West Seattle, Washington
27 Friday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
This afternoon’s Sound Transit Board System Expansion Committee meeting had two items of note for those watching the West Seattle Link Extension plan, still on record as pointed toward a 2032 launch. The question is, what will the plan look like once the staff and board are finished trying to reshape it into “affordability”? The process aimed at answering that question, the Enterprise Initiative, was the subject of another briefing at this afternoon’s committee meeting.
Before that was discussed, the first item of interest was another real-estate acquisition – a residential property on Pigeon Point. Not because it’s needed soon for planning/construction, but because, according to agenda documents, its owners have “medical circumstances” requiring them to sell soon, but because of the looming light-rail project, the agency says, nobody else will buy it. The board already has approved a couple other such purchases, and the committee sent this one on to the full board for approval (along with another in the Ballard project area), though with reservations voiced by Dan Strauss, the Seattle City Councilmember who sits on the ST Board – he revived a topic brought up with previous acquisitions, concerns about ST just letting the properties sit empty for years; apparently a policy change is in the works that might allow a different use for such properties, but not quickly enough to alleviate the concerns Strauss voiced.
Then it was on to the Enterprise Initiative briefing. The next major milestone is the development of “scenarios” for the full board to discuss at its retreat in March, so they can finalize an “updated ST3 system plan” by midyear.
ST’s Brad Owen told the committee that they’re now evaluating more than 600 “opportunities” for getting the full ST system plan close to something realistic.
The “takeaways” from that work included another warning that project phasing or even deferrals might be required.
And as has been the case at previous briefings, they again discussed possible cuts/changes as “levers” of different levels that could be pulled. Then Owen presented examples of possible levers at each level, such as, in the West Seattle project, dropping the Avalon station.
This, he said, would have “no notable effect on ridership” and would mean fewer property acquisitions, a more direct route from Delridge to The Junction, less impact on sites of concern like Longfellow Creek and the West Seattle Health Club property, with up to almost half a billion dollars in savings. (No new total project-cost estimate was mentioned at this meeting.)
Board approval would be needed for that or any other top level “lever” proposed – and keep in mind, what was presented today (here’s the full slide deck) was just a set of examples, not a formal proposal. And the West Seattle project isn’t the only one they’re reviewing for cuts – in addition to Ballard, there are Tacoma and Everett Link Extensions in planning, as well as Sounder and ST Express Bus projects discussed at today’s meeting. (Added: Here’s the meeting video.)
WHAT’S NEXT: The full board generally gets discussion items like this at its next meeting after committee briefings; that will be two weeks from today, on Thursday, February 26 – watch here for the agenda.
(WSB photo, last month)
Nam Suk Nasatka, longtime proprietor of Lee’s Produce in South Delridge, has been laid to rest, while her store carries on. Her family is asking the community for one final tribute in her memory – donations to the White Center Food Bank. Daniel Horst, who’s helping organize the memorial fundraiser, asked us to publish the link. The fundraiser page says Lee’s Produce had partnered with WCFB for more than a decade, providing produce gift certificates to expand access to vegetables and fruit. Ms. Nasatka was 75 years old when cancer ended her life.
5:13 PM: From Alki Beach to Morgan Junction, it’s West Seattle Art Walk night!
That’s the list of this quarter’s Art Walk venues, many of whom are hosting artists until 8 pm (check here), with a few variations. We’re stopping at a few and will be updating!
(WSB photos)
5:45 PM: Above, that’s Tatyana Brown, who we found at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), which describes her work this way;
Inspired by Japanese printmaking and artists like Hokusai, Tatyana’s work explores minimalism, clean lines, and our connection to nature. Her pieces reflect transition, growth, and the quiet power of change through a deeply personal lens.
What she’s showing at JCL tonight ranges from elegant …
… to whimsical:
6:30 PM: At John L. Scott (4445 California SW), mixed-media work by students from nearby Tilden School (WSB sponsor) – artists include Hannah:
And Sairus:
Students from every grade at Tilden, an independent K-5 school, contributed.
Meantime, another stop in The Junction, CAPERS Home (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor), often has multiple artists, three tonight, including Megan Cox:
Colleen Monette is showing at CAPERS this month too. One last stop in The Junction:
That’s just one of the works that artist Myron Curry is showing at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), in a show you can see through the end of March.
7:45 PM: One more photo – thanks to Ian for sending – art and music at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW):
P.S. We also have a crew at tonight’s Chief Sealth IHS Art Walk, and will have a separate report on that.
Two incidents of note, one happening right now:
(WSB photo)
ARREST: Seattle Police joined King County Sheriff’s Deputies this past hour for a warrant suspect believed to be in the Roxhill Park vicinity. They’ve just made an arrest, around 3 pm, after a foot pursuit, near 26th/Cambridge; they’ve just reopened 26th after a brief closure. We’re still gathering more info on this.
(UPDATE: As noted below in comments, the suspect that was being sought was a suspect in a Des Moines homicide case. We have not yet officially confirmed that’s who they caught. EVENING UPDATE: Des Moines police confirm they arrested the suspect in a murder case with the help of SPD. The person in custody was already awaiting trial in a gun/eluding case from last July, and was on electronic home monitoring until his device stopped working on February 1; there’s been a warrant out for his arrest for that since February 4. Records say he has 18 prior convictions. In the murder case, a 45-year-old man was found dead after a Des Moines house fire, and investigators learned he’d been stabbed – that happened the same day the suspect’s tracker stopped sending a signal.)
(back to second half of original story) BUSINESS BURGLARY: On the south side of Roxbury, the Safeway gas-station building was broken into early today, around 1:30 am. Details are in this report on our partner site White Center Now.
(WSB photo, last November)
The Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle is known for its Native Art Markets. We always publish announcements inviting visitors and shoppers; now, longhouse venue coordinator Victoria Welch has sent us this call for more Native artists to join their roster of potential participants:
The Duwamish Longhouse invites Native vendors and artists who create and sell Native art, crafts, and other goods to express their interest in participating in our upcoming art markets later this year.
Vendors who have not previously participated in our markets are encouraged to reach out. Please email your name, a phone number where you can be reached, and a description of the items you create and would like to sell to:
events@duwamishtribe.org
We look forward to connecting with new artists and vendors and expanding our community of Native creatives.
Here’s a flyer about the opportunity, which also notes that the next Native Art Market at the Longhouse (4705 West Marginal Way SW) is in late April.
(February 2025 WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)
One year ago, the Washington State Black Legacy Institute celebrated its grand opening in the city-landmarked former church at 2656 42nd SW; this year, to mark the first anniversary, WSBLI invites you to a celebration one week from tonight, at 6:30 pm Thursday, February 19th.
Join us as we celebrate a historic milestone! The Inaugural Anniversary of the Washington State Black Legacy Institute (WSBLI). This special gathering honors the rich history, cultural contributions, and enduring legacy of Washington’s Black community, while inspiring a collective vision for the future.
This uplifting event brings together community leaders, families, partners, supporters, and neighbors for an event filled with joy, reflection, music, recognition, and connection.
Featured Performance: Brilliance Interfaith Gospel Choir
We are honored to welcome the Brilliance Interfaith Gospel Choir as the featured headlining performers of our anniversary celebration. Formed in 2025, Brilliance is a powerful, spirit-filled ensemble dedicated to spreading joy, healing, and unity through inspirational gospel and spiritual music. Their performance will set the tone for a meaningful and emotionally rich event.Guests are invited to stay after the ceremony for food, fellowship, and warm community connection.
About the Washington State Black Legacy Institute
The WSBLI is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and elevating the stories, contributions, and cultural legacy of Black communities across Washington State. Through exhibitions, education, archival preservation, programming, and community partnerships, we work to ensure that Black history is honored, protected, and accessible for generations to come.
The celebration is free to attend – donations welcome to support WSBLI programming – but please RSVP by going here.
Tonight is West Seattle Art Walk night! Here’s this month’s list/map highlighting venues all over West Seattle:
Highlights include Tilden School (WSB sponsor) students’ work at John L. Scott in The Junction (4555 California SW) with a reception 5-8 pm. Go here for other Art Walk previews from venues hosting artists this month. Also:
CHIEF SEALTH IHS ART WALK: As previewed here, students will showcase performing arts as well as visual arts during tonight’s special Art Walk, and the community is invited to visit starting at 6 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)
Here’s what else is on our list for the hours ahead, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks again to everyone who sends events for us to list!):
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)
DONATE TO THE CLOTHESLINE: One more special donation opportunity if you have spare season-appropriate clothing to donate to the clothing bank before it reopens in its new location – 5444 Delridge Way SW, 10 am-1 pm.
GATHERING AT THE VOID: Escape your home office for a few hours! “Work, Game, Craft, or Chat! At The Void” hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon Thursdays. (5048 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY RUN/WALK: New free, fun gathering, 10 am, starting from Lincoln Park parking lot #2. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Whether you’re planting or planning – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: West Seattle Library story time (2306 42nd SW), 10:30 am.
HEART-SHAPED PIZZA AT MIOPOSTO: Available only through Monday! Heart-shaped pizza at Mioposto (2139 California SW; WSB sponsor), open 11:30 am-9 pm, with part of the proceeds benefiting NW Immigrant Rights Project.
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!)
SOUND TRANSIT EXPANSION COMMITTEE: A West Seattle residential acquisition is part of what’s on the agenda for the ST board’s Expansion Committee meeting, 1:30 pm; the agenda explains how to watch/participate in-person or remotely.
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 Five Hooks Seafood .
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
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 it’s a venue for the West Seattle Art Walk.
LONG DISTANCE ADVOCACY: Write postcards with West Seattle Indivisible at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 5-7:30 pm drop-in community event (not library-sponsored).
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: Taha Ebrahimi, discussing “Street Trees of Seattle,” is this month’s online speaker presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, 6 pm. Our calendar listing has info and how to get the viewing link.
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
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, meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
’90S TRIVIA: 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
‘TOPDOG/UNDERDOG’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm, second week for the new ArtsWest production, “Topdog/Underdog.” (4711 California SW)
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: New West Seattle trivia night! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
DJ NIGHT: Spinning happens tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Tomás starting at 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!
MG reports a car theft in North Admiral overnight:
I just had my car stolen outside my house in the North Admiral area. It’s a red 2000 Honda CR-V with the license plate number CRT9854. Happened last night between 10 pm and 4 am.
Call 911 if you find it. We’ll add the police-report # when we get it. (Added: It’s 26-041550.)
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, February 12, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Some clouds are in the forecast for today, chance of rain late tonight, high in the low 50s. Sunrise at 7:19 am; sunset at 5:28 pm.
(Wednesday’s sunrise from Seacrest – WSB photo by Torin Record-Sand)
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Per WSF’s alert page, it’s the two-boat schedule again today and Friday.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.
MID-WINTER BREAK NEXT WEEK
*Seattle Public Schools and many others are out for mid-winter break next week.
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!
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