West Seattle, Washington
27 Saturday
(WSB photo after previous portables’ arrival in 2023)
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Next school year, West Seattle High School students can expect two more portable units to join the existing four in the school’s parking lot, according to a Seattle Public Schools representative. This follows the ongoing rise in WSHS student population, which sat at 1452 as of October.
Construction is expected to be done over the summer of 2026 while classes are not in session, according to SPS, which says the work is “not expected to impact day-to-day activities.”
We inquired about this after noticing in city online records that permit applications had been filed to construct two more portable classrooms. The filings appeared last month. According to the city’s permit portal, building and land use pre-applications have been approved for a portable “P5” and “P6,” but construction permits are still waiting on approval.
As we mentioned in 2023, the construction of the first four portable classrooms in the WSHS parking lot was a response to a growing student body that then numbered roughly 1300. These new portables would also further reduce the number of parking spaces available for drivers, which was already below zoning requirements in 2023, A zoning departure is being requested for this, according to online city files, which include a site plan showing the two new portables would be placed to the west of the existing four, taking up nine current parking spaces.
Transient killer whales this time: Just texted to us by Kersti Muul: “Orcas T37As aiming for Elliott Bay north of the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry lanes.”
11:42 AM: Police responding to a report of gunfire in the 26th/Barton area a short time ago report finding one casing so far, “in the intersection.” No injuries reported; the shot(s) was/were reportedly fired from a vehicle described as a black Chevy Suburban, by someone described as white, male, wearing a black cap. The vehicle was last seen headed eastbound on Barton.
12:05 PM: Went over to Westwood to see if we could get a closer description o where exactly this happened, but police already had left the scene. If you have any information, the incident # is 2025-377518.
(WSB photo by Jason Grotelueschen from 2024 Not-So-Silent Night Parade)
If you’re still finalizing New Year’s Eve plans – or open to changing them – here are two ways to walk it out, so to speak, in West Seattle on Wednesday night, as featured in our Holiday Guide:
EMERALD CITY WANDERERS: This group is presenting its annual New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day walks in West Seattle. On New Year’s Eve, you can start from St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW; WSB sponsor) any time between 3:30 and 6:30 pm – in other words, choose your own start time – and head out on either a 5K or 10K route. Snacks and hot soup await you afterward. (And they’re offering two different routes for walkers on New Year’s Day too (departing between 8:30 am and 11:30 am). Free, but donations are appreciatedDetails are on the ECW website.
NOT-SO-SILENT-NIGHT PARADE: West Seattle’s only New Year’s Eve parade, starring you! Highland Park Improvement Club has been organizing this since the late ’00s. While their building site is in transition (here’s our recent update), the gathering place is Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW). All ages, all outfits; bring lanterns, noisemakers, hopes and dreams, and join the walk through nearby HP neighborhoods to bid 2025 farewell, starting at 6 pm. (We counted 100+ participants last year!)
(WSB photo from Christmas Eve’s late-afternoon sunshine at Alki)
Happy Saturday! Here’s what’s up as we begin the between-holidays weekend:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run – yes, it’s on!
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile as a prelude to the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fauntleroy Way SW.
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: Taking the week off.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is closed this weekend for holiday break.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm Saturdays, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open for you to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle – and buy your New Year’s wine(s) – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Closed for winter break.
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
‘SOBER CURIOUS’? Planning to give up alcohol for “Sober January” – or maybe long-term? 3-5 pm, talk about it with West Seattle friends/neighbors at Bear Island/Admiral Hub (4320 SW Hill)
ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, first admission 5 pm. Tickets and info here.
EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, Roo Forrest and Friends perform at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: “Hey Baby,” West Seattle’s newest drag show at The Skylark, hosted by Kimme Kash, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, all ages, tickets and more info here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ Kreole E at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Again this week, our Saturday list concludes with 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with DJs, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
Got a West Seattle event coming up? New Year’s Eve or Day, or beyond? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar, which is free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
That’s a frame grab from a video Easy Street Records posted on social media, reporting that the person seen in the video broke the glass in their front door at noon Christmas Day, on a rare closure day for the shop. From the post: “For many of us in the retail industry, these kind of moments are really discouraging, but, especially on Christmas. Windows, glass, entryways…these are typically not covered by insurance. These are out of pocket expenses.” We recently reported on some of the other West Seattle businesses that have been victims of similar crimes, looking at whether a city fund set up for “storefront damage” has been much of a help.
As a side note, we’ve spent some of this quiet post-holiday following up on court cases, and happened onto a familiar name, a West Seattle repeat offender; turned out he’s been in jail since last month for breaking a business window in SODO. It’s been more than four years since we’ve had cause to mention Ryan J. Cox, but we saw his name on the jail roster and looked up documents to find out why. He is charged with malicious mischief for breaking a window at Krispy Kreme in SODO, estimated worth $2,200. He’s currently awaiting a mental evaluation to see if he’s competent to stand trial; according to documents on file, his “last known address” is in West Seattle, near Southwest Library.
(WSB photos)
‘Tis the night after Christmas, and we’re not done with lights yet. Yvonne sent the tip about this display in North Shorewood: “There is a huge Santa, maybe 30 or 40 feet tall, in a yard full of many lights. The huge Santa just makes you smile! I don’t have the exact address but the home is located on west side of 26th Ave SW, 2 blocks north of the Shorewood Market, which is on the corner of 26th Ave SW and SW 106th St.” And that’s where we found it ..plus, of course, reindeer:
Checking our archives, looks like we featured this home six years ago. No giant Santa then, though! … To see every place we’ve featured this year and previous years, scroll through this section of WSB archives.
4:40 PM: Seattle Fire has sent a “full response” to a possible house fire the 3400 block of 30th SW [map],between the south end of Harbor Ave SW and the bottom of the Admiral Way hill. Updates to come.
(Added: View from SDOT’s Harbor/Spokane camera)
4:44 PM: A unit on scene just told dispatch it appears to be a “small fire between two houses” that might already be out.
4:46 PM: They’re canceling many of the responding units after confirming it is a “small exterior fire” possibly related to a fireplace.
4:54 PM: The fire is confirmed out (“tapped”).
5:04 PM: The entire response is in the process of closing.
Five months after Row House closed on the north end of The Junction, a new rowing studio in its south end is about to open its doors. We received an announcement from Row West that it’s set soft-open dates for Saturday and Sunday, January 3 and 4 – next weekend – 8 am to noon both days. Row West is at 4740 44th SW, across from Junction Hardware, and plans to “offer inclusive indoor rowing classes designed for all fitness levels.” It’s launching in part with the help of a successful crowdfunding campaign last summer.
JC sent this on behalf of the stolen car’s owner:
Honda Fit stolen from Genesee Hill on 12/23/25
Plate No AKA4233
Seattle Police Case # 25-374198
If you find it, please call 911.
(1/1/2025 WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)
As noted in our Event Calendar and Holiday Guide, we haven’t been sure about the status of the Alki Beach New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim because we hadn’t heard from or been able to reach longtime organizer Mark Ufkes. This morning, his announcement arrived, with an explanation of why it’s later than usual:
January 1, 2026
New Year’s Day Alki Beach Polar Bear SwimWe go into the water at 10:00 am sharp!
(After the countdown from 10, 9, 8 . .)
Bring good water shoes, warm clothes to change into, a towel and your hopes and dreams for 2026. Holding hands with your neighbors as you go in, always makes it easier!!
New Request:
Please bring a donation for our local food banks. Drop them in the Costco black tubs that will be placed all along the sidewalk.
Message of thanks to the good people of West Seattle:
My amazing, beautiful wife Lois Schipper and I would like to thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts, for always being so kind to us during our three decades here. And for being such great neighbors too. Between our many friends, family, and so many great public school teachers, you all have helped us nurture our two boys to adulthood and made our lives so much fuller.
For Lois and me, 2025 has been especially difficult. Lois, my executive-functioning spouse, has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. We are crushed. Also, we both spent many years working with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), providing humanitarian assistance in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and the former Soviet Union before we moved to West Seattle, then White Center. Lois is a Public Health Nurse and expert on at-risk moms and babies, and I worked on food security and democratic pluralism efforts.
For those who might have missed, USAID was the federal entity that Elon Musk “fed to the woodchipper” earlier this year. The entire USAID world-wide staff of over 10,000 good Americans all lost their jobs in one day. Like us, these professionals dedicated their lives to helping the most vulnerable around the world on behalf of the American people.
So, for Lois and me, we will be holding hands, and as we go running into Puget Sound, we will be washing away the stain of our spiritually-crippled President and his spineless Republican party.
And what we want from the New Year is to pack our remaining healthy time together with every service adventure we can fit in, and every day, be thankful that we are blessed to live in this generous, wonderful community with all of you good people.
Last year, over 1,500 went into the water. So come on down and join us on Thursday, January 1. Bring your food bank donation and get there a little early, as we go into the water at 10:00 am sharp after the countdown. And remember, don’t waste a day. Our lives are shorter than we think.
Be strong in 2026.
Sincerely,
Mark L. Ufkes and Lois A. Schipper
(Tuesday’s sunset, photographed by Bob Burns. The sun is already setting six minutes later than this fall’s earliest sunset!)
Short list of what’s happening today/tonight as we head toward the between-holidays weekend! Listings are from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide (and if you have anything to add, please let us know):
HIGH TIDE: 12.4 feet again today, at 9:34 am if you’re headed out for a beach/shore walk.
LIBRARIES: Back open today; no special events on the calendar for local branches.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER Closed for holiday break.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Most Fridays you can visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – but it’s closed today.
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm tonight and most Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy by the bottle.
C & P COFFEE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, Jim Page performs at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
FREE TEEN SWIM: 6-7 pm at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle), free swim session for ages 13-18.
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: No varsity home games scheduled tonight.
SPINNING: DJ Buttnaked at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING:Tonight, skate tonight to music by Disco Dash, 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Before we get to today’s event list, a look to something further in the future, but with tickets available now: A fun kid-music concert open to the entire community is coming up at Westside School (10404 34th SW; WSB sponsor) – Recess Monkey is performing as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank! Here’s the announcement:
Seattle’s beloved kids’ music band Recess Monkey will perform at Westside School on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:15 am in the Westside Theater. Known for their clever lyrics, playful personalities, and upbeat sound, Recess Monkey delivers a lively, interactive musical experience that gets everyone — big and small — up and moving.
The performance is open to the public, offering a fun, engaging morning of music for families in the Seattle area. Attendees can expect sing-alongs, dancing, and an energetic show that appeals to children of all ages.
Tickets & Info: $10 per family, benefitting the West Seattle Food Bank. Click here to find out more and purchase tickets.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, December 26, 2025, and as a lone weekday between a holiday and a weekend, this should be a bit quieter.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast says more rain is expected, west wind in the morning, high in the mid-40s. Sunrise will be at 7:56 am; sunset at 4:23 pm.
SCHOOL’S STILL OUT
Winter break continues (most if not all schools reopen Monday, January 5).
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service resumes, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route has its third boat back; the winter schedule starts Sunday, per WSF’s alerts page.
Metro buses – They’re back on the regular weekday schedule and routes in our area.
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!
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On this Christmas night, we visited 36th Avenue SW just south of SW Hanford, to see if the Gai Family‘s Madonna is in place and brightly illuminated again this season, and indeed, that’s what we found. It’s been two years since Ron Gai, son of the display’s creator Phil Gai, crafted this crown-shaped setting, and seven years since he brought back the display, which his baking-entrepreneur father had retired in 1996.
See all the displays we’ve featured this season – and previous years – by scrolling this WSB archive section.
High tide plus north wind brought seawall waves again this morning along the West Seattle waterfront. Above is Tom Trulin‘s photo from the north shore of Lincoln Park; below, an Alki photo by Mike Burns:
No alerts in the forecast right now, but some potential highlights include the ever-popular “wintry mix” Friday night if precipitation remains in the area as temps drop into the 30s, and Saturday at this point is predicted to be mostly sunny.
(Photo added Thursday evening)
Thanks to “Prop” for the tip about multiple police vehicles at WaFd Bank on the north edge of The Junction early this morning. Archived police radio indicates they were investigating a burglary. Security monitoring via video feed reported an intruder in the bank before 4 am, described only as “unknown-race male, all-black clothing, ski mask.” No one was inside when police searched the building, but a large window on the SW Dakota side of the bank building had been broken; SFD was called to board it up. No word on what if anything was taken; we’ll be requesting the report narrative. If you have any information, the SPD case # is 2025-375888.
(WSB photo from Christmas Eve)<
Merry Christmas and happy Thursday! Here’s info we hope will be useful on this holiday:
BUSES: Metro‘s running on the Sunday schedule.
WATER TAXI: Not sailing today.
STATE FERRIES: The third boat tied up early Wednesday because of crewing – check the alerts page for status today.
MORE TRANSPORTATION NOTES: No charge for street parking in areas of the city with pay stations … West Seattle-relevant traffic cameras are here; see all cameras citywide via this map.
COFFEE SHOPS OPEN TODAY: We found 10+ – here’s our list. (Plans can change after our research, so if you encounter a change, please text or call us – 206-293-6302 – thank you.)
RESTAURANTS AND BARS OPEN TODAY: 15+ restaurants and five bars are on our list – see it here. (And please let us know of any changes!)
GROCERY STORES OPEN TODAY: Again this year, as noted in our Holiday Guide, only the three Safeways (Roxbury, Admiral, Jefferson Square) are open (8 am-5 pm) – all other West Seattle grocery stores are closed until tomorrow.
CHURCH SERVICES TODAY: Several of the churches on the list in our Holiday Guide have Christmas Day services.
OTHER NOTES: Trash/recycling pickup is delayed one day for the rest of the week (next week too) … Seattle Parks closure info is here … Libraries (city and county) are closed.
TAKE A NATURE WALK: Meet on the Lincoln Park shore at 9:30 am for this guided walk – details are in this preview.
SEE A MOVIE: The Admiral Theater (2343 California SW) is open this afternoon/evening – first screening of the day, 2 pm.
ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show continues tonight on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, opening at 5 pm. Timed tickets and info here.
OTHER LIGHTS TO SEE: Scroll through our archive to see the local homes we’ve shown all month!
If you see/hear news, please text/call 206-293-6302 – we appreciate your tips and collaboration every hour of every day and night!
Seems like almost everyone is working harder than ever these days – longer hours, more demands. And on this Christmas Eve, a West Seattle writer is pondering what could happen if Santa’s elves and reindeer also decided to rebel against overwork. Writer Sue Barry‘s twist on Clement-Clarke Moore‘s 1823 poem “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” was featured by West Seattle journalist/author/historian Clay Eals in a holiday spotlight on the website he co-publishes, Seattle Now & Then (a companion site to his Seattle Times Magazine features with Jean Sherrard). He mentioned it to us, and tonight we are publishing it with permission, and with Clay’s photo of the author (who happens to be an Admiral District neighbor of his):
‘TWAS THE PLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
By Sue Barry‘Twas the day before Christmas and all through the shop,
the Elves were on countdown, with no time to stop.
Their stockings were twisted. Their tempers were high.
They hadn’t had lunch and they wanted to cry.
“We’re working too hard!” fumed a frustrated Elf.
“The pay is too small! I’ve no time for myself!”They loudly complained as the hours flew past,
till all of their projects were finished at last.
All hands had been washed. They had changed to clean clothes.
Then Rudolph stomped in with a cold in his nose.“What’s wrong?” cried the Elves. “You are not looking well!”
“I ab dot!” sniffled Rudolph. “My dose caddot sbell!
But here’s the real reasod I’b cubbing to you:
Our deers have all had it. They’ve quit aad they’re through!”One Elf gave a whistle. Another one cheered.
Another just nodded and fingered his beard.
The rest of them mumbled and grumbled and frowned:
“We all should just quit when next year rolls around!”
“As if warming temperatures aren’t bad enough, our products aren’t trendy, like all the new stuff.
Our toys are old-fashioned. Our staff is old, too. We’ve failed to keep current. We’re toast! It’s so true!
We wonder how Santa can keep keeping on?
Just how do you think he would cope … if we’re gone?”Well, that was a question too sad to invite
on an evening like this, with no reindeer in sight.
They closed up the shop with its now-empty shelves.
“We’re out of here, Santa! Good luck!” snapped the Elves.The hour was late — it was more than half-past.
Poor Santa was stranded. He had to think fast.
“I’ll switch to my wagon?” he muttered. “My van? My old motorcycle?!” That seemed the best plan.
He strapped on his helmet and zipped up his jacket.
“Merry Christmas to all!” he yelled over the racket.
To his sleigh packed with toys, Santa hitched his bike tight,
then stomped on the pedal and roared out of sight.‘Twas at four Christmas morning when Santa returned.
His sleigh again empty – a good rest was earned.
The trip was exhausting for dear old St. Nick.
His poor feet were aching, his poor heart was sick.
“Oh, where is the happiness? Where are the joys?
Has Christmas lost meaning for these girls and boys?”“It’s different for children,” his wife counseled him.
“They’re glued to their screens. And each notion and whim gets met by their parents, indulged by their friends.
Their hungers for ‘things’ have no limits, no ends.”“You know, Mrs. Claus,” sighed that once-jolly fellow,
“I wish for the old days, when life was more…mellow.
Before there were tablets and instant smartphones, wild video games, TikTok, Star Wars, and drones,
before there was NOW! Instant gratification!”
(Perhaps, thought his wife, Santa needs a vacation!)“When children hung stockings and hoped I would stop
to bring them one doll, or one ball, or one top.
When real trees were trimmed with crisp popcorn on strings,
with cranberries, candles and (yawn) carved wooden things….”
The thoughts were so painful. He nodded. Then slept,
recalling those years when his Christmas was kept.
*****The Elves stayed through winter, then planned their last day.
Their minds were made up — they were quitting come May.
Though Santa implored them, they wouldn’t back down.
“We’re finished!” they glared. “We’ll get good jobs in town!”Claus Factories closed at the North Pole right then.
No toys could be fashioned without those small men.
So months followed months. There was nothing to pack:
No toys for his journey, no gifts for his sack.
He sat by his stove as he fought back the tears:
“I’m losing my job! It’s the worst of my fears!”
Mrs. Claus couldn’t listen. She climbed to the door
of the old family attic atop the fourth floor.
“Up here!” she was shouting. “These toys — they’re not new!
They’re broken and dusty. They’ll just have to do!”And that was how Christmas-time happened at last:
with old-fashioned playthings and gifts from the past.
Santa emptied the attic, repaired all those toys,
to take them with love to a few girls and boys.This year, thought poor Santa, my trip will be short.
But suddenly hoofbeats! And then a loud “Snort!”
In the wide-open door grinned his famous deer friend,
the one with the nose that glowed red at its end.
And behind him were all of the other reindeer —
they were smiling and stamping and bringing good cheer.“We’re all here to help!” shouted Rudolph with glee.
“Then we’ll bargain with you, represented by me!”
“Great news!” Santa yelled, and he ran for his rope.
“Ho! Ho! Ho! Welcome home! We had given up hope!”And as he was hitching the deer to his sled,
the Elves reappeared. “We’ve re-tooled!” they said.
“We’ve learned to make gifts that a cool Santa brings,
like Legos and robots and digital things.
We’ve used what’s recycled and healthful and new —
What’s good for the planet, for us and for you!”The Elves grabbed their baskets of colorful toys.
“Got room for these, Santa? For good girls and boys?”
Now Rudolph’s nose glowed like a halogen cherry,
and Santa’s eyes twinkled, his thoughts growing merry.
They loaded the sleigh and he drove out of sight.
“We can bargain tomorrow! Now, to all: a good night!”And just as he’d promised, when Santa was through,
he drew up new contracts and signed them all, too.
So that’s how the deer got new beds and fresh hay,
and the Elves got new hours with raises in pay.
Now each Christmas is special, without any doubt,
and sharing with others is what it’s about.
For Christmas is best when your wishes are small,
and your giving is GREAT! Merry Christmas to all!
If you browse Seattle Then & Now’s current crop of Santa-themed “Web extras” on this page, you’ll also find a newspaper story Clay wrote 40+ years ago about a unique Santa visiting a West Seattle elementary school – and a bit about Clay’s own years as a Santa.
Thanks to Clare Brooks for the photo! That pileup of driftwood at the west end of the Alki promenade is at least in part thanks to the high tide wind-and-saves action shown here. The National Weather Service had a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect for “minor” overflow this morning and has another one up for 7 am-1 pm Thursday, when the predicted high tide is again 12.4 feet (9:01 am this time, with calmer atmospheric conditions less conducive to overflow).
We’ve featured some encores this year – 2025 versions of West Seattle Christmas lights/decoration displays we’ve shown in previous years – but this one is a debut Artist Tim Wulf sent the video of his display, and added some music to the video:
Tribute to the classic animated movie, “The Snowman.” The figures were all made by me. Our kids and now our grandkids love watching that movie so it was time to bring it to life!
This is in the 8900 block of Fauntleroy Way SW. To see all the decorations we’ve spotlighted this season – and past years – scroll here!
Before schools went into winter break, the Chief Sealth International High School PTSA got some good news – a national grant that is meant to get more students – who, after all, are the “S” in PTSA – involved. Here’s the announcement:
Chief Sealth International High School PTSA has been awarded a National PTA Youth Engagement Capacity Building Grant, making it one of just 20 high school PTSAs selected nationwide and the only recipient in Washington State.
The award is part of National PTA’s $1 million investment in schools across the country to strengthen student voice, leadership, and engagement. Chief Sealth was recognized for its commitment to equity-driven, student-led programming that removes barriers to participation and prepares students for postsecondary success.
The grant will support the immediate launch of a Student Leadership & Scholarship Initiative, including stipend-supported student leadership roles and a Scholarship & Leadership Club co-designed with students and the school’s College & Career Center. The program elevates student voice in PTSA decision-making while expanding access to scholarships, leadership development, and college readiness resources.
“Our students told us they want more than one-time workshops. They want meaningful roles, real responsibility, and opportunities that fit their lives,” said Maria Doucettperry, PTSA Scholarship Chair at Chief Sealth International High School. “This grant allows us to value students’ time, remove financial barriers, and prepare young people not just for college, but for leadership and civic engagement.”
Chief Sealth International High School serves a richly diverse community, with many students from low-income, immigrant, and first-generation backgrounds. While graduation rates are strong, access to postsecondary opportunities remains uneven. This initiative directly addresses that gap by centering student leadership, peer mentoring, and culturally responsive engagement.
Implementation is underway, with student recruitment and leadership onboarding beginning immediately and continuing into January 2026. The program is designed to be sustainable and replicable, ensuring student leadership remains embedded in PTSA structures beyond the grant period.
We asked CSIHS PTSA president Stacy Harbour, who sent us the announcement, what happens now, and how students and families can get involved. Her reply: “The grant will support four stipends for four student leaders who will work alongside the PTSA to build a robust Scholarship & Leadership Club. Student leaders will co-facilitate club meetings, building a fuller experience for the CSIHS student body in scholarship, essay writing, and financial aid navigation. The ultimate goal is a sustainable structure for student-led engagement in the PTSA, leadership development, and ownership of their post-graduation goals.” They’re recruiting students now “in coordination with the College & Career Center now, with a full launch of the program in January,” so that’s where interested students can check in to get involved. Harbour adds, “Interested families should reach out to chiefsealthptsa@gmail.com to learn more.”
(Thanks to Michelle for the photo from ‘near Lincoln Park’)
As with years past, our daily “what’s happening” list for Christmas Eve is mostly a list OF lists, with info we’ve been compiling as Christmas Eve/Day approached.
GROCERY-STORE CLOSING TIMES: Local supermarkets close early today/tonight. This list is in the Christmas Eve/Day info atop our West Seattle Holiday Guide.
RESTAURANT LIST: Many restaurants close early too, or are completely closed. There’s info on many in our list of restaurants open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and/or New Year’s Day.
COFFEE-SHOP LIST: Same goes for the coffee-shop list, which includes early closings for today and who’s open tomorrow.
(Note for the above two lists – businesses may have changed their plans since we gathered this info – if you know of a change, please text 206-293-6302 or email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)
LAST-MINUTE SHOPPING: We invited businesses to let us know if they’re open Christmas Eve. We have a few in the Guide. (Not too late to add!)
CHRISTMAS EVE CHURCH SERVICES: All the churches we’ve heard from with services tonight (and beyond) are also listed in the Holiday Guide.
Here’s what else we have – some are regular listings, so, apologies if there are Christmas Eve changes we weren’t notified about – let us know!
LIBRARIES CLOSED: Seattle Public Library has a systemwide closure today and tomorrow. King County Library System too.
FAUNTLEROY CHURCH FESTIVAL OF TREES: On this Christmas Eve morning, you can go see the decorated trees in the Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), until noon, and “vote” for your favorite(s) with nonperishable food donations.
COOKIE DROPOFFS FOR THE CHRISTMAS PEOPLE: Baking homemade cookies for The Christmas People to include with holiday meals for people in need? Today’s your last chance to drop them off at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor), 10 am-4 pm
HOLIDAY MUSIC AT THRIFTWAY: 2 pm-5 pm, Alex Baird serenades shoppers at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor)
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER GROUP RUN: Canceled tonight – shop’s closed today and tomorrow.
TRIVIA & KARAOKE: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) confirms they’re on tonight, 7 and 9 pm respectively.
JET CITY LABS COMEDY NIGHT: 7:30 pm, it’s on! (4547 California SW)
BINGO AT CORNER POCKET: 7:30 pm, 21+.
THE REST OF THE CALENDAR: We’re checking on regular features and skipping them for tonight if we can’t confirm they’re still on. Still updating tomorrow too.
Hosting an event, seasonal or otherwise? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar and/or Holiday Guide – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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