West Seattle, Washington
29 Monday
Three Crime Watch notes today:
SCHOOL GUN CHARGES: Prosecutors have filed felony gun charges against the two 15-year-olds accused of having handguns at Evergreen High School in White Center last Wednesday. Details are on our partner site White Center Now.
HIT-RUN HELP: Hollie is looking for help in finding the hit-run driver who sideswiped her parked car:
She says this happened around noon Sunday on SW Charlestown just west of California. A witness told her it was a white BMW but didn’t get the plate number. She wonders if anyone nearby might have the collision on security-camera video. She filed a report in the WSP system, temporary # M6916344.
PACKAGE THIEF: Logan sent the image of this person taking a package at their Fauntleroy Way townhouse east of The Junction:
My home is two rows back from the main street, inside a private townhouse community. The individual intentionally walked past multiple buildings and homes to reach my porch and steal a package. This required clear effort and intent, not a quick grab from a street-facing porch … With package theft becoming more common, I think it’s important to highlight that thieves are willing to go deeper into residential complexes, not just target homes near the street.
12:36 PM: It’s been a windy December and it’s not done yet. The National Weather Service has a High Wind Watch alert for our area for tomorrow (Wednesday, December 24), 10 am-7 pm. Here’s what forecasters think will happen:
* WHAT…East to northeast winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph will suddenly shift to southerly Wednesday afternoon with wind speeds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts of 50 to 60 mph possible.
A High Wind Watch is one step up in intensity from a Wind Advisory, which is the most-common type of alert we’ve seen so far these past few months.
9:31 PM: As commenter B points out, the NWS has upgraded this to a High Wind Warning, though the time frame – 10 am to 7 pm Wednesday – and the details – “South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts 50 to 60 mph expected” – are similar. Main change is “possible” to “expected.”
12:05 PM: Southern Resident Killer Whales – reportedly from K-Pod – have been reported in central Puget Sound the past two days – late yesterday, coming up from Point Defiance, but not in time for pre-sunset whale watching here, and today Donna Sandstrom from The Whale Trail tells us there are reports of orcas heading southbound ‘fast,’ off Edmonds at last report. That doesn’t mean they’ll make it all the way here but we’re publishing an early alert for starters. Updates if/when we get them.
1:52 PM: We’ve just heard from Kersti Muul, who says the whales have entered Elliott Bay, passing West Point, and that the new K-Pod baby is with them.
2:16 PM: Donna says they’re “now past Discovery Park moving quickly south ., spread out in small groups across the Sound …should be visible from Alki looking north within half an hour – 45 minutes.” She’ll be at Alki Point (Constellation Park) or Emma Schmitz Overlook (across from Me-Kwa-Mooks) with binoculars to share.
3:12 PM: The photo is courtesy of a texter who’s out on the water, reporting the whales are “southbound almost to Alki Point, mid-channel,” and also confirming that the baby is with them.
6:11 PM: Too dark for whale-watching now, but thanks to Jamie Kinney for the photo added above, showing whales and mountains late in the day!
(Even waiting in traffic can bring beauty. Monday morning photo by Dave Brewer)
Here are our daily event notes/reminders, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide. Note that some regular events are canceled today, and we’ve made note of those; if you know of any other cancellations, please comment, or text us at 206-293-6302 if it’s today/tonight, email westseattleblog@gmail.com for dates beyond:
DONATION DRIVES AND GIVING OPPORTUNITIES … see the list in our Holiday Guide to see what’s continuing. Such as…!
COOKIES FOR THE CHRISTMAS PEOPLE: Drop off homemade (no store-bought, please) cookies at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor) 10 am-4 pm again today and tomorrow.
ALSO IN THE HOLIDAY GUIDE – LAST-MINUTE SHOPPING: We’re adding to the list there of which businesses we’ve heard from that’s open today/tomorrow. Such as …
MOON ROOM OPEN FOR SHOPPING: Still have gifts to buy? Check out the Moon Room (5902 California SW; WSB sponsor), open 11 am-6 pm today and Wednesday!
FAUNTLEROY CHURCH FESTIVAL OF TREES: Visit the church Fellowship Hall (9140 California SW) before noon to see the themed trees and place food donations beneath your favorite(s) to “vote” for them.
FREE PLAYSPACE: Indoor play! West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)
KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: On break until the New Year.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Yes, it’s happening today, organizers confirm! New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
FREE FOOD: Chef Smoke (aka Gino) from TheHomeSkillit.com is in Junction Plaza Park today:
THE 4TH ANNUAL JUNCTION PARK CELEBRATION
Hello West Seattle!
Chef Smoke is here again, inviting you to the 4th Annual Junction Plaza Park Christmas Celebration — a joyful community gathering filled with food, music, and holiday spirit.
What We’re Serving
• FREE hot and fresh Smoked Turkey Meals
• Drinks included
• Prepared with care by Chef Smoke and Community Volunteers
What to Expect
• Great Christmas music
• A warm, festive atmosphere
• Lots of joy for this glorious holiday event
• All‑inclusive — everyone is welcome
• Furry friends are welcome too
11 am-4 pm. (42nd/Alaska)
LIVE HOLIDAY MUSIC AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: 11:30 am-1:30 pm Gary Benson, 2:30 pm-5:30 pm Alex Baird. (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor)
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: No meeting today.
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
SANTA AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: See Santa at the grocery store! 2:30-5:30 pm. (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor)
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Not happening at High Point Library during winter break.
EUROPEAN WINE TASTING: Italian wines are the focus on the last of three days of tastings at West Seattle Cellars (6026 California SW), 4-6:30 pm.
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, Tickets and info here; check for available entry times.
SIP AND CRAFT: Weekly holiday-season event at Harry’s Beach House (2676 Alki SW), 5 pm, ornament-making workshop – our calendar listing has the registration link to see if there are openings.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: No classes tonight.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you participate.
BINGO: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 5: Five locations for trivia tonight – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 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, free, prizes. (2306 California SW) … Trivia at Christos on Alki (2508 Alki SW), 7:15 pm.
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar and (if it’s seasonal) Holiday Guide, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Things get quiet between Christmas and New Year’s – but here’s one West Seattle event that might interest you next weekend, if you’re planning on reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption in 2026:
SOBER CURIOUS?
Are you doing Sober January and wondering what it would be like to be sober all the time?
Let’s get together to talk about recovery. Fun, local, sober people are ready to share their stories and answer your questions about not drinking, like:
• How can I not drink and still have a social life?
• How would I navigate situations where everyone else is drinking?
• How do I know if I just have a problem with drinking or if I’m an alcoholic?
• Is AA religious? Do I have to believe in God?There will be an ask-it basket – we take anonymity seriously.
This gathering is Open to Everyone.
This is NOT a recruitment event.Join us Saturday, December 27, 3-5 pm
Admiral Hub/Bear Island (formerly Admiral Church)
4320 SW Hill St.
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, December 23, 2025, second full day of winter.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast predicts a mostly dry, cloudy day, high in the mid-40s. Sunrise will be at 7:55 am; sunset at 4:21 pm.
SCHOOL’S OUT
Winter break continues.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule. No service on Thursday (Christmas Day).
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is getting its third boat back, WSF has announced:
After successful vessel repairs, we’re returning to three-boat service on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route.
Tuesday, Dec. 23: The route will be on the two-boat schedule. Starting in the afternoon, the Sealth will run as the third, unscheduled vessel.
Wednesday, Dec. 24: The route will be back on the regular three-boat schedule with the Sealth as the #3 vessel.
We know the past few weeks on two-boat service have been challenging. Thank you for your patience during this service disruption as we repaired vessels.
This is from WSF’s alerts page.
Metro buses – They’re on the regular weekday schedule and routes in our area. On Thursday, they’ll be on the Sunday schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
It’s Christmas week and that means list time. We’ve already announced our Christmas Eve/Day grocery-store hours list – it’s in our West Seattle Holiday Guide – and our Christmas coffee-shop hours list (find that here). Now we’ve just published the longest list of all – West Seattle restaurants/bars planning to be open Christmas Day, plus hours for Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Find that here (and linked in the Holiday Guide). We always say “planning” because invariably, some places change their plans at the last minute. We expect to update the lists with any additions, changes, corrections that surface – if you have someething to add/change, best way to get us the info is via email – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
After the Mariners made it into the league-championship series last year, tickets are more prized than ever as a holiday gift. Here’s how to get some for a June 2026 game while also benefiting a local high-school-baseball program:
West Seattle Day at T-Mobile Park – Support WSHS Baseball
West Seattle High School Baseball isn’t just playing for wins — they’re playing for West Seattle. And this season, our community has a chance to help send the Wildcats back to the biggest stage of all: T-Mobile Park.
Each year, only 20 high school programs across the region are invited to participate in the Mariners Baseball Classic, an opportunity that allows student-athletes to play on an MLB field. West Seattle was one of the first schools ever included — and staying in the Classic is something our players must earn every year.
That’s where West Seattle Day at T-Mobile Park comes in.
The WSHS Baseball program is hosting a Mariners ticket fundraiser for the Mariners vs. New York Mets game on Tuesday, June 2 at 6:40 PM. Ticket sales directly fund the program and secure West Seattle’s spot in the Mariners Baseball Classic, which is free for the whole community to attend.
Game Details
*Mariners vs. Mets
*Tuesday, June 2
*6:40 PM
*100 Level: $30 | 300 Level: $20This is more than a night at the ballpark — it’s how West Seattle shows up for local kids, local schools, and a program that represents our neighborhood with pride. Every ticket supports equipment, transportation, training, and unforgettable opportunities for our student-athletes.
Can’t attend? Tickets can be gifted or donated to local organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, community centers, and youth baseball/softball programs (like WSLL and WSBB) — spreading the love and the game across West Seattle.
Let’s fill the stands in blue, cheer loud, and show the Mariners what West Seattle support looks like.
Here’s where to buy your ticket(s): wshs.schoolauction.net/marinerstickets/homepages/show
Seattle Parks is out today with its list of park restrooms winterized this year, including eight that Parks says will remain open in winter for the first time because of Park District funding. Three of those eight are in West Seattle – the Fairmount Park restroom building (shown in our photo above), Riverview Playfield, and Roxhill Park. The full list is here; Parks adds this caveat:
While we strive to keep these restrooms open for the winter, there may be times when we must close them for repair or due to extreme low temperatures. Some restrooms that are normally open year-round are not included in the list … because they are currently closed for capital improvement projects or repairs.
Parks added three West Seattle restrooms to the year-round list a year ago, too.
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
If you’ve got the time, why not bake an extra tray of Christmas cookies this year for The Christmas People’s 27th annual cookie drive?
After last year’s donations totaling more than 9,000 cookies for King County’s underserved and unhoused population, The Christmas People are accepting dropoffs at three venues, including one in our area – West Seattle Coworking (WSB sponsor), at 9030 35th Avenue SW.
Drop-offs started this morning at 10 am and will run until 4 pm today, tomorrow, December 23rd, and the day after, on Christmas Eve. According to 5-year volunteer (and West Seattle Coworking proprietor) Ross, they experience the most traffic on the 24th, so plan to complete your baking before then if you want to avoid the rush.
Keep in mind that The Christmas People repackage all of the cookies for donation, so don’t worry about fancy packaging. “They could be in a shoebox,” Ross joked. “Take that extra ten minutes and bake another tray, if you can.”
For any questions, you can contact Christmas People co-founder Fred Hutchinson at 206-719-4979 or pialley@jps.net.
4:26 PM: We stopped by just before 4 pm; Ross and another volunteer were packaging cookies. He estimated unofficially they’ve probably received 1,500 so far – many more needed!
(Added: SDOT image)
1:52 PM: Thanks for the tip. Avoid 35th north of Fauntleroy for a while – a crash is blocking, No serious injuries, so no SFD dispatch, but SPD is there.
2:52 PM: SDOT says the scene has cleared.
The video is courtesy of Rob in Upper Fauntleroy, who noted, “We had some cat-coyote drama this morning, which we caught on camera. Though in this case, it was the cat chasing the coyote.”
Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve, one week from Wednesday, Metro and various other transit agencies/services are going fare-free. Here’s the announcement:
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced today that Metro will join other regional transit agencies to provide free rides this New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. Riders can travel without paying fares on King County Metro, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Pierce Transit and the Seattle Streetcar as part of their holiday celebrations.
“Leaving the driving to us is becoming as great a New Year’s tradition as celebrating at the Space Needle,” said Executive Zahilay. “No matter where you plan to ring in the new year, you have access to free transit options to get you there!”
Regional transit agencies will operate on specific schedules to accommodate fare-free New Year’s Eve and riders are encouraged to check times beforehand.
The free Metro rides will continue until 3 am New Year’s morning. Details are here, including information on this week’s transit schedules too (as noted in our morning traffic roundup, Metro is on a Sunday schedule for Christmas Day and the Water Taxi won’t run that day).
(Not all Christmas trees are evergreens! Seen in Gatewood)
Notes from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:
WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE: Bring donations of warm clothing to the bin at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3435 California SW; WSB sponsor), 9 am-5 pm again today.
COOKIES FOR THE CHRISTMAS PEOPLE: Drop off homemade (no store-bought, please) cookies at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor) 10 am-4 pm.
OTHER DONATION DRIVES … are listed in our Holiday Guide.
FAUNTLEROY FESTIVAL OF TREES: The Fauntleroy Church Festival of Trees is open for public drop-in viewing, 9 am-noon Mondays through Wednesdays this week and next. You can vote for your favorite(s) by bringing nonperishable food-bank donation(s) to stack beneath it/them! (9140 California SW)
HOLIDAY MUSIC: Alex Baird plays while you shop at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan), 10 am-1 pm.
LIBRARY EVENTS: Nothing on the event calendar for local branches today, though they’re open regular hours today and Tuesday before systemwide holiday closure Wednesday and Thursday.
MOON ROOM OPEN FOR SHOPPING: Still have gifts to buy? Check out the Moon Room (5902 California SW; WSB sponsor), open 11 am-6 pm today, tomorrow, and Wednesday!
SANTA AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: See Santa at the grocery store! 1:30-4:30 pm. (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor)
AVAMERE COMMUNITY HOLIDAY PARTY: Stop by Avamere/Park West for a variety of tasty, fun holiday activities, 2-5 pm, all welcome. (1703 California SW)
EUROPEAN WINE TASTING: 4 pm, second of three tastings at West Seattle Cellars, Spanish wine tonight. (6026 California SW)
SPORTS: Nothing locally on the Metro League calendar for today/tonight.
SIGNMAKING: 6 pm to 8:30 pm at Admiral HUB (4320 SW Hill), help West Seattle Indivisible make signs for January 24’s “We’re Still Standing” demonstrations.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too!
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group for people experiencing grief – participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee; RSVP here. (4034 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 3: Three venues for trivia tonight! … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
ALKI MEDITATION, TAKING A BREAK: Monday night meditation at Alki UCC is canceled this week and next, resuming January 5.
POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players – enter The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Mondays, sing karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks as always to everybody who sends info for our calendar and Holiday Guide; if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather in February in memory of Bobbie Daquiz, and are sharing this remembrance with the community now:
Azucena (“Bobbie”) Bagasan Daquiz
1931-2025Days following her 94th birthday celebration, “Bobbie” passed away peacefully at home on December 15, 2025.
“Bobbie” Azucena B. Daquiz was born on December 7, 1931 to Dionisio and Potenciana Bagasan as their third child of five children in the Philippines. She married Querubin “Ben” Daquiz in 1967 and celebrated 56 years of marriage before his passing in 2023.They are survived by their four children: Marichelle, Jennifer (Kevin), Jocelyn (Eric), and Joseph.
Bobbie graduated with honors throughout primary, secondary and earned her Masters from the University of the East, where she later taught English/Tagalog as a professor for 19 years before moving to the United
States in 1976.Bobbie was, above all else, a teacher at heart. For over 25 years, she shared the Tagalog language and the richness of Filipino culture with her students at the University of Washington Experimental College. Her dedication extended to the youngest among us at Fauntleroy Children’s Center (FCC). From the Cloud Room to the Rainbow Room, she was known simply and affectionately as “My Bobbie,” a testament to the love she poured into every child.
A pianist at a young age, Bobbie delighted in sharing her musical gifts with others. She taught music at FCC and welcomed many into her home for private piano lessons. As a reward for their hard work and dedication, Bobbie
granted students the privilege to play on her beloved grand piano. Nothing made her radiate with more pride than her students’ performances. She took great joy in showcasing their progression at the annual Spring Recital at Sherman Clay Piano Hall in Seattle.Bobbie and Ben shared a life full of adventure, raising their children across the globe, and fostered a deep love for travel. Hawaii held a particularly special place in their hearts as a favorite annual getaway. Closer to home, she found peace in the simple beauty of a walk, whether along Alki, Lake Washington, Camano Island, or the beaches of
Oceanside and Carlsbad, California.Bobbie was a devout Catholic. She prayed the rosary several times a day, practiced daily Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and attended Sunday Mass at St. James Cathedral for decades.
A Catholic funeral mass service is scheduled for 12:10 pm on February 6, 2026 at St. James Cathedral, Seattle. Livestream and recording will be available for those who cannot attend in person. In lieu of flowers, she’d want you to reach out to your loved ones daily.
(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)
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, December 22, 2025, first full day of winter.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast suggests a morning break in the rain, still soggy otherwise, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise will be at 7:55 am; sunset at 4:21 pm. (Though the days are now getting longer, sunrise hasn’t hit its latest point yet – on Saturday it will be at 7:57 am, and there it will stay until moving back starting January 6.)
SCHOOL’S OUT
It’s winter break.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule. No service on Thursday (Christmas Day).
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is still on two boats, and will be on a weekend schedule Thursday, according to WSF’s alerts page. When you’re waiting to get onboard, Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Metro buses – They’re on the regular weekday schedule and routes in our area. On Thursday, they’ll be on the Sunday schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
(WSB photo/video by Torin Record-Sand)
As also reported here, two concurrent menorah-lighting gatherings in West Seattle marked the start of Hanukkah’s eighth and final night tonight. At Junction Plaza Park, Kol HaNeshamah‘s “pop-up Hanukkah” was also attended, said Rabbi Allison Flash, by members of Alki UCC, whose building is shared by the congregations. Here’s what she told the gathering as she lit the menorah and Orin Reynolds led singing:
Hanukkah officially ends at nightfall Monday.
(Photos by Oliver Hamlin for WSB)
Two concurrent menorah-lighting gatherings in West Seattle marked the start of Hanukkah’s eighth and final night tonight. At Alki Beach, the West Seattle Torah Learning Center‘s Rabbi Eli Duban lit the giant menorah, after leading those gathered in a moment of silence for victims of the Bondi Beach massacre:
After that somber start, there was also celebration, as donuts and dreidels were circulated among the crowd.
The gathering was somewhat briefer than in previous years, due to rain and wind.
Some of the greater Admiral area’s most brightly decorated homes might have noticed a large group of visitors on foot tonight: The annual West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) Christmas Lights Run left the shop at 2743 California SW just after 5 pm. First, of course, the traditional group shot – here are the 30+ people who defied the rain (as runners tend to do) to take part:
Here’s the 5K-ish route that WSR proprietors Tim and Lori McConnell mapped out:
Tonight’s runners also were offered the chance to try out new Brooks shoes – one of many “demo runs” that WSR does during the course of its regular free multiple-times-a-week group runs. Also of note – you have two more days to shop WSR before Christmas, regular hours Monday and Tuesday, then they’ll be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
For tonight’s Christmas-lights spotlight, thanks to Stacy for sending the pic and description:
Walked by an amazingly well done Griswold-level house with a Disney theme last night. Highly recommended checking it out!
This is in the 3400 block of 48th SW, a short distance west of Madison Middle School. Now just three nights until Christmas; if you have lights to recommend, with or without a photo, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (To see what we’ve show already, scroll here.)
It’s a café, it’s a concert venue … and it’s even a backdrop for Santa photos. Tonight is the jolly occasion when the north side of Easy Street Records‘ space in The Junction hosts photo ops with Cocoa Cris Cringle.
You still have an hour to get down to Easy Street and get a pic during “foto fun” with Cocoa Cris – hats and props available, as seen with this group:
It’s an annual tradition, with a $25 fee that Cocoa Cris gives to nonprofits.
SIDE NOTE: We’ve kept a Santa-appearance list in our West Seattle Holiday Guide all season – but Santa has to get back to the North Pole, so just two more left, 1:30-4:30 pm Monday and 2:30-5:30 pm Tuesday at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor).
3:50 PM: Winter has arrived with true Seattle wintry weather – rain. Nevertheless, Alice Enevoldsen is at Solstice Park for her quarterly sunset watch, despite the sun being highly unlikely to make even a brief appearance this time. So if you want to commemorate the change of seasons and learn about the solar-system machinations behind it, come on over to the park’s plateau, uphill from the tennis courts at 7400 Fauntleroy Way SW. (The sun sets – out there beyond the clouds somewhere – behind the trees and mountains around 4:05, officially at 4:20 pm.)
4:10 PM: More than two dozen people showed up!
4:26 PM: Among the questions Alice has been asked, how much more light do we get today now that the days are getting longer? Less than a minute, Alice explained. Meantime – the rain has stopped!
P.S. Alice calculates this was her 67th sunset watch. Our archived coverage of them dates back to 2009!
(WSB photo of Rachel Porter at November light-rail forum)
Congratulations to West Seattle Chamber of Commerce executive director Rachel Porter, honored by the national Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in its 2025 list of “Forty Under 40,” which is explained by the organization:
This annual recognition program showcases 40 of the industry’s top emerging leaders who have demonstrated success in their careers and made significant contributions to the communities they serve. The list includes CEOs and staff professionals from a wide variety of roles and chamber sizes. Honored for their creativity, dedication and commitment to identifying innovative solutions that will help shape the future of the chamber profession.
The announcement of Porter’s honor also notes:
ACCE has over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations
as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry. Eligible chamber professionals must be nominated by their chamber’s president/CEO, direct supervisor or board chair. Candidates must demonstrate meaningful involvement in the advancement of their community and proven professional success within their chamber.
The full list of honorees is here. Porter has been executive director of the WS Chamber since summer 2023.
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