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Spotlight Stories

West Seattle Weather Watch: Bridge, roads treated as temp drops
November 29, 2014 6:12 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Wondering about the weather and roads tonight? No more snow/rain expected – just a clear, cold night, into the 20s. SDOT has been treating the West Seattle Bridge with salt and magnesium chloride, according to information shared by City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. This city map shows de-icer’s been used on some other routes, too.

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Update: Apartment fire in 3800 block Beach Drive; firefighter hurt
November 29, 2014 3:10 pm
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(SCROLL DOWN for newest information)

(1st, 2nd, 4th photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
3:10 PM: Big Seattle Fire response to an apartment building in the 3800 block of Beach Drive (map), and the first units say they’re seeing flames. More to come.

3:18 PM: Firefighters are reporting that one unit of the three-story 12-unit building is fully involved in flames. (added) You can see it in this photo tweeted by Vanessa:

That view is looking at the burning waterfront unit from nearby Harbor West, the condo building on pilings over the water, south of Cormorant Cove Park. So far, no word of any injuries.

3:37 PM: Radio communications indicate firefighters have searched the building and so far it appears everyone got out OK. Seattle Fire’s public-information officer is headed there, so our crew at the scene will get a full update before too long.

3:48 PM: Thanks to Tracy Dart for the view just above this line, with one of the ladder trucks summoned to the scene. Our crew says there’s no more smoke, but as you can also see in Tracy’s view, the response is so big, Beach Drive will remain closed for a while. Via the scanner, we’re hearing firefighters declaring the fire “tapped”; they’re trying to get a Metro bus so that the people who can’t get into their units will have someplace warm to wait. Our crew talked to residents who say they’re waiting to hear if and when they’ll be able to get back into the units that were not involved in the fire.

4:09 PM: The briefing at the scene was given by Fire Chief Gregory Dean (video added):

He says a firefighter was hurt and taken to a hospital – he didn’t have details on the nature of the injury. Otherwise, everyone who lived at the building is believed to have gotten out OK, including at least three dogs. Too soon to know how the fire started. Some of the units are being dismissed from the scene now that the operation is winding down.

(Added: Photo courtesy Michelle)
4:31 PM: SFD spokesperson Kyle Moore is there too and tells us the firefighter’s injuries are minor. The building has 12 units; 7 people and 4 dogs were home when this started, he says, confirming all got out OK.

5:17 PM: More post-fire logistics at the scene, per scanner: They’ll be keeping a fire watch with a crew at the scene in case of flareups; the Red Cross is being called to help the unit’s residents and their dog; there’s a call out to get the road sanded so residual water from the firefight doesn’t create an ice hazard.

9:06 PM: We don’t know yet how the fire started. But we have one more view of the scene, shared by artist Joshua Boulet, who lives nearby:

That is one of two sketches he made; you can see the other on his website.

9:55 PM: An update from SFD – they still don’t know the cause, but damage totaled $180,000. Everyone was able to go back into their apartments but the people living on the beach level, where the fire was.

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West Seattle holiday scene: Holy Rosary Tree Lot’s 1st weekend
November 29, 2014 3:05 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

This is also the first weekend for the Holy Rosary School Tree Lot, which just opened for the season on Friday and is sponsoring WSB again this season to get the word out. The lot is on the north side of the campus, between 41st and 42nd, just south of Dakota. Part of the proceeds benefit three local charities, and that includes the fresh wreaths they’re selling too:

Hours are 9 am-9 pm Fridays-Sundays, 2 pm-8 pm Mondays-Thursdays, through December 14th.

P.S. You’re invited to the newly expanded community celebration that includes this year’s “blessing of the trees” – now dubbed Deck the Halls, also featuring hot cocoa, games, crafts and wine for sale, and more, 6-8 pm. next Friday, December 5th.

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West Seattle holiday scene: Santa’s first day at CAPERS
November 29, 2014 2:10 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle holiday scene: Santa’s first day at CAPERS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Santa Claus has arrived at CAPERS in The Junction (4525 California SW) – where you’ll find him noon-3 pm every Saturday and Sunday until the weekend before Christmas. Kristen and Brian were posing with him when we stopped by – this is a DIY photo op, so bring your camera, your friends, your neighbors, and donations for the West Seattle Food Bank. He’d already listened to at least 40 Christmas wishes by the time we showed up barely an hour into Day 1.

P.S. The full list of this season’s local Santa Claus photo ops (as reported by helpful elves) can be found in our West Seattle Holiday Guide.

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West Seattle Saturday: Shop local; see Santa; get gifts wrapped; enjoy music; more …
November 29, 2014 11:20 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Shop local; see Santa; get gifts wrapped; enjoy music; more …
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Big waves at Alki again this morning – thanks to Meredith Jones for the photo)
After a snowy morning, the sun’s out! So we’re getting on with the first big Saturday of the holiday season, moving on to highlights from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and our ongoing daily calendar:

SHOP LOCAL! We hope you will shop local EVERY DAY this holiday season (and nights, too – the first holiday-season Shop Late Thursday in The Junction is coming up December 4th, 6-9 pm). Our Holiday Guide includes a list of info from West Seattle businesses who answered our open call to share info on some of their holiday highlights. especially for this first weekend of shopping.

DUWAMISH NATIVE HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR, DAY 2: Native American artists and crafters are filling the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle again today, until 4:30 pm. We stopped by on Friday:

That’s some of what artist Khobie Niccia Alexander is selling. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

GIVE BLOOD: Supply runs low during the holidays, so if you can donate, please do – you’ll find the Bloodmobile at Westwood Village until 3:30 pm today, and walkups are welcome, except during the 11:30-12:30 break. (2600 SW Barton)

SANTA DEBUTS AT CAPERS: DIY Santa Photos at CAPERS in The Junction, with “ex-Westwood Santa.” Bring cameras/phones, kids/friends, and a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. Noon-3 pm. (4525 California SW)

GIFT WRAPPING FOR A GOOD CAUSE: The West Seattle High School National Honor Society is wrapping gifts for donations 6-10 pm tonight in the foyer at Barnes and Noble in Westwood Village. Donations benefit the club’s “future endeavors into the realm of volunteering.” (2600 SW Barton)

GARY BENSON AT C & P: Get cozy at the coffeehouse and enjoy live music tonight, 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

JAZZ AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm, Market Street Dixieland Jass Band is in the house at historic Kenyon Hall.

AND THERE’S MORE … light shows and tree-shopping, for starters – in our Holiday Guide, plus more nightlife on our regular calendar!

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Saturday morning snow & surf!
November 29, 2014 5:02 am
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(SCROLL DOWN for updates)

(Car hood, 5:10 am)
5:02 AM: What’s falling right now – at least where we are, on the hill east of Lincoln Park – started around 4:45 as something more like sleet, and now it’s intensified to wet snow. Until now, the snow reports had all been from points north, but commenters spotted renegade flakes in the last few hours, and the temperature’s been falling, now 34 at Sea-Tac.

5:31 AM: It’s all but stopped. The “winter weather advisory” remains in effect until 11 am.

7:25 AM: More snow since then, and everything is covered. Photo above this line is from Tiana at Youngstown Flats (WSB sponsor) in North Delridge. And from Jason in Admiral:

What’s it like where you are? More pics welcome at editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

7:47 AM: Above, looking north at California from Thistle. SDOT tweets, “… Road temps still high so no accumulations yet. Crews will check and treat roads as needed.” The forecast still says the snow chances should end in a few hours.

9 AM: Some blue sky out there! Breezy too. Beware slick roads – there’s a multi-car crash on the eastbound bridge right now, which our tipster says is VERY slick. Thanks to everyone who’s sent photos – Linda shares this view of Lincoln Park’s frosted forest:

From Puget Park on Pigeon Point, Ben shares this photo of a snow fan:

Ben observes, “Not enough to sled but sure is pretty.” Meantime, Alki has wind-and-high-tide-fueled waves again this morning:

Thanks to Cheney for the photo. Now, our first snowperson photo:

Reagan in Fauntleroy shared that with a hearty “Go, Dawgs!”

9:29 AM: The SFD response for the bridge crash closed quickly, indicating no serious injuries.

2:11 PM NOTE: Thanks to everyone who’s been sharing photos, particularly of the spectacular surf and spray at Alki – we’re putting together a separate galley – and we’ll start a pm weather story, including information on SDOT’s plans for the roads, given the below-freezing temps. (We did travel some of the main routes earlier and noted that aside for a few shady spots, they’re mostly dry.)

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A night of hoops and honors: Chief Sealth Alumni Game(s), featuring a tribute to Coach Mike Siva
November 29, 2014 4:11 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

At Chief Sealth International High School Friday night, it was a time to re-live memories on the court, and a time to honor a longtime leader:

Receiving the leis, that’s Mike Siva, who coached at Sealth for more than a quarter-century as part of a 36-years-and-counting career with the district. A tribute to Coach Siva and four rounds of basketball comprised the third annual Nels Enquist Alumni Basketball Game event – more ahead:

Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Four reader reports and reminders
November 28, 2014 10:43 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Safety | West Seattle news

Four West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:

HIT-AND-RUN: Reported tonight by Emily:

I was walking my dog around the block near my house. Because it is twilight, I lit the bright green light that I attach to her leash. I was crossing Admiral at 63rd on the east side of the intersection, walking north. A woman driving a dark brown car (I think it was a Ford Taurus) was driving north on 63rd and turned right on to Admiral. She ran the stop sign, which unfortunately happens a lot at this intersection. When she saw me, she slammed on her brakes but slid into my legs. Thankfully I was not seriously hurt, but I can tell I will have some spectacular bruises tomorrow. What I’m most upset about is that the woman did not stop to see if I (or my dog) needed help.

MYSTERY CREDIT-CARD FRAUD: From Alan:

We just found out that our credit card had fraudulent purchases made on it (Wednesday). We were told that the card was scanned for the purchases, so the person made a copy of our card. One was for over $500 at Rite-Aid. We know the purchases were in Seattle, but we don’t know if they were in West Seattle. We do know that we haven’t charged anything outside of the West Seattle area in the last week. The furthest away were two restaurants in Georgetown and they are places we normally go. We did use our credit card twice yesterday and both places (one small restaurant and one large retailer – not Rite-Aid) were places we have not been before. The large retailer seems unlikely, as the card never left our view and it seems unlikely the checker could have had a copy device in the reader. Sadly, that makes us suspect the small restaurant. It is certainly possible that someone made the copy some time ago and is just now using it.

With shopping season upon us, I would encourage people to watch their accounts. I’m just happy that something about the charges being spotted by our credit card company. No loss to us, except for some trust.

(MONDAY UPDATE: See Alan’s comment – after comparing notes with someone who had something similar happen, he now suspects this happened OUTSIDE West Seattle after all.)

(back to original report) ‘NOT JUST PACKAGES BEING STOLEN‘: From Amanda:

Wanted to warn folks that it’s not just packages being stolen. I had $100 worth of grocery delivery taken from my porch early this morning. I’ve been an Amazon Fresh customer since the beginning (7 years?), and have never had anything stolen before. But when I went to get my deliver off the porch, all but one small bag of food was gone. The thievery must have taken place between 4 and 6 am.

She added in a postscript that Amazon refunded the full value, even though she told them it was a theft.

PACKAGE-THEFT SIDE NOTE: If it’s happened to you lately, please read this comment following our previous Crime Watch roundup.

CAR VANDALISM (OR PROWL?): Reported tonight by Bill:

My wife took our kids to the West Seattle YMCA and parked outside the front door on 36th Ave. SW with our Toyota Highlander. 4:30 PM. Returned at 5:45 PM to find the passenger side rear window smashed out. Nothing apparently missing. Just letting you know in case other reports come in about vandalism in that area.

He reported it online – which you can do with some categories of crime; the start page is here.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Snow? Not likely tonight, but …
November 28, 2014 9:13 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

9:13 PM: Just a quick weather note in case you are wondering: While the regional “winter weather advisory” mentioned in our earlier storm coverage is now in effect, the Arctic air that was headed south is reported to have slowed down. So the temperature has held steady in the upper 30s since mid-afternoon, and even the convergence zone north of the city isn’t likely to see any snow before morning. Bottom line, if you’re worried about getting around in the city late tonight/in the wee hours, it does NOT look like you’ll find icy roads, let alone snow.

4:16 AM: The temperature has finally started drifting downward, and so has a bit of snow – our friends in Ballard and Queen Anne have seen a bit, though the somewhat-serious stuff has remained toward the Snohomish/King line and points north. The latest “forecast discussion” envisions the potential for snow continuing to drift this way, with the advisory in effect through 11 am. Regardless of whether we get snow, we have wintriness – the temps are not expected to get any higher during the day – bundle up.

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Celebration of life Sunday for Kerrie Yeasting, 1970-2014
November 28, 2014 6:22 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

A memorial service/celebration of life is planned this Sunday for Kerrie Yeasting, 44. Here’s the remembrance that’s being shared:

Kerrie Manolovitz Yeasting of Seattle died Thursday, November 20, 2014.

Kerrie was born on June 20, 1970 in Kodiak, Alaska. She loved the outdoors and exploring and photographing nature. Kerrie moved to West Seattle as a teenager and graduated from Seattle Lutheran High School. She went on to start a family in West Seattle, where she was active in co-op preschool and Alki Elementary PTA leadership for her boys Owen and Vic. She worked in business administration and human resources, and briefly owned the children’s store Chickadees in the West Seattle Junction. She recently moved from Seattle to North Bend, and spent the last couple months traveling through the Southwestern United States with her partner Scott.

Kerrie is survived by her two sons Owen and Victor Yeasting, mother Suzanne Carney, father Ken Manolovitz, brother Quint Manolovitz, sisters Annissa Manolovitz and Joi Bommarito-Lee, grandmother Phyllis Frederickson, partner Scott Robertson, ex-husband John Yeasting, and all of their extended families and the larger community of friends who will forever miss her and the indelible mark she left on many lives.

Services will be held at 2 pm, Sunday, November 30, 2014, at The Hall at Fauntleroy, and will include a celebration of life reception.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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Duwamish Longhouse Native Holiday Gift Fair 2014, day 1
November 28, 2014 3:33 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

At the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle, this year’s Native Holiday Gift Fair looked to us to be bigger than ever. Just one hour to go today, but you also have tomorrow and Sunday to browse/shop, 10 am-4:30 pm both days. You’ll find some of the artists working at their tables, like S’Klallam/Navajo carver Jimmy Price:

Coast Salish artist Peter Boome was talking with shoppers when we passed his table:

Pamela Coello‘s creations included these gifts no Seahawks fan could resist:

Many other materials/media are represented, including wearables. You can enjoy lunch at the Longhouse too; one big table inside is set aside for dining, and the menu posted on the Longhouse door mentioned two types of soup for $2, three types of pie for $1, and the famous frybread for $3. The longhouse is at 4705 W. Marginal Way SW.

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West Seattle biznote: Happy anniversary, Thunder Road Guitars
November 28, 2014 2:31 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

On this extended holiday weekend, Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) is celebrating a two-part anniversary – three years in business online, two years in their store midway between Admiral and Alaska Junctions, at 3916 California SW. Proprietor Frank Gross shared the photo taken in the shop this morning and says they’re celebrating by offering you 15 percent off and (if needed) free shipping today and tomorrow. The shop’s open until 6 pm tonight, 10 am-6 pm Saturday.

P.S. We’ve been collecting shopping info for local stores – TRG and others – in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – just scroll until you see it!

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West Seattle Weather Watch: High tide swamps Alki; Delridge ramp flooded; possible snow
November 28, 2014 10:14 am
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(SCROLL DOWN for newest photos, info)

10:14 AM: We’ve been mentioning water woes on local roads in our ongoing traffic/weather report – and now, check this out! Thanks to Mike Mulligan for sharing the views from Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza and Alki Bathhouse as wind and rain combined with a 12.3-foot high tide this morning.

Reminds us of the big surge back in December 2012. This morning’s tide peaked at 9:41 am, and the rain is letting up a bit, but we’re off to check on some of this morning’s other reported swamped spots.

11:56 AM UPDATE: Just back.

(WSB photos/video from here on)
Even an hour and a half after high tide, the Alki Bathhouse/promenade was still getting deluged, as our Instagram clip shows:

To the east at Seacrest, very high water – the floating dock for the water taxi is almost up to the level of the fishing pier:

Perhaps lucky the Water Taxi’s not running today (extra holiday) – that would be a wild ride. You’ll also notice if you’re in that area, Elliott Bay has a taupe tinge to it today with so much stormwater rushing in. Meantime, back on the roads/paths, the Delridge onramp to the bridge is still flooded and closed:

If you veer to the left, you’ll find another spot of high water on that side of the road, too. And while traveling the peninsula’s periphery, we noticed numerous flooded spots – thanks to the texter who pointed us to this one, Fauntleroy Way between Raymond and Findlay:

Wherever you’re going – be careful, as some of the deep-water spots aren’t visible until you get right up to their edge. We’ll continue to update throughout the day; let us know if you’re seeing new troublespots (text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!).

1:50 PM: Just back from a journey through eastern West Seattle. A firefighter (we didn’t see which engine, and it’s not on the 911 list) was wading into the Delridge onramp mess – a WSB Facebook commenter says cars are now getting around the water and onto the bridge (we’ll check back before dusk). Along Delridge itself, deep water at intersections including Holden and Myrtle, on the northbound side; also the usual big puddle on southbound West Marginal Way just north of the Highland Park Way hill.

4:07 PM: Commenter Chuck says the ramp is open now. Meantime, the newest weather alert is out, and it’s a “winter weather advisory” for 9 pm tonight until 11 am tomorrow, still suggesting some snow – though it sounds far more likely north of Seattle, than here, but be ready anyway!

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What else is up for your West Seattle post-Thanksgiving Friday
November 28, 2014 9:59 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

The rain really will lighten up. Eventually. So when you’re ready to go out … here are today’s highlights, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and our regular ongoing calendar:

(Added: WSB photo by Patrick Sand – Santa at Joe’s with Lucinda and June)
FIRST SANTA SIGHTING: Starting at 10 am today, Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) will be hosting Santa and Mrs. Claus! Joe’s says, “Everyone is invited! We’ll have plenty of candy canes.” (9261 45th SW)

DUWAMISH NATIVE HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR, 10 am-4:30 pm today (and tomorrow and Sunday) at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse. Fine art, native crafts, regalia, cards, jewelry, t-shirts, smoked salmon, snacks including frybread; more details in our calendar listing. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

HOLY ROSARY TREE LOT: Holy Rosary Tree Lot (WSB sponsor), north of the school, opens today (we’re checking on hours). Part of this lot’s proceeds benefit West Seattle Helpline, Hickman House (domestic-violence shelter), and West Seattle Food Bank. (41st/Dakota)

3RD ANNUAL NELS ENQUIST ALUMNI GAME (AND MORE): Big basketball night at Chief Sealth International High School, and you’re invited! Doors open at 4 pm; schedule includes scrimmages for this year’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams before the women’s and men’s alumni games and a tribute to Coach Mike Siva. Full schedule is in our calendar listing. (2600 SW Thistle)

WEST SEATTLE YULETIDE, NIGHT ONE: This year, Olaf the Snowman joins the West Seattle Yuletide holiday light show, synchronized to music you can hear on your car radio at 101.9 FM. Starts shortly after dark, about 5 pm, and runs tonight until 11. More info at westseattleyuletide.blogspot.com (38th Ave SW midblock between Genesee and Dakota)

WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS CONTINUES: Second scheduled night for this year’s West Seattle Lights/Helmstetler Family Spectacular, 5-10 pm. See the season’s full schedule here. Bring food to donate to the West Seattle Food Bank. (3908 SW Charlestown)

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Post-Thanksgiving Friday morning: Traffic/transit & weather
November 28, 2014 7:50 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts | West Seattle weather

(SCROLL DOWN for updates on weather-related trouble)

7:50 AM: Good morning! 4-day holiday weekend for so many people, the bridges are relatively clear:

Notes for getting around, plus the latest on the weather:

TRANSIT: Reduced weekday/no UW schedule today for Metro … No Water Taxi service today … Regular schedule for Sound Transit, and regular schedule for Washington State Ferries.

CITYWIDE ALERTS, INCLUDING DOWNTOWN PARADE: The SDOT holiday-weekend roundup includes road-closure info for downtown’s two big events today, the Macy’s Parade this morning and the Star Lighting tonight. (If you’re going to the parade, keep an eye out for local participants! We haven’t found the full lineup yet.)

WEATHER UPDATE: Rainy/breezy this morning, and temperatures are continuing to fall from yesterday’s unseasonable peak near 60. The National Weather Service‘s updated “special weather statement” says the possible snow you’ve heard about is more likely to the north tonight, maybe some over Seattle on Saturday morning. Here’s the newest forecast.

9 AM NOTE: Texter says the Delridge onramp to the bridge is flooded and all but unusable. We’ll be checking on it shortly.

9:22 AM NOTE: Another deep-water alert via text: “Large puddle, nearly reservoir, on Admiral Way eastbound at Schmitz Park.” (Thanks again for the alerts – text or call 206-293-6302 with urgent info any time.)

9:56 AM: Thanks to another texted tip – a semi-truck is on its side on the railroad-track overpass bridge at East Marginal Way S., just south of the West Seattle Bridge.

10:18 AM: Seattle Fire says the overturned tractor-trailer is “stable” but they have been working to free the driver’s arm, which is reported to be trapped under a seat.

10:52 AM: Major water over NB Fauntleroy south of Findlay.

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Thanksgiving Day extra: West Seattle reasons for thankfulness
November 27, 2014 10:58 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(EDITOR’S NOTE: As we wrap up this day devoted to thankfulness, we bring you this story by West Seattle writer Lori Hinton – author of West Seattle 101, with highlights featured here on WSB – looking at some of your neighbors and their reasons for thanks. This was first published on the West Seattle Junction Association website.)

(Will Valentine with Squish the cat)

By Lori Hinton
Special to West Seattle Blog

On a bright, crisp fall day, stroll the streets of The Junction and you’ll find West Seattlelites are eager to share their sunny dispositions. Ask them what they’re thankful for, and many will smile and tell you they are just happy to be here.

“I am thankful for the smell of the salt water in the air on the way in to work,“ beams Katie Barnhardt of Northwest Art & Frame.

Local bike rider Ed Lebel says, “I’m thankful that my dad was raised here so I was too.” Lebel loves to ride what he calls the “tour de West Seattle” around the beach.

“I am thankful for Lincoln Park and all the natural spaces in West Seattle,” smiles resident Maija Wade. “We have two kids and we love it here!”

But on top of being thankful for our amazing nature with beaches, parks, and recreational opportunities galore, West Seattle has something more: Heart.

Read More

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Update: Thanksgiving night power outage to the south
November 27, 2014 9:05 pm
|    Comments Off on Update: Thanksgiving night power outage to the south
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

9:05 PM: One spot of easternmost West Seattle is part of a big power outage that otherwise is mostly southeast of West Seattle. The City Light map shows more than 3,400 homes/businesses out in eastern White Center, Top Hat, and parts of Burien. No word yet on the cause or estimated restoration.

9:31 PM: The outage map has updated and the WC/TH section has apparently been fixed, leaving a section of Burien still out.

10:18 PM: City Light says a tree is to blame and those still without power might not get it back until 4:30 am or so.

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Followup: ‘Lunches With Love’ volunteers feed hundreds
November 27, 2014 6:06 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

On Thanksgiving Eve, volunteers of all ages gathered to make sure hundreds on West Seattle’s streets would have something to eat. The photos are courtesy of Lashanna Williams, who told us on Monday about her family-friends-and-other-helpers tradition, Lunches With Love.

Lashanna reports, “Hundreds of people were helped. Over 900 sandwiches and over 500 sack lunches. A streetside Thanksgiving dinner with 2 turkeys, salad, rolls, pie and drinks were hand delivered to people around Seattle.” And she thanks everyone who helped, “in whichever way you did – everything matters.”

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West Seattle Thanksgiving 2014: Dinner for 200+ at The Hall
November 27, 2014 1:57 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Holidays | West Seattle news

Cooking for a crowd today? So is that crew! 150 people had already arrived for the annual free Thanksgiving dinner at The Hall at Fauntleroy by the time we visited less than 1 hour after the doors opened at noon, and they expected to feed at least 200 before they’re done. Below, helping welcome everyone, volunteers included Wes and Ann, in the photo below with (center) David Haggerty, whose Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering gives this gift each year:

Also contributing to the holiday dinner, kids from the Fauntleroy Children’s Center, which, like The Hall, is in the historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse – they decorated placemats:

The spirit of decoration extended to executive chef Michael Chase, sporting a seasonally appropriate hat:

If you didn’t already have dinner plans, you can still get to The Hall at Fauntleroy by 3 pm; it’s at 9131 California SW. (If you don’t see this until later, the West Seattle Eagles are serving a free community feast, 2-5 pm – find details and lots more Thanksgiving-and-beyond info in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.)

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West Seattle Weather Watch: ‘Warm’ now, snow by Saturday?
November 27, 2014 12:42 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Weather Watch: ‘Warm’ now, snow by Saturday?
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

12:42 PM: Thanks to John for the rainbow photo, looking toward the Fauntleroy ferry during one of today’s sunbreaks. This Thanksgiving Day is already making history – as of two hours ago, the National Weather Service tweeted, Sea-Tac Airport had already tied the record high for this date, 58 degrees. We don’t know if it went any higher, but right now, it’s a few degrees lower, and it’s going to keep sliding, with temps in the 30s expected by Friday night, along with a chance of snow – a chance that remains in the forecast up until about mid-morning Saturday. See the newest outlook here.

ADDED 3:06 PM: Thanks to Janna for sharing the new rainbow photo – taken at Alki!

ADDED 5:13 PM: Now there’s a special weather statement about the possible snow. So far, NWS says it’s more likely to the north on Friday night but might be more widespread Saturday morning.

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West Seattle Thanksgiving 2014: Who’s open, & other holiday info
November 27, 2014 6:07 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(Photo by Don Brubeck)

Good morning! We are thankful for you. Here’s info you might find useful:

WHICH GROCERY STORES ARE OPEN AND WHEN: Here’s the list.

WHO’S OPEN FOR COFFEE: See the first section of our Holiday Guide.

WHO’S LEADING A WORKOUT : Also in the first section of our Holiday Guide.

WHO’S SERVING A FREE COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER: The Hall at Fauntleroy, noon-3 pm (9131 California SW; details here, including donations you can drop off before it starts) … Freedom Church, noon-3 pm per the marquee (35th/Roxbury) … West Seattle Eagles, 2-5 pm (4426 California SW; details here)

WHICH RESTAURANTS (AND BARS WITH FOOD) ARE OPEN TODAY AND/OR TONIGHT: Here’s the list (please note, it is a list of who told us they planned to be open – if an establishment told us they would be closed, they are NOT listed).

TRANSIT CHANGES: Metro is on a Sunday schedule … The Water Taxi is NOT running … Sound Transit buses are on a Sunday schedule … Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on a normal schedule.

THINGS YOU CAN DO AFTER DINNER: West Seattle Lights/Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular starts tonight, 7 pm, as previewed here Monday. Bring food for the West Seattle Food Bank! (3908 SW Charlestown) … The Admiral Theater is open this afternoon/evening – see the schedule here (2343 California SW)

DOES YOUR DOG NEED A BREAK FROM THE HOLIDAY BUSTLE? WSB sponsor Camp Crockett is open today.

See more – for today/tonight, plus dozens of events through the rest of the holiday season – here.

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West Seattle development: ‘Whole block fenced off’ for 3210 California SW project
November 26, 2014 8:47 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

As noted by one of several people who e-mailed us today to ask about that development site, you seldom “see a whole block fenced off.” It’s pre-demolition fencing, just put up this week at the redevelopment site known as 3210 California SW, which we’ve been covering for seven years – from the original rezone proposal for an entire block between Hanford and Hinds turned up in city files in 2007, to the subsequent development plan’s emergence in early 2013, to its final approval at Design Review. So here’s a refresher on what’s going in, once that block of buildings is torn down:

(Rendering courtesy NK Architects)
It’s a 4- and 5-story project with 134 apartments, 2 live-work units, 152 offstreet-parking spaces, and about 6,000 square feet of commercial space, being developed by Intracorp. It went before the Southwest Design Review Board five times before receiving a recommendation for final approval in April; by the fifth meeting, the developer lowered the north part of the complex to four stories, with its other two sections remaining at five.

The demolition permits were granted three months ago, but we don’t know how soon the demolition will start – once a fence goes up, the next thing to watch for is the arrival of no-parking signs, and then, of course, the heavy equipment. The contractor is Exxel Pacific, according to this page on the website of the project’s architecture firm, West Seattleite-owned NK.

SIDE NOTE: Wondering what happened to everything and everyone who were in the buildings? For starters, the city website says tenant-relocation licenses were granted for 23 units in all. Some of the buildings held businesses, like the Styling Studio, whose owner decided to join another salon, as he told us in June; the former Cayce and Gain Property Management, now Cayce Real Estate Services, moved to the Andover business park in North Delridge. Cometa Playschool is still in operation, at a different location.

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Update: Another crash on Sylvan, no injuries reported
November 26, 2014 7:40 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:40 PM: Suddenly Sylvan Way, which runs through High Point between Upper Morgan and Delridge, is a hot spot for crashes. Police and fire are currently at the scene of another one near Sylvan Way/Sylvan Heights (map). No details yet, but it’s affecting traffic, with at least one lane blocked.

8:24 PM: The crash involved just one vehicle; it ran into a fence and took out a tree. Police told us at the scene that no one was hurt. This was very close to the spot where a driver hit a tree two nights ago.

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