West Seattle, Washington
20 Tuesday
Thanks to Kimberly Pena for sharing that photo – it’s her brother Brian Pena and 11 of his friends who flew to Arizona for tonight’s Seahawks game, a 35-6 win over the Cardinals! The Hawks are playoff-bound again this year – but first, one more regular-season game to get through, vs. the visiting St. Louis Rams, 1:25 pm next Sunday.
Another outdoor event that benefited from tonight’s cleared-up weather: West Seattle Runner‘s annual Christmas Lights Run. Above, a bit of video as dozens of runners and walker left the store’s parking lot at California/Charlestown. WS Runner proprietors Lori and Tim McConnell were the hosts/leaders, for the fifth time since they launched the business (a WSB sponsor) in 2010.
The eventual destination – just a few blocks east, though the run/walk was taking a roundabout route to get there – the synched-to-music Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular/
West Seattle Lights, which you can visit any night during the holiday season (we stopped by and caught the display’s snowperson trio introducing a new addition – note they’re offering hot cocoa 6-8 pm Christmas Eve).
Next year, launch point for the Christmas Lights Run will be a ways north, since, as reported here last month, West Seattle Runner will be moving to The Admiral District. But in the meantime, they’re still at Charlestown Center, where you can Christmas-shop through Tuesday (that day they’ll be open until 8, and then closed Christmas Eve/Day).
(Photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand unless otherwise credited)
About an hour after Winter Solstice 2014, the sun graced NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen‘s sunset-watch event at Solstice Park tonight, to the joy of skywatchers of all ages!
If you haven’t been to one yet, Alice has been leading solstice/equinox sunset watches for more than five years now:
That includes coaching on what to look for at Solstice Park, planned so the setting sun aligns with certain points in its stone-marked plaza:
Today, just after 4, with the sun’s cooperation, the ~40 in attendance were able to check the solstice-sunset alignment:
(Photo shared by Lori)
And then, the sun made its exit – still warm enough (and dry!) to linger:
Looking ahead, the spring equinox arrives at 3:45 pm our time on March 20th – watch Alice’s website and her “Skies Over West Seattle” reports here for news of the next sunset watch.
Thanks to Diane Radischat, president-elect of the Arrowhead Gardens Residents Community, for sharing the photo from a special delivery her group made downtown today:
The residents of Arrowhead Gardens collected socks for the homeless. We delivered 208 pairs of socks, 20 pairs of gloves, 21 hats and one scarf to the Union Gospel Mission. This is our 3 year of doing the Fill the Box with Sox drive.
(Arrowhead Gardens is West Seattle’s southeasternmost retirement community, just past the east end of Roxbury, on the hill to Highway 509.)
(Photo by Long Bach Nguyen)
At lower-center in our top photo, that’s the Alki Masonic Center in The Junction, the biggest structure still standing on the 40th/Alaska/Fauntleroy/Edmunds block, where The Whittaker soon will rise to the north and east. That project’s developer is giving the center’s parking lot a major regrade and upgrade because of the impact – you can see that in the photo too, with its new asphalt and striping. But those aren’t the only changes for the center-headquartered Alki Masonic Lodge #152, which dates back more than a century. On Saturday, the public was invited to its leadership installation. Below, outgoing Worshipful Master Bob Rice:
Installed to succeed him, the Lodge’s new WM, Martin Monk:
Also installed were Bill Van Cleave, Senior Warden; Michael Sawyer, Junior Warden; Richard Syson, Secretary; and Gary Langenbach, Treasurer. If you haven’t been involved with Lodge #152 or its auxiliary/associated groups, you might know its headquarters best as a rentable hall that’s home to many community events each year, such as the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle pancake-breakfast benefit in early December, and some sponsored by the Lodge itself, such as the annual School Awards. The hall’s calendar for 2015, laid out in the program for Saturday’s ceremony, even includes plans to participate in the WSB-presented West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day on May 9th.
Thanks to Kyle Geraghty of American Legion Post 160 for the photos and report:
West Seattle’s American Legion Post 160 and Auxiliary Unit 160 came together today to assemble care packages for homeless veterans in our community.
If you know a veteran who is or is at imminent risk to being homeless please make a call to 877-4AID-VET (424-3838) to be connected 24/7 with VA’s service to overcome or prevent homelessness.
If you are a veteran or family member of a vet and would like to support projects like this, contact American Legion Post 160 at wslegion160@gmail.com or 206-932-9696.
For everybody who was wondering what the Seattle Fire Department heavy-rescue crew, Ladder 7, and Aid 14 were doing at Admiral Way Viewpoint: Nothing to worry about – just training. When we started getting calls/messages, we checked the online 911 log, and in the absence of an incident on the list, that’s what we figured, but just to be sure, we went by to check, and they confirmed that they were just wrapping up with training. (Thank you to everyone who messaged/called us anyway – just to make sure!)
A bit of wariness in one of the earliest visitors to Santa’s House this morning in The Junction. It’s the grand finale for this year’s Hometown Holidays (presented by the West Seattle Junction Association, co-sponsored by WSB) and the house is a festively decorated tent on the southwest corner:
The classic Northwest greenery is courtesy of West Seattle Nursery, and the folks at WestSide Baby have barrels for donations – diapers, especially! – if you’re headed that way. Santa’s there for bring-your-own-camera photos until 2 pm, which is also closing time for the West Seattle Farmers’ Market a few steps further west – featuring snowflake-making for young shoppers, as well as a full lineup of pre-holiday food and drink. (Photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
In case you’ve seen debris/wreckage near California/Andover (map) and were wondering … three vehicles were damaged in an early-morning crash, but no one was seriously hurt.
WSB’s Katie Meyer checked out the scene of the 3 am crash and took the photos. Police were still sorting out the circumstances; witnesses said it started with the truck, and that one if not both of the other damaged vehicles was parked when hit.
See what they built! Thanks to Susie and the K-5 STEM PTA for sharing that slide deck of photos from a pre-holiday project they thought you might want to see:
The K-5 STEM PTA challenged classrooms to create a team-based, collaborative structures for our first annual Gingerbread House Engineering Expo. We had participation from 11 class teams and the results were creative, artful, festive and FUN! Teachers had no limits except their imaginations and each team was given a “starter kit” of materials. Many classrooms continued with themes they have been studying, including geometry, architecture, native bird species and literary themes. All participating classes received an award for their work such as “Most Epic Implosion,” “Most Spellbinding,” and “Best Ecosystem.” Great job, STEM owls!
P.S. In case you’re not already quite well aware – STEM and all other Seattle Public Schools are on winter break until Monday, January 5th.
(Pre-winter solstice sunrise at Seacrest, tweeted by @scruffydiver)
Winter officially arrives this afternoon … and, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and our regular calendar, here are some ways to spend part of this short but festive day:
EXTRA SHOPPING HOURS: Many of your favorite local businesses will be open extra hours today and in the next few days as Christmas approaches. Three we know of today: Thunder Road Guitars (3916 California SW; WSB sponsor), noon-5 pm; Wyatt’s Jewelers (Westwood Village; WSB sponsor), noon-4 pm; Atomic Boys, 11 am-5 pm.
NONPROFIT GIFT-SHOP SHOPPING: Two places you can shop while supporting a local nonprofit directly – the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse and Cultural Center gift shop (4705 W. Marginal Way SW), 10 am-5 pm, and the Log House Museum gift shop (61st/Stevens), noon-4 pm.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Not just fresh produce – packaged/preserved items you might consider for gifts, too. 10 am-2 pm. (44th/Alaska)
‘SANTA’S HOUSE’ IN THE JUNCTION: DIY Santa photos (bring your camera!) at “Santa’s House” in The Junction as part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays, 10 am-2 pm. (SW corner California/Alaska)
ALL SOULS CHRISTMAS SERVICE: From the holiday-season-services list in the WSB Holiday Guide – 10 am at Madison Middle School, All Souls (WSB sponsor) invites you to its Christmas Lessons + Carols Service. (45th/Spokane)
SANTA AT THRIFTWAY: Santa at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) – 11 am-3 pm. P.S. In-store holiday music with guitarist Gary Benson today too, 1:30-4:30 pm. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)
KITTY HARBOR’S LAST ADOPTION DAY UNTIL SPRING: Last scheduled adoption day until May at Kitty Harbor, noon-5 pm. (3422 Harbor SW)
SANTA AT CAPERS: Last chance for 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)
SOLSTICE SUNSET WATCH WITH ALICE: 3:03 pm, winter arrives. Less than an hour later, gather at Solstice Park (uphill behind the tennis courts) with Alice Enevoldsen to celebrate and learn about the solstice – as explained on her Alice’s Astro Info website. (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW)
TAILGATE AT HPIC: Second-to-last tailgate party of the regular season at Highland Park Improvement Club, doors open at 4:30 pm (one hour before gametime) – details in our calendar listing. (12th/Holden)
CHRISTMAS LIGHT RUN: 5:30 pm, join West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) for the 5th annual Christmas Light Run, as announced: “Get decked out in your antlers and Santa hats, bring your elves and do a leisurely 2-3 mile run/walk to view the Christmas lights of West Seattle. As always we will end at the Helmstetler Hacienda for the big extravaganza! Feel free to bring a canned-food item for donation. We will serve Christmas cookies (probably not homemade) and hot chocolate and cider afterward. Remember to wear lights to see the sidewalks and reflective gear so that cars can see you. We think battery-operated Christmas light strands do quite nicely for this purpose.” (California/Charlestown)
TIBBETTS ‘LONGEST NIGHT’ SERVICE: From the holiday-season-services list in the WSB Holiday Guide – 7 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), for those for whom the holidays are hard for whatever reason. (3940 41st SW)
AND MORE … including Sunday-night nightlife … on our calendar!
Thanks to the proud parents who have sent word that all four of the West Seattle teams who played today in the Seattle Youth Soccer Association City Tournament championships won their games!
Congratulations to:
(Donuts: Max, Aidan, Owen, Kai, Zachary, Cooper, Colby, Rohan, Nate, JP, Marco, Xander, Noah, Graham, Milo)
*U12 boys West Seattle Donuts (1-0 over Lake City)
(Strikers: Front – Isaac; first row – Eli, Xavi, Porter, Cristian, Will C, Dylan, Mathew; back row – Coach Norm, Deni, Karl, Jesse, Jacob, Coach Bob, Blaise, Henry, Will H, Nathaniel, Coaches Peter & Brandon)
*U13 boys West Seattle Strikers (3-1 over Ballard)
*U15 girls West Seattle Crush (2-0 over Capitol Hill)
(The Inferno showing off their championship trophy: Co-coaches Kristen Hinthorn and Tim Hinthorn are standing at far left and far right)
*U17 girls West Seattle Inferno (2-1 over Laurelhurst/View Ridge/Ravenna)
Thanks to Lai Wong-Smith for sharing the photo of the victorious Donuts, coached by Andre Tiffany (head coach) and Lemuel Charleston (assistant coach). We’ll add any other photos we receive (*of the teams for which we don’t have photos) – editor@westseattleblog.com or text to 206-293-6302 – thank you!
ADDED SUNDAY MORNING: Thanks to Norm for sending a photo of the Strikers (added above), whom he notes were undefeated in the regular season, 10-0: “Only team of the entire SYSA league of any age group to go undefeated in League Play and in City Tournament play.”
ADDED MONDAY MORNING: Thanks to Bryan for sending the photo of the Inferno, just added.
If you’re heading this way from downtown or points north – note that there’s a backup on the southbound Alaskan Way Viaduct from just before the stadium zone, because of a one-vehicle crash. Kim reported it via Twitter:
@westseattleblog @seattledot car into guardrail at top curve near Yesler. Right lane blocked S 99. pic.twitter.com/lndXuu9mbw
— Kim Sharpe Jones (@seattlekim) December 21, 2014
No emergency vehicles at the time, but now they’ve been dispatched and reportedly will be checking a toddler for possible injuries.
Bright lights, bright smiles! A bit blustery tonight, but still a big turnout for photos with “Santa Al” at West Seattle’s biggest and brightest holiday display, the Menashe Family Christmas Lights (5605 Beach Drive SW). He’s scheduled to be there until 10 pm; bring your camera and a non-perishable food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank.
Want to kick this year’s Santa photos up a notch in the fun department? Cocoa Cris Cringle is making his annual holiday appearance at Easy Street Records in The Junction (California/Alaska) until at least 8 pm, and he has props, hats, scarves, including some of what you see this group wearing (even the lucha libre mask). As noted on the ESR website, it’s a benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank.
Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight, plus a store-theft report from the public SPD files involving a bottle stolen and a bottle thrown:
Catching up with more local school-related news: Ten students from West Seattle Elementary School were among the participants at the citywide Girls On The Run 5K earlier this month. The photo shared with us also includes teachers, parents, and community volunteers who serve as running buddies, including accompanying their assigned “buddy” in the 5K after weeks of preparation. GOTR isn’t just about running – it’s also about empowerment and character development, helping build self-esteem. Those involved with GOTR at WSES include teachers Colleen Farrell, Amber Simonton, and Hannah Ory, along with afterschool coordinator Alex Cali. As mentioned here on WSB before, GOTR runs on plenty of volunteer power, so if you’re interested in getting involved (WSES is one of six West Seattle schools involved), go here to find out how.
(Photo by Dave McCoy)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
This week, the state closed the Nooksack River to fishing.
The explanation for the closure mirrored words of warning spoken here in West Seattle days earlier – many miles from the river, but close to many hearts.
The warning, and a call to action, came from a guest speaker hosted by Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, author/angler Dylan Tomine, who is based on Bainbridge Island.
(This photo & next by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
He spoke of a threat to Washington’s official state fish, wild steelhead – posed, Tomine said, by the state’s hatchery system – a system you pay for, a system involved in the new Nooksack closure, ordered because of a shortage of “eggs from returning hatchery winter steelhead (needed) to meet basin production goals.”
Sound simple? Anything but, explained Tomine, who began: “Are you guys ready to get pissed off? Because I’m pissed about this. The more I’ve found digging deeper and deeper, the more upset I get.”
What he has found, and spoke of at EWA that night, includes the tale of the fish that cost taxpayers $70,000, and much more.
(Photo by alextutu1821 via Flickr, Menashe Family Lights, where ‘Santa Al’ visits tonight – see below)
Happy Saturday! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide, some of the highlights ahead for today/tonight, featuring more than a few Santa sightings (last weekend for photo ops!):
SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS: Thanks to Jason for the tip that four West Seattle teams play championship games in the Seattle Youth Soccer Association today – all listed here; the games are at 10, noon, and 2 pm, at Ingraham and Shoreline. Good luck to the Strikers, Donuts, Crush, and Inferno!
SANTA AT TRAM’S: Santa Al will be at Tram’s Salon, 10 am-1 pm. (4110 California SW)
WRAP IT UP: Furry Faces Foundation‘s next gift-wrapping-for-donations event is today, 2-6 pm at Beer Junction. Details are in this post in the WSB Forum. (4511 California SW)
SANTA AT EMERALD WATER ANGLERS: DIY photos with Santa Claus at Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor) in The Junction from 11 am-2 pm; donations are going to Wild Steelhead Coalition. (42nd/Oregon)
SANTA 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. Saturdays and Sundays, noon-3 pm. (4525 California SW)
MEDICINE SONGS FROM THE TIME OF CHIEF SEATTLE: 2-3 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse. “All are invited to share in a deeper understanding of the language and culture of the First People of Seattle, Chief Seattle’s Duwamish Tribe through traditional local songs and stories,” with awardwinning Northwest Native Storyteller Johnny Moses. Longhouse/Cultural Center opens at 10 am – come early to view exhibits and shop! (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
COCOA CRIS CRINGLE AT EASY STREET: Easy Street Records in The Junction hosts the annual visit of Cocoa Cris Cringle for photos, 4-8 pm, benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank, $20 or $15 with one nonperishable food item. (California/Alaska)
SANTA PUB CRAWL: Put on your Santa suit and join in – starts 5 pm at Coastline (4444 California SW), on to Shadowland (California/Oregon) at 6, and more stops beyond. Full details on this Facebook event page.
OFFICER INSTALLATION AT MASONIC LODGE: 5 pm, and you are invited:
Alki Masonic Lodge #152 announces its 109th installation of officers to be held at 5:00 pm (tonight) at the Alki Masonic Center near Alaska/Fauntleroy Junction at 4736 40th Ave SW. Elected officers to be installed are Martin Monk, Worshipful Master; Bill Van Cleave, Senior Warden; Michael Sawyer, Junior Warden; Richard Syson, Secretary; and Gary Langenbach, Treasurer. This installation is open to the public and all are invited to attend.
Alki Masonic Lodge is a West Seattle landmark, serving the community for over a century. West Seattleites may recognize Alki Lodge for its many philanthropic and community-based activities. Each year Alki Lodge gives several monetary awards for local high school scholars, and supports other local organizations like the Hi-Yu. Additionally, the Masonic Center is rented for many public and private events.
The full list of officers includes: Senior Deacon, Jeffrey Tosh; Junior Deacon, Steven Slaughter; Senior Steward, Brian Winchester; Junior Steward, Larry West; Chaplain, Alan Sawyer; Marshal, Dan Winchester; Musician, Richard Moulden; and Tyler, Kent Evans.
SANTA AT THE MENASHE LIGHTS: Santa Al is at the Menashe Family Lights 6-10 pm, bring a can for the West Seattle Food Bank. (5605 Beach Drive SW)
NIGHTTIME TOUR OF LINCOLN PARK: 6:30 pm with naturalist Stewart Wechsler. RSVP and suggested-donation info on his website, along with tour details. (8265 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SOUTHWEST TEEN LIFE CENTER WINTER FESTIVAL: 7-10 pm, starting with dinner, continuing with skating, crafts, more. Details in our calendar listing. (2801 SW Thistle)
NIGHTLIFE! Live music, karaoke, more … on the calendar.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
Today was one of the happiest days of the holiday season at the West Seattle Food Bank – the day that visitors from Nucor bring food and money donated by the steel mill and its employees. The food, for example, totaled more than a ton, unloaded with volunteer help as usual:
Along with the food came checks totaling $21,575, including more than $15,000 from Nucor itself.
The money means WSFB can buy more food, to add to what it’s been getting from food drives and regular donors.
We’re told the WS Food Bank is doing OK on holiday turkeys for Christmas, thanks to donors, but overall, the need all around, all year long, is always great – so your donations are always welcome. And spot food drives are still under way – be sure to bring a can (or two!) for the collection bin at West Seattle Lights/Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular, and for the mini-food drive at the Menashe Family Lights tomorrow night while “Santa Al” visits, 6 to 10 pm.
Thanks to everyone who’s been telling us about this one – a crash is blocking the right lane of southbound 99 before the exit to the westbound West Seattle Bridge. The most recent update suggests traffic is backed up to the stadiums, so if you have to head toward West Seattle, you might consider an alternate route, or waiting a while. (Note that we don’t have a camera on this, so we won’t know immediately when it’s clear.)
Holiday-shopping procrastinator? (We are.) More than a few of your independent local West Seattle businesses are offering extra/special hours in these last few days before Christmas. Here’s what we’ve heard from stores so far – mostly sponsors, but we’re happy to share news from any local indie store with extra hours/etc. until Christmas – e-mail us, and look for updates this weekend!
WSB SPONSORS
*Thunder Road Guitars (3916 California SW) is adding extra hours in the days leading up to Christmas – 12-5 pm Sunday and 11 am-5 pm Monday. Offering “beginner instruments for the aspiring rocker” this holiday season for the first time, too.
*Click! Design That Fits is open until 8 tonight, and will be open Christmas Eve 10 am-5 pm for your last-last-minute shopping.
*Emerald Water Anglers (42nd/Oregon) has some extras this weekend – Santa will be “in the store tomorrow (Saturday) from 11-2 for DIY images, and donations are going to Wild Steelhead Coalition.” Then on Sunday, Edie is in-store with bluegrass 3-6 pm, “bring in a beverage and hang out a bit while you shop.” EWA has lots of outdoor merchandise, not only for, well, anglers.
*Curious Kidstuff (4740 California SW) – West Seattle’s only all-toy store is open until 7 pm tonight; other hours on the website.
*Wyatt’s Jewelers (Westwood Village) – Open until 6 tonight, added noon-4 pm Sunday.
*VAIN (4513 California SW) – This new addition to the WSB sponsor team is not only a salon, it’s also a shop for art and accessories. Open tonight until 8.
*JF Henry Cooking and Dining (4445 California SW) – Open until 6 tonight. Some of their hottest new items are listed here.
*Alki Surf Shop (2622 Alki SW) – Open until 6 tonight, noon-6 both days this weekend. Note the local-logo merch!
*Junction True Value (44th/Edmunds) – open until 7 pm tonight, gift ideas and hours online.
ALSO
*CAPERS (4525 California SW) – Open daily through Christmas Eve (latest info here). Help fill all the wishes for the Hickman House domestic-violence shelter giving tree (above)!
*Atomic Boys – Open until 6 tonight, 10-6 tomorrow, plus 10-5 this Sunday and 10-2 Christmas Eve.
*Easy Street Records (California/Alaska) – Saturday 4-8 pm, come get your photo taken with Cocoa Cris Cringle during his annual visit – details on the ESR website. (added) ESR will be open 9 am-5 pm on Christmas Eve, with the café open its usual 7 am-3 pm schedule that day too.
*The Beer Junction (4511 California SW) – Will be open Christmas Eve, 10 am-7 pm.
(added) Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way) – Open regular hours until Christmas Eve – on that day, open 10 am-3 pm.
West Seattle Cellars (6026 California SW) – 11 am-7 pm daily through Christmas Eve, except for Sunday (noon-5 pm).
(back to original text) WHAT’S UP WITH YOUR SHOP IN THE FINAL DAYS OF SHOPPING SEASON? Let us know for our updates over the next few days, and for the shopping section of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.
You might recall that the Albertsons/Safeway deal was expected to result in some stores being shed. Today, the Haggen chain announced it would pick up more than 100 Albertsons and Safeway stores in the West, expanding its holdings from 18 stores to 164. We asked Haggen for the full list, to see if any are in West Seattle/White Center. Answer: No; the two closest stores that will become Haggen stores are south of West Seattle/White Center – the two Albertsons in Burien, 12725 1st Ave. S. and 15840 1st Ave. S.
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