A special event tonight at West Seattle Lights/Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular, designer Jim Winder‘s music-synched light show at a little house on SW Charlestown across from the water tower: Singer Judy Pancoast flew cross-country for a free concert to open her holiday-season tour, visiting homes with animated Christmas-lights displays that incorporate her music. In our video, two versions of “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” – and you’ll notice the dancing during the second one, since the audience was in the street, closed one night only so the concert, followed by the light show, could be enjoyed block-party style. Photos to come!

ADDED 1:53 AM: Scenes from the show, by WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams:

That’s WSL mastermind Jim Winder with a wave for the crowd. Among those watching, Mike and his dad:

After the concert, the colors:

13 more scenes, ahead:

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Update: Deadly fire on 28th SW south of Roxbury Lanes, Safeway

November 24, 2012 6:03 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | White Center

(WSB/WCN photo by Patrick Sand)
6:03 PM: From partner site White Center Now: Firefighters confirm one person was found dead at the scene of a house fire in the 9800 block of 28th SW. The fire itself was not that big, but generated lots of smoke, and they suspect the victim – described as a woman in her late 60s, early 70s – was overcome by smoke. Investigators don’t know yet how it started; West Seattle firefighters were called to assist North Highline/Burien crews at the scene. More in our WCN report. P.S. The “crime scene” tape doesn’t mean it’s a suspected crime – it’s just what they had handy to cordon it off.

6:54 PM UPDATE: Our crew is just back from a followup visit to the scene, with this video of a briefing with the acting battalion chief:

The only new bit of information is that the fire started in the living room and spread to a crawlspace.

8:35 PM UPDATE: A friend of the 71-year-old woman who lived at the home, a longtime local business owner, tells us her friend is the fire victim, and that her family mostly lives out of town but will be contacted. Our policy is to not publish names until either authorities or relatives confirm that next of kin has been officially notified. The victim’s friend remembers her as “a wonderfully sweet and kind lady with a wicked sense of humor; a dear friend who will be greatly missed.”

10:16 PM UPDATE: Just went back to check – 28th SW is reopened. One fire vehicle and a TV truck remain at the scene.

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West Seattle biznotes: Return of the Psychic Barber (neon); Alki Beach Dog; Crossroads Trade

November 24, 2012 3:21 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Three notes about local businesses:

‘PSYCHIC BARBER’ ON THE MOVE AGAIN: The white neon reading “Psychic Barber” is aglow again along California SW, after a while in storage – Rick Cook is opening his own barber shop again, and the sign’s already up. You might recall he moved in September from his longtime storefront further north California SW, as the property owner got ready to demolish it. He set up shop for a while at the Classic Barber Shop, which itself had relocated because of impending development, but then e-mailed to say he’d decided to strike back out on his own, so now he’s got a new storefront at 6016 California SW, previously home to Solar Epiphany and a locksmith. Cook says he’ll be open in the new spot on December 4th.

On Alki, a former salon space has gone to the dogs:

ALKI BEACH DOG: Susan Moore e-mailed with word of her new business, described as “a self-serve dog wash and retail space on 59th Ave and Alki Avenue SW. We offer Tubs, Toys and Treats! for all kinds of dogs. As a local Alki resident, I am a true dog lover and felt there was a need for something here on the beach for all the dogs who love to walk here all year long. It was also a fun way to get my kids involved in something they love as much as I do! We offer various brands of organic and grain-free dog food, a large variety of dog treats and durable, fun dog toys.” Alki Beach Dog is open 7 days a week, 9 am-6 pm.

CROSSROADS TRADE: Kate Harris has just moved to West Seattle along with what she describes as her “15-year old ethnic arts business, carrying uncommon, fairly traded merchandise. The merchandise is beautifully made, and every piece makes a tangible business in an artisan’s life. But that’s not all. The fair trade world is quirky and complicated. What makes a business truly sustainable? How can you work against child labor, while recognizing that millions of children are completely on their own in the world? Is a non-profit business necessarily more ethical than a for-profit business? Is there an inverse relationship between girls’ education and maintaining traditional arts?” Curiosity piqued? Check out Crossroads Trade’s website.

OPEN HOUSE IN NEW HOME: AAA West Seattle moved recently to Jefferson Square, and is inviting you to an open house 9 am-6:30 pm December 5th. They’re on the east row of the parking lot-fronting businesses at JS.

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West Seattle Whale Watch: Orcas’ post-Thanksgiving visit

November 24, 2012 10:36 am

| 24 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Orcas and ferry, by Trileigh Tucker)
FIRST REPORT, 10:36 AM: Via Twitter, our friend Rebecca from Ravenna Blog passes along the news that orcas have been spotted headed this way, off southeast Bainbridge at last report. (No, the whales didn’t take an inland detour; Rebecca has a maritime background.) We notice this is also being discussed on the Orca Network Facebook page too. Heading off for a look – let us know if you see them!

(WSB photo – whale-watching off Beach Drive)
12:02 PM: We are at Emma Schmitz Viewpoint with Donna Sandstrom (above left) from The Whale Trail and others – the orcas are visible even with weak binoculars! They are off north Vashon.

(Tail-lobbing orca, by Trileigh Tucker)
(We should mention, if you get to whale-watch with Donna, she has GOOD binoculars to share, part of The Whale Trail’s public service.)

(WSB photo – orca spyhopping late this morning)
12:42 PM: Just got a text that they’re visible off The Arroyos, in southwesternmost West Seattle. Donna believes these whales are from resident J Pod, with the possibility of some K Pod too.

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West Seattle Saturday: The shops; the lights; the music; more

November 24, 2012 6:25 am

| 11 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

The brant are back! So reports Danny McMillin, with that photo shared via the WSB Flickr group. Meantime, two groups of highlights again for today/tonight, first, starting with a few from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

‘SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY’: We of course highly recommend “Small Business Every Day,” but if you’re making an extra effort today, note that the West Seattle Junction Association has a list of deals (including one at longtime WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits). Also check out the fab shops in The Admiral District, on Alki, in Delridge, Morgan Junction, White Center, South Park … good things are everywhere.

DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR, DAY 2: The Duwamish Tribe invites you to its Longhouse in West Seattle again today for the Native Holiday Gift Fair, continuing today and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm: “Unique gifts in every price range. Fine art, native crafts, regalia, cards, jewelry, T-shirts, smoked salmon and more. Lots of snacks – frybread, baked goods, hot chocolate and more. Free admission and parking for shoppers.” 4705 W. Marginal Way SW; Friday coverage here.

CHRISTMAS TEAS BEGIN AT LA ROMANZA BISTRO: Christmas Teas on Saturday and Sundays at La Romanza Bistro (WSB sponsor) through January 6th. (More info and reservations, here.)

LIGHTING CEREMONY AND CONCERT @ WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS: Tonight’s the “block party” for the Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular/West Seattle Lights display at 3908 SW Charlestown – the street will be blocked off, tonight only, between 39th and 40th, for the 7 pm gala opening-weekend lighting ceremony and a free concert by Judy Pancoast, who, as you can read here, is launching a coast-to-coast tour of homes that feature her music in their animated lighting displays. The light show is always free too – but donations to the West Seattle Food Bank and Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation are appreciated, through the WSL website (or bring WS Food Bank donations to the show).

‘WINTER WONDERETTES’: ArtsWest‘s holiday production continues at 7:30 tonight – full details here.

SANTA PHOTOS, CHRISTMAS TREES, MORE … find EVERYTHING holiday, here.

Now, from the regular WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BLOOD DRIVE: Miss the one on Friday? Another chance today, at Westwood Village, 9:30 am-3:30 pm (closed 11:30 am-12:30 pm). More info here.

HELP RESTORE SANISLO’S WETLAND: 10 am-2 pm work party today, planting trees – spend an hour, or two, or three, or four. 1812 SW Myrtle; details here on what to wear/bring.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Every Saturday, it’s scheduled to be open 12-3 pm to the public. (This is the same place that has coordinated volunteers the past two Saturdays to go to Nickelsville – as reported here.) 2236 SW Orchard.

WAYNE LOVEGROVE AT C&P: 6-8 pm, acoustic guitar, free performance at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California.

CASEY MCGILL AND ORVILLE JOHNSON: Performing at 7:30 pm tonight at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).

WEST SIDE GLORY: Billed as a “queer variety show,” this production will hit the stage at Skylark Café and Club tonight at 8 pm, 3803 Delridge Way SW. Details here.

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