West Seattle, Washington
19 Monday
King County Metro is increasing service, and is now hiring for drivers to make sure they can keep up with an influx of tourists this summer and beyond. Part of the increase is for the World Cup, but there are longer-term increases in service too, including additional RapidRide lines. Metro plans to hire 375 part-time and 150 full-time drivers this year.
(King County Metro photo)
When hired, drivers go through up to 2 months of paid training, including getting the license that allows them to drive busses. There is also a bonus available and a starting wage of $31.39 after training.
The deadline for applications for part-time positions is next Friday, January 23rd. More information can be found on Metro’s website.
A West Seattleite is the incumbent in the race for King County Prosecuting Attorney this year. In a news release today, Leesa Manion said she will seek a second 4-year term after making some significant changes in the Prosecuting Attorney’s office during her first term. So far, campaign finance records show she is the only candidate.
Manion started her last term by adding new units within the office for gun violence prevention, gender-based violence and prevention, an economic crimes and wage theft division, and a felony traffic unit. Last October, she modified case review policy in the office so that all charges referred by law enforcement would have a decision about whether they would be filed within 30 days.
In announcing her candidacy for re-election, Manion pointed to progress made, from juvenile justice to increased focus on retail theft and more. “I’m proud of our accomplishments, from reducing the pandemic-era backlog of unfiled cases in our courts to proactively addressing public safety priorities,” said Manion. “We made our office more responsive to the needs of our diverse communities and more effective at balancing accountability, crime prevention, and victim support.” She also points to work still to be done around hate crimes and federal overreach.
Manion won the election in 2022 with 58% of the vote. She succeeded Dan Satterberg, for whom she was chief of staff.
(photo by Charlotte Starck)
New flags are being installed today on light poles along a portion of the Alki Beach sidewalk/path as an eye-catching part of a beautification effort by Alki Community Council. They’re expected to stay up through the World Cup this summer and beyond.
When the install is complete, there will be 16 colorful flags total, on every other light pole between 54th and 63rd Avenue SW. There are two flag designs, with graphics of the Olympics, Orca whales, and ferries, all nestled along Alki Beach. Design work was donated by Rupert, a marketing and design firm.
Alki Community Council started work on planning the flags following a request they made for maintenance by City Light on the light poles, which had become rusty. After those were spruced up, volunteer members of the non-profit council got to work on securing funding, and planning to make and install the flags. A Seattle Department of Neighborhoods grant helped fund the effort.
There have been flags installed on the light poles in the past, with one of the last during Seafair in 2009. Community Council President Charlotte Starck says that makes it high time for these improvements. “This project goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about restoring vitality, signaling care, and reminding residents and visitors alike that Alki Beach is a place worth protecting and nurturing.” The flags are designed to stay up for several years.
(Photos taken at Roxhill Elementary with classes of Kyoko Giedeman and Margaret Gamache)
Story by Judy Pickens
Photos by Torin Record-Sand
For West Seattle Blog
Since 1991, West Seattle schools in the Salmon in the Schools program have received their coho salmon eggs in early January, but not this year.
Students returned from winter break to find their tanks already populated by tiny alevin (the first stage of growth).
“Temperature affects the pace at which salmon eggs mature and our mild fall weather caused them to mature much faster than usual,” explained Phil Sweetland with the Fauntleroy Watershed Council. “On very short notice, teachers had their tanks ready for eggs two weeks early.”
In the quiet of hallways across West Seattle, those eggs started hatching into more than 2,000 alevin on December 24. Because they come equipped with a food sac, the alevin took care of themselves until classes resumed. As they watch their alevin grow and change into fry, students will be learning about biology, habitat, and stewardship until release season in May.
Fauntleroy volunteers will assist with an expected 17 release field trips.
Because of construction to replace the Fauntleroy Creek culvert under 45th Ave. SW, preschool and other small groups will release into the lower creek and elementary groups will release into Longfellow Creek.
(WSB photos)
West Seattle’s newest business has opened. As of 8 am, the new UPS Store at Westwood Village is open for its first day on the breezeway across from Fitness 19. Proprietors Tami and Mike Lindquist had already welcomed. their first customer by the time we stopped by around half an hour after they opened.
As noted in this preview, they’re offering a variety of services. That includes about 400 mailboxes – not all self-serve like these – others are in the back:
The Lindquists own three other UPS Stores around the region. The new one will be open until 6:30 pm if you want to visit on Day One.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the list of what’s happening in the hours ahead!
FAIRMOUNT PARK DINE-OUT AT PANDA EXPRESS: 10 am-10 pm, get food at or from Panda Express in Westwood Village, mention the Fairmount Park Elementary PTA fundraiser, and part of the proceeds will be donated, with the FPEPTA channeling it to the West Seattle Public School Equity Fund.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy.
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, play at the newly reopened Missing Piece (4707 California SW).
ART WORKSHOP: Drop-in art for kids withRec ‘N The Streets at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 3-4:30 pm
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), drop-in help for students.
ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix your broken item instead of throwing it out! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Monthly meeting via Zoom, pre-meeting discussion of health care at 6 pm, meeting at 7. Register here to get the attendance link.
POETRYBRIDGE AT C & P: 6-8 pm, PoetryBridge‘s gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm, drop in and create! (3400 Harbor SW)
CRIBBAGE NIGHT: Almost-weekly tournament at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), 6 pm. Membership not required.
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: You’re invited to this 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Get moving in the middle of the week – the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) is tonight – all welcome, regardless what pace you run at!
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
KUNDALINI YOGA: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.
TRIVIA x 5: We have five West Seattle trivia spots on our Wednesday list: at Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), 7 pm, free to play … 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), free to play … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, it’s trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: West Seattle’s longest-running open mic! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: Sing at the pub starting at 8:45 pm. (2306 California SW)
Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The Special Olympics of Washington Seattle Polar Plunge isn’t coming back to Alki this year – the late-winter fundraiser is set for Magnuson Park instead, exactly one month from today, paired with a 5K run. But there’s a West Seattle angle – a group working to revitalize Special Olympics sports in West Seattle will participate to raise money and awareness. Here’s the announcement they asked us to share with you:
Special Olympics is returning to West Seattle, and organizers are inviting the community to get involved as a local program is rebuilt from the ground up.
(Photo courtesy West Seattle Special Olympics)
To help kick off the relaunch, Special Olympics West Seattle will participate in the Seattle Polar Plunge & 5K Run on February 14, 2026, a statewide fundraiser supporting Special Olympics athletes. The event will serve as the first major fundraising and awareness effort for rebuilding a West Seattle–based Special Olympics community.
Organizers are currently working to recruit athletes, families, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners. Funds raised will support foundational program needs such as uniforms, equipment, practice space, permits, and other essentials required to launch and sustain local programming.
There are multiple ways for community members to participate, including plunging or running in the event, volunteering, sponsoring, fundraising, or helping spread the word to athletes and families who may be interested.
More information about the West Seattle program and how to get involved is available here!
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6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts a mostly cloudy day with some fog, high in the low 50s. Sunrise at 7:53 am; sunset at 4:44 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – According to WSF’s alerts page, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route will be back to three boats today, with M/V Sealth as #3.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.
ROAD WORK
*In White Center, the final phase of work on 16th SW between 100th and 107th is under way.
*On Highway 99, WSDOT says the left lane in both directions will close at Alaskan Way/Dearborn Street (milepost 30) for maintenance work again tonight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
UPCOMING HOLIDAY
*Monday, closures – including schools – and other changes will mark Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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!
Sent by a friend of the vehicle’s owner:
Greg had his work van stolen this afternoon (1/13/26) approximately 3:15 – 3:35 pm. It was parked at the south end of the lot, in Pro Parking, @ Home Depot on Delridge. He was in the store about 20 minutes, when he came out, it was gone.
The van is a 1997 White Ford Econoline E-250 cargo van with black steel roof rack. WA license CBB1999.
To add insult to injury, all his tools were inside the rig too. He still does light construction and handyman-type work so this is a huge loss to him. They’re compiling a list of tools as well.If anyone sees the van, please contact the police. You can reference Police report #26-012247.
Greg is a lifelong West Seattleite and active member in the community. Hopefully something turns up and he can recover some of his lost property.
Call 911 if you find it.
Back in WSB’s early months in 2007-2008, a comment controversy centered on the repeated rapid removal of once-tolerated banners hung on the foot/bike overpass over the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge. The person or persons dubbed the “Banner Police” had no mercy, removing even the simplest, cheeriest of signs. Yes, banner-hanging was against city law, and eventually people stopped trying. When they did try, removal was again usually rapid. But not today:
CJ sent that photo,saying that banner (basically Spanish for a phrase seen often in English at protests these days, “F— ICE”) was up for at least six hours – they reported seeing it inbound and outbound, at 8 am and 2 pm. Or maybe at least eight hours – another reader later texted a photo taken 4 pm-ish, showing someone taking it down – whether removing it to reclaim it or removing it to dispose of it, no way to know. (Here are related city rules, by the way.)
The next City Council committee to have its first meeting of the new year is the Libraries, Education, and Neighborhoods Committee, meeting at 9:30 am tomorrow (Wednesday). Its main agenda item is an overview of the Seattle Public Library; during this week’s council briefing meeting, the committee’s chair, Councilmember Maritza Rivera, said this is an opportune time as the 2019 Library Levy is about due for its renewal/”refresh.” The slide deck for the briefing can be previewed here; you can find out how to attend/watch/comment at the meeting via info in the agenda.
4:55 PM: Thanks to Sam for the tip. Traffic on Sylvan Way is problematic at the moment because what police described as a shuttle-type bus has broken down near Sylvan Heights Drive, and they have to get a tow truck to deal with it. Sam says drivers are turning around on the westbound side to “go back down the hill.”
5:15 PM: Tow truck just arrived so this may ease soon.
5:23 PM: Sam says uphill traffic is moving again and police just told dispatch that they’ve reopened the road.
3:20 PM: Southern Resident Killer Whales seen heading south this morning are now northbound, reports Kersti Muul – approaching Southworth.
3:33 PM: Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail says she’s heading to Emma Schmitz Overlook shortly with binoculars to share.
(October WSB photo)
Three months after SDOT‘s Arbor Heights walking tour to talk about possibilities for new sidewalks/pathways (WSB coverage here), the department is out with its report on what it heard and what it plans to do. The report (see it here) includes this map showing blocks “moving into conceptual design” for potential new sidewalks/walkways:
The report was emailed with this brief note from SDOT:
After carefully considering and analyzing all input from the community, we have developed the draft design for the new sidewalks, walkways, and other related Arbor Heights neighborhood improvements. Please review the attached plan and let us know if you have comments by Tuesday, January 20.
The email didn’t include a specific address or survey link for feedback (we’re following up) but the program’s general feedback address is levysidewalks@seattle.gov – whichever blocks are chosen for new sidewalks/walkways, the funding will come from the voter-approved $1.5 billion, eight-year Seattle Transportation Levy, which included funding for 350 new blocks of sidewalks/walkways citywide.
1:22 PM: Thanks for all the tips about the southbound full-code SPD cars. They’re heading to Arbor Heights after a report of someone “brandishing a gun” at or near Summit Atlas middle/high school, which SPD reported has gone “into lockdown” as a result. No gunfire reported, no injuries, but the reportedly armed person was reported to have headed eastbound on Roxbury on foot, described as a Black man in his mid-20s with black puffy jacket, gray sweatpants, possibly accompanied by several other people.
1:32 PM: Police have detained two people at Roxhill Park.
(Reader photo)
12:57 PM: Thanks for the tips about the police response near 48th SW and SW Waite in west Admiral, same neighborhood as last Wednesday’s standoff. We have not yet verified whether this is related but police are trying to get a domestic-violence suspect – with whom, radio exchanges indicate, they’ve dealt before – to come out of his residence. They’re talking with him and at least one SPD negotiator has arrived at the scene.
1:58 PM: A nearby resident tells us most of the police have left; we haven’t heard an update on the suspect’s status, but we’re asking SPD.
ADDED WEDNESDAY AFTTERNOON: Police confirm they have since arrested the suspect. Here’s how they summarize it:
… officers on 1st watch SW developed PC on a suspect for DV Assault 4th Degree. That suspect fled the scene and when located by officers, he eluded them in a vehicle. The suspect then returned to his home, where the victim locked the door, and kicked the door in. Officers returned, contained the residence and the suspect refused to come out. This is the second time in a week the suspect barricaded himself inside his home. The suspect told officers they would have to kill him. After a long dialog with HNT, it was decided to leave the scene. Later, officers were contacted by the suspect’s landlord, who stated he would be picking up the suspect and taking him out to eat. The landlord said he would pull over if someone did a traffic stop on him. Officers coordinated with the landlord and setup a controlled arrest at a pre-planned and controlled location. A stop was conducted to arrest the suspect. The suspect was uncooperative, and a short foot pursuit was initiated. Type II force was used, the suspect was taken into custody.
10:48 AM: SPD and SFD are headed for the bottom of the Highland Park Way hill, where the traffic camera (screengrab above) verifies a just-reported crash includes a flipped car. At least one other car is reported to be involved as well.
(Added: Reader photo, sent by Mary)
10:54 AM: Police and fire are there now. Uphill lanes are completely blocked and only one downhill lane is open. Officers just confirmed to dispatch that one other car and a bus were involved in the crash too.
11:10 AM: Two downhill lanes are open. Meantime, SFD closed out quickly, indicating no serious injuries.
11:47 AM: Crash scene is clear, all lanes of HP Way are open again.
(Photographed at Lincoln Park by Lisa Ruiz)
Here are today’s daily event notes/reminders, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE PLAYSPACE: Indoor play at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is open today, 9-noon -just drop in! (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: Also open, 10-11:30 am free playgroup for kids 0-5 and their caregivers, at Bridge School Cooperative Elementary (10300 28th SW).
COMMUNITY SERVICES TRUCK AT SSC: As previewed here, 10 am-2 pm, the DSHS Community Resource Truck is at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), available to all community members who need help accessing resources.
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: Noon Tuesdays, lunch meetings at West Seattle Golf Course, today featuring Rotary’s District Governor Jeff Borek. (4470 35th SW).
CHESS CLUB: Also resuming – all levels welcome to play! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
CITY COUNCIL: At 2 pm, the council holds its main weekly meeting. The agenda explains how to comment and/or watch.
WEST WINGS DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: 4-8 pm, get food at/from West Wings (2329 California SW) and part of the proceeds will benefit Alki Elementary students via the PTA. Be sure to mention the fundraiser when ordering!
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: At High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) – volunteers available to help K-12 students.
MODE MUSIC’S ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: At Tim’s Tavern in White Center (9655 16th SW), 5 pm signups, 6 pm music, no cover, presented by West Seattle’s Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor).
(added) POP-UP AT THE NEIGHBORHOOD: The doors are open at 6503 California SW tonight for this:
At The Neighborhood tonight, Crave will be doing their second pop up at the restaurant. Filipino street fusion cuisine starting at 4 and wrapping up at 8 pm at 6503 California Ave SW. They will return on the 27th of January.
CRAFTING AT HARRY’S: 5-7 pm crafting event at Harry’s Beach House (2676 Alki SW) – registration link is in our calendar listing.
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.
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 6 pm board meeting, open to community members, at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) – agenda linked in our calendar listing.
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS: Monthly meetup, 6 pm at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor).
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.
HOPE LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL/TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE: 6:30 pm, find out about the play-based learning programs at Hope (4456 42nd SW; WSB sponsor). Kids welcome to attend the open house with their families.
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 7 pm, talk/hear about what’s happening in the Admiral area, with guests including Seattle Police Crime Prevention Coordinator Matt Brown, at the Admiral HUB. (4320 SW Hill)
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Lessons continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), details in our calendar listing.
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 go.
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 on Tuesday nights – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm 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 – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
A few days after this Silver Alert was issued, 67-year-old Soloman is still missing, and a WSB reader who is a friend of his family says they’re trying to get wider awareness in hopes he will be found. He was last seen at Seattle’s VA Hospital on Beacon Hill and lives in Poulsbo. Call 911 if you see him.
6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts a partly sunny day, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise at 7:54 am; sunset at 4:42 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – According to WSF’s alerts page, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route will be back to three boats tomorrow:
After successful repairs and boat moves, three-boat service will be restored at the start of service on Wednesday, Jan. 14 on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route.
Tuesday, Jan. 13: Two-boat service with the third, unscheduled vessel. Around mid-day, the Sealth will swap with the Salish and run as the third, unscheduled boat.
Wednesday, Jan. 14: Three-boat service resumes. The Sealth will run as the #3 vessel.
Some upcoming days have other changes, though, as the alerts page explains. P.S. If you’re wondering about the crane barge at the Fauntleroy dock, here’s what WSF told us about that.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.
ROAD WORK
*In White Center, the final phase of work on 16th SW between 100th and 107th is under way.
*On Highway 99, WSDOT says, “the left lane in both directions will close at Alaskan Way/Dearborn Street (milepost 30) for maintenance work nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.” both tonight (Tuesday) and Wednesday night.
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!
10:25 PM: A three-car crash at 16th/Elmgrove is reported to be the result of a King County Sheriff’s Office pursuit following a robbery somewhere in KCSO jurisdiction. A search for at least one suspect is under way, and Seattle Police are being asked to help with a wider search area. Updates to come.
(Reader photos sent by John)
10:30 PM: According to the SFD medical dispatch for the crash scene, one of the vehicles is “on its side.” The vehicle originally being pursued was described as a “black Subaru.”
10:38 PM: Added photos sent by John (thank you!). According to ongoing radio communication, at least one person is already in custody (but they’re still looking for at least one other). A K-9 team is involved with the search.
10:57 PM: Added another photo from John, showing the black Subaru (a Crosstrek); we still haven’t traced the original robbery circumstances, but deputies were reported to have started tracking the car as far south as Burien, kicking into pursuit mode somewhere around White Center. Meantime, the search continues with deputies chasing residents’ tips about people possibly shown running through yards; they now have reported taking a second person into custody, near 19th/Austin. (For anyone wondering why the Guardian One helicopter isn’t being used for this, it was requested, but is not in service tonight; a drone operator was apparently called in, though.)
11:27 PM: The K-9 team has run out of leads to track, so the search will be scaling back.
11:44 PM: Finally found the original KCSO radio exchanges about what led to all this. They got a report just after 9:30 pm of a fight at the Red Roof Inn near the airport; upon arrival, they found an injured woman who said she’d been assaulted and robbed of items including her car keys – to the black Subaru Crosstrek – and phone – which was at least initially used to track the car.
11:56 PM: Deputies have asked KCSO dispatch to send four tow trucks to the 16th/Elmgrove scene. Some parked cars apparently were damaged too.
ADDED 9:12 AM: An SFD spokesperson says one person needed to be taken to the hospital, a 25-year-old woman who was in stable condition when transported by AMR ambulance.
Two notes about Seattle City Light electric-vehicle charging in West Seattle:
(WSB photo, one of two current chargers on 39th SW, shown in October)
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF JUNCTION STATION: Starting tomorrow (Tuesday), the two-charger station on 39th SW near West Seattle Bowl will be closed for about a week, according to this announcement we received from SCL:
City Light will replace the two existing 50 kW DC fast chargers with newer 62.5 kW ChargePoint chargers beginning January 13 with anticipated closure of at least 1 week. This projected timeline may change based on weather and site conditions. Please plan for alternative charging during this time as both charging stations will be unavailable.
The project website says this is a prelude to a full-site replacement later this year, to “change the current site layout” and further upgrade the chargers. The station was built in 2020 and has had recurring problems with theft/vandalism in the ensuing years.
(November photo of Morgan Junction site)
MORGAN JUNCTION EV LOT STATUS: Meantime, City Light has not yet started work at the eight-charger EV lot site in Morgan Junction. Last fall, City Light revised the expected start date of construction multiple times. It’ll likely be a topic at the upcoming quarterly meeting of the Morgan Community Association on January 21st, so we asked SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang if there’s a chance it’ll be under construction by then. Her reply:
The current status of the project is that we are in the pre-construction submittal phase with the contractor. This process includes reviewing and approving requirements such as the safety and environmental plans. It is vital to ensure public safety before starting construction. The official start date of construction will be set once all the required approvals have been obtained.
When we first reported on the charging-lot plan in 2022, the utility was saying construction could start by the end of that year.
This week brings the first community meetings of 2026. Among them: The Alki Community Council, 7 pm Thursday (January 15), at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds). After another year of events (did you get to Alki Holiday Lights?), they’re asking Alki residents about their neighborhood priorities, in advance of Thursday’s meeting. The questions are linked in the email update the ACC sent out today. As noted in that update, a member of Mayor Katie Wilson‘s transition team is coming to the meeting to listen to neighborhood priorities, too.
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