West Seattle, Washington
30 Tuesday
We requested and obtained the police report today for an incident we heard over emergency radio last night – police arrested two people after finding them in a stolen car detected by Automated License Plate Recognition. According to the report, the plate reader flagged a 2003 gray Dodge Dakota in the former Walgreens parking lot (9464 16th SW) as a potential stolen vehicle. Inside they found two men, ages 25 and 46, one in the front passenger seat, one in the back seat, and took them into custody; the report says, “The rear driver side window of the vehicle was smashed in and the ignition to the vehicle was punched. There was also a pile of trash in the driver seat that was preventing exit or entry from the driver side door.” Both men claimed to be unaware that the pickup was stolen, but they also said they didn’t know its owner’s name. After determining that there was no way they could have gotten into the vehicle without seeing the evidence it was stolen, police arrested them for investigation of possession of a stolen vehicle. Both are still in jail; for the younger man, it’s his fourth booking this year, cumulatively totaling about five weeks in the King County Jail, with other cases involving theft, assault, and property destruction; for the older man, it’s his fifth booking of 2025, totaling 12 days so far, in criminal-trespass cases.
We’d already mentioned that Mayor-elect Katie Wilson would take the oath of office on January 2nd (this Friday) – now the official invitation is out, in case you want to be there:
Inauguration of Katie B. Wilson set for Friday, Jan 2nd at 10 am
“This is your city”Katie B. Wilson will be inaugurated as Seattle’s next mayor this Friday in a public ceremony that marks the start of a new era at City Hall. The oath of office will be administered, Wilson will deliver her inaugural address, and several guest speakers will offer reflections on her roots as a community organizer and her commitment to the vision that all of us should have the opportunity to shape Seattle’s future together. Once sworn in, the new mayor will get to work on her key priorities, including taking on the affordability crisis, bringing people inside, and making our city a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
The ceremony and speeches are planned in City Hall’s first-floor lobby (600 4th Avenue, downtown). Wilson’s spokesperson Sage Wilson (no relation) says it’s open to anyone who wants to attend, and they’re requesting (but not requiring) RSVPs for planning purposes – here’s the form.
First on today’s list, we’re spotlighting a first-ever West Seattle “New Year’s Eve Eve” event – newly announced “Almost Day,” happening tonight:
“Almost Day” 2025 West Seattle Gathering: Art, Reflection, Joy & Connection
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
5-9pmBear Island (former Admiral Church basement)
4320 Southwest Hill StreetFree event
All ages welcome
Hosted by Lori KotheBring or make friends! Reflect on what ALMOST happened in 2025. Celebrate being present. Make art, cards & suncatchers. Eat baked potatoes. Come stop by and check out the Bear Island temporary art & community space in the former Admiral Church basement anytime 5-9pm to celebrate Almost Day (Dec 30) with your community. Hang out with old, new, and future friends, make music and art, and enjoy casual, all-ages, unstructed space and time to connect, share, and reflect. Introverts welcome! We’ll provide baked potatoes, toppings, and water (while supplies last). Feel free to bring drinks, snacks, a musical instrument, sketchbook, friends, games, or just yourself! We will also celebrate that local artist and Bear Island building manager Mike Henderson will soon to be walking again as he recovers from a falling accident. RSVP appreciated for planning, but feel free to share and just show up! Free event. All welcome.
Now, here’s the rest of the list of today’s daily event notes/reminders, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar. Note that some regular events are canceled today, and we’ve made note of those; if you know of any other cancellations, please comment, or text us at 206-293-6302 if it’s today/tonight, email westseattleblog@gmail.com for dates beyond:
FAUNTLEROY CHURCH FESTIVAL OF TREES: Visit the church Fellowship Hall (9140 California SW) before noon to see the themed trees and place food donations beneath your favorite(s) to “vote” for them.
FREE PLAYSPACE: Indoor play at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is on break until the New Year.
KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: Also on break until the New Year.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Yes, it’s happening today, organizers confirm! New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: No meeting today.
CHESS CLUB: Not happening today, as the Center for Active Living is closed.
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Not happening at High Point Library during winter break.
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, Tickets and info here; first entry time tonight is 5 pm.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Lessons return tonight after last week’s break, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), details in our calendar listing.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.
BINGO: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 5: Five locations for trivia tonight – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW) … Trivia at Christos on Alki (2508 Alki SW), 7:15 pm.
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB file photo, Clothesline’s current location)
If you need to visit the West Seattle Food Bank‘s clothing bank, the Clothesline, today’s your last day to do it before the Clothesline’s temporary closure. We reported in August that the Clothesline needed to find a new home; WSFB says it’s found one and needs to close temporarily for the move. WSFB hasn’t yet announced the new location – that’s expected in January, with the new location opening in February. Clothesline hours are 10 am-1 pm today at 4425 41st SW.
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, December 30, 2025, New Year’s Eve-Eve.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast says it’ll be mostly cloudy, high in the mid-40s. Sunrise will be at 7:57 am (as late as it gets, and it’s staying there for another week); sunset at 4:26 pm.
(Monday sunset, photographed by Bob Burns)
SCHOOL’S STILL OUT
Winter break continues for a second week (most if not all schools reopen Monday, January 5).
TRANSIT TODAY & BEYOND
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule. The Water Taxi will NOT run on New Year’s Day, but will run fare-free on New Year’s Eve (all day Wednesday).
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route has its third boat back and is now on the winter schedule, per WSF’s alerts page. A weekend schedule is planned for New Year’s Day.
Metro buses – They’re back on the regular weekday schedule and routes in our area; they’ll be fare-free from 3 am Wednesday until 3 am Thursday (New Year’s Eve/Day)..
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 at the scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
10:06 PM: Police are investigating gunfire at 27th/Roxbury. No one injured, but they’ve found at least two casings “in the intersection.” The person who says they saw it happen described the shooter as an “unknown-race male, 20s,” with a backpack and a handgun, on foot when he fired the gun, then walking north.
ADDED 11:36 AM TUESDAY: Here’s SPD’s summary of the incident:
At 2140 hours, a man on foot in the area of 27 Av SW and SW Roxbury St fired two shots from a handgun toward a woman who honked her horn at him for walking into traffic. Nobody was injured. The suspect fled the area on foot prior to the arrival of officers, as seen later on surveillance footage. Spent rounds of ammunition were recovered at the scene. The area was contained and K-9 responded, but the suspect could not be located.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Though the employment picture is cloudy in some industries, others are desperate for more trained workers, and some of those booming fields are at the heart of programs at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge.
One of them – Automotive Technology – is celebrating the recent arrival you see above: A uniquely configured training vehicle for students to learn how to work on EVs.
We were there as it was shown off during an event at the campus’s Steve and Sharon Huling Automotive Technology Center, with one of its namesakes on hand, as well as educators, local advisers, SSC president Dr. Monica Brown, and a leader from the college system’s fundraising foundation.
The training vehicle, created by Consulab from a car it purchased from Tesla, offers invaluable visuals – a college one-sheet explains that it “exposes every component — motors, batteries, charging systems, power electronics —while using a high-voltage emulator for safe, hands-on diagnostics and troubleshooting.” It’s the latest addition to what SSC notes is the only independent – not tied to a specific manufacturer – EV training program in the area.
SSC’s Dean of Automotive, Aviation, Heavy Diesel, and Welding, Ferdinand Orbino, said the high-tech addition underscores the skill sets needed for automotive technology now – “part electrician, part coder, part mechanic:
After he spoke, it was back out into the learning area, where Automotive Technology faculty member Teryn Kilgore explained what the Consulab trainer can be used for and how it works:
The Consulab trainer was obtained with the help of a $147,000 state grant. It’s being incorporated gradually into the program. The Seattle Colleges not only continue to seek grant funding but also are happy to have supporters like the Huling family, as Dr. Brown noted in her remarks:
Steve Huling also spoke, talking about how he got involved, and how much growth he’s seen in the program:
Other participants in the event included Swedish Automotive (WSB sponsor) owner Todd Ainsworth, a member of the program’s Technical Advisory Committee; his business now services EVs, and he verified the need for technicians to get training.
As more funding is sought and obtained, the next major step for SSC is to launch a Battery Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Training certificate program next fall; they’re exploring evening class times so currently employed technicians can attend after work to “upskill.” In the longer run, Battery Electric and Hybrid Vehicle training will also become part of the two-year Associate of Applied Science program. Details about Automotive Technology training, teaching, and giving at SSC can be found here.
Seattle Public Utilities’ policies/schedule regarding Christmas-tree disposal:
Customers can compost trees and holiday greens for free from December 26 – January 31! Remove all decorations, cut into sections 4-foot or less, and place trees or bundled greens next to your Food & Yard Waste cart on your regular collection day. Apartment residents may place up to two trees next to each Food & Yard waste cart at no charge. You can also drop off up to 3 trees less than 8 feet in length at a Transfer Station.
And also, a reminder that the “regular collection day” is disrupted for some again this week:
No change for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday pickup customers, but no collection on Thursday, so Thursday customers will get pickup on Friday, Friday customers will get pickup on Saturday. The transfer stations are closed on New Year’s Day too. So bottom line, you have until the end of January for free tree disposal – but if your tree is drying out, better to avoid fire risk by not letting it stay until it’s unsafe.
That’s the burglar who broke into West Seattle Nursery on Christmas morning, as reported here over the weekend. Today the nursery has provided that image as well as an update on its recovery:
We’ve repaired our back gate, cleaned up glass from the two doors that were forced open (one to our Garden Center and one to our Greenhouse), and secured the damaged doors with bolted wood. Please excuse the slight draft until we are able to replace our doors.
We’re still taking inventory to determine everything that was stolen, which includes all our jewelry, some tools, a laptop, our walkie talkies, and even a garbage can used to carry items away. If you have any information on who the person in the picture is, please let us know. They were masked, but they appear to have long dark hair and black Adidas Samba shoes.
While this thief may have stolen items and broken our doors (and our spirits for a moment), we are grateful that all of our customers and employees are safe. Thank you to the employees who helped clean up the glass, temporarily secure the doors, and continue reviewing our missing inventory. Please be safe out there!
According to the police report – incident # 2025-376533 if you have any information – security video indicated the burglar arrived just before 5 am Christmas Day. Owner Marcia Bruno told us this was their first burglary in years; our archives show one in summer 2019.
(Of course the Space Needle has fireworks and drones again. Above, January 1, 2019 photo by Robert Spears)
Just two days until New Year’s Eve. All the info we have is in our West Seattle Holiday Guide – including two big parties in The Junction:
MASQUERADE at Revelry Room/Jet City Labs (info here)
THE FINAL TOAST with West Seattle Supper Club at Phoenecia (info here)
We’ve also previewed West Seattle’s only NYE parade and NYE/NYD walks, plus of course the Alki Beach Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s morning. And we’ve even found a library branch celebrating 2026 twelve hours early.
What are we missing? Not too late to add. westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
1:05 PM: Thanks for the tip! While at least one West Seattle school is planning to bring in new portable classrooms – as reported here – old ones are being demolished right now at another local Seattle Public Schools site. After the reader tip, we checked city records, which show that demolition-permit applications were filed back in March for three portables on the northeast side of the old Roxhill Elementary site at 9430 30th SW, issued weeks later, and a crew is there doing teardown (and ensuing debris cleanup, as shown in our video above) today. The permits are only for the portables; files show no demolition application or permit for the campus buildings. You might recall that the SPS School Board gave its approval last summer to new locations for the programs that had been using the old school site; at the time, the district declined comment on future plans for the site, so in light of the demolition work, we’re asking again, and will update with whatever we hear back.
2:30 PM: SPS spokesperson Teresa Shaw replied to our inquiry, saying there are no updates regarding plans for the site, and as for why they’re tearing these portables down instead of moving them: “The portables are being demolished because we cannot move them to another location as they do not have a Labor & Industries (L&I) certification label/tag, which is required to legally move them to another location within Washington State.”
Though our area escaped the deluge that had catastrophic effects for many people elsewhere in our state, we’re affected too – particularly because of the huge losses suffered by regional farmers. Three local restaurants are part of an upcoming benefit for them – the announcement comes from the event host, Alki’s 
Driftwood Restaurant:
Seattle’s restaurant community is coming together to support the farmers who make our work possible.
On January 5, over 40 Seattle-area businesses and restaurants will unite for a fundraiser benefiting The Good Farmer Fund, providing emergency relief to Washington farmers impacted by recent flooding and extreme weather. The fundraiser will take place during Driftwood’s 3rd Anniversary Party, hosted at Driftwood Restaurant in West Seattle.
Farmers are the foundation of our industry. They grow our food, care for the land, and sustain our local food system often while operating on razor-thin margins. When disaster strikes, restaurants feel it too. This event is our chance to give back and show up for the people who make what we do possible.
100% of the raffle tickets sold will benefit The Good Farmer Fund, a program of Neighborhood Farmers Markets, which has distributed more than $790,000 in emergency financial relief to small farms across Washington since 2008.
Raffle items include:
Gift Cards
Tasting Menus
Private Dinners
Cooking Classes
Coffee Experiences
Baked Goods
Sport TicketsParticipating restaurants of note include:
Atoma
Archipelago
Beast and Cleaver
Corson Building
Driftwood
Il Nido
Off Alley
Pancita
Pidgin Cooperative
Surrel
TOMOThe event will be an open-house–style anniversary celebration on January 5 at 4 pm till 8 pm. Drawing happens at 8 pm, Event Ticket includes light bites, Coffee, Music and Fellowship. Drinks will be made available for purchase throughout the night.
Raffle Tickets Can be Purchased here: givebutter.com/GoodFarmerFundEvent
Entry tickets to the event sold separately here: 3rd Anniversary Celebration!
Driftwood is at 2722 Alki Avenue SW.
(Sunday sunset at Constellation Park – photo by Jen Popp)
For today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE: Still a few more days to bring donations of warm clothing to the bin at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3435 California SW; WSB sponsor), 9 am-5 pm again today.
FAUNTLEROY FESTIVAL OF TREES: The Fauntleroy Church Festival of Trees is open for public drop-in viewing, 9 am-noon Monday through Wednesday. You can vote for your favorite(s) by bringing nonperishable food-bank donation(s) to stack beneath it/them! (9140 California SW)
STORY TIME & WINTER CELEBRATION AT SW LIBRARY: 10:30 am-noon, Southwest Library celebrates winter: “Join us for an all-ages story time on the main floor of the branch. Afterwards stay for hot cocoa, cookies, crafts and jigsaw puzzles.” (9010 35th SW)
CRAFTY NIGHT AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm at Tim’s Tavern (9655 16th SW, White Center):
Bring your yarn, your needles, your sketchbook, painting, or whatever project you’ve been “meaning to get back to” and come hang out with other crafty humans in a low-pressure, come-as-you-are space. No agenda, no workshop, no rules. Just a cozy Monday night to stitch, knit, crochet, embroider, sketch, glue-gun, bead, or quietly curse at your current work-in-progress alongside folks who get it. All skill levels welcome. Grab a drink, grab a seat, and make something.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too!
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group gathering for people experiencing grief – participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee; RSVP here. (4034 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 4: Four venues for trivia/quiz tonight! … Every-other-week Music Quiz at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 6:30 and 7:30 pm sessions … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
ALKI MEDITATION, TAKING A BREAK: Monday night meditation at Alki UCC is canceled again this week, resuming January 5.
POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players – enter The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Mondays, sing karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks as always to everybody who sends info for our calendar and Holiday Guide; if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
If you can donate blood, Bloodworks Northwest is hoping you’ll sign up for one of their upcoming opportunities in West Seattle:
January is National Blood Donor Month, and it couldn’t come at a better time. The winter months are tough with holiday distractions, cold/rainy/snowy weather and flu season, mean fewer donations and a greater risk of shortages. But you can change that. Just one hour of your time and a pint of blood can make a world of difference for someone facing surgery, cancer treatment, or trauma.
Please sign up for one of the West Seattle blood drives by using this link: donate.bloodworksnw.org/donor/schedules/name/?sn=West_Seattle
If you need help booking an appointment, please contact the DONOR CARE TEAM at schedule@bloodworksnw.org or 800-398-7888
For information about preparing for blood donation, including eligibility requirements, please visit www.BloodworksNW.org
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, December 29, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast says we’ll see some sunshine, high in the mid-40s. Sunrise will be at 7:57 am (as late as it gets, and it’s staying there for another week); sunset at 4:26 pm.
SCHOOL’S STILL OUT
Winter break continues for a second week (most if not all schools reopen Monday, January 5).
TRANSIT TODAY & BEYOND
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service resumes, fall/winter schedule. The Water Taxi will NOT run on New Year’s Day, but will run fare-free on New Year’s Eve (all day Wednesday).
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route has its third boat back and is now on the winter schedule, per WSF’s alerts page.
Metro buses – They’re back on the regular weekday schedule and routes in our area; they’ll be fare-free from 3 am Wednesday until 3 am Thursday (New Year’s Eve/Day)..
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 at the scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
10:06 PM: Police are arriving at the scene of a two-vehicle crash reported at California/Dakota, with at least two people hurt.
11:06 PM: Police have just reopened the street. We went to the scene after a report that one vehicle had ended up on the lawn of a church – First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) – is on the southwest corner – but all we could see was one vehicle on the sidewalk. We’re following up with SFD regarding the people who were hurt.
ADDED 9:45 AM MONDAY: SFD responded:
There were four patients, and all were in stable condition:
14-year-old-male, not transported to the hospital
15-year-old-female, not transported to the hospital
16-year-old-female, transported by AMR to HMC
17-year-old-male, transported by AMR to HMC
(AMR is the private ambulance service, usually indicates a less-serious injury/illness than would require transport by an SFD medic unit.)
11:21 AM: A reader citing family involvement says the boy listed as 14 is actually 15 and the girl listed as 15 is 16.
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.
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