West Seattle, Washington
15 Thursday
(Google Street View image of 4457 Fauntleroy Way SW)
Almost two years ago, we happened onto city filings suggesting a Sherwin-Williams Paint store was planned for the ex-Midas space at 4457 Fauntleroy Way SW. It’s been empty since 2019, after an abrupt shutdown initially suggested as temporary proved to be permanent. At the time we found those filings, a spokesperson for the Mercer Island investment company that owns the site told us the plan was just a possibility. They had bought the 11,000-square-foot site in 2023, three years after it was listed as a prospective mixed-use development parcel. Now the Sherwin-Williams plan has reappeared in files, including a sign-permit application, which tends to mean it’s a done deal, as was the case when the paint giant built and opened a store next to The Home Depot in Delridge in 2013. We’ll be following up regarding the timeline.
The latest West Seattle business temporarily shut down by a pipe break is 2 Fingers Social. The bar’s proprietors first posted on social media that they were closed by “flooding,” then updated with the discovery of a “broken pipe 20 feet down” that they expect will keep them “closed for a while.” They elaborated, “It’s a huge project. They have to dig a 10 x 10 by 20ft deep hole in the sidewalk/street to fix it; also the flood damage fixes on the inside need to be completed.” They’ve raised some money via donations so far but say they’re getting bids for the “huge project.” Their building at 9211 Delridge Way SW – as we noted when 2FS opened in 2017 – had previously been home to businesses including a payday-loan operation and a medical-marijuana dispensary. (Thanks to Ian for the tip on 2FS’s woes.)
The Avalon 7-Eleven store reported an armed robbery early today. The clerk at the 3280 SW Avalon Way store reported to police that a robber “showed a gun” to get away with a bottle of wine around 1:20 am, fleeing in a vehicle that had three other people waiting for him. We don’t have a description of the vehicle but the robber was described as late teens/early 20s, white, male, curly hair, black jacket, gray sweatshirt, khaki pants. If you have any information, the case # is 26-008737 and the police tipline is 206-233-5000.
National #1 basketball prospect Tyran Stokes
Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
“Welcome to the show!”
That enthusiastic greeting from a fellow standing-room-only sideline spectator summed up the high-energy environment in the West Seattle High School gym on Friday night, as the boys’ basketball squad hosted defending 3A state champion Rainier Beach.
The excitement was focused on Rainier Beach senior Tyran Stokes, the top-ranked high school basketball recruit in the country, who along with freshman phenom JJ Crawford — son of Seattle basketball legend Jamal Crawford, who also serves as an assistant coach for Rainier Beach — powered the visiting Vikings to a 101-54 win over the Wildcats. Rainer Beach is ranked as one of the top 2 teams in Washington state, and in the top 30 nationally.
Stokes put on a show with 30 points — many of them coming on high-flying dunks — and Crawford added 21 points. WSHS was led by senior Sully Pond with 14 points.
Here’s a highlight-worthy alley-oop pass and slam dunk from Crawford to Stokes that drew a particularly loud roar from the crowd:
We arrived at the game midway through the 3rd quarter (after covering the Sealth girls’ basketball home game and “Regina Rogers-Wright Day” ceremony), at which point Rainer Beach had built a comfortable lead. However, we were told by the staff at the scoring table that the Wildcats made it a hard-fought low-scoring affair early in the game, with strong support from the home-gym crowd, before the Vikings’ star power took full control.
WSHS principal Brian Vance told us that the gym’s capacity is approximately 1,500, and it was filled to the brim on Friday night (which we’re told is a common spectacle for Rainier Beach’s games this season), with tickets sold in advance:
Stokes transferred to Rainier Beach in November from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, to join a perennially strong Vikings squad that’s been coached by Michael Bethea for more than 30 years. Stokes is generally regarded to be projected #1 pick in the 2027 NBA draft, and for 2026 has reportedly narrowed his prospective colleges to Kansas, Kentucky (he was born in Louisville) and Oregon.
Rainier Beach freshman JJ Crawford (#11) has rightfully drawn his fair share of attention as well:
After the final whistle as the crowd cleared, we spotted Seattle District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka (who, like us, started the evening at Sealth IHS before hustling cross-town, and was still wearing his Regina Rogers-Wright pin) and his council colleague Eddie Lin who represents the Rainier Beach neighborhood:
West Seattle, led by head coach Rick Ticeson who took the varsity reins this season after leading the school’s freshman team for several years, is now 3-7 for the season, and plays on the road tonight (Saturday January 10th) at Silas High School (Tacoma) at 7:30 pm.
Rainier Beach plays at Bishop Blanchet on Monday January 12th at 7:30 pm.
Seattle City Council’s Joy Hollingsworth and Rob Saka, with Rogers-Wright’s mother Sheila Winston and stepfather Edward Winston
Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
A local basketball legend and her family were honored Friday night at Chief Sealth International High School, as January 9 was officially declared “Regina Rogers-Wright Day” in the city of Seattle.
Rogers-Wright, who died in November 2024 at the age of 35, was a star player for Sealth in the 2000s, with numerous honors including state tournament MVP and Metro League Player of the Year, and went on to be an All-Pac 12 standout for the University of Washington (highlights here) before beginning a career as a beloved coach and mentor in her community.
During a moving ceremony held between the Sealth’s girls’ JV and varsity home basketball games against visiting Mt. Tahoma on Friday night, Seattle District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka spoke about Rogers-Wright’s legacy of “excellence, athleticism and eliteness” that “will live on forever.” He then read the proclamation alongside newly elected Council President Joy Hollingsworth, as Rogers-Wright’s family was recognized:
Here is our video of the ceremony:
And here’s the official proclamation:
Rogers-Wright’s twin brother Reggie Rogers Jr. is a Sealth ’07 alumni and is head coach of the Mt. Tahoma girls’ basketball team. He shared emotional memories of his sister and her lasting impact on and off the court, praising her for “above all, being a mother to Arries,” her young son. Rogers thanked the Sealth community for their steady support and for hosting the game and ceremony and “welcoming us back.”
The family wore commemorative pins in her honor:
As we reported back in 2020, Sealth honored Rogers-Wright and retired her #34 jersey. A banner still hangs proudly in the Sealth gym:
As the ceremony concluded, the Sealth and Mt. Tahoma varsity girls’ teams took the court, including Sealth senior Alysse Bland:
And freshman Mia Caldera:
Sealth jumped out to a dominating 14-0 early lead, before Mt. Tahoma settled in and battled back. At halftime, head coach Will Pablo‘s team led 26-15:
Sealth’s band and cheer squad kept fans entertained:
The action in the second half was evenly matched, but with Sealth maintaining the lead, and at the final buzzer it was 47-37 in favor of the Seahawks.
Sealth is now 4-8 on the season, and plays on the road against Highline on Monday (January 12th) at 7:15 pm.
(Friday photo by Bob Burns)
Happy Saturday! Here’s our list of what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar – but first, a traffic alert:
TRAFFIC REMINDER: If you’re heading eastbound out of West Seattle, remember that the “Revive I-5” project has restarted and this weekend a large stretch of northbound I-5 from I-90 northward is closed so the Ship Canal Bridge work zone can be configured.
Now, the events scheduled for today/tonight:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run.
ALSO AT WS RUNNER – ‘GOT FIT’ MARATHON TRAINING: 8 am, it’s the start of this training program for intermediate/advanced runners to get prepared for an upcoming marathon.
FREE MEDITATION: Start the weekend with Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3620 SW Alaska).
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile as a prelude to the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fauntleroy Way SW.
RESOURCE EVENT IN HIGHLAND PARK: 10 am-2 pm, health care, school-enrollment help, grocery giveaway, and other essential resources are available at Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trenton), open to all community members, as previewed here.
TILDEN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am to noon, visit independent K-5 Tilden School (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor). Here’s our preview of today’s open house.
THE DOWNTOWN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am to noon, this WSB sponsor that serves 9th-12th graders – located, as its name suggests, downtown – is also having an open house today – info here. (160 John St.)
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ENROLLMENT FAIR: 10 am-2 pm at district HQ (3rd/Lander, SODO) – our calendar listing has info on what to expect and what to bring.
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group – details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
POST-HOLIDAY GRIEF CIRCLE: Tough holiday dealing with grief? Special circle gathering at 11 am with Listening to Grief, at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, noon-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm Saturdays, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY: As previewed here, Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby has its first home bout of 2026, vs. Tomorrowland from Tacoma. Doors open at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW) at 4:15 pm; tickets available at the door or online.
ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, first admission 5:15 pm. Tickets and info here.
AT THE SKYLARK: Local live music at The Skylark, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm, Fian, Oliver Elf Army, It’s All Happening, $10, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM: Open again! 9 pm, Soul Focus FM. (4547 California SW)
SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with DJs, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar, which is free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The primary election is still many months in the future, but as we’ve been reporting, some campaigning has already begun. In fact, there are already candidates eager to oversee how your property taxes are determined and collected. With the latest announcement, at least two people will be on the ballot for the King County Assessor position in August.
Rob Foxcurran, who is the city of Seattle’s Senior Appraiser, announced this week in a news release that he’s running, “to make the property tax system more affordable, fair and transparent.” Foxcurran is also a Hearing Examiner on the King County Board of Appeals and Equalization, and with those credentials, says he is “the only candidate for this position with any experience related to the role of the Assessor.”
The other candidate to file so far is Shoreline Council Member Chris Roberts, who declared his candidacy almost six months ago, well before the current Assessor, John Wilson, announced he would not be running for a fourth term. Roberts has been elected five times to the Shoreline council, and served as mayor during parts of two of those terms. He was just re-elected last year to a term that ends in 2029, and is also chair of the 32nd District Democrats. On his campaign website, Roberts says he’s running, “to ensure property assessments are accurate, transparent, and grounded in public trust. With over a decade of public service, Chris understands how local policy affects real people.”
Wilson is completing a shorter term as County Assessor than usual following the passage of Charter Amendment 1 in 2022, which moved King County positions for executive, assessor, director of elections and council members to elections in even-numbered years. Wilson’s decision in October to not run again followed allegations by his ex-fiancée of harassment that subsequently led to Wilson also dropping his bid for County Executive in 2025.
(Added: WSB photo)
9:15 PM: SPD and SFD are on their way to a reported crash at 35th SW and SW Willow [map], said to involve a car hitting a parked semi-truck, blocking at least part of the road. That intersection is on the north side of Myrtle Reservoir Park, where semi drivers often park their trucks. We’re on our way for a look.
9:38 PM: Photo added; it shows this was a pickup-truck driver hitting a parked box truck. No indication of serious injury – SFD left after only about 15 minutes.
(May WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)
“Rink Rat Roller Derby” is the theme on Saturday when Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby hosts Tacoma’s Tomorrowland Junior Roller Derby at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center. Before the two rounds featuring two teams each, you can watch a “derby demo” featuring Southside’s newest cadets and “some friends from SSR Resistance.” It’s a full evening of high-energy fun, with doors opening at 4:15 pm at 9676 17th SW, and the night wrapping up around 8 pm. Admission is $10 youth, $15 adults, and SSR’s announcement adds, “Bring extra cash to support our league by purchasing treats at the bake sale and SSR merchandise!” You can also buy tickets online in advance.
Earlier this week, we reported on an arrest made by police after the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health clinic at Westwood Village was broken into late on New Year’s Day night. The suspect is now charged with one count of second-degree burglary. He is 29-year-old Derrick D. Sanders, Jr., of Kent, who remains jailed in lieu of $30,000 bail. The charging documents tell the same story as the narrative on which our previous story was based, with a few more details – that he’d allegedly pried open a locked rear door to get into the clinic, and that the items with which he was found included a VMFH security badge and ID. Our inquiry with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office also yielded charging documents for another burglary case in which Sanders is awaiting trial – he was arrested after allegedly breaking into an elementary school in SeaTac last July. In that case too, court documents say he was taken into custody while still inside the burglarized building. But in that case a judge released him on personal recognizance the next day, though prosecutors pointed out he’d had 10 arrest warrants over eight years. His next court appearance will be arraignment in the West Seattle case on Monday;
If you can’t get to the resource event at Highland Park Elementary tomorrow but need assistance, we’ve just learned of another upcoming opportunity. This announcement is just in from South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) but the event is open to everyone in the community:
DSHS Mobile Services Truck Coming to South Seattle College to Assist with Food & Cash Benefits – Jan. 13th
South Seattle College Workforce Department is pleased to host a DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services) Mobile Community Services Truck on Tuesday, January 13th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
This mobile unit provides a critical service to our broader community. Trained DSHS staff will be on-site to assist residents and students with applications and questions for:
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)/Basic Food benefits.
• Cash Assistance programs.The mobile truck makes accessing these vital resources more convenient. Whether you need to apply for the first time, renew your benefits, or simply have questions about eligibility, the DSHS team will be available to help.
Event Details:
• What: DSHS Mobile Services Truck
• Who: Open to the public, students, and community members
• When: Tuesday, January 13th, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Where: South Seattle College, (Next to the clocktower and cafeteria)Participants are encouraged to bring relevant documentation, such as identification and proof of income. For more information about the truck’s visit, please call South Seattle College’s Workforce Department at 206-934-5888. For general DSHS program information, visit www.dshs.wa.gov.
(WSB photo: Work continuing at Kenyon Hall today)
One month ago today, we reported that Kenyon Hall – the historic event venue at 7904 35th SW in Sunrise Heights – had obtained the permits needed for its final round of improvement work. It’s been closed since mid-summer for some much-needed work – which we previewed in May – and which continues (flooring, painting, tiling in progress or soon) – but today Kenyon Hall management just announced the reopening dates – Thursday, January 29, through Sunday, February 1, with a full slate of fun stuff, starting with an “industry mixer” and concluding with a Root Beer Social where everyone’s welcome to come in and look around. (Inbetween are one of KH’s free Open Mics, plus the next edition of the popular Cartoon Mess Live! for which tickets are on sale now.) Kenyon Hall is a 110-year-old building originally built as a social hall, now owned and operated by the nonprofit Seattle Artists.
Just heard from Kersti Muul that “a large group of transients” is headed northbound past Blake Island. Let us know if you see them!
PawsVIP recently moved into 9064 Delridge Way SW and is a new WSB sponsor, which means they get to tell you about what they do:
What We Do:
PawsVIP is a locally owned dog day care and boarding facility. We’ve been running our first location near SeaTac since 2019, and West Seattle (9064 Delridge Way SW) is our second home.
Our Services:
At our West Seattle location, we offer day care, overnight boarding, and exit baths for pups heading home after a day of play.
Our Tukwila location has all of that plus full grooming and airport layover services for families moving or traveling with their pets.
Both locations have a 24/7 vet on call.
What Makes PawsVIP Different:
We’re a locally owned business. We’re all pet lovers. We’ve been doing this since 2019. We’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to build a team that genuinely cares. We’ve focused on building a place where people want to stay, because your dog deserves to see familiar faces, not strangers every week.
We provide top quality care for your pet. We remember their habits, preferences, and their playmates. We want them to have fun and be taken care of while you’re away.
We also do our best to provide top quality service for pet parents. We’re communicative and transparent. We work to provide seamless experiences and accommodate your schedule by operating 5am to 9pm, seven days a week.
We’re structured and safety-focused. Kenneled facility, play groups organized by size and temperament, trained staff, 24/7 vet access. We don’t cut corners.
We know transparency matters. We post photos and videos daily because pet parents shouldn’t have to wonder what’s happening with their dog. Check out our Instagram and you’ll see real dogs having real fun.
Our Team:
Everyone on our team is a pet owner. We go home to dogs, cats, you name it. This isn’t just a job for us.
All staff go through background checks before hiring. From there, we train on dog handling, dog behavior, and animal safety. We take the time to do it right because we know the care your dog gets comes down to who’s actually with them.
We’ve tried to build a place where people want to stick around, learn, and grow. When staff are happy and invested, the dogs feel it.
Meet the team: pawsvip.com/team
Soft Opening Offer:
$9.99 day care through January 15, 2026. Trust is earned, and we want people to come see the space and meet us before committing.
Contact PawsVIP:
Email: petcare@pawsvip.com
Phone: 425-230-0344
Book online: pawsvip.com/west-seattle
We thank PawsVIP for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in joining our sponsor team? Please email WSBadvertising@wsbsales.com for information – thank you!
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER It’s open again and having a sale. 10 am-3 pm at north end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus (6000 16th SW).
BABY STORY TIME: 11-11:30 am at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: New session starts at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 12:30 pm-2 pm Fridays, no registration required.
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy by the bottle.
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: 2 games at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) that are both sold out – girls vs. Lakeside at 5:30 and boys vs. Rainier Beach at 8:30 pm – and one at Chief Sealth IHS (2600 SW Thistle), girls vs. Mt. Tohoma at 7 pm, preceded by tribute to the late Regina Rogers-Wright.
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, Songwriters’ Showcase at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
LIVE AT EASY STREET: Tiny Monsters perform at 7 pm, all ages, no cover. (4559 California SW)
LIVE AT TIM’S: 8 pm, Taylor Swift tribute band Red Karma, $15-$20 cover. (16th/98th, White Center)
BACK TO SPINNING: Revelry Room reopens tonight (4547 California SW).
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to Man Plus & Atomic Pines, 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
A big post-holidays thank you from Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3435 California SW; WSB sponsor) after this year’s generous response to their annual holiday-season warm-clothing drive:
Thank You, West Seattle Community!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to our incredible community for the overwhelming support of our recent clothing drive benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank‘s Helpline. Your generosity truly made a difference.
Thanks to your contributions, we were able to deliver four to five full loads of donations, including brand-new, unopened socks and underwear for both men and women, as well as thoughtfully donated hand-knit caps. These essential and heartfelt items will provide comfort, warmth, and dignity to those in need.
A special thank you to Roger Tanner for his help with loading and unloading donations. His support played an important role in making this effort a success.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated, helped, or supported this drive in any way. This experience was a powerful reminder of how much people care about one another and the strength of our local community.
We are proud to support the West Seattle Food Bank’s Helpline and thankful to be part of a community that truly shows up for its neighbors.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, January 9, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts clouds to start, later clearing, high near 50. Sunrise at 7:55 am; sunset at 4:37 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route remains on a two-boat schedule until at least next week, with a third “bonus boat” added, according to WSF’s alerts page.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.
‘REVIVE I-5’
If you use northbound I-5, you need to know about the work resuming this weekend and continuing for months.
WHITE CENTER WORK RESUMING NEXT WEEK
Monday, the final phase of work on 16th SW between 100th and 107th is scheduled to start.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand unless otherwise credited)
The Alki Statue of Liberty once again served tonight as a gathering place in time of national crisis. More than 100 people showed up for a vigil organized by West Seattle Indivisible in the wake of the shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis and Portland.
WSI’s Laurie Reinhardt spoke to the group for a few minutes before they began their silent vigil.
Earlier in the evening, others gathered at Roxbury and Delridge:
The paper chain carried names of people reported to have died in ICE custody:
(Reader photo sent by Genna)
And hours earlier, more than a dozen people joined Marjorie, who protests daily at 35th SW and SW Edmunds:
Four city councilmembers issued news releases today decrying the Minnesota shooting – citywide Councilmembers Alexis Mercedes Rinck and Dionne Foster, as well as district Councilmembers Bob Kettle and Eddie Lin; Mayor Katie Wilson recorded a statement on video, also addressing three reported ICE detentions in North Seattle.
ADDED FRIDAY: District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka‘s office points out that he actually posted a video reaction on Instagram yesterday; it wasn’t mentioned in the council’s news release channel so we weren’t aware of it. It’s now also on YouTube, which doesn’t require a login to view – see it here.
(WSB photos, video by Tracy Record)
“We must not capitulate. We must not conform. We must not pre-emptively comply … I have never backed down from a fight.”
Those declarations about federal actions came toward the end of District 8 King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda‘s campaign-kickoff speech tonight at the new White Center Hub event space.
What began as a relatively amiable speech by Mosqueda with her six-year-old daughter Camila at her side – noting Camila is “crushing kindergarten” – and an opening list of accomplishments, she built to a crescendo after referring to the shootings involving federal agents this week in Minneapolis and Portland. Here’s the heart of her speech, after a list of acknowledgments aimed at high-profile supporters and donors – six minutes in is where she talks about the ICE shootings and crackdowns:
“They’re coming for us because we’re effective .. they think we’ll turn on each other, but we won’t take the bait,” she vowed. Before she spoke, introductory speakers were introduced by Aaron Garcia, executive director of the White Center Community Development Association, which led the building of the Hub. These speeches included one on video by U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal in D.C.
Elected officials past and present who were announced in attendance included state legislators and local leaders from jurisdictions north and south of Seattle as well as Joy Hollingsworth and Dionne Foster from the Seattle City Council, on which Mosqueda served before moving to the county council. Her job is back on the ballot after three years rather than four years because voters approved changing the county charter so that offices like this are now on the ballot in even years. So far no one else has registered a campaign for the position. Tonight’s event was announced as having a $30,000 fundraising goal.
ADDED: Video of Mariachi Monarcas, the band that played before the speeches:
When Seattle Police announced the next Southwest Precinct Advisory Council community updates/Q&A meeting would be held on January 13, it was pointed out that the date conflicted with the longstanding meeting night for at least three major neighborhood groups. SPD at the time decided to keep the date anyway. But now with less than a week to go, Crime Prevention Coordinator Matt Brown says they’ve changed their mind and decided to postpone the meeting until a TBD date in February instead. So if you’d marked your calendar for the January 13 meeting with police, scratch it, and stand by for a new meeting date.
(Photos courtesy Dan Jacobs, Admiral Neighborhood Association)
Ash Lemus is one of the West Seattle HS student artists showing work at tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk, first one of the new year. Danifah Da is another of the student artists:
The students are at <strong>West Seattle Grounds> – as are their teachers – until 8 pm.
Lots of venues to choose from, as spotlighted at wsartwalk.org!
Two announcements regarding local high-school basketball games scheduled tomorrow night. First, West Seattle High School athletic director Corey Sorenson sent this community announcement:
Dear West Seattle Community,
We are excited for our upcoming basketball matchups this Friday and appreciate the incredible support for our student-athletes.
At this time, we have reached full capacity for Friday’s Girls Basketball game vs. Lakeside and Boys Basketball game vs. Rainier Beach High School. As a result, tickets will no longer be available.
For those who are unable to attend in person, both games will be broadcast live on the NFHS Network with a subscription. You can access the stream using the link below:
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/west-seattle-high-school-seattle-wa/basketball
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our athletic programs. Go, Wildcats!
(added) As a commenter notes, one big reason for the interest in the WSHS-Rainier Beach boys’ game is that the nation’s top-ranked player is on the RB team.
Second, Chief Sealth International High School‘s girls-basketball home game at 7 pm vs. Mt. Tahoma will be preceded by a ceremony honoring Sealth legend Regina Rogers-Wright, who died in 2024. Among the participants will be City Council President Joy Hollingsworth and District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, presenting a proclamation.
(WSB photo)
We first told you about plans for an expanded Pilates studio in the former Bel Gatto space in Fauntleroy’s Endolyne business district last year, and the owner’s hope that it would to be ready by summertime. As the new year starts, Lagom Studios owner Melina Moore says she is still waiting on permits for the new space, but is optimistically seeing the delay as an opportunity, bolstered by a good interim solution for more space.
Lagom Studios has been steadily outgrowing their original space at 4507 SW Wildwood Place for the last few years, running private and group pilates classes in a narrow storefront wedged between two others. They signed on to add the neighboring Bel Gatto space (9253 45th Ave SW) to the footprint of their business with a goal of having both more space for classes and some added amenities, including a Finnish-style dry sauna.
As the months rolled by with no permit in hand for the new space, Moore says the space directly next door, formerly Guided Ground massage (4509 SW Wildwood Place), unexpectedly became available to rent. This freed up room for a row of Pilates machines required for group classes, and enough room to stretch out—literally—during private lessons in the original space.
“I really believe that it’s been nice having a later timeline,” says Moore, who has been able to talk with clients about what they value, build community with interactions between the overlapping group and private lessons and to design things like the sauna so that it’s right-sized. “Somewhere between 5-8 people can be in there. I like to keep to it 5, so that you can actually connect with others.”
In the meantime, she’s making the temporary studio on Wildwood feel like home, with new artwork from West Seattle muralist Kristina Tamaria, and she is mostly at peace with the extended time it’s taking to expand. “We’re working with the city for permitting, so it’s on its own timeline. It will happen at the right time.”
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