West Seattle, Washington
05 Sunday
9:16 AM: Big flakes in a snow shower right now!
Earlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning – it’s Monday, February 3, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Partly sunny, chance of more snow showers, high in the upper 30s, low tonight in the 20s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:32 am and 5:14 pm.
SCHOOL NOTES
No changes announced for Seattle Public Schools, but as noted here last night, Highline and Vashon Island districts and Summit Atlas are all reported to be starting late. (Added 6:57 am) Kennedy HS is starting two hours late too. … (added) Texter reports YMCA Early Learning in West Seattle is opening at 9:30 am.
TRANSIT
Metro buses – Regular schedule. If we do see snow, check metrowinter.com!
Water Taxi – Â Also on a regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – M/V Suquamish is currently with M/V Cathlamet on the Triangle Route, with M/V Salish as the “bonus boat.”
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides 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 trouble 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!
The second wave of snow showers was even shorter than the first, but some nearby areas are experiencing – and/or expecting – weather wintry enough that they’ve announced school changes for Monday. Here’s what we have so far:
HIGHLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: The district that includes White Center and points south will start 2 hours late on Monday. Full details here.
VASHON ISLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS: The district with hundreds of students from West Seattle will start 1 1/2 hours late on Monday.
SUMMIT ATLAS: We haven’t reached the school to confirm this yet but a parent says the charter middle/high school in Arbor Heights is starting 2 hours late on Monday.
(added) KENNEDY HS: Also starting 2 hours late.
(added) HOLY FAMILY BILINGUAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL: Closed today.
(added) SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE: Just received at 5 pm:
South Seattle College Alert: Due to winter weather, all classes and activities starting at 6 PM or later on Monday, February 3 are cancelled. We will also have a late start of 10 AM on Tuesday, February 4. All classes and activities prior to 10AM are cancelled.
Got a school change or closure? Please text or call us, 206-293-6302.
6:59 PM: Thanks for the tips. Avoid the eastbound high bridge for a while; there’s a major police response blocking lanes, reported to involve a person in crisis.
(Added: Cropped screenshot of 35th/Fauntleroy camera showing SPD blocking EB side)
7:14 PM: Police are telling dispatch they will be shutting down the entire eastbound bridge because traffic noise is preventing them from talking with the person they’re trying to help.
7:38 PM: Police just told dispatch they have brought the person safely out of danger and they’ll be taken to a hospital for evaluation. The bridge will be reopening.
7:56 PM: Eastbound bridge now fully reopened, officers told dispatch.
If you are, or someone you know is, contemplating self-harm, the 988 hotline is available 24/7.
After a showerless afternoon … the snow’s back, at least here in Upper Fauntleroy. Still no advisories for the city in general, West Seattle or otherwise, but the forecast has snow showers possible in every daypart for the next few days, and temperatures are not expected to get out of the 30s.
(WSB photos/video unless otherwise credited)
2:36 PM: Hundreds of protesters are marching along the Alki Trail right now, demonstrating against the ongoing ICE raids around the country. Word of a Sunday afternoon Alki protest circulated on social media, a reader told us, but we couldn’t confirm until this sighting.
They’re marching east/northbound in one large group (which we pulled over to photograph) and a few smaller groups, all on the trail, none in traffic lanes.
One police car was on the other side, apparently monitoring; we had heard an FYI broadcast on SPD radio, at the time described as “about a dozen.”
(Added: Photo sent by Kris)
Some demonstrators are in cars, hoisting Mexican and American flags, and signs – one just went by with a sign, NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL ON STOLEN LAND.
(Added: Video sent by Stewart L.)
3:12 PM: Just caught up with demonstrators’ rally at the north/west end of Don Armeni. The message was pro-immigrant; signs included SEEKING SAFETY IS NOT A CRIME. Now some of the protesters are marching back, on the trail, to the beach. Thanks to those who’ve sent photos and video; we’re headed back to HQ to add more.
(Added: Photo by David Hutchinson, near marchers’ starting point at Alki Beach)
3:20 PM: Pulled over at Harbor Ave 7-11 to report that an even larger group is now marching back west/north along Harbor. Some are in the parking lane. Signs include IMMIGRANTS BUILT AMERICA.
5:40 PM: Readers report that some of the marchers went back to Alki, and photos/video show them marching in the street in the business district:
(Video sent by David Hutchinson)
In David Hutchinson’s video, you can hear a car revving loudly – he says that’s what factored into this car fire he photographed at 59th/Alki (we listened back to archived scanner audio, and SFD reported the fire out before they got to it):
The next three photos are from Bucky Hayes-McQueen, who was on Alki Avenue between 3:30 pm and 5:10 pm:
ADDED 9:11 PM: We asked SPD, since they had been monitoring the march/rally, if they had any reports of trouble. Here’s the summary we just received:
At 1341 hours, patrol officers responded to reports of a small demonstration at 59th Avenue Southwest and Alki Avenue Southwest. Officers and a Sergeant responded to the scene to monitor. The demonstration grew to 200-300 people and more than 50+ vehicles. The demonstration was peaceful, and no crimes of violence or property damage occurred. There were just noise nuisances and minor traffic disruption. The on-duty LT responded to the scene and monitored the demonstration.
Just in case you wondered – there was a short-lived water rescue callout a short time ago, this time off Lowman Beach. Turned out to be a false alarm; all responders now canceled.
Thanks to Sarah Chadd in Fauntleroy for the first two photos just in time for the bird-pic gallery we were already planning for today – two “snowbirds” photographed this morning, a Dark-eyed Junco above, Townsend’s Warbler below:
The bird photos below were received over the past few weeks. First, you might be noticing many American Robins out lately – Rainer Klett photographed this one in the Alki area:
At Alki Point, Gary Jones photographed this juvenile Bald Eagle:
A juvenile gull caught Megan Wood‘s eye along Elliott Bay:
Two waterbird views from Steve Bender – a family of Barrow’s Goldeneyes:
And a Great Blue Heron, dining:
Thanks again to everyone who sends photos – whether birds, breaking news, sightings, or … ? – westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way if it’s not urgent; text 206-293-6302 if it is.
(April 2024 WSB photo)
If you need an excuse to think about spring on this semi-snowy Sunday, here’s one: The University of Washington beach-volleyball team’s 2025 schedule has been announced, and it includes two events at Alki Beach: A doubleheader on Saturday, March 22, against Portland and Northwest University, and a tournament Friday and Saturday, April 11-12 – the Husky Invitational, hosting Long Beach State, FIU, and Oregon. You can see the full schedule here. This year marks nine years since UW played what was billed as its first-ever home match at Alki.
(INFOLINKS: West Seattle traffic cams … SDOT’s citywide camera map … SDOT’s winter-response map … Metro advisories)
9:41 AM: Serious snow shower right now in Upper Fauntleroy. That’s what the forecast is suggesting for our area today – still no official weather alert for Seattle, though, and no major accumulation is expected, but this one is heavy enough that the dusting is already sticking on the ground.
And on the roads, at least in the higher areas!
9:56 AM: And elsewhere. Sam from Sylvan Way says drivers are already getting stuck on the hill east of The Home Depot (she sent the photo above). … And moments later, the snow stopped, for now.
10:58 AM: Metro has sent alerts that Route 125 is routed off 16th SW between Austin and Oregon because of road conditions. We’re adding the Metro status link to our infolinks atop this story – though we’re in a break now, radar suggests more on the way.
11:23 AM: Metro says the 125 has resumed regular routing.
“Snow whales” is what Kersti Muul dubbed the orca sighting she just texted us about – at least five killer whales headed southbound past Alki Point Lighthouse. Let us know if you see them (despite the murky/snowy weather) too!
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are highlights for your Sunday:
SKI SHUTTLE: Shuttle to Crystal Mountain now picks up at 7:15 am Sundays at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor).
KING TIDE: One of three times for the highest predicted tide of the year – 12.9 feet – is at 7:42 am.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet for today’s run at 9 am at West Seattle Grounds in North Admiral. (2141 California SW)
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, with winter produce (root vegetables! greens! cabbage! apples!), plus beverages, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared hot food, baked goods, nuts, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
MAKERS’ MARKET: While you’re in The Junction, also visit Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), 10 am-2 pm, for their first Makers’ Market of the year.
DUWAMISH TRIBE LONGHOUSE & CULTURAL CENTER: The longhouse is open for visitors, 10 am-5 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool to get your project going, or to finish assembling a holiday gift? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
MUSIC WORKSHOPS: Five-workshop series starts 12:15 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW) – details in our calendar listing.
YOGA SERIES STARTS: At 1 pm, first of eight weeks for Yoga with Miche in The Admiral District – our calendar listing has details.
AT KENYON HALL: Beethoven string quartets, performed by Seattle string quartet Pure Flavor, 2:30 pm. (7904 35th SW)
MUSICIANS FOR THE WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), enjoy the music and do a good deed by bringing nonperishable food and/or cash for the West Seattle Food Bank.
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, 6:30 pm and later admission times. Tickets and info here.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday nights bring music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
ORIGINAL SUNDAY REPORT: About the same time police were dispatched to the flipped car on the bridge, they got word of a carjacking and assault. The victim is reported to have been carjacked near Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW) and assaulted in the process; he went to the Harbor Avenue 7-11 and SFD medics treated him there. The stolen car is described as a 2006 black Porsche Cayenne. No other info so far.
ADDED EARLY TUESDAY: We obtained the police-report narrative. Police say they got “various conflicting accounts about the circumstances” from the man who said he was carjacked. They say he wouldn’t give descriptions, he gave two different locations for where it happened, and though he said he’d been hit on the head, police found no “obvious signs of injuries.” He also didn’t know his license plate number and police couldn’t find anything in the system registered in his name. No witnesses or video either, according to the police report.
12:07 AM: SFD ad SPD are on their way to the Fauntleroy end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge, where the live traffic camera shows a flipped car.
12:12 AM: According to emergency radio, whoever was in the car got out safely. A texter just sent this ground-level view:
The one SFD unit originally sent was canceled quickly, indicating no serious injuries.
12:31 AM: There’s also been no indication of another vehicle involved. Police remain on scene awaiting a tow truck.
12:43 AM: The tow truck has arrived, and they’re expecting to have to block traffic for a bit while the tow crew gets the car hooked up and righted.
1:02 AM: The car’s been towed and the scene is cleared.
8:11 PM: We followed up with SPD today and heard back tonight that the driver was arrested for investigation of DUI and reckless endangerment.
(Photo courtesy Admiral Neighborhood Association)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
More than a year after we first took you to the Washington State Black Legacy Institute, the new mission of an ex-church/event venue in Admiral, it is opening its doors more widely to the community.
A celebration today at the city-landmarked building at 2656 42nd SW, recently purchased to firm up its future, featured words of both promise and defiance – a declaration that the WSBLI mission will not be derailed or detoured by the national political attack on diversity and equity. “We have to continue to tell our story and what we’ve been able to overcome,” declared WSBLI president/CEO Kateesha Atterberry, founder of real-estate/development firm Urban Black, which partnered with WSBLI for the building purchase. Here’s what she told those gathered this morning, starting with words of welcome:
Even stronger words were delivered by the next speaker, District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka.
(WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)
Before presenting Atterberry with a proclamation that today is Washington State Black Legacy Institute Day in Seattle, he decided to “go off script for a moment” and decry “efforts to politicize things that should not be political,” elaborating that he was defending diversity/equity/inclusion. “In Seattle, we will continue to celebrate DEI.” Here’s what he said, including excerpts from the proclamation:
You might have noticed the speakers standing under umbrellas in front of the WSBLI building. Throughout the speeches, icy rain continued to pick up intensity, and that led Roger Evans, executive vice president for heritage and preservation, to keep his remarks short, explaining the exhibit as celebrating “greatness that has always bee here but was never told to the masses”:
Dr. Jacqualine Boles sang next – and during her gospel performance, the heavens opened up and a heavy hail shower poured down, moving the celebration into the WSBLI foyer, where the ceremonial ribbon was cut, before guests moved into the larger inside room for brunch. The foyer is where portraits and other permanent displays can be seen:
(WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)
The art exhibit that went on public display today is in the WSBLI basement, while other rooms in the building are devoted to work such as preservation and digitization. The plan is to have the building open most days this month (we’re checking on the hours); other events being planned include a Juneteenth film festival.
SUNDAY NIGHT: The missing man that KCSO had been seeking has been found, safe.
Earlier:
(Image from SDOT camera via @SDOTtraffic)
Thanks for the tips. A briefly large Seattle Fire response was sent to The Junction this past hour for a small fire in a unit at 4730 California SW. The seventh-floor fire was extinguished quickly and most of the responding units were dismissed. This started with a small dispatch to investigate “water flow” (turned out to be the sprinklers) and then was upgraded.
Todd at Swedish Automotive (35th/Kenyon; WSB sponsor) reports his shop was broken into early today, and it’s on video:
We had a break-in this morning at the shop around 4 am. Ring camera captured some of it and the alarm went off, but not before they broke the front door, 4 windows in the back, cut the latch off the back gate and made off with our safe. SPD case 2025-29750 if anyone has any information.
That includes if you happen to find a dumped safe.
(WSB photos by Dave Gershgorn)
The tumultuous midday weather didn’t stop the celebration at West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center this afternoon – just forced a bit of a delay until the Lion Dance to commemorate the arrival of the Year of the Snake:
(Vovinam Burien performed this year’s Lion Dance.) The historic Vietnamese flag was also raised for the holiday, known as Tết, with South Vietnam military veterans in attendance:
Also visiting for the celebration, new citywide City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (below with center director Ducly Bui):
The festivities included food:
And a group photo:
You can visit the Vietnamese Cultural Center most Saturdays, noon-3 pm, at 2236 SW Orchard; watch the center’s website for dates of other celebrations.
ADDED SUNDAY: Thanks to Lynda Bui for Lion Dance video!
(WSB photo)
That sighting of brown water flushing from a hydrant is what tipped us to a water outage in Gatewood. We were out walking when we spotted a Seattle Public Utilities worker flushing the hydrant at 39th/Rose [map]; he told us they were clearing the water from a “branch” before restoring service following a break further east on Rose. The SPU water-trouble map says 40+ homes were affected by the break centered near 35th/Rose; we walked past the hydrant again about half an hour after taking the top photo, and the water was running clear.
The video and report were sent by Corey:
We want to share this hit and run last night that completely wrecked my wife’s car, And hoping our West Seattle community can help identify the car in the video. This happened at 2:48 AM on the 8800 block of 18th Ave. SW and SW Trenton. As you can see, the car smashes into the front driver side, backs into the truck behind it, and then takes off.
If someone can help identify the car make or model, that would be very helpful or if you have seen this car in your neighborhood with a smashed front driver side, please let us know. thecoreyis@gmail.com.
Corey says the report #, filed with the State Patrol, is M4014103.
SUNDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Corey emailed to say, “Because of the post, someone identified the car and they live less than a block away. The Tesla was found, parked on the street with the very apparent damage. Contacted the owner and he gave us all of his information. We also saw that he backed into a neighbor’s truck and did damage there as well. Now we can all get our cars fixed and not have to pay our deductible. Thanks to the Blog and thanks to the people who emailed us with the information about the car, And the individual who emailed me about the location.”
12:09 PM: Responders are looking for a kayaker who may be in distress.
12:35 PM: SFD says responders made contact with the kayaker they were seeking, and all’s well.
9:41 AM: For days now, forecasters have been dangling the possibility of a little snow here in the “lowlands.” And just now, as we started to write a “no sightings yet” story, a flurry showed up here in Upper Fauntleroy. No alerts yet but snowflakes are featured daily/nightly in the official National Weather Service forecast for the next several days and nights, so keep your snow-related gear on standby.
10:21 AM: Sunshine has since shown up too.
12:20 PM: Intense squall moved through Admiral a short time ago and the ground was coated.
12:59 PM: Thanks to commenter Oriana for that photo showing what happened after the ice (not snow) squall went through. We were covering the Washington State Black Legacy Institute event, outdoors, and will add video of how it was so intense, it chased everyone indoors.
(Recent sunny day at Alki – photo by James Bratsanos)
Here’s what’s happening on your Saturday, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s sanctuary/studio (3618 SW Alaska).
INTRODUCTORY WALK: Prelude to the next event – meet at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, 9:30 am, for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Then at 10 am, you’re invited to join others for the weekly walk in Lincoln Park (also meet at 47th/Fauntleroy).
WEST SEATTLE TAE KWON DO CLUB: First February 2025 class is at 9:30 am at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW), all levels welcome.
THREE LITTLE BIRDS REOPENS: As previewed here last night, the shop opens today in its new location at 3270 California SW, 10 am-5:30 pm.
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS FAIR: Not in West Seattle but some local SPS schools are expected to participate. 10 am-2 pm at district HQ in SODO (3rd/Lander).
MORNING MUSIC: 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 – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.
WASHINGTON STATE BLACK LEGACY INSTITUTE GRAND OPENING: 11 am speeches, noon ribboncutting, followed by art-exhibit preview, until 2:30 pm at the new history institution headquartered at 2656 42nd SW.
LEAPS AND BOUNDS WOMEN’S CLOTHING SWAP: As previewed here, you’re invited to swap clothes and accessories 11 am-3 pm at WSUU, to benefit local nonprofit Leaps and Bounds Children’s Therapy. (7141 California SW)
MUSIC FEST AT THE SPOT: 11 am-11 pm, free all-day-all-night music festival at The Spot West Seattle, all ages, see the hour-by-hour lineup here. (2920 SW Avalon Way)
LOW TIDE ARTS OPEN HOUSE: New art studio at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) invites you to visit 11 am-5 pm, as previewed here.
FAMILY READING TIME: Canceled again today because Paper Boat Booksellers is moving.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN, WITH NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here, with Vietnamese New Year celebration noon-2 pm today. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
HEART-TENDING GRIEF AND YOGA WORKSHOP: Experiencing grief? This workshop is for you, 1-5 pm at Bohemian Studios (4801 Fauntleroy Way SW), details in our calendar listing.
MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: 1 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) – our calendar listing details the January book up for discussion today.
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Romantic Cello performs, doors at 2 pm, music at 2:30 pm, tickets here. (7904 35th SW)
WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: Free, drop-in, at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.
BABY GROUP: At Viva Arts, Baby Massage Class, 3-4:30 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
BASKETBALL: Chief Sealth International High School hosts Ingraham – girls’ varsity at 4 pm, boys’ varsity at 5:30 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)
DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: 5-9 pm, dine at Chipotle in The Junction (4730 California SW), give them the code shown in our calendar listing, and you’ll be helping the West Seattle High School Class of 2026 ASB.
LIVE AT C & P: 6-8 pm. Steff Jetson at C & P Coffee, solo acoustic music, no cover, all ages. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: A.G. Joints, Beatbox Panda, Will FM, 6:30 pm, no cover, all ages. (4559 California SW)
ASTRA LUMINA: The illuminated walk at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge continues all month. 6:30 pm and later entry times; ticket cost varies. (6000 16th SW)
THE BYRD ENSEMBLE, WITH TICKET DEAL: Acclaimed vocal ensemble performs Renaissance music from Scotland and England, 7:30 pm at Holy Rosary Church (42nd/Genesee) – get tickets here; use code WSBLOG30 at checkout for discount.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Jay Fiddy hosts a night of PNW Hip-Hop with PXSSION, JUST BLU3, HYBRID HOUND, CARTER COSTELLO, PEYDAY, 8 pm, $10 at the door, which opens at 7. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, always a DJ. (4547 California SW)
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 10 pm start time for Saturday-night singers at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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