West Seattle, Washington
12 Monday
7:14 AM: Thanks for the tips. Crash at 35fh and Avalon.
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, January 8, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts possible rain/snow mix this morning, warming to all rain, high in the mid-40s. Sunrise will be at 7:56 am; sunset at 4:36 pm.
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route remains on a two-boat schedule until at least next week, but a third “bonus boat” has been added, according to WSF’s alerts page:
The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will stay on the two-boat schedule at least through Monday, Jan. 12. The #1 Kittitas and #2 Cathlamet are running on the two-boat schedule.
The Salish has joined them as the unscheduled third boat.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.
‘REVIVE I-5’
If you use northbound I-5, you need to know about the work resuming this weekend and continuing for months.
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!
(Photos of Takata from court docs that noted he frequently altered his appearance)
As mentioned here, we’ve been going through court records to see what happened to some of the cases in which we reported that charges were filed last year. We’ll report on results in the days to come. First followup is from charges that the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed last February against then-28-year-old Christopher K. Takata, described as a “prolific shoplifter.” He was charged with multiple counts of organized retail theft and commercial burglary, accused of stealing thousands of dollars of merchandise from stores around Seattle, including the Westwood Village Ulta Beauty. Court files show that he pleaded guilty to 10 felonies and was sentenced in October to just under five years in prison. His lawyer said Takata did it “to feed his drug habit” and that the defendant hoped prison would help him get and stay clean, while working a job in prison to cover some of the more than $50,000 restitution he is ordered to pay to Ulta and Target. The state Department of Corrections website shows Takata is currently one of 2,439 inmates at Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla.
(WSB file photo)
Before school PTAs, PTSAs, and other types of PTOs can invite guests to fundraising auctions, they need to get donations so they have something for guests to bid on. This is another role local businesses play in the community – they often support local schools via donations for these events. The first PTA to contact us this new year is from Genesee Hill Elementary, asking us to share their request:
On March 7th 2026, the Genesee Hill Elementary PTA will host our annual auction — our biggest fundraiser of the year! It’s an uplifting community celebration that directly supports nearly 500 students, teachers and staff members. We’re inviting caring individuals and local businesses to help us make this event a success by donating an item or contribution. Would you consider supporting our students by donating goods, services, experience, gift certificates, or cash?
Your donation will help support fundamental student needs like reading intervention, classroom supplies, sponsorships, and mental health services – and we greatly appreciate anything you are able to provide.
Our PTA is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and your donation is 100% tax-deductible. A donation receipt with our tax-exempt ID (91-1252753) will be provided. Should you donate by February 20, your organization will also be recognized in the event program.
To donate goods, services, experiences, or gift certificates, please visit:
geneseehill.schoolauction.net/2026/donate_items/new?qr=1To make a cash donation or sponsorship, please visit:
geneseehillpta.givebacks.com/shop/items/1101842Thank you for investing in our students and helping us create opportunities that last far beyond the auction night. Your generosity makes a real and immediate difference.
(Added: WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
5:45 PM: For those asking about the law-enforcement response near 48th/Waite [map], police are in a standoff with a man who they say has a state Corrections Department warrant out for his arrest, He is reported to have barricaded himself in an apartment. Police have called in negotiators; state corrections officers have responded too. What the warrant is for, we don’t know (yet). Avoid the area.
6:21 PM: No updates. They’ve gone to encrypted communication so there may not be any until it’s resolved.
7 PM: SPD has left, according to WSB senior contributor Christopher Boffoli, who went over to check out the scene; he says they told him it’s a DOC matter from here.
Looking for a K-5 school? Tilden School (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) is having its final open house of the season this Saturday. Here’s the invitation:
Tilden School Open House
Tilden School invites prospective families to its Winter Open House on Saturday, January 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Families are welcome to drop in at any time during the event to tour the campus, learn more about Tilden’s academic program and close-knit community, and meet faculty, administrators, current parents, and alumni.
Tilden’s Open Houses offer a meaningful opportunity to explore the school’s educational philosophy and discover what makes this independent K–5 school such a special place to learn and grow.
For those unable to attend our final Open House of the season, private tours may also be scheduled by contacting the school office.
There are limited openings available for students in grades 1–5. Applications can be found online at tildenschool.org.
For additional information, please contact Jennifer Trise at info@tildenschool.org.
I-5 has seen some construction closures in recent months, but things are about to get more serious, and it seems like time to share the full WSDOT explanation here too:
The largest active highway preservation effort in Washington state will enter its second year of construction beginning beginning the weekend of Jan. 9-12, weather permitting. This temporary full closure of northbound Interstate 5 in Seattle will allow crews to establish a work zone to perform important work on the Ship Canal Bridge. During the construction lane closures, the I-5 express lanes will only run northbound 24 hours a day.
Once the interstate reopens, travelers can expect months of partial lane closures as crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation work to preserve and extend the life of the bridge. Due to the time-intensive nature of removing the old roadway surface, completing structural repairs and placing new concrete, crews must establish a long-term work zone across the bridge. The work zone also helps safeguard the crews undertaking this work.
Leaders from WSDOT, Seattle Department of Transportation, Sound Transit and King County Metro emphasized their shared commitment on Tuesday, Jan. 6, to help keep people and goods moving safely and reliably through the region during construction.
“Preserving the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge is essential to a safe and reliable regional transportation system,” said Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith. “Building on our success from 2025, we know we can manage the traffic impacts of four weeks of lane reductions with thoughtful planning. We’re asking everyone to consider choosing alternate routes, carpooling, adjusting travel times or using transit to help keep everyone moving.”
The Revive I-5: Ship Canal Bridge Preservation project is a multi-year effort that includes repairing and resurfacing the upper bridge deck, replacing aged expansion joints and improving drainage. In 2025, WSDOT started this project by completing early drainage improvements and repairs. In 2026 construction will focus on the northbound bridge deck and in 2027 the southbound bridge deck. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2027.
During this work, close coordination between state, city and transit agencies helps minimize regional impacts and provide travelers with reliable alternatives. …
Construction closure details
Starting as early as 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, crews will close all lanes of northbound I-5 from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street to set up a work zone in the two left lanes of the Ship Canal Bridge. When northbound I-5 reopens Monday morning, Jan. 12, a two-lane reduction will be in place until early June. Revive I-5 work will pause and the work zone will be removed for FIFA World Cup matches in Seattle from June 8-July 10. All lanes will be open during the World Cup. After the World Cup matches in Seattle conclude, work will resume again with more long-term lane reductions through the end of 2026.The weekend-long full closure for work zone set-up depends on dry weather to restripe lanes. That means if the weather is too rainy, crews will reschedule work for the following weekend.
Express lanes will operate ‘northbound only’ during 2026 Revive I-5 construction
During the construction lane closures, the I-5 express lanes will only run northbound 24 hours a day. Those traveling to or through Seattle may experience traffic delays as the express lanes will not run southbound like they typically do during the morning hours. Keeping express lanes northbound only allows WSDOT to balance the regional traffic system more effectively during this work.
WSDOT projects under the “Revive I-5” umbrella go as far back as 2018.
The Center for Active Living‘s Rainbow Bingo events don’t usually make it into our West Seattle Event Calendar because the tickets sell out fast. Today, the center tells us some tickets remain for the first Rainbow Bingo of the year, so here’s the announcement:
Rainbow Bingo at The Center for Active Living
Friday, January 16, from 6 – 9 p.m.
Theme: Gilligan’s Luau (costumes encouraged!)
Tickets: Rainbow Bingo tickets
Who: Open to the public for ages 21+
Where: The Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon)2026 Rainbow Bingo tickets at The Center are on sale! Tickets are still available for The Center’s first Rainbow Bingo of the year, and it’s a fun theme… Gilligan’s Luau.
Think your favorite classic TV show + the Hawaiian aloha spirit. It’s the perfect way to usher in the new year!
Rainbow Bingo is not your grandma’s Bingo! These entertaining and boisterous events feature drag queens, costumes and Jell-O shots.
Hosted by emcee Sylvia O’Stayformore, Rainbow Bingo is a fun night out for an audience that includes people in their 20s to 80s. All proceeds support the Center’s programs.Guests can purchase wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, Jell-O shots and food. Get your tickets early, as we typically sell out!
Cost: $40 entry fee includes entertainment, dauber and a snack prepared by our chef.
More info: wscenter.org/rainbow-bingo or 206-932-4044
As you’ll notice at the ticketing link, tickets are also on sale for other Rainbow Bingo events later in the year too.
(Photo by Bob Burns)
This is the first “regular” Wednesday since mid-December, since the last two were Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, but most of the recurring Wednesday events are back, along with a few one-time happenings – so, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the list!
FAUNTLEROY FESTIVAL OF TREES: Until noon, the Fauntleroy Church hall is open for viewing this year’s trees and “voting” for your favorite by placing nonperishable food donations beneath it. Second-to-last chance! (9140 California SW)
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (already under way as we publish this but this is our weekly last-minute reminder, so would-be walkers can be there next Wednesday morning, and you can always check our calendar!).
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).
VR FOR TEENS’ MENTAL HEALTH: 2:30 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), drop in and check it out.
ART WORKSHOP: 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).
POETRYBRIDGE AT C & P: 6-9 pm, PoetryBridge‘s gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) includes a celebration of poet Koon Woon.
MODERN CLASSIC BOOK CLUB: 6 pm at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW), this month’s book is “Man Plus” by Frederick Pohl.
POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm, drop in and create! (3400 Harbor SW)
PIANO NIGHT AT UPWELL: 6-9 pm, monthly live music! (4811 California 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!
ALSO AT WS RUNNER – RUN01 CLINIC: 6:30 pm at West Seattle Runner, clinic designed for GET FIT and WALK FIT free training program participants to learn about fueling and more.
‘HOLDING GRIEF’ WORKSHOP: You don’t just hold grief in your mind and heart – it’s in your body too. That’s what this 6:30 pm workshop with Listening to Grief deals with. Happening at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
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!
(Added: Photo sent by Kevin Freitas)
8:45 AM: Orcas are off west-facing West Seattle, Kersti Muul tells us, southbound – some passing Emma Schmitz Overlook – Southern Residents from J-Pod.
8:53 AM: She says some whales are still further north, headed this way.
9:43 AM: According to Kersti, transients are present too, and the passing residents include members of K-Pod as well.
9:47 AM: Another texter reports some of the orcas “just passed through the ferry lane – halfway between Fauntleroy and Vashon.”
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts showery, breezy weather today, high in the low 40s. Sunrise will be at 7:56 am; sunset at 4:35 pm. (Just 18 days until 5 pm+ sunsets!)
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route remains on a two-boat schedule until at least next week, but a third “bonus boat” is expected to be added starting today, according to WSF’s alerts page:
The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will stay on the two-boat schedule at least through Monday, Jan. 12. The #1 Kittitas and #2 Cathlamet are running on the two-boat schedule. On Wednesday, Jan. 7, the Salish will start as the third, unscheduled vessel on the route to help move additional traffic and help keep the #1 and #2 vessels on time.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.
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!
(Added: Photo sent by Jayson)
10:41 PM: King County Sheriff’s Office deputies and the Guardian One helicopter are searching for five people in Fauntleroy Park, related to a possible stolen car. We’re still working to find out exactly how and where it started but minutes earlier Seattle Police had shared an FYI on their air about KCSO following a stolen car near 26th/Roxbury, westbound. Updates to come.
10:47 PM: SPD is getting involved as they’re getting calls about possible suspicious activity toward the south side of the park.
10:50 PM: One person in custody now, possibly three others still at large, possibly south of the park into Arbor Heights.
10:57 PM: At least part of the search has definitely moved southward into AH, at least as far south as 102nd.
11:04 PM: Still listening back to KCSO radio archives to see how/where this started – meantime, they’re still looking for suspects in Arbor Heights, with a K9 team assisting on the ground.
11:15 PM: Finally found the original KCSO radio calls on this. Someone was tracking their stolen silver Lexus in Burien and KCSO followed it north. Meantime, the current search continues in Arbor Heights, no reports of additional suspects being found yet.
11:17 PM: They’ve hit a dead-end in tracking, so the helicopter has left.
11:33 PM: Still some deputies in the area but the active search has been “called” due to the lack of further leads.
11:52 PM: The car was abandoned in the 3700 block of SW Cambridge. One other interesting note from listening to archived KCSO audio – at one point a deputy asked if StarChase was potentially available, if they were able to use it, but the radio operator didn’t think it was available at that time. According to KCSO radio, before they ever got to West Seattle, the car’s owner wa tracking it remotely and talking to the agency by phone to tell them the locations. One other note from archived audio, the suspects were believed to be juveniles.
(Photo courtesy StarChefs)
In addition to West Seattle’s sit-down pizza restaurants, the local commissary kitchens host takeout-only pizzerias, including Pizza Ritual, which has been making appearances since summer at KBM (5608 Delridge Way SW). Proprietor Matt Gorman emailed us to say that “starting this week, Pizza Ritual will be offering online pre-ordering/pick-up as well as walk-up ordering on Fridays and Saturdays from 5–8pm at the KBM Kitchen walk-up window.: He explains Pizza Ritual as having …
… a focus on Northwest grains, seasonal farm produce, and locally made cheeses & meats. The dough is central to the process — each batch is hand-mixed, naturally leavened using only flour, water, and salt, and left to ferment at ambient temperatures (never seeing refrigeration of any kind). This approach preserves elements of centuries-old Neapolitan pizza-making traditions while using ingredients rooted in Washington and Oregon. (My) maternal family traces back to Campania and Calabria, and Pizza Ritual is also a way of honoring that Italian heritage through craft and technique.
Since its start, Pizza Ritual has been rooted in community and accessibility. Pizza’s history as an everyday food for the working class is central to (my) philosophy: despite the high-quality sourcing, the goal is to keep pricing approachable and the menu welcoming to everyone in the neighborhood. (I have) collaborated with local chefs and producers including Janet Becerra of Pancita, Mutsuko Soma of Kamonegi/Hannyatou, Aash Farms, and has held regular pop-ups at beloved community spots such as Molly’s Bottle Shop, Bait Shop, Hildegard Ferments & Botanicals, & Darby Winery. At the end of the day, it’s just pizza — meant to be fun, shared, and part of the neighborhood it feeds.
He’ll be taking online orders at pizzaritual.com.
This month’s West Seattle Art Walk on Thursday will feature a type of art that’s not often seen during the monthly event – quilt art! We received the photos and announcement this afternoon from Jill Boone:
The Contemporary QuiltArt Association is featured at Windermere in the Junction this Thursday for the Art Walk. We are doing a big inventory reduction sale and handmade, creative fiber art pieces will be available in a huge price range. We will have handmade cards for $5/ each and matted art that are 5×7 and 12 x 12 pieces from $10 to $200. In addition, four of our member artists will have their art quilts for sale and they are stunning! We hope people will come shop and also stop in to talk with some of our members about CQA, as we are a vibrant and welcoming group of artists – beginners to world renowned!
Windermere is at 4526 California SW; this show is set for 5-8 pm Thursday (January 8). See the full list/map of this month’s Art Walk venues by going here!
District 3 City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth is making history as the first Black woman to serve as the council’s president. She won a unanimous vote at the council meeting that just wrapped up, succeeding Sara Nelson, who lost her reelection bid in November. Hollingsworth is midway through her first term on the council, representing a district that includes the Central District, Capitol Hill, First Hill, Eastlake, Montlake, Madison Park, Madison Valley, Portage Bay, Leschi, and Madrona. Also at the meeting, the new citywide councilmember who defeated Nelson in November, Dionne Foster, was sworn in, with her son administering the oath:
The council’s other citywide rep, Alexis Mercedes Rinck – elected to her first full four-year term – was sworn in this afternoon too.
One other council note – as first reported by Publicola, two members of District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka‘s staff have departed, and Saka has replaced one with a man who once ran for the council job. Saka chief of staff Elaine Ikoma Ko confirms to WSB that Saka staffers Ian Griswold – “to return back to school for his Ph.D.” – and Logan Duling – “desiring a full-time position and found one with the City of Redmond closer to his home” – have left. She also confirms that Saka’s new policy adviser is Brendan Kolding, the former Seattle Police lieutenant who finished third in the primary for the District 1 seat in 2019 (and ran for State Legislature in 2016). Saka’s district director Erik Schmidt is still on staff, and Ikoma Ko says, “We are recruiting for a new (legislative assistant).”
At several community meetings during the year, we reported on Seattle Police reps sharing ongoing stats, including noting that the year’s murder rate in the Southwest Precinct remained at zero. While working on a forthcoming followup checking on some of last year’s notable court cases, we realized that the year had ended with that number still at zero, according to the SPD data dashboard and WSB archives. Per the data dashboard, SPD investigated 31 homicides in 2025 (down from 53 a year earlier) – 11 in the North Precinct, 8 in the South Precinct, 7 in the West Precinct, 5 in the East Precinct, and 0 in the Southwest Precinct (West Seattle and South Park). This is particularly notable because the previous years were higher than usual in West Seattle – we noted 7 in 2024, 6 in 2023.
That’s a Seattle Public Schools-provided aerial view of the west and south sides of the new Alki Elementary School (3010 59th SW), months away from completion, set to open this fall for the 2026-2027 school year. (You can see a current view of the front – north-facing side – of the school via this webcam.) One of the major elements of work right now involves rebuilding the road surface of 59th; the latest update from the project team says, “The western half will be demolished and replaced by mid-January.” Closures are continuing during daytime work hours, but the street is reopening after-hours as work permits. Other updates:
During the last month we have completed the following work: gypsum concrete floor topping, installation of the ceiling grid, rough-in of the mechanical systems, masonry, exterior glazing, and mechanical penthouse metal panel installation.
The team is beginning or progressing on the following work: 59th Avenue repaving, interior lighting, interior cabinet installation, finish carpentry, acoustical treatments and tile installation.
Our next steps include: completing the interior finishes (paint and flooring) on the Community Center, completing the bioretention facilities and permanent power connection.
Alki Elementary staff and students are in their third year at the former Schmitz Park Elementary campus. The school currently has 266 students enrolled, according to the newest district update, slightly more than half the capacity of the new building. The district’s Open Enrollment for School Choice period is now under way.
(Alki photo by Thomas Bach)
Today’s daily event notes/reminders, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, including some recurring events resuming post-holidays (changes? cancellations? text us at 206-293-6302 if it’s today/tonight, email westseattleblog@gmail.com for dates beyond) and more:
FAUNTLEROY CHURCH FESTIVAL OF TREES: Third-to-last chance to visit the church Fellowship Hall (9140 California SW) before noon to see the themed trees and place food donations beneath your favorite(s) to “vote” for them.
FREE PLAYSPACE: Indoor play at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is back open, 9-noon -just drop in! (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: Also resuming today, 10-11:30 am free playgroup for kids 0-5 and their caregivers, at Bridge School Cooperative Elementary (10300 28th SW).
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: First gathering of the new year. 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 (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 CHOOSES NEW PRESIDENT: At 2 pm, the council is also back in session after winter break, and the biggest agenda item is voting for a new president. The agenda explains how to attend, watch, and/or participate in public comment.
J-6 EDITION OF “MONDAYS WITH MARJORIE”: West Seattle Indivisible adds an extra support event for/with 35th/Edmunds daily protester Marjorie, in commemoration of J-6, as explained here.
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Resuming this week at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) – volunteers available to help K-12 students.
ASTRA LUMINA: Now on Friday/Saturday/Sunday schedule through month’s end.
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.
WEST SEATTLE PRESCHOOL FAIR: As previewed here (with the participant list), prospective families can meet reps from a dozen local preschools, all in one place, plus two enrichment organizations, 5:30-7 pm at Hope School Gym (4100 SW Genesee).
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.
GOT FIT INFO NIGHT: Also at West Seattle Runner tonight, 6:30 pm, find out about this season’s free GOT FIT marathon training, which starts soon.
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 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!
Before we get to the event list for today/tonight, here’s a quick preview of a resource event on Saturday. It’s happening at Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trenton) but open to everyone regardless of whether you’re affiliated with the school community. The 10 am-2 pm event will feature navigation for services from school enrollment to health insurance, plus a grocery giveaway while supplies last, health services including immunizations, and more, Here’s the flyer with more info, which also includes the number to call to make an appointment for two of the health services that will require them (mammograms and dental screenings).
9:33 AM: Texter reported a problem at East Marginal/Diagonal with spillover effects on the bridge, and now we know it’s a water-main break, with NB East Marginak lanes closed between Hudson and Diagonal, as well as a closure of S. Alaska.
7:30 AM: Texter reports Fauntleroy/Avalon signal is out.
Earlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts rainy, breezy weather today, high in the mid-40s. Sunrise will be at 7:56 am; sunset at 4:34 pm. (First day the sunrise has started getting earlier!)
(Monday sunset, photographed by Bob Burns)
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route remains on a two-boat schedule for at least another week, but a third “bonus boat” is expected to be added starting tomorrow, according to WSF’s alerts page:
The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will stay on the two-boat schedule for at least one more week, through Jan. 12.
Tuesday, Jan. 6: The Kittitas will replace the Sealth and run as the #1 vessel. The Cathlamet will run as the #2 vessel.
Wednesday, Jan. 7: The Salish will start as the third, unscheduled vessel on the route.
After the Kittitas returns, we’ll still have the Tacoma and the Walla Walla unexpectedly out of service due to urgent repairs. We will reevaluate service plans and vessel assignments when the Tacoma returns to service the week of Jan. 12.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.
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!
We’ve reported before on the library-building work done by West Seattleite Alina Guyon and her nonprofit Libraries For All – from projects far (like this one in India) to projects near (like this one for Mary’s Place). Now she wants to let you know how West Seattle businesses helped her with a project in north-central Washington;
A new library was recently built through the nonprofit Libraries for All, and one of the best parts of the project was getting to do it by shopping local. While the library itself is located in the Methow Valley at Room One’s Teen Center for at-risk youth, the heart of the project came together right here in West Seattle, thanks to a few incredible small businesses.
Pegasus Book Exchange helped thoughtfully curate a book collection tailored specifically to teens, making sure the shelves were filled with engaging, age-appropriate titles young people would actually be excited to read.
Terraplanted helped select plants that would thrive indoors with minimal maintenance and no direct sunlight, bringing warmth and life into the space.
The Missing Piece rounded out the library by helping choose board and card games perfectly suited for a teen audience—encouraging connection, creativity, and fun. This library came together smoothly because of the knowledge, care, and generosity of these local businesses, and it’s a great reminder of how far community support can reach when we choose to shop local.
You can learn more about this project at libraries4all.com.
Alina’s work dates back almost a decade to her Girl Scout days!
When Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) proprietor Frank Gross announced on New Year’s Day that his store (and “roommate” The Bass Shop) will move to the Admiral District, he noted that TRG’s current space already has a new tenant lined up, NW Fitness Project. We’d actually reported six months earlier on NWFP’s tentative plan to take over a different West Seattle space. That didn’t work out but they’re thrilled about moving to Morgan Junction, and have provided more info:
(NW Fitness Project photo: L-R, co-owners Matthew Holland, Alec Bulat, Jeremy Stewart, Norah Davis, Kyle Davis)
The “small-group fitness studio” was founded in Fremont eight years ago and is adding three new owners as it expands. Their lease for the TRG space at 6400 California SW starts May 1st, and they hope to open in June. TRG’s Gross will continue to own the building he’s leaving, and NW Fitness Project co-owner Kyle Davis says, “Having fellow small business owners as our landlords for this first expansion feels exactly right.” He adds, “We’re not expanding because we can – we’re expanding because our community has grown organically into West Seattle. Many of our long-term members have moved to the area, and we have [ownership] team members like Jeremy Stewart who live there. This isn’t about aggressive growth; it’s about following our people.” Stewart, Alec Bulat, and Norah Davis are the new owners that NW Fitness Project is promoting from within. Stewart, who will also be West Seattle’s general manager, says, “We’re proving you can create meaningful career paths for trainers while building something that lasts for clients.” In the months ahead, they invite interested community members to visit the Fremont location for trial classes – “small group” meaning 10 people maximum – and/or connect with the proprietors via norah@nwfitnessproject.com.
Last week we reported on damage to the outdoor mailboxes at both West Seattle Post Offices – The Junction here, Westwood Village here. At week’s end we sent followup inquiries to the USPS’s regional media liaison Janella Herron, who replied today. She wouldn’t comment on whether either or both of the incidents involved theft or just vandalism, saying only that “Damage to both boxes (was) outside of retail hours.” She said the incidents had been referred to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. As for a timeline for replacement or repair, “Repair or replacement of these out-of-service collection boxes is based on availability of replacement parts / products and I am unable to provide a timeline.” The Junction box has since been removed, but the Westwood box was still in place when we went by this afternoon and may even be in service, as it was no longer taped closed nor marked with the OUT OF SERVICE sign that had been placed on it by Friday afternoon (photo above).
Two business burglaries to report – one today that we have confirmed with the business owner, one late Thursday that we confirmed today by obtaining the police narrative:
MEEPLES GAMES: The photos were sent by Meeples proprietor Laura Schneider after we contacted her to ask about this morning’s burglary.
She told WSB:
Two people, black Ram truck with a broken headlight.
It happened at 2:00 am. They broke the glass on the door. The big things they got were Magic Commander decks and Warhammer models. We lock up the valuable stuff at night.
No one was hurt, we cleaned up the glass, and we’re all boarded up now, so forward we go.
If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 26-003730.
CLINIC BURGLARY, 1 ARRESTED: Just before midnight on New Year’s Day (Thursday night), police responded to the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health clinic on the north side of Westwood Village after getting word that it had been broken into and the burglar was believed to still be inside. They arrested a 29-year-old man who is still in jail in lieu of $30,000 bail. The police-report narrative says he broke in, tore the alarm system out of the wall, then ransacked desks and cabinets. Once officers went in – after loudspeaker warnings that he was under arrest – they found him hiding in a closet. The report also says:
(The suspect) had numerous items on his person and in a bag adjacent to him. Those items included a XXXX ID card and XXXX, numerous credit/debit cards belonging to other persons, mail items belonging to other persons, hundreds of Pokemon cards, and other miscellaneous items.
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