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VIDEO: District 1 City Councilmember-elect Rob Saka and counterparts get mayoral welcome
December 15, 2023 1:08 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photo: District 1 Councilmember-elect Rob Saka with Mayor Bruce Harrell)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Two and a half weeks after election results were finalized, the five newly elected Seattle City Councilmembers-to-be – including District 1’s Rob Saka – answered media questions this morning after a mayoral welcome.

We were there for the event on the mayor’s floor atop City Hall. Mayor Bruce Harrell started his welcome speech by explaining staffers have been meeting with the “new cast of characters” for the past week. (In addition to Saka, the “new cast” is District 3’s Joy Hollingsworth, succeeding Kshama Sawant; District 4’s Maritza Rivera, succeeding Alex Pedersen; District 5’s Cathy Moore, succeeding Debora Juarez; , and District 7’s Bob Kettle, the only one to take office by defeating an incumbent, Andrew Lewis. There will be a sixth new councilmember next month, when the council appoints someone to fill the citywide seat Teresa Mosqueda is leaving to join the King County Council.) Here are the mayor’s opening remarks:

Harrell suggested the new councilmembers can’t be put in a “binary box” of political ideology, but instead are “committed to get stuff done.” He also noted their range of “lived experience” with a list of attributes major and minor, from “two veterans” (Saka and Kettle) to “two dog owners.” He also insisted that he and the departing councilmembers “did some marvelous work together,” ticking off more stats, such as the council passing all 344 bills he sent them and that he only vetoed one council bill. “I want to dispel the notion that things were so bad we got nothing done … we got a lot done.”
So what do the newly elected councilmembers-elecct want to do? Each got a turn at the microphone before the floor was opened to questions. Here’s what Councilmember-elect Saka said:

He promised he would “be a servant to the residents of District 1” and assessed the changes as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to usher in a new culture at City Hall,” promising he and his new colleagues could “disagree without being disagreeable.” When Q&A time came, we noted that he had campaigned on “public safety, public safety, public safety” and asked what he planned to do first to try to improve it:

(It should be noted here that the mayor said a bit later in response to a reporter question that crime rates are going down.) In short, Saka didn’t mention a specific propodal but said he’d “work collaboratively with the mayor” and that more officers had to be hired – the hiring incentives don’t seem to be working – plus the alternative CARE Team must “grow and scale.”

Harrell had more to say about public safety in answering questions about his goals for the year ahead, mentioning “new ideas” – referring to the budgeted gunshot-locator technology as one of those, along with “CCTV cameras” (we’re checking on which cameras he was referring to). He also declared that “crime rates are going down.”

To see what the other councilmembers-elect said, the entire event was streamed by Seattle Channel; we’ll link their recording when it’s available. Councilmember-elect Hollingsworth had a notable observation – “We didn’t just want the job title, we want to do the job.” That will formally start when they’re sworn in January 2nd.

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WATER TAXI ALERT: Extra evening service for Monday’s Seahawks game
December 15, 2023 12:31 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

Going to Monday night’s Seahawks game? Metro invites you to travel by water:

On December 18, 2023, the West Seattle Water Taxi will be running extended service for the Seahawks game against Philadelphia. In addition to the regular service, the following departures have been added:

Departs Pier 50 to West Seattle/Departs West Seattle to Pier 50
7:30 p.m./8:00 p.m.
8:30 p.m./9:00 p.m.
9:30 p.m./10:00 p.m.
10:45 p.m./11:00 p.m.

The Water Taxi Shuttle (Routes 773 and 775) will be in service for the added sailings to get you from the dock to the West Seattle Junction and the Admiral District after the game.

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Future preschooler in the family? Save the date for West Seattle Preschool Fair
December 15, 2023 11:11 am
|    Comments Off on Future preschooler in the family? Save the date for West Seattle Preschool Fair
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

The West Seattle Preschool Fair is back! If you’re interested in exploring options for a young family member, this will be the place and time to do it – at least 14 local preschool providers are expected to be there. It’s after the holidays, but we thought a heads-up now might be helpful before the holiday season hits its crescendo so you can mark your calendar before too many distractions rush in. The West Seattle Preschool Fair is set for 5:30-7 pm Monday, January 8th, in the Menashe Gym at Hope Lutheran North (4100 SW Genesee). Hope Lutheran and Westside School (WSB sponsor) are coordinating it and are two of the participants; if you have questions before the event, you can contact Ted Holmes at Westside, tedh@westsideschool.org or 206-932-2511.

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Here’s what’s up today and tonight for your West Seattle Friday
December 15, 2023 9:30 am
|    Comments Off on Here’s what’s up today and tonight for your West Seattle Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

A two-part list for today/tonight! First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

FILM HISTORY OF THE HOLIDAYS: 11 am at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon) – “In celebration of the holiday season, film historian Lance Rhoades will share favorite stories from classic live-action movies such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street and A Christmas Story and from great animated films, including Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. We’ll also discuss all-inclusive faith celebrations.” $10. RSVP.

SANTA AND GRINCH PHOTO FUNDRAISER: Photos to raise money for West Seattle-based nonprofit Stephanie’s Lifeline, 4-7 pm at The Blu Grouse. (9839 17th SW)

DONATION DRIVE AT MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: Going to see West Seattle’s best-known Christmas lights display? Bring a donation if you can:

Donation Collections for WestSide Baby and West Seattle Food Bank. Donation bins will be set up at the Menashe home, 5 – 9 pm at 5605 Beach Drive SW. Most needed items for WestSide Baby: winter coats, hats and gloves, pajamas, rain books, blankets, books and toys, Pull Ups (sizes 2T – 5T) and diapers (sizes 3 – 6). Most needed items for the West Seattle Food Bank: non-perishable food (not opened, in good condition), shelf stable milk, healthy snacks, low-sodium and no-sugar foods, and pet food and kitty litter for their Pet Pantry.

(5605 Beach Drive SW)

ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus continues tonight, 5 pm. Timed tickets and pricing info here.

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

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’: The radio-play edition of Twelfth Night Productions‘ beloved show continues at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm – ticket info and other details on the Brown Paper Tickets website.

‘SNOWED IN’: ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) presents its holiday production, described as a “a journey of song, dance, friendship, family, and the true meaning of the holidays.” 7:30 pm. Check for tickets are here.

And from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

NEW COUNCILMEMBERS AT CITY HALL: District 1 Councilmember-elect Rob Saka and the four other newly elected councilmembers make their first group public appearance at City Hall during an official welcome from Mayor Bruce Harrell and media Q/A. You can watch live via Seattle Channel at 9:30 am.

TODDLER GYM: Free drop-in gym at Arbor Heights Community Church, 10 am-11:30 am. (4113 SW 102nd)

SCRABBLE CLUB: Play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café inside the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room/wine bar open – wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Try the fall-release red wines!

MEDEJIN AT EASY STREET RECORDS: In-store show, 7 pm – free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

DANCE NIGHT AT THE SPOT: Fridays are DJ Dance Night at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

SOUND & ACUPUNCTURE: 7:30 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $45.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: Levitating, Thatsnokay, Trances, doors at 7, show at 8. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Music 9 pm-1 am on Fridays! (4547 California SW)

Something to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Remembering Leon B. Ufkes, 1926-2023
December 15, 2023 8:55 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Leon Ufkes and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Leon B. Ufkes (1926-2023)

Tami Ufkes-Schendel and Mark L. Ufkes announce the recent death of their 96-year old dad. Leon was a resident at West Seattle’s Quail Park memory facility, where wonderful staff cared for him. Raised in Illinois on the family farm, at age 17, Dad enlisted into the US Navy during World War II. He was trained as a “fighting Seabee” Naval engineer, stationed in Guam, to prepare for the invasion of the main island of Japan. He was part of an engineering battalion slated to be in the third landing wave and was told that they could expect a 70% casualty rate. During final training, the US dropped two atomic bombs on Japan, ending the war. Dad said many times that those atomic bombs saved his life. As a result, he dedicated his entire career to the nuclear industry.

After the war, Dad used the GI bill to attend Virginia Tech, completing a B.S. degree in chemical engineering. His first engineering job, at age 26, Dad was issued a “Q” top secret security clearance and was put in charge of a 5-person team to pack high explosives into atomic bombs that would be used to trigger the nuclear explosion. He was proud that his ideas were used to make the atomic bomb assembly process safer.

In 1954, he met and married Iris R. Adkins, his secretary (and our mom), who could type 90 words a minute on a manual typewriter, was a state-level women’s high school basketball star, and “had great legs and a beautiful singing voice”, according to Dad. In 1955, Dad was invited to the Hanford Nuclear reservation in Richland, Washington to assist in operating plutonium producing reactors built during the cold war with the Soviet Union. Dad was a lead Hanford operating engineer for much of his career, proud to have worked at historic B-Reactor, using the same office that famous physicist Enrico Fermi used in 1945 to help end World War II. Later, Dad did early work on the “glassification” of nuclear waste for safer storage.

Dad fell in love with the mountains of the west. We learned how to ski as we learned to walk, and constantly went camping in the Cascade mountains. As a family, we hiked most of the coast of Washington and climbed Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood a dozen times. Dad volunteered as a Scoutmaster, and for decades, lead a large group to summit Mt. Adams every Labor Day.

Dad became a single parent in 1972, when our spectacular mom died of colon cancer at age 43. Dad and Mom taught us that college education gives opportunities we can’t imagine. They were right. Between three children and six grandchildren, there are 14 college degrees, including four advanced degrees and two medical doctors. Collectively, our careers have allowed us to serve the human condition all over the US and the world.

Dad played tennis, loved dancing (“all the women want to dance with me, Mark!”), and walked 3 miles a day until age 84 when he was severely injured after falling off a roof while pruning a tree.

A memorial plaque for Mom and Dad was installed at the summit of the Candy Mountain Hiking Preserve, a park and 1.5 mile trail near Richland. His son Mark, and daughter-in-law Lois Schipper, used their 120 acres to help create a public park there instead of developing housing. Dad loved the fact that over 60,000 hikers climb Candy Mountain each year and can sit on beautiful basalt column benches at the summit, with a grand view of the mighty Columbia River, 1,000 feet above the town where Dad raised our family and served our country.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Pre-winter break Friday
December 15, 2023 6:00 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Pre-winter break Friday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, December 15, last day of school before winter break.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Partly sunny today, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:50 am, and the sun will set at 4:18 pm. (As of today, sunsets start getting later!)

Metro – Regular schedule today; check advisories here.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule today. Watch the real-time map if wondering where the boat is.

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check alerts for changes, and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on Twitter/X shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if applicable). Thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Preview ‘the 4040 House,’ where shows start Friday
December 14, 2023 8:30 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Genesee Hill | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

The photo is from Ryan, whose much-awaited mega-display (130,000+ LEDs!) makes its return tomorrow night:

After months of preparation, the winter holiday show at the 4040 House will start this Friday at 6 pm! We have even more lights and more music this year!

The show runs nightly until January 1 from 6 pm-9 pm.

This year we have over 30 songs and the jukebox returns so people can request their favorite tunes! The show is located at 4040 47th Ave SW between Dakota and Andover. We ask if people drive down, please park on Dakota or Andover and walk over.

(You might remember Ryan’s Halloween show.) Lots more info, including FAQ, at 4040house.com. … Go here to see all the displays we’ve featured already, and if you have a suggestion, please send the info – with or without photo/video – to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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VIDEO: West Seattle Art Walk, 2023 holiday edition!
December 14, 2023 5:32 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

5:32 PM: Hectic night for Santa Claus as the holiday edition of the West Seattle Art Walk begins. You’ll find him first at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor). It’s one of the official stops on the Art Walk list/map:

WS Realty also is showing the work of artist Brandi Quinn, who works in mixed media/acrylic. In Admiral, two other spots are offering extras tonight – here’s the map and list of Admiral participants:

West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW) is also where you’ll find Sue Quigley, one of the three musicians performing mini-concerts for The Art of Music, 6-7:30 pm, as featured here. We’re headed southbound to The Junction, where starting at 6 pm, the Silver Belles will be singing, the Better As Brass Band will be blowing their horns, and that busy Santa guy will be roaming. More coverage to come.

5:54 PM: Above is Michael Doyle, one of the artists at a Holiday Bazaar inside Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) during the Art Walk. He’s selling “fun whimsical postcards and greeting cards,” plus art prints and original painting.” Jet City Beignet also is in the house. And ESR has tunes, too – “DJs Fishlure and Mike Steve – spinning all your holiday favorites.” … A bit south, Thoa Nguyen is the featured artist at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), in the gallery until 7 pm:

Her paintings are on display at ArtsWest until January 8th.

6:30 PM: We found Santa in The Junction, stopping by VAIN West Seattle (4513 California SW):

VAIN is showcasing fragrance tonight – with The Phoenix and The Fool, as well as the Seattle Perfumers Discovery Set (among the participants in that set is WSB sponsor Filigree & Shadow). Like most of tonight’s artist-reception events, this one continues until 8 pm … At CAPERS (4511 California SW), two artists are in the spotlight tonight, including glass artist Melissa Misoda:

We’ve also caught up with the Silver Belles carolers and Better As Brass band – video of both when we get back to HQ.

8:32 PM: Here’s part of an original song that was in the Silver Belles’ repertoire tonight:

And Better As Brass is in our clip with part of a TV-show classic:

BAB is scheduled to be in The Junction again next Thursday night too, for the season’s final Shop Late Thursday.

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VIDEO: Grand Menorah lit at Alki Beach on Hanukkah’s final night
December 14, 2023 4:44 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

This is the eighth and final night of Hanukkah, and the second year the Torah Learning Center of West Seattle has lit a 12-foot-high Grand Menorah at Alki Beach. Rabbi Eli Duban climbed a ladder with a tiki torch to set the eight lights – one for each night – ablaze:

He spoke briefly about the light of the Jewish spirit triumphing over antisemitism, and had words of gratitude (update: here’s the video):

The gathering also had a festive note, with songs and treats (jelly donuts and chocolate coins).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Silverado; mailbox break-in
December 14, 2023 2:23 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN SILVERADO: The photo and report are from Sandra:

My Chevrolet Silverado 2005 truck was stolen from my street last night at 5:30 am.

It was parked beside my house. 1 block from tennis court off Fauntleroy close to 76 gas station at Lincoln Park.

As shown in the photo, C52778N is the plate. We’ll add the police report # when we get it.

MAILBOX BREAK-IN: Reported by Stefan, in the 4300 block of SW Trenton:

Just a heads-up that I went out this morning to find our locked mailbox pried open, along with some others down our street. Must have happened last night or early this morning. Some mail/packages were definitely stolen. Submitted details to the Postal Inspection Service. Case ID: 58311372

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DEVELOPMENT: Tree advocates plan demonstration at Delridge project site
December 14, 2023 12:41 pm
|      32 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Development | West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

(WSB photo from March)

The proposal for 11 residences at 6504 24th SW [map] continues to make its way through the permit process. Tree advocates plan a demonstration there Saturday afternoon to renew attention to the plan for tree removal, with concerns including its proximity to Longfellow Creek. We last wrote about the project back in March, when the city convened a community-requested public meeting for comments (WSB coverage here), most of which were focused on the trees. As we reported at the time, an arborist’s report showed more than 50 “exceptional” trees on the site, and noted more than 30 could be removed. (Here’s the current plan set.) Permit files also show the developers seeking an exemption for part of an “environmentally critical area” on the site. Tree Action Seattle notes that – as discussed in our March report – housing could be built on the site with far fewer tree removals. It plans to gather and “ask for change” at 1 pm Saturday. (Thanks to reader Julia for the tip on this.)

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West Seattle Art Walk with music and Santa, ‘Shop Late’ in The Junction, much more for your Thursday!
December 14, 2023 10:53 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Highland Park’s big bird in the holiday spirit – photo sent by GB)

If you haven’t seen all this on our Event Calendar or in our Holiday Guide, the daily list is one last reminder of everything ahead today/tonight:

UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE: Informational presentation at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 11 am.

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for an update on where they’re playing today.

GRAND MENORAH LIGHTING: For the eighth and final night of Hanukkah, the Torah Learning Center of West Seattle will light its 12-foot-tall Grand Menorah near the Alki Bathhouse, 4 pm. (60th/Alki)

THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), Thai-U-Up will be visiting.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK, HOLIDAY EDITION: As previewed here – lots to enjoy. Starting at 5 pm, tonight not only is your monthly chance to visit venues all around the peninsula to see art, meet artists (here’s this month’s lineup), and/or enjoy food/drink specials, but also to enjoy extras:

*Silver Belles caroling in The Junction (6-8 pm, various locations)
*Roaming Santa in The Junction
*Better As Brass Band in The Junction (6-7:30ish, California/Alaska)
*The Art of Music at three venues, 6-7:45 pm – here’s all the info on who’s where
*Admiral District holiday activities including Santa at West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor) – here’s all the info

SHOP LATE THURSDAY IN THE JUNCTION: Some shops are keeping their doors open until at least 8 pm!

GIFT WRAPPING WITH CLAY CAULDRON: 5-8 pm at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW)

ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, starting at 5 pm. Timed tickets and info here.

WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: As previewed here, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s online speaker series features King Khazm and “Hip Hop and It Don’t Stop” tonight, 6 pm. Register here to get the link.

BREWER’S NIGHT: Beer Star in White Center invites you to a Brewer’s Night with Chuckanut Brewing, 6-8 pm. (16th/98th)

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Future Primitive Beer Bar (2536 Alki SW) at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT: Third of three, tonight featuring the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Percussion Ensemble, 7 pm, WSHS Theater. (3000 California SW)

BLUES NIGHT: 7 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.

YOGA, BREATH WORK, GONG BATH, MORE: 7 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

‘SNOWED IN’: ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) presents its holiday production, described as a “a journey of song, dance, friendship, family, and the true meaning of the holidays.” 7:30 pm. Check for tickets here.

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HOLIDAY GIVING: Last call for some West Seattle drives
December 14, 2023 9:54 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Throughout the season, our <West Seattle Holiday Guide features a list of local donation drives that welcome your help. Some of them are about to wrap up so that the beneficiary organizations have time to get the gifts to recipients, so we’re nudging you in case you’ve been meaning to drop something off. Here are three that are about to conclude:

JOY DRIVE FOR WESTSIDE BABY AT VILLAGE GREEN: Through today, Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) is collecting items for WestSide Baby – see this flyer for the wish list. Bring donations to Building 2 (The Hearthside).

TREEHOUSE DONATION DRIVE AT ALKI BIKE AND BOARD: Tomorrow is the last day for this drive.You can go here to see what Alki Bike and Board (2606 California SW; WSB sponsor) is collecting. One request: “Please make sure all items are NEW or in GREAT used condition.”

ADOPT-A-FAMILY ASSISTANCE: Also concluding tomorrow: West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) has adopted a family for holiday help – details here.

Some others have later deadlines, and our Holiday Guide list also includes some requests for monetary donations. Any last-minute additions? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Thursday notes
December 14, 2023 6:03 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, December 14.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Damp morning, forecast says, then cloudy, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise today is at 7:50 am; sunset, 4:17 pm. Speaking of sunrise, here’s one more view of Wednesday’s incredible sunrise colors – this time with Mount Rainier, as photographed from the Vashon-Fauntleroy ferry by Kate:

ROAD WORK

Pavement work means continuing restrictions on 26th SW between Roxbury and Barton again today. Metro is still rerouting buses off that stretch.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – Aside from the aforementioned rerouting, it’s a regular schedule today; check advisories here.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule today. Watch the real-time map if wondering where the boat is.

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check alerts for changes, and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on Twitter/X shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if applicable). Thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Robbery investigation
December 13, 2023 10:46 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Police are investigating a robbery near Delridge/Orchard. We haven’t heard the full circumstances but the victim is reported to have been robbed of their phone just before 10 pm by a person armed with a handgun, and the robber is reported to have gotten away in a black Hyundai Sonata with a taped-up back-passenger-side window. The getaway car appeared to be accompanied by a black Kia Forte. A partial description of the robber was broadcast – black ski mask, white sweater, black jeans, black shoes. No injuries reported. If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 23-358293.

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THURSDAY: Southwest Seattle Historical Society presents ‘Hip Hop and It Don’t Stop’ with King Khazm
December 13, 2023 8:55 pm
|    Comments Off on THURSDAY: Southwest Seattle Historical Society presents ‘Hip Hop and It Don’t Stop’ with King Khazm
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Another regular feature of second Thursdays is the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Words, Writers, Southwest Stories speaker series. Tomorrow night, SWSHS presents Seattle hip-hop luminary and community organizer King Khazm, in an online event – here’s the preview from SWSHS:

Hip-hop culture and its founding principles are often misunderstood due to its commodification and exploitation by corporate interests and mainstream media. Few know its humble roots as a tool to unify, uplift, and amplify voices, particularly for youth of color.

Join artist and activist King Khazm as he explores the art, history, philosophy, and ethics of hip-hop—an international phenomenon and billion-dollar industry whose legacy is centered in community empowerment, cultural exchange, and resilience. Khazm shows how hip-hop is much more than just a genre of music; it has the capacity to challenge the status quo, address systemic oppression, and provide opportunities for the development of life skills, civic engagement, and global connections.

Khazm “King Khazm” Kogita (he/him) is a multifaceted artist, producer, and community organizer. He has been engaged in art and community service for over 25 years. He is the executive director of 206 Zulu and serves on several boards including 4Culture, the Seattle Disability Commission, and The Here & Now Project. Khazm lives in Seattle.

Go here to RSVP. (Photo courtesy SWSHS)

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: ‘Winter Wonderland house’
December 13, 2023 6:51 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Time for tonight’s lights! Thanks to Valerie for the photo – she describes this as the “Winter Wonderland house,” at 3431 48th SW. We’ll continue showing West Seattle (and vicinity) displays nightly through Christmas. See what we’ve already shown by clicking the tag “West Seattle Christmas Lights” beneath the headline above and scrolling through the archive that’ll take you to; send a suggestion, with or without photo/video, to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: ‘Swooping owl encounter’
December 13, 2023 5:09 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Elena sent this report:

Second week in a row of a swooping, talons out, owl encounter along Alki/Beach Drive while on a run. The first was last week, about a mile north of Lincoln Park along Beach Drive. I was running and suddenly felt talons on my head and after some arm flailing, the owl perched herself/himself on the telephone wire adjacent to me, and then tried to go after me again when I tried to resume running. Had to walk backward 1/4 mile before we lost sight of each other. The second was (Tuesday) morning, near the trees just west of Marination (near the larger parking lot). Similar circumstance, but this guy was more persistent. This time, the swooping did not stop even while I stopped my run and stood still, and had to walk backwar with my arms out about 100 yards before it stopped. I imagine it must be some seasonal nesting behavior/etc. But runners and walkers (and small critters!) look out, I suppose.

As we’ve noted following similar reports in the past, the state has a page explaining this owl behavior. Last year, meantime, a reader told us about the creative deterrent she wears!

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: From shattered to beautified
December 13, 2023 3:10 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Thanks to a surprise gift from another Junction business, that’s what Cherry Consignment proprietor Nyla Bittermann, her customers, and passersby are seeing today, instead of plywood, on the store door shattered by a burglar early Tuesday. Nyla sent the photo with the explanation, “We Are Doll Parts snuck up this morning and painted my door! We do have the best community.” (That’s Doll Parts Collective, on the other end of The Junction.)

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MISSING: Have you seen William? – Update: Found
December 13, 2023 1:31 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Friday update: William’s family has found him and thanks the community for their help.

Earlier:Read More

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen green Accord; package theft on video
December 13, 2023 11:38 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN GREEN ACCORD: From Ann:

1997 Honda Accord, License 705HYN. Stolen between Tues night 12/12/23 at 6:35 pm (estimated time returned home from a dog walk) and 705am Wed 12/13/23 (when I went outside today)

Vehicle description: Dark green with light-gray seats. Significant damage to driver’s-side front wheel well, also scratches on truck and back bumper.

Vehicle contents: two large car seats in the back

A CLUB was on the vehicle. (This Club was purchased June 2019 after the Honda was stolen in early May and recovered 2 weeks later; at that time I was using an old Club)

SPD Incident #23-357538. If found – or seen, please call 911

PACKAGE THIEF: Another one recorded on video.

Ryan sent the clip and says this happened near California/Manning. Here’s a tracking number pending a final incident number: #T23027709.

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Here’s what’s happening for the rest of your West Seattle Wednesday
December 13, 2023 10:26 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to David Chase for that photo of this morning’s spectacular sunrise colors (and to everyone else who sent pics)! Here’s a reminder of what’s scheduled for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

(added) CELEBRATE LONGFELLOW CREEK: Just got word of this:

Free Event – Celebrating Trees & Longfellow Creek!

Scavenger hunt, drawing, nature crafts & more!
WHEN: Wednesday, December 13 from 3-4 pm
WHERE: 26th Ave SW & SW Juneau Street (Longfellow Creek Trail)
No RSVP required.

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Repair it instead of replacing it! Weekly event, 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

LAKE WASHINGTON PT TALK AND FREE GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for the weekly free group run, this time celebrating this month’s birthdays, following a sports-injury talk with Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle (WSB sponsor), 6:00 pm.

FREE AVALANCHE SAFETY COURSE: 6 pm at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor), as previewed here (that link includes info on RSVPing).

TRIVIA x 6: Seven places to play tonight. At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers trivia … there’s 7 pm trivia at West Seattle Brewing (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW) … NEW! 7 pm trivia at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW, White Center) … 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska) … Trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)

FESTIVAL OF TREES: At Fauntleroy UCC Fellowship Hall (9140 California SW): “Come see artistically decorated trees in a variety of themes. Bring non-perishable food items to ‘vote’ for your favorites.” 7-8 pm.

WSHS WINTER CONCERT: Another student group performances, 7 pm, West Seattle High School Theater (3000 California SW), admission free – more info in our calendar listing.

MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

‘SNOWED IN’: Week 3 begins for the new holiday musical premiering at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Go here to see if tickets are available.

BASKETBALL: One home high-school girls-varsity game tonight, at 7:30 pm – West Seattle HS hosts Bishop Blanchet. (3000 California SW)

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

If you’re planning a presentation, meeting, performance, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, holiday event etc., and it’s open to the community, please send us info for West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE MUSIC: Endolyne Children’s Choir registration time
December 13, 2023 9:49 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

If you were at the West Seattle Junction GLOWS festival in the early going this past Saturday, you saw/heard the Endolyne Children’s Choir. (We featured a video clip in our first festival report.) Starting today, the choir is opening registration for new members – here’s the announcement:

Embark on a musical journey with Endolyne Children’s Choir at our upcoming winter session, featuring “We Are the Voices” by the incredible Jim Papoulis! 🎶 Explore songs that nurture personal and vocal confidence through expressive lines and harmonies. Join Megan Booth, Clara Dorst, and Dylan Petersen as we discover the power of your voice together!

Endolyne Children’s Choir is a secular, non-audition, community choir, open to any child in grades K-12 who loves to sing. We offer a joyful, inclusive environment that supports children’s emotional, social, and musical development.

Registration is open December 13-22. Learn more at endolynechoir.org

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