West Seattle, Washington
05 Friday
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, December 5, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Cloudy, more rain, breezy, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 7:41 am; sunset, at 4:18 pm (the earliest sunsets of the season are at 4:17 pm, for a week starting Sunday).
CLOSURES
-Tonight into Saturday morning, the Highway 99 tunnel will close completely, both ways, as explained here.
-SW Alaska will be closed in the heart of The Junction on Saturday afternoon and evening for the Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route has three boats until Monday (December 8), when it’ll be down to two boats for about a week. 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!
The Chief Sealth International High School boys’ varsity basketball team plays its third game of the season tomorrow night (Friday, December 5) at Cleveland. Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was at CSIHS for WSB last night as the Seahawks played their home opener, hosting Seattle Academy. Ja’Lyn Combs is back as head coach this year:
Seniors on the squad this year include #0, TajaRay Washington:
#30, Calvin Washington:
There’s a freshman on the varsity team too, #10, Blake Bellessa:
At halftime, Chief Sealth was down 30-14, but picked up their offense in the second half.
(#3, Jibril Cortez)
(#12, Adnaan Mohamed)
(#11, Koby Ioane)
Though the Seahawks outscored SAAS in the second half, it wasn’t enough for a win – final score was Seattle Academy 69, Chief Sealth 57, and they’re still looking for their first win, as is Friday’s opponent Cleveland (0-1).
10:32 PM: Thanks to Anne for the tip. Emergency responders have just been dispatched to a crash on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge; Anne reports the car is spun out next to the median “maybe half a mile east of the Harbor Avenue exit.” So far no serious injuries are reported but take care if you’re heading that way any time soon.
10:43 PM: Officers told dispatch the vehicle involved is blocking one eastbound lane.
In addition to the two neighboring Alki businesses targeted by burglars Wednesday morning, we’ve learned of a third. The report narrative we obtained this afternoon confirms a burglary at Alki’s recently opened Do Si KBBQ restaurant (2516 Alki SW)
The report says it happened just after the Alki Coffee burglary but wasn’t discovered until the owner arrived at the restaurant around 9 am. An iPad and “small cash-box-style safe” were taken. Here’s how the report describes what security video showed:
… At 0342, two men forced open the front door by prying back the door frame with a crowbar. Once inside the building they broke the speakers on the security system so that the loud alarm was no longer sounding. One of the individuals went into the office, noticed the small safe, and grabbed it. The other individual did a quick search of the front of house area and noticed an iPad on the front counter which he took. Both individuals were in the building for approximately 3 minutes, and left through the front door with the safe and iPad. They fled the scene in a small to medium SUV that was lighter in color. The vehicle make/model and license plate was not visible on the security camera.
The report number is 2025-354338.
That’s a one-minute preview of Derick‘s music-synched show, tonight’s holiday-season lights spotlight. Here’s his announcement:
Our annual holiday light show is now up and running – we’re located on the corner of 37th & Graham street [map]. As always, we’ve added more lights, new songs, and now viewers have the ability to control what song plays next – just scan the QR code by the Tune-To sign out front.
This year we’re also supporting a local West Seattle charity for kids – Fauntleroy Children’s Center. They’re in need of a school bus to transport kids around and we wanted to try to make that happen for them this holiday season. If you have the means, please consider donating to them – the kids/families they help are part of our West Seattle community. They’re a registered 501(c)(3) charity and all proceeds go directly to them – you can donate by visiting their PayPal.
Our show will run daily from sunset to 9pm through Dec 26th. If you have any questions you can visit our website: SeattleLightShow.com
The show is currently ~12 minutes long played straight through, but I have a couple of songs I’m still editing and will add later in the month.
If you have lights to recommend – whether your own, or someone else’s – please let us know at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!
(WSB photos)
5:43 PM: The Junction’s holiday-cheer level is running high tonight, with Santa Claus roaming and live music playing for the first Shop Late Thurday of this Hometown Holidays season.
Participating businesses are keeping their doors open later for holiday shopping. We’re roaming too.
7:30 PM: If you couldn’t get out tonight – you’ve got another Shop Late Thursday ahead next week!
Some shops are open late all the time – above, The Beer Junction is one. Here are other places twinkling with holiday lights tonight, like CAPERS Home (WSB sponsor):
Paper Boat Booksellers (WSB sponsor):
Other sights included the spot where Santa photos will be offered as an animal-rescue fundraiser on Saturday, at The Hydrant:
But tonight, Santa was out and about – umbrella in tow:
Our West Seattle Holiday Guide has a long lineup of Santa photo ops for the next couple weeks! Meantime, the biggest night of Hometown Holidays is this Saturday (December 6), with a Night Market on SW Alaska 4-8 pm (here’s the vendor list) and the tree-lighting event around 6 pm (scroll this page for the night’s full schedule).
Last June, after months of controversy over City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s espousal of removing a centerline curb on Delridge Way, he and Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the curb would stay and three other projects would be done instead. The biggest of those projects is about to start:
SDOT says work could start as soon as this Friday (December 5) on the 22nd/Delridge turnaround. From the flyer it’s sent to nearby residents:
New Turnaround at Delridge Way SW and 22nd Ave SW
As soon as Friday, December 5, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will start construction at Delridge Way SW and 22nd Ave SW in the Delridge neighborhood at the request of City Councilmember Rob Saka pursuant to a budget investment passed by the Full Council. We will reconfigure the triangle at Delridge Way SW and 22nd Ave SW by building a 24-foot wide turnaround on the north side of the triangle connecting the two streets (see map). This will improve circulation for people driving in this part of the Delridge neighborhood. Please note this project will remove the existing informal parking in this triangle and add landscaping within the triangle area south of the street segment.
The other two projects involve signage; together, all three cost $500,000, according to SDOT, a quarter of what the original plan was budgeted for.
A reader asked what’s going on with that Delridge greenspace, east of the Southwest Precinct and the businesses north of the precinct [vicinity map]. We recalled development plans nearby, years ago, but that’s not what this is for. The land is SDOT property, so we took the question to that department. Turns out it’s for an environmental project that got a little publicity more than two years ago; we tried to get details at the time but our inquiries hit a dead end, and eventually fell off our list (aside from a mention at a meeting last year). In response to our new inquiry, SDOT spokesperson Mariam Ali replied:
the vegetation work you’re seeing is part of the Delridge Native Forest Garden project. SDOT and our partners are restoring these parcels to improve habitat, support tree canopy growth, and create more welcoming community green spaces in the neighborhood.
We recently completed planting and established a path to support ongoing stewardship and future volunteer events. Our first volunteer planting event with the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association took place on November 22.
More information about the City’s broader forest restoration and tree-planting investments can be found here:
Delridge Native Forest Garden Project – Transportation | seattle.gov
The project website has this map:
The timeline for work here, also as noted on the project page, runs until 2028. The funding is $900,000 of a $13 million federal grant, according to this 2023 news release (when we, as mentioned above, tried to get more details). We asked SDOT about the tribes involved in the program; they say it involves the Muckleshoot Tribe because they’re federally recognized.
“I am so sad. 3 years in a row. My heart is so broken.” That’s what Cherry Consignment proprietor Nyla Bittermann told us in a text accompanying that photo of glass smashed by burglars who broke into her store (4142 California SW) overnight. Nyla celebrated her store’s 16th anniversary this past summer; burglars have now hit her for three consecutive years . She says the burglars this time appeared to be a man and woman, in and out within minutes – here are screengrabs from security video:
She is “still assessing what’s missing.” The police incident # is 25-354878. Her shop will be open as planned today, noon-7 pm (participating in The Junction’s first Shop Late Thursday this season). This is the second night in a row with business burglaries in West Seattle, and Nyla adds, “It just breaks my heart how many small businesses have been broken into. It’s more important than ever to support your local small businesses.”
10:46 AM: We’ve reported before that King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda – a North Delridge resident whose district includes West Seattle, White Center, and Vashon/Maury Islands – has hoped to join the Sound Transit Board. Now it appears that will happen; she is the lone West Seattleite on new County Executive Girmay Zahilay‘s list of potential appointees. Here’s his announcement, sent this morning:
Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay transmitted his first ever slate of nominations to the Sound Transit Board of Directors. This is his second transmittal since taking office last week, following his nominations to the District 2 King County Council seat yesterday.
The County Council will consider both the Sound Transit Board nominations and District 2 Councilmember nominations at their meeting on Tuesday, December 9.
As part of the Sound Transit slate, Zahilay and Seattle Mayor-elect Katie Wilson will replace former Executive Shannon Braddock and outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell. Zahilay previously served on the Board as a King County Councilmember.
Zahilay’s nominations reflect the need for true regional collaboration on the future of mass transit, ensuring representation for both East and South King County, and representation for Seattle as the Link Extension enters a critical period.
The King County Executive appoints 10 total seats to the 18-member Sound Transit Board, which are staggered in two-year intervals. Board Members serve four-year terms.
Full list of nominations:
Girmay Zahilay, King County Executive
Katie Wilson, Mayor-elect of Seattle
Steffanie Fain, King County Councilmember (District 5)
Pete von Reichbauer, King County Councilmember (District 7)
Teresa Mosqueda, King County Councilmember (District 8)
Angela Birney, Mayor of Redmond
Thomas McLeod, Mayor of Tukwila
Along with Zahilay, von Reichbauer and Birney are already on the board (see its current lineup here). Here’s the quote from Councilmember Mosqueda that was included in the announcement:
Light rail holds incredible promise for shared prosperity, long-term climate resilience, self-determination, and access to opportunity for communities across the region. Representing a King County district that encompasses diverse communities home to current and future Sound Transit stations—from Chinatown-International District and SODO to Downtown, Capitol Hill, and West Seattle — I’m committed to supporting transit access, affordability and equity in light rail planning, while complementing existing community assets and ensuring that our systems remain safe, reliable, and accessible to the communities we serve. I’m grateful to Executive Zahilay for the opportunity to serve on the Sound Transit Board at such a crucial moment for our region.
The board has huge decisions in the months ahead, trying to get the agency on a sounder financial footing, potentially meaning changes/cuts to the planned West Seattle extension.
3:42 PM: We talked to Councilmember Mosqueda briefly by phone this afternoon. Since some electeds – most notably outgoing Mayor Harrell – have taken the position “build it as planned, no cuts,” we asked where she stands on that. She’s not anti-cut – she has taken a favorable view of some of what was discussed at the recent West Seattle forum (WSB coverage here) – but she’s not inclined to consider the ultimate cut, dropping the West Seattle project. Is it really worth spending billions? we asked. She says it’s a “multi-generational investment” so we might as well build it now – again, with whatever cost reductions can be found – because the price tag will only go up as time goes by.
Assuming the County Council approves her appointment next week, Councilmember Mosqueda’s first meeting on the Sound Transit Board will be December 18, according to her office.
(Thanks to Pete for the Pigeon Point photo)
Here’s what’s up today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more for today/tonight/days and weeks ahead) and Holiday Guide:
FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace two mornings a week, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)
FAUNTLEROY FESTIVAL OF TREES: Until noon, the Fauntleroy Church hall is open for viewing this year’s trees and “voting” for your favorite by placing nonperishable food donations beneath it. (9140 California SW)
GATHERING AT THE VOID: Get out of the home office for a couple hours! “Work, Game, Craft or Chat! At The Void ” hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon Tuesdays. (5048 California SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: The ground hasn’t frozen (yet), so it’s still a good time to plant! Explore the possibilities – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
TODDLER STORY TIME IN WESTWOOD: Southwest Library story time (9010 35th SW), 10:30 am.
SSC FOOD TRUCK: South Seattle College culinary students are selling pastries from the truck again today, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, near the campus Clock Tower. (6000 16th SW)
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!)
WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY HOLIDAY TASTE #2: 4-7 pm, 20+ vendors and the store deli offer you tastes of possibilities for your holiday celebrations. (4201 SW Morgan)
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is on today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events at HPCS – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Eva’s Wild.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle! Also participating in tonight’s book club (see listing below).
ASTRA LUMINA: The light-and-sound show at the Seattle Chinese Garden (6000 16th SW) continues. First admission is 5 pm; tickets and info here.
ROTARY FESTIVAL OF MINI-TREES CELEBRATION & SILENT AUCTION: As previewed here, the themed mini-trees that have been on display at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW), decorated and donated by West Seattle Rotarians, will be silent-auctioned during a 5:30 pm event with refreshments. Shuttle over from the stadium parking lot at 5:30 or 6!
SHOP LATE IN THE JUNCTION: 5:30-7:30 pm, Santa and his elves wander The Junction, with live music from Better As Brass, and some shops open later than usual, all part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays, as previewed here.
THE DUSTY 45s: 6 pm, featuring Memphis Radio Kings at Tim’s Tavern. (16th/98th, White Center)
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, now starting at Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: If you’d rather walk, there’s an event for you too! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: Various venues around West Seattle and White Center open their doors for you to come read and chat (or not chat), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has this month’s roster of sites.
‘PENELOPE’ AT ARTSWEST: See the new musical at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm curtain.
JOKES AT THE JUNCTION: Comedy night at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW), 8 pm.
DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Kingblind & Teenage Rampage, 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather one month from today to remember Floy Carter, and are sharing this with her community now:
Floy Carter, 97, of Seattle, passed away early on November 1st, 2025, at home with family.
Floy Margene Miller, daughter of Floyd L. and Margaret (Shafer), was born July 3, 1928 in Sioux Falls, SD. She grew up on a farm outside of nearby Colton, where she learned how to milk the cows and ride her pony bareback.
When her older brothers went away to war she helped her dad in the fields. After graduating with the Lyons High School class of ‘46, Floy taught country school and then worked in Sioux Falls. In 1955, she moved to Seattle with a suitcase and enough money for one quarter of college tuition. She found a job in a doctor’s office and enrolled in the University of Washington. There, she met Jerry Carter, a young man studying engineering on the GI Bill. They married in 1958.
After surviving breast cancer in her early thirties, she and Jerry adopted two baby boys. The family moved to Auburn, WA in 1971. Floy took care of her family, house, garden, and cat. She was very active in her church, and supported her boys’ schools and activities. When the boys were older, she worked as the office manager for a nonprofit clinic in Kent until retirement.
In 2000, Floy and Jerry moved to West Seattle to more conveniently dote on their granddaughters. They made many friends at Tibbetts United Methodist Church. After Jerry passed in 2007, their son Ray lived with Floy and helped care for her until his death in 2016. Floy was able to stay in her own home with the support of family, including her granddaughter Katy, who came to live with her during the pandemic. Until nearly the end of her life, she read two to three mystery books every week.
Floy is survived by her son Tim, daughter-in-law Sara, and granddaughters Katy and Janet. She was preceded in death by her brothers Dwight, Burdette, and Harold Miller, her cousin Jeane Reddler (the sister she always wanted), her husband Jerry, and son Ray.
There will be a memorial service at 2 PM Sunday, January 4th, at Tibbetts United Methodist Church, 3940 41st Ave SW. A private burial will be held at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Tibbetts UMC or the Seattle Humane Society.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
(Bloodworks Northwest file photo)
One week from Sunday, not only can you donate to the Hometown Holidays Coat Drive in The Junction – also, if you can donate blood, you can do that too. On Sunday, December 14, the Bloodworks Northwest van will be near California and Alaska for a special Junction drive between 9 am and 3 pm, and more than a dozen appointments are open – go here to sign up.
9:16 AM: Another stalled vehicle on the eastbound bridge, according to police radio, “at the high rise.” There was one a little over an hour ago on the ramp to 99.
9:35 AM: Police report they’ve cleared that scene,
Earlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, December 4, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Rain, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise will be at 7:40 am; sunset will be at 4:18 pm (the earliest sunsets of the season are at 4:17 pm, for a week starting this Sunday).
CLOSURE REMINDER
Friday night into Saturday morning, the Highway 99 tunnel will close completely, both ways, as explained here.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route has three boats until Monday (December 8), when it’ll be down to two boats for about a week. 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!
11:21 PM: After 911 calls about possible gunfire in Highland Park, SPD has found someone who says they were shot at while in their vehicle, which has two bullet holes through the window(s). Police are now looking for the scene where it happened, which was reported to be a few blocks from where they found the victim, possibly near 11th SW and SW Cloverdale. No description yet of the shooters, except that they had guns “with lasers on them.”
11:34 PM: Officers just told dispatch they’ve found the scene where the shots were fired – one casing, one bullet so far, just south of SW Cloverdale on 11th.
5 PM THURSDAY: We’ve obtained the report narrative from SPD:
On 12/03/2025, at 2305 hours, uniformed Seattle Police patrol officers responded to the area of 8400 block of 12 Ave SW to investigate a report of several shots heard, called in by multiple callers. Additional information stated there were vehicles heard speeding away.
When officers arrived they conducted an area checked, but did not initially locate a scene and or a victim. Officers received information that a possible victim had fled on a vehicle, southbound on 12 Ave SW, towards SW Henderson St. Officers checked that area and located a victim, with his vehicle, at 15 Ave SW/SW Henderson St. The victim was identified as XXXX X. XXXX-XXXX, and his vehicle a gray 2009 Honda Civic sedan, baring license plate WA XXXXXXX.
XXXX advised officers he was driving north on 11 Ave SW, heading towards SW Cloverdale St, when he encountered several cars parked on the street, with multiple people around the cars. As he drove past the subjects and their vehicles he saw lasers then heard gunshots. He then fled the scene. XXXX reported he was not injured.
Officers inquired if XXXX knew the subjects, and XXXX advised he did not know anyone of the subjects. XXXX also advised he was unable to see what the subjects looked like, and could not provide a description, nor was he able to describe any of the vehicles they were with. XXXX further advised he has no problems with anyone, and does not know why anyone would shoot at him.
When officers spoke to XXXX they observed gunshot damage to his vehicle, consisting of a total of two bullet holes. The rear windshield had taken a hit, with a bullet entry hole to the center right, and the front right passenger’s side got hit, with a bullet entry hole near the front door frame.
Officers responded to the area XXXX said he got shot at, and discovered that the actual scene was inside the driveway of Highland Park Elementary school, located at 1012 SW Trenton St. The scene was not on the street, as XXXX claimed, but in the driveway path of the school, within the school property (on the west side), that came off of 11 Ave SW and was in a north/south direction. Officers found a total of 13 rounds, scattered along the driveway path. There were XXXX casings, XXXX spent XXXX casings and XXX unspent XXXX bullet. Officers search the area of the school but did not find any property damage to the school and or anything else in the surrounding area.
Based on the location of the driveway and the shell casings, relative to the driveway and the damage to XXXX’s windshield, it appeared XXXX’s vehicle was traveling southbound, contradicting his statement that he was driving northbound. The shell casings were scattered from north to south in the driveway, with a concentration of the casings being located along a retaining wall that was located on the west side of the driveway. The retaining wall would’ve made it unlikely that the shooter was standing against that wall, and the driveway also descended in a dip, elevated below the street (11 Ave SW). This indicated the gun was pointing directly to the south when it was fired, and ejecting the shell casings to the west, making them land along the retaining wall.
Officers photographed, collected and submitted the casings into evidence. Officers also photographed the damage to XXXX’s car.
When we talked with Tilden School (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) administrators earlier this year, they marveled that the kids are so excited to come to school in the morning, they run into the building. You can get a firsthand look at why, when Tilden holds its next open house this Saturday – here’s the announcement:
Tilden School will host its Fall Open House on Saturday, December 6, from 10:00 a.m.–noon. Families are invited to drop by anytime during the event to tour the campus, learn more about the school’s academic program and community, and meet faculty, administrators, current parents, and alumni.
Open Houses at Tilden provide families an opportunity to explore the school’s foundational academic principles and discover what makes this independent K–5 school unique!
Those unable to attend this weekend will have an additional opportunity to stop by our final Open House of the season on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m.–noon. To schedule a private tour, please reach out to the office.
There are select openings for grades 1-5! Applications are available online at tildenschool.org. For more information, contact Jennifer Trise at info@tildenschool.org.
This time of year, Fauntlee Hills is one of West Seattle’s most-sparkling neighborhoods. While it’s early in the season, and you’ll probably see more displays once we’ve had another burst of clearer weather, we noticed some nice displays there already – the one above is near 41st SW and SW Trenton, while the one below is near 40th SW and SW Henderson:
The best access to Fauntlee Hills’ steep streets is turning northbound onto 40th or 41st off SW Barton, across from Fauntleroy Park [vicinity map]. Meantime, we’re amassing reader tips about lights to check out – if you have a suggestion, please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
One of the two West Seattleites helping lead Mayor-elect Katie Wilson‘s transition team will have a major role in her administration too – Brian Surratt has been announced as her deputy mayor. (Just one deputy mayor, unlike outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell, who has four.) Brian Surratt will be Wilson’s second-in-command. Here’s how the announcement describes him and his role:
The Deputy Mayor is responsible for building public will for the Mayor’s key policy priorities.
Brian is a multi-sector executive with 25 years of experience driving economic development and cultivating partnerships across private and public sectors and diverse communities. Currently, Brian is the CEO of Greater Seattle Partners, a private/public partnership focused on attracting new business, promoting international trade, and growing our major industries for the region. Previously, Brian was the Director of the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, where he oversaw small business, workforce, key industry, foreign-direct investment, and anti-displacement programs and strategies, and negotiated the city’s $1.2 billion development agreement to build Climate Pledge Arena. During his time in the Mayor’s Office of Policy and Innovation, Brian served as the policy lead in Seattle’s effort to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
The mayor-elect’s announcement today included six other senior staff members:
Kate Brunette Kreuzer, Chief of Staff
• Jen Chan, Director of Departments
• Seferiana Day Hasegawa, Director of Communications
• Alex Gallo-Brown, Director of Community Relations
• Aly Pennucci, Director of City Budget Office
• Nicole Vallestero Soper, Director of Policy and Innovation
Department-head choices such as Transportation and Parks & Recreation are yet to come.
The man arrested and jailed after gunfire in a West Seattle Junction apartment on Monday is now charged. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged 67-year-old Lottis D. Morgan with second-degree domestic-violence assault. He was taken into custody after the incident in the Alaska House building north of Junction Plaza Park around 10 am Monday. According to the charging documents, he fired a handgun twice at a six-months-pregnant 22-year-old woman to whom he is related – no one was hit – and also threatened to kill others in the apartment. He has a criminal record from the early 2000s, including a previous domestic-violence assault conviction, and the court documents say police have been called twice before regarding incidents involving him and the current victim. He remains in jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.
The next West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays event is tomorrow – Shop Late Thursday. Stacie from the Junction Association says, “Santa and his elves will be bouncing around the Junction tomorrow night from 5:30-7:30 talking to guests and handing out candy canes. Plus Better As Brass will be playing in front of Key Bank.” It’ll also be West Seattle Book Club night, with some Junction venues on this month’s list, and after shopping you can see “Penelope” at ArtsWest!
12:46 PM: SPD and SFD are responding to a reported two-car crash, with one “flipped,” in the 4700 block of 38th SW [vicinity map]. No serious injuries reported so far.
12:49 PM: The flipped car’s driver is reported to have run from the scene. Description from police radio: Black male teen, long curly hair, black hoodie and black pants.
1 PM: Added photo (thanks to Sharonn). Police are checking out damage to parked cars the driver may have hit.
11:10 AM: Thanks for the tip. SFD has three units at the scene of a natural-gas leak in the 4000 block of 42nd SW [vicinity map] and are calling for police to block 42nd between Andover and Dakota. The leaking line was described over emergency radio as “nickel-sized.” They’re evacuating neighboring homes as a precaution.
11:27 AM: Puget Sound Energy has stopped the leak, so SFD and SPD are clearing, and 42nd will reopen.
We’ve heard this morning from the owners of both Alki Coffee Co. and neighboring West Seattle Arcade (2700 block of Alki Avenue SW), about burglars breaking into – or trying to break into – their businesses early today:
ALKI COFFEE CO.: This is the third break-in in five months, notes Alki Coffee Co. co-proprietor Jonathan Stebbins, who sent two video clips, the first showing the burglars taking just 40 seconds to get in:
I am unfortunately reaching out once again to let you know of another break-in at our shop down on Alki. Happened this morning around 3:45/3:50 am. From the camera footage this definitely looks like the same two guys that broke in back in mid-July. Hard to tell if was the same from the October break-in. The two today use some kind of tool to pop the lock out on the front door (as you can see in the video above). They drive a blue/purple 4-door hatchback with black rims. The shorter guy looks to be wearing a blue Carhartt hoodie with orange lettering down the sleeve that says Carhartt. The taller guy has a black and gray coat with a green hoodie underneath and black and blue sneakers with blue laces (possibly Nike).
Fortunately having gone cashless after the last break-in, they did not get any cash, but the did take an iPad that we use for music, etc. (second clip) Not sure at this point what can be done but would love for anyone who might be able to identify these two to reach out to the Southwest Precinct (206-733-9800) with any info. Our case number is 2025-353695
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WEST SEATTLE ARCADE: Before hitting Alki Coffee, the burglars tried to get into West Seattle Arcade next door. Proprietors Elyssa and Matt Cichy sent word on that, also including video:
Just wanted to alert the neighborhood that we had another attempted break-in at the arcade. Looks like they moved on and successfully broke into Alki Coffee after failing to crowbar our doors open.
Here’s our coverage of past incidents:
Alki Coffee/Ben & Jerry’s break-ins – October and July
West Seattle Arcade burglary attempt – July
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