December 2025

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.

The Menashe family Christmas lights are on and glowing nightly. Located at 5605 Beach Drive SW.

SEE THE VIDEO BELOW

The display runs through the end of the month, with the lights glowing nightly from 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM.

The magnificent display features over 125,000 lights, accompanied by a host of animated figures, trains, planes, and helicopters. Adding a significant new element this year is a beautiful new Santa's workshop, which is described as a big built structure being added next to the train area. This workshop will showcase the Santa Claus figure, which is Jack Menashe’s oldest piece. Visitors can also drop off their holiday wishes in a special mailbox dedicated to letters to Santa.

A highlight of the season is the special event planned for Saturday night, December 13th. During this time, the display will host live reindeer. The special gathering runs between 6:00 and 9:30 PM

The next free admission Art of Music performances presented by the West Seattle Junction Association are coming up on Second Thursday Art Walk Evening December 11 at three locations.