West Seattle, Washington
22 Saturday
(Gull photographed during recent sunrise by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Today, we start the season of two-part event lists most days – first part today is from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
C & P HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: 8 am-2 pm, shop local at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) with local makers there to show and sell their creations.
EASTRIDGE CHURCH TURKEY GIVEAWAY: Hundreds of turkeys and bags of holiday-fixings groceries will be available outside the church at 39th/Oregon, starting at 9 am, continuing until 11:30 am, or while they last. Details here.
HOLIDAY BAZAAR AT ALKI CENTER: Alki Court #21‘s annual Craft Bazaar on November 22 from 9 am to 4 pm at the Alki Masonic Center (4736 40th Ave SW), bake sale, art, crafts, concessions with breakfast and lunch options.
ARROWHEAD GARDENS WINTER CRAFT FAIR: Amazing handmade creations, including baked goods and preserves, every year! Office/community building on the east side of the complex at 9220 2nd SW, 10 am-3 pm.
CAUDLE FAMILY’S DRIVE-UP FOOD AND COAT DRIVE: Again this year, you can drive up, ride up, walk up, and drop off food and coat donations for the West Seattle Food Bank – 10 am-3 pm. Back lot at Hope Lutheran (4456 42nd SW), off SW Oregon just east of 42nd..
(White Center Library Guild sale, WCN/WSB Friday photo)
BOOK SALE AND HOLIDAY BAZAAR: The White Center Library Guild‘s seasonal sale continues, second of two days, 11 am-4 pm at the library. (1409 SW 107th)
ARTIST POP-UP AT CAPERS HOME: 11 am-4 pm, you’ll find Gretchen Flickinger at CAPERS Home (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor) with hand-painted note cards.
CHRISTMAS TREES: Most places that sell them in West Seattle for the season have them available now! Scroll through the Holiday Guide for the list.
And here’s the non-holiday-season events for today, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Start your weekend with a run! West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) leads Saturday 8 am free group runs!
FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am community meditation at Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska) – register here.
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.
RESTAURANT’S OPENING DAY: Chef Geno from The Home Skillit says today’s his official opening day at 6045 California SW – details in our calendar listing.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: The Garden Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW, north end of campus), is open 10 am-3 pm.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
FREE WRITING GROUP: Back in session again this week, 10:30 am, info in our calendar listing.
GRIEFSHARE: New session continues, 10:30 am at Grace Church, no charge (10323 28th SW)
INTERNATIONAL GAMES MONTH: Every Saturday this month, drop in to play at the South Park Library (8604 8th Ave. S.), 11 am-4 pm – today, card games and puzzles!
(Photo from White Center Now, dragon eggs October Rat City Art Walk)
DRAGON BINDING: A RAKU EXPERIENCE: 11 am to 6 pm, visit Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW) to create a dragon egg and call a dragon spirit, as explained here; sign up here.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open noon-4 pm on Saturdays. (61st SW and SW Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
TEACHING READING: Local educator’s free workshop, 1-4 pm at High Point Library (3422 SW Raymond); contact info is in our calendar listing, to see if there’s still room.
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open for you to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar, and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area.
SUPER SMASH SATURDAYS: 1-10 pm at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs).
CELEBRATE SPRINGER! Learn about the first and only successful orca rescue of its kind from Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail, free all-ages presentation at 3 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
PROTEST SIGNMAKING: West Seattle Indivisible invites you to join in signmaking for the two “We Ain’t Buying It” protests in West Seattle on Sunday and Friday. 4-5:30 pm at High Poiht Library (3411 SW Raymond).
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), acoustic trio The Brews Brothers performs. All ages, no charge.
IT’S ALL HAPPENING AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Alt-rockers It’s All Happening are releasing their first album and celebrating with a free, all-ages show at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW).
‘THE CRUCIBLE’ AT WSHS: Last chance to see the student production at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW), as previewed here, 7:30 pm curtain.
BANDS AT THE SKYLARK: At 8 pm tonight (doors at 7) it’s West Seattle’s DA/D and Bent Not Broken, benefit for the club’s moving fund. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ Shonuph at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Our Saturday list concludes as always with 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The hit-and-run crash that injured a child on Alki last Sunday afternoon was one of three major topics at Thursday night’s Alki Community Council gathering.
SEATTLE POLICE: Crime-prevention cordinator Matt Brown, filling in for Jennifer Satterwhite during her maternity leave, brought information about Sunday’s hit-run in the 2700 block of Alki Avenue SW. Though SPD had told us earlier this week that there was no arrest, Brown said police did find the driver and that the City Attorney’s Office would be pursuing charges. Brown said the driver’s vehicle was impounded and said it “sounds ike the driver panicked” and that’s why they left the scene. As the victim’s mother noted in comments following our original story, the child was treated at a hospital but able to leave the same day.
Brown said precinct commander Captain Krista Bair reahed out to SDOT shortly afterward about safety measures for that stretch of Alki Avenue; SDOT’s Bill LaBorde daid they’re “seriously tracking this injury” and pointed out that the city already has implemented a lot of safety improvements on Alki. But, the more people request safety measures, the more likely they are to be implemented. People are advocating for more improvements “because we don’t want this to happen again,” Brown said. Community advocate Steve Pumphrey said that’s great but unfortunately it always seems that nothing happens until there’s “been an event.” He mentioned previous instances in which the City Council passed measures such as technology initiatives for speed and noise enforcement among other things – but they were never implemented. ACC president Charlotte Starck noted that this particular stretch of Alki has a preschool, arcades, and other reasons for increased presence of children, and yet = decisions don’t seem to reflect the reality. Starck plans more conversations with SDOT as well as with Councilmember Rob Saka.
Also surfaced, 63rd SW has been left out of the most-recent traffic-calming plans (although the forthcoming “Healthy Street” updates have a pedestrian-activated light coming). But: “People have to care that there’s a crosswalk,” said one attendee. Another thought police should be there enforcing. Another attendee complained, “The speed bumps are launch pads for the racers.” “They’re too far apart,” added Pumphrey. Has SDOT walked all these areas? asked another person – particulary 59th, where a school will reopen in a year? One fact offered: The “Healthy Street” overhaul has shut down racing by Constellation Park.
ALKI HOLIDAY LIGHTS: Stacy Bass-Walden (above center), Zak Nyberg (above left), and Wyatt Carlock are organizing Alki Holiday Lights – which was put together on short notice last year, and this year has a $5,000 city grant to assist. Like last year, it’s the same night that the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship comes to Alki (last year, before Thanksgiving, but this year, just a week before Christmas, December 18). They’re signing up businesses to participate, with plans so far including strolling carolers from West Seattle High School, Santa photos at the bathhouse, business offers including candy canes at Seaside Grill, free waffle with drink purchase at Happy Lemon, a TBA West Seattle Arcade “surprise,” free cocoa at some venues, cider and cookies too, plus free baklava at Christo’s, and free cider and kids crafts and bake sale at the Log House Museum. Also a bonfire, a DJ with holiday music for karaoke … This year the titular lights will include double the luminaria, 100 instead of 50, so they need a couple dozen volunteers to help with those (email the ACC if you’re interested).
2026 LEADERSHIP: President Starck started with words of appreciation for two trustees and longtime board members – past president Tony Fragada and trustee Will Winter, who were there, and outgoing treasurer Kathy Olson, who was not. Amy Anderson, who has been serving as acting VP and is incoming treasurer, said she “kind of stumbled into Alki Community Council” after people in her building were involved in the Harbor/Alki “safety group.” For the big picture, Starck explained, the group is marking 40 years (as the ACC logo notes, “est. 1985”), “and we want to keep the momentum going forward.” The board is adding a communications/marketing position. Lynn Drake, a retired engineer who’s been doing social media for ACC, is excited about some of the initiatives that the group has taken on. She talked about her support for urbanism and talking to ACC leadership to find out if she coud serve even if her philosophy was different. Starck made it clear that this isn’t an ideology-driven group – they all share big goals such as neighborhood safety. Starck also talked about the intensity of the wrk as president, advocating for Alki, often “on the phone” with government or other reps. She said she’s willing to take it on for another year as a “transition” year for another leader to emerge for future years.
BETWEEN MEETINGS: Watch for updates at alkicommunitycouncil.org>.
Sent by Marco:
Just wanted to let you know that this Saturday at 11:30 AM at (Nino Cantu) Southwest Athletic Complex – Louisa Boren STEM K-8 Girls’ Varsity Soccer team will be playing for the K-8 championship against Catherine Blaine K-8.
The varsity team is STEM’s only girls’ soccer team and includes 6th, 7th and 8th graders. The team was created only a year ago and this year’s team has gone 5-1-1.
A big thanks to STEM teacher and coach Sonya Glaspy for leading them to the championship. And a big thanks to high school senior Finley Dresang for helping coach this season.
Go, Owls! Let’s bring the K-8 cup to West Seattle!
Here’s how their regular season went.
From the WSB inbox, two reader reports of items more likely to be stolen/abandoned than simply lost:
Above is a bicycle Mike found along Beach Drive, in or near the 4800 block, where he is holding it for safekeeping. Below are items Celeste saw along an Upper Alki stairway:
If you think any of the above items is yours, please contact us and we’ll connect you to the finders.
(WSB file photo)
One more reminder – especially considering more people are experiencing food insecurity right now – tomorrow morning (Saturday, November 22) is the annual Eastridge Church turkey giveaway. Between their West Seattle and Issaquah campuses, they are ready to provide 1,500 turkeys and bags of holiday-meal groceries. No proof of need required; in West Seattle,the line forms outside the Eastridge campus on 39th SW just south of SW Oregon (across from West Seattle Bowl). They expect to be there until 11:30 am unless the turkeys run out sooner.
1:47 PM: Thanks for the tip! Power is out for 50+ customers in north Gatewood, centered around 39th/Holly.
5:11 PM: The outage has ended since last we checked. SCL hasn’t yet answered our question about what caused it.
The money that community group Morgan Junction All-Wheels Area fought to get into next year’s city budget is still there and on its way to final approval when the City Council meets at 1 pm for its final round of votes.
(Grindline’s schematic for proposed ‘skate dot’ at Morgan Junction Park site)
That’s $700,000 that Parks said would be required to cover the cost of a “skate dot” area when the Morgan Junction Park expansion is built – otherwise, despite earlier city commitments, it wasn’t going to get built unless MJAWA managed to raise that much, in addition to the grant money and countless volunteer work they’d already put into the project. Josh Radick from MJAWA tells WSB they’re expecting to hear what’s next from Parks in January (though they’d requested monthly updates, starting sooner). District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka sponsored this budget amendment; you can see the final list of council budget changes – including who sponsored them and whether they passed – by going here. (Saka’s other West Seattle amendments in the budget about to be finalized include $150,000 for Admiral pedestrian improvements, $250,000 for late-night teen programs at High Point Community Center, $250,000 for North Delridge businesses facing light-rail displacement, $500,000 that could be earmarked for the Highland Park Improvement Club rebuild, $100,000 that could be earmarked for A Cleaner Alki‘s work, $1 million for the “public market” project African Community Housing and Development plans at 9th/Henderson, plus items without costs attached, such as a study of noise enforcement and a policy review about unpermitted vending (both particularly Alki-relevant). If you have any last words for the council regarding the budget, the agenda for the 1 pm meeting includes commenting info.
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
Candlelight illuminated memories of “those who have gone before us” Thursday night at the second annual Providence Mount St. Vincent (WSB sponsor) “Hallelujah Lights.” Those who gathered under a canopy on the southeast side of the campus were serenaded by The Starry Crowns Trio:
Paulina Alvarado acknowledged to those gathered that “grief is so present, but so are our loved ones”:
She noted that The Mount’s “singing tree” nearby – with lights that respond to sounds near it – is “a symbol of love and light”:
Also speaking was Nancy Jordan, grieving for her mom, who died in June after living at The Mount for a year:
She shared holiday memories and urged attendees to do the same. The microphone went around and many did – recalling holiday food and drink traditiions from gingerbread to bourbon-spiked egg nog, and even family memories like parents squabbling over choosing a Christmas tree.
The memories culminated with a moment for everyone to say aloud the name of whoever they’re remembering – and one more reminder that those we’ve lost live on as an indelible part of us.
(Last fall-colors view? Photo by Jerry Simmons)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:
FREE INDOOR PLAY: “Stay and Play” is open 10 am-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), with toys for the little ones and coffee for their chaperones.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER The center is open for plant-shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
BOOK SALE AND HOLIDAY BAZAAR: The White Center Library Guild‘s seasonal sale begins, first of two days, 11 am-4 pm at the library. (1409 SW 107th)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.
QI-GONG: Natalia‘s Friday sessions are 12:30-1 pm at La Choza (10401 47th SW).
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle.
SIP, SHOP, SWAP AT PAPER BOAT BOOKSELLERS: Cozy Friday night at the bookstore (WSB sponsor) with Darby Winery pouring plus a book swap, 6-8 pm. (4522 California SW)
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, guitarist Gabby Rizzo at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
FREE TEEN SWIM: 6-7 pm at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle), free swim session for ages 13=18.
LIVE MUSIC AT MR. B’S: 7 pm, Solomon Grey & Etcetera Spire perform at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), no cover.
‘THE CRUCIBLE’ AT WSHS: Second-to-last night for new student production at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW), as previewed here, 7:30 pm curtain.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Forest Service, Chalk Murphy, Ev Linett play tonight, doors 7 pm, music 8 pm>. $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW).
SPINNING: DJ Buttnaked at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING: Skating with live music – tonight, metal with Fire Marshall Ventura – 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!
Highland Park Elementary students won’t get an outdoor experience unless grant money is raised. Here’s the request we received to share with you:
Let’s Keep the Highland Park Elementary Overnight Camp Tradition Alive!
For decades, Highland Park Elementary 5th graders have spent an unforgettable week at Camp Sealth, building confidence, resilience, and connection with nature.
This year, state budget cuts canceled our Outdoor Learning Grant—and we need to raise $15,000 to make camp possible.
Highland Park is a wonderfully diverse West Seattle school — 71% of our students are from minority backgrounds, and about 60% are classified as economically disadvantaged. Many of our students have never had the chance to experience an overnight outdoor camp, and this program would provide an incredible opportunity for learning, teamwork, and connection with nature.
The crowdfunding link is here.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, November 21, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Partly sunny plus a chance of more rain, high in the low 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:23 am; sunset will be at 4:26 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
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.
Metro buses – On regular 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!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Meet next year’s Admiral Neighborhood Association leadership:
Left to right, Becky Crompton is the new treasurer; staying on are secretary Meagan Loftin, president Joanie Jacobs and vice president Cheryl Lea. The vote came during Tuesday night’s every-other-month ANA gathering, this time
held at West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor).
Seattle Police didn’t send a rep this time, so that meant no crime/safety discussion to open the meeting. But there were two other topics of note:
ANA’S WINTER WONDERLAND: The business-district holiday celebration will be back for a third year on Saturday, December 13; Loftin is overseeing it. The night’s meeting venue also will play a major role during Winter Wonderland – West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW) will be the scene of a disco-dance party with Santa! Other businesses – mostly along California, between Walker and Charlestown, will host holiday activities, plus the Admiral Church choir will carol, and West Seattle High School students will have an arts pop-up. Watch for details and a map here next week. The festivities are all intended to “encourage everybody to shop small” this holiday season. (And if your Admiral business isn’t already signed up to participate, you can still jump in – Friday’s the deadline!)
(Schmitz Park, in the center of pilot/photographer Long Bach Nguyen‘s 2012 image)
SCHMITZ PARK CREEK RESTORE: Tim DiMarco and Dan Nye came with an update on the vision for Schmitz Preserve Park, 53 acres of largely untouched forest with a lot of history. (Here’s our original report from when the organization went public a year and a half ago.) Nye is a forest steward and talked briefly about Parks’ light touch on clearing some trees that fell during recent storms, leaving much of the wood to rot. He also talked about investigating why the creek doesn’t flow beyond the park, which “is a very important place for the indigenous people … the ravine was saved as a sacred space.” The ravine is likely the result of glaciers and Seattle Fault earthquake activity: “We want to preserve (the ravine).” He talked about the site’s history, with even President Roosevelt visiting. He shared the history of how they got to this point, talking with the city, with tribes, with schools “about how the park had been used and how it might be uded in the future.”
One big problem: Invasive specied – ivy, holly, blackberries, laurel. Everyone is welcome to come volunteer digging up invasives “and we have a blast – you really make a difference.” They had a big planting party at 51st/Orleans last weekend planting native species. (Another one is planned 10 am this Saturday, November 22.) They think what they’re doing can inspire other neighborhoods.
They also talked about the UW students who did a presentation a year ago of what concept plans might look like (WSB coverage here) – they’re still interested in feedback – they’re hoping the students will revisit what they did – they’re hoping to replant part of the park into native species, which would nurture salmon.
“This all of course will cost money,” said Nye, so they’ve formed a 501(c)3 nonprofit – they continue working on the possibility of restoring and daylighting the stream and bringing back the salmon. Their first grant is from the Bullitt Foundation. They say Parks lans to establish an endowment fund.
They periodically lead what is actually a historic tour – you can see where this brook comes down into the forest – “it’s a gorgeous stream,” says DiMarco, and it pops out of the hillsides. As they troop up, they talk about the history and the people who would come over here from other parts of the city. “It’s a huge beautiful forest; it’s amazing,” said Nye, “and it’s right here at your doorstep.” They hope to be able to rename it Alki Creek someday.
What’s the timeline for their project? 10 years or so, Nye replied.
NEXT MEETING: January 13, at Admiral HUB (4320 SW Hill).
BONUS QUESTION: There was a round of Admiral trivia to determine winners of the door prizes. First one: Who was the admiral after who Admiral was named?
After 2 1/2 months, Westwood Village has a drive-up/ride-up/walk-up mailbox again. It was damaged beyond usability in an early-September break-in; every time we’ve passed through WWV, we’ve been looking for a replacement to appear. Went through the center tonight for the first time in at least a few days, and just noticed the replacement is in place. It’s still a lot quicker than the year and a half the USPS took to replace its counterpart in The Junction,
(WSB photo, West Seattle Eagles, Thanksgiving 2024)
Thanksgiving Day 2025 is exactly one week away. The WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide has the full T-Day and pre-T-Day list; three highlights are these free community dinners in West Seattle on the holiday – all welcome, not just those who might go hungry otherwise:
THE HALL AT FAUNTLEROY, NOON-3 PM: For more than 20 years. Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering parent company D-Squared has cooked and served a full sit-down holiday dinner at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW). All are welcome. If you’d like to contribute, bring dessert – and/or gently used warm clothing, new blankets, and socks, for those who might need them. Our calendar listing explains how, when, and where to donate.
WEST SEATTLE EAGLES, 2 PM-6 PM: Also a longtime tradition – the Eagles open their doors (4426 California SW) to everyone on Thanksgiving for a full traditional dinner. All ages, membership not required.
ADMIRAL PUB, 6 PM: The pub proprietors annually welcome the community (21+) for a free Friendsgiving dinner with traditional Thanksgiving food. This year, they’re adding live music after dinner, at 9 pm. (2306 Calfornia SW)
The report was sent by Melinda:
Stolen 11/19 in West Seattle. This was my brother’s work van. He spent the night visiting and it was taken overnight from 5600 block of 44th Ave SW. ALL his tools were in there too. SIMILAR to the one in photo (a little different).
Plate B337292
1999 Chevrolet Astro Van
Vin # ——–3888
Call 911 if you find it. We’ll add the police report # when we get it.
(WSB photo, October)
West Seattle’s only emergency shelter for unhoused people is about to resume overnight operation, for the first time since shelter operators, police, and neighbors began working together following contentious public discussions about area street disorder. The announcement we received this afternoon explains how operations are changing:
Westside Neighbors Shelter, the cold-weather emergency shelter at the American Legion Hall in West Seattle, will open in the evenings for overnight stays on Saturday, November 22 at 6 pm.
People familiar with Westside Neighbors Shelter will notice some differences compared to how it has operated in the past.
This year, Burien Severe Weather Shelter, operated by Highline United Methodist Church (13015 1st Ave South), will work in cooperation with Westside Neighbors Shelter to provide overnight staffing and security for the 2025-2026 winter season. BSWS has provided overnight shelter with trained staff at HUMC during severe weather events for the past seven winters in Burien.
Unlike larger numbers in past years, only thirty-five individuals will be allowed to sleep inside the Legion Hall each night. This number increases to 45 when “severe weather” criteria is met according to King County Regional Homelessness Association. (Tier 3 severe weather is defined as daily high temperatures predicted at 35°F or below for a single day, daily low temperatures predicted at 30°F or below, and snow/rain accumulation greater than four inches.)
Client registration is required, and begins at 6 pm. Cots are assigned first-come, first-served for 35 beds. After that, a waitlist is kept for people who arrive at the shelter requesting a bed. A returning guest must show up by the time the doors close for the night at 10 pm, or their bed will be given to the next person on the waitlist. Dinner will be available only for those sleeping at the shelter that night.
Another change this season is that Westside Neighbors Shelter recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Southwest Precinct of the Seattle Police Department, giving officers the authority to act on behalf of the owner to enforce trespassing on shelter property without requiring prior approval from shelter leadership. This enables officers to go on property immediately to address harassment. Enforcement follows a clear three-step process: Verbal Warning → Citation → Arrest (if necessary).
SPD has also increased patrol visibility, including parking a patrol car on site at key times (such as after breakfast) to ensure guests leave the property once services conclude. The precinct has also increased their speed to remove offenders and response time to calls both around the shelter and in the surrounding Triangle.
This support is a big step forward and a direct result of community engagement. We appreciate the quick support from the SPD, and anticipate that the community will see a decrease in loitering on the property and in the immediate area.
The Westside Neighbors Shelter is hosted in the American Legion Hall at 3620 SW Alaska Street. To learn more about the shelter, visit westsideneighborsshelter.org
The shelter is powered by volunteers and donations.
The string of garage break-ins in the Admiral/Belvedere area continues. Whitney sent this report and security-camera image.
Early morning of Nov 20, at 3:42 AM, one of the glass panels in our garage door was broken, and a man, driving a Prius, entered and stole a set of golf clubs before opening our garage door and exiting.
Whitney adds that a neighbor’s garage was broken into two weeks ago; that’s close to when we published this previous reader report.
(SPS-TV video of last night’s School Board meeting – superintendent contract vote is 2 hours, 4 minutes in)
New Seattle Public Schools superintendent Ben Shuldiner will start work February 1, 2026. That’s part of what’s in the contract approved by the SPS School Board last night, two weeks after the board announced the current Lansing, MI, superintendent was their lone finalist for the job. As first reported on the Save Seattle Schools website, Shuldiner’s starting salary will be $365,000, plus a $60,000 Tax-Sheltered Annuity contribution, and if he stays for four years, he would get a $40,000 retention bonus. This contract is actually for two and a half years; board president Gina Topp – who negotiated it along with board VP Shawn Briggs – says that’s the longest state law would allow, spanning all or part of three school years. Other contract details include reimbursement for up to $17,000 in moving expenses, and $1,000 a month for using his own car on district business. The contract was approved unanimously; you can read it here. (For comparison, now-ex-superintendent Dr. Brent Jones was reported to have a base salary just under $350,000 as of a year ago.)
SIDE NOTE: If you missed it, here’s our recent report on a conversation with the superintendent-to-be.
(Wednesday sunrise – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
We’re continuing to update the Highway 99 tunnel closure here (11 am update: it’s open again), but otherwise, time to move on – belatedly – to what’s happening on the peninsula for the rest of 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)
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET MEETING: 9:30 am budget-committee meeting under way for councilmembers as they get close to approving next year’s budget – info’s on the agenda; watch via Seattle Channel.
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 the perfect 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.
SSC FOOD TRUCK: Also at the college today – 10:30 am-12:30 pm at campus clock tower (6000 16th SW), serving community members as well as students, Polynesian-inspired menu again today.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: 10:30 am at West Seattle Library (2306 42nd SW).
TODDLER STORY TIME IN WESTWOOD: Southwest Library story time is canceled today.
TURKEY TAKE-OUT: The week-early High Point Community Center Thanksgiving feast has dine-in or take-out options, noon-3 pm. (6920 34th 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!)
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is back 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 Impeckable Chicken.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HALLELUJAH LIGHTS: 4:30-5:30 pm outdoor gathering at Providence Mount St. Vincent (WSB sponsor) with lights, candlelight, and music, to remember and celebrate loved ones. (4831 35th SW)
RAT CITY ART AND FOOD WALK: More than two dozen venues are participating tonight, 5-8 pm – here’s the list of who’s where.
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!
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.
WASHINGTON STATE BLACK LEGACY INSTITUTE FUNDRAISER: 6 pm – check our calendar listing to see if there’s still space. (2656 42nd SW)
THE DUSTY 45s: 6 pm, featuring Rod Cook & Toast at Tim’s Tavern. (16th/98th, White Center)
WEST SEATTLE MONTESSORI OPEN HOUSE: 6-7 pm, prospective families invited to visit. (11215 15th SW, 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: This one’s for walkers! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), your chance to come hear and talk about what’s happening in the neighborhood.
MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: “Nine Pints” is this month’s book – come talk about it at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW), 7 pm.
TRIVIA: 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 21+.
CONSCIOUS CONNECTIONS: 7:15 pm at Revitalize Spa (8142 15th SW), monthly gathering to connect in a disconnected era.
‘THE CRUCIBLE’ AT WSHS: Second week for new student production at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW), as previewed here, 7:30 pm curtain.
DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Buttnaked, 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!
8:00 AM: The 99 tunnel is closed both ways because of a power outage.
8:20 AM: WSDOT has no estimate for reopening.
9:09 AM: Don’t even try to head toward downtown (unless it’s by bike or Water Taxi). One reader tried and finally gave up after little progress: “All roads leading in are at a standstill.”
9:23 AM: We haven’t heard a cause for the outage but for the record, here’s its footprint, from the City Light outage map, where it’s listed as 167 customers despite the outage zone’s extensive sprawl:
9:49 AM: Note that 99 access is closed far before the tunnel – for example, the ramp from the eastbound, West Seattle Bridge, and also to the south, SDOT just tweeted: “NB SR 99 is closed north of S Idaho St. All vehicles must exit at S Spokane St.” The main problem for the tunnel, per an AlertSeattle message, is that the outage is affecting its ventilation.
9:56 AM: City Light map shows most of the outage has just been resolved. We’re watching to see how soon the tunnel will reopen and will continue updating here until resolved.
10:30 AM: Still closed.
10:47 AM: WSDOT has just announced that the tunnel has reopened.
11:51 AM: We are following up on some questions raised by this. For the simple one – what caused the outage – SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang says it was “a wire that came down at 4th S and S Hanford this morning.”
1:05 PM: We also asked WSDOT about why the tunnel didn’t have backup systems. Spokesperson RB McKeon said, “There is redundancy in the system and we would normally receive power from the north end. That switch gear has failed and although our emergency generators kicked on, they are not designed to run the ventilation and some of the other systems.” McKeon added that “… we are also in touch with the manufacturer of our switch gear and have asked them for an assessment and recommendations. We are not aware of any other occasion where this has occurred.”
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, November 20, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Chance of more rain, then cloudy, eventually clearing, high in the low 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:22 am; sunset will be at 4:27 pm.
SPEED BUMP FOLLOWUP
(WSB photo, 62nd Avenue SW)
After a reader report that the latest wave of Alki speed bumps were finally all done, we went over to confirm; the view above is a speed hump (the type without a break in the middle – those are speed cushions) on 62nd SW.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is on a 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.
Metro buses – On regular 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!
(WSB photo, December 2024)
Last year, The Mount (WSB sponsor) presented “Hallelujah Lights” for the first time. This year, an encore, but earlier in the season – tomorrow (Thursday) night. If you haven’t already seen it in our Event Calendar or Holiday Guide, here’s the invitation:
Providence Mount St. Vincent’s Hallelujah Lights is a heartfelt tribute to those we love and remember. It’s the perfect way to welcome the holiday season and celebrate the bonds that unite us.
Enjoy an evening filled with live music by Starry Crowns Trio, soothing melodies, and the sweet taste of cocoa. Whether you come for the music, the memories, or the sense of togetherness, Hallelujah Lights offers something for everyone.
Event Details
Free to attend
Date: November 20, 2025
Time: 4:30–5:30 p.m. Location: Providence Mount St. Vincent, by the Singing Tree, SE corner front lawn
We look forward to sharing this magical evening with you!
Ten years after Khalid Agour opened Itto’s Tapas at the corner of California/Genesee on the north edge of The Junction, he’s inviting you to help him celebrate. This Friday (November 21st) Itto’s Tapas will offer $10 sangria, $10 chicken brochette, free ice cream, and a $100 gift-card giveaway. He says, “We want to thank our tight-knit community for all the love they showed us, and we’re looking forward to many more years to come.” Hours will be 4 pm to 10 pm. (Last year Agour added a sibling for Itto’s Tapas next door, wine bar Itto’s Vino.)
(Photo courtesy SPU/WM: Tool Library’s Sean Isom and WM’s Anna Seweryniak)
Every Wednesday, as featured in our Event Calendar and daily highlight lists, the West Seattle Tool Library hosts a Fix-It event, to which you can bring a tool and get help fixing it so you don’t have to toss it. That’s why Seattle Public Utilities and Waste Management just gave the Tool Library a $1,000 “ReThink Waste” grant, one of five small grants just announced for Seattle organizations that have projects/programs “to reduce waste or create new pathways for sustainability.” That’s not all the Tool Library offers; it’s been open for 15 years, as a community resource, on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). And if you want to check out the next Fix-It event, that starts tonight at 5:30 pm!
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