West Seattle, Washington
12 Friday
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, December 12, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
In the forecast – cloudy, more rain possible, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 7:48 am; sunset, at 4:17 pm (the earliest of the year, remaining there until Sunday, when sunsets start getting later).
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF says the Triangle Route is expected to be down to two boats for up to three weeks. WSF’s alerts page has the details; Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Metro buses – They’re on the regular weekday schedule and routes.
Water Taxi – regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, maritime-opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB
(#1, Sealth sophomore Sagal Farah)
The Chief Sealth International High School girls’ varsity basketball team is 3-1 after first home victory last night, against Rainier Beach.
#2, senior Alysse Bland, racked up two-thirds of the team’s scoring in the 45-26 victory, with 29 points.
#11, senior Dajah Johnson, contributed six points.
#3, freshman Mia Caldera, followed with five.
Head Coach Will Pablo‘s team was up 24-14 at halftime.
Rainier Beach tried for a comeback in the third quqrter, but the Seahawks pulled away in the fourthl
Next up for the Chief Sealth girls, a Friday night home game against Franklin at 7 pm.
Next Monday (December 15) is a big night for all four high-school varsity teams – West Seattle will host Sealth, girls’ varsity at 5:45 pm, boys’ varsity at 7:30 p.
Tonight’s spotlight falls on an example of the Halloween/Christmas decoration fusion that seems to become a bit more common each year. Scouting light sites for WSB, Cindi spotted this at 46th and Admiral, nicknaming it the ‘Gruesome Twosome.” Tomorrow, it’s back to Christmas characters, as we dig back into the stack of reader contributions – thanks to everybody who keeps sending those to westseattleblog@gmail.com!
6:37 PM: You can get serenaded in The Junction tonight if your path happens to cross that of the Silver Belles, caroling until about 7:30 pm at a variety of stops. It’s the second Shop Late Thursday on the <strong>West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays calendar, running concurrent with this month’s West Seattle Art Walk. Some businesses are staying open until 8 pm or later.
(Jet City Labs’ Makers Market)
See the venues here; see the Art of Music venues here.
ADDED 9:27 PM: Thanks to Art of Music curator John Redenbaugh for the three photos below of tonight’s performers – first, jean mann and Greg Ensminger at Beveridge Place Pub:
Next, CenterPlay at Great American Diner & Bar:
Friends and Folk at West Seattle Grounds:
10 PM: Photos from WSB’s Torin Record-Sand – first, at Jet City Labs, the creator of Erica’s Critter Corner:
Photographer Dan Jacobs:
Watercolorist Gloria Breslin was at Verity:
Tracey Hilton was at VAIN:
And so were the Junction Elves!
We wrap it all up with one more song from the Silver Belles:
Hometown Holidays events continue this weekend with the Cocoa and Coat Drive in the Kiwanis booth at the south end of the Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm.
The most magical scene we’ve seen along tonight’s Jubilee “neighborhood stroll” in The Admiral District is outside Circa (2605 California SW; WSB sponsor), where co-proprietor Gretchen and Brandi are deploying a snow-blower to create a bit of wintry wonderland!
Macaroons, too. Treats are offered at multiple businesses, including Alki Bike and Board (2606 California SW):
But the place to start is Hoste (2332 California SW), where you can shop a pop-up holiday market with multiple vendors:
Hoste proprietor Lana was thrilled by the turnout. Wide variety of merchandise, from bottled sauces to accessories and apparel:
You can also enter a raffle at Hoste to support the Carlson family (whose story we told here). See other stops on the map for the Jubilee, which is on until 9 pm.
One week from tonight, the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship makes its only two West Seattle stops of the season, enhanced by the Alki Community Council‘s Alki Holiday Lights celebration, including local businesses and organizations offering holiday treats and fun. And this year, the ACC is hoping more boaters will join the party:
ACC president Charlotte Starck says all boaters are invited: “Sailboats, motorboats, yachts — come one, come all. Cruise along Alki anytime between 6–9 pm or arrive ahead of the Argosy Christmas Ship stop — whatever fits their schedule. The more sparkle on the water, the better. Last year’s crowds were very clear: they would love to see more boats join in the fun.” The Christmas Ship is due off the beach 8:35-8:55 pm; earlier in the evening, it will stop along Harbor Avenue (off Salty’s) 5:50-6:10 pm. (Here’s its full-season schedule.)
(March reader photo by Rick Cocker)
Usually we don’t get much notice of an aircraft carrier coming or going past West Seattle’s west-facing shores, sailing to or from Naval Base Kitsap. But for those interested in seeing what might be the USS Nimitz‘s final south/westbound trip this way, here’s your advance notice! The photo above is from the Nimitz’s departure back in March. It’s been at sea ever since, with its eventful “likely final” deployment including the loss of two aircraft (recently recovered). As usual, it stopped in San Diego post-deployment, and then left earlier this week to head north. While Stars and Stripes reported that Nimitz was due home December 16 – next Tuesday – tracking shows an unlabeled “US Government vessel” entering Puget Sound after sailing up from San Diego, so that timeline might have changed, unless the carrier has a stop on the way here.
Tonight, Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) in The Triangle (3602 SW Alaska) welcomes would-be skiers/boarders to its “Pray for Snow” party. It’s also a celebration of the shop’s 16th anniversary. That’s more than a number – it also represents a place in the community, and for one of M2SO’s employees, it’s a place of memories stretching back into her childhood. After Lauren sent the essay below, we stopped by the shop to talk with her – thinking that after years of just abstractly urging you to “shop local,” it’s time to meet the people you’re supporting when you do, not just the business owners:
Lauren writes that it’s more than a job. And she’s hopeful you will recognize that too:
One of the great things about our beautiful city is its versatility of neighborhoods. And if you’re from here, or even visiting for a few days, you know what I mean. Capitol Hill to Laurelhurst to Ballard to Fremont, every piece of this city has something new to offer.
As for me, I grew up by the Fauntleroy ferry dock in West Seattle. My Sundays were spent at the Farmer’s Market in the Junction, my Friday evenings were spent searching through Blockbuster or Hollywood Videos for the perfect movie, and the start of my winters were spent tagging along with my dad to the Mountain To Sound Outfitters Annual Ski Swap.
Like most families, we rented gear first. Who wants to buy skis for their kid who’s going to outgrow them the next year, right? But when that day came, when I finally got old enough to own my first pair, I was standing in the shop I now work at, staring at a pair of bright blue and orange Blizzard Gunsmoke Jrs, and I swear to you those were the most beautiful skis I’d ever seen.But it’s not just about the skis.
Whether we were renting gear, buying gear, or checking out the Ski Swap, M2S was a big part of growing up. It was my family’s gateway to the mountains, and more than that, it was a way to connect to our neighborhood, to our community. And if you think about it, M2S didn’t have to be that; they chose to be. Rather than just a shop for profit, Mountain To Sound was founded on the principles of community engagement, teamwork, and neighborhood wellbeing. And they still uphold those principles today.
The Triangle, the area between the Junction and the West Seattle Bridge, has undergone significant changes in the past few years. Most notably, a rise in homelessness fueled by complex issues like high housing costs, mental-health gaps, and limited support systems. And while it’s a hard truth to swallow, we’ve seen this coincide with an increase in violence, drug usage, and vandalism, all things that have a direct impact on the shop’s daily operations. For Mountain To Sound Outfitters, that has meant everything from increased property damage and safety concerns to customers feeling hesitant about visiting the area.
And while these issues are small compared to the city’s housing crisis, Mountain To Sound is the livelihood for a team of hardworking, kind people that I have gotten to know firsthand, and problems like this can be enough to put a local business under.
I wish I could pinpoint a solution for housing insecurity, but in truth, it’s much too large a problem for one 23-year-old girl. However, I can offer a solution for the struggles of Mountain To Sound Outfitters: you.
Rather than visiting big box stores for your next outdoor adventure, come to the shop where your presence is appreciated and your engagement is valued. We’re here because you’ve had our backs for the past sixteen years, and now we need your support more than ever.
But hey, we’re from the Pacific Northwest. Even when it’s cloudy for days on end, we know the mountains are still there. Rather than be crushed by issues plaguing The Triangle, we want to do something to celebrate all we’ve accomplished with your help, and we’re calling it the Triangle Takeover. Come join us (tonight, Thursday, December 11th), for our final push into ski season! We’re throwing a party true PNW style, mimicking ski parking lot festivities. We’ll be giving away a pair of skis, celebrating our 16th year in the community, and bringing together the neighborhood to pray for snow. Located at our shop and starting at 6 pm, we’re inviting you to come connect and show us what West Seattle is all about.
This morning we have the report narrative for a smash-and-grab robbery that happened Tuesday night at the Westwood Village Big 5 Sporting Goods store. Here’s what police say happened at the store shortly before its scheduled 8 pm closing time; the report says it was not originally reported/dispatched as a robbery:
On 12/9/25 at 1942 hours I was working uniformed patrol with Officer XXXX as 3F2 in the city of Seattle when we were dispatched to 2600 SW Barton St (Big 5 Sporting Goods) in reference to a disturbance. The call was dispatched as follows, “j/o [just occurred], susp broke window, customer has gun and kicked susp out of blding.”
Dispatch provided the following description of the suspects, “WM, WHI BEANIE, BLU MEDICAL MASK, BLK JACKET, BLU JEANS 2) WM, GRY MASK, BLK JACKET, BLU JEANS.”
Upon arrival I spoke with two Big 5 employees, XXXX and XXXX, who were present during the incident. They stated that two suspects entered the store wearing masks, gloves, and hooded jackets. XXXX added that she saw the suspects were armed with a knife, crowbar, and a glass/window breaker. After entering the store, the suspects walked toward the airsoft/BB gun section. XXXX and XXXX did not have any verbal contact with the suspects, both backed away when they entered. XXXX stated that she did not attempt to contact them out of fear of being assaulted, due to the suspects possessing weapons.
The suspects then shattered a display window and began loading several BB/pellet/airsoft firearms into a suitcase. In total the suspects took six BB pistols and two BB double barrel shotguns. The total value of the stolen merchandise is $884.92. …
W/XXXX was shopping in the BB gun section of Big 5 during this incident. He was no longer on scene and contacted by phone. XXXX stated that he saw the suspects break the display window and place merchandise into a suitcase. Similarly to XXXX stated he observed the suspects were in possession of weapons, a knife and a baton/”billy club.” XXXX stated that one of the suspects began reaching toward his waistline and pockets. At this point XXXX stated he drew his firearm in order to protect himself and the employees as he thought the suspect could be reaching for a weapon.
XXXX then began giving the suspects verbal commands, “get out of the store, stop what you are doing” and “put your hands up”. He then directed the employees to retrieve a less-lethal defensive tool such as pepper spray, but they did not have any. XXXX stated that one suspect did not react and continued placing merchandise into the suitcase. The other suspect put his up and said, “ok bro, ok bro.” The suspects then exited the store with the suitcase of unpaid-for merchandise. XXXX statements were congruent with security video and statements made by employees.
I established probable cause for RCW 9A.56.200 – Robbery 1 for the suspects given they were unlawfully taking property in the presence of a victim who expressed fear of injury, fear that the suspects used to obtain possession of the property.
A shorter SPD summary says police looked around the area for the robbers but did not call for a K-9: “Weather conditions and time delay made a K-9 track impractical.” If you have any information on this robbery, the SPD incident number is 25-360795.
(WSB photos)
When Whisky West opens its doors at 11:30 am this Sunday, it will no longer be an exclusively 21+ establishment. As we reported earlier this week, the Morgan Junction bar and restaurant at 6451 California Ave SW just completed a minor remodel to cordon off the bar area and allow all ages in the remainder of the space.
Whisky West’s general manager tells WSB that as of Wednesday afternoon, they have state approval for the change and can start welcoming families as of December 14th.
Here’s what’s up on this very busy Thursday – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more for today/tonight/days and weeks ahead) and Holiday Guide:
(WSB photo: ‘Furry Friends’ tree at Fauntleroy Church Festival of Trees)
FAUNTLEROY FESTIVAL OF TREES: Until noon, the Fauntleroy Church hall is open for viewing this year’s trees and “voting” for your favorite by placing nonperishable food donations beneath it. (9140 California SW)
FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace two mornings a week, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)
GATHERING AT THE VOID: Get out of the home office for a few hours! “Work, Game, Craft, or Chat! At The Void ” hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon Tuesdays. (5048 California SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: The ground still hasn’t frozen, so this remains a good time to plant! Explore the possibilities – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
TODDLER STORY TIME IN WESTWOOD: Southwest Library story time (9010 35th SW), 10:30 am.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: West Seattle Library story time (2306 42nd SW), 10:30 am.
SSC FOOD TRUCK: South Seattle College culinary students are selling Italian-inspired cuisine from the truck again today, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, near the campus Clock Tower. (6000 16th SW)
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!)
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is on today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)
ADMIRAL JUBILEE: In the Admiral Junction area, you can join in the Jubilee, strolling to multiple participating businesses, 4-9 pm – see the map – and special events – here, including a pop-up market at hosting business Hoste.
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events at HPCS – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Vandalz.
FOOD DRIVE FOR SANISLO: Bring nonperishable food donations for the Sanislo Elementary pantry to HPCS, 4-8 pm.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here – tonight, featuring Sparkman Cellars.
ASTRA LUMINA: The light-and-sound show at the Seattle Chinese Garden (6000 16th SW) continues. First admission tonight is 4:45 pm; tickets and info here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle! Also participating in tonight’s Art Walk (see listing below).
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK, HOLIDAY EDITION: Starting at 5 pm, at venues from Alki to Morgan Junction – the list, map, and select venue/artist previews are all here!
SHOP LATE IN THE JUNCTION: 5:30-7:30 pm, here’s some of what you can expect:
*Beecher’s Cheese handing out soup and cheese samples in front of Key Bank.
*Santa’s Elves running around handing out candy canes and special ornaments.
*Silver Belles Carolers performing – starting around Northwest Art and Frame, and heading north from there
THE ART OF MUSIC: To complement the Art Walk, three venues have live mini-concerts between 6 pm and 7:45 pm:
Friends and Folk @ West Seattle Grounds in the Admiral District [performance starts 6:20 pm]
CenterPlay @ Great American Diner & Bar in Alaska Junction
jean mann @ Beveridge Place Pub in Morgan Junction
If you’re trying to decide who to go see, find out more about all the musicians by going here.
BATTLE JACKET SEWING CLUB: 5:30 pm meetup at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ABOUT FEPP LEVY: As previewed here, 5:30 pm at Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon), all welcome.
PRAY FOR SNOW PARTY: Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) invites you to a “ski area parking lot” style party at their shop, 6 pm, including a hot wax table to get your skis ready for the snow that WILL eventually come.
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: Cynthia Brothers of Vanishing Seattle is tonight’s presenter, 6 pm, online – go here to get the link.
THE DUSTY 45s: 6 pm, featuring Sue Quigley, at Tim’s Tavern. (16th/98th, White Center)
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: If you’d rather walk, there’s an event for you too! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm, Sara and Leah’s 3rd Annual Holiday Show, benefiting The Skylark‘s Relocation Fund. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
THE WHALE TRAIL – SOLD OUT: All tickets sold for The Whale Trail‘s winter gathering.
‘PENELOPE’ AT ARTSWEST: See the new musical at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm curtain.
DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Jenn Green, 8 pm during the Art Walk.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
8:42 AM: Orcas are in the area, southbound and in view from northwest West Seattle, reports Kersti Muul, with more headed this way. She says the whales include “multiple males” – more visible because of their larger dorsal fins – and are “spread out … from Constellation, north Blake Island, and some still coming north of Restoration Point.”
9:27 AM: Kersti says in a comment that these are confirmed from K-Pod – which has a brand-new calf.
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, December 11, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
In the forecast – more rain, high in the low 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:47 am; sunset, at 4:17 pm (as early as it gets, remaining there until this weekend, when sunsets start getting later).
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF says the Triangle Route is expected to be down to two boats for up to three weeks. WSF’s alerts page has the details; Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Metro buses – They’re on the regular weekday schedule and routes.
Water Taxi – regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, maritime-opening info is again 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!
8:34 AM: The missing man’s family just told us he’s been found safe in South Park.
Earlier:
Perla sent that photo of a tree down on 48th SW between Eddy and Beach Drive. She says it came down a few minutes after 9 and just missed her and her husband. She’s reported it to 911.
Thanks to Don Rice for the photo of his famous West Seattle holiday display at 2128 47th SW [map], a tribute to “Charlie Brown Christmas.” Don notes, “Charlie Brown and his good friends…… they’re back. Charlie Brown’s first comic strip was 75 years ago this last October.” That strip, of course, is “Peanuts” by Charles Schulz. Don’s display has hit a milestone too, according to our records – this is the 50th year!
(Seen lights? Got lights? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks to everyone who’s been contributing!)
The West Seattle Big Band plays music you can’t help but dance to. Some of the ~150 people at last night’s WSBB holiday concert at Grace Church proved that. We were there and would have been dancing too except that we had to mind our video camera! Here are eight of the songs played by the band, directed by Jim Edwards:
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”:
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”:
“Feliz Navidad”:
“Mele Kalikimaka”:
“All I Want for Christmas Is You”:
“In the Christmas Mood”:
“Big Band Christmas 2” (medley):
“Big Band Christmas 1” (medley):
(Vocalists were Jenaige Lane and Ryan Alvis.) The band is all-volunteer; any revenue gets donated to school-music programs.
P.S. You can find the other dozen-plus clips on the WSB YouTube channel. Even better, go see the West Seattle Big Band’s next holiday-season gig, Saturday (December 13)at the West Seattle Eagles HQ in The Junction (4426 California SW), with music at 7 pm after 5:30 pm dinner, as previewed here.
By this time tomorrow, according to the forecast, the wind will have quieted, and the rain might even take a break. So here are other reasons to plan on going out tomorrow night:
SHOP LATE THURSDAY IN THE JUNCTION: It’s the second of two Thursdays in which The Junction will be a bit more festive – here’s how the West Seattle Junction Association summarizes what’s planned for 5:30 to 7:30 pm Thursday:
*Beecher’s Cheese handing out soup and cheese samples in front of Key Bank.
*Santa’s Elves running around handing out candy canes and special ornaments.
*Silver Belles Carolers performing – starting around Northwest Art and Frame, and heading north from there
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: This is the big holiday-season art walk, at various venues from Alki to Morgan Junction, starting around 5 pm. Here’s the list for this quarter:
See details on participating venues – including who has a reception (usually 5 to 8 pm) – here.
ART OF MUSIC: Accompanying the Art Walk again this month is The Art of Music, a collection of three mini-concerts, 6 to 7:45 pm, in Admiral, The Junction, and Morgan Junction. Here’s the rundown:
Friends and Folk @ West Seattle Grounds in the Admiral District [performance starts 6:20 pm]
CenterPlay @ Great American Diner & Bar in Alaska Junction
jean mann @ Beveridge Place Pub in Morgan Junction
Learn more about this month’s performers here.
ADMIRAL JUBILEE: In addition to Art Walk-ing, in the Admiral Junction area, you can join in the Jubilee, strolling to multiple participating businesses, 4-9 pm – see the map – and special events – here, including a pop-up market at hosting business Hoste.
There are other events planned tomorrow night too – check our calendar for more!
Of all the policy areas over which Mayor-elect Katie Wilson will preside, much speculation has centered on public safety – what will she do to help make Seattle a safer city? Today she’s announced her “vision for public safety,” including her decision to keep the current public-safety chiefs (Police, Fire, CARE chiefs and Office of Emergency Management director). Here’s her full announcement:
Seattle’s next chapter begins with a commitment to a shared vision of community safety: that everyone in Seattle, of every background and every income, deserves to be safe in their homes, streets, parks, and places of business in every neighborhood across our city. We envision welcoming public spaces, thriving local businesses, and lively communities where every person is safe, supported and valued. Achieving this vision requires a comprehensive strategy that builds trust, strengthens accountability, and modernizes our public safety system so it works for everyone who lives, works, and travels in our city.
I understand public safety as a shared responsibility, requiring police, fire, emergency management, alternative responders, service providers, community leaders, businesses, and residents to work together to get results. And it is time to build a coordinated, modern system which reflects that shared responsibility and helps us address our most difficult challenges, including persistent neighborhood-based safety issues, gun violence, behavioral health, and substance abuse.
That’s why I am retaining Seattle Police Department (SPD) Chief Shon Barnes, Seattle Fire Department (SFD) Chief Harold Scoggins, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Curry Mayer, and CARE Chief Dr. Amy Barden. They are each committing to lead their departments in accordance with my vision of community safety. With active partnership and direction from the Mayor’s office, I believe these leaders can work together and form a unified team committed to strengthening coordination, reform, accountability, and results.
My administration will work with Chief Barnes to make SPD a place where professionalism, integrity, compassion, and community partnership are at the center of every action. We will strive for a workplace culture where employees are valued and empowered. Promotions will be rooted in performance, integrity, and good judgment, and every SPD employee will be encouraged to share concerns, experiences, and good-faith feedback with leadership. I am committed to retaining and recruiting officers who represent the diversity and values of Seattle, and to building trust between SPD and communities across the city.
SPD cannot — and should not — respond to every challenge alone. My administration will work with Chief Barden to fulfill the mission of the CARE department to respond to calls that do not pose a threat of violence or involve a medical emergency. CARE now houses our diversion programs, public safety shelter resources, and street safety teams, moving toward a more fully integrated continuum of response to public order issues stemming from unmet needs. And central to our modern, diversified safety model, seamless coordination between SPD, CARE, and other non-police services will ensure the right responder is dispatched for behavioral health crises, welfare checks, and nonviolent situations. Fulfilling CARE’s intended role is essential to improve outcomes for vulnerable residents and neighborhoods alike and to support sworn officers to focus on the critical work for which they are the right responders.
SFD under Chief Scoggins will continue its national leadership in life safety and emergency medical response and deliver high-quality fire, EMS, and rescue services across all neighborhoods.
And through Director Mayer’s leadership at OEM, we will build our city’s resilience to disasters, including severe weather, and emerging threats by working hand-in-hand with communities to ensure preparedness efforts reflect their needs and strengths.
Most fundamentally, our vision of public safety will be rooted in community partnership. We will build long-term relationships in neighborhoods and work intentionally with service providers, outreach teams, diversion case managers, business improvement areas, small businesses, and community organizations and adopt a problem-solving approach that addresses root causes instead of relying solely on enforcement.
Seattle is ready for a new chapter — one where public safety is effective, equitable, accountable, and rooted in partnership with our communities. And with this leadership team, and with your support, we will deliver a safer, stronger, and more resilient Seattle.
While the work of these four departments is essential to keeping Seattle safe, a comprehensive vision of public safety involves the work of many more City departments and stakeholders. Public safety also means protecting our immigrant communities, ensuring the safety of LGBTQ+ community members, protecting privacy and addressing concerns around surveillance technology, and preventing traffic violence and ensuring that our streets and public spaces are safe for all users. It also means working to ensure that every resident has what they need to live a dignified life, so that fewer people commit crimes of poverty and desperation. My administration will take this holistic approach to public safety seriously and we will be announcing further decisions and actions in the weeks and months ahead to further this vision.
(WSB photo from Election Night)
The people out working in this blustery weather include thieves. That’s what Andrew‘s porch-camera video shows. He reports, “This happened December 10th @ 11:45 AM in Gatewood, minutes after the package was delivered.” The camera did not catch a getaway vehicle. But if you’re expecting a delivery, you’re best advised to have a plan to claim it quickly.
Just sent by a reader, that photo of a spinout crash in the 5600 block of West Marginal Way SW. The reader said it’s important to remember how slippery it is out right now; they took the photo before emergency responders arrived but said 911 had been called. SFD is on the way after a report that at least one person might be hurt.
The West Seattle High School boys’ basketball team hosted its first home game of the season last night, with Garfield visiting. Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was there for WSB.
(#5, junior Tatum Joyner)
(#13, sophomore Gabe Kearney)
The Wildcats are still looking for their first win of the season, falling to the Bulldogs, 78-66.
(#25, sophomore Markos Kassa)
(#11, senior Owen Merta)
(Head Coach Rick Ticeson)
(#3, senior Jack Aykens)
Next home game for the WSHS boys is Saturday (December 13), 8:30 pm vs. Peninsula.
12:30 PM: Police have just been dispatched to another crash reported on the westbound West Seattle Bridge, this time described as near the Delridge offramp, someone spinning out and hitting the barrier. No word yet on injuries.
12:44 PM: The scene is reported to have cleared quickly.
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