day : 09/01/2026 11 results

The primary election is still many months in the future, but as we’ve been reporting, some campaigning has already begun. In fact, there are already candidates eager to oversee how your property taxes are determined and collected. With the latest announcement, at least two people will be on the ballot for the King County Assessor position in August.

Rob Foxcurran, who is the city of Seattle’s Senior Appraiser, announced this week in a news release that he’s running, “to make the property tax system more affordable, fair and transparent.” Foxcurran is also a Hearing Examiner on the King County Board of Appeals and Equalization, and with those credentials, says he is “the only candidate for this position with any experience related to the role of the Assessor.”

The other candidate to file so far is Shoreline Council Member Chris Roberts, who declared his candidacy almost six months ago, well before the current Assessor, John Wilson, announced he would not be running for a fourth term. Roberts has been elected five times to the Shoreline council, and served as mayor during parts of two of those terms. He was just re-elected last year to a term that ends in 2029, and is also chair of the 32nd District Democrats. On his campaign website, Roberts says he’s running, “to ensure property assessments are accurate, transparent, and grounded in public trust. With over a decade of public service, Chris understands how local policy affects real people.”

Wilson is completing a shorter term as County Assessor than usual following the passage of Charter Amendment 1 in 2022, which moved King County positions for executive, assessor, director of elections and council members to elections in even-numbered years. Wilson’s decision in October to not run again followed allegations by his ex-fiancée of harassment that subsequently led to Wilson also dropping his bid for County Executive in 2025.

UPDATE: Crash at 35th SW and SW Willow

January 9, 2026 9:15 pm

| 20 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Added: WSB photo)

9:15 PM: SPD and SFD are on their way to a reported crash at 35th SW and SW Willow [map], said to involve a car hitting a parked semi-truck, blocking at least part of the road. That intersection is on the north side of Myrtle Reservoir Park, where semi drivers often park their trucks. We’re on our way for a look.

9:38 PM: Photo added; it shows this was a pickup-truck driver hitting a parked box truck. No indication of serious injury – SFD left after only about 15 minutes.

WEEKEND PREVIEW: Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby’s first bout of the year

January 9, 2026 6:49 pm

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| West Seattle news | White Center | WS & Sports

(May WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)

“Rink Rat Roller Derby” is the theme on Saturday when Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby hosts Tacoma’s Tomorrowland Junior Roller Derby at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center. Before the two rounds featuring two teams each, you can watch a “derby demo” featuring Southside’s newest cadets and “some friends from SSR Resistance.” It’s a full evening of high-energy fun, with doors opening at 4:15 pm at 9676 17th SW, and the night wrapping up around 8 pm. Admission is $10 youth, $15 adults, and SSR’s announcement adds, “Bring extra cash to support our league by purchasing treats at the bake sale and SSR merchandise!” You can also buy tickets online in advance.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Suspect charged in clinic burglary

January 9, 2026 4:36 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Earlier this week, we reported on an arrest made by police after the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health clinic at Westwood Village was broken into late on New Year’s Day night. The suspect is now charged with one count of second-degree burglary. He is 29-year-old Derrick D. Sanders, Jr., of Kent, who remains jailed in lieu of $30,000 bail. The charging documents tell the same story as the narrative on which our previous story was based, with a few more details – that he’d allegedly pried open a locked rear door to get into the clinic, and that the items with which he was found included a VMFH security badge and ID. Our inquiry with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office also yielded charging documents for another burglary case in which Sanders is awaiting trial – he was arrested after allegedly breaking into an elementary school in SeaTac last July. In that case too, court documents say he was taken into custody while still inside the burglarized building. But in that case a judge released him on personal recognizance the next day, though prosecutors pointed out he’d had 10 arrest warrants over eight years. His next court appearance will be arraignment in the West Seattle case on Monday;

Another resource-access opportunity in West Seattle: DSHS Mobile Community Services Truck at SSC on Tuesday

January 9, 2026 2:27 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

If you can’t get to the resource event at Highland Park Elementary tomorrow but need assistance, we’ve just learned of another upcoming opportunity. This announcement is just in from South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) but the event is open to everyone in the community:

DSHS Mobile Services Truck Coming to South Seattle College to Assist with Food & Cash Benefits – Jan. 13th

South Seattle College Workforce Department is pleased to host a DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services) Mobile Community Services Truck on Tuesday, January 13th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

This mobile unit provides a critical service to our broader community. Trained DSHS staff will be on-site to assist residents and students with applications and questions for:
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)/Basic Food benefits.
• Cash Assistance programs.

The mobile truck makes accessing these vital resources more convenient. Whether you need to apply for the first time, renew your benefits, or simply have questions about eligibility, the DSHS team will be available to help.

Event Details:
• What: DSHS Mobile Services Truck
• Who: Open to the public, students, and community members
• When: Tuesday, January 13th, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Where: South Seattle College, (Next to the clocktower and cafeteria)

Participants are encouraged to bring relevant documentation, such as identification and proof of income. For more information about the truck’s visit, please call South Seattle College’s Workforce Department at 206-934-5888. For general DSHS program information, visit www.dshs.wa.gov.

FOLLOWUP: Almost ready to reopen! Kenyon Hall sets reopening date and first events

January 9, 2026 12:24 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Sunrise Heights | West Seattle history | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo: Work continuing at Kenyon Hall today)

One month ago today, we reported that Kenyon Hall – the historic event venue at 7904 35th SW in Sunrise Heights – had obtained the permits needed for its final round of improvement work. It’s been closed since mid-summer for some much-needed work – which we previewed in May – and which continues (flooring, painting, tiling in progress or soon) – but today Kenyon Hall management just announced the reopening dates – Thursday, January 29, through Sunday, February 1, with a full slate of fun stuff, starting with an “industry mixer” and concluding with a Root Beer Social where everyone’s welcome to come in and look around. (Inbetween are one of KH’s free Open Mics, plus the next edition of the popular Cartoon Mess Live! for which tickets are on sale now.) Kenyon Hall is a 110-year-old building originally built as a social hall, now owned and operated by the nonprofit Seattle Artists.

ORCAS: Northbound whales in central Puget Sound

January 9, 2026 12:20 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

Just heard from Kersti Muul that “a large group of transients” is headed northbound past Blake Island. Let us know if you see them!

PawsVIP: New West Seattle business, new WSB sponsor

January 9, 2026 11:39 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Pets | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

PawsVIP recently moved into 9064 Delridge Way SW and is a new WSB sponsor, which means they get to tell you about what they do:

What We Do:

PawsVIP is a locally owned dog day care and boarding facility. We’ve been running our first location near SeaTac since 2019, and West Seattle (9064 Delridge Way SW) is our second home.

Our Services:

At our West Seattle location, we offer day care, overnight boarding, and exit baths for pups heading home after a day of play.

Our Tukwila location has all of that plus full grooming and airport layover services for families moving or traveling with their pets.

Both locations have a 24/7 vet on call.

What Makes PawsVIP Different:

We’re a locally owned business. We’re all pet lovers. We’ve been doing this since 2019. We’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to build a team that genuinely cares. We’ve focused on building a place where people want to stay, because your dog deserves to see familiar faces, not strangers every week.

We provide top quality care for your pet. We remember their habits, preferences, and their playmates. We want them to have fun and be taken care of while you’re away.

We also do our best to provide top quality service for pet parents. We’re communicative and transparent. We work to provide seamless experiences and accommodate your schedule by operating 5am to 9pm, seven days a week.

We’re structured and safety-focused. Kenneled facility, play groups organized by size and temperament, trained staff, 24/7 vet access. We don’t cut corners.

We know transparency matters. We post photos and videos daily because pet parents shouldn’t have to wonder what’s happening with their dog. Check out our Instagram and you’ll see real dogs having real fun.

Our Team:

Everyone on our team is a pet owner. We go home to dogs, cats, you name it. This isn’t just a job for us.

All staff go through background checks before hiring. From there, we train on dog handling, dog behavior, and animal safety. We take the time to do it right because we know the care your dog gets comes down to who’s actually with them.

We’ve tried to build a place where people want to stick around, learn, and grow. When staff are happy and invested, the dogs feel it.

Meet the team: pawsvip.com/team

Soft Opening Offer:

$9.99 day care through January 15, 2026. Trust is earned, and we want people to come see the space and meet us before committing.

Contact PawsVIP:

Email: petcare@pawsvip.com
Phone: 425-230-0344
Book online: pawsvip.com/west-seattle

We thank PawsVIP for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in joining our sponsor team? Please email WSBadvertising@wsbsales.com for information – thank you!

11 possibilities on our list for your West Seattle Friday!

January 9, 2026 9:40 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Here’s what’s happening today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER It’s open again and having a sale. 10 am-3 pm at north end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus (6000 16th SW).

BABY STORY TIME: 11-11:30 am at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.

ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: New session starts at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 12:30 pm-2 pm Fridays, no registration required.

TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy by the bottle.

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: 2 games at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) that are both sold out – girls vs. Lakeside at 5:30 and boys vs. Rainier Beach at 8:30 pm – and one at Chief Sealth IHS (2600 SW Thistle), girls vs. Mt. Tohoma at 7 pm, preceded by tribute to the late Regina Rogers-Wright.

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, Songwriters’ Showcase at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.

LIVE AT EASY STREET: Tiny Monsters perform at 7 pm, all ages, no cover. (4559 California SW)

LIVE AT TIM’S: 8 pm, Taylor Swift tribute band Red Karma, $15-$20 cover. (16th/98th, White Center)

BACK TO SPINNING: Revelry Room reopens tonight (4547 California SW).

‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to Man Plus & Atomic Pines, 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.

If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

GRATITUDE: Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency’s thanks for warm-clothing drive response

January 9, 2026 9:06 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

A big post-holidays thank you from Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3435 California SW; WSB sponsor) after this year’s generous response to their annual holiday-season warm-clothing drive:

Thank You, West Seattle Community!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to our incredible community for the overwhelming support of our recent clothing drive benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank‘s Helpline. Your generosity truly made a difference.

Thanks to your contributions, we were able to deliver four to five full loads of donations, including brand-new, unopened socks and underwear for both men and women, as well as thoughtfully donated hand-knit caps. These essential and heartfelt items will provide comfort, warmth, and dignity to those in need.

A special thank you to Roger Tanner for his help with loading and unloading donations. His support played an important role in making this effort a success.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated, helped, or supported this drive in any way. This experience was a powerful reminder of how much people care about one another and the strength of our local community.

We are proud to support the West Seattle Food Bank’s Helpline and thankful to be part of a community that truly shows up for its neighbors.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Friday+ weekend

January 9, 2026 6:00 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, January 9, 2026.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The forecast predicts clouds to start, later clearing, high near 50. Sunrise at 7:55 am; sunset at 4:37 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.

Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route remains on a two-boat schedule until at least next week, with a third “bonus boat” added, according to WSF’s alerts page.

Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.

‘REVIVE I-5’

If you use northbound I-5, you need to know about the work resuming this weekend and continuing for months.

WHITE CENTER WORK RESUMING NEXT WEEK

Monday, the final phase of work on 16th SW between 100th and 107th is scheduled to start.

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!