West Seattle, Washington
20 Saturday
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB
Basketball doubleheader last night for West Seattle High School hosting crosstown counterpart Chief Sealth International High School. Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was at both games for WSB. We’re publishing separate reports on both – first, the girls-varsity game. WSHS won, 62-21. Above, the game’s leading scorer was West Seattle’s Ayla Moore, with 24; below, West Seattle’s Seneca Lucas, with 20.
Third leading scorer of the game, Chief Sealth’s Dajah Johnson with 13 points:
West Seattle’s Ella Brown had 7:
Chief Sealth’s Mia Caldera, with 5:
West Seattle’s Edna Tito, with 4:
West Seattle’s Dagny Hendershott also had 4 points:
Chief Sealth’s Alysse Bland had 3:
Both school’s cheer teams kept the spectators spirited:
Head coach Darnell Taylor‘s Wildcats are now 3-2; head coach Will Pablo‘s Seahawks are now 3-3.
(Sealth’s Mariah Rillo, West Seattle’s Jackie Sutcliffe)
Our photos from the boys’ game will be published later today.
(Added: Texted reader photo)
12:06 PM: Last Thursday, we noted that the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) was headed to its homeport in Bremerton after what’s expected to have been its last deployment before decommissioning, which means this is likely the last chance for ship-watchers to see it sail southbound past West Seattle shores. It stopped at Naval Magazine Indian Island for a few days and then left this morning for the last leg of the homeward journey; for those interested in seeing it, it should be in view relatively soon, according to the VesselFinder.com tracker, which shows it currently off North Seattle, southbound at 9+ knots.
(Added: Photo sent by Don Brubeck)
12:33 PM: Should be in view now, weather permitting, as it’s passing the north side of the mouth of Elliott Bay.
1:02 PM: Approaching Alki Point.
1:15 PM: Thanks for the photos! Adding!
1:20 PM: The half-century-old carrier has now turned into Rich Passage.
Thanks to SeanO for the pic and update – the tree that’s been blocking SW Hanford near 39th SW since last night is almost cleared away.
(Photo courtesy Tami Lindquist)
Meet Tami and Michael Lindquist. They’re about to open a branch of The UPS Store in the Westwood Village breezeway, their fourth in the region. We first told you back in March that the shipping-and-more business was going to open there; now they’re almost done with construction in the space, and contacted us with an update. They’re expecting to soft-open on January 5. Here are the services they plan to offer:
Domestic and International shipping
USPS shipping Services
Packaging
Notary service
Printing services
Document scanning
Document Shredding
Laminating
Binding
Printing
Faxing
Passport and ID Photos
Amazon Returns
Happy Returns
Other returns
Package Reciving
Personal Mailbox Rental
Office and mailing supplies
We asked about their days and hours too:
We will be open 7 Days a week:
Monday-Friday 8:00-6:30
Saturday 9:00-5:00
Sunday 10:00-3:00
The Lindquists say this will be their fourth UPS Store; their first three are in North Seattle, Lynnwood, and Everett. “We have been store owners since 2020 and we are excited to be opening this center in Westwood Village.” West Seattle had a UPS Store, under different ownership, in Jefferson Square until 2023.
(Chestnut-backed chickadee, photographed by Jerry Simmons)
Here are our daily event notes/reminders, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:
USS NIMITZ SAILING BY: The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier returning to Bremerton after what was likely its last deployment will pass West Seattle sometime in the next few hours – it’s off Whidbey Island right now.
DONATION DRIVES AND GIVING OPPORTUNITIES … see the list in our Holiday Guide!
FAUNTLEROY CHURCH FESTIVAL OF TREES: Visit the church Fellowship Hall (9140 California SW) before noon to see the themed trees and place food donations beneath your favorite(s) to “vote” for them.
FREE PLAYSPACE: Indoor play on (another) gray day! West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)
KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: New, free play group for kids 0-5 at Bridge School Cooperative Elementary, 10-11:30 am. (10300 28th SW)
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: It’s the holiday-party meeting today – 11:30 am at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW).
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
LAST DAY FOR HOLY ROSARY TREE LOT: The Holy Rosary School Tree Lot, on the north side of the campus, is closing after today – trees and wreaths half price, 4-8 pm. (42nd SW and SW Dakota)
COMMUNITY NOTARY DAY: Need something notarized? Drop in to Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), 4-6 pm.
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Available for K-12 students at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:45 pm.
SIP AND CRAFT: Weekly holiday-season event at Harry’s Beach House (2676 Alki SW), 5 pm, ornament-making workshop – our calendar listing has the registration link to see if there are openings.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
UNPLUGGED – A MUSICAL GATHERING: 6-8 pm acoustic gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California; WSB sponsor), free, all ages.
UKULELE MEETUP: Monthly evening meetup for West Seattle ukulele players, 6-8 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander).
SUMMIT ATLAS INFO NIGHT: 6 pm, prospective families can visit the charter middle/high school. (9601 35th SW)
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Classes continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Our calendar listing has details including how to check if they have space for you. Space allowing, newcomers are welcome, and the first class is free.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you participate.
BINGO: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 5: Five locations for trivia tonight – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW) … Trivia at Christos on Alki (2508 Alki SW), 7:15 pm.
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar and (if it’s seasonal) Holiday Guide, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Sunsets are getting later and spring isn’t all that far away. So it’s registration time for many youth-sport leagues! The newest announcement we’ve received is from West Seattle Baseball:
West Seattle Baseball is excited to announce the opening of registration for the 2026 spring season! Registration is open now through February 13. An Early Registration discount of $15 off fees is available to all registrations completed by December 24. Scholarships and multi-sibling discounts are available as well. Sign up at: go.teamsnap.com/forms/506735. For more information visit: westseattlebaseball.com.
As a bonus, through December 24, West Seattle Baseball will also be giving away exciting prizes daily to a lucky individual(s) who registers on that day.
West Seattle Baseball offers five different divisions for players ages 4 through 14, with tee-ball and coach-pitch divisions for younger participants all the way to preparing older divisions for travel or high school baseball. Prices start as low as $140 for the season. Registration costs include a ballcap and team jersey for each player, in addition to a full season of baseball with events three times per week from mid-March through early June.
West Seattle Baseball is a 100% volunteer-run, non-profit youth baseball league. Our goal is to provide comprehensive baseball programming which appeals to kids of all levels of enthusiasm and ability. The league prides itself on being intertwined with the community and committed to fun and inclusive programming that our players, their families, and their coaches want to participate in again each succeeding season. All are welcome at West Seattle Baseball as the league does not operate by boundary system. If you have questions about the league, please contact league president Phil Ornstil at president@westseattlebaseball.com.
We hope to see you at the West Seattle PeeWee Fields soon. For the love of the game . . .
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET, WITH PM WIND ALERT
The National Weather Service now has one wind alert for our area:
*Wind Advisory for 4 pm today through 10 am tomorrow, with a chance of sustained 20-30 mph southwest wind, gusting to 50 mph.
The forecast otherwise is for a rainy, breezy day, high in the mid-50s.
Sunrise will be at 7:52 am; sunset at 4:18 pm.
TREE TROUBLE
Thanks for the update – the tree down on SW Hanford near 39th has NOT been cleared.
(Added 6:56 am) Also, a texter reports a tree down on Admiral downhilll near Lander.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF says the Triangle Route will continue on two boats for a few more weeks. 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 in our area, although the flooding elsewhere in King County has had some effects.
West Seattle 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!
The 40th SW and SW Charlestown area near the water tower (aka standpipe) has grown a lot brighter since our early-season visit. For tonight’s spotlight, we received Wyatt‘s photo of his “WyLights 2025” display – and he says it remains a work in progress: “Happy Holidays! More lights going up after the wind!” Still 10 nights to show lights through Christmas, and we have more in queue; thanks again to everyone who’s sent pics and/or tips to westseattleblog@gmail.com … and go here to scroll through all the places we’ve shown already!
(WSB file photo)
One week ago tonight, we published local parent Arin‘s plea for Seattle Public Schools to hurry up and announce graduation dates, since a conflict with the FIFA World Cup Seattle games seemed in the cards. The district has finalized the schedule – on June 17, Chief Sealth IHS at 5 pm at McCaw Hall, followed by West Seattle HS at 8 pm, same date/site – and the conflict remains. Arin says there’s one more thing families and others need to be aware of: “SPS sent the dates last Friday but failed to mention in their email that graduations at McCaw Hall (CSIHS and WS) will have a limited number of tickets. They won’t tell us how many tickets each graduating student gets …” and, Arin adds, the “limited tickets” note was only included on a social-media post. McCaw Hall is described online as having a capacity of just under 3,000, about a quarter of the now-demolished Memorial Stadium, and less than Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, where the local schools held commencement ceremonies as recently as 2022.
7:26 PM MONDAY: Police responding to multiple calls about suspected gunfire have confirmed it: Officers just told dispatch they’ve found “several casings so far” in the south parking lot of Westcrest Park. No reports of injuries.
12:25 PM TUESDAY: We’ve obtained the police-report narrative, though two points of interest – the number of casings and types – were redacted by SPD, along with names as usual, but the narrative does clarify where exactly the gunfire happened:
On 12/15/2025 at approximately 19:13 I responded to several reports of shots fired in the area of Westcrest Park located at 8800 8th Ave SW in the city of Seattle, county of King. Initial remarks stated, “10 SHOTS FROM 2 WEAPONS, 2 WEAPONS, NOTHING ELSE HEARD, TO THE NORTHEAST”. Multiple callers reported hearing the shots in the area and reported the following to dispatch:
“SOUTH OF 4 SHOTS AND THEN RAPID FIRE 1 MIN AGO, NOTHING ELSE SEEN/HEARD”
“ANOTHER COMPL REPORTING 8 SHOTS HEARD POSSIBLY FROM WESTCREST PARK, NOTHING ELSE HEARD OR SEEN”
“ANOTHER REPORTING HEARING RAPID GUN SHOTS 3 MINS. SOUNDED LIKE MACHINE GUNS COMING FROM WESTCREST PARK”
“ANOTHER CALLER REPORTING HEARING 3-4 SHOTS FROM A HANDGUN AND THEN RAPID FIRE FROM AN AUTOMATIC WEAPON AT 1911. SOUNDED LIKE IT CAME FROM WESTCREST PARK. RP IS AT xxxx AND CAUGHT THE SOUND ON CAMERA BUT NOTHING SEEN”
Others called in as well reporting the same as the above listed callers. I responded to the southern parking lot of Westcrest park where I know, based on my experience in this area, shootings have occurred before. I located several casings on the ground in this area. The casings were all grouped relatively close together on the blacktop near the path leading to the community garden at this end of the park. My backing officers assisted me in XXXX XXXX near the fired casings. I photographed the scene and each individual casing. Each XXXX was XXXX with a XXXX XXXX and XXXX into an XXXX XXXX which was then XXXX with the XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX of XXXX. The photographs have been uploaded to AxonCapture. The casings consisted of XXXX XXXX XXXX casings and XXXX XXXX casings. The XXXX were all branded “XXXX” and the XXXX were branded “XXXX XXXX” or XXXX.
The immediate area was canvassed but no victims or bullet damage were located. None of the callers reported having sustained injury or damage from gunfire. One caller had reported capturing audio of the shooting on video.
6:37 PM: Thanks to everyone who has sent photos of that tree down, blocking SW Hanford near 39th. (The photo above is from Angela.) Forecasters warn that as the rain/wind waves keep coming through, we’re likely to see more trees tumble, as the ground is saturated.
6:58 PM: A texter just sent that closer-up view of where the tree fell through a fence.
P.S. A crew was on scene a bit later in the evening so we’re hopeful it’ll be cleared by morning – if it’s not, please let us know – text or voice 206-293-6302.
(First two photos by James Bratsanos)
4:08 PM: A bit of a headwind for that tug on Elliott Bay, as seen above – but we’ve escaped without too much overall weather drama here on the peninsula this afternoon, and the sun and blue sky have made appearances.
Even a rainbow:
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
But as we first mentioned in the morning traffic/weather watch, there’s another wind alert for Tuesday pm. This afternoon it was downsized from a High Wind Watch to another Wind Advisory – and it’ll kick in a little earlier, 4 pm tomorrow, with maximum gusts possibly around 45 mph. (Read the new version here.)
ADDED 6:42 PM: We’ve had it easy compared to people along flooded rivers around Western Washington. King County leaders and weather authorities held a mid-afternoon briefing after the Green River levee breach; WSB contributor Anne Higuera watched it in case of information relevant here too – here’s her summary:
Impacts from the relentless rainfall of the last week aren’t letting up, with a levee breach on the Green River this morning (shown above in King County Sheriff’s Office aerial video), water ponding on some approaches to the West Seattle bridge and a traffic tangle for anyone heading south of 405 into the Kent Valley, where a portion of Highway 167 is closed. And there’s more: Wind advisories for today and tomorrow and more rain in the forecast through the end of the week. At a news conference this afternoon about the levee breach, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay called it a “very serious and emerging situation.”
Repairs are already under way on the Desimone levee, near Olympic Avenue South in Tukwila. The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks had been monitoring that area, so when a stream of water started flowing out, they were able to act quickly to order evacuations and start working on a fix. “It’s not typical to have these levees have this much water behind them for this long, which is why we’re paying close attention,” said Director John Taylor. Right now the county is using a variety of resources, from National Guard troops to drones and the county’s Guardian One helicopter, to monitor levees throughout the area for potential trouble spots. No one was injured in the breach, and those who evacuated should stand by, says county Emergency Management Director Brendan McCluskey. “Once we can safely let people go back in, we’ll let them know.”
For everyone else, the standard warnings apply, to not drive through standing water or on roads that are closed, and to take common-sense steps given the conditions. “We are not done with this event yet,” said Reid Wolcott with the National Weather Service. “This is one small event in a greater disaster going on across the Pacific Northwest.” Wolcott, who is an NWS warning coordination meteorologist, pointed to the current Wind Advisories calling for gusts up to 45 mph. “That does not sound like a lot, but our soils are not normally this saturated. We have a very high risk of trees coming down.” There’s also an active flood watch issued, along with a special weather statement about potential landslides.
The website www.kcemergency.com will be updated with any new alerts from King County’s Office of Emergency Services. Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management has not issued any alerts since last August.
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB
Before tonight’s basketball clashes between West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School, our area’s two biggest high schools met up in another sport this past Saturday – flag football. Chief Sealth won in an overtime thriller, 24-23. Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was there for WSB:
(Chief Sealth’s Triana Tuia)
(Chief Sealth’s Cora Winger)
(West Seattle’s Layla Ho carries the ball after making a catch)
On social media, the Sealth team referred to this game as the “mini-Huling Bowl,” after the WSHS-Sealth football faceoff every fall.
(West Seattle’s Harper Dixon leaps to catch a touchdown)
(Sealth’s Harlee Wahl catches a touchdown in overtime)
(West Seattle’s Caroline Decker)
(Sealth’s Sasha Lee celebrates after catching the game-winning 2-point conversion)
(West Seattle’s Adriana Havens with the interception)
(West Seattle’s Lucia James)
(Chief Sealth’s Harper Gilbert)
(Sealth coach Melvin Glaspie)
(Sealth coach Kris Smith)
Both teams have two games each this Saturday (December 20th) – you can see the schedule on the Metro League website.
1:25 PM: That’s how Tim captioned the photo he just sent of the latest crash near the “Welcome to West Seattle” sign. No serious injuries reported. Police are on the scene of this one right now and calling for a tow truck.
2:38 PM: Officers have told dispatch the scene has been cleared.
(Photo by Kay Kirkpatrick, May 2025 ‘First Friday’)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“This past summer, a thousand people came to an empty lot.”
Amy Durgin, president of the Highland Park Improvement Club board, still marvels at that – the number of people who showed up for First Fridays at the once-and-future HPIC building site on the northeast corner of 12th SW and SW Holden.
It’s an “empty lot” because of the fire that gutted the century-old HPIC building four and a half years ago.
(Photo by Dina Johnson, June 2021)
Less than a year after the fire, HPIC was hoping to rebuild quickly and reopen in 2023. Now we’re on the doorstep of 2026, and reopening is still in the distance. But next year’s city budget includes a much-needed boost for the project, so we asked for a little of Amy’s time to get an explanation of where exactly things stand, at what she declares is “a really exciting time for HPIC.”
First, a quick recap of what HPIC is and isn’t. It’s a nonprofit community organization that happens to own its own site for community-centered activities and events, It’s not government-owned, operated, or funded – except for occasional grants, most notably the $500,000 that District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka managed to get added to next year’s city budget, which has been signed into law by outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell.
What the HPIC building lost to fire – its remains subsequently demolished – was: An old building originally meant as a social hall. What it’s become over the years, and is intended to support with the rebuild: The community’s beating heart.
(Rendering of future HPIC HQ, by Wittman Estes)
What’s gotten in the way along these many months is the need for money. And it’s not just because the new building can’t be as bare-bones as the old one; it’s everything that’s happened along the way, even in the early stage, Amy explains: “We’ve found little anomalies as we dug into the ground .. we’re going to need a little more concrete .. the cost continues to grow.” But “we’re trying to be as thoughtful and strategic as possible.”
Not only does what they find at the scene continue to change, so does the landscape of the grant world. Right now, that’s what they’re focused on, large grants to cobble together the cost, rather than hoping thousands of small contributions will somehow get them over the finish line. Yes, grant-seeking is harder now because of all the federal changes; at all levels, Durgin says, “There’s much more competition for funding, especially for arts and culture groups”- even a fight to keep money, not just to get new funding. “We’ve never had to fight for funds like this before.” And that fight has ups and downs – recently, while the half-million-dollar city contribution was finalized (the largest they’ve ever got for the rebuilding project), they also got word they were turned down for another source of city funding, an Equitable Development Initiative grant.
All the while, the HPIC board is also working on programming for both before and after the new building’s opening, “anything that brings the community together.” Demonstrating how HPIC has done, can do, and will do that is a vital way to show potential funders why they’re worth investing in: “The board is thinking about what’s happening after the build, how are we going to be sustainable?”
On one hand, that’s not difficult – “people are thirsty for HPIC,” Durgin says, as evidenced not only in what they’ve done (the aforementioned First Friday events, most recently) but also in how they’re forging new relationships, with organizations such as African Community Housing and Development, which also got a slide of budgeted city funding for its planned International Public Market at the other end of Highland Park (8850 9th SW).
On the other hand, they need more people power. Volunteers, for example; they can strategize and make plans all they want, but the board can’t also take all the action to turn strategy and plans into reality. “We need more volunteers to do the work,” Amy stresses. They are hopeful that partnerships and affiliations will help with that too, helping HPIC “reach different segment of our community … there’s a big community out there.”
And there’s one simple action people can take: Become a member. Membership has grown exponentially but there’s infinite room (and you don’t even have to live and/or work in Highland Park). The more members HPIC has, for one, the more they’ll be taken seriously by potential funders. Members “are saying this is important to me – that shows grant funders how important this asset is to the community.” So important that HPIC exists even without its building; while First Fridays happened on the site, HPIC also gathers with the community at other spots – this year’s Not-So-Silent Night Parade on New Year’s Eve, for example, will again start at Highland Park Corner Store.
(WSB photo)
Back to the rebuilding project: They’ve completed four of its seven phases, including utilities and other ground work. Phase 5 includes framing the building and weatherizing it. Fundraising is about halfway to this phase’s $1;7 million cost. And optimism is running high: “We can do this. It’s very possible.”
Two West Seattle Holiday Guide notes:
SEND CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR INFO: With Christmas Eve/Day barely a week and a half away, and New Year’s Eve/Day just a week later, we’re now collecting the last round of information for all those dates. We really appreciate everyone who’s sent information – holiday religious services, restaurant/coffee shop hours, etc. – and there’s still time to send info about your church, business, event, etc. – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
HALF-PRICE CHRISTMAS TREES: Most recent info we’ve received is an announcement that Holy Rosary School‘s tree lot is down to its last two days, and selling trees and wreaths at half price:
Holy Rosary School’s Tree Lot, located behind the school (42nd/Dakota), closes on Tuesday, December 16th. Hours for remaining days are 4-8 pm. Plenty of beautiful Douglas, Fraser, Noble and Nordmann trees available. ALL TREES & WREATHS ARE NOW 50% OFF!
Thank you West Seattle for all your support this season. We will be able to provide a meaningful cash donation to the West Seattle Food Bank and Salvation Army Hickman House as well as provide over 50 coats to Union Gospel Mission!
Updates on other tree sellers are welcome too – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Squirrel standoff! Photo sent by Philip P)
While we watch the weather, with two wind alerts for our area, here’s what’s on the schedule in West Seattle today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide (got something to add? please send info!):
LAST DAY FOR ADMIRAL CHURCH WARM CLOTHING DRIVE: One donation site remains popen for this:
The Admiral Church Annual Warm Clothing Drive has a dropoff point in front of the Admiral HUB (at 4320 SW Hill St) for community donations. There is a deep need for warm children’s clothing this year, so if you have neighbors with school age children who have outgrown their winter clothes from last year, encourage them to donate to this great cause. The children’s clothing will be distributed at WIN’s Saturday Feeding Program in White Center to those who need the clothing the most. Adult clothing will be sorted through and divided between the Westside Neighborhood Emergency Shelter and WIN’s Saturday Feeding Program. Larger sizes for both men and women are needed by WIN. Smaller sizes by Westside along with warm coats, hats, and gloves.
WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE: Bring donations of warm clothing to the bin at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3435 California SW; WSB sponsor), 9 am-5 pm weekdays.
OTHER DONATION DRIVES … are listed in our Holiday Guide.
FAUNTLEROY FESTIVAL OF TREES: The Fauntleroy Church Festival of Trees is open for public drop-in viewing, 9 am-noon Mondays through Thursdays all month and into early January. You can vote for your favorite(s) by bringing nonperishable food donation(s) to stack beneath it/them! (9140 California SW)
BABY STORY TIME: At Southwest Library, 12 pm-12:30 pm.
HOMEWORK HELP: Free drop-in homework help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4 pm to 5:45 pm.
SPORTS: Crosstown counterparts Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS meet for basketball tonight at WSHS – 5:45 pm girls’ varsity, 7:30 pm boys’ varsity. (3000 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: Tonight brings the first of two WSCO fall/winter concerts, both free admission (“donations gratefully accepted”) – Debut Orchestra and Concert Orchestra at 6 pm tonight, Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra at 7 pm Wednesday. Both concerts are at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle).
SIGNMAKING: 6 pm to 8:30 pm at Admiral HUB (4320 SW Hill), help make signs for January’s “We’re Still Standing” demonstrations.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players included!
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group for people experiencing grief – participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee; RSVP here. (4034 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 4: Four venues for trivia tonight! 6:30 and 7:30 pm sessions of Music Quiz at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
ALKI MEDITATION: Doors open at 6:45 for 7 pm Monday night meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
‘ROUTINE KILLERS’ COMEDY: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), featuring Sam Miller.
POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players – enter The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Mondays, sing karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks as always to everybody who sends info for our calendar and Holiday Guide; if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:13 AM: Texter warns of much water in eastbound WS Bridge outside lane to 99 ramp.
6:30 AM: Another texter reports police with a possible stalled car blocking the ramp to NB 99.
6:38 AM: SDOT says the ramp has reopened.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, December 15, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET, WITH TWO WIND ALERTS
The National Weather Service now has two wind alerts for our area:
*Wind Advisory still in effect until 10 pm tonight, with a chance of sustained 20-30 mph southwest wind, gusting to 55 mph
*High Wind Watch for 7 pm Tuesday through 10 am Wednesday, with possible sustained southwest wind 25 to 45 mph, gusting as high as 65 mph
*Meantime, in the forecast – rainy with a chance of pm thunderstorms, windy, high in the upper 50s.
Sunrise will be at 7:51 am; sunset at 4:18 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF says the Triangle Route will continue on two boats for up to two more weeks. 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 in our area.
West Seattle Water Taxi – regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (Note – SDOT’s system is having trouble as of 6 am)
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!
Another of our quick-look previews of the week ahead: The Sound Transit Board usually meets on fourth Thursdays, but this month, that’s Christmas Day, so it’s meeting on the third Thursday instead – December 18, 1:30 to 4 pm. The board members will include a new representative from West Seattle – King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, a North Delridge resident, just appointed by new King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, who is also a board member. It will be the last meeting for outgoing Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell; his successor, Katie Wilson, will be on the board starting next month. Here’s the agenda for Thursday’s meeting. It includes a report on the proposed downtown tunnel, which some have suggested could be dropped as a way to cut costs. Also, board members are expected to give a performance rating of “outstanding” to first-year CEO Dow Constantine while deferring a potential raise and bonus “at (his) request,” according to this document. The meeting at Union Station downtown (401 S. Jackson) includes a public-comment period; find out here how to watch/comment in person or online
(WSB file photo)
Previewing major events planned for the week ahead – Thursday (December 18) is the next big West Seattle night on the holiday calendar. The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship makes both of its 2025 West Seattle stops (with Choir of the Sound performing) on that night, 5:50-6:10 pm off Salty’s (1936 Harbor SW), 8:35-8:55 pm in the vicinity of the Alki Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW). The second stop will be the heart of the Alki Community Council‘s Alki Holiday Lights celebration, coordinated by the Alki Community Council with beach businesses plus the Log House Museum. See the dozen-plus participating locations – and the treats/freebies they’re offering – by going here. And be at Alki Bathhouse for free Santa photos 7-8:15 pm!
P.S. As mentioned here last week, boaters are encouraged to join the Christmas Ship off Alki on Thursday night too!
Going out looking at lights tonight while the weather’s relatively calm? Another West Seattle must-see is on! Thanks to Ryan and Kent, the “4040 House Crew,” for sending word that their popular display is up and running, and delighting visitors:
We’re glad to share that the Winter Holiday Light Display at 4040 House is back, doing our part to make the season a little more merry and bright.
The display is located at 4040 47th Ave SW and is open:
•Sunday–Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
•Friday & Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Santa’s Jukebox will be up and running later this week, giving visitors the chance to select songs and interact with the show.
During your visit if you have questions, look for Kent or Ryan wearing the “4040 House Light Crew” jackets. We will be out most nights enjoying the show with our guests.
Please note that 47th Ave SW is a busy street and primary residential parking area. If you are driving, we kindly ask that you be respectful of our neighbors. Parking is typically easier along Dakota Street or Andover Street, with plenty of sidewalk space for a short walk over. Benches are also available for those who would like to sit and enjoy the display.
A huge thank you to our neighbors for their continued support, patience, and kindness throughout the season — these displays truly wouldn’t be possible without you.
We’d also like to give a special shout-out to the Menashes and to Derick at Seattle Light Show for helping make West Seattle THE Christmas light destination of the Pacific Northwest. We’re proud to be part of such a creative and generous community.
We hope you’ll come by and celebrate the season with us. For more information, visit 4040house.com.
Got lights? Seen lights? westseattleblog@gmail.com for tips and/or photos – and scroll here to see what we’ve shown so far!
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB
(#4, Ayla Moore; #33, Dagny Hendershott)
West Seattle High School girls basketball has a young varsity team this year – half freshmen, only one senior – but they’ve won two games by large margins, including this one last night.
The Wildcats defeated Peninsula HS 55-30 at home. Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was there for WSB. #10, junior Seneca Lucas, led scoring with 20 points:
Most of that came from five 3-pointers.
Next-highest point total was contributed by #4, sophomore Ayla Moore, with 19:
#15, freshman Ella Brown, added 8 points.
#24, freshman Jackie Sutcliffe, had 6:
The Wildcats’ head coach is Darnell Taylor.
(#3, senior Lucy Parker)
Next up for the team: Both they and the boys’ varsity squad host their crosstown counterparts from Chief Sealth IHS on Monday night.
(#23, freshman Edna Tito)
The girls play at 5:45 pm; the boys, at 7:30 pm.
Anna sent the photos with word her 2021 white Lexus IS 350 has been stolen, near 44th and Dakota, sometime since Friday. It has Florida plate MIFFFY and a bunny sticker in the rear window. Call 911 if you find it. (We’ll add the police-report number when we get it. UPDATE: 25-365577.)
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