West Seattle, Washington
19 Saturday
(Added: Photo of fire’s aftermath)
A fire just before 5 am displaced six people from their home in a High Point duplex. SFD got the fire in the 6500 block of 30th SW [vicinity map] under control within a few minutes, and no one was hurt, but the Red Cross had to be called in to help the fire victims. No word yet how the top-floor fire started; SFD is keeping a crew there on “fire watch” for a while in case of flare-ups.
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
6:02 AM: Good morning and welcome to Monday, February 17th, Presidents Day. Here’s what you should know:
TRANSPORTATION
Transit – Regular Water Taxi service today; Metro is on a regular weekday schedule too; no planned state-ferry changes; here’s the Sound Transit holiday plan
Traffic cameras – Here’s our page of West Seattle-relevant cameras; the citywide map is here
Parking – No charge today for pay-station spaces on city streets in neighborhoods with them
OTHER SERVICES
Schools – Closed (for some, including Seattle Public Schools, no classes all week – mid-winter break)
Libraries – Closed
Parks facilities – Here’s what’s closed and what’s open
Mail – Holiday for most USPS facilities/services
Banks – Holiday
WEATHER
Intermittent rain, high in the mid- to upper 40s.
EVENTS
Check the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar to see our list of regular Monday night happenings.
If you see news – including traffic trouble – please call or text 206-293-6302 when you can do so safely – thank you!
After four rounds of ballot counts, most of the votes cast in Tuesday’s special election have been tallied. King County Elections has received 38.5 percent of the ballots it sent out, and counted 35 percent. In the Seattle Public Schools levy-renewal votes, Prop 1, the operations levy, has 81 percent approval – up from 77 percent election night – while Prop 2, the BEX VI capital levy, has 75 percent approval, up from 71 on election night. On the City of Seattle multi-part measure about “social housing” funding, the first part – whether to fund it at all – has 72 percent approval, up from 68 percent on election night, while the second part has 1A, a new tax for companies with $1m-plus earners, getting 62 percent approval, up from 57 percent on election night.
Other stats of interest are viewable via the ballot return statistics, which are spread across 12 pages, not just the return stats. Page 5, for example, shows via a shaded map which precincts had the highest turnout (we found 34-1465 west of The Junction with 53 percent of ballots in so far; page 3 shows that 52 percent of ballots have come in via drop boxes and 48 percent via USPS Mail; page 8 shows that the West Seattle Junction drop box is the fourth busiest in the city (surpassed only by Ballard, Seattle Central College on Capitol Hill, and Green Lake).
The February election results will be finalized and certified on Friday (February 21).
Another story of local Scouts’ giving spirit! Last night we reported on local Girl Scouts‘ diaper-donation drives at the start of cookie season. Tonight, we’re talking two other Scouting organizations’ popcorn presents – here’s the report they asked us to share with you:
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, West Seattle Scout Troop #282 & Pack #793 recently completed an initiative that ended with them donating more than two hundred pounds of packaged popcorn to a variety of local organizations and first responders. The popcorn, which was part of the troop’s annual fundraising efforts, was delivered to local food banks, police officers, firefighters, and veterans in the area.
A portion went to the West Seattle Food Bank, providing snacks for families in need. Another share was given to local fire stations, where firefighters were treated to a much-appreciated snack during their shifts.
The officers at the Southwest Precinct also received a portion, as did the families at the Fisher House (which supports the VA hospital).
The troop, Scouts ranging from ages 11 to 18, has long been committed to service within the community, and this donation continues their tradition of giving back. The popcorn, a popular product sold during the Scouts’ yearly fundraiser, was distributed to essential local service workers and community members who often go unnoticed, showing gratitude and appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
“It’s really important for us to not only raise funds for our activities but to also contribute to the well-being of our neighbors,” said Troop Leader Justin Kinch. “We know how much of a difference small act of kindness can make, and we wanted to give a small thank you to those who give so much to our community every day.”
For one of the Scouts, the donation also carried tremendous personal importance. Last fall his father suffered a rapid onset of severe septic shock caused by an infection. Firefighters arrived in the middle of the night and resuscitated him by rapidly stabilizing his blood pressure and then hand-carried him out of the house to the paramedics’ gurney. Thanks to their life-saving actions, he survived the journey to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and spent several weeks recovering. After many months of healing, he is now fully recovered and looking forward to leading Scout outings again this year–including mountaineering training for safe use of ice axes in steep, snowy terrain. Sharing the popcorn was one more opportunity for their family to express their gratitude for the vital service firefighters provide to our community at a moment’s notice, 24/7.
The troop’s donation efforts are part of a larger mission to teach young Scouts the value of service and giving. Beyond fundraising, the troop regularly participates in projects like park cleanups, environmental conservation, and organizing food drives. The popcorn initiative has already sparked conversations about potential future collaborations with other community groups in the West Seattle area. For more information on how to support Troop 282’s initiatives or to see what else they have been doing, visit their website at troop282.net.
Wednesday (February 19) is the Day of Remembrance, the 83rd anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt‘s order that led to the incarceration of about 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry, as explained here. Again this year, South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) is hosting a community commemoration, and sent this invitation:
Day of Remembrance for Japanese American Incarceration: Healing through Art, Music, and Storytelling
Please join us virtually or in person at South Seattle College (SSC) on February 19 for our event commemorating Day of Remembrance for Japanese American Incarceration. SSC Music Faculty Mako Kikuchi will speak about his family’s experience of forced removal and incarceration during WWII and will perform excerpts from his forthcoming EP In Shadows alongside sanshin player and vocalist Mako Willett. Dee Goto, Joe Abo, and Mary Abo, members of the Omoide Project, will be in conversation with Kikuchi to discuss the importance of storytelling to heal from trauma and ensure that history does not repeat.
Refreshments will be provided after the program.
Attendees who would like to attend virtually can register for and access the event using this link: zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G-bw_hEATuSvWS49kCO0xg.
We look forward to gathering and sharing stories with you all! Please reach out to mako.kikuchi@seattlecolleges.edu with any questions about the event. Sponsored by the Kip Tokuda Civil Liberties Program, 4Culture, South Seattle College ACO, and AANAPISI.
Featuring live performances and conversations with:
Mako Kikuchi, South Seattle Music Faculty
Mako Willett, Sanshin Player and Vocalist
The Omoide Project, Japanese American Writing GroupDATE: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
TIME: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION: South Seattle College, 6000 16th Ave SW, West Seattle / Olympic Hall, Room 120 – South Seattle College Campus (“OLY” on the campus map)
(Reader photo)
3:40 PM: Thanks for the tips and photo. Police converged on a house in the 4800 block of Beach Drive around 2:30 pm after a report of a suspected burglary in progress. They confirmed the house had been broken into – no one was home at the time – and arrested a man they found on the property. No other details so far. The 38-year-old suspect was reported by dispatch to have at least one warrant, for a misdemeanor case in Snohomish County.
6:53 PM: The suspect has been booked into the King County Jail, the roster shows.
Story and photos by Aspen Anderson
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Wander into Caffe Ladro in south Morgan Junction one of these chilly mornings, and you’ll find Eleanor Doughty‘s West Seattle in watercolor.
Lincoln Park at sunset. The Fauntleroy ferry terminal, boats coming and going. The neon glow of Luna Park Café. These familiar West Seattle landmarks, captured in rich, atmospheric layers of watercolor and ink, currently line the walls at 7011 California SW.
“My goal is helping people appreciate the places around where they are, even if they’re not a fantastic postcard view,” Doughty said.
Doughty is a Seattle-based illustrator whose work has a distinct, almost-retro quality — perhaps because she sketches on-site, absorbing the essence of a place rather than simply replicating it.
“All of these are drawn on location,” she said. “You are capturing a series of moments and trying to consolidate all of that into one picture… it’s a journal, it’s capturing a moment in time.”
Her favorite pieces on display include paintings of Lincoln Park, where she sketched along the water, and a standout of the Fauntleroy ferry terminal — layered with different boats as they arrived and departed.
“Seeing the place that you love captured in a painting — it makes people emotional,” she said.
Doughty has painted cities around the world, but West Seattle is a recent addition to her collection. Whether sketching ferry docks or neighborhood cafés, she says painting in real time offers a depth that photography cannot.
“Everyone has a camera in their pocket, but sitting on location for an hour or more gives the painting significance,” she said. “I found that the more you tap into what makes you feel something, rather than what you’re literally seeing, the more interesting the painting looks.”
Doughty’s West Seattle paintings are on display and available for purchase at Caffe Ladro, which is open daily from 6:30 am to 6 pm.
(Rendering by Studio 19 Architects)
Even though it was an online meeting, wintry weather canceled the scheduled Southwest Design Review Board meeting earlier this month for the 8-story, 86-apartment project planned for 3010 SW Avalon Way [map]; our followup explained why. Now there’s a new date: 5 pm Thursday, March 20, online. Watch this page for the viewing/commenting info when the meeting gets closer; it does have the link, though, if you want to preview the “design packet” with details on the project. Its previous SWDRB meeting was more than three years ago.
Three of the varsity basketball teams from Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School are still in the playoff picture. Here’s what’s next in district playoffs after this weekend’s games:
WSHS GIRLS: Their 56-49 loss to Mercer Island on Saturday was a “loser out” game.
WSHS BOYS: After last night’s 44-41 win over Roosevelt, they play Bellevue at Newport HS, 7:15 pm Tuesday.
CSIHS GIRLS: After Friday night’s 61-54 loss to Foster, they host Lindbergh at (updated) 5:30 pm Tuesday.
CSIHS BOYS: After a 69-68 loss to Renton on Saturday afternoon, they play Evergreen at 7 pm Tuesday.
(West Seattle as seen from the Space Needle – photo by James Bratsanos)
The WSB West Seattle Event Calendar has these possibilities for your Sunday:
SKI SHUTTLE: Shuttle to Crystal Mountain now picks up at 7:15 am Sundays at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Special time and place for today’s run – meet at 11:30 am at The Good Society as part of the brewpub’s 5th-anniversary celebration. (California/Lander)
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece. (35th/Roxbury)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, with winter produce (root vegetables! greens! cabbage! apples!) and beverages, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared hot food, baked goods, nuts, dried peppers, garlic, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
206 MAKERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW):
Another opportunity to support local artisans & entrepreneurs offering handcrafted goods, artisanal products, and more.
Admission: Free
More Info: jetcitylabs.com/event/206-makers-market-third-sunday
Happens every 3rd Sunday of the month
DUWAMISH TRIBE LONGHOUSE & CULTURAL CENTER: The longhouse is open for visitors, 10 am-5 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
DONATION DRIVE: At Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) – look for the dropoff bin:
Alki UCC Donations Drive Sunday, February 16
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front CourtyardThis month’s priority: Food/Blankets/Outdoor Clothing
Alki UCC is sharing all we collect with the American Legion Shelter and Camp Second Chance.
We also welcome socks, hats, gloves, long johns, hygiene products, men’s work clothing and outdoor gear.
Donations are also distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network (WIN) Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool to get your project going, or to finish assembling a holiday gift? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
PLAY CRIBBAGE! 2 pm Sundays at the West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), “fast-paced for more-advanced players,” nonmembers welcome too.
KAVON SAMADI: Performing at Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th) in White Center, 2 pm, $10 cover, 21+.
JAZZ AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 3 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), enjoy the Theo McGaughey Jazz Trio. No cover, all ages.
‘COVENANT’ MATINEE: Second matinée for ArtsWest‘s new play, 3 pm, get ticket(s) here. (4711 California SW)
ANNIVERSARY TRIVIA: 3 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) as part of their 5th-anniversary celebration.
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, 6 pm and later admission times. Tickets and info here.
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Doors 7, music 7:30, as Dennis James plays The Mighty Wurlitzer – details and ticket link are in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday nights feature music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photos/video)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
A new partnership blossomed today, as dozens of local Girl Scout troops picked up cases of cookies outside the WestSide Baby warehouse in White Center – and left behind gifts: Thousands of donated diapers!
It’s the first year of this new partnership – WestSide Baby’s back lot was perfect for delivering and distributing more than 5,000 cases of this year’s taste treats, from Samoas to S’mores, Lemon-Ups to Tagalongs.
It was an especially good fit as a “family-forward event,” WS Baby’s Will Owen noted. Volunteers of all ages were there to help distribute the cases of cookies, set aside for troops based on their advance orders as well as what they expect to sell when cookie booths open in less than two weeks. This volunteer group was from Troop 46282 – Emery, Sophie, and Rondy, plus helper August:
The Girl Scouts’ Service Unit, 550 – which includes 60 troops from West Seattle to Vashon Island – had planned everything perfectly – until a delivery delay almost threatened the pickup plans – but the trucks showed up a few hours later than scheduled, just in time for pickups to happen this afternoon after all:
This truck was particularly welcome – one volunteer looking at the boxes excitedly exclaimed, “I see green!” – that meant its load included the most popular Girl Scout Cookies of all, Thin Mints (“I need 34 cases!” declared one troop rep standing by):
Cami Allers, managing the day’s logistics, told us that if troops run out before cookie-selling season is over, there’s a designated “Cookie Cupboard” from which they can get more.
While cookie booths will open Friday, February 28 – look for your nearest one(s) here (or order online!) – WestSide Baby is launching a campaign of its own the day after that. Development and communications director Morgan McGinn told us the next donation campaign starts March 1st; watch for news of how to help. Diaper donations are always welcome, and the sizes most needed right now are 4, 5, and 6, plus pullups. Meantime, volunteers continued tallying thousands of Scout-donated diapers today even as the cookie pickups continued:
We’re waiting to hear who finished as the top troops on the diaper-donation list; everyone who brought some in got a goodie bag, which included information about the tens of thousands of children that West Seattle-founded WestSide Baby serves every year. (Here’s how you can help them too.)
5:03 PM: Thanks for the tip. The door is boarded up at Classic Cut Barbershop on the northwest corner of 35th/Roxbury because of a burglary. We went over to follow up on the tip, and they told us it happened around 2 am today, but the burglar left without getting anything; an alarm went off in the building, and the owners of a neighboring business let them know. If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 25-042352.
ADDED 5:31 PM: Classic Cut Barbershop proprietor Feras just sent us the photo above, showing the mess before the door was boarded up, and two short clips below showing the burglar:
We missed the chance to remind you earlier this week that West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day‘s 20th anniversary edition is three months away – so today, we’re giving you the 12-week warning! WSCGSD is always the second Saturday in May, and this year that’s May 10. We’ve been coordinating it since 2008 but a now-gone nonprofit called Megawatt founded it in 2005, so this year marks 20 years. Registration will open April 1; WSCGSD is not one big sale somewhere, but rather sales of all sizes, all over the peninsula, so after registration (which lasts a little over three weeks) closes, we make a map that’s available one week before sale day, plus a list with short descriptions of each sale’s highlights. For people with just a few things to sell, and/or nowhere to have a sale, there are usually a few places that offer community spaces (if you’re planning on being one of those sites this year, please let us know as early as possible so we can include that in registration promotion). Official WSCGSD hours on May 10 are 9 am-3 pm, but some sellers choose to start early and/or end late – some even add extra day(s)! So whether you’re planning on being a seller or buyer, Saturday, May 10 is the day to plan on being part of what we call West Seattle’s biggest person-to-person recycling day of the year.
Four months after Peel & Press closed at 6503 California SW, a new plan for the space has emerged. It’ll be a restaurant called The Neighborhood, whose proprietors Jenny & Ahmed Almukhtar announced the following via both a note on the door and in social media:
We’re hard at work getting ready to welcome you! Our goal is to open by April, and we can’t wait to share our vision with the Morgan Junction community….
Our Mission:
At The Neighborhood, we’re creating a community-driven, welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant dining destination in West Seattle’s Morgan Junction. Our focus is on delivering great-tasting food and beverages, exceptional service, and genuine hospitality. Rooted in community, we aim to become a local favorite by prioritizing quality, consistency, and connection. We will initially offer pizza, pasta, and our take on Italian classics, eventually branching out to feature American and global fare. To complement our menu, we will also offer a carefully curated selection of spirits, beer, wine, and mocktails. Looking ahead, our long-term goals include offering brunch on weekends and hosting pop-up restaurant concepts on Mondays and Tuesdays. On these days, The Neighborhood will also be available for private event bookings, giving you the opportunity to host your own customized gathering in our space. All ages are welcome, and we look forward to serving everyone in the Neighborhood!
They’re planning to be open 3-9 pm Wednesdays through Sundays. Our archives show their local hospitality-industry involvement has included The Bridge (whose current owners include Peel & Press’s former proprietor Dan Austin). We have a message out in hopes of talking with The Neighborhood’s proprietors.
(Photo by James Bratsanos from a recent morning)
Here are notes for your Saturday, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s sanctuary/studio (3618 SW Alaska).
INTRODUCTORY WALK: Prelude to the next event – meet at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, 9:30 am, for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Then at 10 am, you’re invited to join others for the weekly walk in Lincoln Park (also meet at 47th/Fauntleroy).
MORNING MUSIC: 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.
GRIEFSHARE: If you have lost someone close to you, this is for you. Second week of 13-week series today, 10:30 am, Grace Church (10323 28th SW).
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30-11 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), meant for kids 0-5.
WASHINGTON STATE BLACK LEGACY INSTITUTE: Open 11 am-6 pm so you can see the Black History Month art exhibit at the new history institution headquartered at 2656 42nd SW.
CHOCOLATE BEER WEEK: That’s what The Beer Junction (4511 California SW) is all about right now!
FAMILY READING TIME: Canceled again today because Paper Boat Booksellers is moving.
(WSB photo from Feather in the Wind, during Thursday’s West Seattle Art Walk)
ARTISTS’ GROUP SHOW: Last of three days for five artists’show/sale “Feather in the Wind,” upstairs annex at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), noon-6 pm.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: At 12:30 pm, the Chief Sealth IHS boys play at and against Renton HS (400 S. 2nd); the West Seattle HS girls play at and against Mercer Island HS (9100 SE 42nd) at 3 pm; the WSHS boys play at and against Roosevelt HS (1419 NE 66th) at 7 pm.
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
SAUNA & SOUNDS: PNW Mobile Spa brings their portable sauna to Future Primitive in White Center (9832 14th SW), 1-9 pm, with live music 3-7 pm – more info and ticketing link in our calendar listing.
HAND-BUILD CLAY ANIMALS: 1-3 pm class at The Clay Cauldron with Kirsten. (5214 Delridge Way SW)
FREE MASSAGE: Walk-in clinic at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.
FOR FAMILIES WITH BABIES: 3-4:30 pm at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW) – Pre-Crawlers Motor Skills Play Group.
THE GOOD SOCIETY TURNS 5: Special feature of the anniversary weekend today – smash-burger pop-up 4-7 pm. (California/Lander)
ROLLER DERBY: 5 pm, The Heartbreak Brawl: Rainier Roller Riot v. South Sound Roller Derby at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW) – online tickets are sold out.
LIVE AT C & P COFFEE: Roo Forrest and Friends play “an eclectic mix of originals and covers” 6-8 pm at the coffeehouse (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), no cover, all ages.
ASTRA LUMINA: The illuminated walk at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge continues. 6 pm and later entry times; ticket cost varies. (6000 16th SW)
(Cast members of ‘Covenant,’ photo courtesy ArtsWest)
SECOND WEEKEND FOR ‘COVENANT’: See the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW) at 7:30 pm; get tickets online here.
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Joseph Giant performs at his record-release party at 7:30 pm, featuring Brent Carpenter; tickets here. (7904 35th SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: “All-female power-rock show” with Full Ripley, Kills Across the River, Loud Motor, with special guest Bart Cameron, doors 7 pm, music 8 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Starting at 9 pm, catch Lefto & Supreme La Rock. (4547 California SW)
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday night singing starts at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to be listed on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Sealth’s Keimani Proctor-Mills)
Story and photos by Tracy Burrows
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Friday night, the Chief Sealth International High School girls’ basketball team played the opening game of the District 2A tournament against Foster High School (Tukwila) at the Sealth gym.
The Seahawks had to play without one of their leading scorers and shot blockers, as Fahima Mohamed was unavailable due to injury. Early in the game, the play was a bit sloppy as both teams turned the ball over repeatedly.
At the start of the 2nd quarter, Sealth’s Mackenna Mack (above) made some nice moves to get free underneath for a couple of quick buckets. But Foster was able to capitalize on some defensive lapses on the baseline and strong three-point shooting to take a 33-16 lead at the half.
Down by double digits, Sealth stepped up the defensive intensity in the second half. The Seahawks’ Alysse Bland (above) put on an offensive clinic, combining drives to the basket with deadly three-point shooting. Each time Sealth went on a run, Foster answered back with a clutch 3-pointer. Late in the game, Bland and Bethel Bisrat drained back-to-back three pointers to pull Sealth within 5 points of the lead, but the Seahawks ran out of time, losing by a final score of 61-54. Alysse Bland finished with 20 points, while Mackenna Mack and Hannah Mueller contributed 8 points each.
(Sealth’s Dajah Johnson)
The District Tournament has a double-elimination format. Head coach Mario Martinez‘s Metro-champion Sealth girls could still make the State Tournament by winning out in the consolation bracket. They will play again on Tuesday night at 7 pm at a location to be determined.
Three more West Seattle Crime Watch notes:
‘PROLIFIC SHOPLIFTER’ CHARGED: The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed charges this week against 28-year-old Christopher K. Takata, described as a “prolific shoplifter who has routinely targeted businesses in North Seattle, Downtown Seattle, and West Seattle.” He also frequently alters his appearance – above are some of the photos from the charging documents.In the case of the two counts of organized retail theft just filed against Takata, they involved an investigation into nine thefts over 77 days from Ulta Beauty stores including the one in Westwood Village, in 2023 and 2024, with a loss totaling more than $8,000. Investigators say Takata usually steals fragrances, and has an arrest/conviction record with more than 30 incidents – not just theft – going back to 2011, when he was 15. What we don’t know is where Takata is now; his most recent local booking was at the SCORE misdemeanor jail, booked January 31 and released the next day. Store employees and managers are quoted in the charging documents as saying they know him on sight; a manager at the North Seattle Ulta store estimated he’d taken a cumulative total of $42,000+ from that store alone.
ROBBERY SUSPECT RELEASED: The man arrested in an incident that caught attention at a busy intersection last Sunday has been released without charges being filed, though they are still a future possibility. The arrest happened on Sunday afternoon at the Fauntleroy/Alaska intersection; the police-report narrative says the incident started a few blocks east, in the 3600 block of SW Alaska, as a dispute over a cell phone. One man took it from the other and allegedly threatened to shoot the other one, which is what made it a robbery. The victim chased him to the intersection, which is where police got involved; they found the 65-year-old suspect inside the T-Mobile store. He was found to have a pocket knife, but not a gun. He spent three days in jail before being released; the narrative says the victim did not want to press charges.
GARAGE BURGLARY: Reader report, received tonight from Sara:
I wanted to alert my Seaview neighbors to a garage break-in. They took all my power tools, batteries and made a mess. This happened sometime Thursday night or Friday morning ( 2/13-2/14). I wanted to give special thanks to my neighbor(s) who reported it to SPD. I was working all night and didn’t know about the break in until I got home in the morning. Thank you, neighbors, for looking out for me! I’m so grateful.
P.S. Your next chance to talk with police at a local community meeting is likely Thursday (February 20), the monthly Alki Community Council meeting, 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
From the WSB inbox this Valentine’s Day:
Jerry Simmons photographed the Steller’s Jay, above; below, Gabe Cadwell shares the pic of “Cupid Lilly”:
Hope you and yours are having a love-ly Valentine’s night.
(WSB photos, this afternoon)
3:49 PM: The Admiral Way Bridge earthquake-strengthening project is still months away from completion. We’d been pursuing an update from SDOT after noticing the project webpage said they expected to wrap up within weeks; SDOT now says that was a mistake (and has corrected the project page) – their estimate for completion remains “summer,” as we’ve previously reported. Here’s what’s ahead:
Admiral Way SW (on top of the bridge)
The work zone will change periodically over the next several months, but our construction plan is to leave at least one lane of Admiral Way SW on the bridge open in each direction. Both sidewalks will also remain open throughout construction.Fairmount Ave SW Closure (below the bridge)
Fairmount Ave SW will remain closed to all travelers throughout construction. This closure keeps everyone safe while work happens on the bridge above, and helps our crews work efficiently.
When the project started in early July of last year, the completion estimate was spring.
ADDED 7:52 PM: We asked SDOT for some info on what’s been done so far. Spokesperson Ethan Bergerson‘s reply also included their explanation why this is expected to take months longer than first projected:
The project is more than halfway complete. The following project elements are currently in progress:
-Installing carbon fiber wrapping to strengthen the bridge
-Slope stabilization
-Painting the steel structure
-Repairing cracks and damaged concrete
-Replacing the expansion joints at both ends of the bridge(Regarding the) previous estimate that the project would be completed in the spring. After the June 2024 factsheet was written, the project scope was expanded to include full painting of the steel structure. This extended the anticipated construction completion into the summer.
(Seattle Police photo, early Thursday)
We just checked on the status of the 28-year-old woman jailed for suspected drunk driving after hitting a townhouse on the east end of SW Roxbury early Thursday morning. The City Attorney’s Office charged 28-year-old Crystal Romo-Rivasof Renton today with DUI, and she’s still at the King County Jail, in lieu of $2,500 bail. The case was spotlighted on SPD Blotter; we’ve also read the police report via the Seattle Municipal Court files. Romo-Rivas went off the road and crashed her 2006 Honda Element – of which she’s the registered owner – in the 200 block of SW Roxbury around 12:15 am Thursday. No one was hurt. But she claimed to officers that she wasn’t driving, that the real driver was a man she’d met at a bar, though she didn’t know his name, nor the name of the bar. Officers say she also gave conflicting responses to other questions about where she’d been and where she was going, and that she was displaying various signs of intoxication, but wouldn’t cooperate with the field sobriety test, so an officer certified as a phlebotomist took a blood draw at the Southwest Precinct after they obtained a warrant to do that. Police say various evidence indicated she had indeed been driving, including a witness who saw her get out of the driver’s seat after the crash, alone. Whenever Romo-Rivas gets out of jail, Judge Andrea Chin ordered an ignition interlock device be installed on any vehicles she might drive, and that she only drive in connection with work.
We’ve mentioned a few sessions in our daily event lists but with two months to go until the federal tax deadline, local branches of the Seattle Public Library want to be sure you know they’re offering free tax help at some branches – three in this area, Southwest, West Seattle (Admiral), and South Park. Here’s what you need to know:
Trained volunteers will answer questions and help prepare personal tax returns. This service is free and available to individuals only. The service is not available for business tax returns. Drop-in tax help is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Southwest Branch: Fridays, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm through 4/11 via AARP Foundation (Appointments preferred)
West Seattle Branch: Thursdays, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, & Saturdays, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm via AARP Foundation (Appointments preferred)
South Park Branch: Saturdays & Sundays, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm through 4/19 in English and Spanish, via United Way of King County (this service has eligibility requirements)
What to Bring to Free In-Person Tax Help
Required:
-Photo identification
-Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for everyone listed on the tax return
-Proof of income, for example, W2s and 1099s (Social Security benefits)
-Official documents on Social Security Administration letterhead
-Medicare card (if Social Security number is followed by an “A”)
-Be prepared to provide information about health care coverage for each person on the returnRecommended:
-Last year’s tax return, if available
-Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of refundsPhotocopies or computer print-outs of any these documents will be accepted. Original documents highly recommended.
Same-day appointments have been available, we’re told, but looking further ahead is your best bet.
P.S. Reminder that all Seattle Public Library locations will be closed Monday (February 17) for Presidents Day.
Our apologies if you’ve experienced trouble accessing our site today. We’re doing everything we can to address the problem. Thanks for your understanding!
(‘Hair ice’ fungus on Fauntleroy Creek – photo by Allen Lambert)
If you’re not yet all booked up for Valentine’s Day, here are our notes for today/tonight, mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar:
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: This weekly free drop-in playtime is canceled today.
BLACK HISTORY ART EXHIBIT: Visit the Washington State Black Legacy Institute‘s first major exhibit, 11 am-6 pm. (2656 42nd SW)
FREE TAX HELP: Drop-in help at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), 11 am-4 pm.
BABY STORY TIME: Canceled today.
HELPING YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVE WORKING AT HOME: If both you and your partner work from home, navigating that and your relationship can be a challenge. A free workshop at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW) at noon today is for you!
THE GOOD SOCIETY’S 5TH ANNIVERSARY: Three-day celebration starts today. (California/Lander)
FEATHER IN THE WIND: This three-day art show/sale is open again today in the Alki Arts (6030 California SW) upstairs annex – five artists; we stopped by last night for our West Seattle Art Walk coverage.
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
VALENTINE’S DAY BIRD COUNT: Show your Valentine’s love for our feathered friends! Special community event at Westcrest Park (9000 8th SW), 12:30 pm-2 pm.
BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: The Chief Sealth IHS girls – Metro champs! – host Foster tonight, 5:30 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)
VINYL NIGHT AT EASY STREET RECORDS: “Love, Lust, and 12-inch Singles” with Depeche Mike spinning, Valentine’s Day edition, 6-9 pm, free/all ages, and the kitchen’s open till 9 too. (4559 California SW).
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: MXMatch is sold out.
‘COVENANT’: Second weekend for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm, tickets here.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Lovers and Kings – Drag King Valentine’s Ball, 8 pm, details and tickets here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ B——-d tonight! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), doors at 9 pm, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. Tonight’s slate: Vanilla Abstract, Seaside Tryst, Quilli Fin.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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