West Seattle, Washington
27 Friday
(WSB photo, November demonstration in The Triangle)
The Seattle Handmaids are expected to be among the participants in West Seattle Indivisible‘s march and rally tomorrow, with the theme “We’re Still Standing,” a reference to the year that has passed since the administration change. They’re gathering at Hiawatha Playfield (2700 California SW) at 12:30 pm and will have a few speeches before marching southbound to The Junction starting around 1 pm, ending at Junction Plaza Park (42nd SW and SW Alaska). WSI – organizing the rally/march along with Evergreen Resistance and 50501 – explains it as: “Against a backdrop of uncertainty and concern for our democracy, participants will assemble not just to protest, but to celebrate resilience.”
6:34 PM: Thanks to Jerry Simmons for the photo of Seahawks spirit across the bay. It’s all in advance of Sunday’s NFC championship game, Seahawks vs. L.A. Rams, 3:30 pm kickoff, with a Super Bowl trip up for grabs. Reminder, the West Seattle Water Taxi has added postgame runs, as mentioned in our morning traffic/weather tracker. And for the ticketless West Seattle fans, any venues planning viewing parties are welcome to email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – so we can add to our Event Calendar.
10:08 PM: More photos, sent by Brittney – above, a wider view of the skyline; below, the building’s property-management crew who she says did the work (with one member who had to be added to the pic because she left before the group shot):
Last night we published a reader report about an intruder just southwest of The Junction. Today, we have word of an entire neighborhood in nearby Seavuew reporting sightings of an intruder/prowler. One neighbor sent this for greater community awareness:
Last night, between as early as 7:30 pm and as recently as 8 am this morning, a ~30 year old ~5’9 man with dark features and possibly deaf or non-verbal intruded and entered several backyards and structures on our block. Multiple neighbors saw or interacted with him and confirmed it’s the same person. Our block is 45th Ave SW between Dawson and Brandon streets and we’re aware of at least five separate properties that were intruded on. He tried to get in my basement windows multiple times where my daughter sleeps, slept in my neighbor’s garage, opened gates, and went into various yards. I confronted him on the street ~945 pm from my car and told him aggressively to leave the block immediately (when at the time I wasn’t aware this was indeed the person I’d heard nearby) and he was apologetic and non-aggressive in body language, but did not speak. He may have been out of it or had a special condition and he left after seeming to understanding that I wanted him gone. My neighbor and I filed two separate police reports at different times (one last night by me, and her this morning when she saw him in her yard at ~8 am), but we are all concerned he may return. We also saw this WSB post very nearby that is highly likely the same individual. He left clothing at my neighbors’ house as well and did not seem deterred by lighting or locked gates that he opened and entered on multiple properties. …
UPDATE: The man returned to our street (today) at 1:11 pm and retrieved his sweatshirt/poncho which was on street where a neighbor had placed it outside.
(From kingcounty.gov)
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
If you’re concerned about air traffic noise in the neighborhood, it’s not too late to make your voice heard.
The administration at Boeing Field (known officially as King County International Airport, or, KCIA, just across the river from West Seattle) is in the process of devising recommendations to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) on how to reduce air-traffic-related noise in the area.
Their public hearing last night (video added above) offered a chance for them to present their existing plan, as well as offer the community an opportunity to provide feedback, all part of their long-range planning.
As their presentation explained, the plan, officially known as the Noise Compatibility Program (NCP), is part of a larger process for helping get more government funding to prevent noise pollution.
The NCP is the sum total of recommendations made from a lengthy noise study, in accordance to specific legal requirements. These requirements are described in Part 150 of a federal regulations code, hence the term “Part 150 Study.” After the study has been conducted, the local air authorities are in turn asked to consider a set of proposed changes to minimize noise in the designated area. Once these are finalized by KCIA, they are then submitted back to the FAA, who has final say on the implementation. After details of the implementation are finalized between the FAA and KCIA, the FAA will help seek federal funding opportunities to accomplish those goals.
There are two new measures KCIA is recommending. The first measure is to continue working with various local authorities that govern zoning near the KCIA (such as the City of Seattle) and making sure that zoning is appropriate near the airport. This means making sure that there is no new residential zoning near the airport likely to violate federal noise guidelines for residences, as well as ensuring that current zoning is compatible with those guidelines. The second measure, which is similar in method, is for KCIA to acquire property near the airport. This would allow for both an expansion of space for the airport, and ensuring that those properties fall within acceptable noise thresholds.
They also recommend the continuation of many ongoing programs at the KCIA. These include such things as programs to offer neighbors and businesses near the airport chances to insulate their buildings from noise, and proper venues (such as public meetings or websites) for the public to voice comments and complaints.
The outcomes of public comment for this process have impacted West Seattle before. Deep within their official 80-page plan of recommendations, they note the history of their past Part 150 study in 2004. The final recommendations for their 2004 Noise Compatibility Program involved the discouragement of East and West nighttime flights over West Seattle, and KCIA has held to that policy to this day.
And, as expected, community comments suggest room for further improvement. Multiple local community members attended last night’s hearing to voice their opinions about the noise levels in Georgetown. “Every time I go outdoors I can’t hear myself talk [because of the jets].” said one resident. Another echoed their comment: “When I’m outside, talking to my neighbor, we have to stop until the planes have left. It’s a fact of life in Georgetown, we all deal with it. But, if there is going to be a future increase in air traffic due to air shipping from companies like Amazon, I’m concerned.” said another. Other local residents voiced frustrations that KCIA has not offered enough opportunities for public engagement, as well as being vague about their specific plans regarding local property acquisition.
If you’d like to voice your opinion about local noise levels, as well as other comments regarding their process for the Noise Compatibility Program, there’s still time. They will be taking public comment until February 22nd, before they finalize and submit their plan in March. You can email comments to KCIAcommunityoutreach@kingcounty.gov, or submit comments (as well as read the details of their plan) at https://kciaplanning.com.
P.S. Here’s the slide deck from the hearing.
(WSB photo from last year’s clinic)
Once again this year, West Seattle High School softball players plan a clinic to mentor younger players and fundraise for their program, and registration is open now! Here’s the announcement:
West Seattle High School’s softball team is putting on a one-day clinic Sunday, February 8, for girls ages 7–13 at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex upper field, for $25.
Beginner Session 8:30-10:00 am, Advanced Session 10:15-11:45 am
*Check in begins 15 minutes before each session. Each session will cover the skills in the infield, outfield and hitting. No pitching and catching instruction. Players, please bring softball equipment.
The link for registration is: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/wshs-softball-clinic
NCSWAC is at 2801 SW Thistle.
(Thursday sunrise, photographed by Jerry Simmons)
Here’s our delayed-by-breaking-news list of what’s happening today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER It’s open today, 10 am-3 pm at north end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus (6000 16th SW).
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Free indoor playtime for little ones and their caregivers, 10 am-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
BABY STORY TIME: 11 am-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 continues 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: Two varsity home games at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) – girls vs. Lincoln at 5:30 pm, boys vs. O’Dea at 8:30 pm.
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, “Small, fun band” Jumbletron at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
SPAGHETTI-DINNER FUNDRAISER: Dinner out for only $10! The West Seattle High School Key Club is hosting a spaghetti-dinner fundraiser at the school tonight – with bingo too – just show up between 6:30-8:30 pm. (3000 California SW)
ADMIRAL PUB BINGO: 7 pm, classic bingo! (2306 California SW)
PUNNY NIGHT AT THE SKYLARK: Pun Slam! Sign up at 7 pm, show at 8 pm; get tickets here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE AT TIM’S: 8 pm, Henderson Haas and The Ugly Cousin Brothers. (16th/98th, White Center)
SPINNING: Revelry Room is open tonight (4547 California SW), with Vitamin D, 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to Asterhouse and Happy Chemicals, 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 ongoing calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:13 AM: Seattle Fire has sent a “rope rescue” response to the 3200 block of SW Spokane [map], upslope from the west side of the Admiral Way hill. According to radio exchanges, they need to lift an injured person off a roof.
9:16 AM: SFD says this is happening at a construction site. Crews are planning to rescue the person via a ladder instead of lifting them out in a basket.
9:32 AM: Firefighters just told dispatch that “the patient is off the roof.” … Reader photo added above, sent by SeanO. The rescued person’s injuries are not described as life-threatening.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, January 23, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts a mostly sunny day, high in the mid-40s. Sunrise at 7:46 am; sunset at 4:57 pm. (Sunday brings this year’s first 5 pm sunset!)
(Thursday photo by Bob Burns)
TRANSIT TODAY + THIS WEEKEND
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – According to WSF’s alerts, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route will be on TWO-boat service today, because of vessel trouble elsewhere in the system.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today, extra postgame service Sunday for Seahawks fans.
WEEKEND NOTES
–Saturday: “We’re Still Standing” rally and march from Admiral to The Junction, 12:30-3 pm.
–Sunday: 3:30 pm at Lumen Field, Seahawks host Rams, winner to the Super Bowl. As mentioned above, extra postgame West Seattle Water Taxi service.
–Sunday:
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!
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
“I’m super proud of the team,” says Bakery Nouveau owner William Leaman, after coaching America’s baking team at this year’s Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie, an industry competition in Paris for countries from around the world. The competition took place Tuesday and Wednesday, with winners announced late yesterday. South Korea, Chinese Taipei, and France were the medal winners, followed by Denmark and America. Ten teams competed in the finals.
(Photos by William Leaman) Defending its gold medal from 2024, France earned bronze this time.
As we reported last week, Leaman’s been juggling running his 3-location bakery business, including the flagship store in West Seattle (4737 California Ave SW), with coaching the 3-person Team USA at bi-weekly practices in Chicago. He was tapped to coach after being part of the winning team in 2005. At this year’s Coupe du Monde, each of the 10 teams had to produce many of the same breads, pastries, and savory “snacks” on the single competition day, plus a unique artistic piece showing an invention from their country, many with elaborate details.
South Korea’s 1st Place entry
Denmark’s whimsical Lego theme came in 4th place
Leaman says the pressure was high and the space was limited on competition day. “They did a great job, especially in a space that was half the size of what they were used to working in. That was probably the biggest challenge and then all of the noise, different countries, so many of their fans, air horns, yelling, screaming all in the last couple of minutes to be on time.” Adding to that, a live audience and a cadre of judges watching all day as they worked.
Team USA’s entry came in 5th
To finish in the top half of the field is testament to the team’s focus and talent. They started practicing long after some of the other teams, and they all have day jobs, making practices less frequent than ideal. Leaman says some teams had either sponsorships or government support that allowed them to practice and work on their design and techniques full time for many months. “Our biggest challenge was artistic, and a super short runway to prepare.” Despite that, the jury was impressed. “We had high marks in flavors for our products,” he says.
Some of those flavors will be headed to the Bakery Nouveau locations soon. Leaman says one of the “snack” sandwiches they made for the competition will be on the menu — look for the new Black Cod Miso sandwich on brioche later this year.
Two quick reader reports:
YARD INTRUDER: Via email:
This evening my mom went to take out the trash and found a strange man smoking a vape pen on the steps in our backyard (we have an unlocked gate from the driveway). He left when she caught him, and it didn’t look like anything was taken or damaged, but it definitely freaked us out. I just want to let folks in the area to know to lock their doors and be careful. We live on Erskine between Edmunds and Dawson.
MAILBOX SIGHTING: We got this tip via phone call – a multi-household mailbox, maybe 20 slots or so, was spotted dumped near Kelsey and Cambridge. It was reported to police, too.
7:56 PM: Thanks for the tip. The Highway 99 tunnel is closed both ways because of a fire. SFD has it logged as a vehicle fire.
9:32 PM: Fire’s out but tunnel’s not open yet.
10:36 PM: Still closed. We have followup questions out but did glean one bit of info from archived audio: The fire was on the tunnel’s northbound deck.
11:55 PM: Open again.
ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: SFD confirms to WSB that no one was injured.
Vessel problems on other Washington State Ferries routes have left the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route on two-boat service, and that will continue tomorrow (Friday, January 23), according to this explanation from WSF boss Steve Nevey:
This week, a second large ferry had to be removed from service, leaving us with just 15 boats when we need 17 to run our full winter schedule. Yesterday, Wenatchee hit a log while sailing from Bainbridge to Seattle in the fog, bending one of its propellers. This morning, we moved Sealth to join Tacoma on our busiest route. This leaves both our Fauntleroy/Vashon/ Southworth and Seattle/Bremerton routes down a vessel. Repairs to Wenatchee are expected to take a few days, with a return to Seattle/Bainbridge service possible Sunday. That would allow us to relocate Sealth to our Bremerton route for the Seahawks playoff game, when we expect heavy travel to and from Seattle. Then late Sunday night, we plan to shift Sealth back to Vashon Island. This allows us to restore our “Triangle” route’s full three-boat weekday schedule on Monday. If Wenatchee is not ready, we will keep all ferries where they currently are.
As Nevey reiterated during Wednesday’s systemwide online community meetings (WSB coverage here), the system suffers chronically from an undersupply of boats, and unexpected problems tend to have domino effects like this.
(WSB photo from this afternoon – mostly dry now)
This long spell of dry weather has resurfaced a longrunning problem – water running down the Admiral Way hill toward the bridge. One week ago, Laura emailed us to ask about it:
I am puzzled by how and why the city is allowing so much water to flow across lower Admiral Way. I can see that there were blog posts about it several years ago, but over the last couple of weeks it has become much worse. If our temperatures drop, it will be a massive ice rink! Have you heard anything from the city about this?
As a result of that inquiry, we had asked SDOT about it even before it led to exactly that problem – an “ice rink” – on Wednesday morning. SDOT first redirected us to Seattle Public Utilities, whose spokesperson Travis Gershaneck initially responded:
This location appears to be a known area of surfacing groundwater. Surfacing groundwater is a natural condition in Seattle, and the City works to manage and mitigate impacts of these sites where possible. If icy or otherwise unsafe road conditions occur, the Seattle Department of Transportation is the lead agency and can be contacted at (206) 684-ROAD. For urgent drainage or flooding concerns, Seattle Public Utilities’ 24/7 Operations Response Center can be reached at (206) 386-1800. These operational lines are the best way to reach our hard-working crews and allow for the most timely response.
By then, Wednesday morning’s freezing fog had struck, and we asked SDOT how they’d responded. Spokesperson Mariam Ali replied:
Our crews are aware of the reported black ice on Admiral Way. A truck was dispatched to the area earlier today, and we will continue to monitor the location. A salt truck will be checking the corridor (Wednesday night) and treating as needed to address any icy conditions.
Then today, we got an update from SPU spokesperson Gershaneck:
Thanks again for reaching out and bringing the issue to our attention. I wanted to follow up with some actions we’ve taken in the area in the past 24 hours.
We contacted our Operations Response Center before we discovered it was a known surfacing groundwater site. An SPU crew was dispatched and able to clean nearby catch basins, which may help reduce additional water sources adding to the surfacing ground water issue. They also requested an overnight street sweeping to remove debris along SW Olga St to SW Spokane St. Although the surfacing groundwater is expected to continue, these actions may help mitigate some impacts in the near term.
3:39 PM: WSDOT says southbound Highway 509 just southeast of West Seattle is blocked by a crash, and vehicles are being diverted to the Myers Way exit. No other details so far.
3:48 PM: What’s above is the newest image from the WSDOT traffic cam closest to the scene.
4:40 PM: Two SB lanes have reopened.
10:50 PM: Here’s what the State Patrol says happened: A 32-year-old man driving a 2009 Toyota Camry “was traveling southbound on Highway 509 approaching Myers Way in unknown lane of four (lanes). (The driver) attempted to pass another vehicle on the left shoulder, lost control and crossed all lanes where it struck the barrier on the right shoulder. Driver was ejected and came to rest in the center lane. (The car) came to rest in lane four and on left shoulder. Roadway was blocked for two hours and 31 minutes.” The WSP’s media memo says the ejected driver had not been wearing a seat belt and was taken to Harborview Medical Center.
1:59 PM: Seattle Fire has just arrived at a “working fire” in the 9200 block of 34th SW, just east of the 35th/Barton 7-11. Updates to come.
(1st two photos by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand)
2:02 PM: Our crew has arrived – we’re adding a photo – this is a house. They’re calling for two more engines to join the response.
2:07 PM: Our crew reports the flames are visible from the south side of the house. No word yet on injuries.
2:16 PM: We’ve talked to SFD at the scene – they confirm no injuries. The fire isn’t entirely out yet; they are likely to have to cut into the roof to get to some of it in the attic.
2:26 PM: Thanks to Arlene for the photo above – she says 34th is blocked north of Roxbury.
3:05 PM: The response is winding down. The cause is under investigation.
9:49 AM FRIDAY: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo says, “Investigators ruled the fire as accidental, likely caused by an overloaded electrical outlet that ignited drapes and nearby combustibles.” He also confirms that the residents lost one of their dogs in the fire. Meantime, crowdfunding is under way for the family, per this link shared by a commenter.
“Big news for West Seattle soccer fans!” says West Seattle Junction FC and Rhodies FC owner Jessica Pierce. The game-day experience at their home field – Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex – is leveling up, thanks to a long-sought agreement with Seattle Public Schools, which owns NCSWAC. Here’s the announcement we received:
After 2 years of negotiations and building a reputation with SPS, the Club officially has approval to introduce several exciting new game-day enhancements for Junction FC and Rhodies FC, helping elevate the match experience at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex this season.
These new options include onsite food trucks and full use of the existing PA/AV system and press box. The Club owners are thrilled! Both have been missing key components to creating a more professional, high-energy atmosphere for players and fans alike. A beer garden is still under consideration, and possible for 2026 – a tweak to SPS rules is needed (like was given to Ballard FC for Memorial Stadium) but the Club is optimistic and actively exploring partnerships to help bring this fan-favorite feature to life.
Adding to the excitement, the Club has partnered with West Seattle real estate company Rooted Northwest to take prematch festivities to the next level! Fans can expect a lively tailgate experience with music, food vendors, local businesses, and a lively build-up to kickoff—turning match days into true community events! Something the Westside does beautifully!
Season tickets are now on sale at great prices, including 50% off last year’s youth-ticket prices, making it easier than ever for families to be part of the action all season long. A family of 4 could enjoy a full season of both teams for the same cost a 1 ticket to FIFA World Cup!
We can’t wait to welcome the community back — see you in May at Nino Cantu Field!
The full schedule isn’t out yet but the home opener is May 10, Pierce tells us.
Tyler and Katie Blanchard wanted to ensure that O’Neill Plumbing – founded in 1917 – would remain a family-owned business.
So they bought it.
Tyler worked for the Morgan Junction-based plumbing company (a WSB sponsor) for 15 years before becoming co-owner wirh Katie, whose previous career was in health care, with a focus on nursing.
They live in West Seattle, where Tyler was raised and has deep roots, including grandparents who are West Seattle High School alumni.
Nothing is changing at O’Neill Plumbing with their acquisition – the name, the staff, etc. will all remain the same, say the Blanchards, who took over in November. “It’s an honor to take over something that’s been here for more than 100 years,” Katie said. “To carry on that family-owned legacy is really special to us.”
In a day and age when many independent plumbing companies are being absorbed into “conglomerates,” the Blanchards point out that O’Neill Plumbing remains a family-owned company – just, a different family!
Around 6:30 this morning, according to radio archives, 911 got at least three calls from people reporting they had heard what sounded like gunfire in the Riverview Playfield area. Police were dispatched and apparently didn’t find anything, but later in the morning, one of the neighbors who called 911 did, and sent these photos and report:
Officers are coming out later today to investigate. I found the 5 shell casings and broken glass in the parking lot near the Pee Wee field sign and entrance. I’m hoping my neighbors have more information.
If you have any information, the incident number to reference is 26-020700.
(Looking westward toward West Seattle – photo by Carol Ann Joyce)
Here’s the lineup for the hours ahead, from the Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks again to everyone who sends events for us to share!):
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 Thursdays. (5048 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY RUN/WALK: New free, fun gathering, 10 am, starting from Lincoln Park parking lot #2. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Always a good time to plant – and/or plan! Explore the possibilities – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
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.
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!)
POSTCARD-WRITING ADVOCACY: Join West Seattle Indivisible‘s postcard-writing event to encourage voter registration, 2-4:30 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW). Supplies provided.
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is on today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events at HPCS – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Swagg-n-Wagon.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
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!
DENNY INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 5 pm open house for prospective Denny Dolphins and their families. (2601 SW Kenyon)
SUMMIT ATLAS OPEN HOUSE: The charter middle/high school invites prospective students and families to visit, 5-7 pm. (9601 35th SW)
CHIEF SEALTH INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Prospective students and their families are invited to visit tonight, 5:45-7:45 pm. Food and presentations. (2600 SW Thistle)
BOEING FIELD PUBLIC HEARING: Feedback continues on its future plans – 5:45 pm tonight, a public hearing at the airport on its Draft Noise Compatibility Program; details are in our calendar listing. (6526 Ellis Ave. S.)
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 prefer to walk, there’s an option for you too! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle (updated location) for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
BIRD-BOOK LAUNCH: Join WordsWest to celebrate the launch of “Birdbrains: A Lyrical Guide to Washington State Birds“ and hear/meet some of its contributing writers, 6 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm, prizes, 21+. (2306 California SW)
IMPACT WEST SEATTLE: 7 pm at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), the giving group gathers for the first time in 2026, to decide which of three nonprofits to support with their collective donation this quarter.
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: New West Seattle trivia night! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
DJ NIGHT: Spinning happens tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with Supreme La Rock at 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!
West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor), featured here earlier in the week for a big donation, now has a request for you:
We need old books for the display garden we are doing for the NW Flower and Garden Festival next month.
It doesn’t matter what the subject is and people should not donate books they want to get back. We will be breaking some of them up for part of the project.
If people want to clean out their shelves, they can bring their old books to the Garden Center. We have a Book Drop table set up there.
West Seattle Nursery is at 5275 California SW.
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, January 22, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Another early morning of freezing fog – beware of black ice. The forecast predicts a mostly cloudy day even after the fog lifts, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise at 7:47 am; sunset at 4:55 pm. (Sunday, we are back to a 5 pm sunset!)
(Wednesday photo by Mike Burns)
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – According to WSF’s alerts page, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route will be on TWO-boat service today, because of vessel trouble elsewhere in the system.
(Wednesday photo by Sara Walsh)
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.
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!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Updates on Morgan Junction’s two big city projects were at the heart of tonight’s quarterly Morgan Community Association meeting, held at Alki Arts (the gallery at 6030 California SW), facilitated by MoCA president Deb Barker.
(WSB photo of Morgan Junction Park expansion site, today)
MORGAN JUNCTION PARK EXPANSION: The grass that was hydroseeded at the now-filled excavation site is growing, Barker said with optimism, to kick off the update. Olivia Reed from Seattle Parks joined remotely to provide the newest information: First she mentioned the City Council approval of $700,000 extra to cover the expansion’s “skate dot” project, as championed by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka on behalf of MJAWA, the community advocacy group that dreamed up the “skate dot.” They’re working on incorporating it into the current schematic design, said Reed. As for schedule, they expect “late winter” (around February) completion of schematic design, followed by a public-engagement opportunity in spring, design completion in fall (by the end of this year), out to bid early next year, construction starting in spring of next year. Otherwise, they are “working across departments” and looking at alternatives for design in the right-of-way between the old park and the expansion site. The hydroseeding grass is growing slowly so the fence isn’t likely to come down until “mid-spring.” She said it’s been a “tough year for hydroseeding” all around the region, and they don’t want to open the space up and have it torn up in a manner that will require re-seeding. In Q&A, she revealed that there’ll be some “scope reduction” and cost revisions before the schematic design is complete. She also said they’re looking at “streamlining” options for the somewhat lengthy process involved with transferring the jurisdiction of the street between the two park parts.
Later in the meaning, a slightly different view, from the community members who have long fought to get the “skate dot” into the project:
MJAWA: Morgan Junction All-Wheels Association‘s Matthew Lee Johnston opened with a shoutout for Councilmember Saka. Then, he revealed that MJAWA discovered the current Parks team did not have the complete schematic documents that MJAWA had funded with a city grant and turned over to the department quite some time ago. But – “They have them now and are working with all the information,” The integration of their project into the rest of the park, though, “just stopped” and “hasn’t happened,” Johnston said. So they’re trying to get the skatepark designer Grindline back to the table to work on that. “I think we’re good from the MJAWA side of things (but) I’m concerned about this matter of bringing the project back to the community,” as in that could result in more scope changes – he said they feel informing the community is important but gathering yet another round of feedback, as Parks struggles with budget challenges that mean other features could be dropped, might be confusing.
MJAWA’s Josh Radick also said he’s hopeful but “it was pretty disheartening to hear (Parks’) take on things and that they ‘basically only have money for an open field at this point’.” Johnston said that as a result they’re hoping the community won’t say “well, then, if there’s money for this skateable area, why not use it for the features that were dropped?” Even more ominously, Radick said, they’ve heard rumblings that the $700,000 approved by the council “still might not be enough” even just to cover the skate dot (aka all-wheels feature).
Other topics:
(WSB photo of future EV lot, last November)
MORGAN JUNCTION EV CHARGING LOT: Barker said the Seattle City Light project‘s point person Lizzy Kay has told her they’re still getting everything lined up and are moving toward construction, but don’t have a start date yet. All the work for the station will be done off Morgan, rather than on the north (Fauntleroy) side of the project site – that could affect a bus stop, for one. Barker also has been trying to find out more about the plan to trench across Fauntleroy Way between 41st and 42nd as part of the project. The permit looks like ~40 days might be needed – but they won’t be able to close the street during commute. times. Barker is optimistic the work will be started by MoCA’s next quarterly meeting in April.
MoCA VP Conrad Cipoletti said it’s vital that the city coordinate with WSDOT since this will have an affect on drivers/riders who use Fauntleroy Way.
MORGAN’S EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION HUB: This year is a “let’s get back in the saddle” re-energization year for hubs around the peninsula, Morgan included, said Cindi Barker. (If you’re not familiar with hubs, read this!) Training is planned on March 14. Then in April, a tabletop drill, and in May, “a broader community event to discuss preparedness,” followed by an Urban Skills fair during the Gatewood Elementary carnival on May 31, and the annual citywide exercise June 7, with one place in West Seattle chosen to bring everyone together.
SOUTHWEST PRECINCT POLICE: Community Service Officer Phil Bowen presented the same year-in-review stats we reported in coverage three community meetings last week. The only Morgan Junction-specific stat he brought was that there were two confirmed gunfire incidents (aka “shots-fired”) in Morgan last year.
MoCA FINANCES: $11,000 in the bank, with expenses including a business-license renewal and Zoom subscriptions.
MoCA BOARD: This year’s slate of candidates was announced tonight, with the vote happening in April. These are the candidates who came forward to express interest – all current holders of these positions;
president Deb Barker
vice president Conrad Cipoletti
secretary Christopher Miller
treasurer Michael Brunner
business liaison Sierra Shay
The election will be held at the April meeting, and anyone present will be eligible to vote (no required membership or dues). The board had a retreat recently and agreed to work on a workplan for this year. Barker said they plan to send out a community survey to help shape the finished plan.
NEXT MEETING: MoCA usually meets on the third Wednesday in January, April, July, and October, so that’ll be April 15.
Several readers asked us on Tuesday about some Seattle Public Schools campuses outside West Seattle going into shelter-in-place after rumors of ICE sightings, and they asked us about additional rumors of a possible sighting here, in the Admiral Safeway area, of particular concern since that is just north of West Seattle High School. None of these rumored sightings, in West Seattle or elsewhere, were verified; some regional news outlets reported on the non-West Seattle shelter-in-place schools, and quoted the district as promising a more detailed statement. We just received it and are publishing it given its district-wide focus:
On Tuesday, several Seattle Public Schools campuses enacted shelter-in-place protocols out of an abundance of caution following unconfirmed community reports of possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in nearby neighborhoods.
The schools that entered a shelter-in-place protocol included Mercer International Middle School, Aki Kurose Middle School, Cleveland STEM High School, and Maple Elementary. While other schools took precautionary measures, it was mistakenly reported that Dearborn Park International and Beacon Hill International were under a shelter in place.
During a shelter‑in‑place, all exterior doors are locked, and normal learning and operations continue inside the building. Many schools maintained this posture for the remainder of the school day. Aki Kurose lifted its shelter‑in‑place at noon, and Cleveland STEM High School lifted after lunch. All classroom instruction continued uninterrupted, and the day ended safely.
Throughout the day, SPS Safety and Security staff were present at school sites and did not observe any ICE presence at or near SPS campuses. The district continues to monitor information closely and works to verify all reports before acting.
Should immigration enforcement agencies attempt to enter school property, SPS has established clear procedures for schools to follow in coordination with legal counsel. Immigration enforcement cannot enter school buildings without a verified judicial warrant or court order. We will continue to work with our building leaders to provide guidance and support to conduct risk assessments when there are any reports of ICE in the community.
Seattle Public Schools remains committed to providing safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments for every student, regardless of race, religion, national origin, immigration status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
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