11:59 PM: Police are investigating a reported armed street robbery this past half-hour near Boss Drive-In in South Delridge. According to police radio, the victim said he was held up at gunpoint and robbed of his iPhone. The robber was described only as white, male, in a black jacket and blue jeans, and was said to have gotten away in a black Trailblazer. If you have any information, the SPD case # is 25-374979.

1 AM: No further updates; we’ll follow up with SPD later this morning and add anything more we find out.

BIZNOTE: Delridge Uptown Espresso closing

December 23, 2025 9:54 pm

| 35 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

Thanks to Nathan for the tip that Delridge Uptown Espresso is closing. As soon as we got that note tonight, we went over to see if a sign was posted, as sometimes happens after closure announcements, and found the sign. you see above, saying that December 30th – a week from today – is the official closing date. It’s in a spot that will be disrupted if and when Sound Transit builds the Delridge station for West Seattle light rail, but even in the fastest-moving scenario, construction is still two-plus years away. The shop and other Uptowns have been operated since 2018 by Fonté, which took over after the sudden death of Uptown owner Dow Lucurell. We’ll be checking with them tomorrow about the reason(s) for the Delridge closure and the future of Uptown’s West Seattle Junction shop, which will be one of three remaining Uptown cafés; the mini-chain had six locations when Mr. Lucurell died. (Added: The previous two closures were Queen Anne in 2021, Pier 70 in 2022.)

GIVING: One more day to take cookies for The Christmas People to West Seattle Coworking

December 23, 2025 8:01 pm

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| Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

It’s a holiday tradition in West Seattle – baking cookies for The Christmas People to include with meals they’re providing to people in need – and again this year, people are amply answering the call. We invited cookie bakers to share photos; the one above is from Betsy, who delivered more than a thousand cookies baked by Tibbetts United Methodist Church “and friends” to dropoff spot West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor). We also got pics from Katie, whose kids contributed – Cora baked gingerbread spritz cookies:

And Julian baked apple-cider snickerdoodle cookies:

If you have home-baked cookies to donate, take them to WSC 10 am-4 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, December 24). No fancy packaging required – box, bag, whatever. But do include a note/label if they contain nuts/nut butter(s).

TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: 20+ Snoopys … and other Christmasy friends

December 23, 2025 6:01 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Excellent weather tonight for Christmas-lights viewing, so here’s another display where there’s a lot to see. Jeff Keller sent the photos of his house at 5420 40th SW, where, among many other Christmasy characters, he says he has more than 20 Snoopys!

One onlooker counted 23, Jeff explains, “but there may be more.” Go count for yourself! And if you’re looking for other sights to see, our archive of featured displays – this year and past years – is here.

CRIME WATCH: School gun charges; hit-run help; package thief

December 23, 2025 3:00 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Three Crime Watch notes today:

SCHOOL GUN CHARGES: Prosecutors have filed felony gun charges against the two 15-year-olds accused of having handguns at Evergreen High School in White Center last Wednesday. Details are on our partner site White Center Now.

HIT-RUN HELP: Hollie is looking for help in finding the hit-run driver who sideswiped her parked car:

She says this happened around noon Sunday on SW Charlestown just west of California. A witness told her it was a white BMW but didn’t get the plate number. She wonders if anyone nearby might have the collision on security-camera video. She filed a report in the WSP system, temporary # M6916344.

PACKAGE THIEF: Logan sent the image of this person taking a package at their Fauntleroy Way townhouse east of The Junction:

My home is two rows back from the main street, inside a private townhouse community. The individual intentionally walked past multiple buildings and homes to reach my porch and steal a package. This required clear effort and intent, not a quick grab from a street-facing porch … With package theft becoming more common, I think it’s important to highlight that thieves are willing to go deeper into residential complexes, not just target homes near the street.

WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: High Wind Watch alert for Wednesday (update: upgraded to High Wind Warning)

December 23, 2025 12:36 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

12:36 PM: It’s been a windy December and it’s not done yet. The National Weather Service has a High Wind Watch alert for our area for tomorrow (Wednesday, December 24), 10 am-7 pm. Here’s what forecasters think will happen:

* WHAT…East to northeast winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph will suddenly shift to southerly Wednesday afternoon with wind speeds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts of 50 to 60 mph possible.

A High Wind Watch is one step up in intensity from a Wind Advisory, which is the most-common type of alert we’ve seen so far these past few months.

9:31 PM: As commenter B points out, the NWS has upgraded this to a High Wind Warning, though the time frame – 10 am to 7 pm Wednesday – and the details – “South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts 50 to 60 mph expected” – are similar. Main change is “possible” to “expected.”

ORCAS: Southern Resident Killer Whales in the area (updates, photos added)

December 23, 2025 12:05 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

12:05 PM: Southern Resident Killer Whales – reportedly from K-Pod – have been reported in central Puget Sound the past two days – late yesterday, coming up from Point Defiance, but not in time for pre-sunset whale watching here, and today Donna Sandstrom from The Whale Trail tells us there are reports of orcas heading southbound ‘fast,’ off Edmonds at last report. That doesn’t mean they’ll make it all the way here but we’re publishing an early alert for starters. Updates if/when we get them.

1:52 PM: We’ve just heard from Kersti Muul, who says the whales have entered Elliott Bay, passing West Point, and that the new K-Pod baby is with them.

2:16 PM: Donna says they’re “now past Discovery Park moving quickly south ., spread out in small groups across the Sound …should be visible from Alki looking north within half an hour – 45 minutes.” She’ll be at Alki Point (Constellation Park) or Emma Schmitz Overlook (across from Me-Kwa-Mooks) with binoculars to share.

3:12 PM: The photo is courtesy of a texter who’s out on the water, reporting the whales are “southbound almost to Alki Point, mid-channel,” and also confirming that the baby is with them.

6:11 PM: Too dark for whale-watching now, but thanks to Jamie Kinney for the photo added above, showing whales and mountains late in the day!

Here’s what to know for your pre-holiday West Seattle Tuesday

December 23, 2025 9:58 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Even waiting in traffic can bring beauty. Monday morning photo by Dave Brewer)

Here are our daily event notes/reminders, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide. Note that some regular events are canceled today, and we’ve made note of those; if you know of any other cancellations, please comment, or text us at 206-293-6302 if it’s today/tonight, email westseattleblog@gmail.com for dates beyond:

DONATION DRIVES AND GIVING OPPORTUNITIES … see the list in our Holiday Guide to see what’s continuing. Such as…!

COOKIES FOR THE CHRISTMAS PEOPLE: Drop off homemade (no store-bought, please) cookies at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor) 10 am-4 pm again today and tomorrow.

ALSO IN THE HOLIDAY GUIDE – LAST-MINUTE SHOPPING: We’re adding to the list there of which businesses we’ve heard from that’s open today/tomorrow. Such as …

MOON ROOM OPEN FOR SHOPPING: Still have gifts to buy? Check out the Moon Room (5902 California SW; WSB sponsor), open 11 am-6 pm today and Wednesday!

FAUNTLEROY CHURCH FESTIVAL OF TREES: Visit the church Fellowship Hall (9140 California SW) before noon to see the themed trees and place food donations beneath your favorite(s) to “vote” for them.

FREE PLAYSPACE: Indoor play! West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)

KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: On break until the New Year.

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Yes, it’s happening today, organizers confirm! 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.

FREE FOOD: Chef Smoke (aka Gino) from TheHomeSkillit.com is in Junction Plaza Park today:

THE 4TH ANNUAL JUNCTION PARK CELEBRATION
Hello West Seattle!
Chef Smoke is here again, inviting you to the 4th Annual Junction Plaza Park Christmas Celebration — a joyful community gathering filled with food, music, and holiday spirit.
What We’re Serving
• FREE hot and fresh Smoked Turkey Meals
• Drinks included
• Prepared with care by Chef Smoke and Community Volunteers
What to Expect
• Great Christmas music
• A warm, festive atmosphere
• Lots of joy for this glorious holiday event
• All‑inclusive — everyone is welcome
• Furry friends are welcome too

11 am-4 pm. (42nd/Alaska)

LIVE HOLIDAY MUSIC AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: 11:30 am-1:30 pm Gary Benson, 2:30 pm-5:30 pm Alex Baird. (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor)

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: No meeting today.

CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.

SANTA AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: See Santa at the grocery store! 2:30-5:30 pm. (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor)

DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Not happening at High Point Library during winter break.

EUROPEAN WINE TASTING: Italian wines are the focus on the last of three days of tastings at West Seattle Cellars (6026 California SW), 4-6:30 pm.

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, Tickets and info here; check for available entry times.

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 to see if there are openings.

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.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: No classes tonight.

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.

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!

‘Sober curious’? Talk about it in West Seattle on Saturday

December 23, 2025 9:13 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Health | West Seattle news

Things get quiet between Christmas and New Year’s – but here’s one West Seattle event that might interest you next weekend, if you’re planning on reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption in 2026:

SOBER CURIOUS?

Are you doing Sober January and wondering what it would be like to be sober all the time?

Let’s get together to talk about recovery. Fun, local, sober people are ready to share their stories and answer your questions about not drinking, like:

• How can I not drink and still have a social life?
• How would I navigate situations where everyone else is drinking?
• How do I know if I just have a problem with drinking or if I’m an alcoholic?
• Is AA religious? Do I have to believe in God?

There will be an ask-it basket – we take anonymity seriously.
This gathering is Open to Everyone.
This is NOT a recruitment event.

Join us Saturday, December 27, 3-5 pm
Admiral Hub/Bear Island (formerly Admiral Church)
4320 SW Hill St.

TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Christmas Eve-Eve Tuesday; third ferry returning to Triangle Route

December 23, 2025 6:02 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Christmas Eve-Eve Tuesday; third ferry returning to Triangle Route

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, December 23, 2025, second full day of winter.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The forecast predicts a mostly dry, cloudy day, high in the mid-40s. Sunrise will be at 7:55 am; sunset at 4:21 pm.

SCHOOL’S OUT

Winter break continues.

TRANSIT TODAY

West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule. No service on Thursday (Christmas Day).

Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is getting its third boat back, WSF has announced:

After successful vessel repairs, we’re returning to three-boat service on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route.

Tuesday, Dec. 23: The route will be on the two-boat schedule. Starting in the afternoon, the Sealth will run as the third, unscheduled vessel.

Wednesday, Dec. 24: The route will be back on the regular three-boat schedule with the Sealth as the #3 vessel.
We know the past few weeks on two-boat service have been challenging. Thank you for your patience during this service disruption as we repaired vessels.

This is from WSF’s alerts page.

Metro buses – They’re on the regular weekday schedule and routes in our area. On Thursday, they’ll be on the Sunday schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is 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!