Three days after a death at the encampment near Rotary Viewpoint Park (35th/Alaska) and West Seattle Stadium, city crews swept the area – “resolution” is the official city term. But it wasn’t a reaction to the death; the city had told a reader – in November 7 communication on which we were CC’d – that the site was “elevated to be resolved soon, pending availability of the necessary shelter resources.” Then another reader told us late Wednesday that they had seen crews there earlier in the day. So we followed up with the city’s Unified Care Team spokesperson Kate Jacobs, who confirmed:

Rotary Viewpoint Park/West Seattle Stadium vicinity: The Unified Care Team completed resolutions at two unauthorized encampments in this area on December 3 after official notice was posted on November 29. UCT outreach counselors offered shelter and supportive services to all 30 people residing across the two locations. Four offers were accepted.

(WSB photo, 16th/Barton, Tuesday)

We also asked about the results of the city operation reported here Tuesday at 16th/Barton, long an RV encampment zone. Jacobs replied:

SW Barton: UCT outreach counselors offered shelter and supportive services to both individuals residing at this location. Neither offer was accepted.

Jacobs said that’s not the end of their work at those sites:

Outreach counselors will continue engaging with people who declined resources to learn more about each person’s needs and keep building trust. It often takes numerous interactions before someone is willing to accept services, shelter, or complete an assessment for permanent supportive housing.

The reader who tipped us about the stadium/Rotary Viewpoint Park sweep wondered if the people there had had much notice, so we asked Jacobs about the current policy:

UCT gives people as much notice as possible for a resolution. The amount of notice is determined by local regulations, the unique circumstances of each site, and available resources.

Sites that require 72-hour notice under the Multi-Department Administrative Rule (MDAR) receive at least that much notice and sometimes significantly more.

Immediate Hazards/Obstructions are situations in which UCT must act quickly due to health or safety risks, or because an encampment significantly obstructs access to public spaces. In these cases, UCT notifies individuals of the resolution when they arrive on site, typically providing 30 minutes of notice before work begins. Once immediate safety risks and hazards are addressed, UCT works to provide reasonable time for people to pack personal belongings and identify items they’d like UCT to store versus debris that can be thrown away. 

Sites that do not qualify for a 72-hour notice under MDAR and are not an immediate hazard or obstruction typically receive between 24 and 72 hours of notice.

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‘Light Up the Night,’ holiday art-show openings, Winter Wander scavenger hunt, more for your West Seattle Friday

December 5, 2025 9:58 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Harbor seals, photographed by Carol Ann Joyce)

Here’s what’s happening today/tonight as we head toward a holiday-season weekend! Listings are from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

CITY COUNCIL TALKS WITH CITY LIGHT: Seattle’s electricity infrastructure is on the agenda late in this morning’s meeting of the City Council Sustainability, City Light, Arts and Culture Committee that’s under way right now – agenda here; watch here.

WINTER WANDER SCAVENGER HUNT: Alice Kuder is organizing this again and you can register to get going as soon as tonight!

The Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt is a free, 10-day community event designed to bring friends and families together for holiday fun. Wanderers download instructions, a Bingo-style clue sheet, and a map, then scour West Seattle to identify the locations that solve the clues, and upload selfies in front of those locations to qualify for prize drawings. Open to everyone of all ages! Winter Wander starts at 5 PM, Fri., Dec. 5th, and concludes at 7 PM, Sun., Dec. 14th, 2025. Sign up anytime between those dates by registering at wondersinaliceland.com.

FREE INDOOR PLAY: “Stay and Play” is open 10 am-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), with toys for the little ones and coffee for their chaperones.

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER The center is open for plant-shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

WHILE YOU’RE AT SSC … the Otter Pup truck’s soft open with coffee and sweet treats is planned for 11 am-2 pm. (6000 16th SW)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.

QI-GONG: Natalia‘s Friday sessions are 12:30-1 pm at La Choza (10401 47th SW).

RAIN CITY CLAY HOLIDAY ART SHOW & SALE: Rain City Clay in Arbor Heights is hosting a holiday show & sale again this year, featuring artists who work with clay. Opening Night Party and Sale tonight, 4-8 pm. (4208 SW 100th)

WESTWOOD ART STUDIO HOLIDAY ART SHOW & SALE: Group show and sale, opening reception 5-9 pm tonight, more info here. (9042 31st SW)

TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy by the bottle.

‘LIGHT UP THE NIGHT’: The first of this weekend’s two big Christmas-tree lightings! 6-8 pm, both indoors at the Walmesley Center and outside by the tree, Our Lady of Guadalupe (35th/Myrtle) not only lights its tree and grounds, but also invites you for caroling, crafts, cocoa, pizza for sale, more. Bring nonperishable food to fill the sleigh for St. Vincent de Paul.

COFFEEHOUSE OPEN MIC: 6-8 pm, all-genres open mic at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)

SUMMER SLEEVES AT THE SKYLARK: Holiday single release show, also featuring Small Yards and Reanimators! Doors at 6, music at 7. $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

FREE TEEN SWIM: 6-7 pm at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle), free swim session for ages 13=18.

LIVE AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, Jay Cates, celebrating his album release, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

FULL MOON SOUND BATH WITH THE ANGELS: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)

CLASSIC BINGO: 7 pm at Admiral Pub. 21+. Free to play. (2306 California SW)

‘PENELOPE’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm curtain for the musical tonight – info and ticket link in our calendar listing! (4711 California SW)

SPINNING: DJ Summersoft at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 9 pm.

‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING:Tonight, skate to live music by Low Hums & Baby Grendel – 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!

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YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle HS music program’s direct drive

December 5, 2025 9:04 am

| 1 COMMENT

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Earlier this week on Giving Tuesday, we mentioned half a dozen ways to support local school/youth groups. We have one more – the West Seattle High School music program launched a “direct drive” this week and asked us to tell you about it:

… You may not realize that our music program is nearly 100% funded by donations and fundraising. That means that any new instrument purchased for our school, any repairs, piano tuning, new music, coaching, financial aid, etc. are paid for with funds raised during our two annual fundraisers, the Direct Drive and our Big Band Dinner Dance. Our direct drive operates just like the public radio or PBS fundraisers, where we simply seek donations to help our program operate. We are not selling anything, students don’t need to carry order forms for wrapping paper or candy bars, we are just looking for donations. Here is how you can help:

-Consider making a tax-deductible donation to our music program. Our Friends of West Seattle Music and Drama boosters is a 501c3 organization. The donation link can be found on our FOWSMD website found here. There is no donation too small or too large!
-Do you work for a company that does matching donations? Double your impact!
-Help us spread the word about our campaign and fundraising goal!

We happily take donations all year long, but we only do our fall fundraising campaign between the Thanksgiving holiday and our final Winter Concert on December 18th. See the attached document for more information. Thank you so much for your continued support and helping us towards our goal.

You can go here to donate.

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, CLOSURES, TRANSIT: Friday + weekend info

December 5, 2025 6:00 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, December 5, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The forecast for today: Cloudy, more rain, breezy, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 7:41 am; sunset, at 4:18 pm (the earliest sunsets of the season are at 4:17 pm, for a week starting Sunday).

CLOSURES

-Tonight into Saturday morning, the Highway 99 tunnel will close completely, both ways, as explained here.

-SW Alaska will be closed in the heart of The Junction on Saturday afternoon and evening for the Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting.

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route has three boats until Monday (December 8), when it’ll be down to two boats for about a week. WSF’s alerts page has the details; Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.

Metro buses – They’re on the regular weekday schedule and routes.

Water Taxi – regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, maritime-opening info is again 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!

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PHOTOS: Chief Sealth IHS boys’ basketball home opener

December 4, 2025 11:25 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

The Chief Sealth International High School boys’ varsity basketball team plays its third game of the season tomorrow night (Friday, December 5) at Cleveland. Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was at CSIHS for WSB last night as the Seahawks played their home opener, hosting Seattle Academy. Ja’Lyn Combs is back as head coach this year:

Seniors on the squad this year include #0, TajaRay Washington:

#30, Calvin Washington:

There’s a freshman on the varsity team too, #10, Blake Bellessa:

At halftime, Chief Sealth was down 30-14, but picked up their offense in the second half.

(#3, Jibril Cortez)

(#12, Adnaan Mohamed)

(#11, Koby Ioane)

Though the Seahawks outscored SAAS in the second half, it wasn’t enough for a win – final score was Seattle Academy 69, Chief Sealth 57, and they’re still looking for their first win, as is Friday’s opponent Cleveland (0-1).

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UPDATE: Spinout on eastbound West Seattle Bridge

December 4, 2025 10:32 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:32 PM: Thanks to Anne for the tip. Emergency responders have just been dispatched to a crash on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge; Anne reports the car is spun out next to the median “maybe half a mile east of the Harbor Avenue exit.” So far no serious injuries are reported but take care if you’re heading that way any time soon.

10:43 PM: Officers told dispatch the vehicle involved is blocking one eastbound lane.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: One more Wednesday morning Alki business burglary

December 4, 2025 9:51 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

In addition to the two neighboring Alki businesses targeted by burglars Wednesday morning, we’ve learned of a third. The report narrative we obtained this afternoon confirms a burglary at Alki’s recently opened Do Si KBBQ restaurant (2516 Alki SW)

The report says it happened just after the Alki Coffee burglary but wasn’t discovered until the owner arrived at the restaurant around 9 am. An iPad and “small cash-box-style safe” were taken. Here’s how the report describes what security video showed:

… At 0342, two men forced open the front door by prying back the door frame with a crowbar. Once inside the building they broke the speakers on the security system so that the loud alarm was no longer sounding. One of the individuals went into the office, noticed the small safe, and grabbed it. The other individual did a quick search of the front of house area and noticed an iPad on the front counter which he took. Both individuals were in the building for approximately 3 minutes, and left through the front door with the safe and iPad. They fled the scene in a small to medium SUV that was lighter in color. The vehicle make/model and license plate was not visible on the security camera.

The report number is 2025-354338.

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: 37th/Graham music-synched show begins

December 4, 2025 8:20 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

That’s a one-minute preview of Derick‘s music-synched show, tonight’s holiday-season lights spotlight. Here’s his announcement:

Our annual holiday light show is now up and running – we’re located on the corner of 37th & Graham street [map]. As always, we’ve added more lights, new songs, and now viewers have the ability to control what song plays next – just scan the QR code by the Tune-To sign out front.

This year we’re also supporting a local West Seattle charity for kids – Fauntleroy Children’s Center. They’re in need of a school bus to transport kids around and we wanted to try to make that happen for them this holiday season. If you have the means, please consider donating to them – the kids/families they help are part of our West Seattle community. They’re a registered 501(c)(3) charity and all proceeds go directly to them – you can donate by visiting their PayPal.

Our show will run daily from sunset to 9pm through Dec 26th. If you have any questions you can visit our website: SeattleLightShow.com

The show is currently ~12 minutes long played straight through, but I have a couple of songs I’m still editing and will add later in the month.

If you have lights to recommend – whether your own, or someone else’s – please let us know at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!

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WEST SEATTLE HOLIDAY SCENE: First ‘Shop Late Thursday’ for Junction Hometown Holidays 2025

December 4, 2025 5:43 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

5:43 PM: The Junction’s holiday-cheer level is running high tonight, with Santa Claus roaming and live music playing for the first Shop Late Thurday of this Hometown Holidays season.

Participating businesses are keeping their doors open later for holiday shopping. We’re roaming too.

7:30 PM: If you couldn’t get out tonight – you’ve got another Shop Late Thursday ahead next week!

Some shops are open late all the time – above, The Beer Junction is one. Here are other places twinkling with holiday lights tonight, like CAPERS Home (WSB sponsor):

Brocante Beach House:

Paper Boat Booksellers (WSB sponsor):

Other sights included the spot where Santa photos will be offered as an animal-rescue fundraiser on Saturday, at The Hydrant:

But tonight, Santa was out and about – umbrella in tow:

Our West Seattle Holiday Guide has a long lineup of Santa photo ops for the next couple weeks! Meantime, the biggest night of Hometown Holidays is this Saturday (December 6), with a Night Market on SW Alaska 4-8 pm (here’s the vendor list) and the tree-lighting event around 6 pm (scroll this page for the night’s full schedule).

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Also on Delridge Way: Work to start on turnaround at 22nd SW

December 4, 2025 3:36 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

Last June, after months of controversy over City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s espousal of removing a centerline curb on Delridge Way, he and Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the curb would stay and three other projects would be done instead. The biggest of those projects is about to start:

SDOT says work could start as soon as this Friday (December 5) on the 22nd/Delridge turnaround. From the flyer it’s sent to nearby residents:

New Turnaround at Delridge Way SW and 22nd Ave SW

As soon as Friday, December 5, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will start construction at Delridge Way SW and 22nd Ave SW in the Delridge neighborhood at the request of City Councilmember Rob Saka pursuant to a budget investment passed by the Full Council. We will reconfigure the triangle at Delridge Way SW and 22nd Ave SW by building a 24-foot wide turnaround on the north side of the triangle connecting the two streets (see map). This will improve circulation for people driving in this part of the Delridge neighborhood. Please note this project will remove the existing informal parking in this triangle and add landscaping within the triangle area south of the street segment.

The other two projects involve signage; together, all three cost $500,000, according to SDOT, a quarter of what the original plan was budgeted for.

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You asked, so we asked: About the orange mesh along Delridge slope

December 4, 2025 1:17 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Environment | West Seattle news

A reader asked what’s going on with that Delridge greenspace, east of the Southwest Precinct and the businesses north of the precinct [vicinity map]. We recalled development plans nearby, years ago, but that’s not what this is for. The land is SDOT property, so we took the question to that department. Turns out it’s for an environmental project that got a little publicity more than two years ago; we tried to get details at the time but our inquiries hit a dead end, and eventually fell off our list (aside from a mention at a meeting last year). In response to our new inquiry, SDOT spokesperson Mariam Ali replied:

the vegetation work you’re seeing is part of the Delridge Native Forest Garden project. SDOT and our partners are restoring these parcels to improve habitat, support tree canopy growth, and create more welcoming community green spaces in the neighborhood.

We recently completed planting and established a path to support ongoing stewardship and future volunteer events. Our first volunteer planting event with the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association took place on November 22.

More information about the City’s broader forest restoration and tree-planting investments can be found here:
Delridge Native Forest Garden Project – Transportation | seattle.gov

The project website has this map:

The timeline for work here, also as noted on the project page, runs until 2028. The funding is $900,000 of a $13 million federal grant, according to this 2023 news release (when we, as mentioned above, tried to get more details). We asked SDOT about the tribes involved in the program; they say it involves the Muckleshoot Tribe because they’re federally recognized.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another business hit by burglars again, Cherry Consignment

December 4, 2025 11:17 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

“I am so sad. 3 years in a row. My heart is so broken.” That’s what Cherry Consignment proprietor Nyla Bittermann told us in a text accompanying that photo of glass smashed by burglars who broke into her store (4142 California SW) overnight. Nyla celebrated her store’s 16th anniversary this past summer; burglars have now hit her for three consecutive years . She says the burglars this time appeared to be a man and woman, in and out within minutes – here are screengrabs from security video:

She is “still assessing what’s missing.” The police incident # is 25-354878. Her shop will be open as planned today, noon-7 pm (participating in The Junction’s first Shop Late Thursday this season). This is the second night in a row with business burglaries in West Seattle, and Nyla adds, “It just breaks my heart how many small businesses have been broken into. It’s more important than ever to support your local small businesses.”

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UPDATE: West Seattle’s County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda on new list of proposed Sound Transit Board appointees

December 4, 2025 10:46 am

| 23 COMMENTS

| Sound Transit | West Seattle news

10:46 AM: We’ve reported before that King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda – a North Delridge resident whose district includes West Seattle, White Center, and Vashon/Maury Islands – has hoped to join the Sound Transit Board. Now it appears that will happen; she is the lone West Seattleite on new County Executive Girmay Zahilay‘s list of potential appointees. Here’s his announcement, sent this morning:

Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay transmitted his first ever slate of nominations to the Sound Transit Board of Directors. This is his second transmittal since taking office last week, following his nominations to the District 2 King County Council seat yesterday.

The County Council will consider both the Sound Transit Board nominations and District 2 Councilmember nominations at their meeting on Tuesday, December 9.

As part of the Sound Transit slate, Zahilay and Seattle Mayor-elect Katie Wilson will replace former Executive Shannon Braddock and outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell. Zahilay previously served on the Board as a King County Councilmember.

Zahilay’s nominations reflect the need for true regional collaboration on the future of mass transit, ensuring representation for both East and South King County, and representation for Seattle as the Link Extension enters a critical period.

The King County Executive appoints 10 total seats to the 18-member Sound Transit Board, which are staggered in two-year intervals. Board Members serve four-year terms.

Full list of nominations:

Girmay Zahilay, King County Executive
Katie Wilson, Mayor-elect of Seattle
Steffanie Fain, King County Councilmember (District 5)
Pete von Reichbauer, King County Councilmember (District 7)
Teresa Mosqueda, King County Councilmember (District 8)
Angela Birney, Mayor of Redmond
Thomas McLeod, Mayor of Tukwila

Along with Zahilay, von Reichbauer and Birney are already on the board (see its current lineup here). Here’s the quote from Councilmember Mosqueda that was included in the announcement:

Light rail holds incredible promise for shared prosperity, long-term climate resilience, self-determination, and access to opportunity for communities across the region. Representing a King County district that encompasses diverse communities home to current and future Sound Transit stations—from Chinatown-International District and SODO to Downtown, Capitol Hill, and West Seattle — I’m committed to supporting transit access, affordability and equity in light rail planning, while complementing existing community assets and ensuring that our systems remain safe, reliable, and accessible to the communities we serve. I’m grateful to Executive Zahilay for the opportunity to serve on the Sound Transit Board at such a crucial moment for our region.

The board has huge decisions in the months ahead, trying to get the agency on a sounder financial footing, potentially meaning changes/cuts to the planned West Seattle extension.

3:42 PM: We talked to Councilmember Mosqueda briefly by phone this afternoon. Since some electeds – most notably outgoing Mayor Harrell – have taken the position “build it as planned, no cuts,” we asked where she stands on that. She’s not anti-cut – she has taken a favorable view of some of what was discussed at the recent West Seattle forum (WSB coverage here) – but she’s not inclined to consider the ultimate cut, dropping the West Seattle project. Is it really worth spending billions? we asked. She says it’s a “multi-generational investment” so we might as well build it now – again, with whatever cost reductions can be found – because the price tag will only go up as time goes by.

Assuming the County Council approves her appointment next week, Councilmember Mosqueda’s first meeting on the Sound Transit Board will be December 18, according to her office.

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Reading, laughing, tasting, shopping, more on our West Seattle Thursday list!

December 4, 2025 9:59 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Thanks to Pete for the Pigeon Point photo)

Here’s what’s up today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more for today/tonight/days and weeks ahead) and Holiday Guide:

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)

FAUNTLEROY FESTIVAL OF TREES: Until noon, the Fauntleroy Church hall is open for viewing this year’s trees and “voting” for your favorite by placing nonperishable food donations beneath it. (9140 California SW)

GATHERING AT THE VOID: Get out of the home office for a couple 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 hasn’t frozen (yet), so it’s still a good time to plant! 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.

SSC FOOD TRUCK: South Seattle College culinary students are selling pastries from the truck again today, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, near the campus Clock Tower. (6000 16th SW)

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!)

WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY HOLIDAY TASTE #2: 4-7 pm, 20+ vendors and the store deli offer you tastes of possibilities for your holiday celebrations. (4201 SW Morgan)

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 Eva’s Wild.

WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.

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! Also participating in tonight’s book club (see listing below).

ASTRA LUMINA: The light-and-sound show at the Seattle Chinese Garden (6000 16th SW) continues. First admission is 5 pm; tickets and info here.

ROTARY FESTIVAL OF MINI-TREES CELEBRATION & SILENT AUCTION: As previewed here, the themed mini-trees that have been on display at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW), decorated and donated by West Seattle Rotarians, will be silent-auctioned during a 5:30 pm event with refreshments. Shuttle over from the stadium parking lot at 5:30 or 6!

SHOP LATE IN THE JUNCTION: 5:30-7:30 pm, Santa and his elves wander The Junction, with live music from Better As Brass, and some shops open later than usual, all part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays, as previewed here.

THE DUSTY 45s: 6 pm, featuring Memphis Radio Kings at Tim’s Tavern. (16th/98th, White Center)

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, now starting at 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.

WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: Various venues around West Seattle and White Center open their doors for you to come read and chat (or not chat), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has this month’s roster of sites.

‘PENELOPE’ AT ARTSWEST: See the new musical at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm curtain.

JOKES AT THE JUNCTION: Comedy night at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW), 8 pm.

DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Kingblind & Teenage Rampage, 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!

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Memorial service planned January 4 for Floy M. Carter, 1928-2025

December 4, 2025 9:04 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather one month from today to remember Floy Carter, and are sharing this with her community now:

Floy Carter, 97, of Seattle, passed away early on November 1st, 2025, at home with family.

Floy Margene Miller, daughter of Floyd L. and Margaret (Shafer), was born July 3, 1928 in Sioux Falls, SD. She grew up on a farm outside of nearby Colton, where she learned how to milk the cows and ride her pony bareback.

When her older brothers went away to war she helped her dad in the fields. After graduating with the Lyons High School class of ‘46, Floy taught country school and then worked in Sioux Falls. In 1955, she moved to Seattle with a suitcase and enough money for one quarter of college tuition. She found a job in a doctor’s office and enrolled in the University of Washington. There, she met Jerry Carter, a young man studying engineering on the GI Bill. They married in 1958.

After surviving breast cancer in her early thirties, she and Jerry adopted two baby boys. The family moved to Auburn, WA in 1971. Floy took care of her family, house, garden, and cat. She was very active in her church, and supported her boys’ schools and activities. When the boys were older, she worked as the office manager for a nonprofit clinic in Kent until retirement.

In 2000, Floy and Jerry moved to West Seattle to more conveniently dote on their granddaughters. They made many friends at Tibbetts United Methodist Church. After Jerry passed in 2007, their son Ray lived with Floy and helped care for her until his death in 2016. Floy was able to stay in her own home with the support of family, including her granddaughter Katy, who came to live with her during the pandemic. Until nearly the end of her life, she read two to three mystery books every week.

Floy is survived by her son Tim, daughter-in-law Sara, and granddaughters Katy and Janet. She was preceded in death by her brothers Dwight, Burdette, and Harold Miller, her cousin Jeane Reddler (the sister she always wanted), her husband Jerry, and son Ray.

There will be a memorial service at 2 PM Sunday, January 4th, at Tibbetts United Methodist Church, 3940 41st Ave SW. A private burial will be held at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Tibbetts UMC or the Seattle Humane Society.

(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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GIVING: Open spots for upcoming Junction blood drive

December 4, 2025 8:41 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| Health | How to help | West Seattle news

(Bloodworks Northwest file photo)

One week from Sunday, not only can you donate to the Hometown Holidays Coat Drive in The Junction – also, if you can donate blood, you can do that too. On Sunday, December 14, the Bloodworks Northwest van will be near California and Alaska for a special Junction drive between 9 am and 3 pm, and more than a dozen appointments are open – go here to sign up.

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday info

December 4, 2025 6:01 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:16 AM: Another stalled vehicle on the eastbound bridge, according to police radio, “at the high rise.” There was one a little over an hour ago on the ramp to 99.

9:35 AM: Police report they’ve cleared that scene,

Earlier:

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, December 4, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The forecast for today: Rain, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise will be at 7:40 am; sunset will be at 4:18 pm (the earliest sunsets of the season are at 4:17 pm, for a week starting this Sunday).

CLOSURE REMINDER

Friday night into Saturday morning, the Highway 99 tunnel will close completely, both ways, as explained here.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – They’re on the regular weekday schedule and routes.

Water Taxi – regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, maritime-opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire in Highland Park (updated Thursday)

December 3, 2025 11:21 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| Crime | Highland Park | West Seattle news

11:21 PM: After 911 calls about possible gunfire in Highland Park, SPD has found someone who says they were shot at while in their vehicle, which has two bullet holes through the window(s). Police are now looking for the scene where it happened, which was reported to be a few blocks from where they found the victim, possibly near 11th SW and SW Cloverdale. No description yet of the shooters, except that they had guns “with lasers on them.”

11:34 PM: Officers just told dispatch they’ve found the scene where the shots were fired – one casing, one bullet so far, just south of SW Cloverdale on 11th.

5 PM THURSDAY: We’ve obtained the report narrative from SPD:

On 12/03/2025, at 2305 hours, uniformed Seattle Police patrol officers responded to the area of 8400 block of 12 Ave SW to investigate a report of several shots heard, called in by multiple callers. Additional information stated there were vehicles heard speeding away.

When officers arrived they conducted an area checked, but did not initially locate a scene and or a victim. Officers received information that a possible victim had fled on a vehicle, southbound on 12 Ave SW, towards SW Henderson St. Officers checked that area and located a victim, with his vehicle, at 15 Ave SW/SW Henderson St. The victim was identified as XXXX X. XXXX-XXXX, and his vehicle a gray 2009 Honda Civic sedan, baring license plate WA XXXXXXX.

XXXX advised officers he was driving north on 11 Ave SW, heading towards SW Cloverdale St, when he encountered several cars parked on the street, with multiple people around the cars. As he drove past the subjects and their vehicles he saw lasers then heard gunshots. He then fled the scene. XXXX reported he was not injured.

Officers inquired if XXXX knew the subjects, and XXXX advised he did not know anyone of the subjects. XXXX also advised he was unable to see what the subjects looked like, and could not provide a description, nor was he able to describe any of the vehicles they were with. XXXX further advised he has no problems with anyone, and does not know why anyone would shoot at him.

When officers spoke to XXXX they observed gunshot damage to his vehicle, consisting of a total of two bullet holes. The rear windshield had taken a hit, with a bullet entry hole to the center right, and the front right passenger’s side got hit, with a bullet entry hole near the front door frame.

Officers responded to the area XXXX said he got shot at, and discovered that the actual scene was inside the driveway of Highland Park Elementary school, located at 1012 SW Trenton St. The scene was not on the street, as XXXX claimed, but in the driveway path of the school, within the school property (on the west side), that came off of 11 Ave SW and was in a north/south direction. Officers found a total of 13 rounds, scattered along the driveway path. There were XXXX casings, XXXX spent XXXX casings and XXX unspent XXXX bullet. Officers search the area of the school but did not find any property damage to the school and or anything else in the surrounding area.

Based on the location of the driveway and the shell casings, relative to the driveway and the damage to XXXX’s windshield, it appeared XXXX’s vehicle was traveling southbound, contradicting his statement that he was driving northbound. The shell casings were scattered from north to south in the driveway, with a concentration of the casings being located along a retaining wall that was located on the west side of the driveway. The retaining wall would’ve made it unlikely that the shooter was standing against that wall, and the driveway also descended in a dip, elevated below the street (11 Ave SW). This indicated the gun was pointing directly to the south when it was fired, and ejecting the shell casings to the west, making them land along the retaining wall.

Officers photographed, collected and submitted the casings into evidence. Officers also photographed the damage to XXXX’s car.

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