West Seattle, Washington
14 Wednesday
(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!
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.
(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.
(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.
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;
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.
(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.
Just heard from Kersti Muul that “a large group of transients” is headed northbound past Blake Island. Let us know if you see them!
PawsVIP recently moved into 9064 Delridge Way SW and is a new WSB sponsor, which means they get to tell you about what they do:
What We Do:
PawsVIP is a locally owned dog day care and boarding facility. We’ve been running our first location near SeaTac since 2019, and West Seattle (9064 Delridge Way SW) is our second home.
Our Services:
At our West Seattle location, we offer day care, overnight boarding, and exit baths for pups heading home after a day of play.
Our Tukwila location has all of that plus full grooming and airport layover services for families moving or traveling with their pets.
Both locations have a 24/7 vet on call.
What Makes PawsVIP Different:
We’re a locally owned business. We’re all pet lovers. We’ve been doing this since 2019. We’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to build a team that genuinely cares. We’ve focused on building a place where people want to stay, because your dog deserves to see familiar faces, not strangers every week.
We provide top quality care for your pet. We remember their habits, preferences, and their playmates. We want them to have fun and be taken care of while you’re away.
We also do our best to provide top quality service for pet parents. We’re communicative and transparent. We work to provide seamless experiences and accommodate your schedule by operating 5am to 9pm, seven days a week.
We’re structured and safety-focused. Kenneled facility, play groups organized by size and temperament, trained staff, 24/7 vet access. We don’t cut corners.
We know transparency matters. We post photos and videos daily because pet parents shouldn’t have to wonder what’s happening with their dog. Check out our Instagram and you’ll see real dogs having real fun.
Our Team:
Everyone on our team is a pet owner. We go home to dogs, cats, you name it. This isn’t just a job for us.
All staff go through background checks before hiring. From there, we train on dog handling, dog behavior, and animal safety. We take the time to do it right because we know the care your dog gets comes down to who’s actually with them.
We’ve tried to build a place where people want to stick around, learn, and grow. When staff are happy and invested, the dogs feel it.
Meet the team: pawsvip.com/team
Soft Opening Offer:
$9.99 day care through January 15, 2026. Trust is earned, and we want people to come see the space and meet us before committing.
Contact PawsVIP:
Email: petcare@pawsvip.com
Phone: 425-230-0344
Book online: pawsvip.com/west-seattle
We thank PawsVIP for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in joining our sponsor team? Please email WSBadvertising@wsbsales.com for information – thank you!
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER It’s open again and having a sale. 10 am-3 pm at north end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus (6000 16th SW).
BABY STORY TIME: 11-11:30 am at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: New session starts at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 12:30 pm-2 pm Fridays, no registration required.
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.
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: 2 games at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) that are both sold out – girls vs. Lakeside at 5:30 and boys vs. Rainier Beach at 8:30 pm – and one at Chief Sealth IHS (2600 SW Thistle), girls vs. Mt. Tohoma at 7 pm, preceded by tribute to the late Regina Rogers-Wright.
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, Songwriters’ Showcase at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
LIVE AT EASY STREET: Tiny Monsters perform at 7 pm, all ages, no cover. (4559 California SW)
LIVE AT TIM’S: 8 pm, Taylor Swift tribute band Red Karma, $15-$20 cover. (16th/98th, White Center)
BACK TO SPINNING: Revelry Room reopens tonight (4547 California SW).
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to Man Plus & Atomic Pines, 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!
A big post-holidays thank you from Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3435 California SW; WSB sponsor) after this year’s generous response to their annual holiday-season warm-clothing drive:
Thank You, West Seattle Community!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to our incredible community for the overwhelming support of our recent clothing drive benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank‘s Helpline. Your generosity truly made a difference.
Thanks to your contributions, we were able to deliver four to five full loads of donations, including brand-new, unopened socks and underwear for both men and women, as well as thoughtfully donated hand-knit caps. These essential and heartfelt items will provide comfort, warmth, and dignity to those in need.
A special thank you to Roger Tanner for his help with loading and unloading donations. His support played an important role in making this effort a success.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated, helped, or supported this drive in any way. This experience was a powerful reminder of how much people care about one another and the strength of our local community.
We are proud to support the West Seattle Food Bank’s Helpline and thankful to be part of a community that truly shows up for its neighbors.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, January 9, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts clouds to start, later clearing, high near 50. Sunrise at 7:55 am; sunset at 4:37 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route remains on a two-boat schedule until at least next week, with a third “bonus boat” added, according to WSF’s alerts page.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.
‘REVIVE I-5’
If you use northbound I-5, you need to know about the work resuming this weekend and continuing for months.
WHITE CENTER WORK RESUMING NEXT WEEK
Monday, the final phase of work on 16th SW between 100th and 107th is scheduled to start.
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 by Torin Record-Sand unless otherwise credited)
The Alki Statue of Liberty once again served tonight as a gathering place in time of national crisis. More than 100 people showed up for a vigil organized by West Seattle Indivisible in the wake of the shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis and Portland.
WSI’s Laurie Reinhardt spoke to the group for a few minutes before they began their silent vigil.
Earlier in the evening, others gathered at Roxbury and Delridge:
The paper chain carried names of people reported to have died in ICE custody:
(Reader photo sent by Genna)
And hours earlier, more than a dozen people joined Marjorie, who protests daily at 35th SW and SW Edmunds:
Four city councilmembers issued news releases today decrying the Minnesota shooting – citywide Councilmembers Alexis Mercedes Rinck and Dionne Foster, as well as district Councilmembers Bob Kettle and Eddie Lin; Mayor Katie Wilson recorded a statement on video, also addressing three reported ICE detentions in North Seattle.
ADDED FRIDAY: District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka‘s office points out that he actually posted a video reaction on Instagram yesterday; it wasn’t mentioned in the council’s news release channel so we weren’t aware of it. It’s now also on YouTube, which doesn’t require a login to view – see it here.
(WSB photos, video by Tracy Record)
“We must not capitulate. We must not conform. We must not pre-emptively comply … I have never backed down from a fight.”
Those declarations about federal actions came toward the end of District 8 King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda‘s campaign-kickoff speech tonight at the new White Center Hub event space.
What began as a relatively amiable speech by Mosqueda with her six-year-old daughter Camila at her side – noting Camila is “crushing kindergarten” – and an opening list of accomplishments, she built to a crescendo after referring to the shootings involving federal agents this week in Minneapolis and Portland. Here’s the heart of her speech, after a list of acknowledgments aimed at high-profile supporters and donors – six minutes in is where she talks about the ICE shootings and crackdowns:
“They’re coming for us because we’re effective .. they think we’ll turn on each other, but we won’t take the bait,” she vowed. Before she spoke, introductory speakers were introduced by Aaron Garcia, executive director of the White Center Community Development Association, which led the building of the Hub. These speeches included one on video by U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal in D.C.
Elected officials past and present who were announced in attendance included state legislators and local leaders from jurisdictions north and south of Seattle as well as Joy Hollingsworth and Dionne Foster from the Seattle City Council, on which Mosqueda served before moving to the county council. Her job is back on the ballot after three years rather than four years because voters approved changing the county charter so that offices like this are now on the ballot in even years. So far no one else has registered a campaign for the position. Tonight’s event was announced as having a $30,000 fundraising goal.
ADDED: Video of Mariachi Monarcas, the band that played before the speeches:
When Seattle Police announced the next Southwest Precinct Advisory Council community updates/Q&A meeting would be held on January 13, it was pointed out that the date conflicted with the longstanding meeting night for at least three major neighborhood groups. SPD at the time decided to keep the date anyway. But now with less than a week to go, Crime Prevention Coordinator Matt Brown says they’ve changed their mind and decided to postpone the meeting until a TBD date in February instead. So if you’d marked your calendar for the January 13 meeting with police, scratch it, and stand by for a new meeting date.
(Photos courtesy Dan Jacobs, Admiral Neighborhood Association)
Ash Lemus is one of the West Seattle HS student artists showing work at tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk, first one of the new year. Danifah Da is another of the student artists:
The students are at <strong>West Seattle Grounds> – as are their teachers – until 8 pm.
Lots of venues to choose from, as spotlighted at wsartwalk.org!
Two announcements regarding local high-school basketball games scheduled tomorrow night. First, West Seattle High School athletic director Corey Sorenson sent this community announcement:
Dear West Seattle Community,
We are excited for our upcoming basketball matchups this Friday and appreciate the incredible support for our student-athletes.
At this time, we have reached full capacity for Friday’s Girls Basketball game vs. Lakeside and Boys Basketball game vs. Rainier Beach High School. As a result, tickets will no longer be available.
For those who are unable to attend in person, both games will be broadcast live on the NFHS Network with a subscription. You can access the stream using the link below:
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/west-seattle-high-school-seattle-wa/basketball
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our athletic programs. Go, Wildcats!
(added) As a commenter notes, one big reason for the interest in the WSHS-Rainier Beach boys’ game is that the nation’s top-ranked player is on the RB team.
Second, Chief Sealth International High School‘s girls-basketball home game at 7 pm vs. Mt. Tahoma will be preceded by a ceremony honoring Sealth legend Regina Rogers-Wright, who died in 2024. Among the participants will be City Council President Joy Hollingsworth and District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, presenting a proclamation.
(WSB photo)
We first told you about plans for an expanded Pilates studio in the former Bel Gatto space in Fauntleroy’s Endolyne business district last year, and the owner’s hope that it would to be ready by summertime. As the new year starts, Lagom Studios owner Melina Moore says she is still waiting on permits for the new space, but is optimistically seeing the delay as an opportunity, bolstered by a good interim solution for more space.
Lagom Studios has been steadily outgrowing their original space at 4507 SW Wildwood Place for the last few years, running private and group pilates classes in a narrow storefront wedged between two others. They signed on to add the neighboring Bel Gatto space (9253 45th Ave SW) to the footprint of their business with a goal of having both more space for classes and some added amenities, including a Finnish-style dry sauna.
As the months rolled by with no permit in hand for the new space, Moore says the space directly next door, formerly Guided Ground massage (4509 SW Wildwood Place), unexpectedly became available to rent. This freed up room for a row of Pilates machines required for group classes, and enough room to stretch out—literally—during private lessons in the original space.
“I really believe that it’s been nice having a later timeline,” says Moore, who has been able to talk with clients about what they value, build community with interactions between the overlapping group and private lessons and to design things like the sauna so that it’s right-sized. “Somewhere between 5-8 people can be in there. I like to keep to it 5, so that you can actually connect with others.”
In the meantime, she’s making the temporary studio on Wildwood feel like home, with new artwork from West Seattle muralist Kristina Tamaria, and she is mostly at peace with the extended time it’s taking to expand. “We’re working with the city for permitting, so it’s on its own timeline. It will happen at the right time.”
Sent by Mike:
I found these lost/stolen items dumped in my yard (around 35th & Fauntleroy) this morning. PAC soccer backpack filled w/ equipment.
If any or all of this is yours, contact us and we’ll connect you.
12:38 PM: (corrected) One day after an ICE agent shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis, demonstrations are happening across the nation, and we’ve just learned of two planned in this area tonight. Here’s the announcement sent to us:
West Seattle Indivisible is hosting a gathering tonight (Thursday 1/8) at 7 pm at Alki Beach/Statue of Liberty, a candlelight vigil and protest of the ICE murder of Renee Good in Minneapolis. We cannot allow this outrageous tyranny to continue and we must show up to stand against these egregious abuses of power.
There is also a protest [in] White Center from 5-6 pm at the corner of Roxbury & Delridge.
The Minnesota incident is under investigation. According to local coverage – which includes bystander video of the incident – today’s developments include the disclosure that the agent who killed the woman had been injured last year when he was dragged by a driver.
12:52 PM: We’ve also just learned that some local activists plan to join daily protester Marjorie at 35th and Edmunds 3 pm-3:30 pm today on the same topic.
(WSB photos)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“I want to do other stuff.”
That’s the simple reason Greg Whittaker is open to turning over his two outdoor-focused West Seattle businesses to a new owner “if the right person comes along.”
He’s founder and proprietor of Alki Kayak Tours and Mountain to Sound Outfitters, both of which he describes as “fun” and “profitable.” M2SO was bustling with skiers seeking gear and services when we sat down to talk on Wednesday afternoon, two days after the shop’s email newsletter revealed he’s “looking for new ownership.”
When he said to himself that he wants to do other things, “I felt a release of pressure,” Whittaker acknowledged. “I don’t need to [sell the bsinesses] – I can keep operating them.” But he thinks a new owner would be best for his businesses’ future. “I’m reaching out to West Seattle because this store is a West Seattle benefit,”
That’s evident during our visit – the snow has finally started piling up in the mountains, and the ski resorts are open. Not only does Mountain to Sound sell skis, boards, boots, and other items needed by skiers and boarders, it offers servicing too. And the shop has a long history, as the marquee outside serves to remind passersby as well as customers:
Over those 16 years, he’s proud of the fact that his shop has played a role in getting many local youth interested in skiing – some of whom work in the shop now. And Whittaker says he has the seasonal rhythm down to a science, even when nature throws a curveball like this year’s late start to the season: “I know the formula. Do early events like ski swaps” – M2SO has one every October – “be ready when it snows … it always snows.” They also sell and rent camping gear. “We have the building blocks for someone to take over if they want to.” The shop has thriving relationships with specific manufacturers/dealers, which isn’t something that comes easily, Whittaker explains – it’s hard work.
And Alki Kayak Tours, which he’s been operating seasonally at Seacrest Boathouse for more than 20 years, is “service-based” – focusing on rentals and tours, rather than retail. (AKT had a big boom time back in the pandemic days.) “The whole puzzle works together.” Whittaker’s businesses are tenants at both spots, though he owns part of the Triangle building that houses Mountain to Sound at 3602 SW Alaska.
So what might that “other stuff” in his future be? He says he is first and foremost an entrepreneur, so he would continue in that vein. By means of background, he says he has “been a ski bum forever” before going into the “kayak business” and was an “environmental manager” after that, so his next business might be along those lines – “I know how to speak governmental language!” he notes. But first, if and when he finds that new owner, it’ll be time for some self-care and “a breather …. for 20 years I’ve worked seven days a week.”
He’s not complaining, though: “I’m lucky and blessed and very thankful for the West Seattle community and the culture we’ve created around the activities we all love.”
And right now, those activities are roaring to life, so we wrapped up our chat and he jumped in to help as more customers were coming through the doors. He expects to formally announce the sale plans soon.
(Photo by James Bratsanos)
Back to regular Thursday events after two weeks of Thursday holidays, plus special monthly events too! From the Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):
FAUNTLEROY FESTIVAL OF TREES: Until noon, the Fauntleroy Church hall is open for viewing this year’s trees one last time, open to “voting” for your favorite by placing nonperishable food donations beneath it. (9140 California SW)
FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace two mornings a week, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)
GATHERING AT THE VOID: Get out of the home office for a few hours! “Work, Game, Craft, or Chat! At The Void ” hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon Tuesdays. (5048 California SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: The ground still hasn’t frozen, so this remains a good time to plant! Explore the possibilities – the center is backopen Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – having a sale, too! – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
TODDLER STORY TIME IN WESTWOOD: Southwest Library story time (9010 35th SW), 10:30 am.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: West Seattle Library story time (2306 42nd SW), 10:30 am.
MEDICARE INFORMATION: 11 am at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!)
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is on today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)
IRISH DANCE LESSONS: The Comerford School of Irish Dance welcomes new students, with Thursday lessons starting at 4:45 pm at the West Seattle VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events at HPCS – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Paparepas.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
LOUISA BOREN STEM K-8 OPEN HOUSE: Families are invited to the school tonight:
Open House: January 8
Elementary @ 5:15 pm
Middle School @ 6 pm
(5950 Delridge Way SW)
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle! And tonight, an Art Walk venue!
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 5-8 pm is the window for most venues having receptions tonight. Here’s the overall list of participants (including food/beverage specials), from Alki to Morgan Junction:
Venues featuring artists this month are spotlighted here. That includes the quilt-art show we previewed earlier. Whether you visit one venue or 10, just get out tonight and explore!
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: 6 pm online speaker series presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. Tonight, author David B. Williams discusses his book “Wild in Seattle,” joined by historian Judy Bentley. Our calendar listing includes the link to register for viewing.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: If you’d rather walk, there’s an event for you too! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
’90S TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm, prizes, 21+. (2306 California SW)
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: New West Seattle trivia night! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
JOKES AT THE JUNCTION: Comedy tonight at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW), 8 pm.
DJ NIGHT: Spinning resumes tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather Sunday to remember Don Wilson. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community:
Don Wilson
April 16, 1933 — December 31, 2025Don Wilson (April 16, 1933 – December 31, 2025) died peacefully at age 92 following several years of declining health after a lifetime of service and ministry.
Don spent his life on three continents – born and raised in London, he then spent 40 years in South East Asia working as a missionary with OMF International – a decade in Laos and then almost 30 years in Thailand where he also met Martha his beloved wife of 56 years – before retiring to Martha’s US home of Seattle. For the past 30 years he had been actively serving at West Side Presbyterian Church as friend, deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher, prayer partner and leading prayer, mission and other groups all while being husband to Martha, dad and Papa to Esther (and Jon, Hana and Naomi) and Duncan (and Wi, Korya and Mana.)
Thankful, Relational, and Available are three defining characteristics of Don’s life and personality and these along with his prayer life for all those around him only increased in his later years. May his example of faithfulness continue to inspire all of us that knew and loved him.
Memorial Service to be held at West Side Presbyterian Church, Seattle, on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 2 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to West Side Presbyterian Church Deacon’s Fund or to OMF International.
Please share memories & sign the guestbook at: www.emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/don-wilson
– Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle –
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
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