West Seattle, Washington
28 Sunday
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
2026 may finally be The Hydrant‘s year.
More than 10 years after “coming soon” plans were first announced to open The Hydrant at 4541 California Ave SW in The Junction, one of the business owners tells WSB the actual opening date may finally be nigh. “It really is imminent,” says Beya Mark.
Mark and her husband Cliff own and run Next-to-Nature, the pet product store next door at 4543 California Ave SW as well. While keeping that business going, they have worked on and permitted the build-out of The Hydrant space as a bar and coffee shop where people and their dogs are welcome. Mark describes the decade-long quest to open the space as a “very trying period,” particularly because they were paying rent the entire time. She says the extended time led to all kinds of speculation about the source of the delays and what she says were outlandish suggestions about why it could possibly take so long. “We’re not a drug front,” she laughs. “We’ve been pretty quiet about the whole thing because there is so much speculation out there,” she adds.
The reality, she says, is that there were fire code and permitted-use issues to work through, including adding a sheetrock barrier between the two businesses, and a lot of back and forth around what the city would require. “It was bizarre because we would get one opinion and then another, and they disagreed on what we needed to do.”
But they have gotten far enough along to be able to rent the space out for private events and use the retail area as a “pop-up” space for Next-to-Nature products during the Christmas shopping season. It will remain open for retail into the new year.
When The Hydrant opens for its intended purpose, hopefully early in 2026, Mark says, “We want to be a meeting place [and] cater to the coffee crowd, who want to come in and work with their pups.” They will serve wine and beer, mocktails and coffee, along with offering retail items that might appeal to their customers. “It’s mainly going to be community-focused, with merchandise for humans and pets, geared toward the outdoorsy lifestyle.” Mark says they will focus on French and Washington state wines and ciders, with space for up to 25 offerings on tap. They also hope to partner with nearby restaurants so that food can be ordered in, with the possibility of even collaborating with a food truck on the alley side.
While a firm opening date is still elusive, Mark says people and their pups won’t have to wait much longer for the long-promised place to gather. “We are in the final phases of the permitting,” Mark says confidently, adding that they are still “moving forward and staying positive.”
Spencer saw these bicycles left roadside in Gatewood:
If you recognize any or all of them, let us know & we’ll connect you.
Speaking of birds … our previous report this afternoon was a periodic gallery of bird photos contributed by WSB readers. Now more bird news – a book launch coming up in a few weeks! West Seattle writer Susan Rich is editor of “Birdbrains: A Lyrical Guide to Washington State Birds“ and sent the announcement of the event, a WordsWest pop-up:
Come celebrate Birdbrains: A Lyrical Guide to Washington State Birds – Book and Book Launch 6:00 PM Thursday, January 22 at C and P Coffee Company (5612 California SW).
Readers include West Seattle contributors Elizabeth Austen, Kristie MacLean, Susan Rich, Harold Taw — as well as Allen Braden, Paul Hlava Ceballos, Laura Da, Greg November, Renee Simms, and more!
Books for sale along with complimentary refreshments!
Read more about the book on this one-sheet.
Thanks to everyone who’s sent enough bird photos that we can bring you this Sunday gallery! Above, Lindsay Gonzalez saw the “brown crow” – technically known as “leucistic” – with one of its more-common-colored counterparts at Westwood Village. (Our fascination with these dates back to the saga of “Leucy,” who died in the 2009 heat wave.) We also received two owl photos – a Barn Owl, which Zutsea says is the first one they’ve seen in 20+ years in West Seattle:
And we’ll confess, this next owl photo wasn’t taken in West Seattle, but it was sent to us by WSB reader Tanya Stambuk, who photographed this Great Horned Owl in Gig Harbor:
(They HAVE been seen here, too.) We don’t have an ID on this bird – a hawk? – photographed by Jon Anderson:
Now a few much-smaller birds – Gene Pavola caught a hummingbird pausing:
Joshua Crowgey sent this pic of a Dark-eyed Junco:
From Jerry Simmons, an Orange-crowned Warbler:
He also sent this Bald Eagle photo:
And we conclude with another bird seen on the shore =- Robin Sinner photographed Sanderlings at Constellation Park:
Once more, HUGE thanks to everyone who’s sent bird photos through the year, as well as wildlife, other scenery, and breaking news too – we really appreciate being able to share your discoveries – westseattleblog@gmail.com is optimal but if/when text works better for you – and when it’s breaking news – we’re at 206-293-6302.
On Christmas Day, we reported on a break-in at WaFd Bank on the north side of The Junction. A check of police records and radio archives also indicated a possible burglary that morning at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor), but not enough information to confirm one, until we heard back today from owner Marcia Bruno. She tells WSB:
It looks like it was one guy with long dark hair. It happened early Christmas morning. They stole all of our jewelry , some tools and our radios. It’s more annoying than anything else. We haven’t been broken into for years so it’s just a reminder that people are still out there.
If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 2025-376533.
(Saturday morning photo by James Bratsanos)
Much quieter than last Sunday, but you have a few options, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find more listings!) and inbox – we’ve also noted some recurring events that are NOT happening today:
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Weekly games at the new location of The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
SUNDAY MORNING MEDITATION: Not scheduled today.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open as usual in its regular spot on California between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in winter produce season – roots, greens, peppers, mushrooms, beans, garlic, apples, more – plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, pasta, more. (Note that our state’s flooding may be affecting some of the growers you usually see.)
FREE NIA CLASS: Now starting at 10:15 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
WESTIES RUN CLUB: No Sunday run today – holiday break.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Closed through New Year’s Day.
‘SUNDAY SOLIDARITY ACTION’: West Seattle Resist‘s Sunday 11:30 am-1:30 pm sign-holding event, also including a drop-off food drive. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Enjoy your Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
WEST SEATTLE CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: Meet at 2:30 pm to chat, 3 pm to discuss this month’s book, C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), full details in our calendar listing.
TRIVIA AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: Now twice monthly, second and fourth Sundays, 5-8 pm, with host Morgue Anne, free, all ages. (9444 Delridge Way 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, 5 pm and onward tonight. Tickets and info here.
LIVE AT TIM’S: 7 pm, live music at Tim’s Tavern (9655 16th SW, White Center), with Daggerhands, Glass Cannons, Kira Severy, all ages.
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: 7:30 pm, free to play. (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, live music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
BLACK TEA: Late-night tea tasting at Revelry Room (behind 4547 California SW), 9 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could add to the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Or maybe you have a New Year’s Eve/Day listing for our West Seattle Holiday Guide? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
11:59 PM: Police were checking out simultaneously dispatched reports of crashes at Fauntleroy/39th and Fauntleroy/Avalon. First they reported the two were likely related; now they’ve told dispatch that a pole is down at Fauntleroy/Avalon and the signal lights are out. (No outage on the City Light map, though.) Meantime, radio exchanges also indicate a driver is being investigated for suspected DUI in the midst of all this. Avoid the area.
1:22 AM: Tried to get close enough to see the pole, but couldn’t. We can report, however, that traffic is getting through the area, and the only light affected is where Avalon and Fauntleroy meet – 35th/Avalon/bridge signals are working. If the pole in question has to be repaired/replaced, you may see city crews there later, though.
9:42 PM: SPD, SFD, and KCSO are all at the scene of what’s described as a “high-speed crash” blocking Olson Place near Arrowhead Gardens. At least two people are reported to be hurt, with possible serious injuries involved, according to what responders have told dispatch; the crash was described as a pickup truck driver hitting either a tree or pole. Westbound traffic is being diverted onto Myers Way.
9:59 PM: They’re calling for a tow truck and for an SDOT cleanup crew because of a “fluid spill” estimated at up to 200 feet long.
10:55 PM: An officer at the scene just told dispatch that the road will reopen as soon as SDOT picks up its cones. At least one person was taken to the hospital; we’ll follow up with SFD on the victims.
One week after we reported that Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle would have to reduce overnight operations for lack of funding, we’ve learned that they’ve raised enough money to avoid having to do that. We checked with shelter board spokesperson Laurie Utterback today to ask if the shelter would still be cutting back on all but “severe weather” nights. She says shelter founder Keith Hughes reports tonight, “We have met our stated goal of $50K that will allow us to stay open through February.” The shelter’s board will discuss its status on Monday, as well as discussing “how to improve operations for the remainder of the current cold-weather season.” Shelter funding covers the relatively new administrative and security staff provided through a collaboration with Highline United Methodist Church, as well as operational costs such as utilities.
Reader report received tonight with words of warning:
Reporting on a gas thief in the Morgan Junction area:
Caught on our neighbor’s camera at 5:30 am this morning was a suburban type vehicle stopped in front of our house. In the video, a man drops to the ground and drills a hole in our gas tank to pilfer gas. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make out the license plate.
We’d like to be anonymous, but just wanted to let our community know, as most likely we aren’t the only ones who will be targeted. According to our car dealership, this is a common occurrence and gas thieves look for trucks that are easy to get under.
(Mid-December photo by Jerry Simmons)
One week into winter, Washington State Ferries will launch its winter schedule tomorrow. Here’s what WSF says will change:
Our winter sailing schedule starts Sunday, Dec. 28 and lasts through March 21, 2026. There will be schedule changes for two routes:
-The Seattle/Bremerton route will run a revised winter schedule due to terminal construction.
-The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will switch to the two-boat weekend schedule used each winter.As a reminder, the Anacortes/San Juan Islands will continue with the fall schedule. This same schedule now runs in the fall, winter, and spring, moving the route to an improved, two-season schedule.
All other routes will operate on their regular winter schedule, available online now.
(WSB photo after previous portables’ arrival in 2023)
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Next school year, West Seattle High School students can expect two more portable units to join the existing four in the school’s parking lot, according to a Seattle Public Schools representative. This follows the ongoing rise in WSHS student population, which sat at 1452 as of October.
Construction is expected to be done over the summer of 2026 while classes are not in session, according to SPS, which says the work is “not expected to impact day-to-day activities.”
We inquired about this after noticing in city online records that permit applications had been filed to construct two more portable classrooms. The filings appeared last month. According to the city’s permit portal, building and land use pre-applications have been approved for a portable “P5” and “P6,” but construction permits are still waiting on approval.
As we mentioned in 2023, the construction of the first four portable classrooms in the WSHS parking lot was a response to a growing student body that then numbered roughly 1300. These new portables would also further reduce the number of parking spaces available for drivers, which was already below zoning requirements in 2023, A zoning departure is being requested for this, according to online city files, which include a site plan showing the two new portables would be placed to the west of the existing four, taking up nine current parking spaces.
Transient killer whales this time: Just texted to us by Kersti Muul: “Orcas T37As aiming for Elliott Bay north of the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry lanes.”
11:42 AM: Police responding to a report of gunfire in the 26th/Barton area a short time ago report finding one casing so far, “in the intersection.” No injuries reported; the shot(s) was/were reportedly fired from a vehicle described as a black Chevy Suburban, by someone described as white, male, wearing a black cap. The vehicle was last seen headed eastbound on Barton.
12:05 PM: Went over to Westwood to see if we could get a closer description o where exactly this happened, but police already had left the scene. If you have any information, the incident # is 2025-377518.
(WSB photo by Jason Grotelueschen from 2024 Not-So-Silent Night Parade)
If you’re still finalizing New Year’s Eve plans – or open to changing them – here are two ways to walk it out, so to speak, in West Seattle on Wednesday night, as featured in our Holiday Guide:
EMERALD CITY WANDERERS: This group is presenting its annual New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day walks in West Seattle. On New Year’s Eve, you can start from St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW; WSB sponsor) any time between 3:30 and 6:30 pm – in other words, choose your own start time – and head out on either a 5K or 10K route. Snacks and hot soup await you afterward. (And they’re offering two different routes for walkers on New Year’s Day too (departing between 8:30 am and 11:30 am). Free, but donations are appreciatedDetails are on the ECW website.
NOT-SO-SILENT-NIGHT PARADE: West Seattle’s only New Year’s Eve parade, starring you! Highland Park Improvement Club has been organizing this since the late ’00s. While their building site is in transition (here’s our recent update), the gathering place is Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW). All ages, all outfits; bring lanterns, noisemakers, hopes and dreams, and join the walk through nearby HP neighborhoods to bid 2025 farewell, starting at 6 pm. (We counted 100+ participants last year!)
(WSB photo from Christmas Eve’s late-afternoon sunshine at Alki)
Happy Saturday! Here’s what’s up as we begin the between-holidays weekend:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run – yes, it’s on!
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 Fauntleroy Way SW.
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: Taking the week off.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is closed this weekend for holiday break.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm Saturdays, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open for you to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle – and buy your New Year’s wine(s) – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Closed for winter break.
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
‘SOBER CURIOUS’? Planning to give up alcohol for “Sober January” – or maybe long-term? 3-5 pm, talk about it with West Seattle friends/neighbors at Bear Island/Admiral Hub (4320 SW Hill)
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 pm. Tickets and info here.
EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, Roo Forrest and Friends perform at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: “Hey Baby,” West Seattle’s newest drag show at The Skylark, hosted by Kimme Kash, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, all ages, tickets and more info here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ Kreole E at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Again this week, our Saturday list concludes with 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with DJs, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
Got a West Seattle event coming up? New Year’s Eve or Day, or beyond? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar, which is free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photos)
‘Tis the night after Christmas, and we’re not done with lights yet. Yvonne sent the tip about this display in North Shorewood: “There is a huge Santa, maybe 30 or 40 feet tall, in a yard full of many lights. The huge Santa just makes you smile! I don’t have the exact address but the home is located on west side of 26th Ave SW, 2 blocks north of the Shorewood Market, which is on the corner of 26th Ave SW and SW 106th St.” And that’s where we found it ..plus, of course, reindeer:
Checking our archives, looks like we featured this home six years ago. No giant Santa then, though! … To see every place we’ve featured this year and previous years, scroll through this section of WSB archives.
4:40 PM: Seattle Fire has sent a “full response” to a possible house fire the 3400 block of 30th SW [map],between the south end of Harbor Ave SW and the bottom of the Admiral Way hill. Updates to come.
(Added: View from SDOT’s Harbor/Spokane camera)
4:44 PM: A unit on scene just told dispatch it appears to be a “small fire between two houses” that might already be out.
4:46 PM: They’re canceling many of the responding units after confirming it is a “small exterior fire” possibly related to a fireplace.
4:54 PM: The fire is confirmed out (“tapped”).
5:04 PM: The entire response is in the process of closing.
Five months after Row House closed on the north end of The Junction, a new rowing studio in its south end is about to open its doors. We received an announcement from Row West that it’s set soft-open dates for Saturday and Sunday, January 3 and 4 – next weekend – 8 am to noon both days. Row West is at 4740 44th SW, across from Junction Hardware, and plans to “offer inclusive indoor rowing classes designed for all fitness levels.” It’s launching in part with the help of a successful crowdfunding campaign last summer.
JC sent this on behalf of the stolen car’s owner:
Honda Fit stolen from Genesee Hill on 12/23/25
Plate No AKA4233
Seattle Police Case # 25-374198
If you find it, please call 911.
(1/1/2025 WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)
As noted in our Event Calendar and Holiday Guide, we haven’t been sure about the status of the Alki Beach New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim because we hadn’t heard from or been able to reach longtime organizer Mark Ufkes. This morning, his announcement arrived, with an explanation of why it’s later than usual:
January 1, 2026
New Year’s Day Alki Beach Polar Bear SwimWe go into the water at 10:00 am sharp!
(After the countdown from 10, 9, 8 . .)
Bring good water shoes, warm clothes to change into, a towel and your hopes and dreams for 2026. Holding hands with your neighbors as you go in, always makes it easier!!
New Request:
Please bring a donation for our local food banks. Drop them in the Costco black tubs that will be placed all along the sidewalk.
Message of thanks to the good people of West Seattle:
My amazing, beautiful wife Lois Schipper and I would like to thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts, for always being so kind to us during our three decades here. And for being such great neighbors too. Between our many friends, family, and so many great public school teachers, you all have helped us nurture our two boys to adulthood and made our lives so much fuller.
For Lois and me, 2025 has been especially difficult. Lois, my executive-functioning spouse, has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. We are crushed. Also, we both spent many years working with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), providing humanitarian assistance in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and the former Soviet Union before we moved to West Seattle, then White Center. Lois is a Public Health Nurse and expert on at-risk moms and babies, and I worked on food security and democratic pluralism efforts.
For those who might have missed, USAID was the federal entity that Elon Musk “fed to the woodchipper” earlier this year. The entire USAID world-wide staff of over 10,000 good Americans all lost their jobs in one day. Like us, these professionals dedicated their lives to helping the most vulnerable around the world on behalf of the American people.
So, for Lois and me, we will be holding hands, and as we go running into Puget Sound, we will be washing away the stain of our spiritually-crippled President and his spineless Republican party.
And what we want from the New Year is to pack our remaining healthy time together with every service adventure we can fit in, and every day, be thankful that we are blessed to live in this generous, wonderful community with all of you good people.
Last year, over 1,500 went into the water. So come on down and join us on Thursday, January 1. Bring your food bank donation and get there a little early, as we go into the water at 10:00 am sharp after the countdown. And remember, don’t waste a day. Our lives are shorter than we think.
Be strong in 2026.
Sincerely,
Mark L. Ufkes and Lois A. Schipper
(Tuesday’s sunset, photographed by Bob Burns. The sun is already setting six minutes later than this fall’s earliest sunset!)
Short list of what’s happening today/tonight as we head toward the between-holidays weekend! Listings are from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide (and if you have anything to add, please let us know):
HIGH TIDE: 12.4 feet again today, at 9:34 am if you’re headed out for a beach/shore walk.
LIBRARIES: Back open today; no special events on the calendar for local branches.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER Closed for holiday break.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Most Fridays you can visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – but it’s closed today.
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm tonight and most Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy by the bottle.
C & P COFFEE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, Jim Page performs at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
FREE TEEN SWIM: 6-7 pm at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle), free swim session for ages 13-18.
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: No varsity home games scheduled tonight.
SPINNING: DJ Buttnaked at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING:Tonight, skate tonight to music by Disco Dash, 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!
Before we get to today’s event list, a look to something further in the future, but with tickets available now: A fun kid-music concert open to the entire community is coming up at Westside School (10404 34th SW; WSB sponsor) – Recess Monkey is performing as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank! Here’s the announcement:
Seattle’s beloved kids’ music band Recess Monkey will perform at Westside School on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:15 am in the Westside Theater. Known for their clever lyrics, playful personalities, and upbeat sound, Recess Monkey delivers a lively, interactive musical experience that gets everyone — big and small — up and moving.
The performance is open to the public, offering a fun, engaging morning of music for families in the Seattle area. Attendees can expect sing-alongs, dancing, and an energetic show that appeals to children of all ages.
Tickets & Info: $10 per family, benefitting the West Seattle Food Bank. Click here to find out more and purchase tickets.
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