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DEVELOPMENT: 7617 35th SW passes first phase of Design Review on second try
December 8, 2023 12:01 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(Renderings by LDG Architects)

The six-story 130-apartment mixed-use project at 35th/Holden/Ida got first-phase approval from the Southwest Design Review Board last night, with advice on what to include before it comes back for final approval.

As the online meeting concluded, outgoing SWDRB member Alan Grainger said it’s an “important location” and that “the applicant needs to pull out all the stops.” Board chair Gavin Schaefer agreed. They were joined at the meeting by member Johanna Lirman; two other members were absent. Also participating, Joe Hurley, the city planner assigned to the project.

The first phase of Design Review is Early Design Guidance, which mostly deals with the building’s size, shape, and placement on the site. (Here’s the full design packet used for the meeting.) Architect Ed Linardic and the project team had made some changes based on feedback from the first meeting earlier this year, but some things couldn’t be changed. For example, SDOT is not allowing entry to the underground parking garage from SW Holden, because of future plans for the street reportedly including a bike lane, so the entry will remain off SW Ida. (The project includes ~50 parking spaces, all of which will be in an underground garage.)

The meeting included public comment, spoken and written, from seven people, ranging from two voicing support for more housing in the area to a suggestion that the project exterior needs a little more “interest” given how visible it will be at six stories on a major arterial. Board members agreed; Grainger at one point called the current plan “boring.”

The formal board advice ended up recommending that the building’s corners get “extra attention,” and that more thought be put into the ground-floor entrances (the building will have them on each of the three streets it fronts). They also formally conveyed a suggestion that Lirman made, for more attention to resident amenities like common areas such as pet runs.

The project will have at least one meeting in the second and final Design Review phase – the city will announce a date once the project team is ready (usually at least a few months). If you have comments on the project in the meantime, whether related to design or not, you can email joseph.hurley@seattle.gov.

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Concerts, ‘Wonderful Life’, Astra Lumina, much more for your West Seattle Friday
December 8, 2023 10:26 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by David Hutchinson – Olympics from Alki, just before sunset Thursday)

A two-part list again today, as we jingle toward the holiday-season weekend! First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

‘WINTER WANDER’ SCAVENGER HUNT: Alice Kuder‘s West Seattle scavenger hunt continues through Sunday (December 10th), and it’s not too late to register to participate! Go here for info and registration.

HOLIDAY ROOM PHOTOS DIY photos among holiday decor in the Holiday Room (4210 SW Oregon), open to drop-ins from 3 pm to 7 pm.

SECOND NIGHT OF HANUKKAH: No public West Seattle events tonight; see the Holiday Guide list for what’s coming up.

CHERRY CONSIGNMENT PARTY: “We want to celebrate YOU! Join us this Friday, December 8th, for our first annual Holiday Customer Appreciation Party. Join us after hours, from 5-7 pm, for some holiday fun with snacks, sips, and surprises. We’ll turn the tunes up and toast YOU, our cherry blossoms!” Cherry Consignment is at 4142 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 opens tonight, 5 pm. Timed tickets and pricing info here.

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: Second of two WSCO fall concerts, free admission (“donations gratefully accepted”) – Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra at 7 pm (details here). At Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle).

STARRY CROWNS: Vocal ensemble’s Christmas concert at Our Lady of Guadalupe (35th/Myrtle), 7 pm.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’: The radio-play edition of Twelfth Night Productions‘ beloved show opens 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. Tickets are available here.

HOLIDAY SOUND HEALING CONCERT: 7:30 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

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

SSC GARDEN CENTER: It’s still planting season! Shop for plants on the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-2 pm.

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!

SONGWRITERS’ SHOWCASE: 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

DUFF McKAGAN AT EASY STREET RECORDS: In-store show and signing, 7 pm – details here! (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.

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

BURLESQUE: 8 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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

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WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: ‘Epic sighting’ west of The Junction
December 8, 2023 9:24 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news

Alissa sent this late last night, describing it as an “epic sighting” near 46th/Oregon:

Coyote alert:

I was sitting in my living room and heard what sounded like a cat fight outside. I heard cats growling and then a yip, and I flew out the door (knowing coyotes have been seen in my general area this summer). Sure enough, two small-looking coyotes ran from my next-door neighbor’s yard!! I couldn’t believe my eyes! My cats were there trying to take them on!! Thankfully, the cats are ok, and last I saw, the coyotes were headed southbound.

Our perennial reminder – we publish coyote sightings for awareness, not alarm. Coexistence advice from wildlife authorities includes not providing food sources (from birdseed to pet food to unaccompanied pets).

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HOLIDAY GUIDE REMINDER: Got shows? Songs? Services? Special hours? Shopping specials? Or … ? Send it!
December 8, 2023 9:01 am
|    Comments Off on HOLIDAY GUIDE REMINDER: Got shows? Songs? Services? Special hours? Shopping specials? Or … ? Send it!
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Big thanks to everyone who’s sent info for our West Seattle Holiday Guide so far this season – more than three weeks have passed since we launched it, and we’re updating it every day, but we know there’s even more we don’t have yet – so this is a reminder, if your business, organization, church, school, club has a holiday happening that’s open to community participation, please send us the info so we can add it! That includes donation drives – the Holiday Guide has a list of giving opportunities too. We already have events (etc.) listed all the way through New Year’s Day. All we need is basic information – what, when, where, who – including any relevant web link(s) – then send it to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday + weekend notes
December 8, 2023 6:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, December 8.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Forecast says we’ll see the sun for a while today; high in the mid-40s. Sunrise today is at 7:44 am; sunset, 4:17 pm. (This isn’t the shortest day of the year, but 4:17 is the earliest sunset before it starts getting later in a week.)

WEEKEND ALERT

As previewed here, SW Alaska will be closed to traffic between California and (UPDATE) 41st tomorrow night for The Junction’s Hometown Holidays tree lighting and GLOWS festival. Buses will be rerouted too. The festival runs 4 pm to 8 pm, but the street will be closed for a longer window for setup and breakdown.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – Regular schedule today; check advisories here.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule today. Watch the real-time map if wondering where your 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 investigation
December 7, 2023 11:26 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Police investigating reported gunfire have found confirmation. An officer just told dispatch he found a shell casing near 26th/Brandon, No injuries or damage reported so far.

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ORCAS: Get updates at The Whale Trail’s winter gathering
December 7, 2023 8:27 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

(J pod southbound in Puget Sound November 2023, by M. Sears – Permit 21348)

Two weeks from tonight, on December 21st, The Whale Trail‘s winter gathering will bring updates on the Southern Resident Killer Whales – here’s the announcement from executive director Donna Sandstrom:

Join The Whale Trail and friends for our annual Winter Gathering. Hear updates about southern resident orcas from researcher Brad Hanson, Ph.D. Learn about current approaches to assess the health of the population, and what the data is showing.

Featured speakers also include Washington State Orca Recovery Coordinator Tara Galuska, and researchers Mark and Maya Sears. Tara will share updates about state actions and priorities for SRKW recovery. Mark and Maya will present recent orca encounters in central Puget Sound, including J pod’s overnight trip to Quartermaster Harbor.

Celebrate Solstice and the progress we have made in protecting southern resident orcas. Learn what you can do to help J, K and L pods today. Together we’ll find light in the dark for the whales!

Get tickets now, this will sell out. This is an in-person event only.

Where: C & P Coffee Company, 5612 California Ave SW
When: Thursday December 21, 7 to 8:30
–Doors open at 6:30.
Tickets: $5 suggested donation.
Advance tickets: brownpapertickets.com

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Aglow in Admiral
December 7, 2023 6:43 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Thanks to Lindsey for sending tonight’s photo, noting, “Beautiful lights on the corner of 51st and Stevens in the Admiral District.” We appreciate all the email – with or without photos/video – sent by people with suggestions of lights to showcase; westseattleblog@gmail.com is the address if you have, or see, a display to suggest! (Scroll through this WSB archive to see what we’ve already shown!)

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FOLLOWUP: ‘Stabilization’ project for Hiawatha Community Center, closed 3 1/2 years, finally going out to bid
December 7, 2023 4:29 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photo)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The “stabilization” project for long-closed Hiawatha Community Center will formally be advertised for bids starting tomorrow.

Seattle Parks and Recreation deputy superintendent Mike Schwindeller tells WSB that his department got the confirmation “at noon today.” They’ll accept bids through January 10th.

At last week’s “West Seattle park projects update” online briefing, Schwindeller said the long-delayed project would go to bid this week, but we’ve been watching the city’s bidding website and hadn’t seen it as of this morning, so we asked about the status, and got Schwindeller’s confirmation in reply.

The center closed early in the pandemic, in spring 2020, but unlike most other Parks facilities, never reopened. It’s left north West Seattle without a community center, as Alki CC first converted to child care/early education and then closed entirely for the adjacent school rebuild.

In an online conversation following up on last week’s briefing – set up at the behest of a community advocate who has long been bird-dogging Parks on Hiawatha’s status – former acting superintendent Christopher Williams (now chief of staff) tried to explain why this turned into a four-year shutdown before the project even went out to bid, and admitted that “if we had to do this again, we would not have closed Hiawatha so prematurely.” They kept it closed believing the start of the stabilization project was a lot closer than it turned out to be.

Much of the delay has been attributed to a half-million dollar federal grant – about a sixth of the project’s $3.9 million budget. Schwindeller said they have funds they can use to cover if the project costs go over? So why couldn’t those funds have been tapped instead of having a half-million-dollar grant hold things up? Walking away from half a million dollars would have been “a hard decision,” Williams said, while adding that there’s always a “learning curve” when they’re dealing with grants and their unique red-tape requirements … “we’re trying to learn from this.” Even once the grant was awarded, they said, a separate process was triggered, with “different accountabilities” and “different timing.”

The community advocate told the Parks managers (as did we) that communication was a major problem too – frequently getting different answers about what was holding up the project and when key milestones like bidding would happen. Williams apologized for that too, saying, “We can do better, we will do better.” In addition to online updates, Parks promised an accurate sign would go up at the site of the shuttered center. The project scope is summarized as “electrical repairs, water and sewer pipe replacements, furnace and water heater repairs, roof replacement, and more.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Schwindeller says, “Assuming we receive favorable bids, the subsequent steps require weeks to progress through contractor verification, insurance and bond requirements, contract execution and notice to proceed. We anticipate a construction start date in March 2024.” Meantime, the playground project at Hiawatha – separate from the “stabilization” work – is being redesigned because of stormwater concerns, and is expected to go to bid next spring and start construction in the summer.

ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: The project has indeed opened for bidding, posted here this morning. Here’s how the project is described:

Construct Interior improvements to existing Community Center including interior finishes, and accessibility improvements. Construct exterior improvements including re-grading and replacing existing sidewalks and ramps, repairs to exterior façade elements, roof replacement and electrical upgrades. Work includes staging, construction access, temporary power, sanitary and water connections to be maintained for the project duration. Protection of existing facilities to remain. Work also includes selective demolition and renovation of the existing community center building. Additive 1 – Electric Switchgear Replacement. Add. 2 – Roof Replacement, Rooftop Mechanical Unit Replacement, and Low Slope Roof Insulation. Add. 3 – Exterior Upgrades that includes window replacement (other than Storefront Openings), Gym Clerestories, and adding blown-in insulation.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Hit-run damage; ‘recycling’ package thief
December 7, 2023 3:54 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

HIT-RUN: This happened to Raymond‘s car north of The Junction:

My car was involved in a hit-and-run while it was parked overnight in front of my house on SW Dakota St. across from Holy Rosary playground. I found a mirror cover for a white early 2000s Acura TL on my windshield. I imagine their car sustained right front end damage and is now missing half of the mirror on the passenger side.

Police report # is 23-349497.

‘RECYCLING’ PACKAGE THIEF: Merrilee‘s porch camera caught this:

We had a package stolen from our porch (Monday). The thief pulled up in front of our house, posed as a delivery person, wearing an orange vest, and had a box. When they got to our porch they swapped an empty box for our package. The empty box they left was for a person a couple blocks away. It seems that they are recycling the stolen boxes and leaving them at the next house. We were home and didn’t realize we had a delivery.

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Another Myers Way encampment cleared
December 7, 2023 1:54 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Myers Way | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Wednesday)

For months, the operators of tiny-house village Camp Second Chance (9701 Myers Way; map) have tried to get city help clearing an unauthorized encampment just outside their gates. The area where the encampment was set up had originally been considered a parking area that was unofficially part of CSC, but at some point they were reportedly told it was city right-of-way and that they could not regulate or maintain it. So, over the months, people with tents and RVs set up there; three weeks ago, one of those RVs caught fire. Community groups that do volunteer work at CSC also voiced concerns about the outside-the-fence encampment making it difficult for them to safely access CSC. Finally this week the encampment was cleared (including what remained of the burned RV). CSC manager Joaquin Barnett with camp operator LIHI told the camp’s Community Advisory Committee, “Moving forward, all participants that have vehicles were given parking passes which indicated that are LIHI participants, these parking passes are noticable on the inside of their vehicles, on the front dash board behind the front window.” We didn’t hear about the operation until it was over, so we subsequently asked Lori Baxter, spokesperson for the city’s homelessness response, about what had been done:

On Tuesday, the City’s Unified Care Team (UCT) conducted an encampment resolution near Camp Second Chance along Myers Way. Five vehicles, including one burned-out RV and four abandoned vehicles, were impounded from the site, and crews removed approximately 10,000 pounds of debris.

Offers of shelter were made to five individuals who were living unsheltered at the site, resulting in three accepted referrals.

UCT coordinated with Camp Second Chance in advance of the site resolution regarding deployment of no-parking signs in front of the tiny house village site. Temporary parking restrictions in effect there from December 1 will remain in place through December 8. The Unified Care Team will continue monitoring this site in an effort to keep it clear of any re-encampments.

If you’re not familiar with the area, this is city property on the west side of Myers Way, south of the Joint Training Facility; the encampment cleared this past summer on mostly state-owned land was on the east side and further north. Camp Second Chance has more than 50 tiny houses and usually is sheltering ~70 people.

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FYI: Parks and Recreation closures planned December 14
December 7, 2023 11:56 am
|    Comments Off on FYI: Parks and Recreation closures planned December 14
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Seeing this sign today reminded us to remind you – Seattle Parks has announced a one-day closure of many facilities for Thursday, December 14, one week from today, for staff training. Some Parks facilities including the West Seattle Golf Course won’t be affected, as noted here.

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Jokes at The Junction, Silent Book Club x 7, design review for 7617 35th SW, wine, music, more for your West Seattle Thursday
December 7, 2023 10:35 am
|    Comments Off on Jokes at The Junction, Silent Book Club x 7, design review for 7617 35th SW, wine, music, more for your West Seattle Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Texted photo – backyard feeder with the tiny birds known as Bushtits)

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

‘WINTER WANDER’ SCAVENGER HUNT: Alice Kuder‘s West Seattle scavenger hunt continues through Sunday (December 10th), and you can still register to participate! Go here to find out more and to sign up.

HOLIDAY ROOM PHOTOS Selfies (no Santa) in the Holiday Room (4210 SW Oregon) from 3 pm to 7 pm.

FIRST NIGHT OF HANUKKAH: No public West Seattle events tonight, but see the Holiday Guide list for what’s coming up.

CHIEF SEALTH CHOIR: 7 pm concert at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle).

‘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. Tickets are available here.

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

STEM BENEFIT BOOKFAIR: Shop at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW, open today until 6 pm), mention STEM, and part of your purchase will benefit students.

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.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room and wine bar open 1-6 pm on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus (6000 16th SW).

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

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

VISCON CELLARS RELEASE PARTY: And one more special event tonight at HPCS – Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) is there to celebrate its newest wine release, 5-7:30 pm.

DESIGN REVIEW FOR 7617 35TH SW: This is the second review meeting for the proposed mixed-use building with ~130 apartments at 35th/Holden/Ida. Public comment is part of the 5 pm online meeting. Design packet and participation information are in our preview.

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.

SILENT BOOK CLUB X 7: The regular gathering spans seven local venues tonight, some with special incentives – they’re all in our calendar listing. The (quiet) fun begins at 7 pm,

PIANO BAR: Music and fun at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), 7 pm.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Live/work in White Center or elsewhere in unincorporated North Highline? Your community council, the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, meets online at 7 pm – our calendar listing has the agenda preview and link.

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.

JOKES AT THE JUNCTION: 8 pm, Travis Sherer and auditioning comics do their best to make you laugh. Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW); tickets here!

We publish daily lists like this one every morning as reminders; you can look ahead any time, to any day, by scrolling through our full calendar and Holiday Guide!

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WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Open for new venues in the new year!
December 7, 2023 9:40 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Open for new venues in the new year!
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

One week from tonight, businesses around the peninsula will be open to visitors for the holiday edition of the West Seattle Art Walk. The WSAW happens year-round, on second Thursdays, and is open right now to venues who want to sign up to participate next year – showing art, featuring artist receptions, and/or offering food/drink specials to Art Walk night visitors. If you’re a West Seattle business proprietor who might be interested in participating next quarter, you can sign up for just one quarter or for the entire year. Here’s the form (which contains more details on what participation entails).

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday begins
December 7, 2023 6:01 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:56 AM: Another crash reported on westbound West Seattle Bridge, just after the curve, according to dispatch.

Earlier:

6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, December 7.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

More rain, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise today is at 7:42 am; sunset, 4:18 pm.

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

ADVANCE ALERT

As previewed again last night, SW Alaska will be closed to traffic between California and 42nd on Saturday night for The Junction’s Hometown Holidays tree lighting and GLOWS festival.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – Regular schedule today; check advisories here.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule today. Watch the real-time map if wondering where your 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. Also – alert for tonight:

The following five sailings are canceled late Thursday night, Dec. 7, through early Friday morning, Dec. 8, for overnight maintenance work at Southworth terminal:

11:50 p.m. and 1:05 a.m. Fauntleroy to Southworth
12:15 and 1:30 a.m. Vashon to Southworth
12:35 a.m. Southworth to Fauntleroy
For travelers heading to Southworth, the scheduled 10:35 p.m. out of Fauntleroy and 11 p.m. Vashon departure will be the last for the night. The final sailing out of Southworth will at 11:20 p.m. to Fauntleroy then Vashon. To complete the terminal maintenance work, the same sailings will be canceled on two more weeknights over the next month or two.

To complete the terminal maintenance work, the same sailings will be canceled on two more weeknights over the next month or two.

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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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Morgan Junction McDonald’s sets reopening date
December 6, 2023 9:54 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(WSB photo, added Thursday)

The overhauled McDonald’s in Morgan Junction has looked ready to open for weeks, and we’ve been getting a lot of reader questions about its status. We’ve had an inquiry out to its owner to find out when it will open – and just got a reply. “The newly remodeled West Seattle McDonald’s will be re-opening for business on December 12!” announced owner Alia Abboud. For starters, she says, “Please note that the store will open from 7 am to 8 pm and will be Drive-Thru only to allow the employees to learn the new side-by-side drive-thru and get fully comfortable with the new operations and communications system. As we move forward, we will extend our hours as we gain staffing levels to provide the best possible service to our community, to include opening the lobby for dine-in customers. We are very excited to once again be open to serve our many wonderful customers in the West Seattle neighborhood!” The restaurant closed for the overhaul almost eight months ago.

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COUNTDOWN: Three nights until West Seattle Junction tree lighting, night market, and GLOWS
December 6, 2023 8:55 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Whatever the weather, Saturday (December 9) is the biggest night on the West Seattle Junction Association‘s Hometown Holidays calendar – with the tree lighting, night market, and Glorious Lights of West Seattle (GLOWS) festival, including a light-costume contest and projected-art display. SW Alaska will be closed between California and 42nd. Here’s the schedule of what’s happening when (updated Friday):

4:00: Festival begins. Host Marco Collins introduction. Night Market and Beer & Wine Garden are open.

4:00-5:00: Costume contestants walk through tunnel of lights

4:05: Endolyne Children’s Choir performance

4:30: School of Rock performance

5:00: Host in the Audience with Christmas music

5:15: ArtsWest performance from ‘Snowed In‘

5:30: Light Costume Contest on Stage* (here’s how the contest works)

6:00: The Jay Cates West Seattle All-Star Jazz Ensemble – led by Jay Cates and featuring an all-West Seattle ensemble

7:00: Menashe Public Address & Tree Lighting

7:15: West Seattle GLOWS Art Projection Spectacular

8:00: Close of event

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Two tall trees
December 6, 2023 7:17 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Two tall trees
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Tonight’s featured lights are in a yard that has drawn crowds at Halloween – the home of Skeleton Theater (whose creators told us this year was its last). The yard at 36th/Hanford has two tall trees of lights; the north one is decked with dozens and dozens of Christmas characters you might otherwise see as standalone yard decor:

Thanks to everyone who has suggested lights to check out – whether your tip is with or without photos/videos, email ud at westseattleblog@gmail.com – we’re featuring local lights nightly (go here to see what we’ve featured alreay, including previous years(

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FOLLOWUP: SDOT releases data on West Marginal Way, half-year after adding protected bike lane
December 6, 2023 3:57 pm
|      37 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, April)

Last spring, SDOT installed a protected two-way bike lane along part of West Marginal Way SW, more than two years after proposing it and eventually agreeing to delay it until the West Seattle Bridge reopened. This week, it’s released data on how the lane addition is – or isn’t – affecting traffic, and what kind of rider usage it’s drawn. Overall, SDOT says, the change has added half a second to the average travel time. It’s also added people biking, walking, and rolling on the stretch, with stats including:

SDOT was hoping to bring down vehicle speeds, with radar feedback signs and a speed limit reduction to 30 mph. Their slide deck says that in fall 2022 vehicles were averaging 37 mph at West Marginal/SW Alaska, and are now averaging just under 38 mph, but at SW Dakota, they’re down to 36.4 mph from 40.2 a year earlier. The slide deck has many other data views, including “interaction” analysis at business driveways, and there’s even more in this 26-page report. Here’s what SDOT says is yet to come on the stretch:

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: Orcas off West Seattle, from Seola to Elliott Bay
December 6, 2023 2:10 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

(Reader photo)

2:10 PM: Thanks for the tips! Orcas have been making their way north, in view from west-facing West Seattle. Most recently, Kersti Muul tells us, they’re passing the south end of Blake Island.

2:15 PM: Added above, an anonymous reader’s photo of two of the male orcas as seen off southernmost West Seattle.

2:53 PM: Passing Alki Point, per message from Mike.

3:50 PM: Some have gone into Elliott Bay, per comments below.

10:15 PM: Thanks to Robin Sinner for sending the photo below: “Got a spy hop at 3:37 pm from Anchor Park”:

ADDED EARLY THURSDAY: Thanks to Alex W for sending this video:

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HOLIDAY GIVING: Nucor’s special delivery to West Seattle Food Bank
December 6, 2023 12:28 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

Every year, it’s an early Christmas present for the West Seattle Food Bank when people from West Seattle’s Nucor mill roll up with their annual special delivery.

This morning the Nucor team brought over 6,100 pounds of food donated by employees, and a giant symbolic check representing that and $9,522 in gift cards and money raised by workers and the company:

With the company match, that totals $40,806. It all will go to good use, WSFB executive director Fran Yeatts tells us, but in particular, money is one of their greatest needs right now. If you’d like to help WSFB for the holiday (or any other time), you can donate money here. They need warm clothes and socks, too! One place to drop those off is the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle/WS Junction Association Hometown Holidays coat-drive booth at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market this Sunday, 10 am-1:30 pm.

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FERRY ALERT: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth down to 1 boat, replacement on the way
December 6, 2023 10:54 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

10:54 AM: The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry route is down to 1 boat for now – M/V Cathlamet, on the #2 schedule – because M/V Kitsap is having trouble. It’s been stuck at Southworth but WSF spokesperson Ian Sterling tells WSB the plan is to move it to Vashon, without passengers, for troubleshooting. Until they figure out what’s wrong, they don’t know how long the route will be on 1-boat service. You can check boats’ status via Vessel Watch.

12:54 PM: WSF says the Cathlamet continues alone on the route, with “no set schedule.”

2:42 PM: WSF says it’s moving M/V Suquamish off the Bainbridge-Seattle route to replace Kitsap on the Triangle Route.

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13 for your West Seattle Wednesday
December 6, 2023 10:12 am
|    Comments Off on 13 for your West Seattle Wednesday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Our event list is in two sections today – first, holiday-related happenings, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

HOLIDAY MARKET AT VILLAGE GREEN: Noon-3 pm at Village Green West Seattle (WSB sponsor) – local vendors, free coffee, tours available. (2615 SW Barton)

SILVER SOUNDS HOLIDAY SHOW: 1 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon), “a music-filled parody of the show ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ with West Seattle standing in for Bedford Falls – singalong, jokes, and a “mystery raffle.” Santa too!

CHAMBER PARTY: “Mix, Mingle, & Jingle” with the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, 6 pm party at The Bridge (6451 California SW). Check to see if tickets are still available.

‘SNOWED IN’: Week 2 begins for the new holiday musical premiering at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Get your tickets here.

And here are the non-holiday happenings, mostly from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

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

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).

FREE GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for the weekly free group run, 6:15 pm.

TRIVIA x 6: Six 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) … 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)

LIVE PIANO MUSIC: Weekly on Wednesday nights, 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks. (4210 SW Admiral Way).

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

BASKETBALL: Two home high-school girls-varsity games tonight, both at 7:30 pm – West Seattle HS hosts Garfield (3000 California SW) and Chief Sealth IHS hosts Lincoln (2600 SW Thistle).

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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