Hit-run driver takes out ‘Do Not Enter’ barricade in Upper Fauntleroy/Gatewood

Around 9:45 pm, a loud crashing sound rang through the California/Thistle vicinity on the Upper Fauntleroy/Gatewood line. Our photo shows the aftermath. A driver went through what was a fairly elaborate DO NOT ENTER barricade, over the raised concrete island, into the stub of California SW south of it, then turned around quickly and went back to the intersection. Too dark for us to see but someone called it in to SPD as a red Honda SUV that subsequently headed eastbound on Thistle. No injuries that we know of

UPDATE: Another incident reported near ‘the curve’ toward southwest end of westbound West Seattle Bridge

9:38 PM: SPD is arriving at the scene of another incident repoorted near “the curve” by the Walking On Logs/Welcome to West Seattle pullout, on this rainy night. We haven’t seen a visual but emergency radio describes a 1996 Ford Crown Victoria “in the grass” off the road. Apparently no injuries, as SFD has been canceled. No pole or other damage this time, police told dispatch.

10:23 PM: Officers just told dispatch they’ll be blocking both westbound lanes for a bit while the tow truck driver does their work.

Brown water in Seaview

Ashlee reports “very brown water” in Seaview, near 50th and Hudson. No incidents on the Seattle Public Utilities map, no major SFD incidents in the area, so we offered the usual advice – report to SPU at 206-386-1800.

WEEK AHEAD: Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator@ Admiral Neighborhood Association on Tuesday

Though the Southwest Precinct has postponed the community meeting originally planned for this Tuesday, a key precinct staffer will be at the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s every-other-month general gathering that might. If you have questions about local crime/safety issues, Matt Brown is on the agenda for the 7 pm Tuesday (January 13) meeting, happening at the Admiral HUB (former church’s adjacent gathering space, 4320 SW Hill). All are welcome to be there to talk/hear about other Admiral-area happenings/issues too.

WEEK AHEAD: Blue Angels jet flying in Monday for Seafair winter meetings

(August 2023 photo by Jamie Kinney)

Less than seven months until Seafair‘s biggest weekend – and a blue-and-gold reminder of that will be seen and heard over Seattle tomorrow. Blue Angels jet #7 is bringing in the U.S. Navy demonstration team’s advance reps to start planning for this year’s Seafair Air Show, July 31-August 2. The jet is expected to arrive at Boeing Field – just east of West Seattle – around 2 pm Monday (and the forecast suggests the rain may pause by then). The advance team is expected to be here for two days; they are USN Cdr. Lilly Montana, who also was one of last year’s winter visitors, and newly joined Blue Angels pilot USN Lt. Ronny Hafeza.

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Anti-ICE protest in The Junction

As noted in our calendar/event list, the regular Sunday protest by West Seattle Resist at California/Alaska expanded today to incorporate the “ICE Out for Good” of protests nationwide sparked by the shooting death of Renée Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. The traffic-cam screen grab above is from 11 am; watching the live feed, we saw demonstrators standing at corners and along the Farmers’ Market street-closure barricades until the intersection opened periodically for pedestrians, at which time some marched back and forth. About an hour and a half later, we had a photographer there for a bit:

(WSB photos, this and next)

This was a “satellite” protest, as one texter put it, as West Seattle Indivisible was a co-sponsor of what was expected to be the largest demonstration in the city today, at midday at Cal Anderson Park. Meantime, we received some photos of the West Seattle demonstration from local texters, including these:

The protest was scheduled to conclude around 1:30 pm, and the live traffic camera verifies it’s over (as is today’s Farmers’ Market, though California north of Alaska remains closed for market breakdown).

VIDEO: Car fire in Jefferson Square lot

12:44 PM: Thanks for the tips and video. This past hour, firefighters were called to the center of the main Jefferson Square lot to put out that car fire. Here’s our photo of the aftermath:

Firefighters wouldn’t comment to our photographer regarding the suspected cause – they had to move on because the department is currently crunched citywide with two building fires in other neighborhoods, one of which has gone to two alarms. However, the fire appeared to have started in the engine compartment, and there were no police on scene or any other indication of anything suspicious.

ADDED 1:08 PM: Thanks to Josh for this video showing the fire and SFD as Engine 36 rolled up and started work:

He says he spoke to the car’s owner and loaned her his phone so she could call a friend for help.

BIZNOTE: Milpa Masa’s last day in Sunrise Heights – for now

(WSB photo)

Roman and Perla have already run out of their last batch of tortillas at Milpa Masa on what will be the last day of business for their Sunrise Heights tortilleria for a while. Thanks to Christopher for sending the link to Milpa Masa’s announcement that they’re closing indefinitely after today. An excerpt:

…As some of you may know, we were forced to shut down our wholesale business at the end of 2024 due to equipment limitations and space capacity issues. Wholesale was the backbone of our operation, and losing it had a significant financial impact on us. Transitioning to a retail-only model and opening three days a week helped to some extent, but ultimately kept us from moving forward.

Our current space is not equipped with the infrastructure needed to cook and serve hot food, something that would have made a meaningful difference. However, we were hesitant to invest further in a space we knew we would quickly outgrow. With that in mind, we turned our focus toward finding angel investors who shared our long-term vision and values. Unfortunately, we underestimated how challenging it would be to find the right kind of partners aligned with what we are building.

While we will continue that search, we’ve reached a point where, without securing the necessary funding, we can no longer afford to keep the business open. Our hope is to pause, and not end Milpa Masa until we can raise the capital needed to grow into the next stage of the company.

If you know someone who may be interested in investing in a values-driven food business centered on heirloom corn, craft, and long-term impact, we would be incredibly grateful for an introduction.

We went right over to Milpa Masa’s 3416 SW Webster HQ after getting the tip today; they told us they’ve already sold out of tortillas and just have some salsa left to sell, so they might not stay open until their usual 2 pm closing, but expected to hang around a while for goodbyes.

Memorial service planned January 24 for Harold W. Schultz, 1929-2025

Family and friends of Bud Schultz will gather January 24 to remember him, and are sharing this remembrance with his community now:

Harold “Bud” William Schultz
November 11, 1929 — December 23, 2025

Harold William Schultz (Bud) was born on November 11th, 1929 in Glendive, Montana, to Harry and Johanna Schultz. Bud had two sisters, Lucille and Grace. Bud went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 23rd, 2025.

Bud is survived by his wife of 67-½ years, Korene, their two children, five granddaughters, and seven great-grandchildren. Bud is also survived by his younger sister, Grace. Bud and Korene were members of Hope Lutheran Church for the last 66 years, where over the years Bud held several different lay positions including being on the board of elders, school board chairman, and was actively involved in Hope’s evangelism program.

Bud worked for the railroad and at a department store before joining the United States Air Force. Upon exiting the Air Force, he attended Montana State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, being the first of his family to graduate from college.

Bud spent nearly forty years working for the Boeing Company as a manufacturing engineer, well-known for his expertise in sheet-metal forming and traveling to many locations to help with challenging manufacturing processes. He was active in his community and ran for political office (State Senate) in 1966.

Bud never met a stranger, only friends he had yet to know, and now he has had the joy of meeting his Savior face to face.

A Memorial Service will be held, Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Hope Lutheran Church in West Seattle.

Please share memories of Bud and photos on the guestbook, at: emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/harold-schultz

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)

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 21 notes!

(Song Sparrow, photographed by Jerry Simmons)

On just the second Sunday of the new year, the event list is starting to lengthen! So here’s what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find more listings!):

SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club is back in action, 9 am run leaving today from the beach across from Alki Coffee Co. (2742 Alki SW).

‘ICE OUT FOR GOOD’ PROTEST: Special focus and expanded time for West Seattle Resist‘s Sunday sign-holding event, starting at 9 am this time. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Weekly Sunday morning games at the new location of The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.

SUNDAY MORNING MEDITATION: 9:30 am at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW).

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open as usual on California SW between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in winter produce season – roots, greens, peppers, mushrooms, beans, garlic, apples, more – plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, pasta, more.

GUIDED BREATHWORK JOURNEY: 10 am – preregister ASAP to get the Morgan Junction location.

FREE NIA CLASS: Now starting at 10:15 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

SCREAM TIME: Scream Club Seattle is gathering on the second Sunday of the month this time, 1 pm at Lincoln Park’s northernmost waterfront picnic shelter. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

STUDY CAFE FOR HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS: 1-4 pm today, high-school students are welcome to study at the West Seattle YMCA (3622 SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor), free, membership not required, snacks, raffle prizes, and drinks provided.

WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Spend part of your Sunday afternoon relaxing at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)

FABRIC DESIGN WORKSHOP: Join local artist Stacey Sterling at Alki Arts for this art workshop, 3-5 pm. Our calendar listing has the registration link. (6030 California SW)

FREE CLASSICAL-MUSIC CONCERT: Ladies’ Musical Club at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), 3 pm, featuring woodwind music.

AT C & P COFFEE: Scott Herman & Vito Chiechi, 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE INDIVISIBLE: 3:30 pm general meeting – featured topic “Health Care for All” – at the Center for Active Living. (4217 SW Oregon)

OPEN HOUSE AT NEPENTHE: Art, free chair massage, light snacks and beverages – stop by! 4-6 pm. (9447 35th SW)

TRIVIA AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: Now twice monthly, trivia hosted by Morgue Anne, 5-8 pm. (9444 Delridge Way SW)

ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, 5:15 pm and onward tonight. Tickets and info here.

LIVE AT TIM’S: 2 pm, Return of Deadgrass at Tim’s Tavern (9655 16th SW, White Center), all ages.

UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: 7:30 pm, free to play, prizes! (4302 SW Alaska)

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, live music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).

Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could add to the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

BIZNOTE: Fauntleroy Way’s longest-running vacancy may finally be close to an end

(Google Street View image of 4457 Fauntleroy Way SW)

Almost two years ago, we happened onto city filings suggesting a Sherwin-Williams Paint store was planned for the ex-Midas space at 4457 Fauntleroy Way SW. It’s been empty since 2019, after an abrupt shutdown initially suggested as temporary proved to be permanent. At the time we found those filings, a spokesperson for the Mercer Island investment company that owns the site told us the plan was just a possibility. They had bought the 11,000-square-foot site in 2023, three years after it was listed as a prospective mixed-use development parcel. Now the Sherwin-Williams plan has reappeared in files, including a sign-permit application, which tends to mean it’s a done deal, as was the case when the paint giant built and opened a store next to The Home Depot in Delridge in 2013. We’ll be following up regarding the timeline.

BIZNOTE: Pipe break temporarily closes 2 Fingers Social

The latest West Seattle business temporarily shut down by a pipe break is 2 Fingers Social. The bar’s proprietors first posted on social media that they were closed by “flooding,” then updated with the discovery of a “broken pipe 20 feet down” that they expect will keep them “closed for a while.” They elaborated, “It’s a huge project. They have to dig a 10 x 10 by 20ft deep hole in the sidewalk/street to fix it; also the flood damage fixes on the inside need to be completed.” They’ve raised some money via donations so far but say they’re getting bids for the “huge project.” Their building at 9211 Delridge Way SW – as we noted when 2FS opened in 2017 – had previously been home to businesses including a payday-loan operation and a medical-marijuana dispensary. (Thanks to Ian for the tip on 2FS’s woes.)

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 7-Eleven robbery

The Avalon 7-Eleven store reported an armed robbery early today. The clerk at the 3280 SW Avalon Way store reported to police that a robber “showed a gun” to get away with a bottle of wine around 1:20 am, fleeing in a vehicle that had three other people waiting for him. We don’t have a description of the vehicle but the robber was described as late teens/early 20s, white, male, curly hair, black jacket, gray sweatshirt, khaki pants. If you have any information, the case # is 26-008737 and the police tipline is 206-233-5000.

VIDEO: WSHS hosts nation’s #1 boys-basketball player in sold-out home game

National #1 basketball prospect Tyran Stokes

Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

“Welcome to the show!”

That enthusiastic greeting from a fellow standing-room-only sideline spectator summed up the high-energy environment in the West Seattle High School gym on Friday night, as the boys’ basketball squad hosted defending 3A state champion Rainier Beach

The excitement was focused on Rainier Beach senior Tyran Stokes, the top-ranked high school basketball recruit in the country, who along with freshman phenom JJ Crawford — son of Seattle basketball legend Jamal Crawford, who also serves as an assistant coach for Rainier Beach — powered the visiting Vikings to a 101-54 win over the Wildcats. Rainer Beach is ranked as one of the top 2 teams in Washington state, and in the top 30 nationally. 

Stokes put on a show with 30 points — many of them coming on high-flying dunks — and Crawford added 21 points. WSHS was led by senior Sully Pond with 14 points. 

Here’s a highlight-worthy alley-oop pass and slam dunk from Crawford to Stokes that drew a particularly loud roar from the crowd:

We arrived at the game midway through the 3rd quarter (after covering the Sealth girls’ basketball home game and “Regina Rogers-Wright Day” ceremony), at which point Rainer Beach had built a comfortable lead. However, we were told by the staff at the scoring table that the Wildcats made it a hard-fought low-scoring affair early in the game, with strong support from the home-gym crowd, before the Vikings’ star power took full control.

WSHS principal Brian Vance told us that the gym’s capacity is approximately 1,500, and it was filled to the brim on Friday night (which we’re told is a common spectacle for Rainier Beach’s games this season), with tickets sold in advance: 

Stokes transferred to Rainier Beach in November from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, to join a perennially strong Vikings squad that’s been coached by Michael Bethea for more than 30 years. Stokes is generally regarded to be projected #1 pick in the 2027 NBA draft, and for 2026 has reportedly narrowed his prospective colleges to Kansas, Kentucky (he was born in Louisville) and Oregon. 

Rainier Beach freshman JJ Crawford (#11) has rightfully drawn his fair share of attention as well:

After the final whistle as the crowd cleared, we spotted Seattle District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka (who, like us, started the evening at Sealth IHS before hustling cross-town, and was still wearing his Regina Rogers-Wright pin) and his council colleague Eddie Lin who represents the Rainier Beach neighborhood: 

West Seattle, led by head coach Rick Ticeson who took the varsity reins this season after leading the school’s freshman team for several years, is now 3-7 for the season, and plays on the road tonight (Saturday January 10th) at Silas High School (Tacoma) at 7:30 pm. 

Rainier Beach plays at Bishop Blanchet on Monday January 12th at 7:30 pm. 

VIDEO: ‘Regina Rogers-Wright Day’ proclamation at Chief Sealth IHS basketball game, followed by girls-varsity victory

Seattle City Council’s Joy Hollingsworth and Rob Saka, with Rogers-Wright’s mother Sheila Winston and stepfather Edward Winston

Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

A local basketball legend and her family were honored Friday night at Chief Sealth International High School, as January 9 was officially declared “Regina Rogers-Wright Day” in the city of Seattle.

Rogers-Wright, who died in November 2024 at the age of 35, was a star player for Sealth in the 2000s, with numerous honors including state tournament MVP and Metro League Player of the Year, and went on to be an All-Pac 12 standout for the University of Washington (highlights here) before beginning a career as a beloved coach and mentor in her community. 

During a moving ceremony held between the Sealth’s girls’ JV and varsity home basketball games against visiting Mt. Tahoma on Friday night, Seattle District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka spoke about Rogers-Wright’s legacy of “excellence, athleticism and eliteness” that “will live on forever.” He then read the proclamation alongside newly elected Council President Joy Hollingsworth, as Rogers-Wright’s family was recognized:

Here is our video of the ceremony:

And here’s the official proclamation:

Rogers-Wright’s twin brother Reggie Rogers Jr. is a Sealth ’07 alumni and is head coach of the Mt. Tahoma girls’ basketball team. He shared emotional memories of his sister and her lasting impact on and off the court, praising her for “above all, being a mother to Arries,” her young son. Rogers thanked the Sealth community for their steady support and for hosting the game and ceremony and “welcoming us back.”

The family wore commemorative pins in her honor:

As we reported back in 2020, Sealth honored Rogers-Wright and retired her #34 jersey. A banner still hangs proudly in the Sealth gym:

As the ceremony concluded, the Sealth and Mt. Tahoma varsity girls’ teams took the court, including Sealth senior Alysse Bland:

And freshman Mia Caldera

Sealth jumped out to a dominating 14-0 early lead, before Mt. Tahoma settled in and battled back. At halftime, head coach Will Pablo‘s team led 26-15: 

Sealth’s band and cheer squad kept fans entertained:

The action in the second half was evenly matched, but with Sealth maintaining the lead, and at the final buzzer it was 47-37 in favor of the Seahawks. 

Sealth is now 4-8 on the season, and plays on the road against Highline on Monday (January 12th) at 7:15 pm.

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 24 notes!

(Friday photo by Bob Burns)

Happy Saturday! Here’s our list of what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar – but first, a traffic alert:

TRAFFIC REMINDER: If you’re heading eastbound out of West Seattle, remember that the Revive I-5” project has restarted and this weekend a large stretch of northbound I-5 from I-90 northward is closed so the Ship Canal Bridge work zone can be configured.

Now, the events scheduled for today/tonight:

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run.

ALSO AT WS RUNNER – ‘GOT FIT’ MARATHON TRAINING: 8 am, it’s the start of this training program for intermediate/advanced runners to get prepared for an upcoming marathon.

FREE MEDITATION: Start the weekend with Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3620 SW Alaska).

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.

RESOURCE EVENT IN HIGHLAND PARK: 10 am-2 pm, health care, school-enrollment help, grocery giveaway, and other essential resources are available at Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trenton), open to all community members, as previewed here.

TILDEN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am to noon, visit independent K-5 Tilden School (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor). Here’s our preview of today’s open house.

THE DOWNTOWN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am to noon, this WSB sponsor that serves 9th-12th graders – located, as its name suggests, downtown – is also having an open house today – info here. (160 John St.)

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ENROLLMENT FAIR: 10 am-2 pm at district HQ (3rd/Lander, SODO) – our calendar listing has info on what to expect and what to bring.

MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group – details in our calendar listing.

FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)

POST-HOLIDAY GRIEF CIRCLE: Tough holiday dealing with grief? Special circle gathering at 11 am with Listening to Grief, at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, noon-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm Saturdays, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with 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: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

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

JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY: As previewed here, Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby has its first home bout of 2026, vs. Tomorrowland from Tacoma. Doors open at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW) at 4:15 pm; tickets available at the door or online.

ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, first admission 5:15 pm. Tickets and info here.

AT THE SKYLARK: Local live music at The Skylark, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm, Fian, Oliver Elf Army, It’s All Happening, $10, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM: Open again! 9 pm, Soul Focus FM. (4547 California SW)

SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with DJs, $18 plus $5 skate rental.

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 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, which is free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

ELECTION 2026: Candidates step up early for a job that’s all about numbers


The primary election is still many months in the future, but as we’ve been reporting, some campaigning has already begun. In fact, there are already candidates eager to oversee how your property taxes are determined and collected. With the latest announcement, at least two people will be on the ballot for the King County Assessor position in August.

Rob Foxcurran, who is the city of Seattle’s Senior Appraiser, announced this week in a news release that he’s running, “to make the property tax system more affordable, fair and transparent.” Foxcurran is also a Hearing Examiner on the King County Board of Appeals and Equalization, and with those credentials, says he is “the only candidate for this position with any experience related to the role of the Assessor.”

The other candidate to file so far is Shoreline Council Member Chris Roberts, who declared his candidacy almost six months ago, well before the current Assessor, John Wilson, announced he would not be running for a fourth term. Roberts has been elected five times to the Shoreline council, and served as mayor during parts of two of those terms. He was just re-elected last year to a term that ends in 2029, and is also chair of the 32nd District Democrats. On his campaign website, Roberts says he’s running, “to ensure property assessments are accurate, transparent, and grounded in public trust. With over a decade of public service, Chris understands how local policy affects real people.”

Wilson is completing a shorter term as County Assessor than usual following the passage of Charter Amendment 1 in 2022, which moved King County positions for executive, assessor, director of elections and council members to elections in even-numbered years. Wilson’s decision in October to not run again followed allegations by his ex-fiancée of harassment that subsequently led to Wilson also dropping his bid for County Executive in 2025.

UPDATE: Crash at 35th SW and SW Willow

(Added: WSB photo)

9:15 PM: SPD and SFD are on their way to a reported crash at 35th SW and SW Willow [map], said to involve a car hitting a parked semi-truck, blocking at least part of the road. That intersection is on the north side of Myrtle Reservoir Park, where semi drivers often park their trucks. We’re on our way for a look.

9:38 PM: Photo added; it shows this was a pickup-truck driver hitting a parked box truck. No indication of serious injury – SFD left after only about 15 minutes.

WEEKEND PREVIEW: Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby’s first bout of the year

(May WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)

Rink Rat Roller Derby” is the theme on Saturday when Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby hosts Tacoma’s Tomorrowland Junior Roller Derby at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center. Before the two rounds featuring two teams each, you can watch a “derby demo” featuring Southside’s newest cadets and “some friends from SSR Resistance.” It’s a full evening of high-energy fun, with doors opening at 4:15 pm at 9676 17th SW, and the night wrapping up around 8 pm. Admission is $10 youth, $15 adults, and SSR’s announcement adds, “Bring extra cash to support our league by purchasing treats at the bake sale and SSR merchandise!” You can also buy tickets online in advance.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Suspect charged in clinic burglary

Earlier this week, we reported on an arrest made by police after the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health clinic at Westwood Village was broken into late on New Year’s Day night. The suspect is now charged with one count of second-degree burglary. He is 29-year-old Derrick D. Sanders, Jr., of Kent, who remains jailed in lieu of $30,000 bail. The charging documents tell the same story as the narrative on which our previous story was based, with a few more details – that he’d allegedly pried open a locked rear door to get into the clinic, and that the items with which he was found included a VMFH security badge and ID. Our inquiry with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office also yielded charging documents for another burglary case in which Sanders is awaiting trial – he was arrested after allegedly breaking into an elementary school in SeaTac last July. In that case too, court documents say he was taken into custody while still inside the burglarized building. But in that case a judge released him on personal recognizance the next day, though prosecutors pointed out he’d had 10 arrest warrants over eight years. His next court appearance will be arraignment in the West Seattle case on Monday;

Another resource-access opportunity in West Seattle: DSHS Mobile Community Services Truck at SSC on Tuesday

If you can’t get to the resource event at Highland Park Elementary tomorrow but need assistance, we’ve just learned of another upcoming opportunity. This announcement is just in from South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) but the event is open to everyone in the community:

DSHS Mobile Services Truck Coming to South Seattle College to Assist with Food & Cash Benefits – Jan. 13th

South Seattle College Workforce Department is pleased to host a DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services) Mobile Community Services Truck on Tuesday, January 13th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

This mobile unit provides a critical service to our broader community. Trained DSHS staff will be on-site to assist residents and students with applications and questions for:
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)/Basic Food benefits.
• Cash Assistance programs.

The mobile truck makes accessing these vital resources more convenient. Whether you need to apply for the first time, renew your benefits, or simply have questions about eligibility, the DSHS team will be available to help.

Event Details:
• What: DSHS Mobile Services Truck
• Who: Open to the public, students, and community members
• When: Tuesday, January 13th, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Where: South Seattle College, (Next to the clocktower and cafeteria)

Participants are encouraged to bring relevant documentation, such as identification and proof of income. For more information about the truck’s visit, please call South Seattle College’s Workforce Department at 206-934-5888. For general DSHS program information, visit www.dshs.wa.gov.

FOLLOWUP: Almost ready to reopen! Kenyon Hall sets reopening date and first events

(WSB photo: Work continuing at Kenyon Hall today)

One month ago today, we reported that Kenyon Hall – the historic event venue at 7904 35th SW in Sunrise Heights – had obtained the permits needed for its final round of improvement work. It’s been closed since mid-summer for some much-needed work – which we previewed in May – and which continues (flooring, painting, tiling in progress or soon) – but today Kenyon Hall management just announced the reopening dates – Thursday, January 29, through Sunday, February 1, with a full slate of fun stuff, starting with an “industry mixer” and concluding with a Root Beer Social where everyone’s welcome to come in and look around. (Inbetween are one of KH’s free Open Mics, plus the next edition of the popular Cartoon Mess Live! for which tickets are on sale now.) Kenyon Hall is a 110-year-old building originally built as a social hall, now owned and operated by the nonprofit Seattle Artists.

ORCAS: Northbound whales in central Puget Sound

Just heard from Kersti Muul that “a large group of transients” is headed northbound past Blake Island. Let us know if you see them!