West Seattle, Washington
25 Wednesday
Again today, we have two lists for you – first, the holiday happenings, from our WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS COCOA AND COAT DRIVE: Bring new/gently used coats/warm clothing to the West Seattle Kiwanis Club/West Seattle Junction Association booth at the south end of the Farmers’ Market today, 10 am-2 pm, and get cocoa, as previewed here!
PATHFINDER K-8 WREATH SALES: As featured in the Holiday Guide, the school’s beloved handmade wreaths are on sale just south of the Farmers’ Market again today, 10 am-2 pm, plus available online. (California/Alaska)
JET CITY LABS’ SMALL-BIZ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, stop in to see who’s selling what at Jet City Labs for all your holiday needs, whims, and dreams! (4547 California SW)
‘MESSIAH’: “West Side Presbyterian Church – Messiah – Sunday, December 15 at 10 am. Choir and soloists are joined by members of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra for this seasonal favorite. This is part of the advent series at West Side – Free.” (3601 California Ave SW)
GIFT WRAPPING: “Gift Wrapping at The Discovery Shop, 11:30-2:30 – get your gifts wrapped, text Frances 206-330-7027 for more information. All materials included, wrapping, ribbons/decorations, and tags.” (4535 California SW)
VASHON ISLAND HOLIDAY STUDIO TOUR: Take a ferry to explore this event one last time! “Vashon Island artists offer art lovers and gift shoppers a fun and inspirational event, the Vashon Island Holiday Studio Tour, continuing today, 10 am to 4 pm. The tour, which is organized by Vashon Island Visual Artists, features 44 studios and galleries representing more than 140 artists and craftspeople. The organization’s website also offers an interactive online map with details about each studio or gallery.” (WSB sponsor)
THUNDER ROAD GUITARS: Open 7 days a week until Christmas – that includes 11 am-5 pm today. (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor)
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER’S GIVING DRIVE CONCLUDES: “Each year we partner with an organization to get gifts to kids. This year we are joining with Stephanie’s Lifeline. Their Gifts of HOPE gift drive goes to homeless and at-risk youth. We have a donation box at the shop (2743 California SW) and unwrapped gifts can be brought and dropped off during shop hours. Sun 11-4.” Concludes today.
NORTHSTAR TRADING POP-UP: Sheepskin creations formerly sold at Pike Place Market, closeout at a West Seattle pop-up, 12-4 pm today. (7038 31st SW)
HOLIDAY ART SHOW & SALE: Rain City Clay in Arbor Heights is hosting a holiday show & sale again this year, featuring artists who work with clay, concluding 1-5 pm today. (4208 SW 100th)
WEST SEATTLE BIG BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT: 1:00-2:30 pm. Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), enjoy the big bold jazzy sound of the West Seattle Big Band, free (donations accepted for the church’s impending move), with cookies!
WEST SEATTLE PERFORMING ARTS’ NUTCRACKER: WSPA presents “The Nutcracker,” 1 pm at Chief Sealth IHS – details in our calendar listing; tickets at the door.
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: The radio-play edition of “A Christmas Carol” at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 2:30 pm.
‘SNOWED IN (AGAIN)’: ArtsWest‘s holiday musical has a 3 pm matinée today; get your ticket(s) here. (4711 California SW)
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT OUNCES: Nightly after dusk till close* (closing times vary; see Ounces hours here):
This Holiday Season, experience the magic of the Holidays every night at Ounces with Holiday Lights, Christmas Music, a 20 ft Santa, Festive Inflatables & Decor, Holiday Beer & Cider on Tap, FREE Candy Canes and more festive fun for all! Stop in any Tuesday-Sunday from dusk till close to experience the holiday magic!
(3809 Delridge Way 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, times vary. Tickets and info here.
(Photo courtesy Dawn Hepburn)
SEATTLE METROPOLITAN SINGERS: 7 pm concert at Alki UCC/Kol HaNeshamah (6115 SW Hinds) – details in our calendar listing.
NORTHWEST BOYCHOIR: This year’s final West Seattle performance of Northwest Boychoir‘s annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church, 7 pm. Tickets here. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)
And here’s the non-holiday list with everything else – mostly from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet for today’s run at 9 am at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, with almost-winter produce (root vegetables! greens!), plus beverages, holiday greenery, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
ALKI UCC DONATION DRIVE: 11 am-3 pm, here’s what they’re collecting today in the front courtyard:
This month’s priority: Blankets and NEW SOCKS, SOCKS, SOCKS!
Also needed: Non-perishable food, men’s work clothing, hygiene items and outdoor gear: tents, tarps, blankets, etc.
Donations are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network (WIN) Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center. Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.
(6115 SW Hinds)
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)
BABY MOTOR-SKILLS PLAY GROUP: 3:30 pm at Viva Arts, geared toward 3 months to pre-crawling. Preregister here. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL: 5:30 pm at Bethany Community Church (8600 9th SW).
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
NIGHTTIME LOW-LOW TIDE: -3.4 feet at 10:41 pm (here’s the full monthly chart).
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring – and/or in our Holiday Guide? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Another beautiful photo in a day full of them – thank you to the sender! The moon will be officially full just after 1 am our time. We’re mentioning that because as usual, the full moon brings tidal extremes. A texter noticed flashlight beams on the shore; we note that tonight’s low-low tide, hitting right this moment, is -3.4 feet, same as it’ll be tomorrow night shortly before 11 pm, and between the two, high tide will be 12.6 feet before 6 am, with even-higher high tides the next three mornings (here’s the chart).
Two plastic birds comprise tonight’s spotlight:
Longtime reader, first time texter here. I’d like to share with you some photos of my Porch Goose Nativity scene.
We’re on 40th Ave SW and Morgan st (one house in). The Porch Goose is a bit of midwestern kitsch-whimsy, and I made the custom Joseph and Mary costumes myself.
The egg is 3D printed and lights up alarmingly bright.
We call the display “Honk the Heralds.” Enjoy!
Got lights, whimsical or otherwise? We’re still accepting photos and sighting info – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you! (Go here to scroll through what we’ve shown already.)
(WSB photo, 2023: Part of the haul from last year’s Cocoa and Coat Drive)
Tomorrow’s the big day – one more major West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays event- the annual Cocoa and Coat Drive at the south end of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, with the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, and friends. Go check your closet/drawers/chair backs and see if you have coats or jackets in good shape that nobody’s using (or go buy one if you have time/money), and bring it/them to the market tomorrow (Sunday, December 15), 10 am-2 pm. You bring the coat(s), you get the cocoa as a reward! Donated coats/warm clothing go to the West Seattle Food Bank‘s Clothesline.
The wind alert has expired and the weather looks to be calmer for at least a few hours. Thanks to everyone who sent photos – above, from David Hutchinson; below, from James Bratsanos:
And the Elliott Bay rainbow’s full arc, from Stewart L.:
(added) Eugene Lee sent this photo of wave action at Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook:
The major forecast factors for the days ahead, so far, seem to be rain, rain, and more rain – intermittently.
Sue Shotridge from Vashon Island is one of the vendors you’ll find at the encore Native Holiday Art Market at the Duwamish Longhouse, happening today only, until 7 pm (following the traditional three-day market in late November/early December). She’s brought prints, cards, calendars, blankets, and more. Around the great hall of the Longhouse, many other Native creators are selling their work.
One booth is raising money for the Blue Heron Canoe Family‘s participation in the Journey to Elwha next year. Nearby, we found these gift packs:
If you’re hungry, you can also buy fresh-made frybread, soup, and tacos toward the back of the room. The longhouse is at 4705 W. Marginal Way SW; if you’re driving, plenty of parking on both sides of the street, and a signal to get you safely across if you park on the east side. (The Longhouse sponsored WSB this past week to help amplify word of today’s market.)
(WSB photos)
1:08 PM: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center is bustling with vendors and shoppers midway through the first-ever Delridge Winter Market!
The hallways and rooms are full of people to meet and creations to browse and buy. Fresh hot food outside too:
This is a don’t-miss event, 4408 Delridge Way SW until 3 pm. More photos when we are back at HQ.
2:38 PM: Among the dozens of vendors – Judith is selling clay creations in the hallway near the entry door (that’s Daniel with her):
Nearby is Ammara:
So many different types of merchandise – including floral creations from Kamayan Farm in Carnation and other growers:
Apparel, body care, coffee, tea, jewelry, many gift possibilities! African Community Housing and Development, which presents the Delridge Farmers Market spring through fall, is hosting this too, and sponsored WSB to be sure more people heard about it. In addition to the vendors, a variety of free resources – from acupuncture to haircuts to cooking demos – awaited visitors, too
(WSB photos)
That’s the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s Winter Wonderland holiday-cheer crew with Santa at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor), one of the official stops on today’s business-district trail of fun, happening until 2 pm. (added) Santa was posing with pets as well as people (and penguins):
A few doors down, you can stop at Seattle Yarn for free crafting fun – this family was making snowflakes:
Look for carolers and more fun. The weather’s calmed somewhat too.
9:36 AM: Thanks to Laurel at Ounces in North Delridge for the photo – that tree down along the Delridge entrance to the eastbound West Seattle Bridge is one of multiple trees brought down by this morning’s gusty winds. We’ve had a report from Admiral Way’s south hill, too. The National Weather Service has a Wind Advisory alert in effect for our area until 4 pm today, expecting “south winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.” No new West Seattle outages mapped by City Light so far but that last group of 146 from Thursday night’s outage is still without electricity. Scott sent this photo of crews working in the area:
If you experience or see weather-related trouble, please call or text our hotline, 206-293-6302 (once you’re sure the appropriate authorities know – if a tree or other debris is blocking a street or sidewalk, for example, SDOT’s after-hours number is 206-386-1218) – thank you!
9:49 AM: And now, a big power outage. Almost 7,000 customers; map screenshot added above. Thanks for the texts/tips. This time some signalized intersections such as 35th/Avalon and 35th/Fauntleroy are involved – remember dark signals = 4-way stops. Parts of Alki and Genesee that got hit in Thursday’s outage are out again, as is a stretch of Delridge, among other mapped spots that are out. We don’t know the epicenter of this one yet – let us know if you see City Light crews.
10:19 AM: If you look at the outage map, this seems to have spared the business districts, which have a variety of events today, but please let us know if you encounter any changes at any place on today’s (big) list. Meantime, while City Light’s map projects afternoon restoration, PLEASE REMEMBER that their estimates are just wild guesses at this point, COULD be much sooner, COULD be much later. Among other things, don’t open your fridge/freezer – what’s in it/them will last longer.
10:24 AM: And in fact, some are reporting their power is back. Avalon area, for starters. The map may not catch up for a bit. … Map now shows almost everyone restored from this outage (but not that 146-customer South Alki pocket from Thursday night).
10:33 AM: Thanks to everyone who’s sent rainbow photos, in the meantime – sightings from Alki to Fauntleroy. The one above this line is from John-Michael Bennett III. (Added) Below is a photo texted from Fauntleroy, where the ferries have been battling those south winds:
10:48 AM: Now the rain’s moved back in, at least here in Upper Fauntleroy. We’re also still hearing dispatches for various trouble spots – a tree down on 34th in Sunrise Heights, wires down on 51st in Brace Point.
11:56 AM: Though the power’s back, a reader says it’s left the Junction post office cash-only.
4:22 PM: Looking at City Light’s map, looks like the South Alki 146 finally got their power back sometime this afternoon, before hitting 48 unpowered hours.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Another huge holiday-season Saturday ahead! First, the list from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
SELFIES WITH SANTA AT CAPERS: Details here – 8:30-11 am with “Santa Tony”! (4525 California SW)
CHRISTMAS THROWDOWN CROSSFIT COMPETITION: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at South Seattle Crossfit (2653 SW Yancy)
TREES FOR NONPROFIT: “This is the LAST FULL WEEKEND of the Holy Rosary tree lot, located behind the school at 41st & Dakota. Fully stocked with trees, wreaths and garland. Supporting not only Holy Rosary School, but the West Seattle Food Bank and Salvation Army’s Hickman House. Bring 5 cans and get $5 off your purchase. Open 9-9 Saturday and 9-8 Sunday.”
ORGANIC TREES: “Our “Front Yard Christmas Trees” are still available, we have 14 trees left! We have fresh-cut local Christmas trees of all sizes and heights, organic (no sprays or chemicals ever), local (from Cle Elum) and restorative! (part of a forest restoration project). Our trees are grand fir and can be given a fresh cut if desired, and free candy cane with purchase! We take cash or Venmo, and are open every day until Christmas. On 48th Ave between Edmunds and Hudson. Call or text us at 206-200-9108.”
KIDS’ TOY SWAP: At Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW)
Declutter, Discover, Delight!
This free, eco-friendly event is a chance to:
Declutter your home.
Discover new-to-you treasures.
Connect with the community.Items Set-Up: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Browse & Swap: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Clean-Up: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Charity Pick-Up: 4:00 PM
Bring gently used toys, books, and games to swap, and take home items your family can use. Unclaimed items will be donated to local charities, spreading holiday cheer even further!
WINTER WONDERLAND, ADMIRAL DISTRICT: “There’s snow place to be like Admiral this winter! Join the Admiral Neighborhood Association from 10 AM-2 PM for a ton of family fun at Winter Wonderland. Enjoy festive foods at Circa and Arthur’s. Then skate over to West Seattle Grounds, Seattle Yarn and Wicked Rae’s for winter crafts. And don’t forget to snap some holiday photos at Hoste, Mud Bay and West Seattle Realty (where we heard a certain jolly man in a red suit might make an appearance)! And since the best way to spread holiday cheer is to sing loud for all to hear, take a break to enjoy the Admiral Church Choir’s Roving Carolers. Head to our website, connecttoadmiral.org, for more.”
SCENTED IN SEATTLE HOLIDAY MARKET: 10 am-6 pm at Metropolist Events in SODO (2731 1st Ave. S.) – fragrance, body care, soaps, candles, more. Participants include WSB sponsor Filigree & Shadow.
BUSKING CAROLERS: At California/Alaska, 11 am-1 pm, We Carollers 3, “busking on the corner at the future Molly Moon’s, collecting monetary donations for the WS and WC food banks. This group has been Busking for the food banks for about 16 *years*!”
VASHON ISLAND HOLIDAY STUDIO TOUR CONTINUES: Take a ferry to explore this event (which is sponsoring WSB to get the word out)!
Vashon Island artists offer art lovers and gift shoppers a fun and inspirational event, the Vashon Island Holiday Studio Tour, Saturday and Sunday, December 14-15, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm. The tour, which is organized by Vashon Island Visual Artists, features 44 studios and galleries representing more than 140 artists and craftspeople. The organization’s website also offers an interactive online map with details about each studio or gallery.
HOLIDAY NATIVE ART MARKET ENCORE: 11 am to 7 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse (4705 W. Marginal Way SW; WSB sponsor)
DELRIDGE WINTER MARKET:
ACHD x DNDA Presents: 1st Annual Delridge Winter Market
Saturday December 14 from 11 AM-3 PM
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center: 4408 Delridge Way SWThis festive indoor market, an extension of the popular Delridge Farmers Market, features unique handmade goods, delicious cultural foods, and a diverse lineup of local BIPOC-owned businesses offering everything from ceramics to body care products. Enjoy free community resources like fresh produce, basic supplies, live music, culinary demos, and services like acupuncture, massage, and youth haircuts. In collaboration with African Community Housing and Development, it’s a day of holiday cheer, community connection, and festive fun—you don’t want to miss this! You can check out the vendors by visiting ACHD’s website. See you there!
(WSB sponsor)
SANTA AT JOHN L. SCOTT IN THE JUNCTION: 11 am-2 pm Santa visit at 4445 California SW with Santa Jim – free photo ops with you, your loved ones, well-behaved pets. Free cookies and cocoa.
MAKERS ART MARKET: Noon-5 pm at Alki Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW), more than two dozen makers are there for your shopping adventures.
NORTHSTAR TRADING CO. POPUP: Longtime Pike Place Market vendor closing shop and selling sheepskin creations at a West Seattle pop-up, 12-4 pm – details here. (7138 30th SW)
RAIN CITY CLAY HOLIDAY SHOW: The Arbor Heights studio/gallery hosts the annual holiday show 1-5 pm again today – details in our calendar listing. (4208 SW 100th)
WEST SEATTLE PERFORMING ARTS: WSPA presents “The Nutcracker” and “In Motion,” with 1 pm and 6 pm performances at Chief Sealth IHS (2600 SW Thistle) – details in our calendar listing
SANTA AT WESTWOOD VILLAGE: Free photos with Santa are part of “An Enchanted Holiday Celebration” in the Westwood Village courtyard, 1-4 pm, plus treats and crafts. (2600 SW Barton)
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: The radio-play edition of “A Christmas Carol” at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 2:30 and 7:30 pm.
“SNOWED IN (AGAIN)”: 3 pm and 7:30 pm performances of ArtsWest‘s holiday show – here’s the ticket link. (4711 California SW)
COCOA, COOKIES, AND LIGHTS: Treats for visitors at 3431 48th SW’s display tonight, 5-7 pm, as noted here.
SANTA AT MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: Santa (and reindeer!) will be there around 5 pm. (5605 Beach Drive 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)
‘WINTER WANDER’ SCAVENGER HUNT: Alice Kuder presents the “Winter Wander” scavenger hunt again this year, last full day/night:
The Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt is a free community event designed to bring friends and families together for holiday fun. Wanderers download a Bingo-style clue sheet, scour West Seattle to identify the locations that solve the clues, and upload selfies in front of those locations to qualify for prize drawings. Open to everyone of all ages! Winter Wander concludes at 7 PM, Sun., Dec. 15th, 2024. Sign up by registering at wondersinaliceland.com.
ALKI UCC COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CABARET: 7 pm – food, music, more – details and ticket info here. (6115 SW Hinds)
AT THE SKYLARK: The Emerald City Kings Ball team presents Crown Jewels – Xmas Edition. “A very drag king Christmas show” at The Skylark. Doors at 7, show at 8, $15. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
****Now, everything ELSE that’s happening, non-holiday! (Got something to add for today/tonight? Text 206-293-6302 – thank you!)****
FREE FITNESS CLASS: 8 am at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. (9131 California SW)
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
FREE FIT4MOM PRENATAL-FITNESS CLASS: 9 am for moms-to-be. (2707 California SW)
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s sanctuary/studio (3618 SW Alaska)
INTRODUCTORY WALK: Prelude to the next event – meet at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, 9:30 am, for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Then at 10 am, you’re invited to join others for the weekly walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy).
EXPLORER WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10-11:30 am:
Discover what makes Explorer West Middle School a unique and engaging community! Our Open House offers prospective families an opportunity to explore our programs, meet faculty, and hear directly from current students and families about their experiences. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting your school research journey, this event provides an in-depth look at what sets us apart. Registration is available through Ravenna (but not required). Students, parents, caregivers, and siblings are welcome at this event. Join us and see how we support middle schoolers to thrive in middle school and beyond with confidence!
(10015 28th SW; WSB sponsor)
KENNEDY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon, prospective families welcome. (140 S. 140th, Burien; WSB sponsor)
SSC GARDEN CENTER: “Garden Center is open until December 20th! We have Holiday Swags, Poinsettias and beautiful blooming Christmas Cactus! All new indoor plants will brighten any home or office and make a wonderful gift! Open Thursday-Saturday from 10 am-3 pm until December 20th! We will reopen January 9th! Thank you for a wonderful year supporting our students! The Garden Center at South Seattle College provides Landscape Horticulture students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of plants while gaining real-world retail experience. Plants available for sale are selected, propagated, grown and presented by Landscape Horticulture students. Proceeds benefit Landscape Horticulture Program projects. Cash and electronic payments accepted. The Garden Center is located in the North Parking Lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th Ave SW) on Puget Ridge.”
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
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).
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)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
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: Open 1-6 pm in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
SOUND BATH: 2 pm at Inner Alchemy studio/sanctuary – info in our calendar listing. (3618 SW Alaska)
LIVE AT TIM’S TAVERN: “West Seattle artists Golden Hart (which includes singer-songwriter Joshua Dennis, who has played at Art of Music events, and also at West Seattle Festival and Music at Hiawatha with his band Modern Relics) are playing at Tim’s Tavern in White Center Saturday. Doors at 6 pm, Show 7-10 pm. The Color Study from Bend, Oregon, and Rough Tail from Seattle will also be playing. $10 adv, $15 door, all ages.”
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, Soul Focus FM. (4547 California SW)
LIVE AT WEST SEATTLE BREWING: West Seattle classic rock band Legal Issues takes the stage at 9 pm Saturday at West Seattle Brewing Company, with ’60/’70 Woodstock-era show called Back to the Garden. No cover. (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW)
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 10 pm start time for Saturday singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
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 – same place to send your Holiday Guide listings – thank you!
We close out this Friday with your next chance to demonstrate the West Seattle Giving Spirit. Three times a week through year’s end, WSB is bringing you this special holiday-season opportunity to learn about, and support, some of our area’s unstoppable nonprofits, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation. Tonight – the White Center Food Bank, whose mission stretches into West Seattle too:
Our mission is to minimize hunger while nourishing community, nurturing self-reliance and embracing our rich cultural diversity. The White Center Food Bank began unofficially in the mid-1970s as an emergency response to assist struggling families and individuals in the greater White Center and Highline areas during a major economic downturn. Much like today, many in the community were faced with difficult economic conditions that left them in need of food resources.
We were there then. We are here now.
Please consider a financial contribution, running a food drive or volunteering to help us keep the community fed!
We are also open for tours of our new facility. If you are interested, please contact Jefferson Rose, Development and Communications Director at jefferson@whitecenterfoodbank.org
Scroll through our archive of West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlights here (newest to oldest), and watch for the next one on Monday!
Four notes in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:
SECOND 7-ELEVEN ROBBERY OF THE DAY: After the robbery on which we reported late last night, there was another one at a West Seattle 7-Eleven hours later – the South Delridge 7-Eleven was held up just before 5:30 am. The initial description of the robbers – four Black teenagers, black clothing and masks, armed with a gun and a knife, who got away with cash and “tobacco products.” Police believe the same robbers were involved in an overnight robbery in North Seattle. If you have any information, the incident number is 24-349592.
MORGAN JUNCTION BURGLARY: After hearing a bit about this break-in via police radio after it was reported around 1 am today, we requested the narrative from SPD. It says that officers were dispatched to Waterfront Federal Credit Union in the 6400 block of Fauntleroy Way SW after an alarm trip revealed a video feed showing someone inside. That person was gone by the time officers responded. They found the building opened and that someone had used the kitchen. The burglar seen on the video was described as ” a white male, thin build wearing a beanie with a black coat and dark camouflage pants.” There was a report of a car outside the building that disappeared after the burglar did, but no description. The credit union contact wasn’t immediately sure if anything had been taken; police did find likely fingerprints and used “print cards” for evidence.
PROWLER: A reader sent this report:
Last night around 2 am a man walked up to the door of a home I am dog-sitting at and after knocking at the front door continued to walk around the property. He appears to be intoxicated. Police were called shortly after the man was seen but had left the property once police had been called. There was no sign of break-in, a few door handles rattled but nothing else. I wanted to share this (image) if anyone might know who he is or has seen him.
I also have a photo that I just received from the neighbors of the house I am staying at. The person who tried to open the doors to the house also kicked the side fence down. They either came in through the fence, having come through the neighbors yard first or left through the fence before police arrived.
This happened on 41st SW – we have a followup question out asking where on that street, which runs north to south along almost the entire peninsula.
P.S. – MULTI-AGENCY RESPONSE: Several readers reported what looked like a pursuit around 2 pm today, with non-Seattle police vehicles roaring off Harbor SW and onto the West Seattle Bridge, last seen exiting onto I-5. We asked around this afternoon to try to find out what that was about and haven’t yet had any luck.
Three notes tonight, with one week to go until the December 20th deadline for comments on the city’s rezoning proposals (on which we first reported two months ago):
CITY’S ONLINE ‘INFO SESSION’: An online informational meeting last night had some technical trouble, so the city has scheduled one last “virtual info session” about the rezoning plan for Tuesday (December 17), 5:30-7:30 pm. Here’s the link.
MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MEETING: Last night’s Morgan Community Association-organized meeting at High Point Library filled the meeting room there with more than 50 people. No presentation, but the meeting did include two Q&A sections, with MoCA president Deb Barker answering most questions. While the rest of the meeting just involved people milling around city infosheets on the walls (you can look up Morgan or other neighborhoods’ proposed changes here), we did record both sections of Q&A:
The zoning changes by neighborhood for City Council District 1 – which includes West Seattle – can be seen here.
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S CALL TO ACTION: Another West Seattle neighborhood group, the Fauntleroy Community Association, has launched a last-minute letter-writing campaign in opposition to some of the proposed rezoning. They contend that the changes “would harm our neighborhood.” Their campaign includes two templates for potential letters to the city – one with prewritten statements of concern, the other in which you can voice your own concerns about the plan. Or, scroll down the city’s main page to see how to comment, whatever you think about the proposals.
Yet another one-of-a-kind holiday event to preview – the first-ever Delridge Winter Market is happening tomorrow, 11 am to 3 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). It’s presented by the same nonprofit organization that sponsors the summer/fall Delridge Farmers’ Market, African Community Housing and Development. You’ll find fresh, local food, baked goods, artisan crafts, and much more, offered by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-owned businesses – most of the market’s more than 40 vendors are listed here. Along with what’s offered for sale, you’ll also enjoy live music, and the market will offer what ACHD promises will be “a huge range of free resources including free massage, acupuncture, kids’ haircuts, and cooking demos.” And for those in need, as is the case with Delridge Farmers’ Market, the Delridge Winter Market will offer free bags of produce, first-come, first-served. (Thanks to ACHD for sponsoring WSB to get the word out further about the market.)
Tonight’s Christmas lights accompany an invitation for tomorrow, sent by Valerie:
Where can you find a darling deer and a charming snowman cross country skiing in West Seattle? 3431 48th Ave SW.
Join us for a neighborly hot chocolate and a gingerbread cookie from Mrs. Claus’s cocoa cart on Saturday, December 14th from 5-7 pm.
No, you don’t have to offer treats to have your lights showcased – photos are optional too (but appreciated) – westseattleblog@gmail.com, or text our hotline, 206-293-6302. (Scroll through this archive to see what we’ve shown already!)
After a year of big events presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association – including the 4th of July Kids’ Parade, Music in the Parks, and the Admiral Funktion street festival – you have one more to enjoy! Tomorrow (Saturday, December 14). “Winter Wonderland” beckons you to multiple locations in the heart of The Admiral District, 10 am-2 pm. Here’s what ANA says you’ll find:
Enjoy festive foods for the whole family at Arthur’s and dance in the snow (weather permitting), then enjoy coconut macaroons for kids at Circa. Skate over to West Seattle Grounds to make star ornaments and enjoy free hot cocoa for kiddos. Seattle Yarn will be making the season merry and bright with paper crafts (11 am-2 pm) and while you’re there consider donating to their Heart of Washington Winter Clothing Drive. Then bop on down the road to Wicked Rae’s to craft winter snow globes (from 10 am-noon). And don’t forget to snap some fun holiday photos at Hoste‘s popular Elves Cottage and Mud Bay’s annual Happy Pawlidays Photo Booth where you can also donate to their Giving Tree to help pets in need this season. And don’t miss out on getting your photo with the big man himself, Santa, at West Seattle Realty! You can also support our neighbors in need this holiday season by dropping off donations for the Westside Neighbors Shelter at West Seattle Realty.
Finally, since the best way to spread holiday cheer is to sing loud for all to hear, take a break to enjoy the Admiral Church Choir’s Roving Carolers and say hello to the Admiral Neighborhood Association penguin, who will be waddling through the event!
Thanks for the tip. Might be hard to see through the rain and murk, but the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) is inbound, passing Alki Point. It’s been out at sea for a week and a half. It’s been exactly four months since it changed homeports to Bremerton.
(WSF recording of Wednesday night Community Advisory Group meeting)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
As Washington State Ferries gets close to settling on a “preferred alternative” for its Fauntleroy dock replacement, it told the project’s Community Advisory Group members Wednesday night that it’s focusing on what could be a hybrid of two of the options it’s been examining for more than a year.
They are B and B-3, which would be longer than the existing dock and would hold at least a full ferryload. of vehicles (124 for the Issaquah-class ferries that currently serve the route). Here’s how those two were described when the nine possible alternatives were unveiled in October of last year:
Last night’s online meeting wasn’t meant to be final word of which alternative WSF is pursuing, but rather a chance to review the criteria used in the evaluation, and to answer questions about the review. (Here’s the full slide deck.)
WSF’s David Sowers opened with an acknowledgment that “this process has taken longer than we anticipated.” But: “We’re getting toward the end” of that process. The ~$100 million dock/terminal is currently expected to be built between 2027 and 2031, and construction could last that entire four-year window.
What they’re wrapping up now is the “Level 3 screening process.” WSF’s Marsha Tolon recapped that they evaluated the alternatives on 29 “performance factors.” You can see the full details of those factors, and how alternatives stacked up, in this draft document circulated to advisory-group members. Those factors ranged from what you’d expect – load times, for example – to environmental factors such as how much an alternative might encroach on Cove Park (north of the dock) or how it might affect eelgrass restoration; here are some key criteria as listed in the meeting slide deck:
Here are WSF’s choice of highlights for why they favor the possible “hybrid” – note that the darker the box, the better that alternative ranked:
Feedback from advisory-group members included a question from Fauntleroy’s Judy Pickens about whether WSF really expected to be able to expand the terminal’s overwater coverage so much. Tolon suggested that the support of the Technical Advisory Group will help with that. Another group member urged WSF to plan for a future in which larger boats might be serving the route, not just the 124-car vessels handling it now. (WSF acknowledged that some years down the road, they’ll have to build a class of ferries replacing the Issaquah-class, and that could mean a different capacity. “We will deliver the Legislature our best thoughts” when the time comes, said John Vezina.) What about the pump station on the Cove Park side of the dock – will WSF have to maintain road access to that? Sowers said they’re assuming so.
There was no vote – this is an advisory group, not a decisionmaking group – so WSF’s focus on the footprint of B and B-3 ultimately was an FYI, not a “do you agree?”
WHAT’S NEXT: WSF says it’ll plan a round of community engagement – at least an “open house,” suggested Sowers – before making a final decision on the preferred alternative. Once that decision is in, a new round of environmental review will kick off. And before it builds the new dock, WSF will be working with SDOT on changes for the Fauntleroy Way intersection at the dock’s exit/entrance; that plan is not finalized yet but construction is expected to start next year. (An advisory group asked for a rendering of what’s in the works; a rep for the engineering firm working on that part of the project said they’re working on one.)
ORIGINAL REPORT, FRIDAY: Thanks for the tips. The handwritten sign on the front door of Alki Café (2726 Alki SW) says “SORRY-CLOSED,” next to an eviction notice posted by the King County Sheriff’s Office this morning. These types of notices are usually posted following court action in an eviction case, technically known as “unlawful detainer,” so we looked up the case. It goes back 10 months; documents say the building owners, Alki Shores, wanted to end the restaurant’s tenancy in February. No specific amount of potentially owed money listed, other than to say the café’s base rent was $7,422 plus $1,337 in “other recurring charges.” In their response filed in June, the restaurant owners – who documents identify as Alki Beach Restaurant Café and NRBM LLC – said they had been dealing with alleged electrical and plumbing issues causing “periodic closures” plus improper electrical metering that they said had likely caused them to be overpaying for that utility. They estimated the alleged issues had cost them about $80,000. The case kept making its way through the system, according to documents, until an order following a six-minute hearing on November 21st, saying the restaurant owner’s allegations were not an excuse for the “failure to vacate” and ordering the eviction. We’re seeking comment from both the building owner and the restaurant owner.
ADDED SUNDAY: The restaurant was sold to NRBM LLC in 2020, noted a representative of the other named entity in response to one of our inquiries, and says it hasn’t had anything to do with the restaurant since then. NRBM LLC is listed with the state as having been “administratively dissolved” – by the state itself – in October because an annual report due in May allegedly hadn’t been filed.
(WSB photo, Rain City Clay holiday show – info below)
Here’s what’s on our list for you today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round West Seattle Event Calendar:
INDOOR PLAY: Need an indoor place for your little one to play on this chilly day? 10 am-11:30 am, you’re welcome to drop in for the weekly free “Stay ‘n’ Play” event at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Open with poinsettias, holiday swags, and more! North side of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the home of West Seattle’s history to see what’s new as well as what’s old, noon-4 pm. (61st SW & SW Stevens)
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: 12:15 pm-12:45 pm Fridays. More info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room is open 1-6 pm in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
RAIN CITY CLAY HOLIDAY SHOW: The Arbor Heights studio/gallery hosts the show again this weekend, 4-8 pm tonight – details in our calendar listing. (4208 SW 100th)
NORTHSTAR TRADING CO. POPUP: Longtime Pike Place Market vendor closing shop and selling sheepskin creations in West Seattle, 5-7 pm tonight (and other dates) – details here. (7138 30th SW)
‘WINTER WANDER’ SCAVENGER HUNT CONTINUES: Alice Kuder presents the “Winter Wander” scavenger hunt again this year, continuing through Sunday so it’s not too late to jump in:
The Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt is a free community event designed to bring friends and families together for holiday fun. Wanderers download a Bingo-style clue sheet, scour West Seattle to identify the locations that solve the clues, and upload selfies in front of those locations to qualify for prize drawings. Open to everyone of all ages! Winter Wander concludes at 7 PM, Sun., Dec. 15th, 2024. Sign up by registering at wondersinaliceland.com.
VISCON CELLARS: Season’s just right for the ambience of this tasting room/wine bar, open for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS AT THE SKYLARK: Swinson and the Expedition‘s “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” with Lookout Mountain Lookout and Vito at The Skylark, 6 pm doors, 6:30 pm music, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SPAGHETTI DINNER: The West Seattle High School Key Club wants to serve you dinner tonight! 6:30 pm, $10, details here. In the WSHS Commons. (3000 California SW)
THE STARRY CROWNS: 7 pm concert at Our Lady of Guadalupe (35th/Myrtle), “a sparkling mix of sacred and secular songs.” With special guest Migi.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Songwriters’ Showcase live at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. No cover.
AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: The radio-play edition of “A Christmas Carol” at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm.
NORTHWEST FIRELIGHT CHORALE: 7:30 pm concert at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW) – this year’s theme is “Hearts Aglow in Winter’s Snow.” Tickets and info here.
SEATTLE GIRLS CHOIR: 7:30 pm at Holy Rosary (42nd/Genesee), Seattle Girls Choir presents “Carmina Angelorum: Songs of the Angels.” (Follow that link for concert and ticket info.)
‘SNOWED IN (AGAIN)’: The holiday musical continues at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm; ticket info is in our calendar listing.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Alice Camille tonight! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), doors at 9 pm, $18 cover, $5 skates. Tonight’s slate: The Sinister Six, Dancer & Prancer, The Hot Rollers.
Are we missing anything? If you have something else to add to our event lists, calendar, and/or Holiday Guide, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
One of this weekend’s unique holiday markets is happening in SODO and featuring a West Seattle business, fragrance-maker Filigree & Shadow (WSB sponsor), who shared the announcement:
My fragrance studio will be closed this Saturday as I’ll be at Metropolist Events in SoDo for the Second Annual Scented in Seattle Holiday Market!
Looking for unique holiday gifts? Join us to explore a thoughtfully curated selection of artisan fragrances, soaps, candles, and body care products crafted by local businesses.
Event Highlights:
Artisan Fragrance Vendors: Discover niche perfumes from independent makers and connect with the creators behind your favorite scents.
Perfume Swap: Bring your gently used perfumes and trade them with fellow enthusiasts.
Special Exhibit by Jesse Hardy: Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind installation created exclusively for this event.The market runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is free to attend. Street and lot parking are available, and Metropolist is fully ADA-accessible.
Celebrate the season and find the perfect gifts while supporting local artisans. We can’t wait to see you there!
It’s at 2731 1st Ave. S.
6:07 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, December 13th.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Rain is due back today, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:49 am, while sunset will be at 4:17 pm one more time – as early as the sunset gets – tomorrow, it starts getting later! (The sunrise gets later too, until a week into January.)
TRANSIT
Water Taxi today – Regular service today.
Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
ROAD WORK/CLOSURES
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the south half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the north side. This will change later this month, SDOT has announced:
We’ll be transitioning into our third phase of traffic control on December 19. The two center lanes on Admiral Way SW will be closed during this phase, with one lane in each direction open for people driving. As part of this transition, the temporary crosswalk at Admiral Way SW and 39th Ave SW will be removed.
We expect more info soon. Meantime, Fairmount Avenue remains closed beneath the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon. SDOT finally provided that update, with word of a lane shift, too.
*Beach Drive gas-pipeline work continues into January, PSE tells us – here’s our update.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
See trouble 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)
9:07 PM: Police are searching for a group of robbers who are reported to have taken the cash drawer from the 35th/Barton 7-Eleven store a little over half an hour ago. They are described on police radio as “unknown-race males, teens-twenties, black puffy jackets, hats, masks,” with a gun implied but not seen, getting away southbound on 35th. A K-9 team is joining the search.
9:13 PM: The trail is reported to have ended on 34th, where police suspect a getaway car was parked.
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