West Seattle, Washington
13 Sunday
Two months after the King County budget process put Harbor Island Studios‘ future into question, the county’s Film Advisory Board led a meeting there tonight. Joe Follansbee sent photos and a short summary:
I attended the informational meeting tonight at Harbor Island Studios held by the KCFAB.
Big turnout. No real news. The future of the facility is still in doubt. But there’s plenty of community support.
The KCFAB promises status reports in a newsletter you can subscribe to here.
One week from tonight, Chief Sealth International High School opens its doors to prospective students and their families for an open house. School administrators asked us to share the reminder. The open house starts at 5:45 pm Thursday, January 22. Here’s a brief preview on the school website. A student panel will be there to answer questions, along with staff. Food will be provided in the Galleria, and interpretation will be available in Spanish, Somali, and Oromo. CSIHS is at 2600 SW Thistle.
A 60-year-old man is charged with three felony counts of organized retail theft for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars in merchandise from Ulta Beauty stores all over King County, including the one in Westwood Village.
(Images from charging documents, showing Gama at WWV Ulta store)
David J. Gama is charged in 24 thefts over 55 days from November to early January, with stolen merchandise estimated to total well into five figures, including an almost-thousand-dollar theft from the Westwood store on December 1, a $400+ theft there five days later, a $1,600+ theft there the net day, a $500+ theft three on December 18, a $300+ theft there on New Year’s Day, and a $200+ theft there on January 4. The charging documents provided by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office describe most of the stolen merchandise as “fragrance.”
The documents also say Gama has been the subject of 75 arrest warrants dating back to 1980, and that his record includes five felony convictions, 19 gross misdemeanors, and 11 misdemeanors. He’s been in jail since last Friday, in lieu of $50,000 bail. He pleaded not guilty at arraignment this morning. KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney explains that felony charges are not common in shoplifting cases: “The overwhelming majority of shoplifting cases are misdemeanor offenses under the law, meaning that they are handled at the city level and do not come to King County prosecutors. When you have evidence to show organized retail theft allegations in cases such as this one, a case are referred by police investigators as a felony referral.”
(File photo, WCFB HQ)
The White Center Food Bank – which also serves south West Seattle – is halfway to its “end of year” (and start of new one) fundraising goal, so they can keep up with an ever-growing need. They’re grateful for the nearly $50,000 contributed so far, and looking for help to get closer to the finish line. From the request for support:
This milestone comes during a year of extraordinary growth and achievement for White Center Food Bank. In 2025, we successfully sunset our Capital Campaign after raising $1.5 million above its $8.6 million goal, paid off ourare debt-free owners of our new building. We also sold out the 4th annual Taste of White Center, expanded gleaning programs at the West Seattle and Burien Farmers Markets, resulting in more than 45,000 pounds of donated produce while also strengthening community connections through artist collaborations, donor appreciation events, and community partner meetings.
If you can support WCFB, all you have to do is go here.
In the spirit of the Wine Walk, the West Seattle Junction Association has announced its first-ever Sweet Stroll, and your ticket awaits!
Grab your sweet tooth and your walking shoes! The West Seattle Sweet Stroll is your chance to spend a cozy Sunday afternoon sampling desserts from some of the Junction’s most-loved spots — all for just $20.
From pies and doughnuts to ice cream and pastries, you’ll stroll at your own pace, collect stamps in your Sweet Stroll passport, and enjoy exclusive samples from A la Mode Pies, Molly Moon’s, Top Pot Doughnuts, Bakery Nouveau, and Panterelli.
It’s fun, it’s delicious, and it’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself (and maybe a friend). Tickets are limited — don’t miss this sweetest walk of the winter!
The Sweet Stroll is set for 2-5 pm Sunday, February 1st, and ticket(s) are available here while they last.
SDOT sent that photo as part of a reply to our question about the status of the additions it promised at “the curve” toward the southwest end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge, a location that’s seen more than a few crashes. The department says its crews have finished installing what it told us about two weeks ago – “curve warning signs, and raised pavement markers to enhance visibility for approaching drivers.” SDOT says they’re still evaluating additional action, including “reflective markings on the existing guardrail” and “either grinding the top layer of pavement or installing a high-friction surface treatment.” We’ll continue following up.
12:25 PM: Mayor Katie Wilson has announced her first two executive orders. One is regarding homelessness. Here’s how the city announcement summarizes it:
Mayor Wilson is ordering immediate action to bring people inside by expediting the expansion of shelter and affordable housing.
Her executive order to accelerate the expansion of emergency shelter and affordable housing will:
-Rapidly expand and expedite the provision of new shelter and affordable housing by immediately launching an interdepartmental team to identify options for financial incentives, permitting changes, and other policy changes.
-Identify and prioritize city-owned public land and other public lands which could be used to temporarily or permanently site new emergency shelter and housing.
-Coordinate with regional partners to identify shelter programs that have capacity to add units to existing programs.
-Identify best practices working with organizations with expertise in behavioral health to support substance use disorder treatment and mental health counseling for housing and shelter programs.
You can see the actual order text here. We’re asking some followup questions, including the timeline. The other executive order involves a bus lane on Denny Way downtown; read that order here.
ADDED 3:28 PM: We received answers to our followup questions via mayoral spokesperson Sage Wilson.
-We asked about a timeline – “rapid” could mean many things. His reply: “The literal reality of ‘rapidly’ is one of the early outcomes of the EO – need to hear from the departments what is possible. The mayor is determined to move quickly, however, and spoke today about FIFA this spring as a time to take stock. (Her full remarks are available on Seattle Channel.)”
-We also asked if encampment resolutions (sweeps) were being suspended until more shelter is available. The reply: “Resolutions of encampments are not suspended and the Unified Care Team certainly still exists and is still at work. For example, I believe an RV site near the stadiums was just cleared recently. The mayor is assessing how we can do better than the current procedures, and her visit in Ballard yesterday was part of that to really see for herself. But resolutions are continuing to proceed – city reporting shows 101 resolutions of encampments & RV sites since 1/4. And as the mayor said in her statement yesterday, clearing encampments and managing public space will continue to be part of the city’s approach.”
One question Wilson is checking on further – and we’ll add the answer when it arrives – is whether private shelters like the one in West Seattle have a role in the planned pursuit of more space.
ADDED 3:41 PM: The answer to that: “Yes, expanding privately operated shelters is one strategy that would help meet the goals in the Executive Order on expanding shelter.”
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
From the Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more):
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)
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: The ground still hasn’t frozen, so this remains a good time to plant – and/or plan! Explore the possibilities – the center is back 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.
FREE MIDDAY JAZZ CONCERT: Noon at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), live music, all welcome!
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 The Original Philly.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY, EVENING EDITION: 5 pm gathering at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW) for long-distance advocacy.
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!
RAT CITY ART WALK ON HIATUS: The third-Thursday art-and-food walk in White Center is taking a few months off, back on April 16.
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, there’s an option for you too! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), all welcome, with topics including community safety and the new banners.
TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm, prizes, 21+. (2306 California SW)
CONSCIOUS CONNECTION: 7:15 pm at Revitalize Spa (8142 15th SW), a time and place to connect, reflect, meditate, more. Our calendar listing has more info.
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 Slow 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!
Family and friends are remembering Loren D. Milliman and sharing this remembrance with the community now:
Loren approached life with an open mind, a playful sense of humor, and an unshakable curiosity about how things worked—and where the next road might lead.
Loren Delong Milliman, born on June 27, 1937, passed away on August 4th, 2025, at the age of 88. Born to Loren Holcombe Milliman and Delia Grace Milliman (née Delong), Loren was raised in Portland, Oregon, and was a beloved member of his family and community.
Graduating from Grant High School in 1954, Loren’s academic journey took him to Stanford University, Portland State College, and the University of Washington. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from UW in 1963 and explored electrical engineering and physics as a UW graduate student along the way. While working in a UW physics lab, Loren helped develop electronic circuitry that ultimately became part of a Seattle World’s Fair exhibit — an early sign of the meaningful and fascinating work that would define his career.
While a student at UW, Loren met Norma and they were married on March 19, 1962. Shortly after, they moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where Loren spent a year contributing to the NASA space program through his work with the Chrysler Corporation. He played a role in the ambitious efforts of the space race before returning to the Pacific Northwest to begin a long career at Boeing in October 1963. Over more than two decades at the Boeing Radiation Effects Laboratory, Loren worked on advanced projects including designing and implementing control systems for the Free Electron Laser. Before retiring from Boeing he worked on test code development and computer program verification for the Boeing 777. He was widely respected for his precision, creativity, and commitment to quality — and for his memorable saying, “If you can’t do it in Excel, why bother?”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Loren found joy in his family, in the outdoors and the arts. He loved camping and hiking with his family — exploring new places, taking photographs, sailing, biking, and embracing moments of silliness. Music was a constant companion throughout his life. He played saxophone in high school and college, performed with the All City Band in Portland, played piano, sang in the church choir, and rang handbells with Bells of the Sound, Beaus and Bells, and the Valley Ringers, even arranging handbell music for the groups. When his grandchildren arrived, they brought even more joy to his life.
Loren often volunteered his time to help others with anything computer related; he served as the webmaster for the Snoqualmie Falls Theater, as well as being a member of the Green Valley Computer Club. His early years as a Boy Scout helped instill a lifelong love of learning, exploration, and service. He also served as a precinct committeeman for our neighborhood in the North Admiral district, was active in the Mountaineers, and spent many years as a soccer referee for youth teams.
During the early 2000s Norma and Loren became snowbirds with a second home in Green Valley, Arizona. Their home base was in West Seattle for over 50 years, where they created many memorable moments, before moving in 2023 to Wesley Des Moines.
Loren is survived by his sister-in-law, Patt Cranage; his daughter, Elizabeth (Ernie); his son, Loren M. (Janice); and four of the greatest joys of his life — his grandchildren, Delia, Loren A., Norman, and Patrick. He was preceded in death by his sister Grace and by the love of his life, his wife Norma Milliman, who passed away in February 2025.
Loren will be remembered as a man of intelligence, kindness, humor, and wonder — someone who never stopped asking questions, making music, or discovering what might be just down the road.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite Alzheimer’s charity.
(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)
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, January 15, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts a partly sunny day, high around 50, north breeze. Sunrise at 7:52 am; sunset at 4:45 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – According to WSF’s alerts page, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is back to three boats, with M/V Sealth as #3.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes today.
ROAD WORK
*In White Center, the final phase of work on 16th SW between 100th and 107th is under way.
UPCOMING HOLIDAY
*Monday, closures – including schools – and other changes will mark Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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!
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