West Seattle, Washington
29 Thursday
(Skyline at dusk with Seahawks colors and 12 flag on Space Needle – photo by Greg Snyder)
Wondering what’s up before and after – maybe even during – The Game? Here’s our highlight list from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find more listings!):
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club starts its 9 am run at Dough Joy Donuts today. (4310 SW Oregon)
FREE WEST AFRICAN DANCE CLASS: Go get moving! 9:30 am at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale).
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Also in The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games at the new location of The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
SUNDAY MORNING MEDITATION: See if there’s space in the small-group meditation session at 9:30 am at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW).
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-1 pm, prospective families and students are invited to visit the school. (34th/Myrtle; WSB sponsor).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open as usual on California SW between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in winter produce-and-products season – roots, greens, peppers, mushrooms, beans, garlic, apples, more – plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, pasta, more.
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESIST: Regular weekly West Seattle Resist Sunday sign-holding event, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)
HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Noon-1:30 pm, prospective families and students are invited to visit. (42nd SW and SW Genesee)
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Spend part of your Sunday afternoon relaxing at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
WEST SEATTLE CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: 2:30 pm chat, 3 pm discussion, second half of “Dr. Zhivago” is this month’s topic at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
SEAHAWKS GO FOR NFC CHAMPIONSHIP: 3:30 pm game at Lumen Field vs. the L.A. Rams. If you’re going, remember you can take the West Seattle Water Taxi because Metro is adding postgame sailings.
TRIVIA AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5 pm to 8 pm, trivia with host Morgue Anne, free to play! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL: 5:30 pm at Bethany West Seattle (8600 9th SW), everyone’s welcome to enjoy a free hot meal.
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, 5:30 pm and onward tonight. Tickets and info here.
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: 7:30 pm, free to play, win prizes! (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, wrap up your weekend with live music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could add to the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(First two photos by Macey Wurm)
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Hundreds of protesters gathered at Hiawatha Playfield this afternoon to start West Seattle Indivisible’s “We’re Still Standing” rally and march. The event, in collaboration with activist groups Defund Musk, Evergreen Resistance, 50501, and The Seattle Handmaids, was WS Indivisible’s first major event of 2026.
“We’re Still Standing” was intended to acknowledge a year of resolve under the Trump administration and a resolution to continue standing in resistance. While the event was announced weeks ago, and was not planned as a response to the Minnesota violence involving federal agents and subsequent unrest, this morning’s shooting death of 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti brought a new sense of purpose to the afternoon’s gathering.
“‘We came in today ready to mark the first 365 days of this atrocious administration…and then this morning in Minnesota, there was another killing that happened,” said Laurie Reinhardt, co-director of West Seattle Indivisible. “So that has put us in a head space and heart space where we are committed to nonviolence and peace… it’s demonstrating at the same time that our hearts are hurting.”
Participants pulled their signs from the trunks of cars, and friends greeted each other familiarly. A sign reading “Dance 4 Democracy” drew an assembly of line-dancers. Around 12:30 pm the crowd settled in anticipation of leadership speeches. Among the speakers was Devin Hermanson, founder of Defund Musk.
“This is what real community looks like. It’s people who are bound not by money, but by compassion, care for one another, love for one another, for real community.” Hermanson said to the crowd. “That’s why we’re strong. That’s why they can’t break the people of Minnesota.”
Hermanson was followed by a few additional speakers and some direction on marcher safety, before protesters were invited to grab one of the some-300 signs West Seattle Indivisible members had made for the march itself.
(Photos from here by Dave Gershgorn for WSB)
The crowd took to the sidewalk around 1:00 pm for the 1.4-mile march down California Ave SW to The Junction. Several passersby waved and honked their horns in support, and residents lingered outside their homes to observe the lengthy mass.
One West Seattle local said he had been attending protests such as these since the 1960’s, another simply explained she was in support because she was from Minnesota, accompanied by, “F–k Trump.”
“I am really upset by the events going on in Minnesota, with the way ICE is interacting with regular citizens, not doing what they say their job is, and all the violence and murder they’re instigating.” A third marcher said, “It’s just unacceptable in America.”
The march concluded at the intersection of SW Alaska St and California Ave SW, where photo-ops commenced, and participants were instructed to leave their signs. West Seattle Indivisible announced they will have a presence at University Village next weekend and that they will be participating in rapid-response training on February 6.
Jake reports brown water near 37th SW and SW 99th. Nothing on the Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map. As always, the reminder – if this happens at your home/business, call SPU at 206-386-1800. (One frequent explanation is hydrant testing, which SFD does as time allows, but that seems unlikely on a freezing night.(
7:51 PM: After 911 calls reporting suspected gunfire in the Westcrest Park area (and two people texting us about it), police went to the park and just radioed in that they found “multiple shell casings” in the park’s south lot. No injuries reported so far.
7:56 PM: An officer on scene just told dispatch it’s a “mix of rifle and pistol casings,” including 9mm and .556, and that there’s “property damage” at the park.
ADDED MONDAY: Only one bit of added info in the brief SPD summary about this – the “property damage” is described as having been found on “a temporary ‘notice of planned construction’ sign.”
Thanks to James Bratsanos for the photo of tonight’s sunset, notable not just for its beauty, but – as we’ve been noting in our weekday weather/traffic roundups – because it’s the last one in the 4 pm hour until next fall. Tomorrow’s official sunset time is 5 pm. Meantime, the National Weather Service has issued another Cold Weather Advisory alert for midnight to 9 am. The NWS did the same thing last night, saying the temperature could get down below 25 degrees; the official overnight low was 31. Separate from the advisory, tonight’s forecast low is 32.
The Christmas season doesn’t end on December 25 .. and here’s a ton of proof.
Judy Pickens sent this followup about the results of one of this past season’s unique giving opportunities:
Results are in from the annual Festival of Trees at Fauntleroy Church – which continued into the first week of January – and they’re impressive.
The goal for the forest of 16 creatively decorated trees was to collect 1,500 “votes” of shelf-stable food items for area food banks. Those who came to enjoy the trees generously blew past that goal to give just over 2,000 items. West Seattle and White Center food banks were able to restock their shelves with a full ton of food from the project.
Three trees tied for the most votes:
Furry Friends – the Goldfines & the Mandts
Love in Many Languages – the Petty, Johnson & Harwood team
Year-Round Joy in Fauntleroy Park – Hazelwood Preschool (below)
We showed some of the trees in this early-December report, as well as in some of our daily event lists, as the trees were on display for visitation for about a month.
1:56 PM: WSB contributing photojournalist Dave Gershgorn just sent that photo of the “We’re Still Standing“ march headed southbound on California SW toward The Junction. Police monitoring the march (SOP for protests) radioed to dispatch a few minutes ago that marchers had passed SW Bradford and so far “minimal traffic disruption.” We’ll have a full report with more photos later.
4:54 PM: Before that report from WSB’s Macey Wurm, which we’ll publish separately later tonight, we’re adding more of Dave Gershgorn’s photos now:
This march/protest was planned weeks ago, but it had an extra edge today after another deadly shooting in Minnesota by an ICE agent.
Planning is under way for this year’s West Seattle Art Tour, and the call has gone out for artists to participate. Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:
The West Seattle Art Tour is pleased to announce its Call for Artists for its third annual event, scheduled for September 19–20, 2026.
This two-day, self-guided event connects local artists directly with collectors and art enthusiasts throughout the neighborhood. Through a juried selection process, artists are chosen to display their work at host sites—selected artists’ homes and studios that can accommodate a few artists. Visitors navigate the tour using printed maps, interactive digital maps, and social media.
The committee welcomes diverse submissions from artists working in painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry, mixed media, and other mediums. We seek artists who demonstrate a unique vision and technical mastery.
• Applications are accepted online at www.westseattlearttour.org/forartists.
• Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
• Criteria: Artists must live, work, or teach in West Seattle, or demonstrate an ongoing connection to the community. For more details visit www.westseattlearttour.org.
If you have questions or are interested in supporting the tour, email info@westseattlearttour.org or visit our website at www.westseattlearttour.org.
The West Seattle Art Tour is a volunteer organization run entirely by artists who dedicate their time to fostering and promoting the local arts community.
(Harbor seals on the Duwamish River, photographed by Steve Bender)
Happy Saturday! Here’s our list for the hours ahead, mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run.
WILDERNESS FIRST-AID TRAINING: First day of two-day course at Westside School (10404 34th SW; WSB sponsor), 8 am-5:30 am – info here.
HIGH-SCHOOL FLAG FOOTBALL: Full day of games at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), including Chief Sealth International HS vs. Lakeside at 8:30 am and vs. Rainier Beach at 11 am, West Seattle HS vs. Garfield at 8:30 am and vs. Lakeside at 9:45 am.
FREE MEDITATION: Start the weekend with Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3620 SW Alaska).
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile as a prelude to the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group – details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
WHITE CENTER HUB RIBBONCUTTING: 11:30 am, a big celebration with elected officials, community leaders, nonprofit leaders celebrating the official grand opening of the new mixed-use development at 8th SW and SW 108th in White Center.
NEIGHBORHOOD MATCHING FUND WORKSHOP: Online at 11:30 am, find out about getting a share of these city funds. Our calendar listing has the link for registering to attend.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, noon-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm Saturdays, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
‘WE’RE STILL STANDING’ RALLY AND MARCH: West Seattle Indivisible and friends will gather at Hiawatha Playfield (2700 California SW) at 12:30 pm and then march to The Junction around 1 pm, ending at Junction Plaza Park (42nd SW and SW Alaska), as previewed here.
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
MAKE AN EGG CARTON WITH POTTERINGS: Fun cozy pottery workshop with Potterings, 1-4 pm – our calendar listing has details including the registration link. (3400 Harbor SW)
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, first admission 5:30 pm. Tickets and info here; extended through February.
EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: West Seattle’s own Acoustic Crisis at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, all ages, no cover.
LAKEHOUSE #7 AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 6-10 pm, a pop-up event that “blends live performances with immersive liquid light visuals, creating a sensory-forward experience where sound, color, and community meet.” RSVP here. (9444 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Live music at The Skylark, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, The Loose Heels‘ last show, with The Fixits & The Sweetiest Sweeties, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE AT TIM’S TAVERN: ’80s and ’90s music, 7 pm, all ages until 10 pm, tickets here. (16th SW & SW 98th, White Center)
REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm, Riz Rollins spins. (4547 California SW)
SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome to a listing on our calendar, which is free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
As the second week of Washington State’s 2026 legislative session concludes, here’s a quick look at bills that West Seattle’s three 34th District legislators – State Senator Emily Alvarado, State House Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, State House Rep. Brianna Thomas – are sponsoring so far, with all bill numbers linking to the page where you can get full details:
CHILD CARE
SB 5500 – Sen. Alvarado
The bill would assert that the child care subsidy base rate must achieve the 85th percentile of market at a minimum, and that this must be based on the most recent market rate survey. It also alters how the cost of quality child care rate model is used by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to recommend base rates. Lastly, it requires DCYF to recommend rate enhancements to support infants, nonstandard hours, and special needs rates every three years.
SB 5911 – Sen. Alvarado
The bill instills that as of January 1, 2027, DCYF may not apply any funds paid to, or on behalf of someone receiving Extended Foster Care (EFC) services as a reimbursement. It would also make DCYF responsible for analyzing whether someone receiving EFC services is eligible for additional government benefits.
ENVIRONMENT
HB 1814 – Rep. Fitzgibbon
The bill provides an exemption from the State Environmental Policy Act for trails and paths that have a surface area of 10 acres or less, or that are on a railroad designated for trail use under federal law, specifically in a city with a population of 500,000 or more. It also requires that applicants wanting an exemption must request consultation with any federally established tribe that may be affected.
HB 2215 – Rep. Fitzgibbon
The bill creates an obligation for compliance with the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) for fuel suppliers in a combined fuel amount exceeding 500 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Compliance is also required for purchasers from a business not registered under the Climate Commitment Act.
HB 2251 – Rep. Fitzgibbon
The bill repeals three of the Climate Commitment Act funding accounts and replaces them with The Climate Commitment Act Operating Account and the Climate Commitment Act Capital Account. It also makes modifications to CCA spending goals and reporting.
HB 2367 – Rep. Fitzgibbon
The bill specifies that emissions from before Jan. 1 2026 from a coal fired electric generation facility in operation on or before Jul. 22, 2011 are exempt from the Cap-and-Invest Program [CQ] It also removes state limitations from imposing greenhouse gas emissions requirements on a coal facility that is inconsistent with the greenhouse gas Emissions Performance Standard.
HB 2581 – Rep. Fitzgibbon
The bill provides additional investment options for electric utilities under the 20 percent alternative compliance segment of the greenhouse-neutral gas standard under the Clean Energy Transformation Act. These investment areas include transmission capacity constraints, distributed energy resources, and electric vehicles for low-income populations.
GOVERNMENT
HB 2123 – Rep. Fitzgibbon
The bill effectively gets rid of state prohibition on contributions and funds given by foreign nationals toward Washington State elections. Additionally, it repeals certification requirements against foreign national involvement in expenditures.
HJR 4209 – Rep. Fitzgibbon
This House Joint Resolution proposes an amendment to the Washington State constitution that allows the legislature to amend Washington’s congressional districts before the next decennial census through a majority vote, if another state redistricts outside a court order and before the next census. [CQ]
HJR 4210 – Rep. Thomas
This House Joint Resolution would allow the Legislature to determine the length of regular sessions by amending the Washington State Constitution.
HEALTH
HB 2182 – Rep. Thomas
The bill removes requirements for the Washington State Department of Corrections to sell abortion medication and allows the department to obtain payment for distributed medication. It also includes misoprostol under the definition of “abortion medications.”
HB 1090 – Sen. Alvarado, Rep. Fitzgibbon
The bill requires that health plans provide a reimbursement of a 12-month supply of contraceptives, unless a smaller supply is requested. The supply applies to refills, not the original prescription.
SB 5993 – Sen. Alvarado
The bill prohibits interest charges or collecting owed interest on new or outstanding medical debt. It also outlines that a judgement that includes medical debt may only be enforced six years after its date of entry, and that afterward the judgement is unenforceable.
SB 6173 – Sen. Alvarado
The bill creates an Apple Health Employer Assessment. The assessment would be imposed on employers with employees enrolled in Medicaid. The amount owed would be calculated annually by the Department of Social and Health Services and collected quarterly. The assessments would go toward the State Health Care Affordability account and be used in health-care programs for low-income individuals. [CQ]
HOUSING
SB 5496 – Sen. Alvarado
The bill prohibits a business or investment entity that has an interest in more than 25 single-family residences from obtaining interest in another, unless the entity is a nonprofit, making modifications to the new interest to comply with building codes, purchasing to increase the number of residential units on the property, constructing property, or purchasing through foreclosure. It also creates a civil penalty under the Consumer Protection Act.
SB 5647– Sen. Alvarado
The bill expands the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) exemption for self-help housing. It would include all ownership housing provided by an affordable homeownership facilitator.
SB 6026 – Sen. Alvarado (requested by Gov. Ferguson)
The bill proposes that a city or county with a population of 30,000 or more that plans under the Growth Management Act may not exclude residential uses in areas previously zoned for mixed-use or commercial development. Additionally, that the city or county may not require that mixed use or ground floor commercial is a condition of development. [CQ]
SB 6027 – Sen. Alvarado
The bill proposes that a minimum of 60 percent of Local Sales and Use Tax for Housing and Related Services be used for constructing or acquiring affordable housing, for behavioral health facilities, and for operational costs.
SB 6028 – Sen. Alvarado
The bill develops a revolving loan fund created by the Department of Commerce to give loans to organizations for mixed-income affordable housing development, a portion of which would be permanently affordable for low-income households.
SB 6069 – Sen. Alvarado
The bill aims to encourage permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and indoor emergency shelters through allowing this housing in any zones within an urban growth area that are not zoned for industrial use.
LABOR
HB 2303 – Rep. Thomas
The bill prohibits employers from microchipping employees.
HB 2355 – Rep.Thomas
The bill creates labor protections for domestic workers by clearly defining the term. It includes a requirement for hirees to pay at least minimum wage and provide overtime compensation.
SB 6067 – Sen. Alvarado
The bill modifies workers’ compensation, specifically concerning benefits for permanent total disability. Workers would get monthly payments that include one-hundred percent of the employer’s health-care benefits, unless the employer continues current payment as well as a percentage of their wage. The percentage varies depending on workers’ marital status and number of children.
SB 6068 – Sen. Alvarado
The bill would allow workers employed by subcontractors to seek payment for unpaid wages as well as benefits from contractors. It also addresses misclassification of employees and combats the underground construction economy.
TRANSPORTATION
HB 2517 – Rep. Fitzgibbon
The bill allows regional transit authorities (such as Sound Transit) to apply for permits before acquiring property or receiving notice of a land use decision.
HB 2495 – Rep. Thomas
The bill enables certain cities with populations over 700,000 to remove vehicles that interfere with streetcar operations or are a public safety risk. It asserts that the impoundment would be directed by an “authorized city representative.”
WHAT TO KNOW, AND HOW TO LET LEGISLATORS KNOW WHAT YOU THINK
2026 is the second year of the legislative biennium. This year is a short session, with an expected end date of March 12, 2026. Additional information and updates about the Washington State Legislature and West Seattle’s legislators can be found at leg.wa.gov. Public feedback may also be submitted on any particular bill using this link: leg.wa.gov/bills-meetings-and-session/bills/how-to-comment-on-a-bill. We’ll follow up later in the session to see how local legislators’ proposals are progressing.
(WSB photo, November demonstration in The Triangle)
The Seattle Handmaids are expected to be among the participants in West Seattle Indivisible‘s march and rally tomorrow, with the theme “We’re Still Standing,” a reference to the year that has passed since the administration change. They’re gathering at Hiawatha Playfield (2700 California SW) at 12:30 pm and will have a few speeches before marching southbound to The Junction starting around 1 pm, ending at Junction Plaza Park (42nd SW and SW Alaska). WSI – organizing the rally/march along with Evergreen Resistance and 50501 – explains it as: “Against a backdrop of uncertainty and concern for our democracy, participants will assemble not just to protest, but to celebrate resilience.”
6:34 PM: Thanks to Jerry Simmons for the photo of Seahawks spirit across the bay. It’s all in advance of Sunday’s NFC championship game, Seahawks vs. L.A. Rams, 3:30 pm kickoff, with a Super Bowl trip up for grabs. Reminder, the West Seattle Water Taxi has added postgame runs, as mentioned in our morning traffic/weather tracker. And for the ticketless West Seattle fans, any venues planning viewing parties are welcome to email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – so we can add to our Event Calendar.
10:08 PM: More photos, sent by Brittney – above, a wider view of the skyline; below, the building’s property-management crew who she says did the work (with one member who had to be added to the pic because she left before the group shot):
Last night we published a reader report about an intruder just southwest of The Junction. Today, we have word of an entire neighborhood in nearby Seavuew reporting sightings of an intruder/prowler. One neighbor sent this for greater community awareness:
Last night, between as early as 7:30 pm and as recently as 8 am this morning, a ~30 year old ~5’9 man with dark features and possibly deaf or non-verbal intruded and entered several backyards and structures on our block. Multiple neighbors saw or interacted with him and confirmed it’s the same person. Our block is 45th Ave SW between Dawson and Brandon streets and we’re aware of at least five separate properties that were intruded on. He tried to get in my basement windows multiple times where my daughter sleeps, slept in my neighbor’s garage, opened gates, and went into various yards. I confronted him on the street ~945 pm from my car and told him aggressively to leave the block immediately (when at the time I wasn’t aware this was indeed the person I’d heard nearby) and he was apologetic and non-aggressive in body language, but did not speak. He may have been out of it or had a special condition and he left after seeming to understanding that I wanted him gone. My neighbor and I filed two separate police reports at different times (one last night by me, and her this morning when she saw him in her yard at ~8 am), but we are all concerned he may return. We also saw this WSB post very nearby that is highly likely the same individual. He left clothing at my neighbors’ house as well and did not seem deterred by lighting or locked gates that he opened and entered on multiple properties. …
UPDATE: The man returned to our street (today) at 1:11 pm and retrieved his sweatshirt/poncho which was on street where a neighbor had placed it outside.
(From kingcounty.gov)
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
If you’re concerned about air traffic noise in the neighborhood, it’s not too late to make your voice heard.
The administration at Boeing Field (known officially as King County International Airport, or, KCIA, just across the river from West Seattle) is in the process of devising recommendations to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) on how to reduce air-traffic-related noise in the area.
Their public hearing last night (video added above) offered a chance for them to present their existing plan, as well as offer the community an opportunity to provide feedback, all part of their long-range planning.
As their presentation explained, the plan, officially known as the Noise Compatibility Program (NCP), is part of a larger process for helping get more government funding to prevent noise pollution.
The NCP is the sum total of recommendations made from a lengthy noise study, in accordance to specific legal requirements. These requirements are described in Part 150 of a federal regulations code, hence the term “Part 150 Study.” After the study has been conducted, the local air authorities are in turn asked to consider a set of proposed changes to minimize noise in the designated area. Once these are finalized by KCIA, they are then submitted back to the FAA, who has final say on the implementation. After details of the implementation are finalized between the FAA and KCIA, the FAA will help seek federal funding opportunities to accomplish those goals.
There are two new measures KCIA is recommending. The first measure is to continue working with various local authorities that govern zoning near the KCIA (such as the City of Seattle) and making sure that zoning is appropriate near the airport. This means making sure that there is no new residential zoning near the airport likely to violate federal noise guidelines for residences, as well as ensuring that current zoning is compatible with those guidelines. The second measure, which is similar in method, is for KCIA to acquire property near the airport. This would allow for both an expansion of space for the airport, and ensuring that those properties fall within acceptable noise thresholds.
They also recommend the continuation of many ongoing programs at the KCIA. These include such things as programs to offer neighbors and businesses near the airport chances to insulate their buildings from noise, and proper venues (such as public meetings or websites) for the public to voice comments and complaints.
The outcomes of public comment for this process have impacted West Seattle before. Deep within their official 80-page plan of recommendations, they note the history of their past Part 150 study in 2004. The final recommendations for their 2004 Noise Compatibility Program involved the discouragement of East and West nighttime flights over West Seattle, and KCIA has held to that policy to this day.
And, as expected, community comments suggest room for further improvement. Multiple local community members attended last night’s hearing to voice their opinions about the noise levels in Georgetown. “Every time I go outdoors I can’t hear myself talk [because of the jets].” said one resident. Another echoed their comment: “When I’m outside, talking to my neighbor, we have to stop until the planes have left. It’s a fact of life in Georgetown, we all deal with it. But, if there is going to be a future increase in air traffic due to air shipping from companies like Amazon, I’m concerned.” said another. Other local residents voiced frustrations that KCIA has not offered enough opportunities for public engagement, as well as being vague about their specific plans regarding local property acquisition.
If you’d like to voice your opinion about local noise levels, as well as other comments regarding their process for the Noise Compatibility Program, there’s still time. They will be taking public comment until February 22nd, before they finalize and submit their plan in March. You can email comments to KCIAcommunityoutreach@kingcounty.gov, or submit comments (as well as read the details of their plan) at https://kciaplanning.com.
(WSB photo from last year’s clinic)
Once again this year, West Seattle High School softball players plan a clinic to mentor younger players and fundraise for their program, and registration is open now! Here’s the announcement:
West Seattle High School’s softball team is putting on a one-day clinic Sunday, February 8, for girls ages 7–13 at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex upper field, for $25.
Beginner Session 8:30-10:00 am, Advanced Session 10:15-11:45 am
*Check in begins 15 minutes before each session. Each session will cover the skills in the infield, outfield and hitting. No pitching and catching instruction. Players, please bring softball equipment.
The link for registration is: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/wshs-softball-clinic
NCSWAC is at 2801 SW Thistle.
(Thursday sunrise, photographed by Jerry Simmons)
Here’s our delayed-by-breaking-news list of what’s happening today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER It’s 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).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: New session continues at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 12:30 pm-2 pm Fridays, no registration required.
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy by the bottle.
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Two varsity home games at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) – girls vs. Lincoln at 5:30 pm, boys vs. O’Dea at 8:30 pm.
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, “Small, fun band” Jumbletron at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
SPAGHETTI-DINNER FUNDRAISER: Dinner out for only $10! The West Seattle High School Key Club is hosting a spaghetti-dinner fundraiser at the school tonight – with bingo too – just show up between 6:30-8:30 pm. (3000 California SW)
ADMIRAL PUB BINGO: 7 pm, classic bingo! (2306 California SW)
PUNNY NIGHT AT THE SKYLARK: Pun Slam! Sign up at 7 pm, show at 8 pm; get tickets here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE AT TIM’S: 8 pm, Henderson Haas and The Ugly Cousin Brothers. (16th/98th, White Center)
SPINNING: Revelry Room is open tonight (4547 California SW), with Vitamin D, 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to Asterhouse and Happy Chemicals, 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!
9:13 AM: Seattle Fire has sent a “rope rescue” response to the 3200 block of SW Spokane [map], upslope from the west side of the Admiral Way hill. According to radio exchanges, they need to lift an injured person off a roof.
9:16 AM: SFD says this is happening at a construction site. Crews are planning to rescue the person via a ladder instead of lifting them out in a basket.
9:32 AM: Firefighters just told dispatch that “the patient is off the roof.” … Reader photo added above, sent by SeanO. The rescued person’s injuries are not described as life-threatening.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, January 23, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts a mostly sunny day, high in the mid-40s. Sunrise at 7:46 am; sunset at 4:57 pm. (Sunday brings this year’s first 5 pm sunset!)
(Thursday photo by Bob Burns)
TRANSIT TODAY + THIS WEEKEND
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – According to WSF’s alerts, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route will be on TWO-boat service today, because of vessel trouble elsewhere in the system.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today, extra postgame service Sunday for Seahawks fans.
WEEKEND NOTES
–Saturday: “We’re Still Standing” rally and march from Admiral to The Junction, 12:30-3 pm.
–Sunday: 3:30 pm at Lumen Field, Seahawks host Rams, winner to the Super Bowl. As mentioned above, extra postgame West Seattle Water Taxi service.
–Sunday:
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 Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
“I’m super proud of the team,” says Bakery Nouveau owner William Leaman, after coaching America’s baking team at this year’s Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie, an industry competition in Paris for countries from around the world. The competition took place Tuesday and Wednesday, with winners announced late yesterday. South Korea, Chinese Taipei, and France were the medal winners, followed by Denmark and America. Ten teams competed in the finals.
(Photos by William Leaman) Defending its gold medal from 2024, France earned bronze this time.
As we reported last week, Leaman’s been juggling running his 3-location bakery business, including the flagship store in West Seattle (4737 California Ave SW), with coaching the 3-person Team USA at bi-weekly practices in Chicago. He was tapped to coach after being part of the winning team in 2005. At this year’s Coupe du Monde, each of the 10 teams had to produce many of the same breads, pastries, and savory “snacks” on the single competition day, plus a unique artistic piece showing an invention from their country, many with elaborate details.
South Korea’s 1st Place entry
Denmark’s whimsical Lego theme came in 4th place
Leaman says the pressure was high and the space was limited on competition day. “They did a great job, especially in a space that was half the size of what they were used to working in. That was probably the biggest challenge and then all of the noise, different countries, so many of their fans, air horns, yelling, screaming all in the last couple of minutes to be on time.” Adding to that, a live audience and a cadre of judges watching all day as they worked.
Team USA’s entry came in 5th
To finish in the top half of the field is testament to the team’s focus and talent. They started practicing long after some of the other teams, and they all have day jobs, making practices less frequent than ideal. Leaman says some teams had either sponsorships or government support that allowed them to practice and work on their design and techniques full time for many months. “Our biggest challenge was artistic, and a super short runway to prepare.” Despite that, the jury was impressed. “We had high marks in flavors for our products,” he says.
Some of those flavors will be headed to the Bakery Nouveau locations soon. Leaman says one of the “snack” sandwiches they made for the competition will be on the menu — look for the new Black Cod Miso sandwich on brioche later this year.
Two quick reader reports:
YARD INTRUDER: Via email:
This evening my mom went to take out the trash and found a strange man smoking a vape pen on the steps in our backyard (we have an unlocked gate from the driveway). He left when she caught him, and it didn’t look like anything was taken or damaged, but it definitely freaked us out. I just want to let folks in the area to know to lock their doors and be careful. We live on Erskine between Edmunds and Dawson.
MAILBOX SIGHTING: We got this tip via phone call – a multi-household mailbox, maybe 20 slots or so, was spotted dumped near Kelsey and Cambridge. It was reported to police, too.
7:56 PM: Thanks for the tip. The Highway 99 tunnel is closed both ways because of a fire. SFD has it logged as a vehicle fire.
9:32 PM: Fire’s out but tunnel’s not open yet.
10:36 PM: Still closed. We have followup questions out but did glean one bit of info from archived audio: The fire was on the tunnel’s northbound deck.
11:55 PM: Open again.
ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: SFD confirms to WSB that no one was injured.
Vessel problems on other Washington State Ferries routes have left the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route on two-boat service, and that will continue tomorrow (Friday, January 23), according to this explanation from WSF boss Steve Nevey:
This week, a second large ferry had to be removed from service, leaving us with just 15 boats when we need 17 to run our full winter schedule. Yesterday, Wenatchee hit a log while sailing from Bainbridge to Seattle in the fog, bending one of its propellers. This morning, we moved Sealth to join Tacoma on our busiest route. This leaves both our Fauntleroy/Vashon/ Southworth and Seattle/Bremerton routes down a vessel. Repairs to Wenatchee are expected to take a few days, with a return to Seattle/Bainbridge service possible Sunday. That would allow us to relocate Sealth to our Bremerton route for the Seahawks playoff game, when we expect heavy travel to and from Seattle. Then late Sunday night, we plan to shift Sealth back to Vashon Island. This allows us to restore our “Triangle” route’s full three-boat weekday schedule on Monday. If Wenatchee is not ready, we will keep all ferries where they currently are.
As Nevey reiterated during Wednesday’s systemwide online community meetings (WSB coverage here), the system suffers chronically from an undersupply of boats, and unexpected problems tend to have domino effects like this.
(WSB photo from this afternoon – mostly dry now)
This long spell of dry weather has resurfaced a longrunning problem – water running down the Admiral Way hill toward the bridge. One week ago, Laura emailed us to ask about it:
I am puzzled by how and why the city is allowing so much water to flow across lower Admiral Way. I can see that there were blog posts about it several years ago, but over the last couple of weeks it has become much worse. If our temperatures drop, it will be a massive ice rink! Have you heard anything from the city about this?
As a result of that inquiry, we had asked SDOT about it even before it led to exactly that problem – an “ice rink” – on Wednesday morning. SDOT first redirected us to Seattle Public Utilities, whose spokesperson Travis Gershaneck initially responded:
This location appears to be a known area of surfacing groundwater. Surfacing groundwater is a natural condition in Seattle, and the City works to manage and mitigate impacts of these sites where possible. If icy or otherwise unsafe road conditions occur, the Seattle Department of Transportation is the lead agency and can be contacted at (206) 684-ROAD. For urgent drainage or flooding concerns, Seattle Public Utilities’ 24/7 Operations Response Center can be reached at (206) 386-1800. These operational lines are the best way to reach our hard-working crews and allow for the most timely response.
By then, Wednesday morning’s freezing fog had struck, and we asked SDOT how they’d responded. Spokesperson Mariam Ali replied:
Our crews are aware of the reported black ice on Admiral Way. A truck was dispatched to the area earlier today, and we will continue to monitor the location. A salt truck will be checking the corridor (Wednesday night) and treating as needed to address any icy conditions.
Then today, we got an update from SPU spokesperson Gershaneck:
Thanks again for reaching out and bringing the issue to our attention. I wanted to follow up with some actions we’ve taken in the area in the past 24 hours.
We contacted our Operations Response Center before we discovered it was a known surfacing groundwater site. An SPU crew was dispatched and able to clean nearby catch basins, which may help reduce additional water sources adding to the surfacing ground water issue. They also requested an overnight street sweeping to remove debris along SW Olga St to SW Spokane St. Although the surfacing groundwater is expected to continue, these actions may help mitigate some impacts in the near term.
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