West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories


  • Protest

    WEST SEATTLE PROTESTS: Hundreds on the corners

  • Artwork

    TO BE DEMOLISHED? Public artwork’s fate

  • Registration

    WS GARAGE SALE DAY: Register by Thursday!

WEST SEATTLE HOLIDAYS: 2 public Hanukkah celebrations ahead
December 28, 2024 8:45 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Again this year, the final four nights of Hanukkah will bring two public celebrations in West Seattle:

(WSB photo, from Kol HaNeshamah’s pop-up in 2023)

KOL HANESHAMAH’S ‘POP-UP’ HANUKKAH: Sunday night at 5 pm in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska), progressive synagogue Kol HaNeshamah will again “pop up” to offer donuts, music, and menorah-lighting. All welcome to participate on what will be the fifth night of the Festival of Lights.

(Photo by David Hutchinson, Grand Menorah on Alki earlier this week)

GRAND MENORAH ON ALKI: Wednesday night (January 1) at 4:30 pm, the Torah Learning Center of West Seattle will again light a 12-foot-tall Grand Menorah on Alki, east of the bathhouse, to celebrate Hanukkah’s eighth and final night. All welcome at this event (which also promises donuts) too.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Abandoned, damaged car
December 28, 2024 6:43 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Is this car yours?

Steve says that Kia Soul with a missing window and damaged ignition – almost indisputable signs of a stolen car – turned up near 36th/Barton today. It’s been reported to police.

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UPDATE: Tree, wires down at 22nd/Barton
December 28, 2024 3:47 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

3:47 PM: Thanks to Tim for the photos! That tree is proof that when the ground is as saturated as it is now, winds don’t have to be gusting for trees to topple. It’s down at 22nd/Barton [map], and the police dispatch indicates it’s blocking the street.

No injuries reported.

4:15 PM: Police say 22nd is blocked between Barton and Kelsey Lane [map], and the tree isn’t likely to be cleared quickly. Also, “live wires” are down.

5:30 PM: According to a radio exchange, Seattle City Light has completed work with the wires and given the green light to SDOT to come in and deal with the tree.

8:48 PM: We haven’t heard the “all clear” yet but Tim sent that photo of SDOT getting close to completion of tree cleanup about 45 minutes ago.

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FOLLOWUP: Quick check-in on Hiawatha Community Center
December 28, 2024 12:28 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photo from start of work in March)

Almost 10 months have passed since Seattle Parks‘ long-delayed “stabilization” work at Hiawatha Community Center finally began. When Parks recently released a list of open-this-winter restrooms, with a notation about one at Hiawatha reopening, we asked if that meant the center was expected to reopen, at least partially, before spring. Short answer from Parks: No. Longer answer from Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor: “The building will not be opening before spring. We are working on assigning a new project manager and working out some potential additional environmental improvements. We will have more information in January.” Last December, we talked with a Parks manager about why the center had been closed almost four years before work began.

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UPDATE: 35th/Fauntleroy bridge entrance reopens after short closure
December 28, 2024 12:11 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

Don’t yet know why, but if you need to get to EB bridge, enter further east.

UPDATE: SDOT says “debris” are the reason for the closure.

2ND UPDATE: Per texter and live cam, open again.

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THINK SPRING! Season tickets on sale for West Seattle Junction FC and Rhodies FC soccer seasons. Tryout time, too
December 28, 2024 11:12 am
|    Comments Off on THINK SPRING! Season tickets on sale for West Seattle Junction FC and Rhodies FC soccer seasons. Tryout time, too
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Looking for inspiration to dream past the winter grayness? The owners of West Seattle’s pre-pro soccer clubs offer a reason:

Attention, West Seattle soccer fans! The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here — season tickets for the 2025 season of West Seattle Junction FC and West Seattle Rhodies FC are now available for purchase!

For just $100-$150 per season ticket ($20.00 discount on 4 or more), you can secure your spot to cheer on our own talented semi-pro men’s and women’s teams as they take the field in the 2025 upcoming season at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex and compete against regional teams like Ballard FC, Tacoma Stars, Big Foot FC, and Lane Co FC.. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather your friends and family for an unforgettable soccer experience May – July.

This will be the second season for Junction FC, first for Rhodies FC.

P.S. Both teams are about to have free, open tryouts in West Seattle – Junction FC today and tomorrow, Rhodies FC January 4-5.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 15 notes!
December 28, 2024 6:07 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(How rainy has it been? Slime mold made a slicker for this frog sculpture in Judy’s yard)

Quieter than the usual Saturday, but still some possibilities, mostly from the WSB 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.

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 (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.

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.

MUSEUM POP-UP: You can experience a taste of the Burke Museum today during a drop-in pop-up at the South Park Library (8604 8th Ave. S.), 11 am-4 pm.

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle history is usually open Saturdays, but not today.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle (get your New Year’s wine!) – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

ASTRA LUMINA: The illuminated walk at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge continues. 5 pm and later entry times; ticket cost varies. (6000 16th SW)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: West End Girls Drag Extravaganza: Goodbye 2024 Holiday Show, hosted by Cookie Couture, doors 7, show 8, tickets here by noon or at the door for more. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Shonuph. (4547 California SW)

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 10 pm start time for Saturday singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – same place to send your Holiday Guide listings – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE HOLIDAY GUIDE: Anything more to add to our NYE/NYD list?
December 27, 2024 11:58 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE HOLIDAY GUIDE: Anything more to add to our NYE/NYD list?
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(2021 reader photo by Claire)

On Tuesday night, some will stay home with a bottle of bubbly (inflatable or otherwise) to say goodbye to 2024. Others will head out. And if that’s your plan, all the better if you can celebrate right here on the peninsula. So we want to be sure our Holiday Guide‘s New Year’s list has all the options. If you know of something we’re missing – bar party? live music? late dinner with a midnight toast? organized run? or? – please send the info so we can add it to the list ASAP! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you.

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FOLLOWUP: Interested in becoming a state legislator?
December 27, 2024 8:41 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

checkbox.jpgAs we reported Thursday, 34th District State Senator Joe Nguyen of West Seattle will be leaving his seat to lead the state Commerce Department. That means at least one legislative vacancy in our area, possibly two since – as also noted in our Thursday story – State House Rep. Emily Alvarado told WSB she’s interested in the State Senate seat. The 34th District Democrats have the first task in the process of filling the seat(s) – choosing candidates to be considered. If you’re interested in the State Senate vacancy or potential State House vacancy, 34th chair Graham Murphy says you’re invited to fill out and send this form to “formally express your intent to be considered for nomination.” (Not mandatory, though.) This process will move fast; Murphy says the 34th DDs are already planning an online candidate forum next weekend, 10 am on Sunday, January 5.

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UPDATE: Crash on eastbound West Seattle Bridge
December 27, 2024 7:36 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:36 PM: The eastbound West Seattle Bridge is moving slowly right now by the exit for Highway 99 because two lanes are blocked by the response for what’s reported to be a one-vehicle crash. If you have to head that way, an alternate route is recommended, or wait a while until it’s cleared.

8:13 PM: Police have just told dispatch that “the bridge is back open.” We’re asking SFD about injuries.

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WEST SEATTLE GIVING SPIRIT: ‘Find joy, build empathy … make magic’ with ArtsWest, celebrating its first quarter-century
December 27, 2024 5:29 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle Giving Spirit | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Another one-of-a-kind local nonprofit is in our spotlight tonight so you can demonstrate the West Seattle Giving Spirit: ArtsWest. We’ve been bringing you this special holiday-season opportunity to learn about, and support, some of our area’s nonprofits, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation, and tonight, West Seattle’s playhouse and gallery tells you its own story:

ArtsWest is a nonprofit theater located in West Seattle’s Alaska Junction. This season we proudly celebrate our 25th anniversary! Since opening our doors in 1999, we have been producing live theater experiences that celebrate our shared humanity, invite us to ask questions of one another, and imagine a better future together. We firmly believe that theater is for everyone, and by joining us you are automatically a member of our community.

We are the only professional theater between Seattle and Federal Way. We program and produce five thoughtfully crafted and innovative productions per season that invite audiences to explore the human experience with us. When we present beautifully specific stories like Sanaz Toossi’s ‘English’ or John Cameron Mitchell’s ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch,’ we explore universal questions we all have like “Who am I?” and “Where do I belong?”

Last season at ArtsWest we…
– Provided our community with over $22,000 in free and reduced tickets
– Employed over 70 local artists
– Increased our audience by 43% and welcomed 2,000 new audience members

At its best, live theater helps us find joy, build empathy, and in Joseph Campbell’s words, have an experience of being alive. That kind of magic can transcend what happens on stage and impact each of us for a lifetime.

It’s no secret that arts organizations across Seattle and the nation are struggling. Live theater is an expensive business and less than 35% of our revenue comes from ticket sales.

A donation to ArtsWest, no matter the size, makes a tremendous impact. The magic we make in the theater is only possible with support from artists, crew, staff, and most importantly you!

DONATE
VOLUNTEER
LEARN MORE

We have one more West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlight for you on Monday. Learn about all the nonprofits we’ve already featured by scrolling through this archive!

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FOLLOWUP: The Christmas People say thanks for all those cookies!
December 27, 2024 3:10 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(Added: Some of the cookies Andrea & kids baked)

Earlier this season, we shared The Christmas People‘s request for homemade cookies to distribute at Christmastime – and many bakers stepped up again this year! We received this report with words of gratitude to share with you:

Through the tremendous generosity of West Seattle residents, The Christmas People collected more than 8,000 home-baked cookies during Christmas week. The cookies were put up in assortments of 120 per box and distributed to 15 shelters, centers, tiny-house settlements, and tent encampments.

(Photo courtesy The Christmas People>

We also provided 1900+ meals and 1000 lbs. of bulk provisions. Thank you to Ross at (cookie dropoff spot) West Seattle Coworking and all volunteers who helped us, help others.

Fred Hutchinson, co-founder and president

P.S. If anybody who baked cookies has a photo to share (of your cookies, your baking day/s, anything relevant), please send – westseattleblog@gmail.com – we’d love to add to the story and have it for our archives (and promotional use next year)!

ADDED: Kim sent this baking pic:

And Bonnie showed us her finished cookies:

Thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Incidents at Harbor Ave. and 35th/Avalon 7-11s, Triangle mini-mart
December 27, 2024 1:18 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Just before going off watch around 3 am, we heard a flurry of possible robbery calls. The police-radio traffic about them ebbed, so we asked for report narratives. SPD says two resulted in reports:

HARBOR AVE 7-11 ROBBERY: This was reported as “three young males” running into the store “yelling ‘This is a robbery’.” The clerk said they demanded that he open the register; no weapons were seen or implied, “but they were aggressive, and he felt fear,” the officer wrote in their report. Two started taking money while the third collected tobacco products; all three subsequently grabbed food items too. The report says security video reviewed by police showed two were dressed in all black, the third in a hoodie with blue jeans. They apparently waited “for the newspaper run to be delivered” and took the opportunity to run into the store just as the clerk was about to lock the door.

35TH/AVALON 7-11 THEFT: SPD said this did not result in a full report but the dispatch was for a report of theft from the 35th/Avalon 7-11 while the clerk had taken refuge in a locked area in the back.

FAUNTLEROY SHELL ROBBERY ATTEMPT: Police were called to the station/mini-mart in the 4500 block of Fauntleroy Way SW. The clerk said that less than 15 minutes earlier, a black four-door sedan pulled up and someone described as “male, in black clothing, black ski mask, approximately 5’8″” got out and tried to enter the mini-mart – but the clerk had already locked the door, which the person then tried, and failed, to force open. The clerk said he saw “another male in black clothing waiting next to the vehicle.” Both then got into the car and left. Police found more than 20 “tobacco products” outside the mini-mart door that might have been loot from one or both earlier incidents.

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South of the West Seattle Bridge, Ash Grove Cement now offering community tours
December 27, 2024 11:38 am
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Ash Grove Cement)

The industrial facilities on the Duwamish River often evoke a great amount of curiosity, and sometimes concern. Unless you work at one, they tend to be a mystery. One plant is offering to lift the veil a bit; we heard from plant manager Andy at Ash Grove Cement, just on the other side of the river and south of the West Seattle Bridge, asking if we could let you know they’re offering community tours starting next month:

When: Thursday afternoons from 1-2 pm. Starting January 2025.
Who: Anyone (above the age of 12) who is interested in learning more about what Ash Grove Cement does. Anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. We can accept up to 15 people per tour.
What: Depending on age, a full tour of the plant, including brief presentation on the cement-making process.
Why: Ash Grove Cement is the only cement plant in Washington state that takes the raw materials to produce cement. There has been a cement plant n the location for almost 100 years and the company would like to spend time with the community to allow them to see what we do firsthand.
How to RSVP: Reply to Allen Block, Environmental Manager, at allen.block@ashgrove.com. We’d like around 1 week’s notice.

Like other industrial facilities in the area, Ash Grove (3801 East Marginal Way S.) is regulated by a variety of agencies. One of them, Puget Sound Clean Air, has just extended the public-comment period for a requested change in how Ash Grove operates, involving the burning of tires as part of its kiln fuel (an industry alternative to fossil fuels) – you can read about it here.

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The list for your West Seattle Friday
December 27, 2024 9:54 am
|    Comments Off on The list for your West Seattle Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Another quiet list for today/tonight, in the stretch between holidays, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round West Seattle Event Calendar:

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Closed today and tomorrow (otherwise open Fridays/Saturdays).

SSC GARDEN CENTER & NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Both also closed until January.

QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: 12:15 pm-12:45 pm Fridays. More info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

AFTER-SCHOOL MAGIC: School’s out but this longrunning event is still on 4-6 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW).

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT OUNCES: Nightly after dusk till close (closing times vary; see Ounces hours here):

This Holiday Season, experience the magic of the Holidays every night at Ounces with Holiday Lights, Christmas Music, a 20 ft Santa, Festive Inflatables & Decor, Holiday Beer & Cider on Tap, FREE Candy Canes and more festive fun for all! Stop in any Tuesday-Sunday from dusk till close to experience the holiday magic!

(3809 Delridge Way SW, through January 5)

VISCON CELLARS: Season’s just right for the ambience of this tasting room/wine bar, back open tonight for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

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, timed entries start at 5 pm. Tickets and info hereLIVE AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: At C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Art Frankel, Gordon Assadi on violin, and Tim Moran on mandolin, 7-9 pm. No cover, all ages.

AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

THE SKYLARK: Closed tonight but back open tomorrow for this month’s West End Girls show.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Topspin tonight! (4547 California SW)

Are we missing anything? If you have something else to add to our event lists, calendar, and/or (last call for New Year’s Eve/Day!) Holiday Guide, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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UPDATE: SFD, SPD response for stabbing in 3200 block Avalon Way
December 27, 2024 8:32 am
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: SFD, SPD response for stabbing in 3200 block Avalon Way
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

8:32 AM: SFD is sending a “scenes of violence” response, with police accompanying, to the 3200 block of SW Avalon Way for a call described as a “man with a stab wound to the arm.”

8:36 AM: They’re looking for a suspect described as a white woman in her 50s, 5’2″, wearing a beige beanie and black sweater.

8:43 AM: This happened in an apartment that officers are now approaching, they’ve told dispatch.

8:50 AM: No word yet on the status of the reported victim.

8:59 AM: Police just told dispatch the victim is declining SFD medical attention, so they’re canceling the responders who’ve been standing by.

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Last Friday of 2024
December 27, 2024 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Last Friday of 2024
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, December 27th.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

No weather alerts today. Periods of rain are in the forecast, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:57 am (the latest sunrise of the season) and 4:24 pm.

TRANSIT, INCLUDING HOLIDAY-SCHEDULE PREVIEW

Water Taxi –  Regular service today.

Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes. Note that the winter sailing schedule starts this Sunday (December 29).

Metro buses today – Regular schedule today.

3 ROAD-WORK UPDATES

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project has paused work this week; next Tuesday (December 31), the traffic flow is scheduled to shift again.

*The strengthened Delridge pedestrian bridge is open again.

*Beach Drive gas-pipeline work continues into January, PSE tells us – here’s our update.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

See trouble 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!

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VIDEO: Biggest success? Biggest regret? Plus, SDOT’s change, and the barrier and turf controversies. We talk with District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka as his first year concludes
December 26, 2024 10:37 pm
|      93 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The Seattle City Council is off for holiday break. But some councilmembers are sending out their “year in review” newsletters. You’ll probably get one from District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, as he concludes his first year in office.

But we didn’t wait for that to talk with him about Year 1 and some big issues, including the impending change at the top for SDOT, and two of his most-touted budget measures. We sat down with Councilmember Saka for a 37-minute video-recorded interview last week at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. Here it is, unedited:

If you don’t have time to watch, here’s the summary of our Q&A:

Read More

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BIZNOTE: Alki restaurant/bar Driftwood about to mark a milestone
December 26, 2024 7:52 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

The Alki business district has undergone a lot of change lately – one grand opening, two closures in the span of one week – but today we have news of a celebration. Driftwood proprietors Jackie Mallahan and Dan Mallahan are about to celebrate their venue’s second anniversary, with three days of special events, followed by a four-week shutdown for maintenance. Here’s the announcement they asked us to share with you:

January 5th, 2025 will be Driftwood’s 2nd anniversary. We would not have been here without your support and are grateful to have you alongside our journey.

To celebrate, we are having some special events, and have just released tickets for them!

Meet the chefs on Friday and Saturday 1/3 and 1/4 with an Anniversary Tasting Menu
• Both days will have a 5 pm seating and a 7:45 pm seating. You’ll enjoy a 5-course tasting menu with optional beverage pairings. We will showcase some of our favorite dishes as well as some specialty products and exclusive ingredients from our wonderful farm partners in the area.
• There will also be opportunities to hear from the chefs about the dishes themselves and what inspired their creation. An event not to be missed!

You’ll enjoy a tasting menu that includes
• 4 savory courses
• 1 dessert course
• Additional Wine / Cocktail pairings available for purchase

On 1/5 (our actual anniversary date), from 4 pm-8 pm, we’ll host an open house-style reception with bubbles, passed apps, coffee, music, live-fire grilling, and lots and lots of shellfish. This style of event is meant to be casual, community-focused, and fun. Looking forward to seeing all of our supporters whom we love so dearly. Food is included in the ticket price. Beverages can be purchased throughout the night.

We look forward to celebrating Driftwood’s birthday with you soon. Warmest wishes for the Holidays.

Holiday hours:
Closed our normal Tuesdays and Wednesdays (12/31, 1/1) as well as 1/2 to prepare for our Anniversary events.

Driftwood will be closed 1/6-1/31 for round 4 of repairing our floors. Excited to welcome everyone back on February 1st! Reservations are available 30 days in advance.

Driftwood is at 2722 Alki SW; find ticket links for the events mentioned above from this page.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Arbor Heights community mailbox ‘trashed’
December 26, 2024 5:47 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | Crime | West Seattle news

5:47 PM: We photographed that mailbox on 40th between 102nd and 104th in Arbor Heights after a call from a reader who reported it “trashed.” He said it happened sometime in the past 48 hours, as he’d obtained mail from the box on Christmas Eve. He said he’s reported it to postal authorities and that anyone who regularly receives mail there will instead have to go to the Westwood Village post office, where it’ll be held until it’s deliverable again.

ADDED 10:50 PM: A nearby resident just sent this pic taken a few hours earlier than ours, and noted it appears the box was partly burned:

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UPDATE: New job for State Senator Joe Nguyễn of West Seattle: State Commerce Director; Rep. Emily Alvarado seeking to succeed him in Senate
December 26, 2024 3:17 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

3:17 PM: Midway through his second term as state senator for the 34th District, which includes West Seattle, Sen. Joe Nguyễn is leaving for a new job. Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson has just appointed him as director of the state Commerce Department. From the announcement:

… Commerce oversees vital programs on economic and community development, covering issues like clean energy and housing. 

“Senator Nguyễn brings experienced leadership and a strong record on fighting to improve the lives of Washingtonians to this critical agency,” said Governor-elect Ferguson. “I know he will help ensure state government works better for the people.” 

Joe Nguyễn represents Washington’s 34th Legislative District in the State Senate, where he has earned a reputation as a steadfast advocate for equity, economic justice, and community empowerment. As the son of Vietnamese refugees, Nguyễn’s lived experiences have fueled his commitment to creating opportunities for underserved communities and breaking down systemic barriers. 

Since first being elected in 2018, Nguyễn has been a champion for policies that uplift working families and marginalized groups. He has led efforts to expand the Working Families Tax Credit, strengthen Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and secure funding for affordable housing and clean energy innovation. Nguyễn’s work reflects his belief that the government should be a force for good, delivering tangible outcomes that improve lives and build stronger communities. 

In addition to his legislative achievements, Nguyễn’s professional background in technology and community development informs his forward-thinking approach to problem-solving. He is passionate about bridging the gap between innovative solutions and real-world impacts, particularly for those who have been historically left out of the political process. 

Nguyễn is a dedicated husband and father of three, drawing inspiration from his family to fight for a Washington that is equitable, sustainable, and prosperous for all. Whether addressing housing affordability, renewable energy, or workforce development, his focus remains on creating a future where every Washingtonian has the tools to thrive.

The announcement says Sen. Nguyễn starts the new job January 15, 2025. We have a request out to him for comment, and also a request out to the 34th District Democrats, who have a key role at the start of the process of finding a successor. The current Commerce director, Mike Fong, is moving to Snohomish County government, where he’d worked before.

5:40 PM: 34th District Democrats chair Graham Murphy gave us a short summary of the process for filling the forthcoming vacancy: “The process is led by King County Democrats, but 34th PCOs select the candidates to fill current and conditional vacancies. The King County Council decides what candidate from the three will fill the vacancy. Our friends in the 33rd LD just went through a similar process. Ultimately, we cannot kick off the process until Senator Nguyễn sends me an email notifying me of his intention to vacate with a date. Recently, this process has taken about 30 days to complete.” (More details on the process are in this document.)

ADDED 7:06 PM: At least one candidate is already seeking the Senate seat that’ll be vacated: 34th District Rep. Emily Alvarado, now in her second term. We talked with her briefly by phone tonight; she says she’s already focused on the signature issues such as housing, schools, and child care, and ready to dive into the budget battle facing the Legislature this year.

ADDED EARLY FRIDAY: Here’s what Sen. Nguyễn told us about the new job: “I’m excited about the opportunity to serve in the Ferguson Administration. Governor Ferguson is a leader who doesn’t shy away from taking on tough challenges and getting things done, which is exactly what Washington state needs. Commerce is often the first point of contact for many Washingtonians with state government, and I hope to approach this role with humility and a deep commitment to serving every community across our state.”

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UPDATE: Brief eastbound shutdown for Fauntleroy entrance to West Seattle Bridge
December 26, 2024 2:33 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

2:33 PM: If you’re headed toward the eastbound bridge’s Fauntleroy entrance – hold off a bit. It’s temporarily closed for yet another barrier reset.

2:38 PM: It was a very quick shutdown – they actually allowed drivers to entry but stopped them by the curve – and now (verified by live camera) it’s over.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Early-morning gunfire
December 26, 2024 12:40 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Early-morning gunfire
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Police confirmed gunfire in Upper Morgan after a report around 3:30 am today. We just received the narrative after requesting it. The call came from a resident in the 6300 block of 36th SW who told 911 they heard two shots, then saw a vehicle speeding away. A responding officer found one shell casing in the street. The person who had reported the gunfire said the vehicle was a “dark-colored sedan” but didn’t have any other information. No injuries or property damage reported. If you have any information about the incident, the police report # is 24-361497.

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