West Seattle, Washington
20 Saturday
Thanks to Ana for sending tonight’s photo: “Lights and giant Santa at 29th SW and Findlay.” And Santa’s not alone on the roof – lots of lights up there too! Four more nights until Christmas – see what we’ve spotlighted by scrolling here – and if there’s someplace great that we’ve missed, send the location and/or photo(s) to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Reported by a reader:
#1: Truck with ~30 ft long boat on trailer is turned around wrong way but stationary on the West Seattle Eastbound to the right side of the shoulder at the WA99 exit. Emergency vehicles signaling to move around.
# 2: White Jeep off-road (at least the passenger side airbag went off) right after Admiral off-ramp from West Seattle Bridge Westbound. While emergency crews are onsite, the accident has closed the right lane, making a dangerous exit off of the West Seattle Bridge at Admiral.
So far, emergency-radio exchanges indicate neither resulted in a serious injury.
(December 2024 photo by Jason A.G. Enevoldsen)
At 7:03 am Sunday – almost an hour before sunrise – winter officially arrives, at the solstice moment. That means tomorrow night brings a West Seattle change-of-seasons tradition – sunset watch at Solstice Park with expert skywatcher/educator Alice Enevoldsen. She’s been leading solstice-sunset gatherings for more than 15 years, and it’s a fun, informative way to welcome the new season. She’ll be at the park (uphill from the tennis courts and P-Patch, 7400 Fauntleroy Way SW) starting around 3:45 pm; official sunset time is about half an hour later, but because of the trees and mountains, the sun tends to disappear around 4:05 … assuming it appears at all (by the way, Alice will be there even if it doesn’t, barring steady drenching rain).
See that spot on the bench next to The Grinch? It’s open for photo ops until 8 pm. This is part of Lacey‘s “Whoville” display, spotlighted here earlier this week (and in previous years). She says the weather in north White Center is not too bad so far tonight – a little showery, but no wind, so she’s welcoming visitors for photo ops. Bring a food-bank donation if you can! This is on 18th SW between SW 98th and Roxbury.
(WSB photo, October)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
It costs about $26,000 a month to run West Seattle’s only overnight shelter, Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle.
That covers not only regular operational costs like utilities, but also security – insurance requires one overnight watchperson for every 24 people staying overnight, and they’ve been hosting 36.
So the shelter board has voted to reduce overnight operations to cold-weather-emergency-only as of December 31 – unless they can raise enough money to keep going at full overnight operations.
All this is according to a conversation we just had with Laurie Utterback of the shelter board, who we contacted for clarification after multiple people told us word was circulating in the community that the shelter would be shutting down.
Earlier this fall, the shelter made a deal with a Burien church to provide administration and security help. But that isn’t free, and Utterback said they’ve got a bill to pay that will take almost all the money the shelter has. They were going to have to cease overnight operations – except for very cold weather – as of tomorrow, Utterback says, but now that’s been extended to the end of the year, thanks to donations from a religious congregation that got word of their dilemma. After that – again, unless they can raise enough money to cover costs – they will only accept overnight guests in very cold weather, which is the only service they get some government funding to cover. The daytime warming center will continue, Utterback says. Costs including security add up to about $26,000 a month,
The shelter is in American Legion Post 160’s building at 3618 SW Alaska in the West Seattle Triangle. The agreement with Highline United Methodist Church followed discussion of community concerns including street disorder surrounding the shelter, which has been run for years virtually single-handedly by the Post 160 commander, Keith Hughes. In addition, they’ve been talking with Seattle Police and now have a trespass agreement with SPD making it easier to remove troublemakers.
ADDED: For anyone wondering how to help, that information is in this news release sent just after we published this report.
(Photos courtesy Brenda Hatley)
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Dozens of youth robotics teams from elementary and middle schools across the district gathered on December 6 at Robert Eagle Staff Middle School for this year’s FIRST Lego League qualifier. By the end of the day, three teams from West Seattle – Madison Middle School, Lafayette Elementary School, and Alki Elementary School – emerged triumphant, with their sights set on the next round of the tournament.
Of the schools who competed that day, nine were from West Seattle, including Genesee Hill Elementary, Fairmount Park Elementary, Gatewood Elementary, Arbor Heights Elementary, West Seattle Elementary, and the aforementioned teams that are moving up to the next round.
A local parent tipped us about the students’ achievement, so we set out to get details. We spoke with Brenda Hatley, a coach for Madison Middle School, the only West Seattle middle-school team to advance to the next round, and she says the turnout at the qualifiers was impressive. Hatley first became a coach for her son’s 4th-grade team and was one of the founding parents for Lafayette Elementary’s Lego Robotics team.
She says the program, which pairs engineering with LEGO, coding, and real-world projects, is a fantastic program for students who are less interested in athletics but still want to capture the excitement of a pep rally.
“It’s not a sports team, but they’re still getting so hyped up. The kids were cheering for each other, and the pressure was there; coaching through that was an incredible experience,” Hatley said.
Madison’s team, the Madbots, will play their next match on December 26th, at a to-be-determined location. The teams that do well this month will move on to the city-wide competition in Downtown Seattle, before moving to the regionals at Washington State University, and beyond to the international finals. Regardless of how they perform, Hatley says she and the other parents are planning to travel with their team to the city-wide and regional competitions.
“I’m really proud of the team,” Hatley said. “Last year, the fifth graders didn’t move on, and we had lower expectations; we just went in to learn more and get better. This year, we get to move on and see what the next level looks like.”
Sent this morning by Karen:
Sorry and angry to report I discovered this morning my mailbox on the east side of 35th SW just south of the 7-Eleven was broken into and severely damaged. Hoping no valuable mail was stolen. Mail recipients, beware!
Not to say that any of these would have helped in this case, but the >U.S. Postal Inspection Service does have advice for customers.
Happy Saturday! We have another two-part event list for you – first, seasonal happenings today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
SELFIES WITH SANTA: 8:30 am-11 am this morning (and Sunday), DIY photos with Santa at CAPERS Home (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor), donation requested for West Seattle Food Bank.
HOLIDAY MUSIC AT THRIFTWAY: 10 am-1 pm Alex Baird, 3:30 pm-5:30 pm Gary Benson, performing at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor).
(WSB photo, B-Sharp Studio trio caroling last weekend)
BUSKING IN THE JUNCTION: 11 am-1 pm, local musicians will perform carols and winter-themed music, raising money for the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks, on the KeyBank corner at California/Alaska.
ARTIST POP-UP AT CAPERS HOME: 11 am-4 pm, you’ll find artist Wendy Hathaway of Torch Song Jewelry at CAPERS Home (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor).
HOLIDAY GRIEF CIRCLE: Listening to Grief hosts this chance to gather, 11 am-12:15 pm at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW).
VINTAGE GOODS + GOOD FOODS POP-UP: Shopping 1-6 pm (5001 Delridge Way SW).
WINTER SOLSTICE SPIRAL: 1 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio & Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
SANTA AND GRINCH PHOTOS: Benefit for Stephanie’s Lifeline Holiday Gifts of HOPE, 1:45-5 pm at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW).
NORTHWEST FIRELIGHT CHORALE: 2 p concert at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW) – this year’s theme is “Ring Out Ye Bells.” Ticket info here; note – sold out except for video-viewing tickets!
GRINCH SELFIES AT WHOVILLE: Lacey‘s setting up a life-size Grinch at her Whoville display for photo ops:
I’ll have one of my full-size Grinches set up in Whoville so people can take some Christmas photos from 4:30 pm- 8 pm. For those who are able, we are accepting non-perishable food donations for White Center Food Bank.
(On 18th Ave SW, between Roxbury and SW 98th)
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 4:45 pm. Tickets and info here.
(The Salmon Tree at Fauntleroy UCC’s Festival of Trees)
FAUNTLEROY FESTIVAL OF TREES & CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 6 pm at Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall (9140 California), visit the decorated trees; bring nonperishable food-bank donations to place beneath your favorite(s) if you can. Then at 7 pm, it’s the Christmas concert! (Admission free.)
CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT @ SUPER DELI MART: The neighborhood hangout at 35th SW and SW Barton wants to see you for Christmas Movie Night – wear your ugly holiday sweater, enjoy popcorn (etc.), win prizes! It all starts at 7 pm.
And here are the non-holiday-season events for today, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run!
(WSB photo by Oliver Hamlin, from last Saturday’s CSIHS-WSHS flag-football game)
FLAG FOOTBALL: Full day of games at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – West Seattle HS plays Cleveland at 8:30 am, Rainier Beach at 9:45 am; Chief Sealth IHS plays Garfield at 11 am, Seattle Prep at 1:30 pm.
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.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: The Garden Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW, north end of campus), is open 10 am-3 pm – last day before its holiday break!
KNIFE SHARPENING: Kneighborhood Knives is back, just for one day, 10:30 am-5 pm at Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW).
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: In session again this week, 10:30 am, info in our calendar listing.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library. (3411 SW Raymond)
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. Holiday ornaments and gifts available, too. (61st SW and SW Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open for you to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle – 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 is OPEN Thursday-Saturday 1 pm-6 pm until December 20th! Back by popular demand: We are featuring our 2016-2019 varietals for a mix and match $62 case! Stop by for a tasting and a case for the holidays! Thank you for a beautiful year of supporting our students! Enjoy student-produced wines and affordable eats at the Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room and Wine Bar at South Seattle College, with proceeds benefitting student learning and the Wine Studies Program. NWWA is located in the North Parking Lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th Ave SW) in the Puget Ridge neighborhood of West Seattle.
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
2 ‘PENELOPE’ PERFORMANCES AT ARTSWEST: West Seattle’s playhouse is in the final weekend for its folk-pop musical “Penelope,” with a 3 pm matinée and 7:30 pm evening performance today/tonight; get tickets here. (4711 California SW)
SUPER SMASH SATURDAY AT FOURTH EMERALD GAMES: Come play, 6:30-10 pm. (4517 California SW, upstairs)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ Tomás at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Again this week, our Saturday list concludes with 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
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!
Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
ROBBERY ARREST: What happened at the Harbor Avenue 7-Eleven early this morning wasn’t a holdup, police say: They arrested a man who they say attacked a clerk who wouldn’t sell him beer because it was 4 am. The incident summary says a 911 call just before 4 am reported the attack. The summary says the clerk refused to sell the beer, so the man tried taking it anyway, leaving money on the counter, then returned to demand that money be given back to him. When the clerk gave him money, according to the summary, he said it wasn’t enough and demanded more, then went behind the counter and attacked the clerk by choking him and holding a corkscrew to his neck, threatening to kill him. Police arrested the 34-year-old suspect shortly afterward and took him to jail, where he remains tonight.
BUS HARASSMENT: A woman who says she was sexually harassed on a C Line bus from West Seattle wonders if the same man has done the same thing to other women, and if so, wants to urge them to report it.
than usual without my boyfriend who I typically commute with. The man sat next to me and intentionally showed me a pornographic video on his phone of a woman who looked disturbingly similar to me, twice. After I realized that he was very clearly showing me the video (turning his whole body toward me, putting the phone in front of my face), I moved to the back of the bus. He got off on 3rd Ave in downtown as usual. I reported to the King County Sheriff’s Office, who handles Metro issues (case #C25034202). If this or something similar has happened to other girls or women, please report it if you can — his description is below. KC Sheriff Deputy Dalon explained that the man is only likely to be arrested if 911 is called or the driver is notified while there is an active disturbance (i.e. sexual harassment) on the bus.
Description: Older Asian man with gray/white hair. Always wears a beanie with hair peeking out, dark black/gray zip-up hoodie (usually with a red shirt underneath), dark blue or gray joggers, white sneakers, a regular medical mask, and never seems to be carrying a bag or anything. He also appears to have a jaw malformation under his mask.
PACKAGE THEFT: Thieves are particularly active during the holiday season, for obvious reasons. Another reader who wants to be anonymous sent this report:
Just reporting a package theft on Fauntleroy around 2 pm (Thursday). They were making their way north hitting the side streets. Bright orange hat, blue jacket, and purple printed backpack.
“We’ve added a lot since 2023!” So said Oren, referring to the previous time we featured this Westwood-area display. The video above previews what you’ll see if you visit these lights and decorations at 9425 25th SW [map]. This photo also shows part of it:
Still five nights to go until Christmas – if you have bright lights we haven’t shown yet (here’s the archive), let us know at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family, friends, and fans are mourning Mike Campbell, former pitcher for the Mariners and other major-league baseball teams, and sharing this remembrance, which we’re publishing followed by a statement from the M’s:
Michael T. Campbell
1964-2025With profound sadness, the family of Mike Campbell announces that he passed away suddenly on December 15.
Mike grew up in Alki and attended West Seattle High School and Newport High School in Bellevue and the University of Hawaii.
Mike realized his childhood dream in 1985 when he was drafted by the hometown team, the Mariners. He pitched for the M’s, Rangers, Padres, and Cubs during his baseball career.
Mike will be remembered for his friendly, easy-going way, making people laugh, and as truly one of the nicest people you could hope to meet. He had a passion for travel, going often to Kihei, Hawaii (his favorite place), golfing, and spending time with family and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Judith and Thomas Campbell, and brother-in-law Jeffery Syverson. He is survived by his brothers Mathew, Timothy (Lorrie), sisters Erin (Sean) Halley, Gillian Syverson, aunt Nancy Pomeroy, ex-wife/close friend Michelle Baker, former mother-in-law/close friend Mary Anne Kilgore, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and his sweet dog Hana, who all miss him terribly.
A gathering to celebrate Mike’s life will be announced at a later date.
After Mr. Campbell’s obituary was sent to us this afternoon, we received this statement from the Mariners, emailed to us and others on the team’s media list:
The Mariners were saddened to learn today of the passing of Seattle-native Mike Campbell. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, including siblings Erin, Gillian, Matt, and Tim.
Mike (Feb. 17, 1964 – Dec. 15, 2025), a West Seattle native who graduated from Newport High School in Bellevue, was drafted by Seattle with the 7th overall pick in the 1985 June Draft. He made his Major League debut in 1987 and pitched with Seattle during parts of the 1987, 1988 and 1989 seasons before being traded to Montreal as part of the deal in which Seattle acquired Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. Mike had a 13-year professional career as a right-handed pitcher, including appearing in the Majors with Seattle, Texas, San Diego, and the Chicago Cubs.
After his baseball career concluded in 1999, he returned home to Seattle.
5:35 PM: Thanks to the texter who sent photos from a crash at 59th SW and SW Admiral, reporting that it’s blocking the eastbound side. SPD and SFD responded; one possible injury was reported, but not described as serious. They’re awaiting tows.
6:01 PM: Officers just told dispatch “the roadway is back open.”
(2023 reader photo, from 600+ cookies baked by Tibbetts United Methodist Church ‘and friends’)
Got some time to bake this weekend? When we first published The Christmas People‘s announcement that they hope to receive thousands of homemade cookies again this year, we promised to remind you when the time grew near – so here’s the announcement again:
Home-baked cookies are needed this year for the 18 shelters, centers, camps we serve during Christmas Week. West Seattle Coworking, 9030 35th Avenue SW, will again accept cookies, Monday, Dec. 22, Tuesday, Dec. 23 and Wednesday, Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No special packaging is necessary. Cookies may also be dropped off at Artisan Community Kitchen, 10836 E. Marginal Way S., Tukwila, Monday through Thursday, Dec. 21-25.
Please label any cookies withnuts, peanut butter, gluten-free, etc. Cookies may be frozen. Contact Fred Hutchinson, co-founder, at 206-719-4979 or pialley@jps.net
If you bake/donate cookies – consider sending us a photo of your cookies, and/or you and helper(s), if any – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
More last-minute gift-shopping possibilities – or maybe just for personal care for yourself: This announcement is from Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care (5410 California; WSB sponsor):
Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care is celebrating 5 years in business with 20% off supplements, teas, and tinctures! If you miss Pharmaca and being able to purchase quality supplements locally, then come and check out our sale. The 20% off sale goes through the end of December, and you do not need to be a current patient to purchase.
Regular clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm (closed for lunch 1-2 pm), Saturdays 9 am-1 pm. Closing at 1 pm on 12/24. Closed 12/25, 12/26, and 12/27. Reopening normal hours the week of 12/29, except closed 1/1/2026.
Amid the recent stories about some local venues moving away from adults-only policies, now we have a local venue opening a new bar. Taste of Mumbai at 2300 California SW in The Admiral District is opening its bar Mumbai Moonshine with a celebration tonight at 8 pm, featuring belly-dancing performances starring West Seattle’s own Nadira. Among other things, the new bar will feature what was a staple of its predecessor, the Yen Wor – karaoke; 9 pm Friday sessions will be hosted by Sami Saurus. Mumbai Moonshine plans DJ nights, too. Though the venue has been open for two years, it changed ownership just half a year ago, as noted here.
(WSB file photo)
Cocoa Cris Cringle is coming to town! His charity-fundraising photo ops at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) this Sunday (4:30-8 pm) are part of the last wave of pre-Christmas Santa photo ops (including multiple visits to WSB sponsors CAPERS Home and West Seattle Thriftway), and the list – which includes Grinch photo ops too – is part of the updated info in our West Seattle Holiday Guide. Since mid-November, we’ve been updating the guide frequently with holiday events and other info – besides Santa/Grinch photos, four more reasons to check it out:
*Last-minute art/craft fairs/makers-market eventsDuwamish Longhouse‘s last one of the season, happening today only until 5 pm)
*Christmas Eve/Day coffee shop hours – we’ve finished that list and it’s now linked in the guide’s Christmas Eve/Day section (still finishing the restaurant/bar list)
*Christmas Eve/Day grocery-store hours – the West Seattle list is in the guide, with Wednesday closing times and what’s open Thursday
*Hanukkah (Sunday’s the final night) and Winter Solstice (also Sunday) events this weekend
And more – including events such as the West Seattle Runner Christmas Light Run (also Sunday) – we’re still updating, and also working on New Year’s Eve/Day, so if you have anything to add, please email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
In the midst of that tree debris along 48th SW uphill from Lowman Beach is – was – Little Free Library #8702. Gay sent the photo and reports, “Super bummed that a neighboring tree fell on the Little Free Library on 48th south of Graham. We are glad no one was hurt. We take great care with the ivy and undergrowth. Thanks to all who have reached out to us.” We mentioned the 48th tree loss in our morning-traffic report but didn’t know at the time about the LFL. Weather authorities have warned that trees are more susceptible to falling because the ground is saturated, but the forecast has some reason for optimism – just calling for “showers” in our area over the next several days
(Photo sent by Troy Sterk)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight as we head toward another holiday-season weekend! Listings are from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:
DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE ONE-DAY NATIVE ART MARKET: One more time before shopping season ends, 10 am-5 pm today only. (4705 West Marginal Way SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER The center is open for plant-shopping 10 am-3 pm, second-to-last day before closing for a break, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
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 by the bottle.
NOCHE DE GALA: The Fauntleroy YMCA celebrates its Older Active Adults and raises money for their programming during One more time before shopping season ends, 10 am-5 pm Friday, December 19. (4705 West Marginal Way SW)” target=”_blank”>this 5:30 pm celebration at Fauntleroy Church’s hall (9140 California SW)
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, Tarde em Itapoa with Brazilian jazz at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
FREE TEEN SWIM: 6-7 pm at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle), free swim session for ages 13=18.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 6:30 pm doors, 7:30 pm music, Festival of Friends presents Bandmixers Community Roulette Series: Vol.3. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
CLASSIC BINGO: 7 pm at Admiral Pub. 21+. Free to play. (2306 California SW)
WINTER SOLSTICE SOUND BATH: 7 pm event to prepare for the journey into the longest night of the year. (3618 SW Alaska)
NORTHWEST FIRELIGHT CHORALE: 7:30 pm concert at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW) – this year’s theme is “Ring Out Ye Bells.” Ticket info here.
‘PENELOPE’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm curtain for the musical tonight as its final weekend begins – info and ticket link in our calendar listing! (4711 California SW)
TUDOR CHOIR, WITH TICKET DEAL: 8 pm at Holy Rosary Church (42nd/Genesee), the Tudor Choir presents “Christmas in a Wintry World.” (Follow that link for concert and ticket info; use code WSBLOG at checkout and get 30 percent off your tickets! The choir is sponsoring WSB today to amplify that deal.)
LIVE MUSIC AT MR. B’S: Elephant Crows perform at 8 pm, Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), all ages, no cover.
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: No varsity home games scheduled tonight.
SPINNING: DJ Wizdumb at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING:Tonight, skate to live music by Breaks & Swells and Velvet Heartbreak, 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!
Family and friends will gather next month to remember Pauline Mason and are sharing this remembrance with the community now:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Pauline Mason. She passed away surrounded by her family, just three months shy of her 101st birthday.
Pauline was born in Benedict, North Dakota, in 1925. She completed her nursing training in Minot, North Dakota, at Trinity Hospital and later joined the Army Nurse Corps during World War II. The Corps sent her to Seattle, where she worked at Marine View Hospital and met the love of her life, Ed Mason, on a blind date. They were married soon after at Hope Lutheran Church, when it was the small white church on the corner of 42nd Avenue and Oregon Street. Pauline and Ed lived for many years in their home off Beach Drive SW, where she formed lifelong friendships with her neighbors. Pauline remained in her home until the age of 99.
Pauline began her career at West Seattle Hospital when it was located on California Avenue in the West Seattle Junction. Years later, when the new West Seattle Hospital opened at 26th Avenue and Webster Street in 1961, she helped establish the first Pediatric Department and eventually became Director of Nursing. She loved her nursing career and touched many lives through her dedication and compassion.
A longtime member of Hope Lutheran Church, Pauline was active in many groups and ministries. Her love of gardening led her to tend the church gardens alongside other like-minded members, a role she embraced with joy.
In her later years, Pauline was well known for spending her days outside on her deck, weather permitting, enjoying countless conversations with friends and neighbors. She was remembered for her loving nature, genuine smile, and warm acceptance of everyone she met.
For the final 19 months of her life, Pauline was lovingly cared for at Florence House of West Seattle, where she formed close bonds with caregivers and new friends. She was blessed by the many friends, both new and old, who visited her regularly.
Pauline deeply loved — and was deeply loved by — her four children: Dianne (Larry) Koltz, Paul (Randi) Mason, Sue (Mick) Zorin, and Rob (Sandy) Mason. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed, and her son, Paul.
A memorial service will be held on January 18 at 3:00 PM at Hope Lutheran Church, 4456 42nd Avenue SW. Memorials may be directed in Pauline’s name to Florence House of Seattle (8424 16th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98106) or Hope Lutheran Church (4456 42nd Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98116).
(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)
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, December 19, 2025, last day of school before winter break (dismissal is one hour early for Seattle Public Schools).
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast is for a chance of showers, breezy, high in mid-40s. Sunrise will be at 7:53 am; sunset at 4:19 pm.
(added) TREE TROUBLE
A texter says a tree that fell across 48th SW atop the hill to/from Lowman Beach has not yet been cleared. (photo added)
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route will continue on two boats until further notice. Check WSF’s alerts page for changes; Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Metro buses – They’re on the regular weekday schedule and routes in our area.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
(WSB photos)
Seattle is going into a huge year for soccer – but it’s not just about the FIFA World Cup. It’s about local teams too – like West Seattle’s own Rhodies FC, whose second season got a kickoff celebration tonight at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor).
Those on hand to celebrate included owners Kaitlyn Jackson (L) and Jessica Pierce (R) bookending players Olivia Shih, Giovanna Hansen, Audrey Cromett, Hailey Still, and Vivian Gaither:
Supporting them from the merch table were Riley Pierce and Louis Hernandez:
Viscon Cellars is a Rhodies FC sponsor, so its wine bar/tasting room was the perfect place for the party:
Season tickets are available now for Rhodies FC and its sibling club West Seattle Junction FC, and season schedules are due out soon.
10:17 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to a possible fire in an apartment complex at 800 SW Trenton in Highland Park. Updates to come.
10:19 PM: So far the first units to arrive haven’t detected any sign of smoke or fire, so they’re downsizing the response to two units.
10:30 PM: The entire call is closed.
One week ago tonight, three venues around West Seattle hosted three mini-concerts comprising the December edition of The Art of Music. The monthly music series now goes on break for a few months, and curator John Redenbaugh has words of gratitude, plus a video recap:
During 2025, The Art of Music co-presented, with local musician Sue Quigley, Muse Fest: The Power of Women’s Voices at 11 sites during the May West Seattle Art Walk and presented, on behalf of the West Seattle Junction Association, 28 Art of Music performances during Second Thursday West Seattle Art Walk evenings during June through December.
A special tribute page with recognition has been posted on the West Seattle Art Walk website where you can review a list of all of the 2025 performers, venues, and supporting sponsors – plus an opportunity to watch some of this year’s musicians in 12 videos produced by local videographer Mark Jaroslaw in support of Muse Fest and The Art of Music.
As John says on the tribute page, “We recognize and thank the performers for sharing their musical talents for the enjoyment of all in West Seattle.”
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