Bring on Season 2! West Seattle Rhodies FC celebrates at launch party

December 18, 2025 11:59 pm

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| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photos)

Seattle is going into a huge year for soccer – but it’s not just about the FIFA World Cup. It’s about local teams too – like West Seattle’s own Rhodies FC, whose second season got a kickoff celebration tonight at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor).

Those on hand to celebrate included owners Kaitlyn Jackson (L) and Jessica Pierce (R) bookending players Olivia Shih, Giovanna Hansen, Audrey Cromett, Hailey Still, and Vivian Gaither:

Supporting them from the merch table were Riley Pierce and Louis Hernandez:

Viscon Cellars is a Rhodies FC sponsor, so its wine bar/tasting room was the perfect place for the party:

Season tickets are available now for Rhodies FC and its sibling club West Seattle Junction FC, and season schedules are due out soon.

UPDATE: Seattle Fire ‘full response’ in Highland Park, short-lived

December 18, 2025 10:17 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

10:17 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to a possible fire in an apartment complex at 800 SW Trenton in Highland Park. Updates to come.

10:19 PM: So far the first units to arrive haven’t detected any sign of smoke or fire, so they’re downsizing the response to two units.

10:30 PM: The entire call is closed.

GRATITUDE: The Art of Music goes on break; this year’s words of thanks from the mini-concerts’ curator

December 18, 2025 9:39 pm

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| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

One week ago tonight, three venues around West Seattle hosted three mini-concerts comprising the December edition of The Art of Music. The monthly music series now goes on break for a few months, and curator John Redenbaugh has words of gratitude, plus a video recap:

During 2025, The Art of Music co-presented, with local musician Sue Quigley, Muse Fest: The Power of Women’s Voices at 11 sites during the May West Seattle Art Walk and presented, on behalf of the West Seattle Junction Association, 28 Art of Music performances during Second Thursday West Seattle Art Walk evenings during June through December.

A special tribute page with recognition has been posted on the West Seattle Art Walk website where you can review a list of all of the 2025 performers, venues, and supporting sponsors – plus an opportunity to watch some of this year’s musicians in 12 videos produced by local videographer Mark Jaroslaw in support of Muse Fest and The Art of Music.

As John says on the tribute page, “We recognize and thank the performers for sharing their musical talents for the enjoyment of all in West Seattle.”

PHOTOS: Alki Holiday Lights 2025, brightening blustery night at the beach

December 18, 2025 7:00 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle news

7 PM: A little more blustery here in the west end of Alki but the rain/mist has stopped and the Alki Community Council-presented Alki Holiday Lights is on – with treats/freebies at many Alki locations (including the Log House Museum, where kids are making ornaments as shown above), Santa photo ops at the Bathhouse until 8:15ish and the Christmas Ship due here at 8:35.

(Photo by Jason Grotelueschen for WSB)

More photos later!

(Photos from here on down are by Oliver Hamlin for WSB)

ADDED 10:35 PM: Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was there for WSB. Above, the Bathhouse buzzed with people enjoying free hot beverages and taking refuge from the wind – then venturing out to see the Christmas Ship:

Also making music, singers from the West Seattle High School choir:

And DJ Teck Savvy spun holiday tunes:

People were invited to write holiday wishes for Alki and the world:

And you could share your wishes with Santa and friends too:

We checked on some of the treat stops in the business district but those seem to have been snapped up early on. This was the second year the ACC organized Alki Holiday Lights.

VIDEO: Christmas Ship’s first of two West Seattle stops tonight

December 18, 2025 5:56 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Holidays | West Seattle news

5:56 PM: As expected, the weather’s a lot calmer here on the Elliott Bay side of West Seattle’s shore than it was when we left the west-facing side. The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship is near Sslty’s until 6:10 and then will serenade the heart of Alki 8:35 to 8:55 – with lots of other fun first, as part of Alki Holiday Lights festivities at the Bathhouse, businesses, and Log House Museum.

8:37 PM: Video added – Choir of the Sound was aboard for both stops tonight; above, “White Christmas,” and below, “Good King Wenceslas”:

BIZNOTE: Another West Seattle restaurant changing from 21+-only

December 18, 2025 4:50 pm

| 37 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Matador (4546 California Ave SW) in The Junction is the latest 21+ establishment planning to open its doors to customers under drinking age—during certain hours. There’s still some remodeling to do, and until that happens, followed by state liquor board approval, they can’t set a date.

“We want to welcome everyone,” Carly Crane, the general manager for the restaurant, told WSB. Crane says the ownership group of Matador, which runs 12 locations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and on the East Coast, is bringing the Junction location in line with the majority of their restaurants. The Ballard location has already switched over, and that leaves West Seattle, Redmond, and Tacoma as the only ones remaining at 21 and up.

Don’t expect any big changes inside. “No crayons,” she says, but they will have two high chairs available and a very limited kids’ menu — a choice of chicken tenders or a quesadilla. She says she looks forward to seeing more people from the neighborhood who wanted to dine as a family and could not.

The remodeling involves cutting out part of the floor to show where the restaurant transitions to the bar area, and they don’t have that scheduled quite yet, so the change might not take place until the new year.

Matador will go back to 21+ at 9 pm each day. That leaves 3 or more hours after families go home for adults to order more from the Mexican-inspired menu and enjoy the bar and the 130+ varieties of tequila. Matador opened its Junction location in 2005. This change will make Matador the second West Seattle restaurant/bar to stop being adults-only – as we’ve reported, Whisky West just made that change.

Need a gift for a nature lover? West Seattle photographer’s calendar shows ‘what exists around us and how/when to see it’

December 18, 2025 3:07 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news | Wildlife

With one week until Christmas, you might still be shopping for special people on your list. If any of them are nature fans – West Seattle photographer and naturalist Madison Kirkman might have the perfect gift idea: “My partner and I have been working on making a calendar for the Seattle area with all kinds of naturalist information for the area – whale migrations, what can be foraged and when, salmon viewing, heron nesting, low tides, moon phases, etc. This is the first year we are selling it.” You can order the calendar here for $20. Madison has a free online version too – “We don’t want money to be an exclusionary factor for anyone having this information. We just want people to know what exists around us and how/when to see it! So it’s a local resource online and also a calendar if anyone wants to physically see it at a glance.”

FOLLOWUP: Hiawatha Community Center grand reopening set for February 21

December 18, 2025 2:02 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photo, August)

As previously reported, Hiawatha Community Center is expected to reopen in early 2026 after a closure that’s lasted more than five years. And now there’s a date: In his latest newsletter, City Councilmember Rob Saka says Seattle Parks has told him the official reopening celebration will be Saturday, February 21. But Hiawatha will likely already be unofficially open by then – Saka also says a “soft opening” is expected in late January, with programming starting soon after that. The main reason for the closure was the stabilization/renovation project that is wrapping up, but the center sat empty for four years – initially closed because of the pandemic – before that work finally began early last year.

WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Another wind alert in effect

December 18, 2025 11:45 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Wednesday photo sent by Michelle – downed tree segment, blocking a hydrant by Constellation Park)

After a brief window without a wind alert for our area, the National Weather Service has another one taking effect at noon: A Wind Advisory for 12 pm to 7 pm, predicting “south winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph.” If you’re evaluating plans for Alki tonight, with the Christmas Ship and Alki Holiday Lights events, it’s worth noting that south wind primarily affects the west-facing shores, as with the photo above; north-facing Alki is likely to be calmer.

Christmas Ship’s two West Seattle stops, Alki Holiday Lights festival, Winter Sealthstice, Rhodies party, more for your Thursday!

December 18, 2025 10:26 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Countdown Santa, seen in Gatewood a couple days ago as you might guess from the counter)

So much happening today/tonight! From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):

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)

SANTA AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: See Santa at the grocery store! 10 am-1 pm. (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor)

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 – taking a winter break after this Saturday – 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.

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!)

BAKE SALE AT SANISLO: At Sanislo Elementary after school, starting around 2:20 pm, bake sale to raise money for Skate Night. (Myrtle/21st)

DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is on today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)

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 Cascadia Pizza Co..

WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.

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! And tonight, hosting the Rhodies’ Season 2 launch party – see below.

MR. B’S MEAD CENTER WINTER SOLSTICE NIGHT MARKET: 5-8 pm during the Rat City Art Walk. (9444 Delridge Way SW)

RAT CITY ART WALK: Many venues in South Delridge and White Center, 5-8 pm – more than 70 vendors! – see the list/map here.

CHRISTMAS SHIP’S TWO WEST SEATTLE STOPS: The brightly lit boat with carolers on board will stop near Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW) 5:50 pm-6:10 pm, then at Alki Beach Park near the Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW), 8:35 pm-8:55 pm
-With a bonfire plus this special event presented by the Alki Community Council:

ALKI HOLIDAY LIGHTS: Here’s an updated overview from the Alki Community Council looking ahead to tonight’s festival at the beach:

Weather is looking like it will be in our favor at just the right time tonight.

6-9 p: Bathhouse sets the stage with a DJ, bonfires, hot cocoa and cider and mini-donuts and kids’ activities. Shelter and tables inside. Kids’ doodle tables and the SPD Community Service folks and Alki Community Council have lots of cool things free for kids. Color books, crayons, glow sticks, candy canes.

6:30 Santa arrives at Blue Moon Burger and strolls down Alki Avenue to take pics with Buddy the Elf at the Bathhouse starting at 7 p. Christmas Ship stops 8:35 p.

The list of participating reactants giving away free things is long. Check out the webpage.

West Seattle High Carolers and characters strolling Alki Avenue. Luminarias will line the beach.

Here’s the full printable list of what’s happening and where.

RHODIES LAUNCH PARTY: 6-8:30 pm, at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW) – The season 2 Rhodies FC Launch party, which features a Club-branded Viscon Cellars Sparkling wine, Hors D’oeuvres, exclusive fan merchandise, and a sneak peek at 2026 jerseys. Tickets are available on the Team Square Shop

THE DUSTY 45s: 6 pm, featuring The Mrs. Bill Larsens, 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, B!NGO and the Freakshow, Hiwaves, The Bellycats at The Skylark, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

WINTER SEALTH-STICE: A Chief Sealth International High School performing-arts celebration – musical groups perform, with Chief Sealth Drama vignettes inbetween, 7 pm at CSIHS, admission by donation. (2600 SW Thistle)

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: New West Seattle trivia night! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).

‘PENELOPE’ AT ARTSWEST: Last week for the 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 Tophone, 8 pm.

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! (4547 California SW), with DJ Jenn Green, 8 pm.

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!

UPDATE: Five-hour Lowman Beach power outage affecting 200+

December 18, 2025 8:43 am

| 14 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

8:43 AM: Thanks for the tips. Seattle City Light says 230 customers have lost their power in the Lowman Beach area. One texter says they “heard a giant boom of a transformer going out” just before the power went away.

8:53 AM: SFD responded to a “smoldering” utility pole by Lowman Beach about 15 minutes before the power loss, according to archived radio, and firefighters were there when the subsequent explosion took out wires, leading to the outage. fro

9:40 AM: A texter in the area says the pole – which is along the sidewalk bordering the park’s street side – is still smoldering; smoke can be seen in their video, which also shows that crews are at the scene.

9:55 AM: They report the crews told them the pole will have to be replaced and that’ll take “a while.”

(Photo sent by Trileigh Tucker)

1 PM: Not restored yet.

1:59 PM: Thanks to the commenters who reported they’re back on as of just before 1:30 pm.

P.S. Some were wondering how the outage affected the Murray Wet Weather Facility across the street from the park (it’s a stormwater-overflow storage facility, not a treatment facility). It lost power but was never without power, per spokesperson Akiko Oda, because its generator kicked in automatically.

TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday notes

December 18, 2025 6:00 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, December 18, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The forecast is for more rain, breezy, high in the low 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:53 am; sunset at 4:19 pm.

STADIUM ZONE

The Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams for Thursday-night football, 5:15 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

West Seattle Water Taxi – Extra night runs tonight because of that football game. Otherwise, regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.

Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route will continue on two boats until further notice. Check WSF’s alerts page for changes; Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.

Metro buses – They’re on the regular weekday schedule and routes in our area.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (note that some SDOT cams are having trouble as of 6 am)

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!