West Seattle, Washington
14 Saturday
Highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUPPORT GROUP FOR MOMS WITH BABIES: Year old or younger, if there’s a baby in the family, you’re invited to the Early Days drop-in support group at Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor) in The Junction (4746 44th SW, buzz in), noon-2 pm Wednesdays. Updated details in our calendar listing.
BLUE ANGEL #7 FLYING IN: Whether it’s truly audible or visible depends on how the weather goes, but as noted here yesterday, Blue Angels jet #7 is due at Boeing Field around 12:30 pm for the Seafair winter meetings.
NIGHT HIKE WITH THE OWLS … and raccoons, and more. Naturalist Stewart Wechsler resumes his series of nature walks with this one scheduled for Lincoln Park, 6:30 pm. He says light rain won’t cancel but “more intimidating” weather might – so even if you already have RSVP’d, do check. If you haven’t – RSVP information and more is on the calendar.
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS REORGANIZATION: West Seattle’s largest political group has its annual “reorganization” meeting tonight to vote on leadership positions. Candidates are featured on this webpage. The meeting’s at 7 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy (south side of Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 9131 California SW).
CAPACITY/ASSIGNMENT PLAN CHANGES @ SCHOOL BOARD: The meeting starts at 4:15 pm as usual, with public comment at 5 pm (there’s already a waiting list), and the introduction of new items including the Short-Term Capacity Management/Student Assignment Plan changes scheduled after that (so 6 pm-plus). District HQ in SODO; the agenda is here.
CHIEF SEALTH PTSA: Topics for tonight’s 7 pm PTSA meeting at Chief Sealth International High School‘s library include a discussion of teenage-suicide prevention. More agenda details here.
See the calendar for other today/tonight listings (and beyond) – wellness classes, sports, music, and more.
(December 2012 photo of one of the Lincoln Park/Fauntleroy resident white geese, by Doug Branch)
New year, new chances to get involved with local community groups – two regular meetings tonight are part of our highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
OPEN HOUSE: South Seattle Community College’s new student-success center for Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander students will hold an open house today – details in our calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: Winter session starts tonight at Chief Sealth International High School, and musicians at all skill levels are welcome – rehearsals start at 5:30 pm and continue at other times throughout Tuesday nights; details on their home page, and here’s the preview we published on Monday.
ALKI ELEMENTARY PTA: Now that winter break is over, not only have classes resumed, so have PTA/PTSA meetings, and tonight, there’s one at Alki Elementary School, 6:30 pm.
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Tonight’s FCA business-meeting agenda includes a discussion of Celebrate Lincoln Park, the communitywide event being planned for April. Public welcome. 7 pm, board room at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: A look ahead to 2013’s slate of events is on the agenda for tonight’s first ANA meeting of the year, 7 pm, lower-level meeting room at Admiral Congregational Church (California/Hill).
LIVE JAZZ AT OUTWEST BAR: 7:30 pm, live jazz quartet TUTU will perform at OutWest (California/Brandon), the first of four Tuesdays in January. Details here.
BABY KETTEN KARAOKE: 9 pm at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW) – sing it!
For more of what’s up today and tonight – check out the calendar!
It’s back-to-school day for Seattle Public Schools – the last to return from holiday break. Stormy weather’s moving in. And the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar is back in gear too. Among the events listed for today/tonight as the new year gets down to business:
WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: 3 pm today at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW), with the theme “$5 Dishes” – cook one without spending more, and bring it to share. Details in the calendar listing.
COAL MOVIE: 6:30 tonight at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Pastoral Center (35th and Myrtle), “Dirty Coal: The Toxic Addiction” will be screened. Details in the calendar listing.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 7 pm at the High Point branch of the Seattle Public Library (35th and Raymond) – which, as of yesterday, is one of the branches open on Sundays, and SPL is looking for your opinion on Sunday programming – take the survey here.
PUB QUIZ: On an otherwise quiet night for nightlife, Monday night pub quiz is a staple on the Shadowland calendar, 8 pm.
Thanks to Mark Wangerin for sharing the photo of a killdeer at Jack Block Park earlier this week – one of about 30 he says were there that day. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, highlights for today:
TRAFFIC ALERT: Another reminder – the southbound I-5 and Columbian Way (Beacon Hill) ramps to the West Seattle Bridge are closed all weekend. Here’s why.
BLANKET DRIVE HAPPENING NOW: As previewed earlier in the week, West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor) at 35th and Webster is collecting blankets today, to help homeless people stay warm here in the heart of winter. Bring donations by before 3 pm.
CHRISTMAS-TREE RECYCLING HAPPENING NOW: Haven’t put your tree out yet? Here’s one way to help a local youth group by taking it to them instead of having it sit on the curb (or driving to the transfer station). The sixth annual West Seattle Rainbow Girls Christmas tree recycling fundraiser is happening now at the Alki Masonic Hall, 40th and Edmunds, till 2 pm. Suggested donation $5; no flocked trees, please.
DRUM, DANCE, SING OPEN HOUSE: Free introduction to this program for ages 3 and up at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), noon-1 pm – details here.
REMODELING EXPO: Not happening in West Seattle, but lots of West Seattle participation – including WSB sponsors NCompass, Potter Construction, and Ventana Construction. At the Convention Center all weekend (info here) – till 8 pm tonight (and again tomorrow).
BENEFIT FOR JOSHUA WATLER: Also in the “not in West Seattle, but lots of WS participation” – at Bison Creek Pizza in Burien (630 SW 153rd) tonight, starting at 5, a silent auction/raffle benefit is happening to help area community organizer Joshua Watler in the fight of his life, against leukemia. Details on our partner site White Center Now.
LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT: Check our calendar page for listings from C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), Skylark Café and Club, The Cask, and The Benbow Room.
Thanks to Craig Howard for the barred-owl photo from the Bonair hill (between North Admiral and Alki) taken Wednesday night – he explained that “we’ve looked for owls there ever since you reported on owls buzzing people. We found a barred owl in the dark we tried to follow around from tree to tree – it stayed close. I think it might have been eyeing our dog. Got a wonderful shot of it, and thought your readers might enjoy it.” Meantime, highlights for today/tonight:
INTERCHANGE PROJECT CLOSURES: Yet another reminder that the Spokane St. Interchange Vicinity Special Bridge Repair project starts this weekend. We first reported on this in November; 11 weekends have closures planned in the next few months, but NOT the same ramps, and NOT every weekend. This weekend, from 10 pm tonight through 5 am Monday, two ramps will be closed: Southbound I-5 to the West Seattle Bridge, and Columbian Way (Beacon Hill) to the bridge. Here’s the latest update, with a map.
BLOODMOBILE AT PCC NATURAL MARKETS-WEST SEATTLE (WSB sponsor): As the holiday season wraps up, Puget Sound Blood Center is on the road to replenish supplies. Walk-ups welcome – California and Stevens, 9 am to 3 pm (closed for break 11 am-noon).
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Big day/night with home games at our area’s two biggest high schools. First, the West Seattle High School schedule for today/tonight vs. visiting Franklin HS, from the Metro League website:
3:15 pm Girls JV Game
4:45 pm Boys JV Game/C Game
6:15 pm Girls Varsity Game
8:00 pm Boys Varsity Game
And the Chief Sealth International High School schedule for today/tonight vs. visiting Nathan Hale HS, also from the league website:
3:15 pm Girls JV Game
4:45 pm Boys JV Game
6:15 pm Girls Varsity Game
8:00 pm Boys Varsity Game
Seattle Lutheran High School teams are back in action tonight too, on the road at Tacoma Baptist.
LIVE MUSIC: See the WSB Event Calendar‘s section for today, where we have listings for C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) and Skylark Café and Club. (If your venue has live music, keep us updated so we can include it in our calendar! editor@westseattleblog.com)
When Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield tweeted that photo today from aboard the International Space Station – two weeks after his arrival – his caption noted that you might see Pike Place Market if you look closely. Never mind the market; West Seattle’s in the heart of the photo! We wouldn’t have seen this if not for West Seattleite Bill Schrier retweeting the picture. Click here for a larger version via Twitter. (The ISS, according to this NASA webpage, is in “low Earth orbit,” more than 100 miles up, making one full orbit of Earth every hour and a half.)
(Photo courtesy Patrick Dunn)
Make it a more sustainable New Year with “the joy of tinkering,” as Patrick Dunn from the West Seattle Tool Library puts it, reminding us that the West Seattle Fixers Collective meets at the Tool Library tonight:
The Fixers Collective aims to prolong the life of the things we own, learn how things work, and save a few resources along the way. Bring us your broken things and we’ll help you fix them or just bring yourself and help us fix other people’s stuff. We’ll work on most non-gas items that you can carry in. We can’t always guarantee that we’ll fix it but we’ll give it our best shot!
The West Seattle Fixers Collective meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month from 6-9 pm at The Tool Library. The next meeting will be (tonight), January 3rd, 6-9 pm.
The WSFC got national attention over the holidays, too – featured in this story about the worldwide Fixer Movement! P.S. If you haven’t been to the Tool Library, it’s on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).
12:33 AM: Have just received two reports of this, one a text, and then this e-mail from Chas in Gatewood:
no images – but sitting upstairs looking west (past my computer screen) just saw a giant green fireball enter over what looked like Kitsap peninsula – green streak coming from high in sky (limit of window) turning yellow and ending in large (5 times apparent diameter of moon) green fireball just above what looked like the mountains – couldn’t really tell how far it was except for the brightness and detail suggested it was relatively close (within hundred/or so miles)
about 3 minutes ago for timing (like 12;20 or thereabouts)
We had heard of a possible meteor shower tonight. Looking it up now.
12:48 AM UPDATE: Thanks to “Meteorologist Patrick” (as we know him) Kelly – who mentioned via Twitter that it’s the Quadrantid meteor shower, which Space.com is covering here. This WashingtonPost.com story has details too – apparently the shower is peaking right now (convert the WP times to three hours earlier, of course).
12:55 AM: Someone at the National Weather Service saw it too:
Forecaster here observed a bright fire ball falling from the NW at 1220am. Possible meteor! @westseattleblog observed this as well.
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) January 3, 2013
1:39 AM: West Seattle’s own NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen has shared some info in comments, starting here. She suggests that anyone with a west-facing surveillance camera should check to see if it caught anything around 12:20 am (and if you have any kind of image, still or video, please let us know, would love to add it to the story – thanks!).
(Mt. Baker, as seen from 35th/Myrtle on New Year’s Day afternoon; photo by Karen Derby)
Slowly revving back up to post-holiday reality … as is the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, from which most of today’s highlights spring:
TRASH/RECYCLING/YARD WASTE – AND CHRISTMAS TREES: Reminder that again this week, because of the Tuesday holiday, Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday city pickup is on a one-day delay (so if you get Tuesday service, it should be picked up today, etc.). And you are welcome to put your Christmas tree out at curbside, or take it to the transfer station, free through January 13th – here again are details on that.
SSCC’S WINTER QUARTER BEGINS: Today is the first day of winter quarter at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor). Many other area schools (including all Seattle Public Schools) don’t go back till next Monday.
THREE LOCAL STORY TIMES … today/tonight in West Seattle, at your local public libraries. See them all on the Seattle Public Library Calendar of Events!
SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL – NEW TIME, NEW LOCATION: The monthly meeting of reps from community councils and other organizations around western West Seattle is now at 6:30 pm on first Wednesdays, at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle). As previewed here last week, tonight’s agenda includes presentations by applicants for city grants to fund traffic-safety (and other) projects. Come see what your neighbors are proposing – public’s welcome.
TRIVIA AT SKYLARK: 7 pm, weekly trivia with Brittanica is back at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW). Here’s how it works.
MONA CONCEPCION AT COMEDY UNDERGROUND: As previewed here on Tuesday – Mona’s the only West Seattleite in a showcase of new comics at Comedy Underground in Pioneer Square at 8 tonight (our preview included a link to buy a ticket online for half the door price).
LIVE MUSIC: Tonight’s listed venues include Benbow Room and Locol.
(added) BONUS PHOTO: Thanks to Pamela Neithercott for sharing views from Alki Point – including an eagle headed for the knoll:
(Murky early morning in Lincoln Park – photo by Machel Spence)
The fog is lifting – we see some blue sky as we get ready to publish this – so say hello to sunshine on this second-to-last day of 2012! Here’s what’s up:
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm as always! 44th and Alaska. Fresh winter vegetables, apples, cheese, meat, bread, soup, lots to check out.
SNOWFLAKES FOR SANDY HOOK: Also 10 am-2 pm – stop in at Young at Art (5962 Fauntleroy Way) any time before 2 and make a snowflake to be sent to Connecticut to help decorate the school that Sandy Hook’s students are now attending. Theresa from YAA says that if you haven’t talked about the incident with your kids, don’t worry – just let them know you’re making a snowflake to help decorate a school.
WEST SEATTLE ULTIMATE FAMILY FRISBEE: Game’s on! 11 am at Walt Hundley Playfield in High Point (34th/Myrtle).
SHOPPING FOR NEW YEAR’S BEVERAGE(S)? Three WSB sponsors would be pleased to see you today: Capco Beverages Premier Liquor and Wine (41st and Alaska) is open 10 am-5 pm – here’s a coupon you can use; West Seattle Cellars (6026 California SW) is open noon-5 pm and continuing its annual sale; Stottle Winery‘s tasting room is open noon-6 pm (3400 Harbor Avenue SW);
CLOSING DAY FOR ‘WINTER WONDERETTES’: A 3 pm matinee today at ArtsWest is your last chance to see this year’s holiday musical “The Winter Wonderettes.”
LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: Roll Acosta performs 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW. More info here.
ALL-AGES OPEN MIKE: 3 pm at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW).
NEW YEAR’S EVE/DAY REMINDER: If you haven’t finalized your New Year’s Eve/Day plans yet – check out the updated list in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide. Last call to add info – just e-mail us the who/what/when/where at editor@westseattleblog.com!
(Alki surfbirds, photographed last weekend by Danny McMillin, shared in the WSB Flickr group)
While you get ready for New Year’s Eve/Day celebrations (checked the Holiday Guide yet?), it’s a semi-quiet weekend, but still some activities/options:
TWO BLOOD DRIVES: If you can donate, this is the time of year when your blood donation is needed more than ever – and today, it’s convenient, with the Puget Sound Blood Center‘s Bloodmobile in The Junction 9 am-3 pm, 4700 block of 42nd SW (break 11:30-12:30) and at Holy Family‘s Tice Hall (18th/Roxbury), 10 am-4 pm (break noon-1 pm).
2 SHOWS ON ‘WINTER WONDERETTES’ 2ND-TO-LAST DAY: Tomorrow’s the final performance of “The Winter Wonderettes” at ArtsWest, but you have TWO chances to see the show today – 3 pm and 7:30 pm (tickets online here).
LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: Legend Heart performs at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) 6-8 pm tonight, 5612 California SW.
‘BLUES, BALLADS, BOOGIE WOOGIE’ AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm, with Orville Johnson & Casey McGill – e-mail Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) for a reservation ASAP, kenyonhall@earthlink.net.
‘WEST SIDE GLORY 4’: 8 pm tonight at Skylark Café and Club, billed as “a queer variety show,” for 21 and over. The performer lineup’s on the Facebook event page.
THE BOURBONITES AT THE FEEDBACK: Rock out, Americana-style, at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 6451 California SW, 9:30 pm tonight with The Bourbonites.
(Along Longfellow Creek; photo by Ryan Schoeb, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Counting down to New Year’s Eve – and still adding to the NYE/New Year’s Day listings in the WSB Holiday Guide (let us know if something’s missing! editor@westseattleblog.com) – but in the meantime … here are a few notes for today/tonight:
NEW E-READER? NEED HELP? Another drop-in clinic today for anyone interested in downloading e-books and audiobooks. It’s at Southwest Library (35th/Henderson), 2-4 pm.
WINE TASTING AND SALE: 5:30-8 pm, it’s the weekly free-tasting night at West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor), featuring January Collector’s Club wines. Also – the year-end sale is on.
‘WINTER WONDERETTES’: Final week continues for this year’s holiday musical at ArtsWest in The Junction, 7:30 pm.
LIVE MUSIC AT SKYLARK: Avenue Music, The Horticulture Club, Chelle Epiphany, and The Black Tones, 8 pm, at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW).
(Eagles above Alki Point, 12/23/2012, by Danny McMillin, from the WSB Flickr group pool)
… and fewer non-wildlife creatures are likely to be stirring, so we’re not publishing a standalone traffic/transit tracker today. But there’s a transportation reminder here along with other notes:
TRANSIT TODAY: Metro is on a “reduced weekday” schedule for the rest of the week. The Water Taxi is back in service, regular schedule. And as of last night, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry run was back to three boats (check here for updates).
TRASH ETC. PICKUP TODAY: If you have Tuesday service, you’re supposed to get pickup today – everybody’s delayed a day for the rest of this week (and next week, same thing, Tuesday-Friday pickup will be a day later).
TREE-RECYCLING PICKUPS START TOO: Today through January 13th, dropoffs or pickups – explained here.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library – details here.
GET AN E-READER FOR CHRISTMAS? Drop-in clinic on e-books and audiobooks at Southwest Library (35th/Henderson), 2-4 pm.
POETRY AND STORYTELLING: Monthly event at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW) is tonight, 7-9 pm, with featured readers Rayn Roberts and Ian Hegwood, followed by open-mike readings – more info here.
‘WINTER WONDERETTES’: Final week for the holiday production at ArtsWest in The Junction, 7:30 pm.
YOUR TURN: Open-mike night at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW), 9 pm.
(Varied thrush, photographed in West Seattle recently by Trileigh Tucker)
In case you haven’t already found all this in the ongoing WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide (all holiday events through New Year’s Day) and year-round Event Calendar – highlights for the rest of today/tonight:
YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A CHRISTMAS EVE-EVE FARMERS’ MARKET: Year-round means year-round! (photo added @ noon – tulips at Alm Hill Gardens, southwest side of market)
Now till 2 pm, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market is on at 44th/Alaska in The Junction.
CAROLING FOR FOOD BANK DONATIONS: We 3 Carolers, and members of the South Seattle Community College Choir, will be caroling in The Junction, corner of Calif and Alaska, from 11:30-1:00, and 1:30-3:00: “Come by and join us! We will also be collecting cash or check donations for the West Seattle/White Center Food Banks. Thanks, West Seattle and White Center neighbors!”
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: That’s what Friends of the Animals Foundation hopes you can provide, as they hold another cat-adoption event noon-3 pm today at Next to Nature in The Junction.
(added) ALSO SEEKING HOMES: Just found out that TODAY is actually Kitty Harbor‘s last day this winter – so, noon-6 pm, they’re open with more than two dozen cats/kittens awaiting forever homes. Harbor Avenue, just north of the bridge.
WINE TASTING: Stottle Winery (WSB sponsor) welcomes you at their West Seattle tasting room, street level of ActivSpace at 3400 Harbor Avenue SW, just north of the bridge.
SANTA! Two chances we know of – at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), 1:30-5:30 pm (their website says otherwise but after a reader tip, we just called to confirm the change), and Westwood Village (hours and Santa listed here).
‘WRAP IT UP’: Gift wrapping with Furry Faces Foundation and AARF: These two animal-advocacy groups are wrapping gifts by donation (you decide how much), with 100 percent of the donations going to help animals. Today’s your second to last chance, 1 – 6 pm at Beer Junction, 4511 California SW.
LAST CHANCE TO SEE ‘SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE’: “Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical” (WSB sponsor) concludes premiere run, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – 2 pm. According to the show’s Facebook page, admission is “pay what you will/can.”
CHRISTMAS VAUDEVILLE AND SINGALONG: 3 pm today at Kenyon Hall: Comedy juggling, live music by the Bottom Line Duo, Bob White at the Mighty Wurlitzer, and Lou Magor conducting the audience in a Christmas sing-along. Reservations and ticket info here.
THE WINTER WONDERETTES! ArtsWest presents the “new ’60s Christmas musical,” matinee at 3 pm. Details and ticket sales are on the ArtsWest website.
LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: Singer-songwriter Sarah Burgess, 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW.
BENEFIT YOGA CLASS: Bikram Yoga in The Junction is offering a class at 5 pm today to support a local family in need – details in the calendar listing.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT RUN: West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) organizes this annual event:
Our Christmas light run is Sunday night at 6. We are doing about 3 miles, give or take, at a slow pace, and checking out some of the better light neighborhoods around the store, finishing at the Helmstetler house. Dress up, light up, bring a can of food to donate to the West Seattle Food Bank, and enjoy a fun run with other West Seattleittes!
WSR is on the northwest corner of California and Charlestown, second floor. Meet at 5:50 pm.
SPEAKING OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Our map is in the Holiday Guide. Couple more additions will be there by nightfall.
(One more view of the first sunset of winter, by Tisha Satow, seen from The Arroyos)
From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – which lists what’s happening through New Year’s Day – and year-round Event Calendar:
VIGIL TO HONOR NEWTOWN: Tonight is the night for the Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st and Alki) candlelight vigil organized by West Seattleite Casey Ann Rasmussen – 5 pm, rain or shine, bring a light source. From the original announcement:
We have a responsibility to humanity not to forgot or pretend that the horror we have witnessed this last week hasn’t happened but rather to join hands, raise the collective consciousness and increase the worldly compassion toward peace and healing during this difficult time. Please join us for a non-political evening of love, remembrance and hope for a better future.
PLEASE MAKE DONATIONS TO:
Sandy Hook School Support Fund
c/o Newtown Savings Bank
39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470DONATIONS FOR EVENT PROVIDED BY:
Friends and Family of Violent Crime Victims
Husky Deli
Sugar Rush Baking Company
Also today/tonight:
ARTPOCALYPYSE: All-day, all-night, last-minute-shopping sale at Mind Unwind in The Admiral District (2206 California SW), 10 am-midnight.
ILLUSIONS’ HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Until 3 pm at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor; 5619 California SW) – last day they’re open till Christmas – with the famous “holiday buffet.” P.S. Got the new Illusions app yet?
FREE JUNCTION GIFT WRAP STATION! One more time – 11:30 am-3:30 pm: The West Seattle High School Music Program parents will staff a gift wrap station at Windermere (4526 California SW) while the WSHS Music students perform. Please bring Junction retailer receipt. (FREE wrap and ribbon, but no boxes.)
WINE TASTING: Noon-6 pm at Stottle Winery (WSB sponsor; street level of ActivSpace on Harbor Avenue just north of the bridge).
KITTY HARBOR’S FINAL DAY OF THE YEAR: Also on Harbor Avenue just north of the bridge, and also noon-6 pm, last chance to provide a forever home for a Kitty Harbor kitten or cat, today.
SANTA! Photos at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) 1-4 pm. Photos with “Ex-Westwood” Santa at CAPERS in The Junction (bring food/cash for the West Seattle Food Bank), 2-6 p.m. And the Westwood Village Santa schedule for today/tonight is here.
2 OF YOUR LAST 3 CHANCES TO SEE ‘SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE’: “Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical” (WSB sponsor) continues in its premiere run, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – 2 and 7 pm. According to the show’s Facebook page, all remaining shows are “pay what you can.”
WEST SEATTLE EAGLES’ FOOD-BANK FUNDRAISING DINNER: 5:30-7 pm, fried-chicken dinner – details in the calendar listing.
BASKETBALL TONIGHT: Seattle Lutheran visits West Seattle High School – girls’ varsity at 5:15 pm, boys’ varsity at 7.
CHRISTMAS VAUDEVILLE AND SINGALONG: Tonight at Kenyon Hall: Comedy juggling, live music by the Bottom Line Duo, Bob White at the Mighty Wurlitzer, and Lou Magor conducting the audience in a Christmas sing-along. 7:30 pm. Reservations and ticket info here.
THE WINTER WONDERETTES! ArtsWest presents the “new ’60s Christmas musical,” tonight at 7:30 pm. Details and ticket sales are on the ArtsWest website.
LIVE NON-HOLIDAY MUSIC TONIGHT: Venues include C & P Coffee and Feedback Lounge (both WSB sponsors) – see the listings on our regular Event Calendar.
(added, since someone asked about this) *NOT HAPPENING TODAY* We recently checked on the originally announced plan to open Roxhill Castle playground today – and volunteer organizer Mat McBride said the opening’s been postponed; no new date yet, but we’ll report it when one is set.
Real Change asked us to publish an open letter of sorts, thanking you for your support – and asking that you be sure to support only authorized vendors of their award-winning publication. It’s a West Seattle-specific message, including descriptions of people they say are selling without authorization – which is only verified via a badge like this:
Thank You for Your Support, West Seattle
From Real Change:Every day, Real Change offers opportunity, dignity, and a sense of community to 350 homeless or low-income vendors that sell Real Change News. For over 18 years, we have worked hard to support our vendors and respond to community concerns.
Vendors must follow a Code of Conduct if they wish to sell our newspaper. Vendors who are authorized to sell the newspaper wear a color-coded identification badge. If someone is selling the newspaper without a current badge, they may not be an authorized vendor and did not receive papers from our organization.
We know that there are a few people in West Seattle who are not authorized to sell our newspaper but have sometimes illegitimately acquired papers outside our office. They aggressively panhandle and actively disrespect community members, business owners, and Real Change vendors.
If you haven’t checked the Holiday Guide yet for what’s up today/tonight – here are the highlights! With a few from the year-round WSB Event Calendar too:
BAKE SALE FOR FAMILY REUNION: Till 3 pm today and 9-3 tomorrow, a new West Seattleite hoping to raise money for a holiday family reunion is having a bake sale. Read all about it here.
BLOOD DRIVE AT WESTWOOD VILLAGE: Till 3 pm. Drop-ins welcome but note that the Bloodmobile will be closed 11 am-noon. Details here.
FREE GIFT WRAP STATION! 11:30 am-3:30 pm: Let us wrap your Junction gifts! The West Seattle High School Music Program parents will staff our gift wrap station at Windermere (4526 California SW) while the students perform in The Junction. Please bring Junction retailer receipt. FREE wrap and ribbon, no boxes provided.
CAROLING IN THE JUNCTION: We 3 Carolers, and members of the South Seattle Community College Choir, will be caroling in The Junction, corner of Calif and Alaska, from 11:30-1:00, and 1:30-3:00. Come by and join us if you like to sing carols! We will also be collecting cash or check donations to the Food Bank. Thanks West Seattle and WC Neighbors! And special thanks to B Sharp Studio and Clowns Unlimited for sponsoring this 4th Annual Sing-Along for the Food Banks of West Seattle and White Center.
SANTA PHOTOS IN THE ADMIRAL DISTRICT: Free at Merrill Gardens at Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) 12 pm to 4:00 pm, bring donations for West Seattle Food Bank (see wish list in the Holiday Guide).
SANTA PHOTOS AT THE MENASHE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DISPLAY: “Santa Al” will be available for photos – free with your camera, or have a photo taken for $5 – at the Menashe Family lights display (5600 block of Beach Drive) from 5:30-10 pm.
(More Santa photo opportunities today are in the Holiday Guide)
SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE: Second weekend run for the premiere season of locally written/produced “Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical” (WSB sponsor), 2 and 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW); tickets available online. Bring your camera, because showgoers can take photos with Santa afterward!
BLITHE BAZAAR: 4-8 pm at Center Studio in White Center, the next chance to buy holiday gifts from local artisans.
CHRISTMAS TREE SALES: Last big weekend. Son-In-Law Tree Farm just announced their trees are all half-price till gone (California/Charlestown). Holy Rosary School Tree Lot (WSB sponsor; 41st/Dakota) is in its final weekend, today and tomorrow.
LIVE NATIVITY SCENE WITH SMALL PETTING ZOO: Free! One donkey, two sheep, one lamb, five goats, two alpacas, 1-3 pm at the Arbor Heights A.R.K. Park behind Arbor Heights Community Church at 4113 SW 102nd.
CHAMPAGNE TASTING: West Seattle Cellars‘ special 1-5 pm tasting, annual grower Champagne tasting. (There will be a $10 fee for this tasting, which can be applied to a purchase.)
FONDUE PARTY: Junction QFC is having a Fondue Party – announcing that “dipping time is 2:00 till 6:00. Come join in the fun, we’ll be melting gooey, hot cheese and dipping bread, pickles, apples, and veggies! We are also having a raffle for a FREE Fondue Pot. Must be present to win.”
PARTY ON THE FINAL NIGHT OF HANUKKAH: It’s the eighth and final night of Hanukkah; celebrate at Kol HaNeshamah, 6115 SW Hinds, 4-8 pm. Details here.
(Photo courtesy Twelfth Night Productions)
‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE RADIO PLAY’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show is in its final weekend at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm; tickets available online. Also: A Children’s Hospital toy drive is happening during the show’s run – bring a donation!
TIDAL EXTREMES CONTINUE: As the winter “king tides” continue, 12:15 am tonight (early Sunday) is the lowest, 7:34 am Sunday the highest (here’s the chart).
West Seattle’s own NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen is not only preparing for her quarterly event at Solstice Park – this time, 
it’s the Winter Solstice Sunset Watch on December 21st, her 15th seasonal sunset watch – but she’s also doing a lot of myth-debunking regarding that same day. (2010 winter-solstice photo of Alice, at right, by Jason Gift Enevoldsen)
Alice notes that she is ready to answer, and has been answering, “any and all questions about the world-ending/planets aligning 12/2012 nonsense.” She’s written about it already on her Alice’s Astro Info website: About 2012 (with debunking of the world-ending myth), here; about planetary ailgnment, here. In fact, she notes with some surprise that the four-year-old post on planetary alignment is her most-read post of all time.
Alice summarizes: “No, the world isn’t ending, the planets aren’t aligning, gravity isn’t shifting. Go donate to your favorite science education or critical thinking organization in solidarity with scientific thinking.” And come join her at 3:45 pm on Friday, December 21st, for solstice-sunset watch – though the official sunset time is 4:20 pm, she notes that sunsets at Solstice Park are consistently at least 10 minutes earlier than official time. If you’re keeping track, the actual solstice moment is 3:12 am that day, but her events are always for the first SUNSET after the solstice/equinox. Here’s how to find Solstice Park.
(Photo by “old desolate” via the WSB Flickr group)
Highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and ongoing West Seattle Holiday Guide:
‘EARLY DAYS’ SUPPORT GROUP: Noon-2 pm, drop-in support group for new moms at Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor), 4746 44th SW.
‘KING TIDES’ WEEK: The tidal extremes continue – today, it’s 12.2 feet at 2:42 pm, and -3.4 feet tonight at 9:54 pm. (Here’s the chart.) And remember that the state is interested in your photos from the high tides – add them to this Flickr group (and if they’re from West Seattle, we’d love to see them in the WSB Flickr group, too!).
TUNNEL TOLLING COMMITTEE: The advisory committee talking about tolling for the Highway 99 tunnel, and related traffic-management matters, meets at 3 pm today, Puget Sound Regional Council HQ, 1011 Western in Pioneer Square.
HANUKKAH: Tonight is the fifth of eight nights.
FINAL DAY FOR PIZZERIA 22 COAT DRIVE: The annual Pizza for Parkas coat drive with the Atlantic Street Center. Donate a children’s jacket, ages infant to adult, and Pizzeria 22 (in The Admiral District) will give away a coupon for a free Margherita pizza.
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS’ HOLIDAY PARTY/TOY DRIVE: 6 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, no business meeting – holiday potluck and toy drive – details here.
HOPE LUTHERAN CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 7 pm at Hope Lutheran School (42nd/Oregon), with the Bell Choir, Chapel Band, Glee Club, Vocal Choir and Seattle Lutheran High School Band.
‘WINTER WONDERETTES’: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest – this year’s holiday musical!
More for today/tonight on our regular (non-holiday) calendar! And ongoing holiday activities (such as Christmas tree lots) are in the Holiday Guide.
Thanks to the Posey Family for that photo of a snowy owl they saw in Pigeon Point about two weeks ago, sharing it after they saw our Sunday night wildlife report mentioning another (albeit photoless) West Seattle sighting. Can’t schedule wildlife encounters, but here are some highlights that ARE scheduled for today/tonight:
LAST DAY FOR MATCHING DONATIONS AT HPIC’s FOOD DRIVE: Through today at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th/Holden), Nucor Steel is giving $2 for every pound donated at events and $2 for every dollar donated for the West Seattle Food Bank. (Put $ donations in the mail slot on Holden with “for Food Bank” on the envelope.)
(For more holiday-season giving opportunities, see the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide!)
TIDAL EXTREMES: As noted here Monday morning, it’ll be a week of very high (“king”) and very low tides. Today, the tide chart says 1:55 pm will bring a 12.2-foot high tide, and 9:08 pm will bring a -2.7 low tide.
WESTSIDE BABY BENEFIT/JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW: 5-8 pm at Umpqua Bank in The Admiral District, Stella & Dot Jewelry trunk show, proceeds benefiting WestSide Baby: “Sip a glass of bubbly while you socialize, have fun holiday shopping, and enjoy the generous hospitality of our local Umpqua Bank. (Donations are welcome toward Umpqua Bank’s Diaper Drive, too.)”
WEST SEATTLE ORCHESTRAS, ENDOLYNE CHOIR PERFORM: Tonight is the West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ second holiday concert, 6:30 pm at the Chief Sealth IHS Auditorium (2600 SW Thistle) – as previewed here. No set admission fee – donation suggested/encouraged.
CASPAR BABYPANTS AT EASY STREET RECORDS: And the night’s other musical highlight – Caspar Babypants performing in-store, free, at Easy Street Records in The Junction, 6:30 pm – details in our calendar listing.
DESIGN GROUP MEETING FOR SEWER-OVERFLOW PROJECT: Days after the city’s land-use decision for the Murray Combined Sewer Overflow Control Project storage tank across from Lowman Beach, the project’s community Design Advisory Group is meeting tonight, 6:30 pm, Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW).
KINDERGARTENERS AT BOREN? 5TH GRADERS AT MADISON? MORE PORTABLES? … and other options to relieve Seattle Public Schools crowding, up for discussion at the district’s ONLY community meeting on the topic before a board vote next month – 7 pm tonight at SPS HQ in SODO.
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING: Topics for the FCA board include planning the Lincoln Park celebration for early next year, and the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse’s ongoing improvements. 7 pm at the schoolhouse (9131 California SW). Public welcome.
GET FIT, WEST SEATTLE! Information night tonight, at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor; upstairs at 3727 California SW):
West Seattle Runner is doing another couch to half marathon training group. This is for beginners, runners or walkers, of all ages. In the previous 4 groups, we have had over 50 people cross the finish line – it’s easier than you think! We want people who have always wanted to start running or walking but didn’t know where to begin. Meet other local people, get in shape for the new year, and get your first finisher’s medal at the Seattle Rock and Roll half marathon, June 22nd, 2013.
This meeting is just to discuss the training plan and answer questions; you don’t have to start running until 2013! The first actual run/walk is on January 6th – we will be going a whole mile. But don’t worry, you don’t have to run the whole way, or at all. It’s all about covering the distance, not about how fast you are. If you are currently running more then 3 miles at a time, this group may not be for you; it is a real beginners’ group. For those looking to get in shape for 2013, you couldn’t ask for a better way!
FREE SKI-TUNING CLINIC: Tonight at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska in The Triangle), 7 pm – details in our calendar listing.
OPEN-MICROPHONE NIGHT AT THE CASK: Starting at 8 pm at The Cask in The Admiral District (east side of California just north of Admiral Way).
FIVE MONTHS TILL GARAGE SALE DAY! If you are looking for reasons to look forward to spring – we are exactly five months away from West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, Saturday, May 11, 2013 (it’s always the second Saturday in May), 9 am-3 pm. No action requested now but just a friendly reminder … when it’s closer, you’ll find information at westseattlegaragesale.com and on Facebook here. Next year will mark the sixth year of WSCGSD being presented by WSB.
What a weekend it’s been: History and holidays! Tonight is the third night of Hanukkah and exactly two weeks till Christmas Eve … already. A few highlights for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and our regular calendar:
WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB TAKES ON HANUKKAH: The weekly meeting – 3 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) – will feature participants’ Hanukkah recipes. More info on the club website.
NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: NDNC provides tonight’s lone community meeting, which will be at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – NOT the group’s usual location. The agenda includes not only Youngstown’s new management but also the City Council’s proposed medical-marijuana zoning (still a proposal in circulation despite I-502’s passage – we videotaped Council President Sally Clark‘s presentation on this topic at last month’s Southwest District Council meeting).
BOOK GROUP: “Half Broke Horses” is this month’s book, and you’re welcome to discuss it at the West Seattle (Admiral) branch of the Seattle Public Library, 6:45 tonight.
TREE SHOPPING? Find the list of lot locations and hours in the Holiday Guide.
DISCOUNT TICKETS – CALL FAST! Wednesday is Fauntleroy Night at ArtsWest for “The Winter Wonderettes,” and if you mention the Fauntleroy Community Association when you call the box office at 206-938-0339, discount tickets for that night are available.
(2011 WSB photo of sustainably LED-lit OLG tree)
Huge holiday weekend begins – on land and by sea. The highest-elevation tree, the brightest boat, opening night for two more holiday productions, music, open houses, much more … here’s the highlight list for today/tonight:
SANTA! “Ex-Westwood Santa” is back at CAPERS in The Junction today/tonight, 3-7 pm. Benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank – bring canned food and/or cash to help. For other Santa appearances this season, check the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.
HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR AT JAN’S: Jan’s Beauty Supply in The Junction is having Holiday Happy Hours Fridays during the holiday season, 3-5:30 pm, offering snacks/beverages and weekly specials.
MINI-BAZAAR: At Nepenthe Massage (6016-A California SW) 3-6 pm today (and continuing this weekend, 10-3 both days): Hot beverages, art, handmade jewelry, photography, holiday cards and items, chair massage, upcycled clothing, organic teas, lotions and soaps, baked goods, gift certificates.
‘FIRST FRIDAY’ TO HELP TRANSITIONAL RESOURCES: First giving opportunity of the night – join the Rotary Club of West Seattle at its “First Friday” gathering at The Cask in The Admiral District, 5 pm; they’re collecting first-aid kits, flashlights, and batteries to help support preparedness for the residents and clients of Transitional Resources.
DOUBLE OPEN HOUSE: Twala Intimates and Heidi Fish Swimwear in The Junction, 5-8 pm – details here.
CORNER BAR, HOLIDAY EDITION: Jingle and mingle with your Highland Park neighbors during the monthly Corner Bar at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th and Holden) – all ages! Starts at 6 pm (see the HPIC tree, which we visited in progress earlier this week).
PAJAMA DRIVE AT WEST SEATTLE Y: From the YMCA (WSB sponsor) – thanks to Joleen for the tip:
This Friday night at Family Night, Our Adventure Guides will be collecting new and used Children’s Pajamas for WestSide Baby. Bring your family down to play on the obstacle course and wear your pajamas too!! Please spread the word – we would love to collect a hundred pajamas! Friday, 6:00-8:00 pm, West Seattle YMCA.
PORT FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Bin 41 in The Junction is hosting its annual port tasting from 6-7:30 pm: “We’ll have an array open to try including a white port, ruby and a mix of delicious tawnies. Swing on in to warm your belly and sample some delicious ports!”
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE TREE LIGHTING: Carols, cocoa, cookies, and the highest-elevation tree (500+ feet above sea level) in Seattle – its lights go on tonight at 7 pm, right outside Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 35th and Myrtle. The street’s closed, the merriment reigns, and the new Parish Life Center across the street will feature activities too. Bring canned-food donations to fill the sleigh!
‘SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE: THE MUSICAL’: It’s premiere night for this brand-new locally written/produced Christmas musical (which is sponsoring WSB to help get the word out), Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm; tickets available online.
HOLIDAY STORY TIME: 7 pm at Barnes and Noble in Westwood Village, the annual “Polar Express” story time. B&N says, “Pajamas and jingle bells are welcome for this evening event. There will be treats and hot chocolate to go with this fun holiday story!”
WHOVILLE TOY ROUNDUP: 7-10 pm at OutWest Bar, 5401 California SW – It’s back again this year, and The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St. Joan, are bringing the toy drive to OutWest for the Whoville Toy Roundup, collecting new unwrapped children’s toys and clothing items for Rise n’ Shine. Bring in a gift and have a chance to win some prizes and enjoy some holiday drink specials! We will also be accepting cash donations as well, going directly to Rise n’ Shine! Join us at OutWest and don’t let the Grinch spoil anyone’s holidays! For more information on Rise n’ Shine: risenshine.org
For more information on the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St. Joan: www.theabbey.org.
‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE RADIO PLAY’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show begins its run tonight at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm; tickets available online. Also: A Children’s Hospital toy drive will be held during the show’s run:
Please consider bringing a new unwrapped toy or gift card for these families. The following items are in greatest need: Crayola® crayons; Play Doh; fuzzy coloring posters; small Lego sets; Brio trains; nail polish; coloring books; arts and crafts kits; playing cards; tactile toys for all ages; rattles; links; Disney/Pixar DVDs; PG-13 DVDs; gift cards; videos, books, and music.
MUSICA SACRA CHAMBER CHORALE: Performing the concert “Candlelight Christmas,” 7:30 pm, Holy Rosary Church (42nd/Genesee), more info here
CHRISTMAS SHIP’S FIRST WEST SEATTLE STOP OF 2012: Cap the evening with a visit to Don Armeni Boat Ramp (map) for the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship (WSB sponsor)’s 9:15 pm stop.
Believe it or not, there’s even more … check our regular event calendar and the Holiday Guide!
Marriage Equality Day continues at county HQ downtown – here’s our late-night/early-morning coverage; watch the King County Twitter feed for ongoing updates on how many licenses they’ve issued and whether there’s a wait (none right now) – they’re open till 6:30 tonight. Meantime: With the weekend in view, holiday events start ramping up. You’ll find several included in today’s highlights list, excerpted from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide (where you’ll find all the holiday events – they’re NOT on the regular calendar):
FIRST THURSDAY DEMOCRATS: Lunch meeting at 11:30 am, Daystar Retirement Village (across from Westwood Village) – more details here.
FREE WINE TASTING: Italian wines from Small Vineyards, 5:30-8 pm at West Seattle Wine Cellars (WSB sponsor).
SHOP LATE THURSDAY IN THE JUNCTION: Another chance to get out and do shopping at your local, independent businesses! 6-9 pm – participating merchants are listed here. Among them …
SHOP LATE THURSDAY AT CLICK! DESIGN THAT FITS: “…features a trunk show with local blacksmith Erica Gordon, who welds, forges, and otherwise creates belt buckles made of steel, brass, and copper. Erica will be on hand to talk about her processes which include vegetable-dying the leather straps for her belts. 5-9 pm. During the trunk show, 10% of all proceeds will be donated to Friends of the Animals Foundation, whose cats and kittens are regularly available for adoption right across the street at Next to Nature!” (Click! is a longtime WSB sponsor. Here’s the Facebook page for tonight’s event.)
HOLIDAY SERVICE AND OPEN HOUSE: Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery (WSB sponsor) invites you to a Holiday Service & Open House with music and light refreshments, 6 pm, 6701 30th SW, RSVP requested:
During this holiday season, we know memories and time well spent with family and friends is what makes this season special. This will be a time to remember your loved ones and to share a message of hope. Please plan to attend our Holiday Service and Open House. Feel free to bring friends and family. To RSVP, please call 206.932.0050 or e-mail nancy.hoult@dignitymemorial.com
ADMIRAL PARTY: Admiral District Business Association members are invited to their holiday party, 6-9 pm at The Benbow Room.
BAKED POTATO BENEFIT DINNER: Help the White Center Kiwanis support New Start High School Key Club members at this second-annual event, 6:30 pm at the school, with music by The Delridge Boys – map and details here.
SEATTLE WEIGHT LOSS AND WELLNESS OPEN HOUSE: As mentioned earlier, this new WSB sponsor invites you to an open house 7-8:30 tonight, 5001 California SW.
‘WINTER WONDERETTES’ AT ARTSWEST: The “Wonderettes” rocked the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting (WSB is a WSJHH co-sponsor) last Saturday night (see video in our coverage) – tonight’s another chance to see the whole show, 7:30 pm – details and tickets via the ArtsWest website.
MORE NIGHTLIFE: Busy night around West Seattle! Check our regular calendar for five listings tonight.
Events to add to the calendar – holiday guide or regular ongoing calendar? WSB listings are free, always have been, always will be. Please send the info at least one week in advance, in plain text in the body of your e-mail, and include weblink and/or Facebook link if you have one – editor@westseattleblog.com! Thank you very much!
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