(WSB photos)

1:08 PM: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center is bustling with vendors and shoppers midway through the first-ever Delridge Winter Market!

The hallways and rooms are full of people to meet and creations to browse and buy. Fresh hot food outside too:

This is a don’t-miss event, 4408 Delridge Way SW until 3 pm. More photos when we are back at HQ.

2:38 PM: Among the dozens of vendors – Judith is selling clay creations in the hallway near the entry door (that’s Daniel with her):

Nearby is Ammara:

So many different types of merchandise – including floral creations from Kamayan Farm in Carnation and other growers:

Apparel, body care, coffee, tea, jewelry, many gift possibilities! African Community Housing and Development, which presents the Delridge Farmers Market spring through fall, is hosting this too, and sponsored WSB to be sure more people heard about it. In addition to the vendors, a variety of free resources – from acupuncture to haircuts to cooking demos – awaited visitors, too

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WEST. SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Winter Wonderland activities in Admiral

December 14, 2024 11:58 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

That’s the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s Winter Wonderland holiday-cheer crew with Santa at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor), one of the official stops on today’s business-district trail of fun, happening until 2 pm. (added) Santa was posing with pets as well as people (and penguins):

A few doors down, you can stop at Seattle Yarn for free crafting fun – this family was making snowflakes:

Look for carolers and more fun. The weather’s calmed somewhat too.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Blustery day, with ‘wind advisory’ alert; almost 7,000 hit by short-lived power outage

December 14, 2024 9:36 am

| 38 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

9:36 AM: Thanks to Laurel at Ounces in North Delridge for the photo – that tree down along the Delridge entrance to the eastbound West Seattle Bridge is one of multiple trees brought down by this morning’s gusty winds. We’ve had a report from Admiral Way’s south hill, too. The National Weather Service has a Wind Advisory alert in effect for our area until 4 pm today, expecting “south winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.” No new West Seattle outages mapped by City Light so far but that last group of 146 from Thursday night’s outage is still without electricity. Scott sent this photo of crews working in the area:

If you experience or see weather-related trouble, please call or text our hotline, 206-293-6302 (once you’re sure the appropriate authorities know – if a tree or other debris is blocking a street or sidewalk, for example, SDOT’s after-hours number is 206-386-1218) – thank you!

9:49 AM: And now, a big power outage. Almost 7,000 customers; map screenshot added above. Thanks for the texts/tips. This time some signalized intersections such as 35th/Avalon and 35th/Fauntleroy are involved – remember dark signals = 4-way stops. Parts of Alki and Genesee that got hit in Thursday’s outage are out again, as is a stretch of Delridge, among other mapped spots that are out. We don’t know the epicenter of this one yet – let us know if you see City Light crews.

10:19 AM: If you look at the outage map, this seems to have spared the business districts, which have a variety of events today, but please let us know if you encounter any changes at any place on today’s (big) list. Meantime, while City Light’s map projects afternoon restoration, PLEASE REMEMBER that their estimates are just wild guesses at this point, COULD be much sooner, COULD be much later. Among other things, don’t open your fridge/freezer – what’s in it/them will last longer.

10:24 AM: And in fact, some are reporting their power is back. Avalon area, for starters. The map may not catch up for a bit. … Map now shows almost everyone restored from this outage (but not that 146-customer South Alki pocket from Thursday night).

10:33 AM: Thanks to everyone who’s sent rainbow photos, in the meantime – sightings from Alki to Fauntleroy. The one above this line is from John-Michael Bennett III. (Added) Below is a photo texted from Fauntleroy, where the ferries have been battling those south winds:

10:48 AM: Now the rain’s moved back in, at least here in Upper Fauntleroy. We’re also still hearing dispatches for various trouble spots – a tree down on 34th in Sunrise Heights, wires down on 51st in Brace Point.

11:56 AM: Though the power’s back, a reader says it’s left the Junction post office cash-only.

4:22 PM: Looking at City Light’s map, looks like the South Alki 146 finally got their power back sometime this afternoon, before hitting 48 unpowered hours.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 40+ possibilities from our Holiday Guide and Event Calendar!

December 14, 2024 6:03 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Another huge holiday-season Saturday ahead! First, the list from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

SELFIES WITH SANTA AT CAPERS: Details here – 8:30-11 am with “Santa Tony”! (4525 California SW)

CHRISTMAS THROWDOWN CROSSFIT COMPETITION: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at South Seattle Crossfit (2653 SW Yancy)

TREES FOR NONPROFIT: “This is the LAST FULL WEEKEND of the Holy Rosary tree lot, located behind the school at 41st & Dakota. Fully stocked with trees, wreaths and garland. Supporting not only Holy Rosary School, but the West Seattle Food Bank and Salvation Army’s Hickman House. Bring 5 cans and get $5 off your purchase. Open 9-9 Saturday and 9-8 Sunday.”

ORGANIC TREES: “Our “Front Yard Christmas Trees” are still available, we have 14 trees left! We have fresh-cut local Christmas trees of all sizes and heights, organic (no sprays or chemicals ever), local (from Cle Elum) and restorative! (part of a forest restoration project). Our trees are grand fir and can be given a fresh cut if desired, and free candy cane with purchase! We take cash or Venmo, and are open every day until Christmas. On 48th Ave between Edmunds and Hudson. Call or text us at 206-200-9108.”

KIDS’ TOY SWAP: At Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW)

Declutter, Discover, Delight!

This free, eco-friendly event is a chance to:

Declutter your home.
Discover new-to-you treasures.
Connect with the community.

Items Set-Up: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Browse & Swap: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Clean-Up: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Charity Pick-Up: 4:00 PM
Bring gently used toys, books, and games to swap, and take home items your family can use. Unclaimed items will be donated to local charities, spreading holiday cheer even further!

WINTER WONDERLAND, ADMIRAL DISTRICT: “There’s snow place to be like Admiral this winter! Join the Admiral Neighborhood Association from 10 AM-2 PM for a ton of family fun at Winter Wonderland. Enjoy festive foods at Circa and Arthur’s. Then skate over to West Seattle Grounds, Seattle Yarn and Wicked Rae’s for winter crafts. And don’t forget to snap some holiday photos at Hoste, Mud Bay and West Seattle Realty (where we heard a certain jolly man in a red suit might make an appearance)! And since the best way to spread holiday cheer is to sing loud for all to hear, take a break to enjoy the Admiral Church Choir’s Roving Carolers. Head to our website, connecttoadmiral.org, for more.”

SCENTED IN SEATTLE HOLIDAY MARKET: 10 am-6 pm at Metropolist Events in SODO (2731 1st Ave. S.) – fragrance, body care, soaps, candles, more. Participants include WSB sponsor Filigree & Shadow.

BUSKING CAROLERS: At California/Alaska, 11 am-1 pm, We Carollers 3, “busking on the corner at the future Molly Moon’s, collecting monetary donations for the WS and WC food banks. This group has been Busking for the food banks for about 16 *years*!”

VASHON ISLAND HOLIDAY STUDIO TOUR CONTINUES: Take a ferry to explore this event (which is sponsoring WSB to get the word out)!

Vashon Island artists offer art lovers and gift shoppers a fun and inspirational event, the Vashon Island Holiday Studio Tour, Saturday and Sunday, December 14-15, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm. The tour, which is organized by Vashon Island Visual Artists, features 44 studios and galleries representing more than 140 artists and craftspeople. The organization’s website also offers an interactive online map with details about each studio or gallery.

HOLIDAY NATIVE ART MARKET ENCORE: 11 am to 7 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse (4705 W. Marginal Way SW; WSB sponsor)

DELRIDGE WINTER MARKET:

ACHD x DNDA Presents: 1st Annual Delridge Winter Market
Saturday December 14 from 11 AM-3 PM
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center: 4408 Delridge Way SW

This festive indoor market, an extension of the popular Delridge Farmers Market, features unique handmade goods, delicious cultural foods, and a diverse lineup of local BIPOC-owned businesses offering everything from ceramics to body care products. Enjoy free community resources like fresh produce, basic supplies, live music, culinary demos, and services like acupuncture, massage, and youth haircuts. In collaboration with African Community Housing and Development, it’s a day of holiday cheer, community connection, and festive fun—you don’t want to miss this! You can check out the vendors by visiting ACHD’s website. See you there!

(WSB sponsor)

SANTA AT JOHN L. SCOTT IN THE JUNCTION: 11 am-2 pm Santa visit at 4445 California SW with Santa Jim – free photo ops with you, your loved ones, well-behaved pets. Free cookies and cocoa.

MAKERS ART MARKET: Noon-5 pm at Alki Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW), more than two dozen makers are there for your shopping adventures.

NORTHSTAR TRADING CO. POPUP: Longtime Pike Place Market vendor closing shop and selling sheepskin creations at a West Seattle pop-up, 12-4 pm – details here. (7138 30th SW)

RAIN CITY CLAY HOLIDAY SHOW: The Arbor Heights studio/gallery hosts the annual holiday show 1-5 pm again today – details in our calendar listing. (4208 SW 100th)

WEST SEATTLE PERFORMING ARTS: WSPA presents “The Nutcracker” and “In Motion,” with 1 pm and 6 pm performances at Chief Sealth IHS (2600 SW Thistle) – details in our calendar listing

SANTA AT WESTWOOD VILLAGE: Free photos with Santa are part of “An Enchanted Holiday Celebration” in the Westwood Village courtyard, 1-4 pm, plus treats and crafts. (2600 SW Barton)

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: The radio-play edition of “A Christmas Carol” at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 2:30 and 7:30 pm.

“SNOWED IN (AGAIN)”: 3 pm and 7:30 pm performances of ArtsWest‘s holiday show – here’s the ticket link. (4711 California SW)

COCOA, COOKIES, AND LIGHTS: Treats for visitors at 3431 48th SW’s display tonight, 5-7 pm, as noted here.

SANTA AT MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: Santa (and reindeer!) will be there around 5 pm. (5605 Beach Drive SW)

ASTRA LUMINA: The illuminated walk at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge continues. 5 pm and later entry times; ticket cost varies. (6000 16th SW)

‘WINTER WANDER’ SCAVENGER HUNT: Alice Kuder presents the “Winter Wander” scavenger hunt again this year, last full day/night:

The Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt is a free community event designed to bring friends and families together for holiday fun. Wanderers download a Bingo-style clue sheet, scour West Seattle to identify the locations that solve the clues, and upload selfies in front of those locations to qualify for prize drawings. Open to everyone of all ages! Winter Wander concludes at 7 PM, Sun., Dec. 15th, 2024. Sign up by registering at wondersinaliceland.com.

ALKI UCC COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CABARET: 7 pm – food, music, more – details and ticket info here. (6115 SW Hinds)

AT THE SKYLARK: The Emerald City Kings Ball team presents Crown Jewels – Xmas Edition. “A very drag king Christmas show” at The Skylark. Doors at 7, show at 8, $15. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

****Now, everything ELSE that’s happening, non-holiday! (Got something to add for today/tonight? Text 206-293-6302 – thank you!)****

FREE FITNESS CLASS: 8 am at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. (9131 California SW)

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.

FREE FIT4MOM PRENATAL-FITNESS CLASS: 9 am for moms-to-be. (2707 California SW)

HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s sanctuary/studio (3618 SW Alaska)

INTRODUCTORY WALK: Prelude to the next event – meet at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, 9:30 am, for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Then at 10 am, you’re invited to join others for the weekly walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy).

EXPLORER WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10-11:30 am:

Discover what makes Explorer West Middle School a unique and engaging community! Our Open House offers prospective families an opportunity to explore our programs, meet faculty, and hear directly from current students and families about their experiences. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting your school research journey, this event provides an in-depth look at what sets us apart. Registration is available through Ravenna (but not required). Students, parents, caregivers, and siblings are welcome at this event. Join us and see how we support middle schoolers to thrive in middle school and beyond with confidence!

(10015 28th SW; WSB sponsor)

KENNEDY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon, prospective families welcome. (140 S. 140th, Burien; WSB sponsor)

SSC GARDEN CENTER: “Garden Center is open until December 20th! We have Holiday Swags, Poinsettias and beautiful blooming Christmas Cactus! All new indoor plants will brighten any home or office and make a wonderful gift! Open Thursday-Saturday from 10 am-3 pm until December 20th! We will reopen January 9th! Thank you for a wonderful year supporting our students! The Garden Center at South Seattle College provides Landscape Horticulture students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of plants while gaining real-world retail experience. Plants available for sale are selected, propagated, grown and presented by Landscape Horticulture students. Proceeds benefit Landscape Horticulture Program projects. Cash and electronic payments accepted. The Garden Center is located in the North Parking Lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th Ave SW) on Puget Ridge.”    

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: Open 1-6 pm in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

SOUND BATH: 2 pm at Inner Alchemy studio/sanctuary – info in our calendar listing. (3618 SW Alaska)

LIVE AT TIM’S TAVERN: “West Seattle artists Golden Hart (which includes singer-songwriter Joshua Dennis, who has played at Art of Music events, and also at West Seattle Festival and Music at Hiawatha with his band Modern Relics) are playing at Tim’s Tavern in White Center Saturday. Doors at 6 pm, Show 7-10 pm. The Color Study from Bend, Oregon, and Rough Tail from Seattle will also be playing. $10 adv, $15 door, all ages.”

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, Soul Focus FM. (4547 California SW)

LIVE AT WEST SEATTLE BREWING: West Seattle classic rock band Legal Issues takes the stage at 9 pm Saturday at West Seattle Brewing Company, with ’60/’70 Woodstock-era show called Back to the Garden. No cover. (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW)

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 10 pm start time for Saturday singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – same place to send your Holiday Guide listings – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE GIVING SPIRIT: White Center Food Bank ‘here then … here now’

December 13, 2024 11:36 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| How to help | West Seattle Giving Spirit | West Seattle news | White Center

We close out this Friday with your next chance to demonstrate the West Seattle Giving Spirit. Three times a week through year’s end, WSB is bringing you this special holiday-season opportunity to learn about, and support, some of our area’s unstoppable nonprofits, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation. Tonight – the White Center Food Bank, whose mission stretches into West Seattle too:

Our mission is to minimize hunger while nourishing community, nurturing self-reliance and embracing our rich cultural diversity. The White Center Food Bank began unofficially in the mid-1970s as an emergency response to assist struggling families and individuals in the greater White Center and Highline areas during a major economic downturn. Much like today, many in the community were faced with difficult economic conditions that left them in need of food resources.

We were there then. We are here now.

Please consider a financial contribution, running a food drive or volunteering to help us keep the community fed!

We are also open for tours of our new facility. If you are interested, please contact Jefferson Rose, Development and Communications Director at jefferson@whitecenterfoodbank.org

WCFB WEBSITE
DONATE
VOLUNTEER
LEARN

Scroll through our archive of West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlights here (newest to oldest), and watch for the next one on Monday!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: South Delridge robbery; Morgan Junction burglary; porch prowler; multi-agency response

December 13, 2024 9:47 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Four notes in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

SECOND 7-ELEVEN ROBBERY OF THE DAY: After the robbery on which we reported late last night, there was another one at a West Seattle 7-Eleven hours later – the South Delridge 7-Eleven was held up just before 5:30 am. The initial description of the robbers – four Black teenagers, black clothing and masks, armed with a gun and a knife, who got away with cash and “tobacco products.” Police believe the same robbers were involved in an overnight robbery in North Seattle. If you have any information, the incident number is 24-349592.

MORGAN JUNCTION BURGLARY: After hearing a bit about this break-in via police radio after it was reported around 1 am today, we requested the narrative from SPD. It says that officers were dispatched to Waterfront Federal Credit Union in the 6400 block of Fauntleroy Way SW after an alarm trip revealed a video feed showing someone inside. That person was gone by the time officers responded. They found the building opened and that someone had used the kitchen. The burglar seen on the video was described as ” a white male, thin build wearing a beanie with a black coat and dark camouflage pants.” There was a report of a car outside the building that disappeared after the burglar did, but no description. The credit union contact wasn’t immediately sure if anything had been taken; police did find likely fingerprints and used “print cards” for evidence.

PROWLER: A reader sent this report:

Last night around 2 am a man walked up to the door of a home I am dog-sitting at and after knocking at the front door continued to walk around the property. He appears to be intoxicated. Police were called shortly after the man was seen but had left the property once police had been called. There was no sign of break-in, a few door handles rattled but nothing else. I wanted to share this (image) if anyone might know who he is or has seen him.

I also have a photo that I just received from the neighbors of the house I am staying at. The person who tried to open the doors to the house also kicked the side fence down. They either came in through the fence, having come through the neighbors yard first or left through the fence before police arrived.

This happened on 41st SW – we have a followup question out asking where on that street, which runs north to south along almost the entire peninsula.

P.S. – MULTI-AGENCY RESPONSE: Several readers reported what looked like a pursuit around 2 pm today, with non-Seattle police vehicles roaring off Harbor SW and onto the West Seattle Bridge, last seen exiting onto I-5. We asked around this afternoon to try to find out what that was about and haven’t yet had any luck.

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CITY REZONING PLAN: 1 week to comment. 3 things to know – new city meeting, Morgan Q&A, Fauntleroy ‘call to action’

December 13, 2024 8:34 pm

| 32 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Three notes tonight, with one week to go until the December 20th deadline for comments on the city’s rezoning proposals (on which we first reported two months ago):

CITY’S ONLINE ‘INFO SESSION’: An online informational meeting last night had some technical trouble, so the city has scheduled one last “virtual info session” about the rezoning plan for Tuesday (December 17), 5:30-7:30 pm. Here’s the link.

MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MEETING: Last night’s Morgan Community Association-organized meeting at High Point Library filled the meeting room there with more than 50 people. No presentation, but the meeting did include two Q&A sections, with MoCA president Deb Barker answering most questions. While the rest of the meeting just involved people milling around city infosheets on the walls (you can look up Morgan or other neighborhoods’ proposed changes here), we did record both sections of Q&A:

The zoning changes by neighborhood for City Council District 1 – which includes West Seattle – can be seen here.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S CALL TO ACTION: Another West Seattle neighborhood group, the Fauntleroy Community Association, has launched a last-minute letter-writing campaign in opposition to some of the proposed rezoning. They contend that the changes “would harm our neighborhood.” Their campaign includes two templates for potential letters to the city – one with prewritten statements of concern, the other in which you can voice your own concerns about the plan. Or, scroll down the city’s main page to see how to comment, whatever you think about the proposals.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: First-ever Delridge Winter Market on Saturday

December 13, 2024 5:28 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Delridge | Holidays | West Seattle news

Yet another one-of-a-kind holiday event to preview – the first-ever Delridge Winter Market is happening tomorrow, 11 am to 3 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). It’s presented by the same nonprofit organization that sponsors the summer/fall Delridge Farmers’ Market, African Community Housing and Development. You’ll find fresh, local food, baked goods, artisan crafts, and much more, offered by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-owned businesses – most of the market’s more than 40 vendors are listed here. Along with what’s offered for sale, you’ll also enjoy live music, and the market will offer what ACHD promises will be “a huge range of free resources including free massage, acupuncture, kids’ haircuts, and cooking demos.” And for those in need, as is the case with Delridge Farmers’ Market, the Delridge Winter Market will offer free bags of produce, first-come, first-served. (Thanks to ACHD for sponsoring WSB to get the word out further about the market.)

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TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: Characters with cocoa and cookies on Saturday!

December 13, 2024 4:44 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Tonight’s Christmas lights accompany an invitation for tomorrow, sent by Valerie:

Where can you find a darling deer and a charming snowman cross country skiing in West Seattle? 3431 48th Ave SW.

Join us for a neighborly hot chocolate and a gingerbread cookie from Mrs. Claus’s cocoa cart on Saturday, December 14th from 5-7 pm.

No, you don’t have to offer treats to have your lights showcased – photos are optional too (but appreciated) – westseattleblog@gmail.com, or text our hotline, 206-293-6302. (Scroll through this archive to see what we’ve shown already!)

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: ‘Winter Wonderland’ fun Saturday in Admiral

December 13, 2024 2:38 pm

| Comments Off on WEEKEND PREVIEW: ‘Winter Wonderland’ fun Saturday in Admiral

| Holidays | West Seattle news

After a year of big events presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association – including the 4th of July Kids’ Parade, Music in the Parks, and the Admiral Funktion street festival – you have one more to enjoy! Tomorrow (Saturday, December 14). “Winter Wonderland” beckons you to multiple locations in the heart of The Admiral District, 10 am-2 pm. Here’s what ANA says you’ll find:

Enjoy festive foods for the whole family at Arthur’s and dance in the snow (weather permitting), then enjoy coconut macaroons for kids at Circa. Skate over to West Seattle Grounds to make star ornaments and enjoy free hot cocoa for kiddos. Seattle Yarn will be making the season merry and bright with paper crafts (11 am-2 pm) and while you’re there consider donating to their Heart of Washington Winter Clothing Drive. Then bop on down the road to Wicked Rae’s to craft winter snow globes (from 10 am-noon). And don’t forget to snap some fun holiday photos at Hoste‘s popular Elves Cottage and Mud Bay’s annual Happy Pawlidays Photo Booth where you can also donate to their Giving Tree to help pets in need this season. And don’t miss out on getting your photo with the big man himself, Santa, at West Seattle Realty! You can also support our neighbors in need this holiday season by dropping off donations for the Westside Neighbors Shelter at West Seattle Realty.

Finally, since the best way to spread holiday cheer is to sing loud for all to hear, take a break to enjoy the Admiral Church Choir’s Roving Carolers and say hello to the Admiral Neighborhood Association penguin, who will be waddling through the event!

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, inbound

December 13, 2024 1:58 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tip. Might be hard to see through the rain and murk, but the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) is inbound, passing Alki Point. It’s been out at sea for a week and a half. It’s been exactly four months since it changed homeports to Bremerton.

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VIDEO: Fauntleroy ferry-dock replacement project’s Community Advisory Group hears about a ‘hybrid’ as decision time draws near

December 13, 2024 12:45 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSF recording of Wednesday night Community Advisory Group meeting)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

As Washington State Ferries gets close to settling on a “preferred alternative” for its Fauntleroy dock replacement, it told the project’s Community Advisory Group members Wednesday night that it’s focusing on what could be a hybrid of two of the options it’s been examining for more than a year.

They are B and B-3, which would be longer than the existing dock and would hold at least a full ferryload. of vehicles (124 for the Issaquah-class ferries that currently serve the route). Here’s how those two were described when the nine possible alternatives were unveiled in October of last year:

Last night’s online meeting wasn’t meant to be final word of which alternative WSF is pursuing, but rather a chance to review the criteria used in the evaluation, and to answer questions about the review. (Here’s the full slide deck.)

WSF’s David Sowers opened with an acknowledgment that “this process has taken longer than we anticipated.” But: “We’re getting toward the end” of that process. The ~$100 million dock/terminal is currently expected to be built between 2027 and 2031, and construction could last that entire four-year window.

What they’re wrapping up now is the “Level 3 screening process.” WSF’s Marsha Tolon recapped that they evaluated the alternatives on 29 “performance factors.” You can see the full details of those factors, and how alternatives stacked up, in this draft document circulated to advisory-group members. Those factors ranged from what you’d expect – load times, for example – to environmental factors such as how much an alternative might encroach on Cove Park (north of the dock) or how it might affect eelgrass restoration; here are some key criteria as listed in the meeting slide deck:

Here are WSF’s choice of highlights for why they favor the possible “hybrid” – note that the darker the box, the better that alternative ranked:

Feedback from advisory-group members included a question from Fauntleroy’s Judy Pickens about whether WSF really expected to be able to expand the terminal’s overwater coverage so much. Tolon suggested that the support of the Technical Advisory Group will help with that. Another group member urged WSF to plan for a future in which larger boats might be serving the route, not just the 124-car vessels handling it now. (WSF acknowledged that some years down the road, they’ll have to build a class of ferries replacing the Issaquah-class, and that could mean a different capacity. “We will deliver the Legislature our best thoughts” when the time comes, said John Vezina.) What about the pump station on the Cove Park side of the dock – will WSF have to maintain road access to that? Sowers said they’re assuming so.

There was no vote – this is an advisory group, not a decisionmaking group – so WSF’s focus on the footprint of B and B-3 ultimately was an FYI, not a “do you agree?”

WHAT’S NEXT: WSF says it’ll plan a round of community engagement – at least an “open house,” suggested Sowers – before making a final decision on the preferred alternative. Once that decision is in, a new round of environmental review will kick off. And before it builds the new dock, WSF will be working with SDOT on changes for the Fauntleroy Way intersection at the dock’s exit/entrance; that plan is not finalized yet but construction is expected to start next year. (An advisory group asked for a rendering of what’s in the works; a rep for the engineering firm working on that part of the project said they’re working on one.)

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BIZNOTE: Alki Café closed after eviction notice posted (updated)

December 13, 2024 10:52 am

| 45 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

ORIGINAL REPORT, FRIDAY: Thanks for the tips. The handwritten sign on the front door of Alki Café (2726 Alki SW) says “SORRY-CLOSED,” next to an eviction notice posted by the King County Sheriff’s Office this morning. These types of notices are usually posted following court action in an eviction case, technically known as “unlawful detainer,” so we looked up the case. It goes back 10 months; documents say the building owners, Alki Shores, wanted to end the restaurant’s tenancy in February. No specific amount of potentially owed money listed, other than to say the café’s base rent was $7,422 plus $1,337 in “other recurring charges.” In their response filed in June, the restaurant owners – who documents identify as Alki Beach Restaurant Café and NRBM LLC – said they had been dealing with alleged electrical and plumbing issues causing “periodic closures” plus improper electrical metering that they said had likely caused them to be overpaying for that utility. They estimated the alleged issues had cost them about $80,000. The case kept making its way through the system, according to documents, until an order following a six-minute hearing on November 21st, saying the restaurant owner’s allegations were not an excuse for the “failure to vacate” and ordering the eviction. We’re seeking comment from both the building owner and the restaurant owner.

ADDED SUNDAY: The restaurant was sold to NRBM LLC in 2020, noted a representative of the other named entity in response to one of our inquiries, and says it hasn’t had anything to do with the restaurant since then. NRBM LLC is listed with the state as having been “administratively dissolved” – by the state itself – in October because an annual report due in May allegedly hadn’t been filed.

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From choirs to clay, spaghetti to skating, here’s the list for your West Seattle Friday!

December 13, 2024 9:54 am

| Comments Off on From choirs to clay, spaghetti to skating, here’s the list for your West Seattle Friday!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo, Rain City Clay holiday show – info below)

Here’s what’s on our list for you today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round West Seattle Event Calendar:

INDOOR PLAY: Need an indoor place for your little one to play on this chilly day? 10 am-11:30 am, you’re welcome to drop in for the weekly free “Stay ‘n’ Play” event at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Open with poinsettias, holiday swags, and more! North side of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the home of West Seattle’s history to see what’s new as well as what’s old, noon-4 pm. (61st SW & SW Stevens)

QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: 12:15 pm-12:45 pm Fridays. More info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room is open 1-6 pm in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

RAIN CITY CLAY HOLIDAY SHOW: The Arbor Heights studio/gallery hosts the show again this weekend, 4-8 pm tonight – details in our calendar listing. (4208 SW 100th)

NORTHSTAR TRADING CO. POPUP: Longtime Pike Place Market vendor closing shop and selling sheepskin creations in West Seattle, 5-7 pm tonight (and other dates) – details here. (7138 30th SW)

‘WINTER WANDER’ SCAVENGER HUNT CONTINUES: Alice Kuder presents the “Winter Wander” scavenger hunt again this year, continuing through Sunday so it’s not too late to jump in:

The Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt is a free community event designed to bring friends and families together for holiday fun. Wanderers download a Bingo-style clue sheet, scour West Seattle to identify the locations that solve the clues, and upload selfies in front of those locations to qualify for prize drawings. Open to everyone of all ages! Winter Wander concludes at 7 PM, Sun., Dec. 15th, 2024. Sign up by registering at wondersinaliceland.com.

VISCON CELLARS: Season’s just right for the ambience of this tasting room/wine bar, open for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS AT THE SKYLARK: Swinson and the Expedition‘s “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” with Lookout Mountain Lookout and Vito at The Skylark, 6 pm doors, 6:30 pm music, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SPAGHETTI DINNER: The West Seattle High School Key Club wants to serve you dinner tonight! 6:30 pm, $10, details here. In the WSHS Commons. (3000 California SW)

THE STARRY CROWNS: 7 pm concert at Our Lady of Guadalupe (35th/Myrtle), “a sparkling mix of sacred and secular songs.” With special guest Migi.

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Songwriters’ Showcase live at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. No cover.

AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: The radio-play edition of “A Christmas Carol” at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm.

NORTHWEST FIRELIGHT CHORALE: 7:30 pm concert at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW) – this year’s theme is “Hearts Aglow in Winter’s Snow.” Tickets and info here.

SEATTLE GIRLS CHOIR: 7:30 pm at Holy Rosary (42nd/Genesee), Seattle Girls Choir presents “Carmina Angelorum: Songs of the Angels.” (Follow that link for concert and ticket info.)

‘SNOWED IN (AGAIN)’: The holiday musical continues at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm; ticket info is in our calendar listing.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Alice Camille tonight! (4547 California SW)

MAKE IT LOUD: Skating to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), doors at 9 pm, $18 cover, $5 skates. Tonight’s slate: The Sinister Six, Dancer & Prancer, The Hot Rollers.

Are we missing anything? If you have something else to add to our event lists, calendar, and/or Holiday Guide, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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BIZNOTE: Filigree & Shadow participating in Saturday’s Scented in Seattle Holiday Market

December 13, 2024 9:19 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle news

One of this weekend’s unique holiday markets is happening in SODO and featuring a West Seattle business, fragrance-maker Filigree & Shadow (WSB sponsor), who shared the announcement:

My fragrance studio will be closed this Saturday as I’ll be at Metropolist Events in SoDo for the Second Annual Scented in Seattle Holiday Market!

Looking for unique holiday gifts? Join us to explore a thoughtfully curated selection of artisan fragrances, soaps, candles, and body care products crafted by local businesses.

Event Highlights:

Artisan Fragrance Vendors: Discover niche perfumes from independent makers and connect with the creators behind your favorite scents.
Perfume Swap: Bring your gently used perfumes and trade them with fellow enthusiasts.
Special Exhibit by Jesse Hardy: Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind installation created exclusively for this event.

The market runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is free to attend. Street and lot parking are available, and Metropolist is fully ADA-accessible.

Celebrate the season and find the perfect gifts while supporting local artisans. We can’t wait to see you there!

It’s at 2731 1st Ave. S.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Friday notes

December 13, 2024 6:07 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:07 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, December 13th.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Rain is due back today, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:49 am, while sunset will be at 4:17 pm one more time – as early as the sunset gets – tomorrow, it starts getting later! (The sunrise gets later too, until a week into January.)

TRANSIT

Water Taxi today – Regular service today.

Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.

Metro buses today – Regular schedule.

ROAD WORK/CLOSURES

*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the south half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the north side. This will change later this month, SDOT has announced:

We’ll be transitioning into our third phase of traffic control on December 19. The two center lanes on Admiral Way SW will be closed during this phase, with one lane in each direction open for people driving. As part of this transition, the temporary crosswalk at Admiral Way SW and 39th Ave SW will be removed.

We expect more info soon. Meantime, Fairmount Avenue remains closed beneath the bridge.

*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon. SDOT finally provided that update, with word of a lane shift, too.

*Beach Drive gas-pipeline work continues into January, PSE tells us – here’s our update.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

See trouble 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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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 35th/Barton 7-Eleven robbed

December 12, 2024 9:07 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(WSB photo)

9:07 PM: Police are searching for a group of robbers who are reported to have taken the cash drawer from the 35th/Barton 7-Eleven store a little over half an hour ago. They are described on police radio as “unknown-race males, teens-twenties, black puffy jackets, hats, masks,” with a gun implied but not seen, getting away southbound on 35th. A K-9 team is joining the search.

9:13 PM: The trail is reported to have ended on 34th, where police suspect a getaway car was parked.

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UPDATE: Almost 5,000 hit by power outage in West Seattle; see the tree trouble that’s to blame

December 12, 2024 8:14 pm

| 143 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

8:14 PM: Thanks for all the tips. Seattle City Light‘s outage map confirms an outage affecting almost 5,000 customers in mostly northwest West Seattle. 911 log shows a “transformer fire” in the 4100 block of Beach Drive SW.

8:21 PM: Emergency-radio traffic suggests the problem is on a “private dead-end street” and that City Light has a crew on the way.

8:33 PM: To recap some important outage-related info – for one, the “estimated restoration time” is just a guess, could be lots earlier or lots later. In case of the latter, don’t open the refrigerator or freezer – your food will last longer.

8:51 PM: Power’s back on for many, if not all. (The City Light map hasn’t caught up yet so we won’t know for a bit if it’s entirely resolved.)

8:55 PM: First map update says it’s down to 3,100 out.

9:39 PM: Above, for the record, is the current map of who’s out. And below, WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli‘s photos of the tree trouble that’s to blame – it’s near Aikins/Boyd in South Alki:

10:10 PM: Christopher spoke to City Light workers at the scene who told him those who are still out may remain out into Friday, as it is a complicated repair, with three poles affected, and tricky access on the steep site. Meantime, we just got photos from the Aikins side of the downed tree (thanks, Evie!) – in the first photo there’s a crushed car (no one hurt):

10:45 PM: According to commenters, more just got power back. Now 1,749 out, per SCL map.

12:24 AM: Those 1,749 are still out, per SCL map.

6 AM: All but 160 are reconnected.

6:03 PM: After 22 hours, 146 people are still out.

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UPDATE: ‘Rescue extrication’ response on West Marginal Way SW

December 12, 2024 6:23 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:23 PM: Seattle Fire has sent a “rescue extrication” response to the 4800 block of West Marginal Way. We don’t know if it’s related to the earlier report of a crash – the address checks to the same area. Rescuers arriving in the area are saying “all the occupants appear to be OK.” Updates to come.

6:25 PM: SFD now says no one needs to be extricated, so they’re downsizing. the response – but West Marginal Way SW is blocked both ways because of the response, so avoid the area.

6:43 PM: Officers told dispatch that southbound traffic is flowing again.

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PHOTOS: Holiday edition of West Seattle Art Walk, with music!

December 12, 2024 5:38 pm

| Comments Off on PHOTOS: Holiday edition of West Seattle Art Walk, with music!

| Holidays | West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

5:38 PM: That’s Gretchen Flickinger, one of seven artists showing their work tonight at CAPERS in The Junction (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor). CAPERS is one of the Junction venues where you can both enjoy a West Seattle Art Walk reception and late shopping (a holiday-season Thursday tradition in The Junction) tonight. And watch for Santa, who’s roaming (if you don’t catch him on the street tonight, CAPERS is hosting him for photos 8:30-11 am this Saturday and next). Lots of other Art Walk venues to browse – go here for the spotlights – and The Art of Music concerts coming up at 6 pm (CAPERS is hosting one of them).

6:32 PM: The photo of artist Lora Radford above is from her Wild at Heart pop-up at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW) – featuring stonecast candles and bowls. (Buy a medium or large bowl, get a small bowl for free.) Also at WSG tonight, orca photography by Brittany Noelle:

7:36 PM: Also at West Seattle Grounds, as part of The Art of Music, Taylor John Hardin:

At CAPERS, Alyvia Miller:

At Beveridge Place Pub, Willow Scrivner:

And at Great American Diner and Bar, MoonGirl:

Thanks to The Art of Music curator John Redenbaugh for the musician photos!

ADDED: And thanks to Dan Jacobs of the Admiral Neighborhood Association for a few more artist pics – Ellen Zrimsek was at Forever Young:

Diane Bellisario at Good Society:

And from the ModHome pop-up at WEND Jewelry:

Next Art Walk is the first of 2025, Thursday, January 9.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: West Marginal Way crash

December 12, 2024 5:30 pm

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC ALERT: West Marginal Way crash

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

The photo is from Amy, who reports that crash is on West Marginal Way SW about a block south of the Duwamish Longhouse. Amy says traffic is sluggish as a result. No SFD dispatch so far, which suggests no injuries reported.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Toy swap at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse on Saturday

December 12, 2024 3:30 pm

| Comments Off on WEEKEND PREVIEW: Toy swap at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse on Saturday

| Fauntleroy | Holidays | West Seattle news

As you might have noticed in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, this weekend brings another sleigh-load of unique holiday events. If you’re looking to have a low-impact gifting experience for the kids in your family – this swap event Saturday might be what you’re looking for:

Kids’ Holiday Swap Shop – Declutter, Discover, Delight!

Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Location: Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 9131 California Ave SW

This free, eco-friendly event is a chance to:

-Declutter your home.
-Discover new-to-you treasures.
-Connect with the community.

Event Schedule:

Items Set-Up: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Browse & Swap: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Clean-Up: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Charity Pick-Up: 4:00 PM

Bring gently used toys, books, and games to swap, and take home items your family can use. Unclaimed items will be donated to local charities, spreading holiday cheer even further!

Admission is free; if you want to RSVP, you can do that here.

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VIDEO: Admiral coyote sightings

December 12, 2024 2:21 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Two Admiral-area coyote sightings:

TODAY: This report and video are from Katie:

Coyote sighting near College Street Ravine, 51st Ave SW and College St. Careful walking through the ravine today!

TUESDAY: Another reader reported, “My friend heard something & his dog’s ears perked up. He looked outside to see two coyotes in his yard. They walked around the yard, down the stairs and headed north on Victoria Ave SW at 3:15 AM.”

COEXISTING WITH COYOTES: We share periodic sighting reports for awareness, not alarm. You can best help them keep their distance by not providing food (which means, don’t leave small domestic animals unattended, or unsecured garbage, etc.). Here’s one place to read more about avoiding coyote conflicts!

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