West Seattle, Washington
10 Tuesday
11:23 PM: Beware if you’ll be heading westbound on the West Seattle Bridge any time soon – that two-car crash is right in the middle of the westbound lanes near midspan. No serious injuries reported.
11:56 PM: Not cleared yet; SDOT crews are in place east of the collision scene, to warn traffic to go around it by using the outside westbound lane.
12:35 AM: They’ve just reopened all westbound lanes.
Thanks to Brian for tonight’s lights – they’re at 7130 Wright Avenue SW. Here’s a closer look:
More and more lights are popping up with sunbreaks between the storms – so we’re happy to keep getting tips, with or without photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – go here to see what we’ve already shown.
Two City Council meetings today had SPD in the spotlight:
2025 CRIME STATS: When the Public Safety Committee met in the morning – as mentioned in our daily event list – the biggest agenda item was SPD’s year-in-review update, including a look at crime/safety trends through the end of November. First, here’s the meeting video – the SPD item is 47 minutes in:
Here’s the slide deck that accompanied their briefing. Among the slides, this one mentioned a drop in several crime categories:
Of the homicides that did happen – so far this year, none in West Seattle – SPD says they’re solving more of them:
Gunfire has been an area of concern, here and elsewhere, throughout the year. In the lower right corner of the next slide, SPD lists the top 10 neighborhoods for shots-fired incidents, and none are in West Seattle:
One other slide of note – SPD says its hiring is still going well:
POLICE CONTRACT VOTES: In the afternoon, the full City Council voted to approve two SPD contracts. Here’s the meeting video:
The documents are linked from the agenda. The Seattle Police Management Association contract was approved unanimously, while the Seattle Police Officers Guild contract was approved by a vote of 6 to 3, according to District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, who was one of the three “no” votes. He explains in part:
I approached this contract with two priorities: keeping our community safe and making sure our systems are worthy of your trust. That means strong response options, clear expectations, and accountability that works.
This agreement offered some positive movement, but it did not meet those standards. It also came with a significant cost increase to the city, even though Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers already are and would have remained the highest paid officers in the entire state, with or without the deal.
Seattle deserves a contract that strengthens transparency and gives civilian oversight agencies the tools they need to do their job. This proposal left too many gaps, especially around investigations and consistency in discipline. Those gaps weaken trust, and we cannot afford that.
Read Councilmember Saka’s full explanation, in an email newsletter, here.
The potential downsides of temporarily increasing Highway 99 tunnel tolls during the FIFA World Cup would outweigh the benefits. That’s what Washington State Transportation Commission members just decided, so the idea is dead; we mentioned last week that this was on their agenda for today. Two possibilities were studied – a 50-cent surcharge or a one-dollar surcharge, potentially in effect June 1st through July 15th of next year. The higher of the two would raise about $1.6 million dollars, and that could help cover $2 million in extra maintenance costs. But commissioners were told that tunnel revenue under current rates would cover that cost just fine (they had seen an earlier presentation showing that the tunnel’s finances are in fairly good shape). And they also were told that increased tolls were likely to lead to more drivers diverting to surface streets, leading to more traffic trouble. So they voted unanimously to scrap the idea. (The WSTC is responsible for setting tolls and ferry fares on state facilities. The whole temporary-toll-increase idea came up because the Legislature told the commission to study and consider it.)
When we last checked in with historic Kenyon Hall‘s management about the KH renovations, there was hope of reopening in time for holiday shows, if not sooner. That’s not going to happen – like so many projects of all types, it’s taking longer than expected, and it’s grown – but an email update today says they hope to reopen the venue at 7904 35th SW “early” next year. From the update:
… We are excited to announce that we have obtained the final permits to move ahead with the improvements and look forward to inviting artists and audiences back to Kenyon Hall in early 2026!
Anyone who has renovated an older structure knows how quickly projects can evolve, and how complex the interplay of permitting and redesign can become. What was planned as a twelve-week refresh grew into an opportunity to revisit how we could apply the generous grants from the community to make game-changing improvements to the 108-year old building. Here are some of the updates you’ll notice when the Hall reopens:
-New exterior siding
-Brand new, ADA compliant bathrooms
-Completely upgraded electrical systems
-Refinished hardwood flooring
-Redesigned artist loft
-Improved front entry
-New AV/mixing suite
-Comprehensive, pipe-by-pipe cleaning of our Mighty Wurlitzer. Our long-time Wurlitzer technician also seized this opportunity to mentor a new technician, in the hopes of keeping this amazing instrument sounding great for future generations.We want to thank Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections for helping us navigate the permitting process and our amazing contractor team at AVA Design Build for guiding us in our decisions.
As we approach reopening, we look forward to working with you to make sure we are meeting the evolving needs of our diverse community and fulfilling our mission to engage the artist in anyone and inspire the arts in everyone. It is a unique responsibility to take care of such a beloved space–one of the few in the area that regularly offers affordable options to audiences. We hope you’ll engage with us to guide our programming, whether you’re interested in performance, education, or other community functions. …
The email update was signed by Mark Desierto, board president of Seattle Artists, the nonprofit that owns and operates Kenyon Hall. We published an in-depth preview of the renovation plan back in May.
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
This year, Nucor Steel (WSB sponsor) and its workers literally outdid themselves with their annual holiday-season gifts for the West Seattle Food Bank, delivered this morning to WSFB HQ in High Point.
A truck from Certified Hydraulics served as Santa’s sleigh to transport the nearly three tons of donated food from Nucor’s mill next to the West Seattle Bridge:
From cans of Ensure to flats of Sriracha, cases of soup cans and mac-and-cheese boxes, WSFB says all this will help them provide a variety of food to the growing number of people in need of their services.
WSFB’s development director Robbin Peterson explains that this is Nucor’s biggest gift yet: “This year they looked up what every department had raised in the past and found the highest for each department and requested they beat that number” – and, she says, they did! 5,900 pounds of food, and $31,201 worth of cash, checks, and gift cards:
That includes a company match of $1 for every pound of food and dollar donated – here’s a closer look at the ceremonial check, with WSFB’s Robbin and executive director Fran Yeatts:
We asked them what the WSFB is most in need of right now, if you’re able to give. Obviously money remains big – they can buy more food with your dollar – but they also need baby essentials like diapers, wipes, and formula. Many places have WSFB bins this season; more donation information is on their website. Also note that the WSFB clothing bank Clothesline is the beneficiary from the Cocoa and Coat Drive coming up Sunday (December 14) at the south end of the WS Farmers Market (California/Alaska, 10 am-2 pm).
Today we welcome Tangelo Health (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW) as a new WSB sponsor, That means Tangelo Health gets to tell you about what they do:
Welcome to Tangelo: Your Destination for Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Care in West Seattle
West Seattle, meet Tangelo Health! Your trusted clinic for chiropractic and rehabilitative care designed to help you move better, feel better, and live better. With over 15 years of experience serving the Greater Seattle community, Tangelo delivers proven techniques with personalized treatment plans that create real, lasting relief. Our mission is simple: reduce pain, restore mobility, and help you get back to what you love.
Healing That’s Personal, Proven, and Results-Driven
At Tangelo, every patient receives an individualized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and goals. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or looking to improve your overall function, our team focuses on addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms. Our long-standing presence and thousands of positive outcomes reflect the consistent results patients trust.
Conditions We Treat
Our providers care for a wide range of conditions, including:
-Back and neck pain
-Sciatica
-Shoulder, knee, hip, and ankle injuries
-Tendonitis and overuse injuries
-Postural dysfunction
-Sports injuries
-Auto-injury–related pain
-Mobility limitations and chronic discomfort
No matter the condition, we help you move confidently, recover fully, and get back to feeling your best.
What Sets Tangelo Apart
-Comprehensive chiropractic and rehabilitative services
-Customized treatment plans focused on you feeling better, faster
-Experienced practitioners with years of proven success
-Thousands of satisfied patients and trusted reviews
-Advanced therapies, including MLS Laser Therapy and Spinal Decompression Therapy
These tools, combined with our hands-on approach, help patients experience faster relief, improved function, and long-term results. With expert care, advanced therapies, and a team committed to helping you feel better and move better, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Book an appointment here.
We thank Tangelo Health for choosing to advertise their services by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in joining our sponsor team? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com for information – thank you!
While much of the regional buzz has been about possible heavy rain, the National Weather Service says it’s time to be ready for another potential round of wind. The NWS has a Wind Advisory alert out for our area from 8 pm tonight to 8 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, December 10). Right now they’re forecasting sustained south-to-southwest wind from 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph.
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
Here are our daily event reminders, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:
TOYS FOR TOTS: Drop off new unwrapped toys for the drive at Highstreet Insurance (5431 California SW; WSB sponsor), 8 am-4:30 pm weekdays.
OTHER DONATION DRIVES AND GIVING OPPORTUNITIES … see the growing list in our Holiday Guide!
FREE PLAYSPACE: Indoor play on (another) gray day! West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)
CRIME STATS @ COUNCIL COMMITTEE: At this morning’s meeting of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee, which started a bit late (at 9:37 am), SPD is presenting crime stats for the year so far. (They’re in public comment now so this won’t happen until after 10 pm.) Here’s the slide deck; here’s the agenda; here’s where to watch via Seattle Channel.
KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: New, free play group for kids 0-5 at Bridge School Cooperative Elementary, 10-11:30 am. (10300 28th SW)
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
SSC FOOD TRUCK: South Seattle College culinary students are selling Italian-inspired food from the truck today, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, near the campus Clock Tower. (6000 16th SW)
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Student robotics are the spotlight topic at the lunch meeting today – noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW).
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
OFFICE HOURS WITH DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS: Meet with a DoN rep at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), drop-in basis, 2-5 pm.
(added) DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: Dine-in or take-out Mioposto Admiral (2139 California SW; WSB sponsor) 4-9 tonight and 20 percent of the proceeds will benefit Admiral Co-op Preschool!
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Available for K-12 students at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:45 pm.
SIP AND CRAFT: Weekly holiday-season event at Harry’s Beach House (2676 Alki SW), 5 pm, ornament-making workshop – our calendar listing has the registration link.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
WESTSIDE DANCE WITH DEAN: All-ages dance lessons, no partner necessary, first lesson free! 6:30 pm at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon)
WEST SEATTLE BIG BAND CHRISTMAS JAZZ CONCERT: Free! At Grace Church, 7 pm, as previewed here. (10323 28th SW)
OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Classes continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Our calendar listing has details including how to check if they have space for you. Space allowing, newcomers are welcome, and the first class is free.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you participate.
BINGO: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 5: Five locations for trivia tonight – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW) … Trivia at Christos on Alki (2508 Alki SW), 7:15 pm.
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: One varsity home game tonight – West Seattle High School boys host Garfield at 7:30 pm (3000 California SW).
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar and (if it’s seasonal) Holiday Guide, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
One week from Friday, you’re invited to support the Active Older Adult community at the Fauntleroy YMCA at the “Noche de Gala” event. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
This is an event celebrating our Active Older Adult community for a night of dressing up, good eats, and remembering the year we had together:
Friday 12/19, 5:30-7:30 pm
Fauntleroy YMCA Chapel Hall
9140 California Ave SW$25/person. Registration link is here.
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: More rain. Breezy tonight. High in the low 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:46 am; sunset, at 4:17 pm (as early as it gets, staying there until this weekend, when the sun starts setting later).
TRAFFIC NOTES
If you’re driving or riding on California SW, be prepared for possible delays – Monday, utility-pole work was crowding the outside northbound side at Stevens (by WSHS), and the mobile crane was back at the project north of Oregon, also on the NB side.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is expected to be down to two boats all week. 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!
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