West Seattle Blog…

West Seattle holidays: Building with gingerbread at WS Christian

Though the Seahawks didn’t win today, a team-inspired creation took top honors at tonight’s annual gingerbread-house-building competition at West Seattle Christian Church‘s Activity Center in The Junction. It’s a fast-paced event with dozens of builders deploying stacks of building components:

Some of the results had Christmas themes – like this message for Santa:

Others were timeless. Here’s a treehouse:

A beach scene …

And a Biblical scene – Noah’s Ark, in gingerbread:

Disclosure note – WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand helped judge again this year.

Followup: Inside The Bridge as it prepares to open new location

The dilapidated exterior of 6301 California SW is now a memory, but the old Chuck and Sally’s Tavern sign lives on in the back of the building’s new incarnation as The Bridge. With it are two of the co-proprietors, Trevor Garand and Rita Dixson, in their Seahawks gear because they opened the new place to invitees for this afternoon’s game.

You should be able to watch the NEXT Seahawks game there, because they’re expecting to officially open on Friday (December 13th).

The site is returning to life as a business for the first time since August 2007, when it abruptly closed, initially, as reported here in September of that year, with just a sign mentioning cooler problems. A “For Lease” sign went up in early 2011, but it continued to idle as a vandalized eyesore. Then this past May, as first reported here, Rita, Trevor, and partners Jenny Almukhtar and Ahmed Almukhtar signed a lease and confirmed The Bridge would renovate and move into the building. Its original building near 35th and Avalon, closed last week, is scheduled for demolition when a six-story, 160-unit, 162-parking-space mixed-use building goes up.

West Seattleite scene: Eddie Vedder’s concert T-shirt

(Friday night photo by Amy Allen)
That photo is from Friday night’s Pearl Jam concert at KeyArena downtown, and it has a bit of a backstory! First, while checking Twitter that night, we noticed some pointing out that lead singer Eddie Vedder was showing off some West Seattle (his longtime neighborhood) pride – Stephanie called it directly to our attention:

We looked around for a photo but couldn’t find one until Alia told us via Facebook about one she had seen via Instagram. We contacted the photographer, a Pearl Jam superfan from Des Moines, Iowa, named Amy Allen, for permission to publish her photo here, and she said yes. By day, in fact, Amy is a professional photographer, though she was at the show as a fan equipped only with an iPhone – the 71st time she has seen Pearl Jam in concert, she told us. She’s on Instagram at @amyallenphoto.

P.S. Thought we recalled seeing the same shirt at CAPERS in The Junction; their FB page confirms it.

Happier holiday for 90 kids, thanks to Rotary Club of West Seattle Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree

Once again this year, the Rotary Club of West Seattle and a big supporting cast of volunteers got to play Santa for almost a hundred kids from local schools, during the annual Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree – the club’s biggest day, and signature community-service project, each year. It all started before dawn Saturday, with volunteers already in place as kids began arriving at the building that’s home to SODO Sears, SODO Kitchen, and Starbucks HQ. It’s always a big operation:

The kids patiently waited as a full morning of activities ramped up:

Click to read the rest of Happier holiday for 90 kids, thanks to Rotary Club of West Seattle Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree…

Happening now: Crafty creations rock ‘Gifted’ @ Feedback Lounge

If there’s a baby in your house or otherwise on your gift list – Sasquatch Samwich‘s onesies are part of the lineup today at “Gifted,” the annual arts/crafts sale/bazaar under way now at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) – even a Seahawks design (12th baby, baby!) and the Tardis from “Doctor Who.” And/or stop by Dickie‘s table for creative coasters:

The Feedback’s musical mission resonates with Dean Moller and his Soul Cat Guitars:

Wouldn’t be a Christmastime bazaar without artisan decorations – the tree is by Kyle Schumacher of Blue Fish Studios:

Wander on into The Feedback (6451 California SW in Morgan Junction) before 6 pm.

Stage 1 burn ban announced for King County

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency just announced a Stage 1 burn ban starting at noon today. Here’s what that means:

*No burning is allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves. Residents should rely instead on their home’s other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is cancelled. The only exception is if a wood stove is a home’s only adequate source of heat.

*No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas.

*Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.

*It is OK to use natural gas, propane, pellet and EPA-certified wood stoves or inserts during a Stage 1 burn ban.

West Seattle Sunday: Theater; concerts; arts/crafts sales; more

Frosty the Heron? Thanks to David Hutchinson for sharing the photo from Constellation Park during Friday’s frosty sunset. Forecasters say it’s warming up after today – but first, another busy weekend day of highlights!

BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: The weekend-long Seattle Jam wheelchair-basketball tournament is scheduled for games until 1:30 pm today at West Seattle High School. (3000 California SW)

HOLIDAY ART SALE: More than a dozen artists, 10 am-4 pm. (3245 60th SW)

‘GIFTED’: 11 am-6 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), it’s “Gifted,” the 5th annual holiday arts/crafts show. (6451 California SW)

ECLECTIC HOLIDAY STUDIO SALE: 10-5. Ceramics, jewelry, prints, encaustics, wine toppers, small art quilts and more. All handmade. (5417 42nd SW)

ENCORE DAY FOR PEACE LUTHERAN BAZAAR: First-ever holiday bazaar at Peace Lutheran Church has been extended – stop by noon-3 pm today for holiday shopping! (39th/Thistle)

“EX-WESTWOOD SANTA”: CAPERS is hosting the Santa known for many years at Westwood Village for DIY Santa photos (you take the picture) again today from 1 to 5. Suggested donation per sitting $10. All donations will benefit the West Seattle Food Bank. (4525 California SW) P.S. See his upcoming visits and the lineup of all West Seattle Santa visits in our Holiday Guide.

LITTLE WOMEN: Matinee today for the musical version that’s the holiday-season production at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. 3 pm. Buy tickets online here. (4711 California SW)

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: The first matinee of the “Live Radio Play” version of the Christmas classic is presented by Twelfth Night Productions at 3:00 pm at Kenyon Hall. Tickets available online at brownpapertickets.com/event/509548 or an hour before showtime at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)

LADIES MUSICAL CLUB: Free concert at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 3 pm. (2306 42nd SW)

ST. NICHOLAS FAIRE: The annual evening bazaar-and-more event at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle, 4 pm-7 pm, raising money for West Seattle Food Bank and West Seattle Helpline. Admission: $5 per person w/canned food item or $15 per family w/food donation for each family member; without a donation, $10 per person or $25/family. Appetizers and spiced cider; elegant bake sale items; silent auction with variety of gift baskets – puzzles, games, wine, art and educational activities, gift certificates to events and restaurants, food-themed baskets, etc – ring toss game to win wine prizes, and wine tasting. (4105 California SW)

GINGERBREAD HOUSE-BUILDING: Come watch the competition, which will be judged. The building begins at @ 5 pm in the WSCC Activity Center. (4400 42nd Ave SW)

SSCC COMMUNITY CHOIR CONCERT: South Seattle Community College presents a free choir concert at 7 pm. Go to Olympic Hall, Room 120, the tall building at the south end of campus. Works by Willan, Mager, Thomas and Shaw; audience singalong too! (6000 16th SW)

Bittersweet pup-watching season continues for Seal Sitters

(Photo by Robin Lindsey)
Seal Sitters‘ Robin Lindsey says this seal-pup season has already had more sightings, and more deaths, than prior seasons, and it’s not over yet. This morning, sad news about one pup many watched the week before Thanksgiving:

“Moonshadow” came ashore at Duwamish Head (commonly known as Anchor Park) every night that week except one. Pretty much like clockwork, we could expect him about 6ish in the evening, returning to the Sound around daylight the next morning. Volunteers taped off access to the small beach west of the pier each evening.

As the week wore on, we began to suspect that he had some health issues as his weight began to drop and he had nasal discharge.

Click to read the rest of Bittersweet pup-watching season continues for Seal Sitters…

West Seattle holidays: Sweet evening at Log House Museum

(Photos courtesy Southwest Seattle Historical Society)
Sweet-treat hospitality was a hit Saturday evening at the Log House Museum – Southwest Seattle Historical Society executive director Clay Eals estimates around 50 people came by during while the LHM was offering “Cookies & Cider on the Porch.” Above, you see Marcy Johnsen, SWSHS board president and former LHM resident, telling visitors about its history. Below, a little clowning around with (from left) volunteers Amanda Gilbert and Debbie Neifert and visitor Karen Choyce, Newcastle resident and former West Seattleite:

The museum’s regular hours are noon-4 pm Thursdays-Sundays, so even if you didn’t make it to Saturday’s event – timed to coincide with the Christmas Ship‘s Alki visit – you can enjoy its exhibits and decorations (at 61st/Stevens) as soon as this afternoon! You might find a unique gift or two there, too – perhaps a “scenic” shopping bag.

West Seattle whales: Orcas swim by in the sunshine

In the midst of all the hectic holiday activities on Saturday – orcas swam by West Seattle shores. Thanks to Trileigh Tucker for sharing photos!

Trileigh watched the orcas from Lowman Beach.

West Seattle holidays: Holy Rosary Tree Lot breakfast

If you’re planning on Christmas-tree shopping today (Sunday), the Holy Rosary Tree Lot (WSB sponsor) invites you to make a morning out of it – with a pancake breakfast! It’s the second special event of the weekend for the tree lot, where HR’s pastor Father John Madigan celebrated the annual “blessing of the trees” on Friday night, which is when we took the photo you see above. Today’s breakfast, with pancakes, ham, and bacon, will be served whenever you stop by the school hall (42nd SW north of SW Genesee) between 9 am and noon, and Santa Claus will be there for photos (bring your own camera). Breakfast is $15/family, or $5/adult, $4/senior, $3/child. The tree lot will be open on the north side of the school for your post-breakfast (and beyond) shopping convenience; wreaths too.

Video: Holiday spirit, West Seattle pride at Junction tree lighting

Though the temperature was already back down into the 20s, hundreds of people came to the heart of The Junction to celebrate tonight’s Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting. They heard warm words of West Seattle pride from Easy Street Records proprietor Matt Vaughan, who welcomed the crowd on behalf of the Junction Association, talking about the revitalization of The Junction and how the community has embraced it. He introduced first-time emcee Brent Amaker, known for his country band The Rodeo as well as for his West Seattle business hat (insurance agent) – below, Brent and Matt with Oliver Little, the logistics powerhouse behind big Junction events like this and Summer Fest:

Musical guests included the Endolyne Children’s Choir as well as Jay Cates and Mark Pickerel; the warmup performance was by the Chief Sealth International High School Marching Band:

(added) Here’s video of the event in its entirety, starting with Matt’s remarks:

(Still a couple video clips to add Sunday, including the Sealth band and the WSHS band, which performed nearby just before the lighting event.) Meanwhile, check out the Hometown Holidays schedule here – next big event, an Art Walk/Shop Late Thursday extravaganza this coming Thursday (December 12th).

West Seattle holidays: 1st of this year’s 2 Christmas Ship nights

The sun had just set when the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship and its accompanying vessels arrived at Lowman Beach tonight, first of two stops on its first of two nights visiting West Seattle this season. Seattle Parks set up a hospitality tent as always, as well as a bonfire, while, from onboard, The Dickens Carolers spent about 20 minutes serenading hundreds lining the shore. After Lowman, the Christmas Ship sailed on to Alki. If you missed tonight’s stops, you have another chance on Monday, December 16th, when the Christmas Ship will bring the Pacific Sound Chorus to Elliott Bay just off the shores of Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) and vicinity (Seacrest Park) 9:15-9:35 pm. Its full schedule of stops around Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and Lake Union is here.

Happening now: Art Under $100 at South Park Community Center

So much happening in West Seattle today/tonight (as listed here earlier), there are few reasons to leave – but this just might be one of them: The increasingly legendary Art Under $100 sale, on at South Park Community Center until 9 tonight. Above, the neon art is by Koko Jamison. You’ll find West Seattleites there too, not just artists but volunteers – we found Bob Anderton emceeing, Tonya Hennen selling raffle tickets:

Tonya’s husband Bill Reiswig is on the artist roster. Meantime, our eye was caught by Liam, Keely, and the picture of Mojo Jojo:

SPCC isn’t far from West Seattle – head down Roxbury and over 509 to Cloverdale and turn left (north) on 8th; it’s at 8319 8th Avenue S.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen car; condo-storage break-in

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports this afternoon: First, we received e-mail today from Jeff, who is still hoping to get his car back, stolen Tuesday near 27th and Kenyon, a gold Honda Accord, plate # ADU3170. Call 911 if you see it.

This next report’s sender asked to be anonymous:

We are in the 3800 block of Beach Dr., on the ground floor of the building is a locked door leading to 6 storage closets, also locked (but not, alas, with deadbolts). My neighbor went in there (Wednesday) and found all 6 doors open,with obvious jimmy marks on the outside door. I can’t tell if anything’s missing … but wanted to let the neighborhood know that thieves are on the prowl and this type of door (no dead bolt) is attractive to them. We’re having better locks installed.

And another reminder – if you haven’t read SPD’s holiday-season safety/crime-prevention advice, originally published here just before Thanksgiving, read it now!

West Seattle holidays: Schmitz Park sale includes student-made gifts, ornaments, bake-sale benefit

Lots of student creativity at the Schmitz Park Elementary holiday bazaar/arts-crafts-etc. sale happening right now, until 3 pm. Above, third-graders are having a bake sale, and half the proceeds (as mentioned in our Holiday Guide) will go to West Seattle Elementary‘s outdoor-education crowdfunding campaign. Among the arts/crafts vendors, you’ll find Cali with handmade items including the ever-popular duct-tape wallets:

Ben and Fin have turned superhero figurines into Christmas-tree ornaments:

Closer look:

Schmitz Park is at 5000 SW Spokane, and the sale is on until 3 this afternoon.

West Seattle holidays: First bazaar @ Peace Lutheran Church

A silent auction of Christmas Barbies is one of the most unusual things you’ll find at the first annual Peace Lutheran Church holiday bazaar, under way right now at the church in Gatewood. Handmade items too (including knit scarves to keep you warm!) – and if you are short on decorations for your tree, the ornaments on this one are all up for sale!

Lunch is being served, too, until 1 pm. Peace Lutheran is at 39th/Thistle.

West Seattle Saturday: Junction Tree Lighting; Christmas Ship; bazaars; Santa; MUCH more…

(Reader photo: Frozen bubbles over ice-shrouded pebbles!)
Bundle up and get out! Hundreds of your neighbors in West Seattle (and a bit beyond) have been getting ready all year for this one huge day – the LONG list of highlights from the WSB Holiday Events/Info Guide and our year-round calendar:

KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST: On until 11 – details and photos in our previous story. (40th/Edmunds)

SCHMITZ PARK ELEMENTARY HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: At the school, 10 am-3 pm. **SPECIAL FUNDRAISER:** The third-graders are having a bake sale and plan to donate half their proceeds to the West Seattle Elementary crowdfunding effort for outdoor education. (5000 SW Spokane)

PEACE LUTHERAN BAZAAR & LUNCH: First-ever holiday bazaar at Peace Lutheran Church – details in our calendar listing. 10 am-4 pm, with lunch available too, 11 am-1 pm. (39th/Thistle)

WSUU ARTS/CRAFTS SHOW/SALE: 4th annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation Social Hall, 10 am-4 pm, including jewelry, felted hats, knits, watercolor and acrylic paintings, designer bags and accessories, weaving, pottery, greeting cards, stocking stuffers, edible holiday goodies, glass art, and more. Free refreshments. (7141 California SW)

ARROWHEAD GARDENS HOLIDAY BAZAAR. 10 am to 3 pm in building “B,” with artists displaying their quality handcrafted gifts and collectables – jewelry, holiday cards, gift tags, ornaments, wreaths, crochet hats and scarves, more. Music and refreshments too. (9220 2nd SW)

BENEFIT RUMMAGE SALE: 10 am-7 pm, VFW Hall in The Triangle, proceeds benefiting student world travel. (36th/Alaska)

WESTSIDE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Prospective families are welcome to visit Westside School (WSB sponsor) 10 am-noon – details here. (34th/Holden)

SANTA PHOTOS: “Santa Al” is at JF Henry (WSB sponsor) from 10 am-1 pm. Later from 1:30-4:30 pm, he’ll be at Smallclothes. Bring your own camera to either location, where you can take your shot with “Jolly Old St. Nick” – or for a $5 fee, you can get a photo taken with a print made on-site. … Also, “Ex-Westwood Santa” is at CAPERS for DIY Santa photos (you take the picture) from 1 to 5. Suggested donation per sitting $10. All donations will benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.

HOLIDAY ART SALE: More than a dozen artists in one Alki spot, 10 am-6 pm. (3245 60th SW)

(Added 10:11 am: “Santa Paws” photo shared by Doug Baldwin)
SANTA PAWS: Photos with Santa Claus and your pet(s)! West Seattle Windermere in The Junction, 10 am-1 pm. Cash or nonperishable food donations, to benefit charity (4526 California SW)

ECLECTIC HOLIDAY STUDIO SALE Eclectic Holiday Studio Sale, 12-5, with ceramics, jewelry, prints, encaustics, wine toppers, small art quilts, and more. All handmade from local artists. … “Bring your camera and take a photo with a stuffed but friendly Santa from the old dime store!” (5417 42nd SW)

KNOW A ‘ROSIE THE RIVETER’? Georgie Bright Kunkel and other local “Rosies” are meeting today, 1:30 pm – but you have to call in advance – details here.

BE IN A VIDEO! West Seattle Office Junction needs extras for a promotional video they’re shooting 2-3:30 pm today. “No pay, just fun – bring a laptop and sit at a desk pretending to work,” says co-proprietor Stefan. Just show up! (5230-B California SW)

SOUTH PARK ART UNDER $100: One of the biggest arts/crafts sales of the holiday season, and we know some West Seattle artists are among those participating. 2-9 pm at South Park Community Center; see details here. (8319 8th Ave. S.)

WINTERFEST: Big event at Concord International Elementary School in South Park – fun and fundraising! 2-6 pm, performances, folk dancing, raffles, carnival games, face-painting, food, kids’ crafts, holiday photos, more. Admission $1. (723 S. Concord St.)

ST. JOHN’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TEA, 2-5 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church: “Not to be missed, this fun and festive Christmas Tea includes a Silent Auction.” (California/Hanford)

BLITHE BAZAAR: This afternoon/evening in downtown White Center, you can shop the 4th annual Blithe Bazaar, “a cozy evening of sips, sweets, and shopping, supporting local artisans and crafters.” Hosted by Center Studio (WSB sponsor). (9611 16th SW)

12 BARS OF CHRISTMAS PUB CRAWL with 12 stops, starting at A Terrible Beauty at 4 pm. Full schedule, map, etc. on this Facebook event page.

CHRISTMAS SHIP VISITS: Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship in West Seattle! 4:20-4:40 pm at Lowman Beach, 5:10-5:30 pm at Alki Beach. Bonfires, caroling, music from the onboard chorus.

WHILE YOU ARE AT ALKI FOR THE CHRISTMAS SHIP, #1: Stop by the Log House Museum for cookies and cider on the cheerily decorated porch, as previewed here, 4-6:30 pm. (61st/Stevens)

WHILE YOU ARE AT ALKI FOR THE CHRISTMAS SHIP, #2: Christmas Ships and Sips at Coastal! “Join us for the annual Christmas Ship (visit) on Alki and shop an exclusive Brooklyn Grace Trunk show! The ship will be singing around 5:30 pm, giving plenty of time before and after to come in for some holiday cheer in a cup and great sales!” 4-7 pm. (2532 Alki SW)

TREE LIGHTING IN THE JUNCTION: 10th annual West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting, 5 pm. Brent Amaker emcees, Endolyne Children’s Choir, vocalists Mark Pickerel and Jay Cates, and Chief Sealth International HS Marching Band perform. Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska)

TREE LIGHTING IN SOUTH DELRIDGE: White Center Tree Lighting is at Delridge Triangle Park, 5 pm. (16th/Delridge/Roxbury)

ELLIS BROTHERS JAZZ TRIO WINTER CONCERT 7-8:30 pm at Hiawatha Community Center. West Seattle’s Ellis Brothers (Jack, 14, and twins, Luke and Ben, 12) will perform their interpretations of jazz standards and a some holiday favorites. Light refreshments will be served by Emeritus-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor). Tickets are $5 at the door. (2700 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES: Tonight, WSMM presents two movies about coal – details in our calendar listing. 7 pm, at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center. (6400 Sylvan Way)

Happening now: Have breakfast with West Seattle Kiwanis, and Santa!

Don’t throw the bread in the toaster or pour the cereal into the bowl – go have breakfast (if you haven’t already) with the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle!

It’s been a tradition for more than half a century. They – and Santa Claus (below, with Kiwanian Mike LaFranchi)! – are in action until 11 am at the Masonic Center (40th and Edmunds).

Just $10 at the door, and kids under 10 eat free; proceeds benefit Children’s Hospital cancer research and the Kiwanis’s community work.

(Linda Cox and Warren Lawless of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle)
And bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots if you can! More details here. (Photos added 9:15 am)

Weekend traffic reminder: Highway 99 closed north of downtown

One weekend traffic reminder if you are heading out of West Seattle: Highway 99 is closed north of downtown, between the Battery Street Tunnel and Valley Street, as part of the ongoing Mercer project, and is scheduled to be closed all weekend; northbound 99 traffic will have to get off at the Western Avenue exit. If you’re going to the lower Queen Anne/Seattle Center area, there are surface closures too. It’s all explained here.

Video: How did development get to this point? Morgan Junction meeting provides primer, context

Two more meetings are now set related to concerns over the Morgan Junction development first reported here almost two months ago, before the sign went up – a 30-unit, no-parking-space apartment building at 6917 California SW. They follow the meeting recorded in our video above, held last night by the Morgan Community Association and Concerned Morgan Junction Neighbors, a grass-roots group coalescing around the development proposal.

In the video, you will hear/see community advocates and city Department of Planning and Development managers talk about the development process, including some of the relatively recent changes that have paved the way for developments like this, such as the 2012 change that enabled developers to propose no-parking-space buildings in urban-village areas with access to what the city considers “frequent transit.” (City planning director Marshall Foster – a West Seattleite – explains that, at about 37 minutes into the video, which captures the entire meeting, unedited, except for the last few minutes of Q/A. “The goal was to let the market have some flexibility,” he said.)

Even if you’re not in the Morgan area, listening might be instructive, if you’re interested in what preceded the kind of development proposals emerging today.

The next two meetings are coming up on the next two Thursday nights, according to an announcement sent out tonight. Next Thursday (December 12th), 6917 California SW developer Mark Knoll will meet with neighbors (and anyone else interested). That meeting is set for 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center (6700 Sylvan Way). Then December 19th is the date for a city meeting about the project, resulting from Concerned Morgan Junction Neighbors’ petition, 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon).

West Seattle holidays: OLG’s ‘coldest tree lighting ever’

Right before emceeing the Our Lady of Guadalupe tree lighting tonight, broadcaster Brian Callanan told us it just might be the coldest one yet, with temperatures in the 20s. Yet hundreds of people still showed up to carol and cheer, right after the tree was lit:

After some truly brisk caroling, people flocked into the warm gym at OLG’s Parish Life Center for cookies, cocoa, and mingling:

In the giving spirit of Christmas, eventgoers answered the call to fill this handmade (by Dave Fitton) sleigh with food donations:

The OLG tree holds the distinction of being at the crest of the city – since 35th/Myrtle is at the highest elevation in the Seattle city limits, 520 feet above sea level.

West Seattle holidays: Festive ‘Festivus’ for WS Tool Library

Yes, there really is a Festivus pole at tonight’s West Seattle Tool Library/Sustainable West Seattle holiday party/fundraiser at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (that’s Chas Redmond next to it in our photo). They chose the theme of the “Seinfeld“-sparked anti-holiday just for fun – and a lot of that was being had when we stopped by in the early going, with a casual dinner, kids’ activities, silent auction, and more:

Out in the lobby, an unexpected sight – Santa Claus!

Santa (with Bill Reiswig in our photo) said he was actually on his way to another event so wouldn’t be able to stop for the traditional Festivus “airing of grievances” or “feats of strength.” We didn’t check the roof for his reindeer, but we’re sure they felt right at home on this North Pole-chilly night. If you missed the party, you can visit the Tool Library on the north side of Youngstown, open two weeknights and two weekend days each week, where you’ll even find the cider press that was in use at tonight’s party:

The nonprofit Tool Library also suggests that gift memberships make great presents – for Christmas as well as Festivus; you can even buy them online.

West Seattle Weather Watch: Cold, and getting colder

When you head out to enjoy some of the outdoor holiday festivities ahead, like the Our Lady of Guadalupe tree lighting tonight and the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays tree lighting tomorrow (both in our Holiday Guide), you might consider an extra layer of coat, gloves, socks, scarf, everything you can find. The National Weather Service published a “special weather statement” alert late today saying it’s likely to be colder this weekend than it’s been in at least three years. Maybe into the teens.

Skies Over West Seattle, almost-winter edition: Look, up there!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ever wish for advance alert of an upcoming meteor shower/eclipse/etc. – and/or wonder “What’s that bright ‘star’ up there?” – especially on these recent clear nights? Here you go! It’s our periodic feature by West Seattle’s own Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen, famous for her solstice/equinox sunset watches among other things.

By Alice Enevoldsen
Special to West Seattle Blog

Well, it has been quite a cloudy fall, so not so much to see, but as we move into winter, we get some blazingly clear skies inbetween the clouds. The colder it is, the more dazzling our skies.

Hey! What’s That?

In the Southwest just before and after sunset: Venus

High in the East a while after sunset, and climbing higher through the night: Jupiter

Rising Southeast later at night: Sirius, brightest star in the night sky. It will twinkle so much you’ll think it is an airplane flashing its lights at you.

Click to read the rest of Skies Over West Seattle, almost-winter edition: Look, up there!…

Hot topics @ City Council on Tuesday: Trash, transportation

Two topics of much discussion here go before City Council committees next Tuesday (December 10), as confirmed by agendas just made public:

EVERY-OTHER-WEEK TRASH PICKUP: Last week, many WSB’ers had something to say about a council proposal that paves the way for Seattle Public Utilities potentially changing to every-other-week garbage service citywide, following a test last year that included part of Highland Park. That proposal, adding an every-other-week option to the city’s contracts with haulers including Waste Management, will be considered by the Libraries, Utilities, and Center Committee at noon Tuesday. This would not be a final decision; as we reported last week, the council is committing itself to deciding by next March whether to pursue the plan, and would have to approve additional legislation to make it reality – but it’s never too soon to speak up if you feel strongly about it, pro or con.

(WSB Monday photo by Patrick Sand)
TRANSPORTATION TROUBLE: Remember the bridge shutdown back on Monday, after de-icer applied in relatively warm afternoon sunshine led to multiple crashes? City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen promised that the Transportation Committee, which he chairs, would seek an SDOT briefing at its next meeting – and there is indeed an agenda item titled “SDOT planning and procedures for roadways during inclement weather” toward the end of the agenda for Tuesday’s 9:30 am meeting.

Both of the above meetings have public-comment periods at the start; both are in council chambers at City Hall downtown; both will be live via Seattle Channel, seattlechannel.org online or cable channel 21.

West Seattle Friday: OLG tree lighting; Tool Library’s ‘Festivus’; concerts; ‘Miracle on 34th’; more

The photo of a male Anna’s hummingbird is courtesy of Mark Wangerin, one of several bird fans who suggest we remind you to thaw your feeders and bird baths during this mega-cold snap, so the birds have a fighting chance too. Meantime: Holiday events ramp up big time tonight – so the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events/Info Guide is the big source of our highlights:

WORDS, WRITERS, WEST SEATTLE: The monthly local-authors series at Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village, co-sponsored by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, continues 4-6 pm today with Nicole Hardy, author of “Confessions of a Latter-Day Virgin.” Details here. (2600 SW Barton)

FESTIVUS WITH THE TOOL LIBRARY: West Seattle Tool Library Festivus fundraising gala, 6 pm in the dance studio at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. No cover charge; any funds raised go toward maintenance and potentially enhancement of WSTL operations. Beer, wine, soft drinks, food, music, silent auction, kids’ activities, used tool sale, more; new details (and the “Seinfeld” clip to which Festivus traces its roots) are in our Thursday preview. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

ALOHA FRIDAY AT CORNER BAR: Highland Park Improvement Club‘s monthly Corner Bar has an “Aloha Friday” theme tonight, even featuring Hawaiian music – perfect way to beat the chill; just throw on a coat over your aloha shirt/muu muu/etc. on the way there. 6 pm; details on the HPIC website. (12th/Holden)

HUSKY’S OPEN HOUSE: Tonight brings the ever-popular Husky Deli Holiday Open House in The Junction, 6-9 pm. (4721 California SW)

OLG TREE LIGHTING/FOOD DRIVE: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish & School will hold its annual tree lighting at the highest point in the city. 7 pm: “Join us for holiday cheer – tree-lighting ceremony, caroling with OLG Parish Choir, hot cocoa and cookies, arts and crafts for the little ones. Help fill the sleigh! Bring your non-perishable food items for our neighbors in need.” (35th/Myrtle)

WSCO CONCERT: West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ holiday season concert, “Winter’s Variations” – first time WSCO has performed on a Friday night, and it includes the debut of the new WSCO Woodwind Ensemble. 7 pm at Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium.
(2600 SW Thistle)

CHAMBER CONCERT: Musica Sacra Chamber Chorale‘s concert “The Mystery of Christmas,” Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 7:30 pm. Details and ticket info on the Musica Sacra website. (42nd/Genesee)

OPENING NIGHT FOR TWELFTH NIGHT: Twelfth Night Productions presents “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play,” based on the holiday-movie favorite of the same name. 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall. Tickets are $12 for students and seniors, $15 for adults and can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com/event/509548 or an hour before showtimes at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)

Even more on our year-round calendar! And be sure to peruse the Holiday Guide to see the many, many, many ways in which you can get festive in the days and nights ahead …