ave SWClue: Strength training for all on Avalon; with coaches and classes there’s no time to yawn.
Solution: Seattle Strength and Performance – 2942 SW Avalon WayClue: Sharing is good, my mama always said. Don’t need a full office? Try coworking instead.
Solution: West Seattle Coworking – 3703-C California Ave SWClue: Above the Bowl it’s not too freaky to have a drink at our cool tiki.
Solution: Three 9 Lounge – 4505 39th Ave SWClue: For packing and shipping we’re the best. So many services at _______ ____
Solution: Mailbox West – 6523 California Ave SWClue: Of clothing and homewares, curators are we. Vintage is our specialty.
Solution: Doll Parts Collective – 4832 California Ave SWClue: To kids in need, we bring cheer. Please donate now or volunteer!
Solution: WestSide Baby – 10002 14th Ave SWClue: Red tree, blue tree, green tree, white, make these grounds colorful and bright!
Solution: Florence of Seattle Assisted Living – 8424 16th Ave SWSpecial thanks to Randy Winn, who contributed much of the creativity that made the clues so much fun, and to West Seattle Blog for their help in promoting the event.
6:30 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, December 30th.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Partly sunny with possible showers in the forecast, high in the mid-40s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:57 am (still the latest sunrise of the season) and 4:27 pm.
TRANSIT, INCLUDING HOLIDAY-SCHEDULE PREVIEW
Water Taxi – Regular service today, fare-free tomorrow (New Year’s Eve), no service Wednesday (New Year’s Day).
Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Tillikum as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes. (Reminder, the WSF system is now in winter-schedule mode.)
Metro buses today – Regular schedule today, fare-free 3 am Tuesday to 3 am Wednesday, Sunday schedule on Wednesday.
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project paused work last week, but tomorrow (Tuesday, December 31), the traffic flow is scheduled to shift again.
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!
(Added: Texted reader photo)
4:27 AM: Thanks for the tips. Police are at the gas station/minimart at 4580 Fauntleroy Way SW trying to arrest a suspect. Radio traffic indicates the person they’re after is an assault suspect; the incident is described as domestic violence. More details as we get them.
4:44 AM: According to audio from the initial dispatch, the victim was described as a “man, bleeding badly, who said he was in a fight with his wife.” The victim has been taken to a hospital.
4:59 AM: They’re still searching for the suspect, now with a K-9 team helping. She is described as a Hispanic woman in her late 30s, about 4’8″, pink sweater, possibly armed with a knife (though the assault was not described nor dispatched as a stabbing).
5:14 AM: The K-9-accompanied search has ranged into the neighborhoods north/northeast of Fauntleroy/Alaska, so if you’re in that area and seeing/hearing police, it’s related to this.
5:48 AM: That search is continuing. Meantime, police have obtained a warrant to search the vehicle in which the suspect and victim are reported to have arrived at the gas station.
(Added: Reader photo)
5:53 AM: The tracking team has wound up back at the gas station. Meantime, we’re following up with SFD on the victim’s condition when taken to the hospital.
6:04 AM: They’ve finished that search; no one inside. The vehicle was initially described as a pickup truck but subsequent mentions, and at least one nearby resident, say it’s an RV.
6:14 AM: The search is wrapping up for now. We’ll be following up with police too.
11:45 AM: SFD says the victim, 34, was in stable condition when transported.
1:05 PM: And police have just confirmed to WSB that the suspect, 37, has been arrested. The jail register shows she was booked just before 10 am.
ADDED TUESDAY AFTERNOON: Here’s the SPD summary of the incident:
At 0401 hours, the victim drove his RV to the Shell Gas Station located at the 4500 BLK of Fauntleroy WY SW. The victim fell asleep, and the suspect became mad. The suspect started yelling at the victim and she pulled out a knife. The suspect slashed at the victim, and he blocked it with his arm. The victim suffered a deep laceration on his upper right wrist. The victim was transported to HMC by AMR. K9 responded to the scene and completed a track, but the suspect wasn’t located. A warrant was completed and approved. The suspect wasn’t located inside the RV. … The suspect was later located, arrested, and booked into KCJ for Assault.
She remains at the King County Jail as of late today.
10:03 PM SUNDAY: When Seattle Dive Tours sent us their vandalism report earlier today, they noted that police had mentioned a break-in attempt somewhere in Admiral. Via archived dispatch audio, we traced that to Admiral Pub, and have been waiting to hear back from proprietor Alex – now we have; he says it happened just after 6:30 am:
A man dressed in black tried to break into the Admiral Pub, but thankfully, our alarm system went off and alerted the police. SPD arrived within five minutes and arrested the suspect.
The damage was minimal — about $700 for a new front-door lock and installation.
A huge shoutout to our amazing neighborhood for looking out for us! The police said they received three separate calls from concerned neighbors who saw the attempted break-in.
We love and appreciate you all!
The SPD incident # for this is 24-364227. According to archived audio, the suspect was found in the nearby alley. We don’t know his status because we don’t have his name, but hope to get that from police tomorrow.
1:11 PM: The 32-year-old suspect is in jail; we’re checking with prosecutors on whether he’ll have a probable-cause/bail hearing today.
WEDNESDAY EVENING UPDATE: Jail records show the suspect was released late Monday night.
On the fifth night of Hanukkah, the mood at Kol HaNeshamah‘s annual pop-up in Junction Plaza Park tonight was definitely festive. Rabbi Allison Flash (above, with song leader Henson) wore a light-up sweatshirt and had two modes of menorah-lighting ready – candles (which as suspected wouldn’t light in the wind) and battery-powered. Those gathered sang songs including “O Chanukah,” with lyric sheets distributed to the crowd:
And once the backup menorah was switched on, blessings were sung:
Rabbi Flash spoke of a long-ago “rabbinic controversy” over whether the eight candles should be all lit to begin the holiday, then one fewer each night, or, as it’s now done, start with one and add another each night. She suggested everyone should always “be seeking to … add light to your life.” The half-hour celebration included a favorite Hanukkah treat, too – donuts:
Kol HaNeshamah, a progressive synagogue co-housed with Alki UCC at 6115 Hinds, has been doing this since 2018.
LOOKING AHEAD: Another local congregation, the Torah Learning Center of West Seattle, plans a public celebration on Hanukkah’s final night, Wednesday (January 1), lighting its 12-foot “Grand Menorah” at the beach (4:30 pm).
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