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Spotlight Stories

VIDEO: B-Sharp Studio musicians busk for food-bank support
December 13, 2025 2:05 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

If you were in the heart of The Junction at midday today, you might have caught some of the holiday music by buskers from B-Sharp Studio. Again this year, they set up on the corner of California/Alaska to gather donations for the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks. We recorded part of their performance:

Busking musicians today were Judy, Tim, and Travis. B-Sharp musicians will return next Saturday – 11 am to 1 pm December 20th – for more food-bank fundraising!

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: Wandering along Admiral’s ‘Winter Wonderland’ for treats, activities, photos, more!
December 13, 2025 11:11 am
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photos and video)

11:11 AM: Santa is under the disco ball at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor) as the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s “Winter Wonderland” begins. You can stop here for photos with Santa in the coolest suit he might wear all season. This is one of more than a dozen stops on the stroll – activities and treats await you at various local businesses along a mile, from North Admiral to South Admiral – find the map/list here. We’re off to another stop – this is on until 2 pm.

11:34 AM: Need a holiday pic of your pet? Anna is behind the camera at Mud Bay Admiral (2611 California SW), where we photographed her as Henry posed. Steps away, co-proprietor Bill – in festive Christmas sweater – is serving up free cocoa outside Circa (2605 California SW; WSB sponsor):

Near the corner of California and Admiral, the Admiral Church carolers were offering holiday faves:

And now we’re at Brookdale Admiral Heights, where West Seattle High School art students are selling handmade ornaments in the lobby (look for the sign outside):

Face-painting is available here too. We’re off to a few more stops!

12:33 PM: We can guarantee you that Winter Wonderland is the only holiday celebration with an Official Penguin (that’s what The Penguin’s badge says, honest). To complete our tour, we wandered up to the two participating independent North Admiral coffee shops, both with craft stations – here’s a young visitor making an ornament at West Seattle Grounds:

At Current Coffee, ornament-making involves paper coffee filters that you can hang in the shop window or take home!

The sun has even appeared – Winter Wonderland can mean wonder-ful weather, after all. Here’s the map/list again – some activities are stretching beyond the official 2 pm end time; pet photos at Mud Bay continue until 4, and there’s an afterparty of sorts at Welcome Road Winery (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor), starting at 3 pm. The Admiral Neighborhood Association organized Winter Wonderland as a chance to celebrate the community and introduce you to some of the great local businesses you might not have visited before.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: Admiral’s Winter Wonderland plus many more holiday happenings, and a non-holiday event list too
December 13, 2025 6:03 am
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Friday’s sunset, photographed by Yvonne Frankovich)

Happy Saturday! We present to you another two-part event list – first, seasonal happenings today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

SELFIES WITH SANTA: 8:30 am-11 am Saturday and Sunday mornings in December, DIY photos with Santa at CAPERS Home (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor), donation requested for West Seattle Food Bank.

VIVA HOLIDAY ART STUDIO TOUR ON VASHON: 10 am-5 pm both days this weekend – take a self-guided tour of Vashon artists’ studios. Info and locations at vivartists.com. (WSB sponsor)

WESTWOOD ART STUDIO HOLIDAY ART SHOW & SALE: Group show and sale continues this weekend, 10 am-6 pm today, more info here. (9042 31st SW)

WINTER WONDERLAND IN ADMIRAL: Presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, multiple venues, 11 am-2 pm:

Join the Admiral Neighborhood Association (ANA) and our incredible Admiral business community as we spread some holiday cheer. Businesses throughout Admiral will be hosting festive family-friendly events/activities and offering specials during our third annual Winter Wonderland. Join the Daytime Disco Party with Santa at West Seattle Realty, sing your heart out with carolers from Admiral Church, and be on the lookout for the ANA penguin wandering the neighborhood! Find our map of participating locations here. Join the ANA as we celebrate our Admiral community while shopping small this winter!

BUSKING IN THE JUNCTION: 11 am-1 pm today and next Saturday, local musicians will perform carols and winter-themed music, raising money for the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks, on KeyBank corner at California/Alaska.

ARTIST POP-UP AT CAPERS HOME: 11 am-4 pm, you’ll find jewelry and ceramics artists today at CAPERS Home (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor).

PET PHOTO BOOTH: Mud Bay in Admiral is hosting a holiday pet-photo booth 11 am-4 pm, free but nonprofit donation encouraged. (2611 California SW)

UGLY SWEATER SOCIAL: Noon-3 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), including a 2 pm contest with prizes!

PHOTOS WITH SANTA AT CURIOUS KID STUFF: Pics at Curious Kid Stuff‘s Santa Land, 1-3 pm. (4740 California SW)

ALASKA JUNCTION SANTA PUB CRAWL: 4-10 pm, starting at Shadowland (California SW and SW Oregon). 21+.

(Photo by Margaret – new holiday touches set up for Astra Lumina)

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, times vary. Tickets and info here.

WEST SEATTLE BIG BAND @ WS EAGLES: Second chance to see them in less than a week:

WSBB will be the featured Saturday night dance band at the West Seattle Eagles on December 13th. A dinner of Baked Zita will be available for purchase at $15 prior to the show at 5:30 PM. First come, first served. All proceeds of the dinner will go to the Music Boosters at James Madison Middle School. Space is limited. No reservations will be taken for the meal. The evening of music starts at 7:00 PM with 3 sets concluding at 10:00 PM. Music will include some Christmas favorites as well as big band swing and jazz. There is no cover charge for the event, but a tip jar will be available with 100% of the proceeds of the evening going to the Madison instrumental music program. The event entrance is off the alley behind the Eagles Building at 4426 California Ave SW.

JACKBOX HOLIDAY PARTY AT FOURTH EMERALD GAMES: Play games and support charity, starting at 5:30 pm. (4517 California SW, upstairs)

SANTA AT MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: West Seattle’s brightest lights host Christmas’s jolliest old soul – with reindeer! 6-10 pm. (5605 Beach Drive SW)

CHAMPAGNE EVENT #2: West Seattle Wine Cellars (6026 California SW) hosts another champagne event – this one at 6 pm – details and registration link here.

BELLS OF THE SOUND: 7 pm concert with Puget Sound’s premier handbell choir at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW) – “Let Your Heart Be Light” is this year’s theme. By donation, at the door.

CHRISTMAS TREES: As noted here, every place that sells them in West Seattle is up and running! Scroll through the Holiday Guide any time for the list.

And here are the non-holiday-season events for today, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:

SWEAT TESTING: 7:50 am at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – preregister here.

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Also at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), regardless of whether you’re getting sweat testing, you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run!

FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am community meditation at Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska) – register here.

STORY TIME WITH CRAFT ACTIVITY: 9:30 am at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), free.

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.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: The Garden Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW, north end of campus), is open 10 am-3 pm – one more week until its holiday break!

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: In session again this week, 10:30 am, info in our calendar listing.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library. (3411 SW Raymond)

GRIEFSHARE: Newest session continues, 10:30 am at Grace Church, no charge (10323 28th SW)

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 open noon-4 pm on Saturdays. (61st SW and SW Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, 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 – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:

The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room is OPEN Thursday-Saturday 1 pm-6 pm until December 20th! Back by popular demand: We are featuring our 2016-2019 varietals for a mix and match $62 case! Stop by for a tasting and a case for the holidays! Thank you for a beautiful year of supporting our students!

Enjoy student-produced wines and affordable eats at the Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room and Wine Bar at South Seattle College, with proceeds benefitting student learning and the Wine Studies Program. NWWA is located in the North Parking Lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th Ave SW) in the Puget Ridge neighborhood of West Seattle.

FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)

2 ‘PENELOPE’ PERFORMANCES AT ARTSWEST: West Seattle’s playhouse offers something different this holiday season – the folk-pop musical “Penelope,” with a 3 pm matinée and 7:30 pm evening performance today/tonight; get tickets here. (4711 California SW)

LIVE IN-STORE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Stephanie Anne Johnson performs at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, free, all ages.

LIVE MUSIC AT MR. B’S: 7 pm, Angelina Adams at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), no cover.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DSoul Focus FM at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Our Saturday list concludes with 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

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

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Tragic history, new hope, and celebrating a devoted duo @ The Whale Trail’s 2025 Winter Gathering
December 12, 2025 10:20 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

(Maya Sears showing a photo of the new Southern Resident Killer Whale calf)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The newest Southern Resident Killer Whale – the K-Pod baby born just days ago – is looking good.

That was the word last night from two of the researchers who have seen the calf up close, Mark Sears and Maya Sears, the West Seattle-based father-and-daughter team who were guest speakers at The Whale Trail‘s Winter Gathering.

The heart of the event hosted by Whale Trail founder/executive director Donna Sandstrom at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) was a celebration of Mark’s half-century of work with the orcas; the Sears family has had a front-row seat for Puget Sound, whales and more, as multigenerational resident caretakers for Colman Pool on the shore at Lincoln Park. When the Southern Residents are in central Puget Sound, they head out too, partnering with other organizations to gauge the health of the endangered 74-orca population.

How the Southern Resident population dwindled so low was part of the discussion, revisiting the painful years in the 1960s and 1970s when Puget Sound’s orcas were allowed to be rounded up and captured to be put into captivity at commercial aquariums and amusement parks. Mark explained that knowledge and understanding of the giant marine mammals was woefully lacking – there was a prevailing misconception that the population numbered in the thousands, when in reality it was only hundreds. At least four times the current number, he said, but that was decimated soon enough – and the indignity and injustice was compounded by the deaths of many during, or shortly after, capture operations … and the anguish of the family members left behind, some of whom followed boats transporting orcas out of the area. Some of the whales fell prey to the capturers because they didn’t want to leave their families, he added. The captures “completely short-circuited the entire Southern Resident community” for a generation.

Speaking of generations – Mark’s been involved with the orcas since 1976; Maya became a NOAA-certified researcher in 2018. She was described as “known far and wide as the best identifier of the whales” – she can see a patch, a dorsal fin, and know which whale it is.

Mark explained that he got involved by being “a reliable reporter of whales” when the movement to protect them grew to include the need for information on when they were present in Puget Sound. He laughed at the memory of a hotline that people often called “collect” (back when it cost extra for phone calls depending on how far away the caller was from the person or place they were calling; if you didn’t want to pay the extra charge, you could make a “collect” call asking the recipient to be charged instead).

His many memories over the years included the honor of naming a whale – J35, Tahlequah, who has gained sad fame in recent years as the mom orca who swam for days while carrying her dead calves. She was born in 1998 and named after the South Vashon community that held a lot of importance for the orcas.

Also on the subject of Vashon, he told his side of the story of rescued Northern Resident orca Springer, the historic rescue that brought Sandstrom into the whales’ world, and which she had recapped at the start of last night’s event (she’s published an award-winning book about it too, Orca Rescue). Mark said a friend of his who worked for Washington State Ferries would call him when WSF became aware of orcas in the area. His friend told him about this lone young whale; Mark verified its presence and “then started making calls … this animal just glued itself off North Vashon for weeks.”

When he yielded the stage to Maya, she shared some of her secrets about identifying which whale is which – with patches and fin shapes. And she talked about the work they do gathering mucus and fecal samples – not glamorous, but vitally important: “We’re really trying to understand what is going on inside a killer whale,” such as whether they’re absorbing nutrients. They partner with researchers/veterinarians from the San Diego Zoo and Sea Doc Society in this work, as well as with NOAA, and what they learn about what the whales are eating helps advocates push for protection of species on which the whales rely to stay alive. Largely, Maya said, they’re eating chinook salmon, chum salmon when they come down here in the fall (because they’re “big and numerous,” she explained). She also had a whimsical aside explaining how the orcas like to play with their food and might toss a big salmon around for a bit before dining on it.

Maya and Mark said the new baby orca in K-Pod, which visited the area this week, looks “promising” – so many calves don’t survive, and some look borderline from the beginning, but this one seems healthy so far. They showed a photo of the baby, whose sex is not known yet, with other older females from the pod. Its mom is K36, Yoda, 22 years old.

Sandstrom had pointed out earlier that this birth brings the Southern Resident orca population to 74, and that’s important in a glass-half-full way – rather than dwelling on “only 74,” she contends, it should be noted that the population includes 11 calves under six years old, seven of the female: “The future is here now.”

But keeping it a hopeful future, she said in her opening remarks, will require ongoing advocacy. Growing the Southern Resident population has been by no means just a matter of not capturing any more; the population built back to almost 100 when the captures stopped, but then other trouble intensified – noise, lack of fish, pollution, and more. She ticked off a list of action that’s helping, much of it springing from the Southern Resident Killer Whale Recovery Task Force formed by former Gov. Jay Inslee (Sandstrom was part of that group). Action you take to lessen thse pressures doesn’t have to be herculean, Sandstrom noted – help the salmon by watching what you put down drains, for example. And whale-watching from shore instead of from sea. And then, as the actions of so many compound and the Southern Residents pull back from the brink, Sandstrom told attendees, “You can say ‘we did that’.”

After some Q&A for Mark and Maya, they were honored with a toast – to the years they’ve worked with and for the whales, and to hopefully “many more to come.

LAST CALL FOR ‘WELCOME THE ORCAS’: The Whale Trail’s “Welcome the Orcas” activities – including a Pod Passport and a special menu item at Arthur’s in Admiral – run through Monday; read about them here.

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UPDATE: Amber Alert canceled; two children taken in Burien found
December 12, 2025 8:03 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

8:03 PM: If your phone gets Amber Alerts, this is the poster for the one that just sounded a few minutes ago, regarding two children taken in Burien:

According to police radio, officers are checking out a report of what might be the car in the alert, seen speeding near Highland Park Way and West Marginal, a short time ago, If you have any information or a possible sighting, call 911.

11:57 PM: As noted in comments, the alert is canceled because the children were found.

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Fun fence
December 12, 2025 6:48 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Tonight’s West Seattle Christmas-lights spotlight is a location we showed last year – with a completely different look. Last year the fence at 34th SW and SW Cambridge had big snowflake shapes; this year, it’s lights in light, as shown above. The photo is from Stephanie, who happened onto the display, and sent this photo from the same area:

If you’ve seen particularly lively lights – or have your own – tips welcome, with or without photos, at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! Scroll this WSB archive section to see what we’ve already shown.

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FOLLOWUP: SDOT sets date for Alki Point Healthy Street’s 63rd/Beach Drive crossing additions
December 12, 2025 4:20 pm
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 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Access during construction)

Last month, when SDOT announced it would proceed with additions promised for its Alki Point Healthy Street (Beach Drive and Alki Avenue west of 63rd), it didn’t have a date beyond “as soon as later this year.” This afternoon, SDOT sent an update saying work will start “as soon as the weekend of December 20,” for the 63rd/Beach Drive crossing features. Here’s the plan for the 63rd/Beach work:

As soon as the weekend of December 20th, we’ll begin installing intersection upgrades at 63rd Ave SW and SW Beach Dr. Crews will install new accessible curb ramps and a new flashing pedestrian crossing sign. Work is expected to occur over a three-week period, with some pauses between phases like demolition and pouring new concrete. We plan to work on one side of 63rd Ave SW at a time to minimize traffic impacts.

During the work, you can expect:

-Primary work hours from 9 AM – 3 PM, Monday-Sunday. Crews may set up or take down equipment outside of these work hours. Crews will not work on December 25 or January 1.
-Temporary sidewalk, crosswalk, and lane closures.
-Access to Beach Dr SW at 63rd Ave SW will be closed while crews are working. Local access will remain open via 64th Ave SW. Access will re-open outside of working hours.
-Traffic shifts around the work area on 63rd Ave SW. Traffic will remain open in both directions with the assistance of flaggers.
-Relocated pedestrian crossing across 63rd Ave SW north of the work area.
-Signed detours for pedestrians and protected pedestrian walkways around the work areas.

Other planned additions won’t be installed until next year, according to today’s SDOT update, because they need drier weather.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Spend part of your Saturday in Admiral’s ‘Winter Wonderland’
December 12, 2025 3:39 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

That’s the map of businesses participating in Saturday’s “Winter Wonderland,” organized by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, 11 am-2 pm. Choose your stops and choose your activities, from a disco dance party with Santa at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor) to free cocoa at Circa (2605 California; WSB sponsor) and beyond – stretching across a mile of the Admiral business district, from crafting at West Seattle Grounds in the north (2139 California SW) to shopping specials at WEND Jewelry (3278 California SW) in the south – here’s the list (which you can also get by clicking the top-left icon nn the map):

Crafts
Brookdale Admiral Heights
Current Coffee
West Seattle Grounds
Seattle Yarn
Pizzeria 22

Food and Drink
Circa Grill & Alehouse
My Necessitea, LLC
Arthur’s

Entertainment
West Seattle Realty
Admiral Church Choir Carolers
Admiral Theater

Photo Ops
Mud Bay
Welcome Road Winery

Specials
West Seattle Runner
WEND Jewelry
Ella and Oz Salon

It’s a chance to have big fun while shopping small, 11 am-2 pm tomorrow!

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Another crash on westbound West Seattle Bridge
December 12, 2025 2:04 pm
|      39 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

No camera in the area so we don’t have a visual, but a driver is reported to have gone off the road toward the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge a short time ago and hit the “Welcome to West Seattle” sign. We’re mostly just noting this one for the record, as SFD upon arrival noted that no one was hurt and the crashed vehicle – reported to be a pickup truck – was out of the flow of traffic.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: DUI suspect jailed after driving into Fauntleroy yard, walking away
December 12, 2025 1:44 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

A 29-year-old man is in the King County Jail this afternoon on suspicion of DUI, negligent driving, and interlock violation after an incident in Fauntleroy late last night. The pickup above ended up in a yard near 45th SW and SW Director, Its driver got out and walked away; police made the arrest a short time later near Lincoln Park. The neighbor who sent us the photo says the driver:

… came down 45th headed north from Wildwood Market area, sideswiped multiple cars and hit a moving car and then turned abruptly over the turtle and onto SW. Director St. headed toward the ferry terminal. He clipped a house right after the turn in their driveway ran over their rocks and landed in the yard of the next-door neighbor. His truck got stuck there and while he was revving to try to get it going again everybody came outside to try to stop him from leaving the scene. He was noticeably impaired.

According to the jail register, the suspect’s bail has been set at $10,000 after a Municipal Court hearing this morning. But we couldn’t find out from court files/documents any information on prior case(s) which led to the existing interlock order. If you think your car might have been damaged by the sideswiping the neighbor mentions above, you can contact SPD and refer to incident number 2025-362980.

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BIZNOTE: When to shop at South Seattle College’s Garden Center before holiday break
December 12, 2025 1:09 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | West Seattle news

Another holiday-greenery advisory, this time from the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center:

South Seattle College Garden Center dates and Hours for the Holidays!

Garden Center is open until December 20th! We have Holiday Swags, Poinsettias, and beautiful blooming Christmas Cactus! Plus BUILD YOUR OWN WREATH FOR THE HOLIDAYS! All new indoor plants will brighten any home or office and make a wonderful gift! Open Thursday-Saturday from 10 am-3 pm until December 20th! We will reopen January 8th! Thank you for a wonderful year supporting our students!

The Garden Center at South Seattle College provides Landscape Horticulture students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of plants while gaining real-world retail experience. Plants available for sale are selected, propagated, grown and presented by Landscape Horticulture students. Additional plants are brought in from local growers. Proceeds benefit Landscape Horticulture Program projects.     Visitors can also enjoy refreshments from the Otter Pup truck, offering a variety of coffee drinks and fresh pastries. It’s a great place to grab a treat while exploring the Garden Center and supporting student-driven horticultural work.

Cash and electronic payments accepted.   
 
The Garden Center is located in the North Parking Lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th Ave SW) in the Puget Ridge neighborhood of West Seattle. There is ample paid parking in the north lot, and visitors can generally find free parking along 16th Ave SW with a short walk to the Academy from there.  View our campus map for more details.

   
  

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Final weekend for West Seattle’s only nonprofit-benefiting tree lot
December 12, 2025 11:11 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

If you plan on getting a Christmas tree but don’t have it yet, the Holy Rosary School Tree Lot wants you to know this is its final weekend – here’s the announcement we were asked to share:

While we are open through December 16th, this is the last weekend of the Holy Rosary Tree Lot. Located behind the school [map], enter through the alley off Dakota. Freshly cut trees (2-10′), wreath and garland available.

Not only does the Tree Lot benefit Holy Rosary School, but a portion of the proceeds are donated to the West Seattle Food Bank and Salvation Army Hickman House. New this year, the lot is also collecting new and gently used coats for our neighbors in need at Union Gospel Mission.

Come support Holy Rosary School and local charities by purchasing your tree and greenery at the oldest, continuously run tree lot in West Seattle!

The tree lot will be open at 9 am both days this weekend, closing at 9 pm on Saturday, 8 pm on Sunday. It’s on the list of West Seattle Christmas-tree sellers you can find any time in our West Seattle Holiday Guide.

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Music, movie, theater, art, ‘jump rope for parents,’ more for your West Seattle Friday!
December 12, 2025 9:45 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(California Sea Lion photographed at Don Armeni Boat Ramp on Thursday by Jan Pendergrass)

Here’s what’s happening today/tonight as we head toward another holiday-season weekend! Listings are from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

TOY DRIVE FOR SALVATION ARMY FAMILIES, LAST DAY: Three dropoff locations for toys and gift cards to be provided to families during a “Holiday Market” to obtain gifts for children up to 17. Details here.

TOYS FOR TOTS AT HIGHSTREET INSURANCE, LAST DAY: This longtime local insurance agency has a new name but the same annual Toys For Tots collection, drop off 8 am-4:30 weekdays. (5431 California SW)

WINTER WANDER SCAVENGER HUNT: Alice Kuder is organizing this again and you can still register to participate in its final weekend!

The Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt is a free community event designed to bring friends and families together for holiday fun. Wanderers download instructions, a Bingo-style clue sheet, and a map, then scour West Seattle to identify the locations that solve the clues, and upload selfies in front of those locations to qualify for prize drawings. Open to everyone of all ages! Winter Wander concludes at 7 PM, Sun., Dec. 14th, 2025. Sign up by registering at wondersinaliceland.com.

FREE INDOOR PLAY: “Stay and Play” is open 10 am-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), with toys for the little ones and coffee for their chaperones.

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

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.

QI-GONG: Natalia‘s Friday sessions are 12:30-1 pm at La Choza (10401 47th SW).

TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy by the bottle.

HOLIDAY TEEN ART JAM: 5-7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), presented by Arts Corps.

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, Songwriters’ Showcase at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)

FREE TEEN SWIM: 6-7 pm at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle), free swim session for ages 13=18.

PARENTS LEARN TO JUMP ROPE: It’s not just for kids! Learn with a world champion, 6:30 pm at West Seattle Health Club (28th/Andover).

FREE CHRISTMAS MOVIE: All welcome to come watch “Home Alone,” 7 pm, West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd/Juneau).

CLASSIC BINGO: 7 pm at Admiral Pub. 21+. Free to play. (2306 California SW)

‘PENELOPE’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm curtain for the musical tonight – info and ticket link in our calendar listing! (4711 California SW)

SEATTLE GIRLS CHOIR: 7:30 pm at Holy Rosary (42nd/Genesee), Seattle Girls Choir presents “Carmina Angelorum: Songs of the Angels.” (Follow that link for concert and ticket info.)

COMEDY AT MR. B’S: Comedy on Thin Ice show at 8 pm, Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Chief Sealth IHS girls and boys host Franklin, games at 7 and 8:30 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

SPINNING: DJ Hershe at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 9 pm.

‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING:Tonight, skate to live music during the – 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!

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YOU CAN HELP: Crowdfunding to compensate for cuts to outdoor-education funding
December 12, 2025 9:00 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Sent by a Fairmount Park Elementary parent:

Fairmount Park fifth graders need West Seattle’s support to get to IslandWood in January

State cuts put IslandWood trip at risk, and the Fairmount Park community is rallying to make sure no student has to stay behind. Here’s the link to help.

Fifth graders at Fairmount Park Elementary School are heading to IslandWood in January, and they need help from the West Seattle community to make sure every student can participate.

Now in its ninth year, Fairmount Park’s overnight outdoor education trip—affectionately called “fifth grade camp”—has become one of the school’s most cherished traditions: nearly 700 Falcons have taken part over the years, building confidence, teamwork, and a deeper connection with learning and nature. This year’s fifth graders can’t wait to get there!

But the program is facing an unexpected challenge.

Earlier this year, the Washington State legislature eliminated all outdoor education funding from its two-year budget—despite evidence of outdoor education’s impact on students and strong support. Schools and outdoor education providers—including IslandWood—lost critical subsidies and grants that previously kept these immersive programs accessible for students across the state.

For Fairmount Park, the state grant that once covered most of the cost for IslandWood is gone. As a result, the per-student cost has more than doubled, putting this seminal experience out of reach for many families.

Fairmount Park has always ensured that every student can attend camp, regardless of ability to pay, and the community is determined to keep that promise.

The total cost to send 50+ fifth graders to IslandWood in January is $20,500. To keep the experience accessible to all students and address the unexpected and time-sensitive funding gap, the school community is working to raise the majority of that amount over the next month.

Here’s how much community support helps reduce the cost for families:

At $10,000 raised, the cost drops below $200 per student.

At $15,000 raised, the cost falls to about $100 per student.

At $20,500, the cost of camp is covered for every student.

Every contribution makes a difference, and is tax deductible (IslandWood is a registered 501c3). Sharing the link with friends or neighbors helps too.

The Fairmount Park community appreciates any support West Seattle neighbors can offer to help ensure every fifth grader gets to experience the magic of “fifth grade camp.”

Please use this link to donate and share: https://support.islandwood.org/campaign/fy26-sop-fundraising-fairmont/c744308

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TRAFFIC CAMS, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday info
December 12, 2025 6:03 am
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, December 12, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

In the forecast – cloudy, more rain possible, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 7:48 am; sunset, at 4:17 pm (the earliest of the year, remaining there until Sunday, when sunsets start getting later).

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – WSF says the Triangle Route is expected to be down to two boats for up to three weeks. WSF’s alerts page has the details; Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.

Metro buses – They’re on the regular weekday schedule and routes.

Water Taxi – regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, maritime-opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.

See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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BASKETBALL: Chief Sealth IHS varsity girls’ first home win
December 11, 2025 11:38 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB

(#1, Sealth sophomore Sagal Farah)

The Chief Sealth International High School girls’ varsity basketball team is 3-1 after first home victory last night, against Rainier Beach.

#2, senior Alysse Bland, racked up two-thirds of the team’s scoring in the 45-26 victory, with 29 points.

#11, senior Dajah Johnson, contributed six points.

#3, freshman Mia Caldera, followed with five.

Head Coach Will Pablo‘s team was up 24-14 at halftime.

Rainier Beach tried for a comeback in the third quqrter, but the Seahawks pulled away in the fourthl

Next up for the Chief Sealth girls, a Friday night home game against Franklin at 7 pm.

Next Monday (December 15) is a big night for all four high-school varsity teams – West Seattle will host Sealth, girls’ varsity at 5:45 pm, boys’ varsity at 7:30 p.

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Holiday fusion
December 11, 2025 9:24 pm
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 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Tonight’s spotlight falls on an example of the Halloween/Christmas decoration fusion that seems to become a bit more common each year. Scouting light sites for WSB, Cindi spotted this at 46th and Admiral, nicknaming it the ‘Gruesome Twosome.” Tomorrow, it’s back to Christmas characters, as we dig back into the stack of reader contributions – thanks to everybody who keeps sending those to westseattleblog@gmail.com!

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VIDEO, PHOTOS: Scenes from Hometown Holidays Shop Late Thursday #2 and West Seattle Art Walk
December 11, 2025 6:37 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

6:37 PM: You can get serenaded in The Junction tonight if your path happens to cross that of the Silver Belles, caroling until about 7:30 pm at a variety of stops. It’s the second Shop Late Thursday on the <strong>West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays calendar, running concurrent with this month’s West Seattle Art Walk. Some businesses are staying open until 8 pm or later.

(Jet City Labs’ Makers Market)

See the venues here; see the Art of Music venues here.

ADDED 9:27 PM: Thanks to Art of Music curator John Redenbaugh for the three photos below of tonight’s performers – first, jean mann and Greg Ensminger at Beveridge Place Pub:

Next, CenterPlay at Great American Diner & Bar:

Friends and Folk at West Seattle Grounds:

10 PM: Photos from WSB’s Torin Record-Sand – first, at Jet City Labs, the creator of Erica’s Critter Corner:

Photographer Dan Jacobs:

Watercolorist Gloria Breslin was at Verity:

Tracey Hilton was at VAIN:

And so were the Junction Elves!

We wrap it all up with one more song from the Silver Belles:

Hometown Holidays events continue this weekend with the Cocoa and Coat Drive in the Kiwanis booth at the south end of the Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm.

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WEST SEATTLE HOLIDAY SCENE: Admiral District Jubilee. With snow!
December 11, 2025 5:26 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

The most magical scene we’ve seen along tonight’s Jubilee “neighborhood stroll” in The Admiral District is outside Circa (2605 California SW; WSB sponsor), where co-proprietor Gretchen and Brandi are deploying a snow-blower to create a bit of wintry wonderland!

Macaroons, too. Treats are offered at multiple businesses, including Alki Bike and Board (2606 California SW):

But the place to start is Hoste (2332 California SW), where you can shop a pop-up holiday market with multiple vendors:

Hoste proprietor Lana was thrilled by the turnout. Wide variety of merchandise, from bottled sauces to accessories and apparel:

You can also enter a raffle at Hoste to support the Carlson family (whose story we told here). See other stops on the map for the Jubilee, which is on until 9 pm.

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COUNTDOWN: One week until Alki Holiday Lights, Christmas Ship, and … your boat too?
December 11, 2025 3:18 pm
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 |   Holidays | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

One week from tonight, the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship makes its only two West Seattle stops of the season, enhanced by the Alki Community Council‘s Alki Holiday Lights celebration, including local businesses and organizations offering holiday treats and fun. And this year, the ACC is hoping more boaters will join the party:

ACC president Charlotte Starck says all boaters are invited: “Sailboats, motorboats, yachts — come one, come all. Cruise along Alki anytime between 6–9 pm or arrive ahead of the Argosy Christmas Ship stop — whatever fits their schedule. The more sparkle on the water, the better. Last year’s crowds were very clear: they would love to see more boats join in the fun.” The Christmas Ship is due off the beach 8:35-8:55 pm; earlier in the evening, it will stop along Harbor Avenue (off Salty’s) 5:50-6:10 pm. (Here’s its full-season schedule.)

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SOON TO BE SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Aircraft carrier USS Nimitz
December 11, 2025 1:30 pm
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 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(March reader photo by Rick Cocker)

Usually we don’t get much notice of an aircraft carrier coming or going past West Seattle’s west-facing shores, sailing to or from Naval Base Kitsap. But for those interested in seeing what might be the USS Nimitz‘s final south/westbound trip this way, here’s your advance notice! The photo above is from the Nimitz’s departure back in March. It’s been at sea ever since, with its eventful “likely final” deployment including the loss of two aircraft (recently recovered). As usual, it stopped in San Diego post-deployment, and then left earlier this week to head north. While Stars and Stripes reported that Nimitz was due home December 16 – next Tuesday – tracking shows an unlabeled “US Government vessel” entering Puget Sound after sailing up from San Diego, so that timeline might have changed, unless the carrier has a stop on the way here.

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Why shop local? One employee tells her story, with a party invitation
December 11, 2025 12:42 pm
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 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Tonight, Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) in The Triangle (3602 SW Alaska) welcomes would-be skiers/boarders to its “Pray for Snow” party. It’s also a celebration of the shop’s 16th anniversary. That’s more than a number – it also represents a place in the community, and for one of M2SO’s employees, it’s a place of memories stretching back into her childhood. After Lauren sent the essay below, we stopped by the shop to talk with her – thinking that after years of just abstractly urging you to “shop local,” it’s time to meet the people you’re supporting when you do, not just the business owners:

Lauren writes that it’s more than a job. And she’s hopeful you will recognize that too:

One of the great things about our beautiful city is its versatility of neighborhoods. And if you’re from here, or even visiting for a few days, you know what I mean. Capitol Hill to Laurelhurst to Ballard to Fremont, every piece of this city has something new to offer.

As for me, I grew up by the Fauntleroy ferry dock in West Seattle. My Sundays were spent at the Farmer’s Market in the Junction, my Friday evenings were spent searching through Blockbuster or Hollywood Videos for the perfect movie, and the start of my winters were spent tagging along with my dad to the Mountain To Sound Outfitters Annual Ski Swap.
Like most families, we rented gear first. Who wants to buy skis for their kid who’s going to outgrow them the next year, right? But when that day came, when I finally got old enough to own my first pair, I was standing in the shop I now work at, staring at a pair of bright blue and orange Blizzard Gunsmoke Jrs, and I swear to you those were the most beautiful skis I’d ever seen.

But it’s not just about the skis.

Whether we were renting gear, buying gear, or checking out the Ski Swap, M2S was a big part of growing up. It was my family’s gateway to the mountains, and more than that, it was a way to connect to our neighborhood, to our community. And if you think about it, M2S didn’t have to be that; they chose to be. Rather than just a shop for profit, Mountain To Sound was founded on the principles of community engagement, teamwork, and neighborhood wellbeing. And they still uphold those principles today.

The Triangle, the area between the Junction and the West Seattle Bridge, has undergone significant changes in the past few years. Most notably, a rise in homelessness fueled by complex issues like high housing costs, mental-health gaps, and limited support systems. And while it’s a hard truth to swallow, we’ve seen this coincide with an increase in violence, drug usage, and vandalism, all things that have a direct impact on the shop’s daily operations. For Mountain To Sound Outfitters, that has meant everything from increased property damage and safety concerns to customers feeling hesitant about visiting the area.

And while these issues are small compared to the city’s housing crisis, Mountain To Sound is the livelihood for a team of hardworking, kind people that I have gotten to know firsthand, and problems like this can be enough to put a local business under.

I wish I could pinpoint a solution for housing insecurity, but in truth, it’s much too large a problem for one 23-year-old girl. However, I can offer a solution for the struggles of Mountain To Sound Outfitters: you.

Rather than visiting big box stores for your next outdoor adventure, come to the shop where your presence is appreciated and your engagement is valued. We’re here because you’ve had our backs for the past sixteen years, and now we need your support more than ever.

But hey, we’re from the Pacific Northwest. Even when it’s cloudy for days on end, we know the mountains are still there. Rather than be crushed by issues plaguing The Triangle, we want to do something to celebrate all we’ve accomplished with your help, and we’re calling it the Triangle Takeover. Come join us (tonight, Thursday, December 11th), for our final push into ski season! We’re throwing a party true PNW style, mimicking ski parking lot festivities. We’ll be giving away a pair of skis, celebrating our 16th year in the community, and bringing together the neighborhood to pray for snow. Located at our shop and starting at 6 pm, we’re inviting you to come connect and show us what West Seattle is all about.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Smash-and-grab robbery at Westwood Village Big 5
December 11, 2025 11:11 am
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 |   Crime | West Seattle news

This morning we have the report narrative for a smash-and-grab robbery that happened Tuesday night at the Westwood Village Big 5 Sporting Goods store. Here’s what police say happened at the store shortly before its scheduled 8 pm closing time; the report says it was not originally reported/dispatched as a robbery:

On 12/9/25 at 1942 hours I was working uniformed patrol with Officer XXXX as 3F2 in the city of Seattle when we were dispatched to 2600 SW Barton St (Big 5 Sporting Goods) in reference to a disturbance. The call was dispatched as follows, “j/o [just occurred], susp broke window, customer has gun and kicked susp out of blding.”

Dispatch provided the following description of the suspects, “WM, WHI BEANIE, BLU MEDICAL MASK, BLK JACKET, BLU JEANS 2) WM, GRY MASK, BLK JACKET, BLU JEANS.”

Upon arrival I spoke with two Big 5 employees, XXXX and XXXX, who were present during the incident. They stated that two suspects entered the store wearing masks, gloves, and hooded jackets. XXXX added that she saw the suspects were armed with a knife, crowbar, and a glass/window breaker. After entering the store, the suspects walked toward the airsoft/BB gun section. XXXX and XXXX did not have any verbal contact with the suspects, both backed away when they entered. XXXX stated that she did not attempt to contact them out of fear of being assaulted, due to the suspects possessing weapons.

The suspects then shattered a display window and began loading several BB/pellet/airsoft firearms into a suitcase. In total the suspects took six BB pistols and two BB double barrel shotguns. The total value of the stolen merchandise is $884.92. …

W/XXXX was shopping in the BB gun section of Big 5 during this incident. He was no longer on scene and contacted by phone. XXXX stated that he saw the suspects break the display window and place merchandise into a suitcase. Similarly to XXXX stated he observed the suspects were in possession of weapons, a knife and a baton/”billy club.” XXXX stated that one of the suspects began reaching toward his waistline and pockets. At this point XXXX stated he drew his firearm in order to protect himself and the employees as he thought the suspect could be reaching for a weapon.

XXXX then began giving the suspects verbal commands, “get out of the store, stop what you are doing” and “put your hands up”. He then directed the employees to retrieve a less-lethal defensive tool such as pepper spray, but they did not have any. XXXX stated that one suspect did not react and continued placing merchandise into the suitcase. The other suspect put his up and said, “ok bro, ok bro.” The suspects then exited the store with the suitcase of unpaid-for merchandise. XXXX statements were congruent with security video and statements made by employees.

I established probable cause for RCW 9A.56.200 – Robbery 1 for the suspects given they were unlawfully taking property in the presence of a victim who expressed fear of injury, fear that the suspects used to obtain possession of the property.

A shorter SPD summary says police looked around the area for the robbers but did not call for a K-9: “Weather conditions and time delay made a K-9 track impractical.” If you have any information on this robbery, the SPD incident number is 25-360795.

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