West Seattle, Washington
01 Thursday
1:15 PM: Police are in the (corrected) West Duwamish Greenbelt between Riverview and West Marginal Way, where they’d gone because of a vehicle possibly with stolen plates, found but on fire. They’ve told dispatch that the fire appears to have been set; SFD has responded too, but it’s apparently happening in a tough-to-access place. They’ve also reported that the burning van has had two explosions – so if you’re in the area and think you’ve heard shots, that’s probably what you heard. So far no description of suspect(s) in the arson but the investigation and response continues.
3:02 PM: The vehicle was reported fully engulfed in flames at one point and described as a van possibly belonging to a local nonprofit.
That was just part of the crowd – likely 2,000+ strong – that ran into and out of Puget Sound all along Alki Beach at 10 am sharp. Biggest crowd yet, as estimated by some practiced eyes – the beach was full of scenes pre-swim that resembled tailgate parties. The food-donation bins put out by organizer Mark Ufkes and family were getting filled, too, adding an expression of giving spirit to the ever-more-popular occasion.
ADDED 11:50 AM: Mark and wife Lois Schipper, a longtime public-health professional now living with early-onset Alzheimer’s (as Mark mentioned in this year’s swim announcement), went into the water from mid-beach
(WSB photos from here by Dave Gershgorn)
But first he had to do the countdown!
Pre-plunge, Mark told WSB’s Jason Grotelueschen – who recorded the video above – that it’s amazing to see the community come out every year… this year the water temperature (mid-40s) was considerably warmer than the air temperature (mid-30s), which makes going in less shocking, “at least that’s the theory! But we never truly get used to it.” Going into 2026, he encouraged people to truly care for each other and encourage each other because “they need it more than we’ll ever know.” Many were there with friends, family, as Dave Gershgorn‘s next 11 photos for WSB show:
ADDED 12:55 PM: Other sights:
(WSB photo by Jason Grotelueschen)
No fewer than three mobile saunas were there – a microbusiness trend around here – as part of a group of wellness enterpreneurs who set up at and near the Bathhouse, along with the Alki Community Council, whose president Charlotte Starck and vice president Zak Nyberg walked the beach handing out mylar blankets – like the one modeled here by Alki Beach Pride‘s Stacy Bass-Walden:
(WSB photo by Tracy Record)
Shortly after arrival, we passed a family whose littlest member could be heard asking their parents, “Why are there hundreds of people?” We didn’t hear the answer but ultimately it could be – why not? Happy 2026!
(Added: WSB photo of Ashcroft Building today)
Starting off the new year is this announcement of a new home for Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) and The Bass Shop. They’ll be moving from Morgan Junction to the historic Admiral District building that Mud Bay is vacating for its move across the Admiral/California intersection. Here’s the announcement we received this morning from TRG proprietor Frank Gross, who recently bought the 2611 California SW building:
I am thrilled to announce Thunder Road and our roommates The Bass Shop will be moving to the historic Ashcroft Building located at 2611 California Ave SW in the Admiral District here in West Seattle early this spring.
This move nearly triples our current square footage and sets the stage for what I believe will be the very best version of what we do. The building has great bones and our goal is to create an inspiring and visually captivating environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
2026 marks our 15th year in business, and I can’t help but feel extremely grateful to this community, and the community of guitar enthusiasts worldwide that we consider customers, colleagues, friends and family. None of this would be possible without the incredible support from West Seattle and the greater Pacific Northwest. Your loyalty, passion for guitars, and your belief in what we do has put gas in our tank and guitars on our walls and we are forever in debt to you.
Fun West Seattle 1990s era knowledge bomb: When I was a kid this very building we are moving into was the original Alki Bike and Board. Stu, the owner of this establishment, was nice enough to let me put a K2 Shovel BMX on layaway for an entire summer. Come August I must have mowed every single lawn in West Seattle and made enough to pay off the bike. Stu’s kindness and compassion for a young kid who wanted a proper bike was never lost on me and inspires me to this day of how to treat people and run a business.
As for our existing storefront, our new friends at NW Fitness Project will be taking over that location this spring. Here is some info from them about their new location: NW Fitness Project, a celebrated Fremont-based boutique fitness studio specializing in personal training, strength based small-group training, and running coaching, is beyond amped to be moving in for their second location. Known for their “person over program” philosophy and commitment to sustainable, long-term fitness, NW Fitness Project has built a loyal community over eight years through adaptive training that meets each person exactly where they are.
We’re thrilled to pass the torch to fellow small business owners who share our commitment to community investment and are excited to see them serve West Seattle’s active, health-focused residents.
Follow our journey as we restore this 100 year old building and make it our own, one guitar at a time. Look out for moving announcements early this spring.
With love & gratitude,
Frank Gross
Owner & Founder, Thunder Road Guitars
This will be Thunder Road’s third move to ever-bigger spaces in the past 11 years – from 3916 California to The Junction in 2015 and then from The Junction to Morgan Junction in 2019.
(Reader photo, foggy New Year’s Eve at Solstice Park)
Welcome to 2026! We hope this info will be helpful on your New Year’s Day holiday:
WEATHER ALERT: Dense Fog Advisory this morning. Besides visibility challenges, beware of frosty streets.
BUSES: Metro‘s on the Sunday schedule. (Free rides were just for New Year’s Eve, so fares ARE being collected again as of a few hours ago.)
WATER TAXI: Not running today.
FERRIES: Weekend schedule on Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route – check for alerts here.
MORE TRANSPORTATION NOTES: No charge for street parking in areas of the city with pay stations … West Seattle-relevant traffic cameras are here; see all cameras citywide via this SDOT map.
COFFEE AND RESTAURANT/BAR HOURS: This year, we made lists, though closures for New Year’s are far fewer than for Christmas; open/closed coffee shops are listed here, open/closed restaurants/bars are here (scroll past the Christmas info to get to the New Year’s info).
GROCERY HOURS TODAY: A few changes today – our list is here.
NEW YEAR’S DAY WALKS: As they do every year, the Emerald City Wanderers are hosting New Year’s Day walks, starting at St John the Baptist Episcopal Church. The 5- or 10-kilometer walks are noncompetitive, starting between 8:30 and 11:30 am. There is no fee, though contributions to help cover costs are welcome. Hot soup will be available after the walks. St John’s is at 3050 California SW.
ALKI POLAR BEAR SWIM + FOOD DRIVE: You’re invited to join in the annual tradition of running into Puget Sound with more than a thousand others at 10 am sharp, from the beach across from Do Si BBQ, or really, anywhere along the sand – this year, bring a nonperishable-food donation if you can – here’s here’s our most-recent reminder.
OTHER THINGS TO DO: See our Event Calendar – the West Seattle Book Club‘s special holiday edition at 7 pm is a highlight!
OTHER NOTES: Seattle Parks closure info is here … Libraries (city and county) are closed … Solid-waste pickups are on one-day delay for the rest of the week.
If you see/hear news, please text/call 206-293-6302 – we appreciate your tips 24/7/365!
While we were checking out fogged-in Harbor/Alki Avenues around 11 pm, police were investigating gunfire in the Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex/Southwest Teen Life Center/SW Pool vicinity. It’s not easy on a night like this to discern gunfire from fireworks but in this case, the report didn’t come from 911, it came from an officer who told dispatch he saw the gunfire just before multiple vehicles scattered, and reported “casings all over the place” – from at least two different guns, a handgun and rifle. He told dispatch he surmised people in multiple vehicles “were shooting at each other.” No report of injuries, nor of where exactly it happened – the address 2801 SW Thistle covers a lot of ground at those facilities; we’ll be requesting the report.
11:03 PM: The National Weather Service has another Dense Fog Advisory in effect until 10 am New Year’s Day. If you were thinking of going out to see the Space Needle fireworks, sorry, no view from West Seattle unless there’s a midnight miracle – we came down to Harbor/Alki Aves to check if the bay’s socked in – yes, it is. (Only positive thing to report is that street-level fog is a lot thinner down here – uphill it’s thick.)
12:03 AM: The TV stream of the Needle fireworks shows they’re even fogged in for the cameras right beneath.
Every year, this is our only “year in review” story – the 10 WSB stories with the most comments during the year. And as we note each year, that doesn’t mean they were the most important, or most read, stories; the comment totals just happen to be a quantifiable component in our publishing system. With hours left to go in 2025, here are this year’s top 10:
#10 – WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL OPPONENTS NOT GIVING UP
January 7, 2025 – 124 comments
#9 – POLICE OFFICER SHOOTS, KILLS MAN OUTSIDE SOUTHWEST PRECINCT
March 19, 2025 – 132 comments
#8 – KATIE WILSON HOLDS LEAD IN MAYOR’S RACE, ONE WEEK AFTER VOTING ENDED
November 11, 2025 – 133 comments
#7 – 100+ SHOTS FIRED IN NORTH DELRIDGE
March 30, 2025 – 134 comments
#6 – SCUFFLE OVER SIGN IN THE JUNCTION
October 13, 2025 – 135 comments
#5. – 2+-HOUR CENTURYLINK OUTAGE IN WEST SEATTLE AND BEYOND
June 19, 2025 – 142 comments
#4 – LIGHT-RAIL OPPONENTS’ ‘RETHINK THE LINK’ FORUM
January 25, 2025 – 154 comments
#3 – $2 MILLION SMASH-AND-GRAB ROBBERY IN 90 SECONDS AT MENASHE JEWELERS
August 17, 2025 – 170 comments
#2 – BEL GATTO CLOSES AFTER LESS THAN A YEAR
January 6, 2025 – 180 comments
#1 – SDOT GOING AHEAD WITH REMOVAL OF DOWNHILL DRIVING LANE ON HIGHLAND PARK WAY HILL
March 5, 2025 – 183 comments
PREVIOUS YEARS: Here are our previous most-commented-stories lists, going back to 2011:
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Thanks for the tips and photo. Lee’s Produce Market, a South Delridge/White Center fixture for more than 40 years, is mourning its “heart and soul,” Nam Suk Nasatka. She died this past Monday at age 75. A Seattle Times magazine story from 2017 says she started working at Lee’s in 1983 and bought the business a decade later. As the photo shows, a memorial is set up at the market. That’s all we know so far; we will update with anything we find out about a service/gathering.
Thanks for the tips. Five months after the owner of Lucky Sushi in Columbia City confirmed a plan to expand to West Seattle, with a space in a new building at 5216 Delridge Way SW, the plan is off. Multiple readers told us that the space appeared to have cleared out recently and the Lucky Sushi “coming soon” signage was gone; a person who spoke with us by phone when we called the Rainier Avenue location confirmed they’d scrapped the plan, because the space couldn’t be licensed for what they needed. Before she had to end the conversation to deal with customers, we asked if they’re hoping to find another space in West Seattle, and she said they’re looking around because they now own two restaurants worth of equipment. We also contacted broker Susi Musi to ask about the space’s status and she told us, “The parties were unable to align on build-out terms and mutually agreed to part ways. The space is now available for an office use.”
(Reader photo sent by CJ, December 14)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Is it the drivers’ fault or the pavement’s fault? The discussion reignites almost every time we report a crash toward the southwest end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge, in the general area of the pullout near the two remaining “Walking on Logs” sculptures and the “Welcome to West Seattle” sign. The “drivers’ fault” faction says people are just driving too fast. The “pavement’s fault” faction blames an inconsistency in the road surface right in that spot.
(Reader photo sent by Mike, October 26)
We don’t have hard-and-fast data on crashes at this location – the SDOT collision map is neither comprehensive nor (location-wise) precise, and our archives are not necessarily comprehensive either, nor is publicly visible data: The SFD 911 log will show a collision only if there was a dispatch for injuries, and the SPD police-data map if the crash was reported by a 911 caller. Plus, there’s no functioning traffic camera in that spot, so for visuals, we’re reliant on reader photos. But our archives alone show more than a dozen mentions of crashes in that spot just this year.
(Reader photo, October 24)
Back in February, we sought and reported on SDOT’s response to our inquiry about whether any action was planned regarding this area. A department spokesperson said at that time that they planned “to add safety enhancements to encourage drivers to approach the curve at a safer speed” and then might evaluate pavement work if that didn’t help. The timeline given was “this year.”
(Reader photo, OMarch 24)
So now we’re at the end of “this year.” After more crashes in mid-December, we asked SDOT for an update. Here’s how they responded this time:
Based on recent crash activity and additional review, we will be installing two near-term safety enhancements to improve driver awareness of the curve:
-curve warning signs, and
-raised pavement markers to enhance visibility for approaching drivers.The work orders have been issued.
This represents a slight change from what was discussed earlier this year. While reflective markings on the existing guardrail were previously mentioned as a potential third treatment, that option is still under internal evaluation.
As we shared in February, our pavement engineers and Vision Zero team have also been evaluating longer-term solutions to improve traction in this area, including either grinding the top layer of pavement or installing a high-friction surface treatment. Those options remain under consideration and would need to be scheduled further out, taking into account resources, weather, crew availability, and traffic impacts.
We’ll continue to monitor conditions at this location and assess whether additional measures are recommended.
Some pavement work was done in that area during the 2020-2022 West Seattle Bridge closure, as we reported, and showed, in this story about a visit to the work zone toward the end of bridge-repair work.
11:36 AM: If you’re heading east toward the east end of the Roxbury corridor, note that emergency responders are headed for what’s reported as a “rollover” on the county (eastbound) side of SW Roxbury at 5th SW [map].
11:41 AM: Thanks to Lisa for texting the photo, stuck in traffic at the scene. She reports a bystander said everyone’s OK.
12:49 PM: Thanks to another texter for sending the wider view above. We have less over-the-air info on this since it’s being handled by the King County Sheriff’s Office rather than SPD, but we did catch that a tow truck was on scene as of about half an hour ago, cleaning up debris and a fluid spill as well as handling the flipped car.
(Mount Rainier and the Duwamish River, seen from the bridge earlier this week – photo by James Bratsanos)
What’s below is mostly from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – regular Wednesday events remain on our calendar but we haven’t verified whether they’re all still on despite the semi-holiday, so this list is focusing on the NYE-specific:
RESTAURANTS AND COFFEE SHOPS THAT ARE OPEN TONIGHT (AND TOMORROW): We ask about New Year’s Eve/Day while compiling our Christmas coffee-shop list – see that list here – and restaurant/bar list – see that here. (Changes/additions? Please tell us!)
GROCERY STORE HOURS: Some changes for New Year’s Eve/Day, and one closure – here’s the list.
CELEBRATE NEW YEAR AT NOON: You can do this noon-2 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
NEW YEAR’S EVE WALKS: The Emerald City Wanderers‘ are offering 5K and 10K routes again tonight (and tomorrow):
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day
Say farewell to 2025 with a New Year’s Eve walk along Alki. Enjoy sunset views of Puget Sound and city lights of downtown Seattle, as well as the holiday lights of the West Seattle neighborhoods. Return on New Year’s Day for a lovely morning walk on a different route through West Seattle. On both days, join us afterward to warm up and socialize, with snacks and hot soup at the Start Location.
New Year’s Eve: Registration: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Start Location: St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 3050 California Ave. SW
NYE AT THE 4040 HOUSE: The lights-synched-to-music display at 4040 47th SW is on for New Year’s Eve! Received this morning:
Join us tonight from 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM as we ring in the New Year the best way we know how — with music, lights, and a whole lot of joy. We’ll be rocking straight through the night with a few new songs and a special midnight countdown to welcome 2026 in glowing style. Bundle up, bring your people, dance a little, and help us celebrate another year of community at the 4040 House. Friendly parking reminder: Please park along Dakota or Andover. Residents on 47th Ave SW rely on street parking, and the street is quite narrow.
NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHT PARADE: Highland Park Improvement Club presents the NYE tradition – all-ages parade with noisemakers through neighborhoods in HP, leaving from Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW). Gather at HPCS 5:30-6 pm; parade takes off at 6.
MASQUERADE NYE 2026 – New Year’s Eve celebration, 9 pm-2 am, at Jet City Labs & Revelry Room: “A stylish New Year’s Eve gathering with soulful DJ sets, a full buffet, a midnight champagne toast, and plenty of room to celebrate. Masquerade attire and masks encouraged.” Ticketed event. More info here.
THE FINAL TOAST: West Seattle Supper Club party at Phoenecia (4717 42nd SW)
8 pm-1 am, Various levels of ticketing and experiences – all in our calendar listing – ticketing page here.
MIDNIGHT FIREWORKS: Yes, the Space Needle plans pyrotechnics and drones again to greet 2025. Light shows precede the big display, starting at 10 pm – see the schedule here. If you’re not going downtown, myriad north/northeast-facing West Seattle spots have a view of the Needle (the Alki/Harbor waterfront gets clogged, though, so if you’re headed there, go early).
Anything to add? westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to get us calendar/event listings, all year ’round!
End of the year, end of the holidays, end of the long-running donation drives. Here are two that you can still show support for:
WINTER-CLOTHING DRIVE AT DAVE NEWMAN STATE FARM INSURANCE AGENCY: The annual warm-clothing drive at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3435 California SW; WSB sponsor) continues through today.
FOOD DRIVE AT FITNESS TOGETHER: At WSB sponsor Fitness Together in The Junction:
Fitness Together West Seattle will be having a food drive supporting Immanuel Community Services for the month of December! Please bring holiday items and non perishable items to our studio to help those in need!
Please drop items at our studio on the 2nd floor:
4546 California Ave SW
(Our entrance is in the Alley behind The Matador – Look for the green awning)
And remember that food-donation bins will be set up at Alki for tomorrow’s 10 am Polar Bear Swim – bring nonperishable food if you can.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s New Year’s Eve – Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
As noted a few hours ago, a Dense Fog Advisory alert is in effect until 10 am. After that – the forecast says it’ll be partly sunny, high in the mid-40s, cloudy tonight but no rain expected before Thursday pm. Sunrise will be at 7:57 am (as late as it gets, and it’s staying there for a few more days); sunset at 4:27 pm.
SCHOOL’S STILL OUT
Winter break continues for a second week (most if not all schools reopen Monday, January 5).
TRANSIT TODAY & BEYOND
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule. The Water Taxi will NOT run on New Year’s Day, but will run fare-free all day today, New Year’s Eve.
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route has its third boat back and is now on the winter schedule, per WSF’s alerts page. A weekend schedule is planned for New Year’s Day.
Metro buses – They’re back on the regular weekday schedule and routes in our area; Metro is now fare-free until 3 am Thursday (New Year’s Day)..
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 at the scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
(SDOT traffic-cam screengrab from right before we published this story)
3:12 AM: Perhaps 2025 just wants to vanish into the fog. The National Weather Service has a Dense Fog Advisory alert in effect for our area until 10 am. This not only could mean visibility problems, but also the possibility of icy streets, as the fog meets near-freezing temperatures. So give yourself extra time to get wherever you have to go.
9:22 AM: The advisory has been extended until noon – forecasters believe the fog will linger longer.
(WSB photo: Marjorie Prince during a solo protest this summer)
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Driving or riding past the corner of 35th and Edmunds, near Providence Mount St. Vincent (WSB sponsor), you might have noticed someone standing on the corner, holding a sign in quiet protest. From stricter gun legislation to ending the war in Gaza, many issues have kept Marjorie Prince standing in vigil every day for nearly seven months, protesting what she calls the Trump Administration’s “active dismantling” of the United States.
We first met Prince, a former political-science professor and lifelong Democrat whose experience protesting stretches back to the 1968 Nashville Civil Rights protests, this summer. Since then, something has changed. Prince isn’t alone any more.
(Photo by Kathryn Rawle)
For weeks, she’s been joined by a larger group of friends and activists every Monday, each inspired in their own way by watching her protest. As temperatures drop, and even when reception from some is colder than the weather, the group continues to protest because, as protester and former journalist Kathy Rawle put it, “We found our community here.”
The idea of gathering with Prince on her vigil started with organizers Mary Jo Bukovik and Story Squires, both members of Postcards 4 Democracy, which gathers in West Seattle weekly to write and send notes to voters in undecided and underrepresented areas across the country.
Both organizers met Prince during their time working at The Mount, and what started as a conversation over lunch one day quickly evolved into Mondays With Marjorie. Every Monday, from 3:00 to 3:30 pm on the corner of 35th and Edmunds, anyone is welcome to join Prince in protest.
“Marjorie is an inspiration,” said Bukovik, in between drivers honking to express support while passing the group this past Monday. Sally, another protester, keeps track of every honk they get- some days over 300. Bukovik believes the protest vigil is important to keep the issues they care about in the forefront of people’s minds, and hopefully, she said, inspire them to get out and protest too. “Everybody needs to do something.”
Rawle, who helped start Postcards 4 Democracy in 2017, says it’s all about finding your passion. “Find your lane,” she said, “get in it, do it, and then pass it along to someone else. Talk to the people you know, make sure they know what’s going on, because sometimes that’s the hardest thing to do.”
Also out in protest on Monday was Heidi, who found her lane in Mondays with Marjorie. This kind of protesting is more her speed than larger, louder rallies, she said. In addition to her sign, she also brought backup in the form of the group’s resident protest pups.
Squires, who helped start the meetings with Bukovik, still remembers seeing Prince’s door at The Mount covered in political slogans, long before the two started protesting together. Since then, both Prince and Bukovik have inspired her to think about protesting critically. For over 200 days, Prince’s quiet dedication has continued to draw a crowd, and amidst the chatter and new friendships being built around her, Squires pointed out that she remains, for the most part, silent. Focused on her work. That, more than anything else, is her biggest inspiration.
“When we gather out here, there’s a lot of chatting,” Squires said, “but if you ever look at Marjorie, she doesn’t talk. Every person who drives by, every person who honks, she’s looking at them. She’s looking at people.”
Thanks to Steve Pumphrey for sending the photo! On New Year’s Eve, the Space Needle will put on a light show before the fireworks and drones, and those looking that way across Elliott Bay got a preview tonight. Here’s the official schedule for Wednesday night:
10:00 PM – Light-only pre-show (10-minute performance)
10:30 PM – Light-only pre-show (10-minute performance)
11:00 PM – Light-only pre-show (10-minute performance)
11:30 PM – Light-only pre-show (10-minute performance)
11:53 PM – Show begins
12:00 AM – Happy New Year!
12:09 AM – Show ends
If you don’t have, or don’t want to go out and find, a view of the Space Needle, you can watch it live via KING or KONG, as also explained here.
You still have an hour-plus to get over to Bear Island – the creativity hub in what used to be the Admiral Church basement – and help Lori Kothe and friends old and new celebrate Almost Day. You can even write up what almost happened to you this year – good, bad, otherwise – and hang it on the Almost Tree:
Or just have a baked potato – Lori says they bought 50 and still have some waiting for late drop-ins:
Lori had the “Almost Day” idea recently after learning about Bear Island – and she said its spirit inspired her to contribute an end-of-year gathering to help people connect, something so many are yearning to do in this otherwise-siloed, as evidenced by the turnout at the recent West Seattle Joiner Jamboree. So this is about as low-key a party as you’ll find, with some crafting, some chatting.
As we reported earlier this year. Bear Island is a “just show up and see what happens” kind of place; the old church marquee currently reads, “Maybe All Magic.” Until 9 pm, you can stop by, make a suncatcher or write down your “almost,” sit and chat or just sit and observe (and ask Lori about her backyard-bird book!).
Thanks to Brooke Gosztola for that view of tonight’s sunset! The original forecast for a mostly cloudy day didn’t bear out, but just enough clouds sneaked in by day’s end to catch the color. So far, the forecast looks dry all the way until New Year’s Day night! Not too cold either – daytime highs in the mid-40s, nighttime lows in the mid-30s. (And water temperature in the mid-to-upper 40s, if you’re planning on Thursday morning’s Polar Bear Swim!)
An alert from WSDOT:
tate Route 99 lanes and on- and off-ramps near the downtown Seattle tunnel will see four nights of closures beginning Monday, Jan. 5, for landscaping and maintenance.
People traveling through the area between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. nightly should expect:
Monday, Jan. 5 and Tuesday, Jan. 6: The 6th Avenue north on-ramp to southbound SR 99 and the left lane of the northbound SR 99 off-ramp to Alaskan Way/Dearborn Street (milepost 30) will close.
Wednesday, Jan. 7: The two left lanes of the southbound SR 99 near Harrison Street (milepost 33) will close.
Thursday, Jan. 8: The left lane of the northbound SR 99 near Harrison Street (milepost 33) will close.
Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will use the nightly lane closures to remove vegetation to prepare for later replanting.
Today we’re welcoming our newest WSB sponsor, Wolfpack Cellars in the heart of White Center’s main business area. New sponsors get the chance to tell you about themselves – here’s the Wolfpack Cellars story!
Welcome to the Pack: A New Kind of Wine Experience in White Center
Wolfpack Cellars is a local family-run winery where pups abound and our mission is to bridge the gap between high-end winemaking and approachable community vibes. We want to welcome every visitor as a member of our family. We have been producing wines from our home in Burien since 2019 and recently opened our first tasting room at 9617-B 16th Ave SW on the main street of White Center — a space that rose from the ashes of the 2021 fire that impacted seven local businesses. We aren’t just a storefront; we are part of the neighborhood’s rebirth.
From the Columbia Valley to White Center
While our production “magic” happens in Burien, our White Center tasting room is designed as your neighborhood living room. We source our grapes from Washington’s most prestigious AVAs — to bring the best of the state right to your backyard. Wolfpack Cellars started off focusing on traditional French wines like Syrahs, Malbecs, and Cabernets. Over the last couple years, our members have been especially excited about our newer wines: Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Nero d’Avola, sparkling rosés, and even orange Riesling!
Why You’ll Love the Pack
We know West Seattle Blog readers love their dogs and a great story. Here is what makes a visit to Wolfpack unique:
Warm & Welcoming to Everyone: In our cozy tasting room, we want to show how small batch wineries can greatly enhance the quality of wine. We welcome everyone from new wine lovers to advanced sommeliers with no pretentiousness.
Dog & Family Friendly: We don’t just “allow” pups and kids; we welcome them as part of the pack. We have various dog treats and even juices for the children to enjoy.
Generous Club Discounts: Being part of the pack gets you an almost-unheard of discount of 20%/25% off wine purchases. That’s not just bottle purchases, it includes glass pours and limited free tasting flights when you need to come in for a relaxing evening.
Who says you can’t choose your family? At Wolfpack Cellars, we believe the best “packs” are the ones we build ourselves. Born from a shared dream between a family of choice, our winery was founded on the idea that world-class Washington wine should be available and enjoyed by all. We chose the vibrant White Center community as our home because it reflects our own values: resilient, diverse, and always lively!
Visit Us Soon
Ready to join the pack? We are located just south of West Seattle in the heart of White Center. We’re open later than most wineries because the community of White Center is the place to be in the evening, so whether you’re looking for a cozy date spot or a place to catch up with friends, we have a seat waiting for you.
Location: 9617-B 16th Ave SW, Seattle WA 98166
Hours: Wednesdays & Thursdays (4-8 pm), Fridays (4-9 pm), Saturdays (2-9 pm), Sundays (2-7 pm)
We thank Wolfpack Cellars for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in joining our sponsor team in 2026? Please email WSBadvertising@wsbsales.com for information – thank you!
1:08 PM: We requested and obtained the police report today for an incident we heard over emergency radio last night – police arrested two people after finding them in a stolen car detected by Automated License Plate Recognition. According to the report, the plate reader flagged a 2003 gray Dodge Dakota in the former Walgreens parking lot (9464 16th SW) as a potential stolen vehicle. Inside they found two men, ages 25 and 46, one in the front passenger seat, one in the back seat, and took them into custody; the report says, “The rear driver side window of the vehicle was smashed in and the ignition to the vehicle was punched. There was also a pile of trash in the driver seat that was preventing exit or entry from the driver side door.” Both men claimed to be unaware that the pickup was stolen, but they also said they didn’t know its owner’s name. After determining that there was no way they could have gotten into the vehicle without seeing the evidence it was stolen, police arrested them for investigation of possession of a stolen vehicle. Both are still in jail; for the younger man, it’s his fourth booking this year, cumulatively totaling about five weeks in the King County Jail, with other cases involving theft, assault, and property destruction; for the older man, it’s his fifth booking of 2025, totaling 12 days so far, in criminal-trespass cases.
9:58 PM: Checked the jail register. The older suspect has been released; the younger one (who was in the front seat, which might have made a difference in the probable-cause finding) is still in.
We’d already mentioned that Mayor-elect Katie Wilson would take the oath of office on January 2nd (this Friday) – now the official invitation is out, in case you want to be there:
Inauguration of Katie B. Wilson set for Friday, Jan 2nd at 10 am
“This is your city”Katie B. Wilson will be inaugurated as Seattle’s next mayor this Friday in a public ceremony that marks the start of a new era at City Hall. The oath of office will be administered, Wilson will deliver her inaugural address, and several guest speakers will offer reflections on her roots as a community organizer and her commitment to the vision that all of us should have the opportunity to shape Seattle’s future together. Once sworn in, the new mayor will get to work on her key priorities, including taking on the affordability crisis, bringing people inside, and making our city a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
The ceremony and speeches are planned in City Hall’s first-floor lobby (600 4th Avenue, downtown). Wilson’s spokesperson Sage Wilson (no relation) says it’s open to anyone who wants to attend, and they’re requesting (but not requiring) RSVPs for planning purposes – here’s the form.
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