West Seattle, Washington
17 Tuesday
Tony‘s car was stolen northwest of The Junction early today:
Screenshot
My gray 2016 Ford Escape (WA plate BTG5823, VIN ending in 7610) was stolen in the early morning of 2/13 in West Seattle. I have reported it to the Seattle Police Department (case number 26-42641) and wanted to let neighbors know in case anyone sees it. If you have any information, please contact Seattle Police (via 911) and reference the case number. Thank you!
SUNDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Tony says, “The vehicle was recovered at approximately 2:30 am on Saturday morning near 4th Ave and Yesler Way. The Seattle Police Department has confirmed that an arrest was made in connection with this case (SPD report #2026-042641), and the case is now being referred to the prosecutor’s office for consideration.”
(Two of the early-blooming daffodils we’ve seen in Gatewood)
here’s what’s happening around the peninsula for the rest of today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER Spring gets ever closer; every dry day is another chance to get ready. The center is open today, 10 am-3 pm at north end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus (6000 16th SW).
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Free indoor playtime for little ones and their caregivers, 10 am-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
BABY STORY TIME: 11 am-11:30 am at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
FREE TAX HELP: Drop in at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) 11 am-4 pm and get help with your taxes!
HEART-SHAPED PIZZA THAT HELPS: Four more days to get heart-shaped pizza at Mioposto (2139 California SW; WSB sponsor) with part of the proceeds going to NW Immigrant Rights Project. Open 11:30 am-10 pm today.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about and enjoy local history – open noon-4 pm today.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: New session continues at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 12:30 pm-2 pm Fridays, no registration required.
GALENTINE’S DAY AT WELCOME ROAD WINERY: 4-8 pm with art and wine – $5 glasses – and sweets. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
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.
‘UNSEEN EMPORIUM’: 5-9 pm at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW): “Join us for an enchanted evening of curiosities and cabaret for faery. We’ll be hosting vendors and cabaret performers!” Free/donations.
ASTRA LUMINA: A few more weekends for the celestially inspired lights-and-sound show at Seattle Chinese Garden on the north end of the South Seattle College campus (6000 16th SW); first admission at 6 pm, get tickets here.
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, monthly Songwriters’ Showcase at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all genres, all ages, no cover.
KENYON HALL CABARET – MXMATCH: 6:30 pm, all-ages drag show at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), get tickets here.
‘TOPDOG/UNDERDOG’: Second weekend for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm curtain, get tickets here.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Live music with SeaStar, Alicia Healey, Sue Quigley, doors at 7, show at 8, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SPINNING: Revelry Room is open tonight (4547 California SW), with DJ Twilight, 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to Vanilla Abstract & Biddadat, 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or ongoing calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
One week from tomorrow, Hiawatha Community Center will officially reopen to the public after almost six years. Last night a commenter asked about the programming that would be offered at Hiawatha once it’s open, and we noticed it’s now on the center’s website, so in case you were wondering too and hadn’t seen it, we’re mentioning it – go here and click the Winter Welcome Back and/or Spring links on the left. The first schedule includes Tot Gym, Open Gym, and Fitness Room drop-in schedules; the second one also includes sports – basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. At the February 21 grand-reopening event (10 am-noon), you’ll be able to tour the historic center to see the work that’s been done – seismic stabilization, electrification, and more.
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, February 13, 2026, heading into the Presidents Day weekend and, for many schools, mid-winter break.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The return of rain is in the forecast for today, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise at 7:17 am; sunset at 5:29 pm.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
CLOSURE TONIGHT INTO SATURDAY MORNING
Announced by WSDOT:
The northbound State Route 509 on-ramp from First Avenue South/Myers Way South (milepost 29) will close from 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 to 3 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will perform guardrail repair during this closure.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule. The WSWT *is* in service Monday.
Washington State Ferries – Per WSF’s alert page, it’s the two-boat schedule again today, hoping for 3 on Monday.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today. Monday too.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
This afternoon’s Sound Transit Board System Expansion Committee meeting had two items of note for those watching the West Seattle Link Extension plan, still on record as pointed toward a 2032 launch. The question is, what will the plan look like once the staff and board are finished trying to reshape it into “affordability”? The process aimed at answering that question, the Enterprise Initiative, was the subject of another briefing at this afternoon’s committee meeting.
Before that was discussed, the first item of interest was another real-estate acquisition – a residential property on Pigeon Point. Not because it’s needed soon for planning/construction, but because, according to agenda documents, its owners have “medical circumstances” requiring them to sell soon, but because of the looming light-rail project, the agency says, nobody else will buy it. The board already has approved a couple other such purchases, and the committee sent this one on to the full board for approval (along with another in the Ballard project area), though with reservations voiced by Dan Strauss, the Seattle City Councilmember who sits on the ST Board – he revived a topic brought up with previous acquisitions, concerns about ST just letting the properties sit empty for years; apparently a policy change is in the works that might allow a different use for such properties, but not quickly enough to alleviate the concerns Strauss voiced.
Then it was on to the Enterprise Initiative briefing. The next major milestone is the development of “scenarios” for the full board to discuss at its retreat in March, so they can finalize an “updated ST3 system plan” by midyear.
ST’s Brad Owen told the committee that they’re now evaluating more than 600 “opportunities” for getting the full ST system plan close to something realistic.
The “takeaways” from that work included another warning that project phasing or even deferrals might be required.
And as has been the case at previous briefings, they again discussed possible cuts/changes as “levers” of different levels that could be pulled. Then Owen presented examples of possible levers at each level, such as, in the West Seattle project, dropping the Avalon station.
This, he said, would have “no notable effect on ridership” and would mean fewer property acquisitions, a more direct route from Delridge to The Junction, less impact on sites of concern like Longfellow Creek and the West Seattle Health Club property, with up to almost half a billion dollars in savings. (No new total project-cost estimate was mentioned at this meeting.)
Board approval would be needed for that or any other top level “lever” proposed – and keep in mind, what was presented today (here’s the full slide deck) was just a set of examples, not a formal proposal. And the West Seattle project isn’t the only one they’re reviewing for cuts – in addition to Ballard, there are Tacoma and Everett Link Extensions in planning, as well as Sounder and ST Express Bus projects discussed at today’s meeting. (Added: Here’s the meeting video.)
WHAT’S NEXT: The full board generally gets discussion items like this at its next meeting after committee briefings; that will be two weeks from today, on Thursday, February 26 – watch here for the agenda.
(WSB photo, last month)
Nam Suk Nasatka, longtime proprietor of Lee’s Produce in South Delridge, has been laid to rest, while her store carries on. Her family is asking the community for one final tribute in her memory – donations to the White Center Food Bank. Daniel Horst, who’s helping organize the memorial fundraiser, asked us to publish the link. The fundraiser page says Lee’s Produce had partnered with WCFB for more than a decade, providing produce gift certificates to expand access to vegetables and fruit. Ms. Nasatka was 75 years old when cancer ended her life.
5:13 PM: From Alki Beach to Morgan Junction, it’s West Seattle Art Walk night!
That’s the list of this quarter’s Art Walk venues, many of whom are hosting artists until 8 pm (check here), with a few variations. We’re stopping at a few and will be updating!
(WSB photos)
5:45 PM: Above, that’s Tatyana Brown, who we found at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), which describes her work this way;
Inspired by Japanese printmaking and artists like Hokusai, Tatyana’s work explores minimalism, clean lines, and our connection to nature. Her pieces reflect transition, growth, and the quiet power of change through a deeply personal lens.
What she’s showing at JCL tonight ranges from elegant …
… to whimsical:
6:30 PM: At John L. Scott (4445 California SW), mixed-media work by students from nearby Tilden School (WSB sponsor) – artists include Hannah:
And Sairus:
Students from every grade at Tilden, an independent K-5 school, contributed.
Meantime, another stop in The Junction, CAPERS Home (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor), often has multiple artists, three tonight, including Megan Cox:
Colleen Monette is showing at CAPERS this month too. One last stop in The Junction:
That’s just one of the works that artist Myron Curry is showing at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), in a show you can see through the end of March.
7:45 PM: One more photo – thanks to Ian for sending – art and music at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW):
P.S. We also have a crew at tonight’s Chief Sealth IHS Art Walk, and will have a separate report on that.
Two incidents of note, one happening right now:
(WSB photo)
ARREST: Seattle Police joined King County Sheriff’s Deputies this past hour for a warrant suspect believed to be in the Roxhill Park vicinity. They’ve just made an arrest, around 3 pm, after a foot pursuit, near 26th/Cambridge; they’ve just reopened 26th after a brief closure. We’re still gathering more info on this.
(UPDATE: As noted below in comments, the suspect that was being sought was a suspect in a Des Moines homicide case. We have not yet officially confirmed that’s who they caught. EVENING UPDATE: Des Moines police confirm they arrested the suspect in a murder case with the help of SPD. The person in custody was already awaiting trial in a gun/eluding case from last July, and was on electronic home monitoring until his device stopped working on February 1; there’s been a warrant out for his arrest for that since February 4. Records say he has 18 prior convictions. In the murder case, a 45-year-old man was found dead after a Des Moines house fire, and investigators learned he’d been stabbed – that happened the same day the suspect’s tracker stopped sending a signal.)
(back to second half of original story) BUSINESS BURGLARY: On the south side of Roxbury, the Safeway gas-station building was broken into early today, around 1:30 am. Details are in this report on our partner site White Center Now.
(WSB photo, last November)
The Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle is known for its Native Art Markets. We always publish announcements inviting visitors and shoppers; now, longhouse venue coordinator Victoria Welch has sent us this call for more Native artists to join their roster of potential participants:
The Duwamish Longhouse invites Native vendors and artists who create and sell Native art, crafts, and other goods to express their interest in participating in our upcoming art markets later this year.
Vendors who have not previously participated in our markets are encouraged to reach out. Please email your name, a phone number where you can be reached, and a description of the items you create and would like to sell to:
events@duwamishtribe.org
We look forward to connecting with new artists and vendors and expanding our community of Native creatives.
Here’s a flyer about the opportunity, which also notes that the next Native Art Market at the Longhouse (4705 West Marginal Way SW) is in late April.
(February 2025 WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)
One year ago, the Washington State Black Legacy Institute celebrated its grand opening in the city-landmarked former church at 2656 42nd SW; this year, to mark the first anniversary, WSBLI invites you to a celebration one week from tonight, at 6:30 pm Thursday, February 19th.
Join us as we celebrate a historic milestone! The Inaugural Anniversary of the Washington State Black Legacy Institute (WSBLI). This special gathering honors the rich history, cultural contributions, and enduring legacy of Washington’s Black community, while inspiring a collective vision for the future.
This uplifting event brings together community leaders, families, partners, supporters, and neighbors for an event filled with joy, reflection, music, recognition, and connection.
Featured Performance: Brilliance Interfaith Gospel Choir
We are honored to welcome the Brilliance Interfaith Gospel Choir as the featured headlining performers of our anniversary celebration. Formed in 2025, Brilliance is a powerful, spirit-filled ensemble dedicated to spreading joy, healing, and unity through inspirational gospel and spiritual music. Their performance will set the tone for a meaningful and emotionally rich event.Guests are invited to stay after the ceremony for food, fellowship, and warm community connection.
About the Washington State Black Legacy Institute
The WSBLI is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and elevating the stories, contributions, and cultural legacy of Black communities across Washington State. Through exhibitions, education, archival preservation, programming, and community partnerships, we work to ensure that Black history is honored, protected, and accessible for generations to come.
The celebration is free to attend – donations welcome to support WSBLI programming – but please RSVP by going here.
Tonight is West Seattle Art Walk night! Here’s this month’s list/map highlighting venues all over West Seattle:
Highlights include Tilden School (WSB sponsor) students’ work at John L. Scott in The Junction (4555 California SW) with a reception 5-8 pm. Go here for other Art Walk previews from venues hosting artists this month. Also:
CHIEF SEALTH IHS ART WALK: As previewed here, students will showcase performing arts as well as visual arts during tonight’s special Art Walk, and the community is invited to visit starting at 6 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)
Here’s what else is on our list for the hours ahead, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks again to everyone who sends events for us to list!):
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)
DONATE TO THE CLOTHESLINE: One more special donation opportunity if you have spare season-appropriate clothing to donate to the clothing bank before it reopens in its new location – 5444 Delridge Way SW, 10 am-1 pm.
GATHERING AT THE VOID: Escape your home office for a few hours! “Work, Game, Craft, or Chat! At The Void” hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon Thursdays. (5048 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY RUN/WALK: New free, fun gathering, 10 am, starting from Lincoln Park parking lot #2. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Whether you’re planting or planning – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: West Seattle Library story time (2306 42nd SW), 10:30 am.
HEART-SHAPED PIZZA AT MIOPOSTO: Available only through Monday! Heart-shaped pizza at Mioposto (2139 California SW; WSB sponsor), open 11:30 am-9 pm, with part of the proceeds benefiting NW Immigrant Rights Project.
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!)
SOUND TRANSIT EXPANSION COMMITTEE: A West Seattle residential acquisition is part of what’s on the agenda for the ST board’s Expansion Committee meeting, 1:30 pm; the agenda explains how to watch/participate in-person or remotely.
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 Five Hooks Seafood .
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle! And tonight it’s a venue for the West Seattle Art Walk.
LONG DISTANCE ADVOCACY: Write postcards with West Seattle Indivisible at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 5-7:30 pm drop-in community event (not library-sponsored).
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: Taha Ebrahimi, discussing “Street Trees of Seattle,” is this month’s online speaker presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, 6 pm. Our calendar listing has info and how to get the viewing link.
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: If you’d rather walk, meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
’90S TRIVIA: 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
‘TOPDOG/UNDERDOG’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm, second week for the new ArtsWest production, “Topdog/Underdog.” (4711 California SW)
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: New West Seattle trivia night! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
DJ NIGHT: Spinning happens tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Tomás starting at 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
MG reports a car theft in North Admiral overnight:
I just had my car stolen outside my house in the North Admiral area. It’s a red 2000 Honda CR-V with the license plate number CRT9854. Happened last night between 10 pm and 4 am.
Call 911 if you find it. We’ll add the police-report # when we get it. (Added: It’s 26-041550.)
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, February 12, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Some clouds are in the forecast for today, chance of rain late tonight, high in the low 50s. Sunrise at 7:19 am; sunset at 5:28 pm.
(Wednesday’s sunrise from Seacrest – WSB photo by Torin Record-Sand)
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Per WSF’s alert page, it’s the two-boat schedule again today and Friday.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.
MID-WINTER BREAK NEXT WEEK
*Seattle Public Schools and many others are out for mid-winter break next week.
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!
More than a decade after the first announcement of the plan for pet-friendly The Hydrant in The Junction – “a gathering place for people and pups” – it’s officially open. We reported just after Christmas that they were close, and today proprietor Beya Mark emailed to tell us about the opening at 4541 California SW.
Here’s how she announced it:
I am super-excited to let you know that The Hydrant is open!
After what feels like an eternity (seriously, did we take a trip through a time warp?), we’re open!!
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a craft beer aficionado, or just in need of a cozy spot to enjoy some cider or coffee, we’ve got you covered! And the best part? We’re pet friendly! Bring your furry friends along for the fun — because they deserve a treat too!
We’re not just open; we’re conveniently located in the heart of the Junction!
Get ready for a fantastic experience! Along with our rotating lineup of craft beers and fine wines, bring in own mouth-watering bites from local restaurants.
But wait, there’s more! We’ve got games lined up and are ready to host events that will keep the good times rolling. So gather your friends, and let’s make some unforgettable memories together! Can’t wait to see you all here! Let’s make up for lost time together. Cheers!
We went by for photos after the email from Beya, who, with husband Cliff, owns Next-to-Nature next door. Note that The Hydrant – whose delays were detailed in our December update – is 21+. It’s open seven days a week, still finalizing the hours but in the 11 am-7 pm vicinity, earlier and later on weekends.
ADDED: Here’s the current wine/beer menu.
8:44 PM: Seattle Police report another enforcement operation targeting shoplifting at Westwood Village. Here’s the short summary they released:
At 1000 hours (Tuesday, February 10), GIU Detectives and Southwest Patrol Officers conducted a joint Organized Retail Theft Operation at Marshalls and Ross at Westwood Village. Detectives teamed with loss prevention representatives to identify and apprehend suspects. Five suspects were arrested for shoplifting. Approximately $1,300 in stolen merchandise was recovered. This was a team effort and could not have taken place without the hard work by GIU detectives, patrol, and partnership with the loss prevention employees at Marshalls and Ross.
(GIU = General Investigation Unit.) We don’t have the suspects’ names so far and are trying to determine their status.
9:04 PM: The problem, nonetheless, persists – police just dispatched three calls for alleged shoplifting at Marshalls that occurred within a span of minutes.
11:05 PM: After some speculative searching through online records, we found one of yesterday’s arrestees in the Municipal Court system, which meant we could see the police narrative presented at his probable-cause hearing this afternoon. It says the 34-year-old suspect had “14 prior incidents” of shoplifting at the Westwood Village Marshalls, totaling a suspected $1,776, not counting the $168 in items he is accused of stealing on Tuesday. He was also arrested there in early January after loss-prevention staff called police; he had been “trespassed” previously, and the document from that case – which remains open – says he had been a “frequent” shoplifter there since last September. There’s no record of jail bookings prior to the one in January, though. In both that case and this one, he has been routed through the city Mental Health Court after concerns from his defense attorney, and while awaiting evaluation related to the January case, is now ordered for an evaluation in this one too (they’ll be compiled). In January, Mental Health Court Judge Willie Gregory granted release on personal recognition; today $500 bail was ordered, and the suspect remains in jail tonight.
Another update from Washington State Ferries – the two-boat schedule will continue on the Fauntleroy-Southworth-Vashon route at least two more weekday:
12 years ago, we reported after the Seahawks‘ first-ever Super Bowl victory parade that about a quarter of all Seattle Public Schools students were absent that day. (The district had initially cited the same policy as it did for today – no excused absences – but then pulled back a bit and let each principal decide how to handle it.) So, how was attendance today? We asked the district, and received this reply:
As Seattle celebrated the Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory parade today, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) recorded an estimated 12,697 student absences as of the start of the school day today. While student absences were significantly higher than usual, over 38,000 students are estimated to have attended school today for teaching, learning, connection, and to receive the many other services our schools provide. Our initial estimates suggest that student attendance was slightly better than during the 2014 Super Bowl parade.
In addition, there were 663 staff absences (as of 2:30 p.m.), which is several hundred absences higher than normal. Central office staff, including SPS Superintendent Ben Shuldiner, were deployed to schools throughout the district to provide additional support considering the increase in absences.
We’ll ask on follow up if the “slightly better” is a reference to percentage or number; SPS enrollment was 2,000+ more students in 2014 than it is now.
3:52 PM: Thanks for the tip about a two-car crash with one on its side at 38th/Oregon. SFD is now sending a “rescue extrication” response, indicating someone may be trapped.
3:56 PM: Reader photo added. The car “on two wheels” (as a firefighter described it) is a Volvo SUV, the other car a Honda Civic. The trapped person is reported to be in the Volvo and just “unable to get out.”
4:04 PM: The person has been safely extricated, firefighters just told dispatch.
5:32 PM: We followed up with SFD to ask about injuries. Spokesperson David Cuerpo said the 42-year-old woman who was rescued said she wasn’t hurt; a 25-year-old woman was taken to a hospital via AMR ambulance and was assessed as being in stable condition when transported.
Tomorrow is the second Thursday of the month – always West Seattle Art Walk night! In addition to the dozens of regular venues, tomorrow night brings a special event – an Art Walk at Chief Sealth International High School, showcasing performing arts as well as visual art. Here’s the invitation we received to share with you:
Chief Sealth IHS invites all community members to our annual Art Walk on Thursday, Feb. 12. Doors open at 6:00.
Grab snacks and wander as you enjoy orchestra quartets, jazz ensembles, and choir ensembles performing in different locations. Take in student visual art as you move from room to room.
The evening will culminate in a combined orchestra, band, and choir performance! Free to the public. Donations accepted.
The school is at 2600 SW Thistle. As for the rest of tomorrow night’s venues – see the preview here.
While the region’s attention focused on football these past several hours, we have news from the two local teams playing what much of the rest of the world knows as football – West Seattle Junction FC and West Seattle Rhodies FC. Their full schedules for this season are now out, as announced by the teams’ owners.
The season starts at home – Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – with a doubleheader, both teams playing, on May 10th. Details on the Junction FC season are here; details on the Rhodies FC season are here. The schedule announcements also mean single-match tickets are on sale.
11:29 AM: It’s on – the Seahawks‘ Super Bowl victory parade (starting half an hour later than planned)! If you’re not there, you can watch here. Pics and updates to come.
11:51 AM: The vehicles are finally on 4th Avenue.
12:08 PM: Ground-level sights from Ian:
The parade is over, where it began – the 4th/Washington camera shows the crowd dispersing. But it’s just arriving in the heart of downtown – the Seahawks Dancers and Blue Thunder leading the way.
12:35 PM: After an hour, the parade is now passing through the north end of the route, as shown by the 4th/Virginia traffic cam, a few blocks south of the announced end at 4th/Cedar.
1:12 PM: It’s officially over. Next season’s schedule isn’t out yet, but here are some hints.
1:37 PM: Thanks to Steven Rice for this pic of an offshore show during the parade:
ADDED: A view from Lora, toward the south end of the route:
And from a texter, at the train station near Lumen Field, one of many nostalgic jerseys:
(Last night’s ‘low-tide sunset,’ as photographer Jen Popp called it)
We’re going to point you to the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for most of what’s happening for the rest of today, as Seahawks parade related coverage has taken most of the time we’d usually use for the daily list, but here are four highlights:
ALKI ELEMENTARY HC @ SCHOOL BOARD: When the Seattle Public Schools Board meets at 4:15 pm, their agenda includes voting on an “assignment transition plan” that includes the designation of Alki Elementary as the Southwest-area school with a Highly Capable “pathway,” as first reported last month.
DINE-OUT BENEFIT FOR WEST SEATTLE HS SOFTBALL: 5-9 pm, get food from Chipotle in The Junction (4730 California SW), and mention the WSHS Softball fundraiser (code and flyer are here) so the team will benefit from part of the proceeds.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH @ 34TH DDs: Our area’s largest political organization has its regular monthly meeting tonight, but first, at 6 pm, plans a special Black History Month presentation. The meeting is at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW, south end of the historic schoolhouse).
GUIDED HOT-WAX NIGHT: 6:30-8 pm at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor), the team will show you how to hot-wax your skis and/or board.
Again, LOTS more happening – but today, you’ll find it on our calendar rather than the usual list.
6:16 AM: Good morning! Time to start transit and traffic watch as people start heading downtown for the Seahawks‘ Super Bowl victory parade. Infolinks to start:
PARADE MAP/INFO
TRANSIT PLANS
EXTRA WATER-TAXI SHUTTLES
WATER TAXI VESSEL STATUS (note: Spirit of Kingston, extra boat, is running as of 7:45 but not showing)
WEST SEATTLE TRAFFIC CAMS
ALL CITYWIDE TRAFFIC CAMS
Updates to come as the morning unfolds! The 4th/Cherry cam downtown shows some staked out at curbside already, and some vehicle traffic still.
6:44 AM: The 4th/Washington cam toward the start of the parade route also shows paradegoers already staked out, and police in the street instead of traffic. We’re heading to Seacrest soon for Water Taxi updates; the real-time map shows M/V Sally Fox on the West Seattle run and M/V Doc Maynard serving Vashon.
7:08 AM: Above is the scene at the start of the parade route three minutes ago. We’re monitoring a variety of emergency and transit services; all’s well so far.
7:30 AM: Our crew has arrived at the Water Taxi dock and just sent the photo above. No line/crowd yet. Lots of room on sailing that’s just leaving. … A few minutes later, the extra WT boat, Spirit of Kingston, just pulled up (it’s not showing on the real-time site, though). … SoK left at 7:45, ~75 aboard.
8 AM: Things are starting to pick up at Seacrest, where Sally Fox has just returned. … Moments later, Spirit of Kingston (the smaller “spare” boat) returned. Meantime, our first report from buses – one rider says her bus is already full and skipping stops.
8:10 AM: We’re told Sally Fox left at capacity, 277. SoK (about half the capacity) loaded up and left minutes later. Meantime, a photo from West Seattle resident Ian in the parade zone:
8:30 AM: The boats really are leaving as fast as they fill up. Spirit of K headed out at 8:21, Sally Fox is back already, lines but not for long. … Parking is maxed out near the dock, though, a newly arrived reader tells us. They also sent this pic looking back at the line stretching out along Harbor:
8:55 AM: If you aren’t at the dock yet, you might be in for a wait – our crew estimates the line could be enough people to fill the next runs of both boats. Otherwise, no major traffic/transit problems reported – we’re continuing to monitor. … Spirit of K is headed out again at 8:56 am, so it should be back in about half an hour.
9:06 AM: Line estimated at 700 people; the two boats’ combined capacity is 450. Here’s an overhead view, from Nora McGee:
9:18 AM: Sally Fox is leaving again. … Here’s the latest view from the start of the parade route at 4th/Washington:
And from a reader who’s NOT going to the parade, we just got bus-stop views – not too jammed – including California/Findlay:
In comments, though, Meg reports, “Bus delays are pretty backed up too, been at the C line at Junction for 30 minutes without a single bus going downtown yet.”
9:38 AM: Water Taxis keep churning – SoK just left, Sally Fox is arriving. The line is still out to Harbor Ave. … Meantime, on board, a reader photo of the fan jerseys:
9:52 AM: Sally Fox is heading out again, as SoK comes in:
The outbound arrivals are slowing down, our crew reports.
10:07 AM: Now the larger M/V Doc Maynard – which has been on the Vashon run this morning – is at Seacrest, to pick up more people who will get downtown just barely in time. We’ll be leaving the dock soon; we’ll start a separate report once the parade begins, and welcome your pic at 206-293-6302 or westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
| 0 COMMENTS