January 2026

Tim’s Tavern, a cornerstone of the White Center music scene, is facing an uphill battle for its future as a series of fresh infrastructure failures adds to an already heavy burden of zoning and permitting struggles. Owner Mason Reed announced this week that the venue is now "fighting for survival" as expenses for critical repairs continue to mount.

A Cascade of New Challenges

The latest setbacks are physical and costly. Last month, during a period of heavy winds, the tavern’s iconic sign blew down "piece by piece over 4 nights". More significantly, the venue is facing a $25,000 plumbing crisis caused by a collapsed concrete pipe buried in the lot next door. Reed noted that the plumbing must be addressed as soon as possible, as the system could "block up again any moment".

By Jennifer Carrasco

This year was another big move for me– just up my street to Providence St. Vincent. At least this time it wasn't to another country like our fraught move in '72 to Taiwan...

 On September 21, 1972, I had just walked through our compound gate on Taft Avenue, Manila with my 2 month old baby Carlos when I spotted my landlady, Mrs Javier, sitting on her steps with her head in her hands. “What’s wrong?” I called out.

“Marcos has declared martial law,” she moaned.

Update Jan 2, 2026

In a statement made on social media, Keith Hughes, Shelter Founder said he

" is happy to report that thanks to the many generous donations of people and groups in the community, we met and exceeded our fundraising goals. This means the shelter will be able to provide food and shelter to people for ongoing operations for the remainder of this winter. Board meetings continue to focus on how WSN can best provide for its clients, while creating a sustainable financial structure and safety for the neighboring community.

WSNS extends deep gratitude to the volunteers, donors, staff, partners, and neighbors who have supported this work. We value all our neighbors, including those experiencing homelessness and drug addiction. We are committed to providing a safe space for our unhoused neighbors with dignity and respect. We look forward to continuing to serve the community during the coldest months of the year.

Information from Seattle Police Blotter

#2026-433/Southwest Precinct/Second Watch/W2:

At 11:49 am on January 1, Officers were dispatched to a public parking garage for reports of a subject armed with a Taser and a knife, threatening a homeless person and armed security for that property.

Officers quickly arrived and took control of the scene.

During the investigation, officers learned the suspect, based on his own statements, targeted the victim because he was homeless.

Management of the property also stated they’ve had issues with the suspect harassing the homeless in the parking garage.

After interviewing all involved and reviewing video footage. It was determined the suspect lunged at the homeless person with a taser, attempting to tase them.

The suspect was arrested for felony assault and malicious harassment.

#2026-421/Southwest Precinct/Second Watch/F1:

Thunder Road Guitars, the landmark guitar store that has moved twice before is on the move again, this time to the Admiral District to the location of Mud Bay pet store  which itself is moving soon to the former Wells Fargo location.

Owner Frank Gross shared the announcement:

I am thrilled to announce Thunder Road and our roommates The Bass Shop will be moving to the historic Ashcroft Building located at 2611 California Ave SW in the Admiral District here in West Seattle early this spring.

This move nearly triples our current square footage and sets the stage for what I believe will be the very best version of what we do. The building has great bones and our goal is to create an inspiring and visually captivating environment for everyone who walks through our doors. 

The annual polar plunge, held annually at Alki Beach saw a crowd estimated at over 3000, twice what it was last year.

Despite temperatures hovering around 40 degrees (with the water only a bit warmer at 46, people of all ages came prepared to at least get a little wet on the first day of 2026.

Organized by Mark Ufkes and his wife Lois Schipper the event, going strong for 22 years had a twist this year.

He asked that people bring donations to the West Seattle and White Center Foodbanks. They did fillling up several bins with non perishable food items, hoping to make a difference.

At 10am sharp the crowd took to the water amid sceams, hoots and lots and lots of shivers.