Sent by a friend of the vehicle’s owner:

Greg had his work van stolen this afternoon (1/13/26) approximately 3:15 – 3:35 pm. It was parked at the south end of the lot, in Pro Parking, @ Home Depot on Delridge. He was in the store about 20 minutes, when he came out, it was gone.

The van is a 1997 White Ford Econoline E-250 cargo van with black steel roof rack. WA license CBB1999.
To add insult to injury, all his tools were inside the rig too. He still does light construction and handyman-type work so this is a huge loss to him. They’re compiling a list of tools as well.

If anyone sees the van, please contact the police. You can reference Police report #26-012247.

Greg is a lifelong West Seattleite and active member in the community. Hopefully something turns up and he can recover some of his lost property.

Call 911 if you find it.

The banner that didn’t get immediately taken down from West Seattle Bridge overpass (warning: profanity)

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics | West Seattle protests

Back in WSB’s early months in 2007-2008, a comment controversy centered on the repeated rapid removal of once-tolerated banners hung on the foot/bike overpass over the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge. The person or persons dubbed the “Banner Police” had no mercy, removing even the simplest, cheeriest of signs. Yes, banner-hanging was against city law, and eventually people stopped trying. When they did try, removal was again usually rapid. But not today:

CJ sent that photo,saying that banner (basically Spanish for a phrase seen often in English at protests these days, “F— ICE”) was up for at least six hours – they reported seeing it inbound and outbound, at 8 am and 2 pm. Or maybe at least eight hours – another reader later texted a photo taken 4 pm-ish, showing someone taking it down – whether removing it to reclaim it or removing it to dispose of it, no way to know. (Here are related city rules, by the way.)

WEDNESDAY: City Council committee to hear the state of Seattle Public Library

January 13, 2026 8:01 pm

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| West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

The next City Council committee to have its first meeting of the new year is the Libraries, Education, and Neighborhoods Committee, meeting at 9:30 am tomorrow (Wednesday). Its main agenda item is an overview of the Seattle Public Library; during this week’s council briefing meeting, the committee’s chair, Councilmember Maritza Rivera, said this is an opportune time as the 2019 Library Levy is about due for its renewal/”refresh.” The slide deck for the briefing can be previewed here; you can find out how to attend/watch/comment at the meeting via info in the agenda.

UPDATE: Shuttle-type bus breakdown backup on Sylvan Way

January 13, 2026 4:55 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

4:55 PM: Thanks to Sam for the tip. Traffic on Sylvan Way is problematic at the moment because what police described as a shuttle-type bus has broken down near Sylvan Heights Drive, and they have to get a tow truck to deal with it. Sam says drivers are turning around on the westbound side to “go back down the hill.”

5:15 PM: Tow truck just arrived so this may ease soon.

5:23 PM: Sam says uphill traffic is moving again and police just told dispatch that they’ve reopened the road.

WHALES: Southern Resident orcas in the area

January 13, 2026 3:20 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | Whales

3:20 PM: Southern Resident Killer Whales seen heading south this morning are now northbound, reports Kersti Muul – approaching Southworth.

3:33 PM: Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail says she’s heading to Emma Schmitz Overlook shortly with binoculars to share.

FOLLOWUP: SDOT reveals map of where it’s considering new Arbor Heights sidewalks/walkways

January 13, 2026 2:26 pm

| 22 COMMENTS

| Arbor Heights | Transportation | West Seattle news

(October WSB photo)

Three months after SDOT‘s Arbor Heights walking tour to talk about possibilities for new sidewalks/pathways (WSB coverage here), the department is out with its report on what it heard and what it plans to do. The report (see it here) includes this map showing blocks “moving into conceptual design” for potential new sidewalks/walkways:

The report was emailed with this brief note from SDOT:

After carefully considering and analyzing all input from the community, we have developed the draft design for the new sidewalks, walkways, and other related Arbor Heights neighborhood improvements.  Please review the attached plan and let us know if you have comments by Tuesday, January 20.

The email didn’t include a specific address or survey link for feedback (we’re following up) but the program’s general feedback address is levysidewalks@seattle.gov – whichever blocks are chosen for new sidewalks/walkways, the funding will come from the voter-approved $1.5 billion, eight-year Seattle Transportation Levy, which included funding for 350 new blocks of sidewalks/walkways citywide.

UPDATE: Police investigating gun incident reported in Arbor Heights

January 13, 2026 1:22 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

1:22 PM: Thanks for all the tips about the southbound full-code SPD cars. They’re heading to Arbor Heights after a report of someone “brandishing a gun” at or near Summit Atlas middle/high school, which SPD reported has gone “into lockdown” as a result. No gunfire reported, no injuries, but the reportedly armed person was reported to have headed eastbound on Roxbury on foot, described as a Black man in his mid-20s with black puffy jacket, gray sweatpants, possibly accompanied by several other people.

1:32 PM: Police have detained two people at Roxhill Park.

UPDATE: Suspect arrested after second 48th/Waite police response

January 13, 2026 12:57 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(Reader photo)

12:57 PM: Thanks for the tips about the police response near 48th SW and SW Waite in west Admiral, same neighborhood as last Wednesday’s standoff. We have not yet verified whether this is related but police are trying to get a domestic-violence suspect – with whom, radio exchanges indicate, they’ve dealt before – to come out of his residence. They’re talking with him and at least one SPD negotiator has arrived at the scene.

1:58 PM: A nearby resident tells us most of the police have left; we haven’t heard an update on the suspect’s status, but we’re asking SPD.

ADDED WEDNESDAY AFTTERNOON: Police confirm they have since arrested the suspect. Here’s how they summarize it:

… officers on 1st watch SW developed PC on a suspect for DV Assault 4th Degree. That suspect fled the scene and when located by officers, he eluded them in a vehicle. The suspect then returned to his home, where the victim locked the door, and kicked the door in. Officers returned, contained the residence and the suspect refused to come out. This is the second time in a week the suspect barricaded himself inside his home. The suspect told officers they would have to kill him. After a long dialog with HNT, it was decided to leave the scene. Later, officers were contacted by the suspect’s landlord, who stated he would be picking up the suspect and taking him out to eat. The landlord said he would pull over if someone did a traffic stop on him. Officers coordinated with the landlord and setup a controlled arrest at a pre-planned and controlled location. A stop was conducted to arrest the suspect. The suspect was uncooperative, and a short foot pursuit was initiated. Type II force was used, the suspect was taken into custody.

UPDATE: Flipped-car crash on Highland Park Way hill

January 13, 2026 10:48 am

| 22 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:48 AM: SPD and SFD are headed for the bottom of the Highland Park Way hill, where the traffic camera (screengrab above) verifies a just-reported crash includes a flipped car. At least one other car is reported to be involved as well.

(Added: Reader photo, sent by Mary)

10:54 AM: Police and fire are there now. Uphill lanes are completely blocked and only one downhill lane is open. Officers just confirmed to dispatch that one other car and a bus were involved in the crash too.

11:10 AM: Two downhill lanes are open. Meantime, SFD closed out quickly, indicating no serious injuries.

11:47 AM: Crash scene is clear, all lanes of HP Way are open again.

Dine-out fundraiser, Community Services Truck, Admiral and Fauntleroy community meetings, more for your West Seattle Tuesday

January 13, 2026 9:59 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photographed at Lincoln Park by Lisa Ruiz)

Here are today’s daily event notes/reminders, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE PLAYSPACE: Indoor play at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is open today, 9-noon -just drop in! (42nd SW and SW Juneau)

KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: Also open, 10-11:30 am free playgroup for kids 0-5 and their caregivers, at Bridge School Cooperative Elementary (10300 28th SW).

COMMUNITY SERVICES TRUCK AT SSC: As previewed here, 10 am-2 pm, the DSHS Community Resource Truck is at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), available to all community members who need help accessing resources.

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.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon Tuesdays, lunch meetings at West Seattle Golf Course, today featuring Rotary’s District Governor Jeff Borek. (4470 35th SW).

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

CITY COUNCIL: At 2 pm, the council holds its main weekly meeting. The agenda explains how to comment and/or watch.

WEST WINGS DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: 4-8 pm, get food at/from West Wings (2329 California SW) and part of the proceeds will benefit Alki Elementary students via the PTA. Be sure to mention the fundraiser when ordering!

DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: At High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) – volunteers available to help K-12 students.

MODE MUSIC’S ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: At Tim’s Tavern in White Center (9655 16th SW), 5 pm signups, 6 pm music, no cover, presented by West Seattle’s Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor).

(added) POP-UP AT THE NEIGHBORHOOD: The doors are open at 6503 California SW tonight for this:

At The Neighborhood tonight, Crave will be doing their second pop up at the restaurant. Filipino street fusion cuisine starting at 4 and wrapping up at 8 pm at 6503 California Ave SW. They will return on the 27th of January.

CRAFTING AT HARRY’S: 5-7 pm crafting event at Harry’s Beach House (2676 Alki SW) – registration link is in our calendar listing.

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.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 6 pm board meeting, open to community members, at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) – agenda linked in our calendar listing.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS: Monthly meetup, 6 pm at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor).

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.

HOPE LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL/TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE: 6:30 pm, find out about the play-based learning programs at Hope (4456 42nd SW; WSB sponsor). Kids welcome to attend the open house with their families.

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 7 pm, talk/hear about what’s happening in the Admiral area, with guests including Seattle Police Crime Prevention Coordinator Matt Brown, at the Admiral HUB. (4320 SW Hill)

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Lessons continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), details in our calendar listing.

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 go.

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 on Tuesday nights – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm 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 – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

MISSING: Have you seen Soloman?

January 13, 2026 9:03 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

A few days after this Silver Alert was issued, 67-year-old Soloman is still missing, and a WSB reader who is a friend of his family says they’re trying to get wider awareness in hopes he will be found. He was last seen at Seattle’s VA Hospital on Beacon Hill and lives in Poulsbo. Call 911 if you see him.

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Tuesday info

January 13, 2026 6:02 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The forecast predicts a partly sunny day, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise at 7:54 am; sunset at 4:42 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

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

Washington State Ferries – According to WSF’s alerts page, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route will be back to three boats tomorrow:

After successful repairs and boat moves, three-boat service will be restored at the start of service on Wednesday, Jan. 14 on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route.

Tuesday, Jan. 13: Two-boat service with the third, unscheduled vessel. Around mid-day, the Sealth will swap with the Salish and run as the third, unscheduled boat.

Wednesday, Jan. 14: Three-boat service resumes. The Sealth will run as the #3 vessel.

Some upcoming days have other changes, though, as the alerts page explains. P.S. If you’re wondering about the crane barge at the Fauntleroy dock, here’s what WSF told us about that.

Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.

ROAD WORK

*In White Center, the final phase of work on 16th SW between 100th and 107th is under way.

*On Highway 99, WSDOT says, “the left lane in both directions will close at Alaskan Way/Dearborn Street (milepost 30) for maintenance work nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.” both tonight (Tuesday) and Wednesday night.

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!