West Seattle, Washington
26 Wednesday
After four rounds of ballot counts, most of the votes cast in Tuesday’s special election have been tallied. King County Elections has received 38.5 percent of the ballots it sent out, and counted 35 percent. In the Seattle Public Schools levy-renewal votes, Prop 1, the operations levy, has 81 percent approval – up from 77 percent election night – while Prop 2, the BEX VI capital levy, has 75 percent approval, up from 71 on election night. On the City of Seattle multi-part measure about “social housing” funding, the first part – whether to fund it at all – has 72 percent approval, up from 68 percent on election night, while the second part has 1A, a new tax for companies with $1m-plus earners, getting 62 percent approval, up from 57 percent on election night.
Other stats of interest are viewable via the ballot return statistics, which are spread across 12 pages, not just the return stats. Page 5, for example, shows via a shaded map which precincts had the highest turnout (we found 34-1465 west of The Junction with 53 percent of ballots in so far; page 3 shows that 52 percent of ballots have come in via drop boxes and 48 percent via USPS Mail; page 8 shows that the West Seattle Junction drop box is the fourth busiest in the city (surpassed only by Ballard, Seattle Central College on Capitol Hill, and Green Lake).
The February election results will be finalized and certified on Friday (February 21).
Another story of local Scouts’ giving spirit! Last night we reported on local Girl Scouts‘ diaper-donation drives at the start of cookie season. Tonight, we’re talking two other Scouting organizations’ popcorn presents – here’s the report they asked us to share with you:
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, West Seattle Scout Troop #282 & Pack #793 recently completed an initiative that ended with them donating more than two hundred pounds of packaged popcorn to a variety of local organizations and first responders. The popcorn, which was part of the troop’s annual fundraising efforts, was delivered to local food banks, police officers, firefighters, and veterans in the area.
A portion went to the West Seattle Food Bank, providing snacks for families in need. Another share was given to local fire stations, where firefighters were treated to a much-appreciated snack during their shifts.
The officers at the Southwest Precinct also received a portion, as did the families at the Fisher House (which supports the VA hospital).
The troop, Scouts ranging from ages 11 to 18, has long been committed to service within the community, and this donation continues their tradition of giving back. The popcorn, a popular product sold during the Scouts’ yearly fundraiser, was distributed to essential local service workers and community members who often go unnoticed, showing gratitude and appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
“It’s really important for us to not only raise funds for our activities but to also contribute to the well-being of our neighbors,” said Troop Leader Justin Kinch. “We know how much of a difference small act of kindness can make, and we wanted to give a small thank you to those who give so much to our community every day.”
For one of the Scouts, the donation also carried tremendous personal importance. Last fall his father suffered a rapid onset of severe septic shock caused by an infection. Firefighters arrived in the middle of the night and resuscitated him by rapidly stabilizing his blood pressure and then hand-carried him out of the house to the paramedics’ gurney. Thanks to their life-saving actions, he survived the journey to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and spent several weeks recovering. After many months of healing, he is now fully recovered and looking forward to leading Scout outings again this year–including mountaineering training for safe use of ice axes in steep, snowy terrain. Sharing the popcorn was one more opportunity for their family to express their gratitude for the vital service firefighters provide to our community at a moment’s notice, 24/7.
The troop’s donation efforts are part of a larger mission to teach young Scouts the value of service and giving. Beyond fundraising, the troop regularly participates in projects like park cleanups, environmental conservation, and organizing food drives. The popcorn initiative has already sparked conversations about potential future collaborations with other community groups in the West Seattle area. For more information on how to support Troop 282’s initiatives or to see what else they have been doing, visit their website at troop282.net.
Wednesday (February 19) is the Day of Remembrance, the 83rd anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt‘s order that led to the incarceration of about 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry, as explained here. Again this year, South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) is hosting a community commemoration, and sent this invitation:
Day of Remembrance for Japanese American Incarceration: Healing through Art, Music, and Storytelling
Please join us virtually or in person at South Seattle College (SSC) on February 19 for our event commemorating Day of Remembrance for Japanese American Incarceration. SSC Music Faculty Mako Kikuchi will speak about his family’s experience of forced removal and incarceration during WWII and will perform excerpts from his forthcoming EP In Shadows alongside sanshin player and vocalist Mako Willett. Dee Goto, Joe Abo, and Mary Abo, members of the Omoide Project, will be in conversation with Kikuchi to discuss the importance of storytelling to heal from trauma and ensure that history does not repeat.
Refreshments will be provided after the program.
Attendees who would like to attend virtually can register for and access the event using this link: zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G-bw_hEATuSvWS49kCO0xg.
We look forward to gathering and sharing stories with you all! Please reach out to mako.kikuchi@seattlecolleges.edu with any questions about the event. Sponsored by the Kip Tokuda Civil Liberties Program, 4Culture, South Seattle College ACO, and AANAPISI.
Featuring live performances and conversations with:
Mako Kikuchi, South Seattle Music Faculty
Mako Willett, Sanshin Player and Vocalist
The Omoide Project, Japanese American Writing GroupDATE: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
TIME: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION: South Seattle College, 6000 16th Ave SW, West Seattle / Olympic Hall, Room 120 – South Seattle College Campus (“OLY” on the campus map)
(Reader photo)
3:40 PM: Thanks for the tips and photo. Police converged on a house in the 4800 block of Beach Drive around 2:30 pm after a report of a suspected burglary in progress. They confirmed the house had been broken into – no one was home at the time – and arrested a man they found on the property. No other details so far. The 38-year-old suspect was reported by dispatch to have at least one warrant, for a misdemeanor case in Snohomish County.
6:53 PM: The suspect has been booked into the King County Jail, the roster shows.
Story and photos by Aspen Anderson
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Wander into Caffe Ladro in south Morgan Junction one of these chilly mornings, and you’ll find Eleanor Doughty‘s West Seattle in watercolor.
Lincoln Park at sunset. The Fauntleroy ferry terminal, boats coming and going. The neon glow of Luna Park Café. These familiar West Seattle landmarks, captured in rich, atmospheric layers of watercolor and ink, currently line the walls at 7011 California SW.
“My goal is helping people appreciate the places around where they are, even if they’re not a fantastic postcard view,” Doughty said.
Doughty is a Seattle-based illustrator whose work has a distinct, almost-retro quality — perhaps because she sketches on-site, absorbing the essence of a place rather than simply replicating it.
“All of these are drawn on location,” she said. “You are capturing a series of moments and trying to consolidate all of that into one picture… it’s a journal, it’s capturing a moment in time.”
Her favorite pieces on display include paintings of Lincoln Park, where she sketched along the water, and a standout of the Fauntleroy ferry terminal — layered with different boats as they arrived and departed.
“Seeing the place that you love captured in a painting — it makes people emotional,” she said.
Doughty has painted cities around the world, but West Seattle is a recent addition to her collection. Whether sketching ferry docks or neighborhood cafés, she says painting in real time offers a depth that photography cannot.
“Everyone has a camera in their pocket, but sitting on location for an hour or more gives the painting significance,” she said. “I found that the more you tap into what makes you feel something, rather than what you’re literally seeing, the more interesting the painting looks.”
Doughty’s West Seattle paintings are on display and available for purchase at Caffe Ladro, which is open daily from 6:30 am to 6 pm.
(Rendering by Studio 19 Architects)
Even though it was an online meeting, wintry weather canceled the scheduled Southwest Design Review Board meeting earlier this month for the 8-story, 86-apartment project planned for 3010 SW Avalon Way [map]; our followup explained why. Now there’s a new date: 5 pm Thursday, March 20, online. Watch this page for the viewing/commenting info when the meeting gets closer; it does have the link, though, if you want to preview the “design packet” with details on the project. Its previous SWDRB meeting was more than three years ago.
Three of the varsity basketball teams from Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School are still in the playoff picture. Here’s what’s next in district playoffs after this weekend’s games:
WSHS GIRLS: Their 56-49 loss to Mercer Island on Saturday was a “loser out” game.
WSHS BOYS: After last night’s 44-41 win over Roosevelt, they play Bellevue at Newport HS, 7:15 pm Tuesday.
CSIHS GIRLS: After Friday night’s 61-54 loss to Foster, they host Lindbergh at (updated) 5:30 pm Tuesday.
CSIHS BOYS: After a 69-68 loss to Renton on Saturday afternoon, they play Evergreen at 7 pm Tuesday.
(West Seattle as seen from the Space Needle – photo by James Bratsanos)
The WSB West Seattle Event Calendar has these possibilities for your Sunday:
SKI SHUTTLE: Shuttle to Crystal Mountain now picks up at 7:15 am Sundays at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Special time and place for today’s run – meet at 11:30 am at The Good Society as part of the brewpub’s 5th-anniversary celebration. (California/Lander)
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece. (35th/Roxbury)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, with winter produce (root vegetables! greens! cabbage! apples!) and beverages, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared hot food, baked goods, nuts, dried peppers, garlic, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
206 MAKERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW):
Another opportunity to support local artisans & entrepreneurs offering handcrafted goods, artisanal products, and more.
Admission: Free
More Info: jetcitylabs.com/event/206-makers-market-third-sunday
Happens every 3rd Sunday of the month
DUWAMISH TRIBE LONGHOUSE & CULTURAL CENTER: The longhouse is open for visitors, 10 am-5 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
DONATION DRIVE: At Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) – look for the dropoff bin:
Alki UCC Donations Drive Sunday, February 16
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front CourtyardThis month’s priority: Food/Blankets/Outdoor Clothing
Alki UCC is sharing all we collect with the American Legion Shelter and Camp Second Chance.
We also welcome socks, hats, gloves, long johns, hygiene products, men’s work clothing and outdoor gear.
Donations are also distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network (WIN) Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool to get your project going, or to finish assembling a holiday gift? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
PLAY CRIBBAGE! 2 pm Sundays at the West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), “fast-paced for more-advanced players,” nonmembers welcome too.
KAVON SAMADI: Performing at Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th) in White Center, 2 pm, $10 cover, 21+.
JAZZ AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 3 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), enjoy the Theo McGaughey Jazz Trio. No cover, all ages.
‘COVENANT’ MATINEE: Second matinée for ArtsWest‘s new play, 3 pm, get ticket(s) here. (4711 California SW)
ANNIVERSARY TRIVIA: 3 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) as part of their 5th-anniversary celebration.
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, 6 pm and later admission times. Tickets and info here.
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Doors 7, music 7:30, as Dennis James plays The Mighty Wurlitzer – details and ticket link are in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday nights feature music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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