December 2025

The locally owned UPS Store in Westwood Village opening in the new year is emphasizing its commitment to providing "professional customer service and friendly faces". No specific opening date has been announced.

The physical location of the business is 2600 SOUTHWEST BARTON ST SUITE A-8, SEATTLE, WA 98126.

You might find it a bit hard to find but it's across from WingStop and Fitness 19. 

The former UPS location in Jefferson Square closed in October 2023, That spot is now occupied by another shipping company ShipShip.

This location offers a variety of key logistical and business support services. For documentation needs, the store will provide standard printing and specialized wide-format printing. Essential services also include packing & shipping options and the availability of private mailboxes.

Additionally, the UPS Store offers specialized services such as Notary and Shredding for local residents and businesses.

Please join us for our Winter Gathering as we celebrate orca researcher Mark Sears and his 50 years of contributions to our understanding of orcas and other whales in central Puget Sound.

Mark has been a participant in and witness to the history and evolution of orca research in this region. His career as an orca researcher began in 1976, when he participated in the first Orca Survey following the last capture of orcas in Puget Sound. Over the past five decades he's documented the presence and behaviors of whales in central Puget Sound, often assisted by his daughter Maya. In 1998, Mark was the first researcher to spot Tahlequah (J35) shortly after she was born, and given the opportunity to name her. 

The Sound Transit Executive Committee meeting on December 11, 2025, tackled several high-stakes financial and infrastructure issues, approving a study for fare gate implementation while remaining highly divided on whether to proceed with plans for a second downtown Seattle tunnel for the Ballard Link extension. Additionally, the committee awarded CEO Dow Constantine an “outstanding” performance rating but deferred action on his compensation.

Fare Gate Retrofit Study Moves Forward

Facing a current fare compliance rate of 61%, down from 85% in 2019, the Executive Committee approved a motion directing staff to conduct a fare gate retrofit implementation study and develop a pilot proposal. Staff noted that the current low compliance rate resulted in approximately $15 million in unrealized revenue last year, a figure that could climb to about $30 million annually as ridership grows toward ST2 completion.

The Alki Community Council has extended an open invitation to the public to attend the festive Alki Holiday Lights event on December 18. Residents are encouraged to participate in a "holly jolly stroll" featuring special activities and complimentary treats provided by numerous participating local businesses.

Event highlights include the arrival of the Argosy Christmas Ship at 8:35 p.m.. Earlier in the evening, families can visit the Alki Bathhouse for Photos with Santa, available from 7:00–8:15 p.m..

Santa arrives at 6:30 on Alki Avenue. 

6:30 West Seattle High Carolers and Santa will begin strolling westbound from 57th Blue Moon Burger. 

DJ and Free Santa Photos with Buddy the Elf 7pm-8:15p at the Alki Bathhouse where Alki Community Council will have all kinds of free treats and activities for the kids. 

Park Rangers have the bonfires going.

Update Dec. 10

The license change to permit those under 21 to enter Whisky West takes effect on Sunday December 14. They open at 11:30 and close at midnight. You can reach them at 206-556-2134 or visit them online at Whiskywest.com though as yet their website does not reflect the changes or include the children's menu.

Original post Dec, 3

Whisky West at 4751 California Ave SW which for nearly a decade has been a West Seattle fixture, a place touting more than 500 varieties of Whisky is about to reinvent itself. 

Under the direction of owners Colin and Donna Pickering, the 21 and over status will be gone and families will be welcomed, pending approval by Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Rachel Porter, Executive Director of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, has been named a 2025 40 Under 40 honoree by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). This national recognition highlights leadership that reflects the strength and dedication found within the local business community. The ACCE is the National Association for Chamber Professionals, representing somewhere between 1,300 to 2,000 chambers across America.

The honor reflects Porter’s passion and dedication to West Seattle, which is home to more than 77,000 residents and thousands of businesses across the Junction, Alki, Admiral, Morgan, Delridge, and other areas. Her work is driven by the belief that when local businesses connect, the entire peninsula benefits. Porter champions advocacy, storytelling, partnerships, and events that support local commerce and keep energy flowing through every corridor of West Seattle.