‘Stand Together Seattle’ and 4 other actions announced by Mayor Wilson to address ‘increased federal immigration-enforcement activity’

| Safety | West Seattle news

Last night, we reported on Seattle Public Schools updating policies regarding immigration enforcement. Today, we’re hearing the City of Seattle is doing – here’s what the mayor’s office sent:

Mayor Katie B. Wilson today announced an initial set of actions to protect city residents in the face of increased federal immigration enforcement activity. While the City currently has no information indicating a surge of ICE and CBP activity, there has been increased activity over the last year, and appropriate preparation is critical given the unpredictable, chaotic, and violent behavior of the federal government. Successfully protecting our community from federal agents will require bold leadership by elected officials, close coordination between different government bodies, and extensive community organizing.

“Whoever you are, and wherever you come from: if Seattle is your home, then this is your city,” said Mayor Katie B. Wilson. “And it’s our responsibility as city leaders to move quickly and get organized so we can keep people safe. That is why I am taking immediate steps today to bar federal agents from using city property for federal civil immigration enforcement activity, update SPD protocols, and support trusted community partners to aid the community response, which is our most powerful tool.”

“I understand the concern and anxiety in the community, and I want to make sure everyone knows that the police are here to keep you safe, regardless of your immigration status,” said Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes. “The City of Seattle is a welcoming city, and my officers will continue to abide by all laws and regulations that prohibit our participation in immigration enforcement. While we have no authority over federal agents or federal policies, we will document incidents if and when notified. The Seattle Police Department’s primary responsibility is the life safety of ALL people.”

Seattle’s response starts with the necessary, basic, and important work of city government. The City will promptly provide all employees updated training on the appropriate way to report and respond to enforcement activity in the current environment. All departments are directed to conduct a privacy review aimed at limiting potential data exposure, including by reviewing data sharing agreements in vendor contracts. Clear signage will be posted designating private spaces on city properties. And we will ensure coordination with other local, regional, and state bodies to ensure the most effective possible response in a potential emergency situation.

In addition, the mayor will take several concrete steps to clarify the role of local law enforcement, provide direct support to immigrant rights organizations, aid community organizing efforts, and forbid ICE from making use of city-owned property. Specifically, the mayor will:

*Require the Seattle Police Department to investigate, verify, and document any reports of immigration enforcement activity. If dispatched to a location where apparent immigration enforcement activity is underway, officers will document the activity with in-car and body-worn video, validate the status of apparent federal law enforcement agents through official identification, and secure scenes of potentially unlawful acts to gather evidence for transmittal to prosecutors.

*Mandate close cooperation between city departments and community organizations to ensure everyone has the latest and most accurate information about federal enforcement activities. In particular, this information will be shared with a hotline operated by our trusted community-led organizational partner where concerned community members can be connected to support, resources, and information in response to immigration enforcement activity.

*Issue an executive order immediately prohibiting civil federal immigration authorities from using property that is both City-owned and City controlled for civil immigration enforcement activities, including City parks, parking lots, plazas, vacant lots, storage facilities, garages, and the Seattle Center. The mayor urges the Seattle School District, Seattle Municipal Court, and other local government bodies to take similar action.

*Establish the Stand Together Seattle Initiative, which invites private property owners to post notice clarifying that their property may not be accessed by federal agents without a warrant.

*Quickly invest $4 million in city funds to organizations engaged in immigrant legal defense, community support, and the long-term needs of immigrant communities. This money was appropriated by City Council late last year, and we are working to quickly invest the funds. …

The news release concludes with quotes from the mayor, City Attorney Erika Evans, and Public Safety Committee chair Councilmember Bob Kettle; you can read them all here. Meantime, other city councilmembers sent their own news releases saying they support what the mayor is doing, including District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, whose statement is here.

UPDATE: Here’s what we know about West Seattle participation Friday in support of ‘national shutdown’ – closures, donations, more

January 29, 2026 3:46 pm

| 49 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

3:46 PM: Thanks for the tips about the call for a “national shutdown” on Friday (January 30). Organizers say it’s a call to “stop ICE’s reign of terror” and suggest “No work. No school. No Shopping,” according to nationalshutdown.org, a website for information about the event and its endorsers. According to that website, more than 1,000 organizations in 46 states, including Washington, will be participating. We haven’t heard of any West Seattle gatherings so far, but as of now, at least two West Seattle businesses have announced they’ll be closed on Friday in support of the shutdown, Pegasus Book Exchange and Meeples Games. Any others? We’re still looking around – please let us know and we’ll add.

6:12 PM: Some businesses aren’t closing but are donating part of their proceeds – for example, Easy Street Records, as proprietor Matt Vaughan explained in this comment below. There’s also a regional restaurant fundraiser; we’re trying to get specifics from the local restaurants listed as participating. And we’ve learned of one school that will close tomorrow, Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor).

8:05 PM: West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW) in North Admiral emailed to say they “will be donating 10% of all sales tomorrow in support of the National Shutdown to the West Seattle Food Bank for all the work they do supporting our most vulnerable population.”

8:25 PM: Per a notice forwarded to us, the Fauntleroy Children’s Center is closing for the day, and the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse will be closed to “public access, walkthroughs, tours.” The notice also says that the individual businesses located at the schoolhouse can choose to stay open and allow client access with their unique door codes.

9:05 PM: From Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) proprietor Frank Gross, “Friday, January 30th, Thunder Road Guitars will be open. In support of immigrant rights, we will be donating a portion of our entire weekend sales to Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, a local organization providing critical legal services and advocacy for immigrants in our community.” … In The Junction, Maari Falsetto of Inner Alchemy says:

Inner Alchemy will be open tomorrow not for sales, but for community support along with the national shut down movement. We will be open from 12-4 pm and we will be offering:

A 12-minute multi-sensory meditation on the hour (12, 1, 2 and 3 pm).
Sound healing.
Support.
Whatever arises.

10:27 PM: Realfine Coffee locations (2 are in West Seattle) is donating 10 percent on Friday to NW Immigrant Rights Project … Also happening tomorrow and this weekend is a citywide fundraiser by donating part of proceeds, or proceeds from certain menu items, to help Minnesotans. Three West Seattle venues are listed as participating. Driftwood on Alki is donating rockfish sales on Friday to the fundraiser, which was organized by Spice Waala; Admiral bar The Nook is donating 10% of tomorrow’s proceeds to Hennepin Health, a mobile health-care provider based in Minneapolis; Il Nido on Alki is also listed as a participant but we’re still waiting to hear back from them on exactly what they’re doing and when.

ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: Bakery Nouveau says it’s donating 15 percent of its proceeds from all shops, including West Seattle, today, to KIND (Kids in Need of Defense) and NW Immigrant Rights Project.

ADDED FRIDAY MIDDAY: In addition to the school closure mentioned above, we’re getting word of some student walkouts at other schools planned around 1 pm today – so far we’ve heard of Denny IMS and Louisa Boren STEM K-8. … Meantime, thanks for the tips about two more businesses staying open but donating part of their proceeds to immigration-related organizations today, Beveridge Place Pub and Walter’s/Upwell.

ADDED EARLY FRIDAY AFTERNOON: We also got multiple tips that Madison MS admins had sent families word of a student walkout planned there, so we sent a photographer over; he confirmed it, but it was scattered … Meantime, two more businesses open but contributing to immigrant-related causes – The Good Society explains its plan here, and West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor) is donating part of its weekend proceeds to NW Immigrant Rights Project.

1:30 PM FRIDAY: We’ve been to three school walkouts – Madison, Louisa Boren STEM, Denny – photos to come. Meantime, another West Seattle business open but donating: Darby Winery says it’s giving 10 percent of today’s proceeds to NWIRP.

ADDED FRIDAY EVENING: We now have details from Il Nido on how they’re participating in the citywide restaurant fundraiser for Minneapolis:

Il Nido will be serving Pinche La Migre as our cocktail for Seattle to Minneapolis With Love. The proceeds (along w/ steak sales tonight) will be going to a restaurant in Minneapolis in support of their protest shutdown.

Pinche La Migre
Mezcal
Cinnamon
(im)Peach
Lime
Habanero
No Ice, serviced up

SNEAK PEEK: See inside renovated Kenyon Hall, hours before reopening

January 29, 2026 2:39 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Later today, a brand-new sign will go up at 7904 35th SW, declaring the historic building to be Kenyon Hall: Community Center for the Arts.

What was originally the Olympic Heights Social Hall has been closed since midsummer but not empty – it’s been a hive of renovation work, and some of it is continuing up to the last minute before the first of four reopening events, an Industry Mixer 6-8 pm tonight.

Kenyon Hall’s Murphy Janssen let us visit for a quick preview this morning. Most of the renovation work isn’t something that you’d notice immediately upon entry unless you are familiar with Kenyon Hall in intimate detail – the newly sanded and refinished floor, for example, is the original maple flooring, only, Murphy says, but it’s now “danceable” – no more concern that your foot might catch a splinter or snag. Here’s a section of unrefinished floor contrated with the new, lighter look:

There’s a new stage, too, enabling shows with larger bands, for example. What you won’t see – but has increased peace of mind among the hall’s nonprofit operators, is the electrical upgrade, from panel to wiring. And as for the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ – it will continue to be a centerpiece:

If you look closely, you’ll see HVAC equipment to keep temperature and humidity under control for the sake of the organ’s longevity:

And when you return to Kenyon Hall, don’t forget to check out the restroom, even if you don’t need to:

It’s been converted into an all-gender restroom with an ADA-compliant stall, in an upgrade that has been long planned.

A few touches will remain to be completed even after this reopening weekend, like new blown-glass sconces on the walls (which now sport a brighter shade of paint).

Though the Kenyon Hall crew had hoped to reopen sooner, the extensive work that’s been done gives the 110-year-od building a better chance of lasting another century. Meantime, if you visit this weekend, look for the “history wall” where they plan to display some of the memorabilia they uncovered during these months of work! “It’s been a trip to go through all this,” Murphy marvels.

REOPENING WEEKEND EVENTS: Tonight (Thursday), 6-8 pm, Industry Mixer; Friday (January 30), 6-10 pm, Open Mic; Saturday (January 31), 7 pm, Cartoon Mess Live!; Sunday (February 1), 2-4 pm, Root Beer Social (open house). For events beyond that, see the Kenyon Hall calendar.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: I Luv Teriyaki sets tentative reopening plan, 3 years after fire

January 29, 2026 12:47 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

(At left, burned-out original restaurant in March 2023 traffic-cam image)

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Teriyaki fans who have been eyeing the corner of S. Michigan and 4th Ave S for the last several years for signs of reopening won’t have to wait much longer. I Luv Teriyaki (6500 4th Ave S), whose original building was destroyed in a fire in March of 2023, is planning to reopen by the end of February. (Though the restaurant’s just outside West Seattle, it has enough of a fan base here that we get periodic reader questions about its status, so we’ve been following its progress.)

We reached Eva Lo, who owns the business with her husband Dong, the day after a city inspection that allows them to start moving in equipment and training employees in the space. In the coming weeks, she says they will be hiring staff and getting ready to open while they take care of the finishing touches on the building. “We have a few things left.” The new 2050-sf building, on a prominent SODO/Georgetown corner, has looked mostly done for many months, so speculation about an opening date has been growing.

The fire in 2023 started overnight in the kitchen and caused extensive damage, which was followed within days by theft and vandalism that the Los detailed on their social media pages. But they were not deterred, and pushed ahead with plans to rebuild the restaurant. It took more than a year after the fire for permits to be issued, and then another year and a half to build and get to the last of the required inspections.

The extended time it took to rebuild means their former staff are now working elsewhere, but Lo said they will reach out to them to see if they’d like to rejoin the business. She said they plan to start with a soft open and then have a grand reopening celebration. She said details about the menu and open hours should be available soon.

UPDATE: Collision at Fauntleroy/Raymond

January 29, 2026 10:51 am

| 19 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:51 AM: Police are reported to be blocking northbound traffic on Fauntleroy at Raymond after what was reported as a driver hitting a pedestrian. The pedestrian is reported to be a woman who is “alert and conscious” but with “bruises to the head,” and the driver is being questioned. No other details yet; avoid the area.

11:51 AM: Scene was clear when we went through around 11:30. Followup info to come.

3:23 PM: SFD tells us the pedestrian is a 74-year-old woman who was in stable condition when taken to a hospital by AMR ambulance.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Coffee-shop break-in

January 29, 2026 10:44 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Unwind Café, the coffee shop across Harbor Avenue from Seacrest, has been hit by burglar(s), owner Vanessa tells WSB:

My store has been broken into [overnight]. They somehow took the locks out without drilling and stole my Marshall speaker and my online ordering tablets. Just thought I’d share so you can let the community know.

We’ll add the police-report number when we get one. (UPDATE: The temporary number is T0005166.)

Books, music, games, walking, running, more for your West Seattle Thursday!

January 29, 2026 9:54 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Seen at Lincoln Park – photo by Janelle Otterholt)

Here’s our list for the hours ahead, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks again to everyone who sends events for us to share!):

FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace two mornings a week, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)

SCHOOL TOURS TODAY/TONIGHT: Prospective parents/guardians can visit West Seattle Elementary (6760 34th SW), 10 am or 5:30 pm today.

GATHERING AT THE VOID: Get out of the home office for a few hours! “Work, Game, Craft, or Chat! At The Void” hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon Thursdays. (5048 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY RUN/WALK: New free, fun gathering, 10 am, starting from Lincoln Park parking lot #2. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Whether you’re planting or planning, explore the possibilities – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

TODDLER STORY TIME IN WESTWOOD: Southwest Library story time (9010 35th SW), 10:30 am.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: West Seattle Library story time (2306 42nd SW), 10:30 am.

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!)

DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is on today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events at HPCS – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Crispy’s Food Truck (from the DubSea Fish Sticks).

WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)

VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle!

KENYON HALL’S FIRST REOPENING EVENT: 6-8 pm Industry Mixer, first event after the historic hall‘s months-long renovation closure:

We want to meet our fellow musicians, neighborhood artists, and local arts nonprofits. Make new friends, rub elbows, or learn how we can collab.

Music and mocktails! (7904 35th SW)

POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 6, show 7 for Sleepy Haunts’ single release, with Stephanie Strange, Boy Heroine at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), $10 at the door, all ages.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: If you’d rather walk, meet up tonight with “Walking for Well-Being”! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle (updated location) for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.

ONLINE INFO SESSION FOR COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOLS: 7 pm online, your chance to find out about and ask questions about West Seattle’s cooperative preschools. Our calendar listing explains how to get the link to watch/participate.

MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: “Blazing Eye Sees All” is this month’s book, 7 pm at Revelry Room/Jet City Labs (4547 California SW).

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: New West Seattle trivia night! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).

DJ NIGHT: Spinning happens tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Mikey Oh at 8 pm.

Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Memorial service Saturday for Robert G. Butzerin, 1964-2026

January 29, 2026 9:05 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather Saturday to remember Bob Butzerin, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:

Robert George Butzerin
January 30, 1964 — January 18, 2026

Robert Butzerin, lovingly referred to as “Bob” was born on January 30, 1964, in Seattle to Kathryn and Marcus “Joe” Butzerin. He lived a life defined by service, devotion, and quiet integrity.

Bob proudly served his country as a medic in the United States Army, a veteran of Operation Desert Storm (1990–1991) and later service in Iraq. He retired from the Army Reserves in 2005 with the rank of Captain. His military career reflected his deep commitment to caring for others and leading with compassion.

In 1990, Bob married the love of his life, Jodi, beginning a partnership grounded in love, loyalty, and shared purpose. Together, they built a family that was the greatest source of his pride.

Bob dedicated his professional life to nursing. He began his career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, attending school in the evenings to earn his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Washington. In 1992, he joined Providence Mount St. Vincent as a staff nurse. Over the years, he served as Nurse Training Coordinator and later as Nurse Manager of the 3rd Floor, a role he held until his retirement in 2024. Bob was widely respected for his steady leadership, patience, and genuine care for both residents and staff.

Bob was a devoted father, a constant and loving presence in his children’s lives. He took his oldest daughter, Kayla, everywhere he went, cherishing their time together. In 2011, he became deeply involved in the Boy Scouts alongside his son, Kyle. A few years later, Bob proudly served as Scoutmaster of Troop 342, a role that brought him great fulfillment and allowed him to mentor countless young people. He loved the outdoors — especially camping and fishing — and found peace and joy in nature.

Bob was an honorable man who lived a life he was proud of. He often said he was called to a life of humble service, and he truly honored that calling. Bob was an active member of the Knights of Columbus 7528 chapter for many years. He served as a former Grand Knight, member of the honor guard, volunteer at Nativity House, and head of security for Mass at Saint Vincent’s.

Through his involvement with countless individuals and groups, Bob left behind many stories of kindness—moments where he went out of his way to help, support, or simply listen.

Above all else, Bob was most proud of his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jodi; his children, Kayla (Grant) and Kyle (Hannah); and his siblings, JoAnne, Teresa, Mary, his twin brother Peter, and Carla. Bob leaves behind a lasting legacy of compassion, patience, kindness, and selfless service — one that will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.

Visitation, Rosary, & Funeral Mass
Saturday, January 31, 2026
11:00 am – Funeral Mass Begins at 12 pm
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
30525 8th Avenue South, Federal Way

Please sign the guestbook, share memories and photos of Bob at emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/Robert-Butzerin or forevermissed.com/robert-george-butzerin

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Rainy Thursday

January 29, 2026 6:00 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:05 AM: Traffic is currently stopped on SW Barton east of 40th SW while police investigate a car with plates that their automated reader flagged as possibly stolen.

Earlier:

6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, January 29, 2026.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

Today’s forecast is rainy, breezy, high in the low 50s. Sunrise at 7:39 am; sunset at 5:06 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular three-boat weekday service on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route; check WSF’s alerts in case of last-minute changes.

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!

West Seattle bike ride planned Saturday in honor of Alex Pretti

January 28, 2026 9:42 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

Alex Pretti, the man shot and killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, is often just described as his professional role, a nurse, but he also was an avid bicycle rider. That’s why, Alki Bike and Board proprietor and community advocate Stu Hennessey tells us, a West Seattle ride is planned for Saturday in his honor:

Bike and Board is organizing a memorial ride for Alex Pretti. As a Surly dealer, we felt a strong connection to Alex, given his passion for the Surly bike community. While we are saddened by this tragedy, we are inspired by his courage and wish to honor his memory.

Here are the details for the ride:

The memorial ride will follow a casual five-mile loop including the Alki Beach Path and the Alki Point Healthy Street. The route is family-friendly, though it does include a mile-long steady grade up Admiral Way from Alki Point. We will maintain a group pace as we ride together in solidarity.

Saturday, January 31st. Meet at Alki Bike and Board at 11:00 am and start the ride at 11:15 am.

Here’s a page for it on the Everyday Rides website. The shop is at 2606 California SW.

FOLLOWUP: Seattle Public Schools updates, clarifies policies on reports of – or actual – ICE activity

January 28, 2026 6:03 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Eight days after rumors of ICE presence led to four Seattle Public Schools campuses (none in West Seattle) going into shelter-in-place mode, the district has a new webpage and policies to address those types of concerns and others surrounding immigration-enforcement operations. They were briefly presented and discussed in the first 50 minutes of tonight’s special meeting of the Seattle School Board (the second part of the meeting, still under way, is a budget update).

First – here’s the slide deck from the presentation/discussion. It includes word of this new page on the district website devoted to the topic. Here are the toplines on dealing with “reports or rumors” of ICE activity near schools:

What if agents actually show up on campus? That was addressed too, with superintendent Fred Podesta noting it’s similar to how they deal with any type of law-enforcement officer turning up:

And finally, a resource page:

District officials say the updated policies and clarifications will be discussed with building leaders this Friday; how they’re rolled out to the rest of school staffs, they said, is up to building leadership. They said the point of the policies is to be simple and easily committed to memory, so no one will have to “run for a three-ring binder” to figure out what action to take.

READER REPORT: Local FIRST robotics team headed into state championship this weekend

January 28, 2026 5:27 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

One of our area’s FIRST Robotics teams has made it into the state championship round! Thanks to Ash for the photo, report, and video:

A LEGO robotics team called Brickrolled, made up of five students in grades 3 through 6 from Westside School, has qualified for the FIRST LEGO League Western Washington State Championship and will be representing West Seattle this Sunday.

At the semifinal tournament held January 25 at Lincoln High School, Brickrolled earned the Championship Award, the top overall award at the event.

The award recognizes teams that perform strongly across robot matches, innovation projects, teamwork, and core values.

The team will compete at the state championship on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The event is open to the public and is one of the highest-level FIRST LEGO League competitions in the region. Winning teams from this tournament go on to represent Washington at the FIRST World Championship in Houston this April.

Event details are below in case you would like to share or attend:

FIRST LEGO League Challenge
Western Washington State Championship
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Amazon Meeting Center
2031 7th Ave, Seattle
Opening ceremony begins at 1:00 PM.
Robot matches and judged presentations follow

The event includes autonomous robot matches using LEGO SPIKE Prime, as well as judged sessions covering robot design, innovation projects, and teamwork.

Looking for West Seattle Junction Association info? Website upgrade!

January 28, 2026 3:28 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle online

The West Seattle Junction Association has been working on a website upgrade for a while, so you can find out more – and more easily – about what’s going on in “Downtown West Seattle.” It’s just launched – same address. wsjunction.org, but otherwise brand new! Here’s how they explain it:

Why We Updated Our Website

The West Seattle Junction Association is a Business Improvement District made up of local merchants and businesses working together to support a vibrant, welcoming Junction.

We updated our website first and foremost for our businesses (ratepayers). Previously, there wasn’t a dedicated place that clearly spoke to their role or highlighted the services and support the BIA provides — something central to our mission.

The update ensures our business community can easily access relevant information and better understand how their investment supports the Junction.

The website refresh also serves community members, offering a fuller picture of everything happening in the Junction. From events and advocacy to beautification and daily operations, the updated site showcases the scope of work that keeps the Junction thriving.

The result is a clearer, more useful resource for everyone—one that makes it easier to find what’s happening in the Junction and better understand the impact of the West Seattle Junction BIA on the neighborhood as a whole.

Please let us know if you have any questions – or feedback. You insights are important to us!

Contact info is at the bottom of the page. The upgraded site was designed by West Seattle’s own WebCami.

P.S. The Junction’s next big event – this Sunday’s first-ever West Seattle Sweet Stroll – is sold out!

FOLLOWUP: Longfellow Creek still lethal to more than half its returning salmon, says the latest survey – but ‘solutions exist’

January 28, 2026 1:30 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Environment | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(October photo of salmon in Longfellow Creek by Manuel Valdes)

Puget Soundkeeper has released its full report on the fall salmon season in Longfellow Creek. It’s been monitoring coho salmon in the eastern West Seattle creek for a decade now, with a focus on gathering data about how urban pollution affects salmon survival. As its announcement explains:

For years, Longfellow Creek has been the epicenter of research studying the effects of 6PPD-quinone – a toxic tire chemical lethal to Coho salmon. Exposure to 6PPD-quinone causes a condition called Urban Runoff Mortality Syndrome (URMS), a disease characterized by symptoms such as disorientation and gasping for air, often killing Coho
within 24 hours. Furthermore, this chemical has been strongly linked to Pre-Spawn Mortality (PSM), where adult salmon die before successfully reproducing. Puget Soundkeeper’s annual Pre-Spawn Mortality Survey analyzes the spawning success of Coho salmon in Longfellow Creek to better understand the impacts of 6PPD-quinone.

Here’s a one-sheet with results of this year’s survey, conducted from October through December. 55.5% of coho in Longfellow Creek died before spawning, and Puget Soundkeeper says that’s consistent with the data it’s been collecting since 2015 – some years up to 90 percent of the fish died before spawning.

So what can be done? Puget Soundkeeper says:

Fortunately, solutions exist. Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) projects, such as raingardens or bioswales, can effectively remove toxins from runoff and prevent harmful chemicals from entering our waters. In addition to GSI projects, policy action is critical. A bill (HB 2421) aimed at removing 6PPD from tires was introduced to the Washington State House and Senate Environment Committees last week. Community members can help move this legislation forward by calling their representatives and voicing their support. [Here’s how]

Puget Soundkeeper will be recruiting the next cohort of salmon surveyors in August; stay tuned to our website for more information. Puget Soundkeeper thanks all volunteers, partners, and donors who make this project possible.

There are also volunteer cleanups during the season; we reported on one back in November.

BIZNOTE: Ku Mana’s serving up Burundian cuisine in West Seattle Triangle

January 28, 2026 11:54 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(Photo courtesy Ku Mana’s)

If you went to the Taste of West Seattle last fall, you might have sampled food by Ku Mana’s. Proprietor/chef Ndikumana Rasheri is now offering her Burundian food three nights a week at Distinguished Foods in the West Seattle Triangle, and asked us to tell you about it. Here’s her story:

I moved to the U.S. with my family when I was eight years old. We came for educational opportunities, but one of the most valuable lessons I learned was in the kitchen. When I was twelve, my older sister taught me how to cook. She used to tell me, “If you don’t learn how to cook, no man will marry you.” I laughed at the time, but looking back, that was the start of my love for cooking.

As I grew older, cooking became much more than just a skill. Cooking became my passion. I don’t cook just because of tradition or expectation, or to get a husband (haha); I cook because it brings me joy. I love experimenting with flavors and creating meals that are both comforting and rich in culture.

Some of my happiest memories are from the kitchen, learning how to make rice, beans, chicken stew, and many traditional Burundian dishes. Food became my way of connecting with my roots and culture , and every meal reminded me of home. … My dream has always been to share Burundian cuisine with the world, to give people a taste of our rich flavors and warm hospitality.

At Ku Mana’s my goal is to create unforgettable meals that celebrate culture and bring people together. We aim to foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation through every meal, creating a space where guests can savor the vibrant floors and warmth of Burundian culture.

You can check out the Ku Mana’s menu here. You can order online and pick up food noon-8 pm Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, at Distinguished Foods, 4611 36th SW.

P.S. If you’re not familiar with where exactly Burundi is – southeast Africa; here’s a map.

Park projects @ HPAC, afternoon author talk, Fix-It Workshop, running, art-making, more for your West Seattle Wednesday

January 28, 2026 9:54 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo from early today by Mike Burns)

Event listings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, have numerous highlights:

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fontanelle.

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)

AUTHOR TALK – FAMILY, MEMORY, WAR: 1 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library:

Seattle author Bill Thorness explores World War II and family history in his new book “All Roads Lead to Rome: Searching for the End of My Father’s War.” In “All Roads Lead to Rome” Bill Thorness considers the value and limits of memory, attitudes toward war, and our society’s inadequate understanding and support of combat veterans.

(2306 42nd SW)

PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, play at the new location of Missing Piece (4707 California SW).

ART WORKSHOP: Drop-in art for kids withRec ‘N The Streets at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 3-4:30 pm

DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), free 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: Repair 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).

POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm, drop in and create at this cozy pottery studio. (3400 Harbor SW)

WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: You’re invited to this 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).

CRIBBAGE NIGHT AT THE EAGLES: Wednesdays at 6 pm are cribbage-tournament nights, all welcome, membership not required. (4426 California SW)

KUNDALINI YOGA – NEW TIME: Now at 6 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Boys’ wrestling with four schools tonight at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle) – at 6 pm, Sealth vs. Lakeside and West Seattle High School vs. Lincoln; at 7:30, Sealth vs. Lincoln and WSHS vs. Lakeside.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN WITH NEW BALANCE DEMOS: Get moving at midweek on the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, regardless of what pace you run at – and try out New Balance shoes if you want to!

ALSO AT WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Free injury screens 6-7 pm with Sound PT.

HPAC’S FIRST 2026 MEETING: The community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge meets at 6:30 pm at Delridge Library, with the agenda including two local Seattle Parks projects, as previewed here. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)

MINISTER’S REPORT ON MINNESOTA: As noted here last night, Rev. Leah Atkinson Bilinski talks tonight at Fauntleroy Church (9130 California SW) about her trip to Minnesota, standing against federal aggression with the community and other clergy members, 7 pm. This also will be streamed, here.

MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

TRIVIA x 5: Five West Seattle trivia venues are 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!

TRAFFIC , WEATHER, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch

January 28, 2026 6:02 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

Our two weeks of rainlessness ended last night; today’s forecast is rainy, high around 50. Sunrise at 7:40 am; sunset at 5:04 pm.

(Tuesday ‘sunset’ photo by Bob Burns)

TRANSIT TODAY

West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular three-boat weekday service has resumed on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route; check WSF’s alerts in case of last-minute changes.

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:

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.

UPDATE: SFD ‘full response’ in Arbor Heights for what turned out to be already-extinguished kitchen fire

January 27, 2026 11:44 pm

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| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

11:44 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” to a reported house fire in the 10000 block of 40th SW. “Smoke and fire coming from the kitchen” per multiple 911 calls, the dispatcher told firefighters. Updates to come.

11:48 PM: First units to arrive aren’t seeing anything yet.

11:50 PM: They’ve discovered it was a “food on the stove” kitchen fire, already out, so most responders are being dismissed.

12:09 AM: The last units on scene are leaving.

Combined RV ‘safe lot,’ tiny-house village proposed for southeast West Seattle site that’s seen encampments before

January 27, 2026 9:58 pm

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| Highland Park | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Mayor Katie Wilson vowed less than two weeks ago to “accelerate the expansion” of shelter capacity to get homeless people off the streets.

We just found a permit filing for a West Seattle site that might contribute space for almost 100 – a site identified more than a decade ago as a potential “transitional encampment” site.

This is state-owned property known as the “WSDOT Glassyard” site in southeast West Seattle, officially 7201 2nd SW [map], and it has a “site plan” on the drawing board for a combination RV safe lot and tiny-house village – up to 72 RVs and. 20 tiny houses. This area has been the site of unsanctioned encampments before, and is adjacent to the original location of the first encampment to draw widespread attention 18 years ago, the original “Nickelsville.”

The filing is very preliminary; it summarizes the proposal as:

WSDOT Glassyard RV Safe Lot

Establish a religious controlled emergency transitional encampment, per the land use code. Site will consist of (20) tiny homes and parking spaces for up to (72) RV’s on existing impervious surface. Construct decks and install buildings accessory to emergency transitional encampment, per plan.

What “religious controlled” means is not explained on the site plan, which bears the name of the secular Low Income Housing Institute, the nonprofit that operates other tiny-house villages, including the first and only one in West Seattle, Camp Second Chance on Myers Way. The site plan also has these notes:

1. All Offices, tiny houses, laundry buildings, check in offices, and family rooms are under 120 square feet in size and are considered wooden tents.
2. Site will be for resident and staff use only. No part of the site will be open to the public at any point during operation.
3. Finish height of the deck will not exceed 18″ at any point.
4. Storage will consist of an 8′ x 20′ metal storage container. Structure will be anchored to the ground.
5. The existing site surface is compact gravel. Land disturbance activities will be under 5000 SF. There will be no added impervious surfaces. There will be no clearing or grading activities.
6. The hygiene trailer, laundry room, and kitchen tent will be connected directly to new water and sewer
branch lines from 2nd Ave SW.

The site plan also carries fire-safety notes including the stipulation that RVs will be “drained of gas and oil before connecting.”

Checking WSB archives, we’re reminded that one of Mayor Wilson’s predecessors, Ed Murray, identified this site in 2015 as a potential “transitional encampment” site. In 2016, a proposal to put a small RV safe lot on a nearby parcel was shelved. Unsanctioned RV camping in the area was the subject of multiple sweeps just a few years ago. Also in the site’s history: City consideration for a new misdemeanor jail, a plan also shelved, after intense community pushback in the late ’00s.

We’ll follow up on this tomorrow with the city, state, and LIHI, to find out more, including a timeline, approvals needed, and whether any community briefings are planned. The site’s status as state-owned property would fit with the focus on public lands mentioned in the mayor’s executive order issued earlier this month.

‘Not theoretical any more’: West Seattle’s Adopt a Day Labor Corner volunteers ready for reinforcements

January 27, 2026 8:50 pm

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| How to help | West Seattle news

By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Since September, a small group of West Seattle volunteers has gathered multiple days a week at an undisclosed location where day laborers seek work. Their efforts are aimed at standing in solidarity with immigrant workers, and providing resources as needed.

The group formed as an extension of the nationwide Adopt a Day Labor Corner Campaign. With increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence and concerns that the agents’ aggression will spread here, they are looking for new volunteers to join their team, with an information session scheduled this weekend.

“You know, we’re just kind of there to be a presence because we hope that it will deter ICE from coming in the first place.” said Erin, a West Seattle volunteer. “In the fall, we just thought this was a good thing to do just in case, but it felt sort of theoretical at the time and now it feels very much not theoretical anymore.”

Volunteers often bring coffee, food, multilingual know-your-rights cards, and other resources available to day laborers to use while looking for work. They also share local and legal resources with anyone who approaches in need of help. But potentially witnessing or deterring ICE is what they value most about their volunteering.

“It was really important to us to get the whole project started before immigration enforcement was really ramping up in the Seattle area because it was important for us to have all of those connections before we needed to have them,” said Kate, another West Seattle branch volunteer.

She is one of the organizers who helped “adopt” West Seattle’s branch of the campaign, finding out about the opportunity over the summer while at a courthouse, supporting her neighbor who had been detained by ICE. A fellow supporter at the courthouse approached her and told her about it.

The Adopt a Day Labor Corner Campaign has more than 200 branches nationwide, set up through the guidance of the National Day Labor Organizing Network (NDLON), which existed long before the campaign. According to NDLON’s website, campaign volunteers work as , “allies, witnesses, neighbors, and friends.”

“We aren’t there for a charity purpose, we are there to be in community with people – that’s a really important part of the work,” Kate said.

Volunteers are looking to expand their network and provide a presence at the day-labor corner more than the current three days a week. Additionally, to cover afternoon slots. Currently, they are having trouble converting interest in the organization into joining chats and showing up, though interest has increased recently for obvious reasons.

West Seattle’s branch of the Adopt-a-Corner movement will host its first in-person information session this Saturday, January 31, from 10 am-12 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond). It’s a drop-in session for people with questions about the organization and its purpose, and how to get involved. New volunteers are required to participate in an hour of training before their first volunteer day; some members have also completed additional rapid-response training.

More information about the Adopt a Day Labor Corner Campaign and how to get involved can be found on this page; specific questions about the West Seattle group can be answered through the in-person session.