One week after Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson announced who’s leading her transition team – including two West Seattleites – she’s announced the rest of the team, and we recognize another West Seattleite (though we’re sure there are others – the list does not describe people beyond their current major organization/business/school/etc. affiliation). Here’s the full announcement:

Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson today announced a 60-member transition team which brings extensive knowledge of housing, business, labor, arts, community safety, civil rights, transportation and other fields. Over the next several weeks, members of the transition team will identify and reach out to dozens of additional community advisors to gather the broadest possible range of input, identify priorities, and help equip Mayor-Elect Wilson to successfully execute her vision as the next mayor of Seattle.

“I’m a coalition-builder — that’s how I ran my campaign, and that’s how I’ll govern,” said Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson. “My transition team brings people together from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise to help me deliver on the vision that guided my campaign: a vision of a city that is more affordable, more accessible, and more innovative, where economic growth is paired with equity, government functions effectively, and communities feel supported and heard by their city government.”

“I don’t expect everyone on the transition team to agree with me on every issue, and it doesn’t matter who they supported in the election,” Wilson continued. “I have sought out their input and invited them to join my transition team because being a successful mayor means being a mayor for everyone.”

The transition team is organized into seven policy areas focused on:

Housing Affordability & Community Needs
Economic Development & Workers Rights
Transportation & Environment
Arts, Culture & Creative Economy
Civic Narrative & Major Initiatives
Standing Up for Our Values
Public Safety, Parks & Wellbeing

Transition team members in each policy area will solicit input from a broad base of community advisors to identify short, medium, and long-term priorities that advance the Mayor-Elect’s platform in accordance with her vision. The transition team also includes six student and youth advisors.

Transition Team Leadership (previously announced)

Andrés Mantilla, Transition Director; Uncommon Bridges
Karen Estevenin, Transition Co-Chair; Executive Director, Protec17
Tiffani McCoy, Transition Co-Chair; Co-Executive Director, House Our Neighbors
Quynh Pham, Transition Co-Chair; Executive Director, Friends of Little Saigon
Brian Surratt, Transition Co-Chair; President and CEO, Greater Seattle Partners

Housing Affordability & Community Needs

Policy Area Co-Leads:
Colleen Echohawk, CEO, Community Roots Housing
Jon Scholes, President & CEO, Downtown Seattle Association

Policy Area Members:
Cate Bridenstine, Executive Director, Imagine Institute
Alvertis Brooks Jr., Executive Director, Rainier Valley Community Development Fund
Gregory Davis, Managing Strategist, Rainier Beach Action Coalition
Alison Eisinger, Executive Director, Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness
Nakita Venus, Executive Director, Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center

Economic Development & Workers Rights

Policy Area Co-Leads:
Richard de Sam Lazaro, Senior Director, Government Affairs, Expedia
Corina Yballa, Political Director, MLK Labor

Policy Area Members:
Jeanie Chunn, Founder, Seattle Restaurants United
Arif Gursel, Founder and Executive Director, The Union
Toshiko Hasegawa, Commissioner, Port of Seattle
Joe Mizrahi, UFCW 3000, Seattle School Board
Terrance Stevenson, Director, SeaCiti Initiative, WTIA

Transportation & Environment

Policy Area Co-Leads:
Shemona Moreno, Executive Director, 350 Seattle
Anna Zivarts, Program Director, Disability Mobility Initiative

Policy Area Members:
Lowell Bander, 9Zero Climate Innovation Hub
Lindsay Goes Behind, Chief Impact Officer, Seattle Foundation
Lee Lambert, Executive Director, Cascade Bicycle Club
Paulina Lopez, Executive Director, Duwamish River Community Coalition
Gordon Padelford, Executive Director, Seattle Neighborhood Greenways

Arts, Culture & Creative Economy

Policy Area Co-Leads:
Randy Engstrom, Co-Founder & Principal, Third Way Creative
Ben Hunter, Artistic Director, Northwest Folklife

Policy Area Members:
Michael Greer, President and CEO, ArtsFund
Jesse Hagopian, Educator, Author, and Blues Musician
Edwin Lindo, Co-Founder, Estelita’s Library
Amy Nguyen, Executive Director, Watershed Community Development
Elisheba Wokoma, Co-Executive Director, Wa Na Wari

Civic Narrative & Major Initiatives

Policy Area Co-Leads:
Alex Hudson, Executive Director, Commute Seattle
Joy Shigaki, President & CEO, Friends of the Waterfront

Policy Area Members:
Lilliane Ballesteros, Executive Director, Latino Community Fund
Dr. Ana Mari Cauce, President Emeritus, University of Washington
Andrea Caupain Sanderson, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, Ile Kimoyo
Leo Flor, Chief Legacy Officer, Seattle FIFA World Cup 26
Mari Horita, SVP, Seattle Kraken

Standing Up for Our Values

Policy Area Co-Leads:
Roxana Norouzi, Executive Director, OneAmerica
Jaelynn Scott, Executive Director, Lavender Rights Project

Policy Area Members:
Caedman Cahill, Civil Rights Attorney
Deaunte Damper, Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention, King County
Mubarak Elamin, American Muslim Advancement Council
Faduma Fido, Collaborative Governance Lab Leader, People’s Economy Lab
Abdi Jama, Community Legal Advocate

Public Safety, Parks, & Wellbeing

Policy Area Co-Leads:
Lisa Daugaard, Co-Executive Director, Purpose.Dignity.Action
Dominique Davis, CEO, Community Passageways

Policy Area Members:
Asia Adam, Executive Director, OurHope
Erin Goodman, Executive Director, SODO Business Improvement Area
Rev. Dr. Robert Jeffrey, Sr., New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
Gregory Joseph, Communications Director, Alliance for Gun Responsibility
Lonnisha Landry, CEO, Just/Us Love Ones

Student & Youth Advisors

Leo Falit-Baiamonte, President, Seattle Student Union
Russell McQuarrie-Means, Student, South Seattle College
Bailey Medilo, Staff Organizer, Washington Bus
Simon Kreft, Student, Seattle Central College
Rayne Thompson, Student, University of Washington
Sonal Virk, ASUW Vice President, University of Washington

When we reported the mayor-elect’s announcement of transition-team leaders last week, we noted that Mantilla and Surratt are West Seattleites. Names of local note on this list include student adviser Russell McQuarrie-Means, who was behind the “Save Curby” signage targeting City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s plan to remove a raised divider from Delridge (a plan since scrapped), transportation/environment policy team member Paulina López of the South Park-based Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, and arts/culture/creative economy team member Randy Engstrom, a former director of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Wilson will take office January 2; we’re told the ceremony location isn’t yet set.

(Photo: WSB’s Torin Record-Sand, from Wilson’s election-night gathering on Beacon Hill)

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THANKSGIVING DAY INFO: Our lists of West Seattle restaurants and coffee shops planning to be open, and grocery-store hours

November 26, 2025 2:53 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle news

Every year we check with West Seattle restaurants and coffee shops to find out who plans to be open on Thanksgiving Day, and publish those lists. So we’re reminding you today that both lists for tomorrow are updated – restaurants here, coffee shops here. Caveat – sometimes venues change their plans after we contact them, so some years there’s a holiday anomaly.

(WSB photo by Hayden Yu Andersen: Traffic-directing in WS Thriftway lot today)

Meantime, for emergency shopping on the big day, our Holiday Guide has the list of West Seattle grocery-store hours, plus Thanksgiving morning run/walk/dance events, and of course the rest of the seasonal info, from Santa photos to Hanukkah lighting to Winter Solstice gatherings to New Year’s!

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UPDATE: 2 hurt in crash at Admiral Way curve

November 26, 2025 12:53 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

12:53 PM: Police are on the scene of what they told dispatch is a multiple-vehicle collision at 36th SW and SW Olga [map], at the curve near Admiral Way Viewpoint. At least one person will be checked out for injuries. Avoid the area for a while.

1:04 PM: The crash is reported to be blocking one westbound lane on Admiral.

2:21 PM: Thanks to commenter “Neighbor” for posting the photo we’ve added above. Meantime, SPD says the scene is clear. We’re checking with SFD on the possibly injured person.

3:16 PM: Here’s what we heard back from SFD spokesperson Grace Nuñez:

There were two patients:

A 44-year-old female treated for minor injuries and did not require transportation to a hospital.
A 44-year-old male treated for minor injuries and did not require transportation to a hospital.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation

November 26, 2025 10:45 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

10:45 AM: After 911 calls from people thinking they heard gunfire in the Westwood Village area, police have found evidence: At least one shell casing found near 23rd and Barton. No reports of injuries or property damage so far, and no suspect description yet.

(Added: Photo by Tim Durkan)

10:50 AM: Officers just told dispatch they’ve now “found seven spent casings between 22nd and 23rd on SW Barton.”

10:58 AM: Officers told dispatch that via witnesses and video, the shooter(s) appeared to be in a dark gray or black Acura or Honda hatchback with two people inside, “firing toward the south side of Barton.”

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WEST SEATTLE WEDNESDAY: Options for today/tonight

November 26, 2025 9:59 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Early-morning view, by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s our Wednesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide (and if we’re missing something – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!):

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE: Drop donations of warm clothing in the bin at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3435 California SW; WSB sponsor), 9 am-5 pm weekdays.

DONATE WARM CLOTHES/DESSERTS: Donations requested for The Hall at Fauntleroy‘s free Thanksgiving dinner:

Gently used warm clothing, new blankets and socks, and dessert donations can be dropped off at our SODO office at 4105 Airport Way S, 98108 on Wednesday, November 26th from 10 AM to 3 PM or can be dropped off at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW) on Thanksgiving Day from 10 AM to 1 PM.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (this is our weekly last-minute reminder, so would-be walkers can set their calendars for next Wednesday morning!).

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW)

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, play at the newly reopened Missing Piece (4707 California SW).

FREE KIDS’ ART WORKSHOP: With Rec’N The Streets at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 3 pm.

DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP CANCELED: No High Point Library volunteers today.

ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)

CRIBBAGE NIGHT: Play at Delridge Community Center! Dinner provided, prizes up for grabs. 5:30 pm. (4501 Delridge Way SW)

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix your broken item instead of throwing it out! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm, drop in and create! If you want some inspiration, this month’s spotlight project, if you don’t have is a trio of personalized holiday-tree ornaments. (3400 Harbor SW)

WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: You’re invited to this 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Get moving in the middle of the week – the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) is tonight – all welcome, regardless what pace you run at!

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)

MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

KUNDALINI YOGA: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.

TRIVIA x 5: We have five West Seattle trivia spots on our Wednesday list: at Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), 7 pm, free to play … 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), free to play … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night also starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, it’s trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.

WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK BENEFIT @ TALARICO’S TRIVIA: Again this week, bring food and/or money to Talarico’s aforementioned 8:30 pm trivia, to support the West Seattle Food Bank!

‘PENELOPE’ PREVIEW: See ArtsWest‘s new play on preview night for just $10! 7:30 pm curtain. (4711 California SW)

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: West Seattle’s longest-running open mic! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: Sing at the pub starting at 8:45 pm. (2306 California SW)

Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar (and Holiday Guide too, if it’s seasonal)! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Memorial service planned December 6 for Mary Ann Scott, 1937-2025

November 26, 2025 9:00 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather December 6 to remember Mary Ann Scott, and are sharing this remembrance with her community:

Mary Ann (Weir) Scott
1937-2025

Mary Ann Scott, 87, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on December 14, 1937, in Spokane, Washington, the daughter of Ralph and Mary Weir, and one of 6 children.

Mary Ann attended Marycliff High School, where her spirit, talent, and sense of adventure shone early. As a young girl, she was a certified lifeguard and a proud member of the award-winning Silver Mermaids synchronized underwater ballet team. She later became a singer in a swing band and was crowned Miss Sweetheart of Spokane in 1956.

Mary Ann met Thomas Scott and married in 1957. They first made their home in Pittsburgh. PA, where they welcomed their daughter before later settling in Seattle, where their three sons were born. As a mother of 4, Mary Ann was endlessly supportive – present at every game, event and milestone- always cheering her children on with unwavering devotion.

She was a gourmet cook, an avid antique enthusiast, and loved to dance. Her beautiful voice found a home in the church choir, and her warmth, friendship, and generosity touched everyone she met. Mary Ann also enjoyed a remarkable and successful 48-year career as a realtor, where she was deeply respected and loved by clients and colleagues alike.

Above all, Mary Ann’s greatest happiness came from her devotion to her faith and family. Her love for them – steady, boundless, and joyful – was returned to her in abundance. She was known for her radiant smile, her kindness, and her eagerness to embrace any adventure.

Mary Ann is survived by her daughter Kari (Peter), her 3 sons Mike (Rachel), Greg (Emmylu), Tom Jr., her former husband Tom Sr.; her sister Judith, companion Rick; her sister-in-law Annie; niece Heather; granddaughters Claire and Kaela; grandson Aaron (Elisa); and 4 great-grandchildren Ernie, Joseph, Bobby, and Lucia.

Our family will forever treasure her love, laughter, and the joy she brought into our lives. A service will be held for Mary Ann on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in West Seattle, 7000 35th Ave SW.

Rosary 10:00 AM (optional)
Mass 10:30 AM
Private family burial service immediately following

Please share memories & photos on the guestbook at www.emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/mary-ann-scott

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

(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)

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thanksgiving Eve Wednesday

November 26, 2025 6:01 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s the day before Thanksgiving – Wednesday, November 26, 2025 – check our West Seattle Holiday Guide for holiday info from open restaurants/coffee shops to grocery-store hours to pre-turkey running/walking/dancing!

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The forecast for today: Cloudy, more rain likely, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise will be at 7:30 am; sunset will be at 4:22 pm.

SIDEWALK/STREET ALERT IN THE JUNCTION

As reported here Monday, sewer work outside the Poggie Tavern is affecting the street/sidewalk along southbound California SW between Alaska and Edmunds.

SCHOOL CHANGES

Family-Teacher conferences continue at Seattle Public Schools elementary and K-8 schools, so there are no classes. Also today, Denny International Middle School is closed.

TRANSIT TODAY AND TOMORROW

Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is on the three-boat schedule, with M/V Cathlamet, M/V Kittitas, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any changes. This route WILL run on a holiday schedule on Thanksgiving.

Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes. Metro will run on a Sunday schedule tomorrow.

Water Taxi – regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule. The WS WT will NOT run on Thanksgiving.

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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Community visitors outnumber spawning salmon during this year’s Fauntleroy Creek watch

November 25, 2025 10:01 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(This photo and next by Dave Gershgorn. Above, spawning pair that chose a spot just above the fish ladder)

By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog

With great enthusiasm, 130 people kicked off Salmon Watch 2025 on Fauntleroy Creek with the Fauntleroy Watershed Council’s annual drumming to call in coho spawners. Dozens of vigorous fish had been sighted schooling in Fauntleroy Cove, and nearly three dozen volunteers made sure their route along the beach stayed open.

Watchers checked the spawning reach daily, school groups came on field trips, and 100 members of the general public came to the council’s “open creek” in the spawning reach on November 9. Everyone’s reward was slim, however. From October 26 through November 21, watchers documented only nine fish and one spawning pair.

(Full of eggs, the last spawner pushed ahead through the fish ladder November 10 without a mate)

While disappointing, such a low count is not unusual for small Seattle creeks. Since Fauntleroy Creek’s first documented pair, in 1994, the count has fluctuated between zero and last year’s record 347.

“These fish need high tides and ample rainfall to flush impurities out of the creek and give them easy entry at the mouth,” said veteran watcher Dennis Hinton. “This year, those conditions did not align, and predation in the cove were especially heavy.”

(Photo by Tom Trulin: Volunteers hosted students of all ages, including this group from the Urban Nature Preschool)

Volunteers will check the lower creek in February for home-hatch fry, then turn their attention to school releases in the spring. Next year, releases will happen in Longfellow Creek because of the culvert-replacement project. In order to replace the creek culvert under 45th Ave. SW, the contractor will need to dewater the site by pumping creek flow into a bypass pipe, which fish heading to saltwater from the upper creek would not survive.

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ELECTION 2025: The final November numbers

November 25, 2025 8:46 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photo, Election Night ballot-box staffing)

Three weeks after voting ended, King County Elections has certified the final results of the general election. So in case you’re wondering how the final counts turned out, here are results of the major races:

City of Seattle

Seattle Mayor
Katie Wilson – 138,931 – 50.20%
Bruce Harrell* – 136,920 – 49.47%
Write-in – 911 – 0.33%

City Attorney
Erika Evans – 178,470 – 66.90%
Ann Davison* – 87,886 – 32.94%
Write-in – 422 – 0.16%

Council Position No. 8 (citywide)
Alexis Mercedes Rinck* – 207,892 – 81.41%
Rachael Savage – 46,266 – 18.12%
Write-in – 1,214 – 0.48%

Council Position No. 9 (citywide)
Dionne Foster – 165,930 – 62.80%
Sara Nelson* – 97,710 – 36.98%
Write-in – 579 – 0.22%

Proposition No. 1 (Families, Education, Preschool, Promise Levy)
Yes – 217,294 – 79.97%
No – 54,440 – 20.03%

Proposition No. 2 (B&O tax changes)
Yes – 190,555 – 70.97%
No – 77,958 – 29.03%

King County

Executive
Girmay Zahilay – 321,749 – 54.02%
Claudia Balducci – 267,419 – 44.90%
Write-in – 6,470 – 1.09%

Proposition No. 1 (Medic One Levy)
Yes – 513,223 – 80.70%
No – 122,703 – 19.30%

The full countywide final list of results is here.

Other numbers of note, from the ballot-return stats pages:

Countywide turnout 45.71%
Seattle citywide turnout 55.98%
Ballots returned by drop box 66.91%
Ballots returned by USPS 32.68%

The drop box in The Junction was the third-most-used countywide.

The ballot-return stats pages also offer some demographic breakdowns, such as turnout by age:

22.74% turnout for ages 18-24
33.66% turnout for ages 25-34
41.92% turnout for ages 35-44
45.81% turnout for ages 45-54
52.50% turnout for ages 55-64
64.01% turnout for ages 65+

KCE plans to release the final precinct-by-precinct vote breakout tomorrow.

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BIZNOTE: Trial run under way for KinD Asian Fusion in West Seattle Junction

November 25, 2025 5:26 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The longtime Junction restaurant space that was Be’s Restaurant for decades and Bonjour Vietnam until recently will be home to a pop-up Asian fusion restaurant until at least late December.

“We’re still figuring out if this will be the right spot for us,” says Randy Nguyen, one of three partners running KinD Asian Fusion at 4509 California SW.

With 2 weeks open in “soft opening” mode, KinD (pronounced kin-dee, meaning “eat well” in Thai) is serving their menu every day but Tuesday from 10 am-9 pm, offering a variety of handmade dumplings, banh mi, noodle dishes, and soups, as well as appetizers and teas. Nguyen says their focus is on being able to accommodate varying tastes. Along with a beef noodle soup stock that simmers 12 hours, they also offer a vegan broth option. He says by using a tablet to place orders, customers have the ability to choose exactly what they want,.”Whatever customizations they want, we can do them.”

Nguyen says that during the popup test run, they are leasing the space from Jade Nguyen (no relation), who ran Bonjour Vietnam and still runs The Alley speakeasy in the area behind the restaurant space. That proximity and cooperation allows patrons from both establishments to easily order from the another. Randy Nguyen is hoping to expand weekend hours to midnight to be more available for customers in The Alley.

Orders can also be placed for delivery through Door Dash, and Nguyen expects Grubhub and Uber Eats to be available by the end of the week. While they don’t have a website, KinD’s menu is available via a QR code that can be found on their A-board sign (top photo) as well as social media. Based on how well the trial runs goes, Nguyen says the partners will make a decision in December about whether to turn their pop-up into a permanent location. He says they’ve had great feedback so far. “Our goal is to stay, based on the reception we’ve received over the last week.”

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STOP: 26th SW and SW Genesee now all-way stop after SDOT sign installation

November 25, 2025 2:02 pm

| 21 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tip and photos! A reader reports that the intersection of 26th SW and SW Genesee is now an all-way stop, after SDOT installed signs on Genesee today:

This comes five-plus years after a community controversy over a different plan to calm traffic at that intersection: In 2020, SDOT announced a sudden plan for “diverters” at this intersection and 26th/Brandon; after neighborhood pushback, they shelved the idea in March 2021, and that’s the last time the word “diverters” appears in our archives. 26th SW is a greenway through the area.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Silverado pickup

November 25, 2025 1:03 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

The photo and report were sent by Liz:

Stolen from West Seattle this morning
Vin ————-5388
2002 Chevy (Silverado) 2500 HD
Had certified sh-tbox sticker on front windshield, sticker on door that says installation
Case #25-346579

UPDATE: Taken from near Fauntleroy/Findlay.

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From the West Seattle Holiday Guide: Five ways to start Thanksgiving on the move

November 25, 2025 12:50 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Thanksgiving 2024)

Just a reminder that the top of our West Seattle Holiday Guide is stuffed with Thanksgiving information, and that includes five ways to work out before you chow down – three runs, one dance-fitness class, and one walk, all with start times between 8 and 9 am. They begin as always with the Gobble Gobble Group Run and Food Drive at Alki, presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), at 8 am (our photo above shows part of the hardy crowd who showed up last year). Is our list missing anything open to the community? Let us know so we can add!

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UPDATE: Why Seattle Fire crews were at Westwood Village Ross

November 25, 2025 11:50 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(Photo sent by Travis)

11:50 AM: Thanks for the photos and tips. Two Seattle Fire crews are at the Ross store in Westwood Village.

(Texted photo)

According to the dispatch, staff and customers evacuated the store because of a “natural gas odor.”

11:56 AM: Firefighters have just told dispatch “this appears to be an HVAC issue, no smoke or fire” so they’ll be leaving,

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17 things to know for the rest of your West Seattle Tuesday

November 25, 2025 10:30 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Sorry we’re running later than usual today! Here are our daily event reminders, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

TOYS FOR TOTS: Drop off new unwrapped toys for the drive at Highstreet Insurance (5431 California SW; WSB sponsor), 8 am-4:30 pm weekdays.

FREE PLAYSPACE: Indoor play on (another) gray day! West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.

MEDICARE INFO DROP-IN: Independent broker Patrice Lewis will be at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon) 11 am-12:30 pm to answer Medicare-related questions.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: No meeting today – members are volunteering at Westside Neighbors Shelter.

CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.

DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Available for K-12 students at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:45 pm.

DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.

DJ AT EASY STREET: 6-9 pm, Depeche Mike spins vinyl from five decades of alternative rock (4559 California SW), no cover, all ages, bar open for 21+, kitchen open until 6.

TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.

WESTSIDE DANCE WITH DEAN: All-ages dance lessons, no partner necessary, first lesson free! 6:30 pm at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon)

OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way).

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Classes continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Our calendar listing has details including how to check if they have space for you. Space allowing, newcomers are welcome, and the first class is free.

WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you participate.

BINGO: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 5: Five locations for trivia tonight – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW) … Trivia at Christos on Alki (2508 Alki SW), 7:15 pm.

If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar and (if it’s seasonal) Holiday Guide, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Be Santa for 50+ families at ‘small but mighty’ Roxhill Elementary

November 25, 2025 9:36 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Friends of Roxhill Elementary are gathering community support for families at their “small but mighty” school – here’s the request we were asked to share:

This year, more than any in recent memory, families at Roxhill Elementary are reaching out for support. With rising costs, limited government assistance, and growing food insecurity, more than 50 of our families have asked for help with groceries and basic essentials. That’s why we’re turning to our West Seattle community to help us ensure these families are supported through our Winter Basic Needs Fundraiser.

Roxhill is a small-but-mighty Title I school in the south end of West Seattle, serving approximately 250 students. 60% of our students qualify for free and reduced lunch, and more than 72% come from BIPOC communities. What truly defines our school, though, is our strong sense of community—our commitment to showing up for one another in meaningful ways.

During winter break, many students lose access to the free breakfasts and lunches they rely on during the school year. Our goal is to bridge that gap so families can keep everyone fed throughout the holidays. If you are in a position to give, please consider donating to Friends of Roxhill. 100% of your contribution goes directly to supporting families.

Together, we can show every Roxhill family that they are seen, valued, and cared for. Please consider making a donation today.

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Holiday-week Tuesday notes

November 25, 2025 6:02 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The forecast for today: More rain, high in the mid-40s. Sunrise will be at 7:29 am; sunset will be at 4:23 pm.

TRAFFIC ALERT

As reported here Monday, sewer work is expected to block a lane on southbound California SW between Alaska and Edmunds.

SCHOOL CHANGES THIS WEEK

From Seattle Public Schools:

November 24-26 = Family-Teacher conference days in elementary and K-8 schools. No school for elementary and K-8 schools, varies by school. Most middle schools are open.

In West Seattle, one unique schedule – Denny International Middle School is open today, closed Wednesday-Friday.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes. Metro will run on a Sunday schedule on Thursday.

Water Taxi – regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule. The WS WT will NOT run on Thursday.

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:

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.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Beach Drive gunfire

November 24, 2025 10:18 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

10:18 PM: Police are investigating gunfire in the “Healthy Street” section of Beach Drive SW. An officer told dispatch they found casings in the street, just south of Benton, after 911 callers reported gunfire around 10 pm. One person said they saw the flashes as shots were fired from someone in a black Mercedes or Acura which subsequently headed south on Beach Drive; they told police four people were in the car but did not offer any descriptions. If you have any information, the incident # is 2025-345255.

10:33 PM: Callers reported “about 10 shots” to 911; so far, an officer just told dispatch, “we got 16.”

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VIDEO: One less station? Two less, for now? Sound Transit’s possible light-rail cost-cutting options floated at full-house West Seattle forum

November 24, 2025 9:59 pm

| 74 COMMENTS

| Sound Transit | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The event that brought a standing-room-only crowd to Youngstown Cultural Arts Center‘s Thelma Dewitty Theater tonight was announced as a “light-rail visioning forum,” but “floating forum” would have been more accurate: At the heart of it were Sound Transit managers floating their most promising options for getting West Seattle light rail cost back into “affordable” range.

The biggest potential changes: “Phasing” West Seattle light rail – build between SODO and Delridge first, extend to The Junction sometime later – or dropping the Avalon station entirely. The latter has already been more extensively discussed than the former – both were presented at a board committee meeting we covered in September – and the way that ST’s Brad Owen and Jason Hampton discussed it tonight, it sounded almost like a done deal.

Nothing, however, has been decided, or is on the brink of decision, but it’s just a matter of months before the Sound Transit Board starts making decisions as part of its “Enterprise Initiative.” Before we talk more about what was shown tonight, here’s our full video of the hour-and-a-half forum, introduced by our area’s King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, who mentioned she’s hoping to join the ST Board (which will have vacancies soon, such as King County Council chair Girmay Zahilay vacating his seat as he moves up to the one guaranteed for his new job as KC Executive):

The first half-hour was spent mostly in acknowledgments and preface; then came the heart of the presentation, followed by about 20 minutes for questions.

During her introduction, Mosqueda said the forum was important because “West Seattleites like details.” She is one herself, a North Delridge resident, as is the other local elected official she introduced, City Councilmember Rob Saka, who otherwise did not speak. Second speaker was ST CEO Dow Constantine, who championed West Seattle light rail during the years he was on the board as county executive (and noted tonight that his first swearing-in was exactly 16 years ago).

He said the “Enterprise Initiative” is all about trying to make the agency sustainable, explaining that it has evolved from a “capital construction fir” to a “substantial transit agency,” serving “up to 150,000 people a day” while building one of the nation’s longest light-rail lines – and figuring out how to close a $34 billion, 20-year budget deficit. In the big picture, Constantine said, by the time the FIFA World Cup games come here next year, ST will have built 63 miles in less than 17 years, pronouncing that a “history of success” that should offer hope “we can solve today’s problems.”

More optimism was offered by Carrie Avila-Mooney, representing outgoing County Executive Shannon Braddock (who had been billed as a forum speaker), reminding those present that the project already had its Federal Record of Decision and therefore hope for the federal funding it would need. She said Braddock – a West Seattleite who had served as Constantine’s deputy executive – is a “huge, huge fan of building” West Seattle light raill

When Owen and Hampton from ST finally began their presentation, one of the early slides was notable for added rationale points arguing for the West Seattle line, including that it would be a travel alternative “if the West Seattle Bridge is congested or closed for repairs” and that it “facilitates future expansion to the south” such as White Center and the airport.

Owen said West Seattle is now about a third of the way through design – 30 percent – meaning they are getting “cost clarity.” That’s led to the previous reporting about the three-stop West Seattle line potentially costing up to $7.9 billion, while current financing would cover about $4.2 billion.

So that gap called for some “project-specific things we think we can move the needle on.” Station optimization for SODO and The Junction would save some money, but not as much as eliminating the Avalon station or “phasing” by stopping at Delridge for an undetermined while.

ST describes potential savings in terms of “levers”:

The highest level “lever” would be phasing. If they stopped at Delridge for now, they estimate the project would cost just over $3 billion, within the range of affordability, and that’s a “conservative” estimate, Owen said.

“Phasing is a very typical thing for these projects,” he insisted.

The next level of “lever” would apply to dropping the Avalon station, though that would only drop the cost into the $6 billion range, still more money than the agency could cover.

Skipping the Avalon station also could enable a different entrance for the tunnel to The Junction, possibly sparing the West Seattle Health Club (among other properties) and reducing the impact to Longfellow Creek, the ST reps said.

They also briefly discussed possible optimization for the Junction station – a previously reported design change that would remove the plan for “tail tracks” south of the station – and changes to the Duwamish River light-rail-only bridge as well as the SODO station.

After the brief review of these possibilities, the podium was given to Kirk Hovenkotter of the Transportation Choices Coalition, a light-rail booster who explained his group’s recently announced Build the Damn Trains campaign.

He said that instead of cutting back on projects like this, ST should look at “creative” ways to turn the plan into reality. (We asked him afterward if he was suggesting a search for new revenue; he said no,
they don’t want to see ST cut back on projects like this; instead, he said he supports ST’s quest for legislative approval to issue 75-year bonds without voter approval.

Less than half an hour remained when they started taking audience questions – both written ones collected from the crowd by people including Rachel Porter, executive director of the co-sponsoring <strong>West Seattle Chamber of Commerce:

Those included a request for more information on what the “no Avalon station” concept might mean:

Hampton said the West Seattle extension wouldn’t see much of an overall ridership drop if Avalon was scratched – most of its prospective users would go to one of the other stations. Meantime, Owen acknowledged that they’re slowing the pursuit of properties until this is all figured out. Hampton acknowledged that they had acquired three homes, not because they needed the property quickly but because the owners requested early action due to life circumstances (as reported here in July). The ST reps said that if it ultimately turns out those properties aren’t needed for the project, they’ll “work with the property acquisition team” to determine what to do with them.

A few questions were asked via open microphone. One was whether there would be a “real town hall” devoted to people’s questions. Mosqueda said she hopes to have more events like this but in the meantime, all the officials and managers who were there are accessible for one-on-one questioning. Another attendee asked how to build the light-rail extension faster; Owen suggested the “phasing” was one answer – “when you have to build less, you could build faster.”

But while it’s decided whether they will build less, or make other changes, some residents and business owners remain in limbo, like Erin Rubin of Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) and nonprofit Mode Music and Performing Arts, still likely to have to move no matter what changes are made in the plan, as their building remains in the Delridge station footprint, whether the project is “phased,” trimmed dow, or changed in some other way.

WHAT’S NEXT: The ST Board’s work on the “Enterprise Initiative” is expected to take another year or so, but decisions on plan changes and project changes are expected sooner, likely in the first half of next year. Until then, ST says it wants “feedback on design refinements,” so if you have thoughts on what was floated tonight – and/or other ideas – you can email westseattlelink@soundtransit.org.

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