West Seattle, Washington
03 Tuesday
While many are out shopping on “Black Friday,” one young West Seattleite will be bowling … for a cause.
(Photo from nathantavelbowling.com)
That’s Nathan Tavel, who plans to bowl 10 am-11 am Friday (November 29) to raise money for the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks. You can pledge now – with pledging categories including how many pins he’ll tally, how many strikes he’ll throw, how many turkeys he’ll throw, and what his total score will be. You can find out more – and pledge – at nathantavelbowling.com. Lots of prize possibilities for pledgers, too! (This isn’t his first bowling fundraiser – we told you about one of Nathan’s efforts back in early 2020, when he was just eight; his dad, community advocate Phil Tavel, says he’s been bowling since age four.)
Sent by LDP this morning:
Reporting a stolen 2017 Lexus RX – gray. License plate ending in 281. Has a child’s car seat in back. Per video we obtained, stolen near Petco in the Alaska Junction area on 41st at 1 am on Thursday, November 21st. Thief who stole the vehicle was dropped off by what looks like a white sedan. Appreciate everyone keeping an eye out for it. Still no word from police about the whereabouts of the vehicle. But please do call 911 if you see it.
We’ll add the SPD incident # for reference when we get it.
(Saturday rainbow, photographed by Greg Snyder)
Time for our two-part list of what’s happening on your Sunday. First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide (where you’ll find LOTS of other holiday info):
(WSB photo, last Sunday)
TOYS FOR TOTS AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle Kiwanis continues with their holiday-season booth at the south end of the market (California/Alaska) – bring new unwrapped toys to donate.
HPIC WREATH-MAKING MEETUP: 11 am-1 pm at Highland Park Corner Store. “Bring loose greens, pine cones – a great way to use those evergreen branches the fall winds are dropping! If you can, bring clippers or scissors, ribbon, wire, etc.+ we’ll have some to share.” (7789 Highland Park Way SW)
‘SNOWED IN (AGAIN)’ MATINEE: 3 pm performance of ArtsWest‘s holiday show; check here for tickets. (4711 California SW)
ASTRA LUMINA: The illuminated walk at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge continues. 5 pm and later entry times, ticket cost varies. (6000 16th SW)
SEATTLE STRENGTH AND PERFORMANCE MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL: $299 holiday-membership deal from the studio (WSB sponsor) with a West Seattle location at 2942 SW Avalon Way – less than half-price for what you get. Email membership@seattlesp.com today if interested.
And from our year-round Event Calendar:
SWIM IN THE SOUND: At 9:30 am, dive into the weekly group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet for today’s run at 9 am at Dough Joy Donuts (4310 SW Oregon).
KNEIGHBORHOOD KNIVES: The knife-sharpening-on-whetstones pop-up is back, 10 am-4 pm, $10/knife, Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Last market before Thanksgiving – open 10 am-2 pm, with almost-winter produce, plus beverages, baked goods, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Fall is project time. Need a tool to make yours happen? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: Monthly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm, this time discussing Charles Dickens‘ “Great Expectations.”
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be listed on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring – and/or in our Holiday Guide? Just email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The floor and the loft at Easy Street Records were packed tonight for hometown faves The Dusty 45s, celebrating their new album “All the Beauty in Between.” We couldn’t stay for the whole show but caught several songs including, above, “One Girl,” and below, “Cash in Her Soul“:
Easy Street proprietor Matt Vaughan introduced Billy Joe Huels and his band as “relentless” (and might we say, Vaughan knows a thing or two about relentlessness). Huels, for his part, told the crowd, “I’m Billy Joe, I live right down the street.” He explained the songs were largely written “during the COVID break,” including “Thursday Afternoon,” recalling the simple pleasure of going out for a walk during pandemic times. You can get the album via links here (and listen to clips from the rest of the songs). And if you want to see the band again, albeit outside West Seattle, they have a show at Tractor Tavern next Wednesday.
(Photo by Nancy Woodland)
7:55 PM: Look for the lights east of Alki Bathhouse and you’ll find the epicenter of Alki Holiday Lights, the neighborhood celebration organized by the Alki Community Council while awaiting the Christmas Ship’s 8:35 pm appearance – with local businesses, and the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens), participating too. Updates later!
(Added: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” excerpt with Pacific Sound Chorus on board)
9:13 PM: The Christmas Ship has sailed on after its Alki stop, second of the night (after Seacrest). We’ll add visuals once we’re back at HQ!
10:15 PM: As promised, the Alki Community Council lined part of the seawall with luminarias – no rain, so they stayed lit! The ACC set up this festive display too:
Along with the businesses offering treats, the Log House Museum was open for the evening, with merchandise including a bake sale and the remaining stock of ornaments, each featuring something or someplace from West Seattle’s history:
The museum was thrilled with the turnout, even though they’re a block inland – they’d counted well past 100 visitors before we stopped by around midway through the evening event. Meantime, that’s it for the Christmas Ship’s 2024 West Seattle stops, but if you want to catch it elsewhere in the region, here’s the full-season schedule.
ADDED: Thanks to Rod for this photo of the Christmas Ship, with its traditional illuminated wish for “PEACE,” sailing away from Seacrest:
(WSB photo)
Remember the giant tree that fell across Walnut Avenue in South Admiral during Tuesday’s windstorm? We believe it’s the biggest one that came down; the photo above is all we saw left of it this afternoon. Here’s what it looked like right after the storm:
A neighbor told us work to remove it was finally under way last night, and she believed the nearby residents who were without power for days had been restored too. The Seattle City Light map is finally without West Seattle outages and shows fewer than 800 customers still out systemwide.
(WSB photos)
Dave McCoy is thrilled that the new location of his fishing-focused shop Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor) is in the heart of The Junction (4707 California, steps from Walk-All-Ways), where they’re getting the kind of exposure they couldn’t enjoy at their previous 42nd/Oregon location. EWA has been in the new space for almost two months, but has been officially celebrating its grand opening these past two days. Even if fishing’s not your thing, there’s a lot to see – Dave is still stoked about uncovering the space’s original flooring:
He notes that since fishing is a sport with a strong element of nostalgia, the classic flooring fits right in. And then there’s the “rod wall” and mural by Chris Habermann:
Toward the back of the store, a place to hang out:
EWA has all sorts of events and programs (and guided trips), making it more than just a place to find merchandise (outdoor apparel too, by the way):
The grand opening continues until 6 tonight. But Dave would love to see you any time you wander in – 10-6 Mondays-Saturdays, 11-5 Sundays.
Our tour of some of today’s handcrafted shopping opportunities ended at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), where the Christmas Market continues until 4 pm. We found one creative stocking stuffer:
Stacey just started her business selling playing cards with recipes, “Make Meals, Play Cards” – simple ideas for meals, five ingredients for less, right on the cards. (If you miss the market but are interested, email her at mmpcdeck@gmail.com.) Chantel is a teacher who is selling clay creations, from dishes to ornaments:
There’s also an opportunity to give to the Westside Neighbors Shelter – a giving tree that gives you the chance to chip in for sturdy footwear:
And if you’re bringing the kid(s), there are craft tables just outside the sanctuary, where most of the market is happening:
Cider and pretzels are available too , outdoors by the entrance. This is part of a full complement of holiday events, that Admiral Church is offering – all in our West Seattle Holiday Guide, but here’s the list as sent by the church:
“Holy Night”; Christmas With The Chosen. November 26, 6:30-8:30 pm. Free movie screening and discussion of “Holy Night”, by the producers of “The Chosen” series. Christmas cookies and popcorn, too! All welcome!
Grinch and Grahams! December 8, 1:00-2:30 pm. Admiral Church, Family Holiday Event! FREE! “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”, the beloved 30-minute holiday classic movie, followed by making and decorating graham cracker houses! All welcome!
WEST SEATTLE BIG BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT! December 15, 1:00-3:00 pm. Holiday Jazz Concert, dancing as space allows! All Welcome! FREE! And there’s cookies!
12:54 PM: Sent by Barb:
I am writing to report a pair of high-end, carbon-fiber kayaks were stolen from across the street from Lincoln Park two weeks ago. I have attached photos of them. They are worth, used, about 2k apiece. They are in good condition and there is a reward being offered for information of $500 to anyone who gives the name of the thief and their location to the police or myself, leading to their recovery. They are both 16′ long. One is a Sega Revenge and the other is a Steller 16.5.
You can reach Barb at 206.851.6244.
5:09 PM: Here’s her SPD incident number – 24-331535.
On the southeastern edge of West Seattle is a holiday sale worth going out of your way for today – the craft fair at Arrowhead Gardens (9200 2nd SW). It’s also continuing until 3 pm today. You’ll find some tasty surprises – above, “Mama T” is selling lumpia; below, Linda is a devoted canner whose creations include saffron-nectarine jam, “monkey butter,” syrups, jellies, and simple pleasures like pickled carrots:
She gave up canning for a while after 40 years – and then hopped back into it a few years ago, making small batches. Bill, meantime, has channeled his beautiful photos into calendars and gift cards:
The tables throughout the “welcome center” on the complex’s east side also include warm knitted items for all ages:
Holiday decor too, plus jewelry and more. Support the senior artisans and delight your gift recipients!
(WSB photos)
Don’t feel like – or have time to – bake for the holiday(s)? Peace Lutheran Church (39th/Thistle) has you covered. Their “Bake Sale Plus” – raising money for nonprofits/community work – is on until 3 pm. Even a gluten-free table, as shown above. Pies, cookies, brownies, breads, snack mix … if you’re looking for it, they probably have it. Plus – knitted creatios:
And even a “Toy Share” area if you have little ones on your list:
This is happening on the lower level of the church – enter off 39th. One more note: All the baked goods are packaged in compostable material!
(Photos by Dave Gershgorn for WSB. Above, DJ Padilla, Carlos Lopez, and Teagan Gaither hand out turkeys)
Until noon – or until supplies run out – anybody who needs some help getting a turkey dinner on the table this Thanksgiving is welcome at the annual Eastridge Church turkey giveaway (outside the church at 39th and Oregon).
No questions asked – anyone can get a turkey and bag of groceries that contains fixings for a full traditional holiday meal. Volunteers were busy packing the bags inside:
(Carol Heisler places a bag of groceries in the pile to be distributed)
Between their West Seattle and Eastside campuses, Eastridge gives away about 1,500 turkeys on the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year – something they’ve been doing for more than two decades.
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
It’s the weekend before Thanksgiving and the holiday happenings are taking over. First, our list from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, followed by today’s list from the regular Event Calendar:
EASTRIDGE CHURCH TURKEY GIVEAWAY: Hundreds of turkeys and bags of holiday-fixings groceries will be available outside the church at 39th/Oregon, starting at 9 am, continuing while they last. Details here
PEACE LUTHERAN BAKE SALE PLUS: “Yummies and Yarn bake sale +” is the church’s holiday event this year, at 39th/Thistle. 9 am-3 pm.
HOLIDAY BAZAAR AT ALKI CENTER “Alki Court #21, Order of Amaranth, is having their annual Craft Bazaar from 9 am to 4 pm. It will be held at the Alki Masonic Center at 4736 40th Ave SW and there is plenty of parking!!”
ARROWHEAD GARDENS HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: Amazing handmade creations, every year! Office building on the east side of the complex at 9200 2nd SW, 10 am-3 pm.
ADMIRAL CHURCH CHRISTMAS MARKET: “Step into a German-style Christmas market right here in West Seattle! Enjoy a cup of hot cider and a soft pretzel while browsing our festively decorated booths. Discover that perfect one-of-a-kind gift created by a local artisan. Bring joy into your home with our handcrafted holiday decor. Find unique gifts for co-workers, teachers, and holiday hosts. And don’t miss our homemade cookies, pies, and holiday sweets. Relax and enjoy the enchanting spirit of Christmas, support Admiral Church’s important community work, and return home prepared for the festive season!” 10 am-4 pm. (4320 SW Hill)
ASTRA LUMINA: The illuminated walk at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge continues. 5 pm and later entry times, ticket cost varies. (6000 16th SW)
CHRISTMAS SHIP, TWO STOPS: The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship will make two West Seattle stops on its first night of the season. First, at Seacrest (new location), 1600 Harbor SW, 5:35 pm. Second, Alki Beach Park (usually near the Bathhouse), 8:35 pm, with a bonfire plus the special Alki Holiday Lights event presented by the Alki Community Council
ALKI HOLIDAY LIGHTS: 7-9 pm, so there’s lots of time to have fun before the Christmas Ship arrives at 8:35 pm – 10+ places to get freebies, three places to drop off donations for the West Seattle Food Bank, luminarias on the beach, more – look for the Alki Community Council info booth east of the Bathhouse.
“SNOWED IN (AGAIN)”: 7:30 pm performance of ArtsWest‘s holiday show – our calendar listing has the ticket link. (4711 California SW)
Now, everything else! (Are we missing anything for today/tonight? Text 206-293-6302 – thank you!)
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s home studio (3618 SW Alaska)
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others for a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Flowers are still blooming in some gardens, so keep working on yours! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
EMERALD WATER ANGLERS GRAND OPENING: As previewed here, celebrate the fishing-focused shop’s new location, 10 am-6 pm today! (4707 California SW)
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
ALKI ARTS ANNIVERSARY: 12-8 pm, the gallery at 6030 California SW is celebrating its first anniversary!
We will be celebrating with refreshments being served all day and 10% off of any single piece of original local art.
The festivities culminate with a fabulous concert from 6-8pm with a talented trio from ‘Tobias the Owl‘ playing. (tickets by donation at the door, with all proceeds going to the musicians)
Stop in between Noon to 8 pm to celebrate with us at 6030 California Ave SW. And we want to take this opportunity to thank all of the loyal art lovers who have shopped with us all year!
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)
‘GRATITUDE’ SOUND BATH EXPERIENCE: Noon-1 pm at Inner Alchemy‘s studio (3618 SW Alaska); get your ticket(s) here.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
MONTHLY SONG CIRCLE: 1-3 pm Soul Sisters song circle, no experience required; our calendar listing explains how to get location info.
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
THE DUSTY 45s AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, free in-store concert, all ages, celebrating The Dusty 45s‘ new album and vinyl release, as previewed here. (4559 California SW)
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: The Brews Brothers, 7 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
AT THE SKYLARK: Relocation benefit with Hayward Sun, Bobby Malvestuto, Deer Wave, Cesar Cuevas, doors at 7, music at 8, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Shonuph. (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
As we’ve been reporting, West Seattle High School‘s volleyball team is at the state tournament for the first time in a half-century. Saturday was their second day of play in Yakima, concluding late at night with a loss – first match of the day, the Wildcats shut out Stanwood, 3-0 (25-23, 31-29, 25-14); then in the second, they lost to Seattle Prep, 3-1 (21-25, 27-25, 25-9, 25-19). That sent them to the consolation bracket, with little time to rest – they’ll play Liberty at 10 am today (Saturday), and if they win, they play for 5th place at 2 pm. It’s been a huge season for head coach Scott Behrbaum and his team, taking the district championship along the way. We’ll have another update after today’s game(s).
Four months after playing at West Seattle Summer Fest, a beloved West Seattle band has a new album out! The Dusty 45s have released “All the Beauty In Between,” produced by West Seattleite Johnny Nails. Saturday night, they celebrate with a live performance at 7 pm at Easy Street Records (free, all ages, as always) plus a vinyl release of the new album. Billy Joe Huels of The Dusty 45s tells us you also can stream the new album at thedusty45s.hearnow.com/all-the-beauty-in-between.
7:42 PM: Thanks for the tips. We don’t yet know why, but the west end of the West Seattle Bridge is closed – texters report both ways, though the camera only shows a crew blocking it a short distance past the Fauntleroy entrance to the eastbound bridge. No crashes on the SFD log… Updates to come.
8 PM: Open again.
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society recently had its annual membership meeting, and has news to share about what’s next. Read about it below – and visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) during Saturday night’s Alki Holiday Lights:
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society held its annual meeting last Saturday at the Log House Museum, which currently features the exhibit, Seattle’s Forest: The West Duwamish Greenbelt.
SWSHS members gathered to hear about the organization’s accomplishments in 2024, including increasing online access to museum collections, and to learn new details about the organization’s strategic and interpretive planning.
Members also gathered to elect a new slate of Officers to lead SWSHS’s Board of Directors in 2025. Officers include, incoming President Kathy Duncan; incoming Vice President Jason Plourde; Secretary Nancy Sorensen; Treasurer John Sweetland; and Membership Secretary Megan Simkus. The biographies of SWSHS’s 2025 Officers are shared below.
Programs and Outreach Director Elizabeth Rudrud shared new details on SWSHS’s plans for an overhaul of the museum’s exhibitions. A multi-year interpretive planning project supported by Maritime Washington National Heritage Area began earlier this year. The planning will help the historical society design a permanent, interactive exhibit at the Log House Museum that will highlight the historical and cultural significance of Alki Beach, prioritize interactive museum experiences and the display of historical society artifacts, share diverse stories from across the Duwamish Peninsula, and extend to the exterior of the Log House Museum, where several artifacts are currently on display, including the original Alki Beach Lady Liberty.
Planning for this exhibit is well underway and has included participation from community partners, regional heritage and museum professionals, and the Duwamish Tribe. The project is rooted in SWSHS’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan and takes inspiration from a Peninsula-wide community survey conducted by SWSHS in 2023. The competitive, inaugural grant from Maritime WA funds this project through the design phase. Keep your eyes out for updates on the project next year.
Kathy Duncan, incoming SWSHS President, says, “I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue serving the board, Southwest Seattle Historical Society members, and our community. We have exciting plans for expanding programs and
services.”You can visit the Log House Museum Fridays and Saturdays, from 12-4 pm and tomorrow (Saturday, November 23) from 7-9 pm for Alki Holiday Lights. SWSHS will provide complimentary cider and crafts and host a Bake Sale to raise funds for the Society. The event coincides with the arrival of Argosy’s Christmas Ship Festival at Alki Beach.
Learn more about SWSHS programming, including Alki History Walking Tours and Words, Writers, Southwest Stories, at www.loghousemuseum.org
And below – meet the new board (and ongoing leadership)! Read More
Earlier this week, we told you about that almost-century-old West Seattle home up for designation as a city landmark, something its owner applied for. We checked with her on how Wednesday’s Landmarks Board vote turned out – and she reports that board members voted in favor of the designation. The home at 10455 Maplewood SW [map] is known as the Stewart House for its original owners. It changed hands multiple times in its early decades but has now been owned by the same (unrelated to the Stewarts) family for more than half a century. The house is considered an excellent example of “Spanish eclectic” architecture; you can learn more about its background via the report that resulted in its landmark nomination. More photos are viewable in the slide deck prepared for the Landmarks Board process. Next step: The board, and ultimately City Council, will vote on “controls and incentives” for the two-acre property. The Stewart House joins more than a dozen West Seattle properties that are already designated as city landmarks, all mapped here.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Alki Community Council is bringing holiday cheer to the beach on Saturday night, a big topic at last night’s monthly meeting.
Vice president Lindsey Pearsall facilitated the meeting in-person at Alki UCC, with president Charlotte Starck co-facilitating online, as it was a hybrid meeting. She opened the meeting by asking attendees to share one word about what they’re grateful for. (With the windstorm still fresh in memories, “electricity” got several mentions.)
Starck mentioned highlights from the budget just approved by the City Council (WSB coverage here) – including the noise-enforcement technology (which had first been brought to the ACC’s attention years ago) and the Duwamish Head parking changes. She then talked about how Alki had dodged windstorm-related problems (though some lost power), but needed to be prepared for the fall and winter ahead, introducing Sean Blackwell from the city’s CARE Department.
Though Blackwell is not affiliated with the Office of Emergency Management, he did acknowledge the important of city services during situations like the storm – CARE 911 call volumes pick up, for example. Starck stressed the role that alert.seattle.gov plays – with a variety of alerts you can sign up for – and Officer German Barreto from SPD urged people to call 911 if they happen onto electric hazards. If you happen onto a live wire, don’t get out of your car – it might be dangerous. And beware of dark/flashing-light intersections; Barreto spoke of responding to a three-vehicle crash the other day. And don’t try to drive over a downed branch, or under a tree that seems in danger of falling – which can be fatal if the tree falls onto your vehicle.
Starck asked him next about crime stats. Barreto said sexual assaults are up year-to-date, but in the past 28 days, thefts and other categories have gone down in the Alki area.
Blackwell then offered CARE Team crisis-responder updates. The team’s been launched for a year now, and Amy (Smith) Barden is now the permanent department (the team plus 911 operations) chief. He urged attendees to sign up for the department’s newsletter (email them at CARE_info@seattle.gov). He also noted the work toward expanding the CARE Response Team since the mayor’s announcement in June, and said the Southwest Precinct (West Seattle/South Park) expansion is expected before the end of the first quarter, with space being evaluated for them in the precinct. New hires are set for training by February so they can start responding in March. Blackwell explained that responders can now refer directly to the Crisis Solution Center. They plan to implement more.
Two SPD Community Service Officers talked to the group about a program meant for kids they help – the Courageous Lions program. (In fact, they said, they just had been to the scene of a crash where they had to help two juveniles.) The program’s in partnership with Harborview, which means there’s trauma counseling available for kids going through tough situations. The Seattle Police Foundation funds it (it’s a nonprofit, so you can donate to support it). The CSO’s also are doing a warm-clothing drive on December 7, 11 am-3 pm, at the precinct (2300 SW Webster). Sweat pants are very helpful, for example, and other clothing, mostly for adults, but they’ll take whatever they receive (and “find good homes” for anything they can’t use). The CSOs will be working later starting in the New Year, they added – up until 10 pm.
ALKI LIGHTS EVENT ON SATURDAY: Rudolph (aka Stacy Bass-Walden) joined ACC for the update on this Saturday’s big event, hoping to bring back the crowds that often attended the Christmas Ship event pre-pandemic. ACC will have an info booth east of the Bathhouse, and more than half a dozen Alki Avenue businesses are participating, as well as the Log House Museum, for the event 7 pm-9 pm. Some freebies will be offered (from candy canes to cocoa to baklava to chowder to free arcade prize tickets), as well as three dropoff spots for a West Seattle Food Bank donation drive (listed on the event page). As Starck noted, the first stop has moved – on the west side of Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW) instead of off Don Armeni or Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor). Wyatt from the ACC said three bonfire pits will be activated by the accessibility ramp, so that’s where to gather. Elizabeth Rudrud from the LHM said they’ll have a bake sale, too, to raise $ for the SWSHS, while also offering free cider and crafts. They plan to set up 50 luminarias along the edge of the beach, added Rudolph (Walden), and an attendee offered to fill the volunteer slot for that.
NEW YEAR’S POLAR BEAR SWIM: Organizer Mark Ufkes spoke to the ACC about the genesis of the swim at Alki Beach, which will happen again on New Year’s Day 2025. It was first announced on WSB, he recalled, in a year with 35 attendees, and “it just kept getting bigger and bigger.” Ufkes noted that he’s tried to keep it a “simple family event … it’s over fast, and you get in the water quick … everybody holds hands …” and Alki’s space has kept it from feeling crowded, even now with many hundreds of people – he counted 1,500 people last year. (One in Norway has 35,000 participants, he noted.)
(1/1/22 photo by Scott Nelson)
Ufkes said his main job is to send out the invitation and show up with a megaphone and lead a countdown. “I’ve had so many people tell me they’ve always wanted to do it.” 10 am sharp again this year. People don’t tend to show up early – they just materialize by swim time. Starck said the ACC would love to support the swim in any way they can. Ufkes said he appreciates that, having been involved with community councils before. Still not sure you want to give it a try? The water’s usually warmer than the air, Ufkes said spiritedly.
BIG GIFT, AND A MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: The ACC recently received a $2,500 donation and Starck said they’re hoping to work on a membership/donation drive, using this as a match, “so we can move into 2025 stronger than ever.” Pearsall urged attendees to tell their friends and family about ACC; you can use its website to sign up for membership.
SAFETY: On this ongoing topic, Starck wondered if neon-bright flags would be a way to discourage unsafe driving that threatsns kids. Two attendees thought “there are enough signs already”; one said it’s more a matter of parents paying attention to their kids. What about cameras? Starck said they’re hoping to have City Councilmember Rob Saka back at a future meeting to talk about where traffic and noise cameras stand post-budget vote. There was some state funding to study noise cameras, Starck noted, but only one eastside municipality took advantage of that. This segued into a discussion of what’s been effective – the speed humps/cushions had some voicing support, for one. Alki’s section of Admiral, and safety on it, came up as a topic too. “Isn’t this a conversation for SDOT and the mayor’s office” – which had a representative at the meeting – asked one person. (The rep, external affairs liaison Catherine Gerlach, volunteered later to do what she could do to be a liaison between the neighborhood group and agencies/departments such as SDOT.) Starck suggested people send their ideas to hello@alkicommunitycouncil.org so they could aggregate trouble spots/ideas – and possibly creation of a safety committee within the ACC so there could be a smaller working group focused on the issue. Overall, Pearsall said, “if you have something you’re passionate about … safety, events …” email hello@alkicommunitycouncil.org to “grow the team” and “figure out the best place to use our time, money, and energy.” Speaking of money, they’ll be working on a budget for next year in a post-Thanksgiving Executive Board meeting.
WHAT’S NEXT: Saturday night’s Holiday Lights, of course – 7 pm November 23, with the Christmas Ship arriving just after 8:30 – and the Polar Bear Swim (Wednesday, January 1, 2025). No general ACC meeting in December, so the next one will be the third Thursday in January (that’s January 16).
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
It’s been three and a half years since we broke the news that Virginia Mason Franciscan Health was going to take over the building at 3400 California SW, from which Swedish moved to The Junction. That’s a lot longer than the health-care organization originally expected the remodeling would take, and the building was hit by vandals at times – leading some neighbors to wonder, repeatedly, if the project had been abandoned.
The elongated timeframe was acknowledged in VMFH’s celebration of the new 20,000-square-foot space today – one with multiple ribboncuttings:
That ribboncutting featured the team from OB/GYN, one of several specialties that VMFH is bringing to its new West Seattle “pavilion.” It will also offer primary care, cardiology, gastroenterology, and rheumatology – described as a “one-stop shop” for care. The building will open for patient care on December 9th, and one floor was open for tours during this morning’s event. But first, those gathered – including many of the providers who will work at the new location – heard from leaders including VMFH CEO Ketul Patel.
He and other leaders who spoke stressed that West Seattle patients had long been asking for more services to be provided here – “as much care as we can,” as Jane Root, president of physician enterprise for Northwest markets, explained. She told us in a one-on-one conversation that the delay in getting the building open was in no small part attributable to pandemic-related problems and supply-chain issues, but finally they buckled down into a “laser-like commitment that ‘we’re going to get this done’.” Asked about key features of the building, Root singled out “the design … for patient flow” and the inclusion of primary and specialty care in the same location.
Our quick tour highlighted the proximity of medical-team members for optimal communication – support staff members have work stations along hallways, across from providers’ offices. And for the patients, more-spacious exam rooms, some with windows looking out over California SW:
They also have room to expand, if and when needed, by adding providers. The new location itself already represents an expansion in staff as well as space – some of the staffers are moving, but others are being hired just for this location’s opening.
The second floor, which we toured, will hold primary care (both family and internal medicine), while the specialties will be on the third floor. Meantime, the current 4550 Fauntleroy Way SW location’s last day will be December 5, four days before the 3400 California building opens for patient care (with weekday appointments starting at 7 am), but VMFW will continue operating its urgent-care clinic at 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW.
(SPD photo)
So how DID that car’s driver end up on a rooftop in The Arroyos just before 3:30 am today? We missed it in real time – it was a busy late-night – but SPD Blotter has just published followup information on the incident in the 10800 block of Arroyo Beach Place SW [vicinity map]. They say the 85-year-old Kirkland woman apparently “mistakenly accelerated forward from her parking stall, causing the vehicle to go over a ledge (and land) on top of an unoccupied parked car.” She wasn’t hurt but was taken to a hospital to be checked out – once SFD crews got her out.
Today, we continue our series of spotlights to cheer on your West Seattle Giving Spirit. Last week, we invited local nonprofits to participate in this first-ever coordinated giving campaign – first-come first-served – and our partner in the campaign, Learning Communities Foundation, received enough applications to fill the spots. Three times a week before year’s end, here on WSB, you’ll be able to spend a few minutes learning about a different West Seattle/White Center nonprofit and how you can support it. Today – find out what you didn’t know about the West Seattle Food Bank, and how to support WSFB!
West Seattle Food Bank was founded by a group of concerned neighbors who responded to the urgent need for a community food bank. For more than three decades, we have provided access to food, clothing, emergency rent and utility assistance, connections to community resources, and other essential services for community members. Each year we offer comprehensive, holistic, wraparound services to thousands of neighbors in the greater West Seattle area.
With our community-centered approach, we are working toward the vision of a strong and connected community where all people have access to safe and nutritious food and living necessities. We nourish lives, so that we may all flourish together.
Other key accomplishments of our programs and services in FY2024 include:
-Served 25,000 neighbors.
-Distributed 2,608,510 pounds of food through our Food Bank Services, a 9% increase from FY23.
-Supplied food to households 103,314 times, an 50% increase from FY21.
-Expanded our Mobile Food Bank to 8 sites and served 200-275 households weekly—a 55% increase in reach.
-Partnered with 13 local schools to distribute 9,007-weekend food packages for students battling food insecurity.
-Prevented homelessness, eviction, and utility shutoffs for 2,038 neighbors, including 830 children.
-Nearly doubled our financial assistance, which surged by 244% to over $1 million.
-Connected clients to next-step services that increase financial stability, including employment search assistance, child-care resources, and mental health counseling.
-Increased the capacity of The Clothesline, which saw a 77% increase from FY23.
-Connected 2,038 Hotline callers to supportive services.The past year has marked a significant increase in our impact, highlighting West Seattle Food Bank’s essential role in addressing food insecurity and providing critical resources for our community. With growing needs in our community and dwindling reserves, we are facing tough decisions about how to continue providing food and housing assistance to families in crisis. By giving today, you can help us continue offering stability and compassion to every neighbor who needs it. Join us in nourishing hope!
Here’s how:
–TO DONATE
–TO VOLUNTEER
-TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WSFB
West Seattle Giving Spirit, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation, will bring you the next spotlight on Monday – you’ll be able to learn about, and lift up, another local nonprofit!
Our West Seattle Holiday Guide includes info on not only holiday events, but also holiday shopping – including where you can buy a tree!
(West Seattle Nursery photo, 2024 tree arrival)
West Seattle Nursery (California/Brandon): got Alpine Nobles in early and expected to have Burton Blue, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Grand Fir, Korean Fir, Noble Fir, and Nordmann Firs trees by today.
Trees By The Sea (2530 Alki SW) opens next Wednesday (November 25) with not only trees but also “wreaths, garland and products available from our honey company Shipwreck Apiaries.” Its hours are in our Holiday Guide.
The Holy Rosary Tree Lot, on the north side of the campus, is scheduled to open the day after Thanksgiving. Part of the proceeds go to local nonprofits.
Those are just three of the places you’ll find trees in West Seattle. Check the Holiday Guide for more, plus lots of other info – including the open-on-Thanksgiving restaurant/bar and coffee lists, both now linked! And if you find info missing, let us know, as we’re updating it daily.
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