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Spotlight Stories


  • March

    BIG DEMONSTRATION: Hundreds march on Alki

  • Schools

    SCHOOL TOURS: Our updated list of SPS events

  • Grand opening

    GRAND OPENING: Black Legacy Institute in WS

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 31 notes!
February 1, 2025 6:07 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Recent sunny day at Alki – photo by James Bratsanos)

Here’s what’s happening on your Saturday, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.

HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s sanctuary/studio (3618 SW Alaska).

INTRODUCTORY WALK: Prelude to the next event – meet at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, 9:30 am, for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Then at 10 am, you’re invited to join others for the weekly walk in Lincoln Park (also meet at 47th/Fauntleroy).

WEST SEATTLE TAE KWON DO CLUB: First February 2025 class is at 9:30 am at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW), all levels welcome.

THREE LITTLE BIRDS REOPENS: As previewed here last night, the shop opens today in its new location at 3270 California SW, 10 am-5:30 pm.

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS FAIR: Not in West Seattle but some local SPS schools are expected to participate. 10 am-2 pm at district HQ in SODO (3rd/Lander).

MORNING MUSIC: 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 – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.

WASHINGTON STATE BLACK LEGACY INSTITUTE GRAND OPENING: 11 am speeches, noon ribboncutting, followed by art-exhibit preview, until 2:30 pm at the new history institution headquartered at 2656 42nd SW.

LEAPS AND BOUNDS WOMEN’S CLOTHING SWAP: As previewed here, you’re invited to swap clothes and accessories 11 am-3 pm at WSUU, to benefit local nonprofit Leaps and Bounds Children’s Therapy. (7141 California SW)

MUSIC FEST AT THE SPOT: 11 am-11 pm, free all-day-all-night music festival at The Spot West Seattle, all ages, see the hour-by-hour lineup here. (2920 SW Avalon Way)

LOW TIDE ARTS OPEN HOUSE: New art studio at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) invites you to visit 11 am-5 pm, as previewed here.

FAMILY READING TIME: Canceled again today because Paper Boat Booksellers is moving.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN, WITH NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here, with Vietnamese New Year celebration noon-2 pm today. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

HEART-TENDING GRIEF AND YOGA WORKSHOP: Experiencing grief? This workshop is for you, 1-5 pm at Bohemian Studios (4801 Fauntleroy Way SW), details in our calendar listing.

MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: 1 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) – our calendar listing details the January book up for discussion today.

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Romantic Cello performs, doors at 2 pm, music at 2:30 pm, tickets here. (7904 35th SW)

WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: Free, drop-in, at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.

BABY GROUP: At Viva Arts, Baby Massage Class, 3-4:30 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

BASKETBALL: Chief Sealth International High School hosts Ingraham – girls’ varsity at 4 pm, boys’ varsity at 5:30 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: 5-9 pm, dine at Chipotle in The Junction (4730 California SW), give them the code shown in our calendar listing, and you’ll be helping the West Seattle High School Class of 2026 ASB.

LIVE AT C & P: 6-8 pm. Steff Jetson at C & P Coffee, solo acoustic music, no cover, all ages. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: A.G. Joints, Beatbox Panda, Will FM, 6:30 pm, no cover, all ages. (4559 California SW)

ASTRA LUMINA: The illuminated walk at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge continues all month. 6:30 pm and later entry times; ticket cost varies. (6000 16th SW)

THE BYRD ENSEMBLE, WITH TICKET DEAL: Acclaimed vocal ensemble performs Renaissance music from Scotland and England, 7:30 pm at Holy Rosary Church (42nd/Genesee) – get tickets here; use code WSBLOG30 at checkout for discount.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Jay Fiddy hosts a night of PNW Hip-Hop with PXSSION, JUST BLU3, HYBRID HOUND, CARTER COSTELLO, PEYDAY, 8 pm, $10 at the door, which opens at 7. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, always a DJ. (4547 California SW)

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 10 pm start time for Saturday-night singers at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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VIDEO: Beach Drive crash, car fire
January 31, 2025 11:08 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

11:08 PM: Yet another street-blocking crash of note. This time, police and fire are in the 4200 block of Beach Drive, where it’s reported that the driver of a Subaru Crosstrek hit a parked Ford Bronco, after which the Crosstrek caught fire. No report of injuries so far but Beach Drive is reported to be blocked both ways.

11:29 PM: Thanks to the readers who’ve sent video from the scene. The clip above was texted by Janna.

11:36 PM: Officers just told dispatch that the street is open again.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Three Little Birds ready to reopen at new location
January 31, 2025 9:20 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Three Little Birds proprietor Jennifer Young sent that photo to show that her shop’s new location at 3270 California SW is ready to go, and it’ll be open to shoppers tomorrow (Saturday, February 1) – 10 am to 5:30 pm. “Grand Opening Event coming soon!” At the new location, Three Little Birds will be in the same building as Young’s other shops, Alair and Dylan. She announced the new location about a month ago. Meantime, the spot that Three Little Birds vacated at 4736 California SW is now listed as available for lease.

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TRANSPORTATION LEVY: Here’s what’s in the first-year plan for West Seattle
January 31, 2025 6:21 pm
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

SDOT is out with the plan for what it’s going to do with funding from the first year of the $1.55 billion Transportation Levy that Seattle voters passed in November.

After releasing the plan (read it here) this afternoon, SDOT managers – including director Greg Spotts, on his second-to-last day on the job – hosted a media briefing online. They gave an overview you can peruse in this slide deck; we went through the plan itself for every West Seattle reference we could find.

First, you should note that what’s in the plan is NOT everything SDOT will be doing this year. There are many projects that use non-levy funding. For example, District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s proposal to change the configuration of Delridge Way near a RapidRide H Line stop by the Refugee and Immigrant Family Center Preschool is not in it – but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. We’ve been asking SDOT and Metro about that project’s status, and what they tell us is what SDOT managers said during today’s briefing – the two agencies are talking about what’s possible, although SDOT still believes that what’s there now – which includes a hardened raised median – is safe, because that’s what it was designed to be. Because they’re in early conversations, there’s no specific plan nor timeline yet, and they expect to consider “a universe of solutions.”

Now, back to what IS in the 2025 levy-spending plan for West Seattle – no details yet beyond these basic descriptions:

-The SW Brandon sidewalk, also something Councilmember Saka has mentioned repeatedly, from 26th to 30th, is mentioned as an “anticipated initial project”

-“Alki Traffic Calming,” described as planned for 60th, 61st, and 62nd between Admiral Way and Alki Avenue, with construction expected to start in 2025

-Two other “traffic calming” projects listed as expected to “start planning” in 2025 – 49th Ave SW and SW Graham St (scene of a deadly crash last year) and SW Henderson at Westcrest Park

-Sylvan Way SW (High Point Dr to Sylvan Heights Dr Mid-Block, noted as a “high-collision safety project”

-16th Ave SW–SW Brandon St (Trailhead) to SW Henderson St, noted as a “traffic-calming project”

-26th Ave SW–SW Barton St to SW Roxbury St, noted as a “traffic-calming project”

-SW Trenton St–35th Ave SW to Delridge Way SW, noted as a “traffic-calming project”

-“Safe Routes to School” projects for Highland Park, Lafayette, and West Seattle Elementaries, plus Madison Middle School and Pathfinder K-8

-Evaluation of potential paving projects (as previously reported) for 35th SW between SW Alaska and SW Morgan, Olson Pl SW/1st Ave S: 2nd Ave SW to SW Cloverdale, and/or Fauntleroy Way in The Triangle

-Asphalt spot paving for 35th Ave SW between SW 106th and SW 108th, SW Orchard between Delridge and Dumar

-Concrete spot paving for 16th SW between Myrtle and Holly, Delridge Way between Genesee and Dakota, SW Alaska between Fauntleroy Way and 38th

-“Transit spot improvements” including asphalt paving on SW Oregon between California and 44th (Routes 50 and 128)

-“Advance key connections to future Link light rail stations in coordination with partner agencies” on SW Alaska

-Start sidewalk design for SW Hudson St between Delridge and 26th

-Sidewalk repairs at California/Edmunds

-Curb ramps on 16th SW at South Seattle College, Brandon, Holden; at 36th/Andover; at 39th/Genesee; at 49th/Raymond; at 47th/Frontenac; at 55th/Manning; at 60th/Admiral

-Stairway repairs at 21st/Dakota

-Crossing improvements at Delridge/Alaska, 29th/Brandon, 9th/Henderson, 28th/Thistle; start designing improvements for Delridge/Cloverdale

-“Major signal maintenance” at 26th/Roxbury and California/Erskine/Edmunds (which is also slated for a pedestrian-accessibility improvement)

-Signal timing at 47th/Admiral (described as fiber-network expansion)

-Neighborhood greenway listed as “Alki Point Phase 2”

-Protected bike lane on Highland Park Way between West Marginal and Holden (“start design” this year – this is the “lane conversion” project that’s undergone much community discussion)

-Protected bike lane “upgrades” on Admiral Way between Spokane and Olga (the hill just north of the West Seattle Bridge) and on Andover between Delridge and Avalon

We asked about plans for communicating details of each project; SDOT says web info about projects will be available when they’re further along the path to construction. Meantime, this plan is scheduled to be discussed with the council’s Transportation Committee, which Councilmember Saka chairs, on February 18th. SDOT says it’ll have a spending plan to present at the start of each year of the levy’s eight-year life, and that an oversight committee will be appointed for this levy, as has been the case for others.

–

–

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Another crash involving a school bus
January 31, 2025 5:24 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

For the second time this afternoon, a crash is under investigation involving a car and school bus. This time it’s at (updated) 4th/Roxbury and we’re told traffic is “a mess” as a result. This one’s being investigated by King County Sheriff’s Deputies so we don’t have as much info as we would if it were in the city limits, but Metro has issued a bus reroute alert.

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BIZNOTE: West Seattle Bowl adding to the family, we learn as HomeStreet Bank showcase wraps up.
January 31, 2025 4:05 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Though the bowling business has had its challenges, it’s a growth industry for the owners of West Seattle Bowl. They’re about to add another bowling facility to the family – co-owner Mike Gubsch told WSB that they close tomorrow on the purchase of Secoma Lanes in Federal Way. We learned about this while photographing Mike at HomeStreet Bank-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) this morning for the prize drawing ending WS Bowl’s spotlight this month at the bank:

(WSB photos. Above, WS Bowl co-owner Mike Gubsch at center, with HomeStreet’s Sharon Lingbloom and Andrew Tento)

As we’ve noted before, HomeStreet spotlights a local business/organization customer every month, and bank visitors can enter a prize drawing held at month’s end. (Today’s drawing was for a $100 WS Bowl gift card!) So we asked Mike what’s new, and he told us about the Federal Way deal. Secoma Lanes will keep its name, he said – it has almost as much history in its community (more than 60 years!) as WS Bowl has here (more than 75 years, as noted on this T-shirt displayed during the HomeStreet showcase!).

P.S. West Seattle Bowl is hosting a big tournament this weekend, the Espresso Cup.

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UPDATE: Crash at 28th/Holden
January 31, 2025 3:35 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

3:35 PM: A collision reported to involve a car and school bus is blocking the intersection at 28th/Holden. No word yet about injuries, if any.

3:42 PM: The one SFD unit sent to the scene has already cleared, which means no serious injuries, if any (we’ll be following up). They’re also getting some traffic through – Metro buses, at least – after telling dispatch the bus was able to move to the side of the street.

5:33 PM: SFD says no injuries were reported.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen trailer
January 31, 2025 1:54 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Reported to us via text, a stolen trailer to watch for:

STOLEN on 7300 Block of 35th Ave SW.
*2025 Black 5×8 enclosed with drop door ramp and side doors
*WA plate…. A8120132
*Police report # 25-28848
The trailer is brand new, the owner tells us. Call 911 if you find it.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Restaurant burglary
January 31, 2025 12:01 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The report and photos are from Evan at Lady Jaye in The Junction, burglarized just before 5:30 this morning:

A couple of guys broke into Lady Jaye last night at 5:30 am. They broke through the back door, busted into the office and stole staff tips, cash, checkbooks and booze.

Thankfully they didn’t totally trash the place and we will be open tonight with a little cleanup … There seems to be a lot of activity on California Ave these last few days.

Lady Jaye is on the west side of the 4500 block of California SW; on Thursday, we reported on incidents targeting HVAC equipment outside two buildings on the same side of the 4400 block.

UPDATE: Police report # for the Lady Jaye break-in is 25-028731.

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READER REPORT: ‘Billion-Dollar Bake Sale’ field trip to Olympia
January 31, 2025 11:20 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

West Seattle families and students are back from their trip to Olympia for Thursday’s Day of Advocacy for education funding, part of the “Billion-Dollar Bake Sale” campaign. We asked a local leader, Gatewood Elementary parent/advocate Megan Fisher, how it went and whether she could share photos – here’s her report:

The Billion Dollar Bake Sale in Olympia was a huge success. We had about 400 people down at the Tivoli Fountain on the Capitol Campus rallying for public education funding, we heard from many speakers at the rally, including State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, who reminded the crowd that it is the Legislature’s constitutional duty to fully fund public schools and we are underfunding K-12 education each year by $4 Billion. We heard from educators, students, school board directors, city council people, and the president of the WEA (Washington Education Association).

We had representation from many West Seattle Schools including an incredible amount of Gatewood Elementary parents and students and parents and students from Genesee Hill Elementary School, Pathfinder K-8, Lafayette Elementary, and West Seattle Elementary were represented from West Seattle.

Gatewood Elementary also sent their 5th graders down on a field trip with Principal Kyna Hogg and it was an incredibly invigorating day for advocacy. The students on the field trip and the parents and students who came down from Gatewood got to meet with Representative Joe Fitzgibbon and Representative Brianna Thomas in the rotunda of the capitol building – the “Gatewood Gator Chant” could be heard echoing through the rotunda of the capitol building – it was a really magical moment! “We’re Gatewood Gators through and through, we’re safe and kind in all we do, we’re responsible, you know it’s true, we’re Gatewood Gators through and through, CHOMP, CHOMP CHOMP!!” in addition to chanting “no more crumbs, fund our schools!” ]

The Senate passed three bills yesterday related to funding education that are on their way to the Ways and Means Committee for approval now and it seems like public support for education funding is proving to be successful!

The organizers of the statewide Billion-Dollar Bake Sale campaign were impressed with the incredible showing of support from the West Seattle community.

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Here’s our list for your West Seattle Friday!
January 31, 2025 9:49 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

With the weekend in view, here are notes for today/tonight, mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar:

DONATION DRIVE’S FINAL DAY: Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3425 California SW) is accepting warm clothes and nonperishable food through today. The agency, a longtime WSB sponsor, is open until 5 pm.

OPENING DAY: Today is the official opening day for Happy Lemon‘s second West Seattle shop (2718 Alki SW), after several days of soft-opening.

STAY ‘N’ PLAY: 10 am-11:30 am free drop-in indoor play at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd): “Stay ‘N’ Play is our Friday morning open gym for infants and preschool kids. We open up our lower level with games, toys, a bouncy house and more for kids to run and play.”

BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Delridge Library, for little ones up to 2 years old, and their parents/caregivers. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

AT THE CLAY CAULDRON: Make handbuilt animals with Kirsten, 6-9 pm. Our calendar listing explains how to sign up. (5214 Delridge Way SW)

SKI FILM: “Enjoying the Up” screens (update) at 8 pm at the VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska), across from event organizer Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) – ticket link is in our calendar listing.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Apology Wars, Energy Pyramid, Garden of Agony perform at 8 pm (doors at 7) at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

BASKETBALL: No home games on the schedule tonight.

AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Supreme La Rock tonight! (4547 California SW)

MAKE IT LOUD: Skating to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), doors at 9 pm, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. Tonight’s slate: Latin soul night – The Pazific with special guest DJ Sharisse.

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

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REMINDER: Women’s clothing swap Saturday in West Seattle
January 31, 2025 8:59 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

Before we get to our list of what’s happening today, a reminder about one of tomorrow’s events – noprofit Leaps and Bounds Children’s Therapy is hosting a women’s-clothing (and accessories) swap-and-shop event, from 11 AM to 3 PM at 7141 California Ave SW (Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation). To streamline the swap, you can drop off gently used items 10:30 am-4:30 pm today at the WSUU parking lot (look for the designated bin by the sunflower wall). Then on Saturday, here’s how to participate:

Entry on swap day is $20, and proceeds go directly to supporting Leaps and Bounds’ and our West Seattle families. You can purchase tickets in advance as well as a raffle ticket for a chance at early entry to get first pick at the fabulous finds at leapsandboundswa.org/swap

Participants are encouraged to bring gently used women’s clothing (clothes, shoes, purses/accessories) that are clean, in good condition, and free from stains. Be sure to label your donations with your name and contact information in case of any mix-ups. No personal undergarments please.

Leaps and Bounds has been sponsoring WSB this week to get word out even-more widely about the swap.

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: January’s last day
January 31, 2025 6:00 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning – it’s Friday, January 31, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Rainy and breezy today, high in the upper 40s, possible snow showers tonight. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:36 am and 5:09 pm.

TRANSIT

Metro buses – Regular schedule. If we do see snow, check metrowinter.com!

Water Taxi –  Also on a regular schedule today.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Salish as the “bonus boat.”

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides 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 trouble 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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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation in Fauntlee Hills (updated Friday)
January 30, 2025 8:25 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(WSB photo)

8:25 PM: That was the scene in the 4000 block of SW Henderson [vicinity map] a short time ago, as police investigated gunfire in the Fauntlee Hills neighborhood. They told us at the scene that no one was hurt, but they found two shell casings in the street, and bullet damage to at least one parked car. They say the shooter left in a vehicle. We’ll add anything more we find out; if you have any information, the SPD incident # to refer to is 25-028468.

ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Police have released this summary:

At 1941 hours, the complainant was inside his house located at the 4000 BLK of SW Henderson St. The complainant heard his vehicle being tampered with in his driveway. The complainant looked out and saw his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend tampering with his vehicle. The complainant screamed at the two suspects, and they ran to a black Mercedes. The male suspect pulled out a gun and shot at the complainant. The suspects then drove away. The complainant didn’t have any injuries. Officers arrived and processed the scene. The suspects weren’t located.

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FOLLOWUP: New Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes starts work
January 30, 2025 7:57 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(Seattle Police Department photo)

Six weeks after Mayor Bruce Harrell nominated Shon Barnes, then police chief in Madison, Wisconsin, to take over the Seattle Police Department, Chief Barnes has started work. SPD says his first day today was busy “with meeting new colleagues, media interviews, and getting to know the community.” Barnes, 50, is quoted as saying he will “be making sure we’re establishing a culture of excellence and procedural justice within the department.” Also still ahead: The City Council confirmation process.

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Annual report summarizes record-setting year in Fauntleroy Creek and its watershed
January 30, 2025 5:34 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(2024 photo by Tom Trulin)

“(W)e set multiple salmon records in 2024 – for participation in our annual drumming, spawners coming into Fauntleroy Creek, salmon watchers, and students learning in the watershed.” That’s the headline from the Fauntleroy Watershed Council‘s annual report for 2024, just released today. Fauntleroy Creek [map] is one of the few salmon-bearing creeks in Seattle city limits, after a volunteer-led effort revived it around the turn of the millennium; every year it gets various volunteer assists, from counting spawners to watching for “home-hatch” fry to helping hundreds of schoolchildren learn about the fish’s lifecycle through the Salmon in the Schools program. See the full report (only eight pages – not your typical “annual report”!) here, and find out how to get involved with the watershed here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: HVAC system theft alert; assault/robbery suspect arrested; Tesla tires slashed
January 30, 2025 2:59 pm
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

HVAC SYSTEMS TARGETED: The West Seattle Junction Association is circulating this alert to businesses; we’re republishing it with permission:

… Seattle Fish had their refrigerator/HVAC system vandalized over the weekend. Someone had punctured it to drain the oil and relieve pressure. The would-be thief must have been scared off, as they not did take the system.

Last night, however, these thieves returned and broke into the back area of CenturyLink and stole two units. If your system is exposed, especially at street level, please take warning. There are thieves targeting these systems for scrap metal. We have alerted our security patrols to pay extra attention in the alleys. Please protect your property.

Seattle Fish Company and the CenturyLink facility are both on the west side of the 4400 block of California SW.

ASSAULT/ROBBERY SUSPECT ARRESTED: A 42-year-old man is in jail, accused in a shoplift-turned-robbery at Jefferson Square Safeway late last night. We requested and obtained the report narrative from police. It says police were called after 11 pm and told a man had thrown an employee into a shelf, hit a customer, took items, and left the store. Employees told them it began with the man yelling and causing a disturbance in the store. When confronted, he hit the person who confronted him “three times in his head with a toy guitar” (who the confronter was is not clear because of redactions). Earlier, officers were told, the suspect was seen “stuffing his backpack with stolen food products and merchandise”; he was reported to have become upset and lashed out when seeing an employee “recording him.” Nobody wanted/needed medical attention after all this, but the recordings helped police recognize the suspect from a different call, and they arrested him after spotting him walking near 35th/Avalon a half-hour later. The report says he was wearing the same clothes as during the store incident – and that officers also found the “toy guitar” as well as items stolen from Safeway.

TIRES SLASHED: This is from an anonymous reader:

I live at California and Hinds. I routinely park my car on 42nd. This morning two of my tires were slashed and the hood of my car scratched by a sharp object. As was another vehicle in the same block.

This happened around 11 pm last night 01/29/25. If anyone saw anything or knows of who may have committed this crime please contact the Seattle Police, two incident reports have been made.

I am beyond sickened that someone would do this. Destroying someone’s property with malicious and violent intent is a crime. Doing it in such an aggressive manner shows that it was done premeditated … let people know to be on the lookout for suspicious behavior, and Tesla drivers, no matter what your political leanings are, turn on your Sentry Modes.

We have a followup question out to confirm whether that means their vandalized car is a Tesla and if they know whether the other one was. (UPDATE: Yes, they say, both targeted cars are Teslas.)

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SIGHTINGS: Above Alki; across Elliott Bay
January 30, 2025 2:05 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

Thanks for the photos, both sent this afternoon:

ISS OVER ALKI: The photo is from Steven Rice, who explains, “This was around 6:15 pm. The International Space Station was visible for well over 5 minutes (moving from right to left) and reached a height of 48°. I also noticed the sandbags in place awaiting the coming tides.” If for some reason there’s a break in the clouds tonight or tomorrow, here are the next ISS-viewing opportunities over Seattle.

DUCK ACROSS THE BAY: That photo is from a texter who looked across Elliott Bay from West Seattle and spotted the giant “rubber duck” atop the Lumen Field Event Center, where the 61-foot-tall duck has been placed as a promotion for the upcoming Seattle Boat Show.

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Circa, with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor
January 30, 2025 12:19 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, the West Seattle restaurant Circa (2605 California SW). When new sponsors join, they get the chance to tell you about themselves – so here’s Circa‘s story:

With nearly 27 years in the Admiral District, Circa is a community hub filled with cheerful regulars, from-scratch cooking, and the best service in town.

Co-head chefs Bill and Gretchen Evans have owned Circa for the past 9 years, although Gretchen worked as a server for a decade before purchasing. Born and raised in New Orleans, Bill brings his own style and quality to many dishes at Circa, while Gretchen’s PNW roots keep things local and dialed in. Their 3 teenage boys attend West Seattle High School and keep them constantly engaged in and working with the West Seattle community at large.

Circa is open 7 days a week at 9 am! Weekday breakfast has a variety of dishes, from omelets & scrambles to pancakes and country fried steak. Beignets and Anson Mills white corn grits show Bill’s southern influence. Biscuits & Gravy and our vegetarian Potato Works can’t be beat. The Standard breakfast is anything but, with Stiebrs Farms eggs, Daily’s bacon, and house-made biscuit or coffee cake as a bread option.

At 11:30 they go right into lunch, where you can try many specialty sandwiches, salads, fish-n-chips, and soups (including Bill’s famous Gumbo YaYa). Happy hour starts at 2:30 and runs until 5:00 M-F!

Every Thursday, besides the regular menu, Circa offers the very popular 3-Course Thursday Lunch menu for $27! You choose between 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts. Different every week. Always delicious and very fun. A great deal, too.

Weekend brunch brings all the specialty breakfast dishes and plenty of lunch items and runs from 9 am-2 pm (dinner resumes at 5:00). Fried oyster benedict, crab cake benedict, Eggs Sardou, all kinds of omelets, and much more. Weekend brunch has been served at Circa since 1998, so it’s always lively and the coffee stays hot and full by the fantastic and long-term waitstaff.

Thank you for your patronage, West Seattle!

We thank Circa (2605 California SW) for supporting community-collaborative news by sponsoring WSB. If you’re interested in joining our sponsor team too, call 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE SHORES: Highest (predicted) tide of the year Sunday
January 30, 2025 11:35 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(File photo from past ‘king tide,’ by David Hutchinson at Alki)

While most are focusing on the possibility of snow this weekend (no alerts yet!), it’s also of note that Sunday will be one of three days this year with the highest predicted high tide – 12.9 feet – one of the so-called “king tides.” That’s what’s expected at 7:42 am Sunday (February 2), as well as on the mornings of December 6-7. Will that truly be the year’s highest tide? Shore-watchers know that atmospheric conditions can affect what actually happens; you can track the actual water levels via this page, which you can always find linked from the WSB West Seattle Weather page.

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School tours/open houses, The Gits @ Easy Street, Kids’ Karaoke @ Skylark, more for your West Seattle Thursday
January 30, 2025 9:58 am
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 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(More photogenic West Seattle crows, this time photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor during Tuesday’s sunrise)

Here’s our list of what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BILLION-DOLLAR BAKE SALE: Today’s the big day for education-funding advocacy in Olympia. If you didn’t head south to join in, this page has other ways to get involved from afar.

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.

STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm yoga class at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of three events tonight at this venue – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Levantine Cuisine.

WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Also a regular Thursday feature at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – details here.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: And then, run or walk the neighborhood with the Run Club, leaving from HPCS at 6:30 pm – info here.

VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s warm, cozy tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!

DENNY INTERNATIONAL MS OPEN HOUSE: 5 pm open house for prospective Denny 6th-grade students and families. (2601 SW Kenyon)

WEST SEATTLE ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE: Also welcoming prospective students and families tonight is West Seattle Elementary, 5:30 pm. (6760 34th SW)

WEST SEATTLE HS OPEN HOUSE: And the open house for incoming students and families at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) is also tonight, starting at 6 pm.

KIDS’ KARAOKE: New at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 6 pm – bring the whole family to sing and have dinner!

RESCHEDULED WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: 6 pm online, the rescheduled presentation about “The Untold Story of Northwest Rock ‘n’ Roll,” as previewed here – registration required to get the link.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: This group’s 6 pm weekly Thursday run departs from Future Primitive on Alki (2536 Alki SW).

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy – details in our calendar listing.

THE GITS AT EASY STREET: Listening party and signing for the re-release of The Gits‘ iconic debut album “Frenching the Bully,” 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW)

PARENTS’ CUP-FILLING WORKSHOP: Free workshop’s meeting this week is online, 7-9 pm – details in our calendar listing.

TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).

DJ NIGHT: The weekend starts early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Kingblind & Teenage Rampage, starting at 8 pm.

Are we missing anything for today/tonight? Also – looking ahead – 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!

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REUNION: Attention, Chief Sealth Class of 1975!
January 30, 2025 9:04 am
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB file photo)

After we published the reunion announcement for Chief Sealth‘s Class of 1965 earlier this week, we heard from the class that graduated 10 years later, trying to get the word out about their milestone reunion too:

Attention, Chief Sealth High School Class of 1975 Graduates!

The date, time and location for this auspicious occasion – our 50-Year Class Reunion, has been secured. Classmates have already begun registering for this epic event. Deposits are due, so early registration would be greatly appreciated. The registration form is attached. You can find detailed information on the flyer posted on the Chief Sealth High School Class of 1975 Facebook site. Below are a few of the details for our awesome event:

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: The Museum of Flight, 9404 East Marginal Way South – Skyline Room
Catering: Buffet dinner catered by McCormick & Schmick’s
Cost: $90 per person (up to 150 attendees, then $98 per person); cost includes free entrance for a self-guided tour of the Museum day of the reunion
Attire: Casual
Parking: Free
RSVP: Advance registration only – send your registration form in now!

We anticipate this to be an affair to remember! Looking forward to seeing you May 17th!

Debra Zueger Taylor
d_taylor_97@comcast.net
Reunion Committee Chair

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday info
January 30, 2025 6:01 am
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:44 AM: Crash involving a Metro bus blocking the southbound bus lane at Delridge/Andover. Live camera shows a Route 125 bus is involved. No serious injuries reported.

Earlier:

6:01 AM: Good morning – it’s Thursday, January 30, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Cloudy, then rainy, high in the mid-40s, low in the low 40s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:37 am and 5:08 pm.

TRANSIT

Metro buses – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi –  Also on a regular schedule today.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Salish as the “bonus boat.”

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides 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 trouble 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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