West Seattle, Washington
09 Monday
(First two photos by Macey Wurm)
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Hundreds of protesters gathered at Hiawatha Playfield this afternoon to start West Seattle Indivisible’s “We’re Still Standing” rally and march. The event, in collaboration with activist groups Defund Musk, Evergreen Resistance, 50501, and The Seattle Handmaids, was WS Indivisible’s first major event of 2026.
“We’re Still Standing” was intended to acknowledge a year of resolve under the Trump administration and a resolution to continue standing in resistance. While the event was announced weeks ago, and was not planned as a response to the Minnesota violence involving federal agents and subsequent unrest, this morning’s shooting death of 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti brought a new sense of purpose to the afternoon’s gathering.
“‘We came in today ready to mark the first 365 days of this atrocious administration…and then this morning in Minnesota, there was another killing that happened,” said Laurie Reinhardt, co-director of West Seattle Indivisible. “So that has put us in a head space and heart space where we are committed to nonviolence and peace… it’s demonstrating at the same time that our hearts are hurting.”
Participants pulled their signs from the trunks of cars, and friends greeted each other familiarly. A sign reading “Dance 4 Democracy” drew an assembly of line-dancers. Around 12:30 pm the crowd settled in anticipation of leadership speeches. Among the speakers was Devin Hermanson, founder of Defund Musk.
“This is what real community looks like. It’s people who are bound not by money, but by compassion, care for one another, love for one another, for real community.” Hermanson said to the crowd. “That’s why we’re strong. That’s why they can’t break the people of Minnesota.”
Hermanson was followed by a few additional speakers and some direction on marcher safety, before protesters were invited to grab one of the some-300 signs West Seattle Indivisible members had made for the march itself.
(Photos from here by Dave Gershgorn for WSB)
The crowd took to the sidewalk around 1:00 pm for the 1.4-mile march down California Ave SW to The Junction. Several passersby waved and honked their horns in support, and residents lingered outside their homes to observe the lengthy mass.
One West Seattle local said he had been attending protests such as these since the 1960’s, another simply explained she was in support because she was from Minnesota, accompanied by, “F–k Trump.”
“I am really upset by the events going on in Minnesota, with the way ICE is interacting with regular citizens, not doing what they say their job is, and all the violence and murder they’re instigating.” A third marcher said, “It’s just unacceptable in America.”
The march concluded at the intersection of SW Alaska St and California Ave SW, where photo-ops commenced, and participants were instructed to leave their signs. West Seattle Indivisible announced they will have a presence at University Village next weekend and that they will be participating in rapid-response training on February 6.
Jake reports brown water near 37th SW and SW 99th. Nothing on the Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map. As always, the reminder – if this happens at your home/business, call SPU at 206-386-1800. (One frequent explanation is hydrant testing, which SFD does as time allows, but that seems unlikely on a freezing night.(
7:51 PM: After 911 calls reporting suspected gunfire in the Westcrest Park area (and two people texting us about it), police went to the park and just radioed in that they found “multiple shell casings” in the park’s south lot. No injuries reported so far.
7:56 PM: An officer on scene just told dispatch it’s a “mix of rifle and pistol casings,” including 9mm and .556, and that there’s “property damage” at the park.
ADDED MONDAY: Only one bit of added info in the brief SPD summary about this – the “property damage” is described as having been found on “a temporary ‘notice of planned construction’ sign.”
Thanks to James Bratsanos for the photo of tonight’s sunset, notable not just for its beauty, but – as we’ve been noting in our weekday weather/traffic roundups – because it’s the last one in the 4 pm hour until next fall. Tomorrow’s official sunset time is 5 pm. Meantime, the National Weather Service has issued another Cold Weather Advisory alert for midnight to 9 am. The NWS did the same thing last night, saying the temperature could get down below 25 degrees; the official overnight low was 31. Separate from the advisory, tonight’s forecast low is 32.
The Christmas season doesn’t end on December 25 .. and here’s a ton of proof.
Judy Pickens sent this followup about the results of one of this past season’s unique giving opportunities:
Results are in from the annual Festival of Trees at Fauntleroy Church – which continued into the first week of January – and they’re impressive.
The goal for the forest of 16 creatively decorated trees was to collect 1,500 “votes” of shelf-stable food items for area food banks. Those who came to enjoy the trees generously blew past that goal to give just over 2,000 items. West Seattle and White Center food banks were able to restock their shelves with a full ton of food from the project.
Three trees tied for the most votes:
Furry Friends – the Goldfines & the Mandts
Love in Many Languages – the Petty, Johnson & Harwood team
Year-Round Joy in Fauntleroy Park – Hazelwood Preschool (below)
We showed some of the trees in this early-December report, as well as in some of our daily event lists, as the trees were on display for visitation for about a month.
1:56 PM: WSB contributing photojournalist Dave Gershgorn just sent that photo of the “We’re Still Standing“ march headed southbound on California SW toward The Junction. Police monitoring the march (SOP for protests) radioed to dispatch a few minutes ago that marchers had passed SW Bradford and so far “minimal traffic disruption.” We’ll have a full report with more photos later.
4:54 PM: Before that report from WSB’s Macey Wurm, which we’ll publish separately later tonight, we’re adding more of Dave Gershgorn’s photos now:
This march/protest was planned weeks ago, but it had an extra edge today after another deadly shooting in Minnesota by an ICE agent.
Planning is under way for this year’s West Seattle Art Tour, and the call has gone out for artists to participate. Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:
The West Seattle Art Tour is pleased to announce its Call for Artists for its third annual event, scheduled for September 19–20, 2026.
This two-day, self-guided event connects local artists directly with collectors and art enthusiasts throughout the neighborhood. Through a juried selection process, artists are chosen to display their work at host sites—selected artists’ homes and studios that can accommodate a few artists. Visitors navigate the tour using printed maps, interactive digital maps, and social media.
The committee welcomes diverse submissions from artists working in painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry, mixed media, and other mediums. We seek artists who demonstrate a unique vision and technical mastery.
• Applications are accepted online at www.westseattlearttour.org/forartists.
• Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
• Criteria: Artists must live, work, or teach in West Seattle, or demonstrate an ongoing connection to the community. For more details visit www.westseattlearttour.org.
If you have questions or are interested in supporting the tour, email info@westseattlearttour.org or visit our website at www.westseattlearttour.org.
The West Seattle Art Tour is a volunteer organization run entirely by artists who dedicate their time to fostering and promoting the local arts community.
(Harbor seals on the Duwamish River, photographed by Steve Bender)
Happy Saturday! Here’s our list for the hours ahead, mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run.
WILDERNESS FIRST-AID TRAINING: First day of two-day course at Westside School (10404 34th SW; WSB sponsor), 8 am-5:30 am – info here.
HIGH-SCHOOL FLAG FOOTBALL: Full day of games at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), including Chief Sealth International HS vs. Lakeside at 8:30 am and vs. Rainier Beach at 11 am, West Seattle HS vs. Garfield at 8:30 am and vs. Lakeside at 9:45 am.
FREE MEDITATION: Start the weekend with Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3620 SW Alaska).
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile as a prelude to the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group – details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
WHITE CENTER HUB RIBBONCUTTING: 11:30 am, a big celebration with elected officials, community leaders, nonprofit leaders celebrating the official grand opening of the new mixed-use development at 8th SW and SW 108th in White Center.
NEIGHBORHOOD MATCHING FUND WORKSHOP: Online at 11:30 am, find out about getting a share of these city funds. Our calendar listing has the link for registering to attend.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, noon-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm Saturdays, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
‘WE’RE STILL STANDING’ RALLY AND MARCH: West Seattle Indivisible and friends will gather at Hiawatha Playfield (2700 California SW) at 12:30 pm and then march to The Junction around 1 pm, ending at Junction Plaza Park (42nd SW and SW Alaska), as previewed here.
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
MAKE AN EGG CARTON WITH POTTERINGS: Fun cozy pottery workshop with Potterings, 1-4 pm – our calendar listing has details including the registration link. (3400 Harbor SW)
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
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, first admission 5:30 pm. Tickets and info here; extended through February.
EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: West Seattle’s own Acoustic Crisis at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, all ages, no cover.
LAKEHOUSE #7 AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 6-10 pm, a pop-up event that “blends live performances with immersive liquid light visuals, creating a sensory-forward experience where sound, color, and community meet.” RSVP here. (9444 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Live music at The Skylark, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, The Loose Heels‘ last show, with The Fixits & The Sweetiest Sweeties, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE AT TIM’S TAVERN: ’80s and ’90s music, 7 pm, all ages until 10 pm, tickets here. (16th SW & SW 98th, White Center)
REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm, Riz Rollins spins. (4547 California SW)
SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome to a listing on our calendar, which is free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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