Just got belated word of this:

Tonight, 6-8 PM, 34th LD Republicans Committee host Semi Bird, GOP candidate for Governor. Inviting all King County to a special Christmas dinner and inspiring conversation.

Where? The Grove West Seattle Inn, 3512 SW Alaska St

Please RSVP: birdforgovernor.com/34th-ld-republican-committee-christmas-dinner-potluck-rsvp

CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle VFW honors essay-contest winners at holiday party

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The photo and report are from West Seattle VFW Post 2713 commander Steve Strand:

The West Seattle VFW held their annual holiday celebration. The veterans and community came together to celebrate our student essay contestants on their patriotic themes. Bill Dwyer is the chairman of the student essays and coordinates with our local schools for entries. Chief Sealth International High School and Our Lady of Guadalupe were especially well-represented this year.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars handed out certificates and cash prizes to the winners. The delicious turkey, stuffing, and fixin’s were catered by West Seattle‘s very own Jack Miller and the Husky Deli.

Essay contest:

James McDonald
High School Teacher coordinator

Juliana Agudelo Ariza
Voice of Democracy winner

Harper Gilbert
1st place Patriots Pen

Mimi Katz
2nd place Patriots Pen

Evelyn Jane Satwicz
3rd place Patriots Pen

Alex Tsada
1st place Youth Essay

Miguel Santos
2nd place Youth Essay

Fiona Howell
3rd place Youth Essay

Lila Dacanay
3rd grade winner

Zykx Sotero
Honorable mention

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STAY SAFE! Free avalanche-awareness education Wednesday at Mountain to Sound Outfitters in West Seattle

| Safety | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

It’s snow-sports season in the mountains – which can bring a lot of fun, but also danger in some circumstances. Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) is offering a free, potentially life-saving event tomorrow night – here’s the announcement:

We’re co-hosting a free 90-minute Avalanche Awareness Course on December 13th at 6 pm with NWAC!

The NWAC (Northwest Avalanche Center) – AIARE Avalanche Awareness Course utilizes interactive presentation materials and local case histories and encourages questions from the audience.

The course is expected to:
-Introduce and explain to students where and why avalanches occur.
-Describe who gets caught and why.
-Provide a basic approach to staying safe in the backcountry.

This course targets the young and unaware backcountry traveler, and introduces the recognition of avalanche danger and how to reduce the risk.

Student Learning Outcomes
-Learn to access local avalanche bulletins and weather reports.
-Recognize basic signs of avalanche danger.
-Learn to avoid avalanche danger.
-Understand the need for companion rescue techniques and equipment.

This event is free but registration is required. Please use the tickets link to register.

Mountain to Sound Outfitters is in The Triangle, at 3602 SW Alaska.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Cherry Consignment burglarized

December 12, 2023 10:30 am

| 25 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

That’s the burglar who threw a rock through the door of Cherry Consignment (4123 California SW) early this morning – and this is some of the damage he left behind:

It took the burglar two tries to shatter the door – all recorded on video. Proprietor Nyla Bittermann got the call from police just after 12:30 am. According to dispatch audio, a passerby saw the break-in and called 911; the burglar was gone before officers arrived. Nyla says he was “in and out quickly and only took the cash drawer, which was empty, except for a few coins.” Though the burglary was quick, the cleanup was not – she says, “We stayed until almost 3:30 cleaning up glass. It’s going to be a long day.” But “the show must go on,” she adds, here in the middle of the holiday shopping season, so her shop – which marked its 14th anniversary this year – IS open today. If you have any information on the burglary and/or the burglar, the SPD incident number is 23-356323. (Back in January, a would-be burglar tried, but failed, to get into the shop.)

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16 for your West Seattle Tuesday

December 12, 2023 9:45 am

| Comments Off on 16 for your West Seattle Tuesday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(December blossoms, photographed by Mary Burki)

Here’s what’s happening today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

MORGAN JUNCTION McDONALD’S REOPENING: As we first reported last week, this is reopening day – drive-thru only for starters – at the overhauled Morgan Junction McDonald’s. (6546 California SW)

SENIOR CENTER LUNCH: Senior Center of West Seattle‘s holiday lunch, with live music. Free to members. Suggested donation for others. Follow link to see menu. (4217 SW Oregon)

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

SANTA PHOTOS WITH GAIL ANN: 3-7 pm, during Gail Ann Photography‘s holiday run at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse have limited Santa availability – book ASAP.

SIXTH NIGHT OF HANUKKAH: No public events scheduled tonight.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration continues at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

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, times vary. Tickets and info here.

AUTHOR DISCUSSION: 5:30 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), discuss “Little Thieves” with Margaret Owen, who will also read from her book – details in our calendar listing.

LEARN ASL: Free class, 6 pm at West Seattle Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (4001 44th SW) – info’s in our calendar listing.

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FREE TRACK RUN: Run with friends old and new on these long nights! Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

THE CLAY CAULDRON: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance or drop in to work on your project(s).

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

NEW TIME FOR BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), now starting at 7 pm. Free, all ages!

TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW); also, 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).

BASKETBALL: One home high-school varsity game tonight – West Seattle HS boys host Rainier Beach, 7:30 pm. (3000 California SW)

You can look into the future any time via our event calendar – if you have something to add to it (or to our Holiday Guide), please email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Celebration of life planned January 6 for Kevin A. Hamel, 1972-2023

December 12, 2023 9:00 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather January 6 to celebrate the life of Kevin Hamel, and are sharing this remembrance with the community now:

Kevin Allen Hamel, 51, of Seattle, passed away on December 5, 2023. He was born on May 7, 1972, in Statesville, NC, to Jan Hamel.

Kevin served two years in the Air Force and later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2017 from Seattle Central College. He had an exceptional career with Catholic Community Services, where he worked tirelessly to house homeless veterans and college students. Kevin’s dedication and hard work were recognized this year when he received the President’s Award for his outstanding service to CCS clients.

Kevin was a beloved son, a cherished nephew, and a dear friend to many. He had a warm and kind personality, always willing to lend a helping hand to others.

Kevin had a passion for sports, particularly softball, and played on various teams in the Seattle area, including the Plastix.

He was known for his love of dogs, especially his beloved companion, Spencer. Kevin’s infectious smile and his penchant for hugging everyone he met endeared him to many.

He is survived by his loving mother and aunt, Jan Hamel and Pat Phillips, both of Statesville, NC, and many close friends in the Seattle area. Kevin will be dearly missed by his chosen family in Seattle, who loved him dearly.

A service and celebration of Kevin’s life will be held on Saturday, January 6th, at 1 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, located at 3050 California Ave SW.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Catholic Community Services in Kevin’s memory.

Please share memories and photos of Kevin on the Tribute Wall, at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Kevin-Hamel

(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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HOLIDAY GIVING: Skunk Works Robotics ‘engineers of tomorrow’ need $ today

December 12, 2023 8:32 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

In that short video, you’ll see and hear the students of Skunk Works Robotics 1983, an organization we’ve told you about before, serving youth in West Seattle and beyond. As one of the West Seattle participants, Jonah, explains, “Skunk Works is truly amazing. I have learned or improved so many skills like leadership, computer aided design (CAD), communication/presentation skills and so many more. We also teach programming, fabrication, data analysis, and electrical skills, plus many other soft skills. All this is taught by building a robot in 6 weeks and then competing at multiple competitions across Washington and the United States.” Getting ready for, and going to, those competitions costs money. Skunk Works launched a fundraiser for Giving Tuesday, and while we missed the chance to tell you about it then, they’re keeping it open through the holidays – you can donate here.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Tuesday info

December 12, 2023 6:03 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Tuesday info

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, December 12.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Forecast says partly sunny today, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise today is at 7:48 am; sunset, 4:17 pm.

ROAD WORK

Pavement grinding is scheduled for 26th SW between Roxbury and Barton today and tomorrow, according to a notice distributed to residents. Metro is 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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BIZNOTES: Three bites of food/drink news

December 11, 2023 9:19 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

Three West Seattle food/beverage business notes:

WESTWOOD PANDA EXPRESS UPDATE: Back in October, we reported that Panda Express is moving into the ex-Pet Pros spot next to Westwood Village QFC, according to the shopping center’s site map (which is the only place WWV’s new-ish owners usually “announce” new tenants). The Chinese-food chain hasn’t responded to our inquiry yet but there’s further confirmation of the plan – it’s now appeared in the city permit system.

HOTWIRE’S MANAGER MOVING ON: Hotwire Coffee wants to be sure ustomers have a chance to say goodbye to longtime manager Nicole Crisostomo – this is her last week.

Hotwire says Nicole is “moving on to a new opportunity” after 10 years at Hotwire. “Nicole has played an integral part in our journey with Hotwire, first as loyal customers and then in 2016 as owners. She was part of the deal when we took over the business and promoted her to manager,” explains co-proprietor Jeffrey Silva. “We will miss her and wish her the very best with her next adventure!”

HOLIDAY FOOD: Husky Deli is again offering to prepare a full holiday dinner for you – ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, and ice cream, serves 5 – $150, last order December 22nd for pickup on Christmas Eve. … If you’d rather buy something to cook yourself, Lady Jaye‘s annual Meat Market, with wagyu beef and more, is one week from tomorrow – 4-8 pm December 19.

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Sweet sight – a ‘candy castle’

December 11, 2023 7:50 pm

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Sweet sight – a ‘candy castle’

| West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Tonight’s lights are from Eric, who describes the biggest feature in his Gatewood display as a “candy castle.” You can see the twinkling lights near 41st/Austin. (And if you have a display to suggest – whether yours, or one you’ve admired – please email us, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)

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Missed the GLOWS community-art projections? Encore all week!

December 11, 2023 7:13 pm

| Comments Off on Missed the GLOWS community-art projections? Encore all week!

| Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo, Saturday night, projected art by B Anthony Nelson)

If you weren’t at Saturday night’s GLOWS (Glorious Lights of West Seattle) festival in The Junction to see the community-created art – you have another chance: All week, the projections continue on the south-facing wall of Alaska House (the apartment building bordering Junction Plaza Park). We don’t have the exact hours but we went through The Junction around 6:30 pm and the projections, with the artists’ name and their creations, were already under way. West Seattle Junction Association executive director Chris Mackay says they’re working on making the art available online, too.

P.S. If you skipped the festival, you also missed an hour of amazing holiday performances by an all-star group of local singers and musicians – we have 10 clips, plus the set list, in this report.

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HOLIDAY HELPING: Last-minute need for volunteers @ holiday party Wednesday

December 11, 2023 5:09 pm

| Comments Off on HOLIDAY HELPING: Last-minute need for volunteers @ holiday party Wednesday

| Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

If you could give a few hours Wednesday afternoon, Neighborhood House asked us to share this last-minute call for holiday-party help:

Volunteer at Neighborhood House
December 13 | 2 – 5 pm

The Winter Wonderland event is Neighborhood House’s winter celebration for children and their families living in the West Seattle High Point area. The event provides a fun space for children and their families to engage outside the preschool classroom.

We’re seeking 20 volunteers to set up the event, help with children activities, serve food, and clean up. Link to sign up: x.gldn.io/e/lQmiqI30hFb

Neighborhood House is at 6400 Sylvan Way SW.

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Recall theft-prone Kias and Hyundais? Councilmember Lisa Herbold to propose resolution

December 11, 2023 3:50 pm

| 61 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB photo from September day when stolen Hyundai, Kia were dumped together)

At her final full City Council meeting tomorrow, District 1 Councilmember Lisa Herbold plans a resolution urging the feds to recall the much-stolen Kia and Hyundai models. Here’s the announcement from council staff:

Seattle City Councilmember Lisa Herbold (District 1 – West Seattle) will propose a resolution calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to recall specific Kia and Hyundai models and require the manufacturers to install industry standard anti-theft technology.

The lack of immobilizer technology in some models made between 2011 and 2021 has made the vehicles vulnerable to theft. That has negatively impacted public safety in cities across the country – including Seattle.

Earlier this year, the Seattle Police Department said that, from 2021 to 2022, there had been a 363 percent increase in reports of stolen Kias and a 503 percent increase in reports of stolen Hyundais. A more recent investigative report found astounding trends in 68 other cities in the U.S.

In January, Seattle became the first city in the nation to file a lawsuit against the automakers. That lawsuit, which is still pending, is seeking to recover damages for the City from the automakers.

If passed, the City of Seattle would join cities such as Baltimore and Philadelphia in passing a resolution urging a recall.

The NHTSA, however, is not currently contemplating a recall, according to what they told us in response to our inquiry after getting the announcement above. They note that the heart of the theft problem is “intentional criminal conduct,” while adding, “However, since last year, NHTSA has repeatedly met with Hyundai and Kia to discuss the causes contributing to the theft vulnerability, review the scope of differing software and hardware in the affected models, and receive regular updates on the companies’ action plans. NHTSA will continue to monitor this issue, spread awareness of further updates to local authorities, and lend its expertise in efforts to strengthen motor vehicle safety.”

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Seattle Seafood Center: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!

December 11, 2023 1:57 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Georgetown | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we welcome our newest WSB sponsor, Seattle Seafood Center, located at 717 S. Michigan St. in Georgetown. When new sponsors join us, they get the opportunity to tell you about themselves – here’s what Seattle Seafood Center would like you to know:

With more than 3,000 square feet of space, Seattle Seafood Center is south Seattle’s largest fish market, run by Patrick Price, who has 40 years experience in selling unique seafood products at prices not typically found in the chain grocery stores and big-box outlets. He’s inviting everybody down for the holidays to shop the wide assortment of live, fresh and frozen seafood that includes King, Dungeness and Snow crab, Sockeye Salmon, Halibut, and a variety of holiday smoked Salmon.

Seattle Seafood Center also features tanks with live King Crab from Norway, Dungeness from the Washington coast, and New England Lobster arriving this week.

Seattle Seafood Center would also like to let you know that coming up in 2024, they will be adding a tap room and restaurant. But in the meantime, there’s a steady supply of dinner and holiday party items that can make an evening more festive – especially their king crab legs, just $39.99 while supplies last.

Find Seattle Seafood Center‘s hours, and a map, here.

We thank Seattle Seafood Center for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here; email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!

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UPDATE: Hazmat response at Arrowhead Gardens

December 11, 2023 12:38 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

12:38 PM: SFD has a hazmat response at the Arrowhead Gardens senior-living complex in southeast West Seattle right now. According to the dispatch, they’re checking out “white powder” found in a hallway, possibly related to a dispute between neighbors; police have responded too. No reports of injuries.

1:32 PM: All but two SFD units have been dismissed.

1:52 PM: SFD says that “the substance was determined (to be) not hazardous” and everyone’s been cleared.

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FOLLOWUP: City says water supply is finally back to normal

December 11, 2023 10:57 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Almost three months after the city asked people to use less water, the reservoirs are finally back to normal or near-normal, according to an announcement this morning from Seattle Public Utilities. This of course is thanks to not only reduced water use but also above-average fall rain (with scenes like the Lincoln Park “waterfall” in video from last Tuesday) – this month is at more than triple the average so far, and rain since October 1st is three inches above normal, though rain since January 1st remains two inches below normal. The city says the Cedar Reservoir is back to normal; the South Fork Tolt Reservoir is not, but they think it will be within a few months. Saving water is still a good thing, SPU says, so you can go here for advice on that. When the city asked customers to use less water, usage totaled 149 million gallons a day, and SPU set a goal of cutting that by a third, to 100 million gallons a day; archived updates say the usage almost reached that goal, bottoming out at 101 million gallons a day.

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The list for your West Seattle Monday

December 11, 2023 10:07 am

| Comments Off on The list for your West Seattle Monday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Seen in Gatewood – any tree can be a Christmas tree!)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

FOR VETERANS: If you need help filing a disability claim, the DAV offers free drop-in assistance 9 am-1 pm. (4857 Delridge Way SW)

FIFTH NIGHT OF HANUKKAH: No public events tonight.

INJURY ASSESSMENT FOR RUNNERS: Come to West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) 4:30-6 pm for an individual injury assessment with Biojunction PT.

GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.

D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, first-time players too. $5.

INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION: The Alki Dharma Community invites you to Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) for this twice-monthly event. Doors open at 6:45 pm.

MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three weekly events – 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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FERRY ALERT UPDATE: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth resuming 2-boat service

December 11, 2023 9:07 am

| 12 COMMENTS

| Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

9:07 AM: Washington State Ferries says “unscheduled necessary vessel maintenance” has the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route down to one boat until further notice, following the #2 schedule. The real-time map shows the boat having trouble is M/V Kitsap, which had problems last week too. Updates to come.

11:59 AM: WSF is moving M/V Suquamish from the Bainbridge-Seattle run so that two-boat service can resume on the Triangle Route.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Monday begins

December 11, 2023 6:00 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, December 11. This is the last week of school before winter break.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Forecast says partly cloudy today, high near 50. Sunrise today is at 7:47 am; sunset, 4:17 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

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 CRIME WATCH: Gunfire near Lowman Beach (updated)

December 10, 2023 9:33 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

9:33 PM: Police are temporarily blocking off 48th/Beach Drive/Lincoln Park Way while investigating confirmed gunfire. 911 callers thought it came from a vehicle (we haven’t yet heard a description). Responding officers told dispatch that so far they’ve found “several casings” on Lincoln Park Way. No report of injuries or damage.

ADDED: No additional information, but if you have info or video that would help police investigate, the case to refer to is 23-355206.

MONDAY UPDATE: A few more details from the report summary SPD released today – “Witnesses advised of a white SUV that fled the scene after a passenger fired multiple shots out the window. Officers located 5 spent shell casings in the intersection and a ‘Stop’ sign and ‘No Parking’ sign that had been struck by gunfire.”

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VIDEO: Kol HaNeshamah’s pop-up Hanukkah gathering in The Junction

December 10, 2023 8:13 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle news

For a second consecutive night, Junction Plaza Park was the setting for a winter-holiday lighting ceremony – last night a Christmas tree, tonight a Hanukkah menorah. This is the fourth night of the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights. Despite this being a “time of rising antisemitism around the world,” as Kol HaNeshamah Rabbi Sabine Meyer described it – as a security guard stood watch on the park’s edge – her congregation was there again this year to be “visibly Jewish” and to take a stand for freedom:

Along with candle-lighting, the progressive synagogue offered donuts to any and all in attendance:

Orin Reynolds led Hanukkah songs including these two:

West Seattle has one more public Hanukkah celebration scheduled this year – the Torah Learning Center of West Seattle plans to light its giant menorah on Alki at (updated) 4 pm Thursday, the eighth and final night.

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Sight to the south

December 10, 2023 4:41 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

There’s light at the end of the calendar tunnel … we are now at the earliest sunset point (rounded, 4:17 pm) and next Friday (December 15), it starts getting later (rounded, 4:18 pm). The sunrise, though, doesn’t start getting earlier until January 7th. Meantime, we have holiday lights to keep things bright. The photo above is from Stacey: “We are in White Center and have lots of Christmas lights. I’m not sure if we are too far from WS. 11343 4th Pl SW.” Yes, we do feature lights just outside the city limits a couple times per season! Keep the West Seattle and vicinity tips coming – with or without photos/video – at westseattleblog@gmail.com; scroll through this archive to see what we’ve already shown (and previous years, too).

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WHALES: Southern Resident Killer Whales in our area (photos added)

December 10, 2023 1:53 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

1:53 PM: Per a text from Kersti Muul, orcas are southbound, just past West Point. mid-channel, visible from Alki. Let us know if you see them.

2:22 PM: See comments for updates, including that these are Southern Resident Killer Whales.