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Good news for library lovers in south West Seattle
January 8, 2009 8:11 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Thanks to Judy Pickens for calling our attention to this recent change: The Southwest Library branch is now open Sundays, which means — along with the West Seattle branch in Admiral — there are now two WS libraries you can go to on Sunday afternoons. Both are open noon-5.

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Weather (hopefully) calming down in time for Art Walk tomorrow
January 7, 2009 4:31 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

Need something to look forward to, as this windy, rainy, post-snow, post-holidays first-full-week-of-the-year chugs on? How about — tomorrow night’s West Seattle Art Walk! Second Thursday of every month, 6-9 pm, and if you haven’t checked it out lately, you might not realize it’s spread far beyond its original Junction-area borders, with venues in Admiral, Alki, Delridge, Morgan Junction, and more – in fact, one of the newest participants is in Fauntleroy – The Kenney. The venues and artists are listed on the official West Seattle Art Walk blog, where you can get the walking map too.

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Welcoming new WSB sponsors: West Seattle’s NiaDivas
January 6, 2009 10:47 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle people

This morning, we’re welcoming new WSB sponsors offering you a chance to start 2009 with a unique way to keep your New Year’s resolutions for fitness and fun: West Seattle’s own NiaDivas. Jill Pagano (left) and Lesley Tinker (right) invite you to start your new year by stepping into fitness the Nia way. The Nia Technique(R) is a low-impact, aerobic exercise of dance, martial arts, and healing arts such as yoga. Done barefoot to music, semi-choreographed, Nia delivers a whole-body workout. More than a physical workout, Nia also strengthens mental awareness and inspires a self-expressive spirit. The happy results are a stronger body, increased flexibility, better overall fitness and lots of fun. Jill and Lesley, known as NiaDivas, are so sure that you’ll love Nia that they offer a FREE Welcome Class the second Saturday of every month at the beautiful dance studio in the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center on Delridge Way. What’s the best way to describe Nia? Jill and Lesley, who have been teaching Nia in West Seattle for three years, sum it up with “it’s inspirational fitness for an extraordinary you.” Click here to sign up for the next FREE Welcome to Nia class — coming up THIS Saturday! WSB welcomes the NiaDivas to our sponsor team; full list is here, with info on how to be part of it!

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Happening today: West Seattle Farmers Market; “Amahl” finale
January 4, 2009 7:02 am
|    Comments Off on Happening today: West Seattle Farmers Market; “Amahl” finale
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle Farmers' Market | WS culture/arts

(12/28/08 West Seattle Farmers’ Market photo by JayDee)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Some vendors didn’t make it out last week because of the snowstorm’s aftermath, but the Farmers’ Market is expected to be back to full strength today, 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska. Here’s today’s fresh sheet; among other things, it says tulips are back (we photographed them this time last year).

ONE MORE SHOW FOR “AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS”: Last chance to get your delayed-holiday entertainment on! (Or, to simply see a good show.) Twelfth Night Productions (WSB sponsor) has one more performance of “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” 3 pm today at Youngstown Arts Center; tickets are available online or at the door. (To see what else is happening today/tonight, see the West Seattle Weekend Lineup.)

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Return of the West Seattle Weekend Lineup: First of 2009!
January 2, 2009 2:19 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | WS culture/arts | WS Weekend Lineup

wswllicon3.pngThe snow woes forced a two-week hiatus for the West Seattle Weekend Lineup, but now that wintry weather is down to its usual dull roar (knock wood), we’re ready to resume. From Twelfth Night Productions‘ (WSB sponsor) “Amahl and the Night Visitors” (read more here) to work parties tomorrow in three local forests to the Duwamish Tribe‘s longhouse dedication, to free yoga, in all, more than two dozen West Seattle Friday-Saturday-Sunday events are listed ahead:Read More

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New WSB sponsor: “Amahl and the Night Visitors” opens tonight
January 2, 2009 1:23 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | WS culture/arts

For everyone who missed out on some of the usual pre-holiday fun because of Snowstorm ’08 — tonight, tomorrow, and Sunday, you have four chances to make up for it, with four performances of Twelfth Night Productions‘ “Amahl and the Night Visitors” at Youngstown Arts Center here in West Seattle. Twelfth Night is sponsoring WSB through the weekend to get the word out — here’s its announcement of the show, which it has presented annually for more than a decade:

Twelfth Night Productions celebrates Twelfth Night with its twelfth annual performance of Amahl and the Night Visitors, a short opera by Gian Carlo Menotti.

This fully orchestrated production of Menotti’s brilliantly scored opera tells the story of a poor young shepherd and his mother who receive a visit from the Three Kings on their way to Bethlehem: “Amahl’s mother welcomes the royal sojourners, who rest in the small, bare house where love and faith work miracles during the night.” (Publisher’s Weekly, 1986)

“Our production has become a tradition for many families in the Seattle area. It is a beautiful way to close the holiday season,” says artistic director Mary Opland Springer. Each year many cast members, musicians, and dancers return to recreate the magic of this beautiful opera.

Twelfth Night Productions is a non-profit performing arts organization located in the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. This production features several artists from the West Seattle community as well as the greater Seattle area.

Amahl and the Night Visitors runs in a special limited engagement at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, the former historic Cooper School, in West Seattle. Showtimes are: Friday, January 2nd, and Saturday, January 3rd, at 7:30 PM, with matinees at 3:00 PM on Saturday (1/3) and Sunday (1/4). Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students & seniors, and are available through Brown Paper Tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com), and at the Youngstown Theater on performance days.

Due to the popularity of this production and limited seating availability, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Amahl and the Night Visitors is produced through special arrangement with G. Schirmer Publishing Inc.

Here’s the direct link to the Brown Paper Tickets page for “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” We thank Twelfth Night Productions for supporting WSB with this sponsorship, and we hope you’ll support the local performing arts by enjoying “Amahl and the Night Visitors” this weekend!

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West Seattle New Year’s Eve 2008: Some highlights
December 31, 2008 7:02 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays

-The liquor store closes at 8 pm. Closing time is 7 pm at West Seattle Cellars.

-Several West Seattle restaurant/bar parties are listed on the WSB Holidays page, as is the Emerald City Wanderers‘ New Year’s Eve walk through West Seattle – start and finish at your own pace..

-Across the bay, Space Needle fireworks are planned, as usual, unless really bad weather gets in the way. (The day after Thanksgiving, it was too breezy for the downtown fireworks that accompany the lighting of the Macy’s star, so here’s hoping the weather doesn’t get in the way of tonight’s show too – per the TV preview, the Fire Department makes the call. Last year, a computer glitch threw things off a bit.)

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West Seattle Weather Watch: The wind finally showed up
December 31, 2008 2:00 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Just for the record. The National Weather Service crafted its late-night forecast to say it was expecting the strong wind to start around midnight; we’re just noticing it now, at 2 am. (Reference link which hopefully won’t be needed: Seattle City Light power outages are usually listed here.) 3:02 AM NOTE: 3 am NWS observation at Alki Point – gusting to 43 mph.

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West Seattle New Year’s Eve: Wondering what’s happening where?
December 28, 2008 5:40 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

Wanted to let you know that while holiday fun went on the back burner during Snowmare ’08, a list of West Seattle New Year’s Eve happenings is well under way on the WSB Holidays page, from church services to restaurant/bar parties – even a walk! (If you know of one [or more] WS NYE events we’re missing, please e-mail us a few details, editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!)

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Happening today: Farmers’ Market; rescheduled singalong
December 28, 2008 6:21 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle Farmers' Market

(added later, 12/28/08 WS Farmers’ Market photo, courtesy JayDee)
Two things that were supposed to happen in West Seattle last Sunday but didn’t, because of the snow, ARE happening today:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET – Back after an extremely rare cancellation. 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska. Here’s the link to the latest Ripe ‘n’ Ready Fresh Sheet.

ADMIRAL SINGS CHRISTMAS – Feel like you missed out on the usual dose of Christmas music because of being snowbound? This West Seattle holiday-singalong tradition was postponed a week – and you’re welcome to join in at 4 pm today at Admiral Congregational Church, California/Hill (here’s a map). Read more about it here.

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West Seattle Christmas 2008: Admiral Theater is open
December 25, 2008 2:20 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Admiral Theater | Fun stuff to do | Holidays

If you need some entertainment tonight (or just need to get out and go SOMEWHERE) – the Admiral Theater does show movies. Christmas-specific schedule is on the Admiral’s website – click each movie for its showtimes. (Shows start with “Religulous” at 3:50 pm.)

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Christmas 2008: Making up for what was missed
December 25, 2008 11:23 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays

The last holiday event we made it to before Snowpocalypse ’08, Snowmare ’08, whatever you prefer to call it, was the Christmas Ship at Seacrest on December 13th. We went to that one to get video, intending to bring it back to WSB HQ, publish it (which we did), and then go see the Lowman Beach/Alki stops later that night, just for fun (which we didn’t). The snow started (around 7 pm as chronicled here), and so did the WSB Collaborative Continuous Community Coverage (just made that one up). With most of us largely snowbound (except for essential runs like food or work), we’re not the only ones who missed out on some holiday traditions, including ones that happen outside West Seattle. So in the days ahead, we’ll make special note of anything you can catch up on. For starters, the WSB Holidays page has the new dates for a couple Christmas performances that were postponed because of the snow; also, we are noting that what we consider to be Puget Sound’s most wonderful Christmas lights display, Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo/Aquarium in Tacoma, has extended its run — it’s usually closed Christmas but is reopening tonight, and also adding an extra early-January weekend (see full details on the PDZA website). We have a favorite way of getting there – take the Fauntleroy ferry to Vashon, drive down Vashon to the Tahlequah/Point Defiance ferry. Not sure if the roads on Vashon are all clear yet, but in another few days, we might brave it. Our second-favorite lights display, Garden D’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden, says online that it’s hoping to reopen tomorrow. Stay tuned for other notes about extended chances to catch up on holiday cheer, and if you know of New Year’s Eve/Day events, please let us know, as the WSB Holidays page is in action till then – editor@westseattleblog.com. (Junction Christmas tree photo by Marybeth Coghill)

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West Seattle snow: Saturday night/overnight updates
December 20, 2008 6:59 pm
|      136 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(This post is now closed and Sunday morning coverage is under way; go here to see coverage from earlier Saturday – SUNDAY CLOSURES/CHANGES: Farmers’ Market canceled – No church at Westside Unitarian – Admiral Sings Christmas postponed to 12/28 – No mule rides in The Junction BUT as of right now Santa pix ARE still on – POWER OUTAGE SAFETY INFO AND READER TIPS HERE)

(photo by Tom F – that’s John Meer helping out tonight at the Holy Rosary tree lot in Admiral)
Here’s the official evening post – we’ll start with information from the 7 pm briefing expected from the city – stand by for that. Meanwhile, if you know of any additional closures/changes for tomorrow, please let us know. Mayor’s briefing under way – he says Weather Service expects winds 10 pm-1 am. That’s about it for useful info – he reiterated that all 27 of the city’s plow/sand trucks are out and working. Meantime, looks like the wind’s picked up further, at least here in Upper Fauntleroy.

7:24 PM UPDATE: Stuck head out the door (note our warning from the earlier post – the snow is blowing even onto covered porches, BEWARE unexpected slipperiness) – the wind is definitely getting stronger. Not massive trouble level yet but stronger, so now’s the time to make sure you have all that just-in-case-of-outage stuff handy.

7:44 PM UPDATE: From SDOT on Twitter: “Roads leading to Qwest Field will be plowed tomorrow to allow football fans to attend the game.”

8:55 PM UPDATE: Video’s the order of the night. Tried to get the howling wind and blowing snow on cam and the clip didn’t quite convey it. So we’re trying again. Meantime, Manuel W is out and about; he sent this link to a clip he shot in Morgan Junction about an hour and a half ago, just BEFORE the wind started revving up. Meantime, King County’s Emergency Operations Center is open too, according to a news release from the county; mostly the carbon-monoxide reminders yet again, but also a note that they’re plowing unincorporated areas. And this note about buses:

Metro Transit was able to operate much of its Saturday service on snow routing during the day, but began experiencing difficult travel conditions Saturday afternoon and evening. As conditions worsen, Metro may have to further curtail service. Metro anticipates having to significantly cut back Sunday service if road conditions are dangerous in the morning.

Also, an update on Thriftway – they did NOT close early, they’re open till midnight. And a reminder from earlier – the West Seattle Junction Association (WSB sponsor) is still planning to have Santa pix at Cupcake Royale and the holiday-cheer booth at California/Alaska, noon-4 pm tomorrow, UNLESS otherwise announced, though the draft-mule trolley rides are off (they can’t get here from Port Angeles).

If you’re not near a window – it looks like near-whiteout conditions out there. Here’s a taste of the blowing snow from a quick 9 pm walkaround:

Video thumbnail. Click to play
Click pic to play video

9:42 PM UPDATE: Alma just took a walk on Alki and came back with this photo from beneath the seawall:

Listening to the scanner – which we have programmed with various county frequencies as well as city – sounds like the eastside is really having a time of it, with power outages and trees down. Nothing on the city power outage list so far. Wind still howling outside our windows, though.

10:06 PM UPDATE: Latest forecast posted — calls for “periods of snow” tomorrow — the winds aren’t supposed to get any worse than they are about now, though, but of course, take it all under advisement. Well-known meteorologist Cliff Mass posted an 8:30 pm update with a chart. Reading his site’s comments, there’s a report of a 55 mph gust on Genesee Hill less than an hour ago.

FOR THE REST OF OUR AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE, INCLUDING PIX, CLICK AHEAD:Read More

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West Seattle snow: Thursday morning updates
December 18, 2008 5:14 am
|      293 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(THIS WAS THE MORNING POST – CLICK HERE FOR AFTERNOON COVERAGE. From earlier: School closures so far (as of 11:20 am): Seattle Public Schools, Holy Rosary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Hope Lutheran, West Seattle Montessori, Holy Family in White Center, Seattle Lutheran High School, Westside School, West Seattle Christian Preschool, Shorewood Christian, elementaries in Highline Public Schools, South Seattle Community College, elementary on Vashon, all closed. School delays: Vashon middle and high schools, 2 hours late; Highline middle and high schools are 1 hour late)

Finally happened. We’re on live-update watch now. More shortly. No school changes yet; we’re watching schoolreport.org among other places.

5:29 AM UPDATE: Seattle Public Schools are CLOSED for the day. Meteorologist on the radio describes this as a “band of showers.” Driving is dangerous right now since this is fresh, buses too according to a comment that just came in. And we just had THUNDER AND LIGHTNING in Upper Fauntleroy. Holy Rosary School is closed. Our Lady of Guadalupe is closed. Vashon School District, 2 hours late. Highline Public Schools, 1 hour late. (Got a closure? E-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com or call 206-293-6302)

5:47 AM UPDATE: Just heard a KING 5 producer on the phone on her station say she couldn’t get out of West Seattle via Delridge – undrivable at the moment – reportedly blocked by stuck buses. (We have the live bridge-cam up at the top of this post, also relisting school closures there too as they come in, as well as here in the continuing updates.) Another school delay: South Seattle Community College, 10 am start. Remember we have the bridge cam “live” pic (refresh for latest) atop this post; more West Seattle-relevant cams on our Traffic page. I-5 ramp on that page looks totally white.

5:56 AM UPDATE: Metro has updated its “adverse weather” page with bus routes that are on reroute. See the list here. It includes the 21, 22 (“not operating on 41st SW – ice” says the list), 23, 37, 53, 125, 128 (not entering the SSCC campus for those last two), and many others areawide.

6:03 AM UPDATE: Hope Lutheran School CLOSED for the day. Thanks to Chris for sending this photo of the buses in trouble on Delridge onramp to The Bridge:

West Seattle Montessori just called – CLOSED for the day, added to our running list at the TOP of this post (above the “live” bridge pic). Via Facebook (“friend” us at WS Blog), Talani at Stor-More Self-Storage (WSB sponsor) sends this photo of Avalon from Yancy (that’s the Tillicum Village HQ and gift shop in the background) and says it’s “solid white,” very treacherous:

Scanner says “it’s all turning to ice now … going to assume there will be accidents all over the place.” They can’t even get to accidents that are blocking or involve injuries, “we’re not going to car-in-the-ditch stuff” says dispatcher.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE REST OF OUR AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE:Read More

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Ready for Holiday Magic? At the Admiral this Saturday!
December 18, 2008 12:40 am
|    Comments Off on Ready for Holiday Magic? At the Admiral this Saturday!
 |   Admiral Theater | Fun stuff to do | Holidays

When you hear the phrase “holiday magic,” it’s usually in conjunction with some warm and fuzzy representation of sugarplums, lights, faux snow, and so on. But this Saturday morning at 11 am at the Admiral Theater — which along with presenting sponsor Metropolitan Market is advertising on WSB to get the word out — it’s Holiday Magic and Wonder with professional magician Steffan Soule (photo above) – here’s more info from The Admiral:

The show will connect all ages to genuine astonishment and even Old St. Nick is rumored to magically appear on-stage! Steffan promises; fluttering white doves will appear and disappear, an audience member will be suspended in mid-air, and other magical and mystical feats that will leave families gasping in disbelief.

Specially priced at $6.00 a ticket, the show will also benefit the West Seattle Helpline, which is looking to replenish their school supplies for their Students in Need Program. Executive Director Anna Fern is asking for basic supplies for elementary, middle and high school students such as pencils, notebook paper, crayons, colored pencils for map drawings, scissors, glue and pens. Backpacks are also much needed. After the magic show, there will be a photo opportunity for kids where parents can bring their own cameras to take pictures of their children with Santa for a suggested $1.00 donation, which will also go to the Helpline.

What a fun and inexpensive way to share the magic of the holidays with your whole family. There will be a dollar discount on each ticket with groups over 20. Group tickets must be purchased at the theater.

Online, tickets can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/48103. Tickets also are on sale at the Admiral Theater.

Soule is a seasoned children’s performer as well as an excellent entertainer of adult and corporate audiences. He performed a program of magic and music for children with The Seattle Symphony and has created educational and environmental magic shows that tour the country. He is also a favorite in school educational assemblies and supplies special arts programs to colleges, high schools as well as elementary schools.

For additional information on the 11 am Saturday (12/20) show, go to: steffansoule.com/admiral, or call 206-938-0785.

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Another Viaduct voice: City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
December 15, 2008 12:32 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | Fun stuff to do | Transportation | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

In the four days since first word of the two “scenarios” for Alaskan Way Viaduct Central Waterfront replacement — one, a “couplet” of surface streets; the other, a new single-deck viaduct, 2 side-by-side structures — WSB has brought you comments and commentary from: The two West Seattleites on the Stakeholders Advisory Committee, Vlad Oustimovitch of Gatewood (read his thoughts here) and Pete Spalding of Pigeon Point (read his, here), former West Seattle Herald editor Jack Mayne (read his guest editorial here), and the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. We also asked West Seattle-residing (but entire-city-representing) City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen if he would share his thoughts; here they are:

As a resident of West Seattle I find the viaduct incredibly convenient to travel between home and downtown and to most areas west of I-5. Often, other routes are slower and less direct. For this reason the elevated options are attractive.

However, I believe we have to look at numerous factors as we make a decision we will live with for the next century. For historical context, your readers may recall the decisions made by the city nearly twenty-five years ago to build the high and low level West Seattle bridges were very contentious and controversial. The high level bridge was opposed in large part because it cost more than a low level drawbridge. The high level bridge was selected because it would meet current and future transportation needs.

The low level swing bridge was controversial because it employed a unique technology and replaced a four lane bridge with a two lane bridge which allowed the construction of shoulders, pedestrian and bicycle lanes and a clear shipping channel for future maritime needs. The low level swing bridge was more costly than other options but was selected because it too would meet current and future transportation needs.

Like the West Seattle Bridge decisions, I hope the option selected by the state to replace the viaduct will be one which will best serve the City for many generations and that speed and costs are not the only criteria. For the long term benefit of the City I believe that we need to consider a number of factors. Speed, convenience, number of vehicles served are important but are not the only criteria. We should also consider the environmental and economic benefits and how we can improve conditions on our waterfront to make it more attractive to all of us including visitors and businesses.

The options that I favor are those which would remove the elevated structure and replace it with a combination of surface street and transit improvements without creating highway-like conditions on the waterfront. The options that I would support should meet our needs now and preserve the ability to construct a cut-and-cover or deep bored tunnel if required to meet any need in the future for additional non-stop transportation through the City. We can select an option today that preserves future options which are complimentary to the investment we would make now.

I want Seattle to support our current businesses and successfully compete for international trade and business. I meet with local business leaders and with executives who are traveling to Seattle to explore opportunities. Last week I met with executives of French-owned companies that have major businesses here and who are seeking new opportunities. It was interesting how often the beauty of the setting of our City is mentioned as being attractive to them. On more than one occasion individuals told me how they hope that Seattle does create a great waterfront. Other cities are doing this and I am confident we can too while meeting our transportation needs.

Tom Rasmussen

Last reminder, tonight is a major opportunity to voice your opinion “in person” — the public forum at Town Hall downtown, starting at 5 pm (here’s a map/directions to TH).
All WSB Alaskan Way Viaduct coverage is archived here, newest to oldest; project information is at alaskanwayviaduct.org. To read what citywide news sources are reporting about the Viaduct, see the latest links on the WSB “More” page (which also automatically picks up citywide media coverage of West Seattle).

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West Seattle snow (and ice): Monday morning updates
December 15, 2008 5:12 am
|      86 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Seen around town | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(this post covered 5:12 am to just after noon – afternoon updates are in a newer post; click here to go there)

(latest image from city camera pointing east on The Bridge; refresh for updated image)

(latest image from city camera at Fauntleroy/Alaska, pointing NE; refresh for updated image)
Before the time-stamped updates, our link list:

WSB Traffic page with additional cameras/links relevant to West Seattle commuters
City info on snow/ice routes/procedures (including link to plowed-routes map)
County info on snow/ice routes/procedures (including Metro reroutes)
Metro “adverse weather” service status
King County road alerts
Latest forecast
WSDOT trouble spots via Twitter
Washington State Ferries “service bulletins”
Live 911 log for Seattle fire/medic calls

FIRST UPDATE AT 5:12 AM: Seattle Public Schools will start two hours late today, and its buses will be on their “snow routes,” per the district’s website; other area school changes here. More school and commute updates to come – once you get to work (or wherever), please share what your drive was like, so others will know – thanks! More to come. We’re monitoring citywide traffic reports and for starters, the “major routes are OK – side streets are still the problem” overview prevails. (We saw the plow going back along California, south to Thistle and then turning around to head back, again at 2 am.)

5:34 AM UPDATE: From Metro, its overview:

Because there was no significant precipitation overnight, most Metro Transit buses are operating with regular routing Monday morning. But, approximately two dozen routes – mainly in West Seattle, South Seattle, and East Kent – are experiencing problems due to icy side streets. As of 4:30 a.m., only a few were on snow routing. The other routes in those areas are operating with chains, which could slow service.

Here’s the Metro service status page; we’re checking for West Seattle specifics. (Here’s the full Metro news release.)

5:54 AM UPDATE: Metro’s Linda Thielke tells WSB the “adverse weather” info page IS BEING UPDATED NOW so currently has LAST NIGHT’S INFO – here are a few things from this morning: “Right now, the 22 can’t go on California between Morgan and Thistle. The 21 is running a shuttle through Arbor Heights, otherwise on regular routing. The Route 23 is staying off of Highland Parkway. The 37 and 53 are using Erskine Way to avoid 49th.”

6 AM UPDATE, BUS SPECIFICS NOW AVAILABLE: The Metro page IS updated now; it shows the 21, 22, 23, 37, 53 and 128 ALL on “adverse weather routing.”

(previous screengrab removed since it’s outdated; see new one further down)

6:10 AM UPDATE: Monitoring TV reports (as well as radio reports, police/fire/public works frequencies on scanner, websites etc.). The Bridge is OK (see “live” camera at the top of this post), onramps can be dicey (er, icy), it’s reported.

6:30 AM UPDATE: Sanding truck just went by our nearest arterial intersection (California/Thistle) again. We’ll be checking later on an interesting question: Will trash/recycling pick up today? (This is our neighborhood’s pickup day, anyway.) Thanks to everyone who continues to post commute reports in the comment section — some questions, there, too, so if you’ve been out driving, maybe you can help answer them, neighbor to neighbor. Adding to the school info: South Seattle Community College will start at 10 am today.

6:48 AM UPDATE: Wondering about the rest of the week? No more snow expected till Tuesday night and Wednesday – the forecast (for what it’s worth) on Wed. COULD, we say COULD, be ugly – “anywhere from a couple to as much as six inches of new snow for the lowlands” that day, according to the “forecast discussion.” So just in case – today/tonight’s a great time for shopping … Meantime, as commute comments continue to come in beneath this post, Elyse writes, and Scott C said this in e-mail, getting all the way to Everett was no problem – smooth sailing outside WS – 35th to The Bridge is fine.

6:57 AM UPDATE: That photo from Talani at Stor-More Self-Storage (WSB sponsor) via Facebook, with this note on the nearby Avalon/Yancy intersection (map):

We see cars driving down Avalon, we see busses driving down Avalon, we see cars driving down Yancy…we see them all going very slowly and cautiously…we hear crunching, even when they are on the black top…so sheets of ice are out there, even though it’s lookin’ better than yesterday…we care about ya…be careful out there…free hot chocolate, coffee, and mochas at Stor-More Self Storage today from 9-6 for all our brave neighbors.

7:29 AM UPDATE: Metro has added another route to its table of buses on “adverse weather” routes – NOT a West Seattle bus (it’s the 123) but nonetheless we want to make sure you’re getting the latest regional info in case you transfer – this is the newest screengrab (*removed because it’s outdated – see 11 am hour for latest one)

8:02 AM UPDATE: Another school change: Westside School is starting at 9:30 am. No major road problems reported so far. We’re going out for a pic of our intersection now that it’s light, just to see what several overnight deicings/sandings have done.

8:19 AM UPDATE: The Olympics are gorgeous pink and snow-frosted (finally). The sidewalks, death-defying. Just took a short walk outside WSB HQ for these views and nearly fell despite all efforts at safely. First one is looking north on California from Thistle – both looking well-sanded/de-iced; second, though, is what Mona would call an Icy Side Street of Death – SW Sullivan, a block south of Thistle:

8:35 AM UPDATE: Just got a note from Sharonn Meeks; in the Fairmount neighborhood, steep 37th is closed from Providence Mount St. Vincent north to SW Alaska:

8:58 AM UPDATE: Thanks to Michelle for letting us know that Holy Rosary School has now changed its status – instead of a delay, it’s closed for today. (Website confirms.)

COVERAGE CONTINUED TILL NOON – TO SEE THE REST OF IT, CLICK AHEAD:Read More

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Happening now: Holiday shopping at Delridge CC and C & P
December 13, 2008 12:41 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: Holiday shopping at Delridge CC and C & P
 |   Delridge | Fun stuff to do | Holidays | WS culture/arts

Just back from a whirlwind visit to two holiday bazaar/sale events under way in West Seattle till 3 pm. Above, sisters Danielle Aguilar and Bri’Anna Smith are selling not just warm handmade hats at the Delridge Community Center bazaar, but also the coolest recycled-material lunch bags we’ve seen in a while — quilted out of plastic grocery bags. Bri’Anna makes it all and you can find her online at myspace.com/knitagainstthemachine – meantime, we found another West Seattle sister team selling holiday-gift treats (including flavored nuts and creatively packaged candies) nearby:

Those are from Twisted Sisters Emporium, created by Connie O’Donnell and Diane Radischat (who you may know from Special Editions Studio). Also at Delridge Community Center till 3 pm, those gorgeous West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival handmade glass ornaments, with Hi-Yu Queen Margo Femiano and Junior Court Princess Anna Fuller on hand:

Next, it’s over to C & P Coffee, where a cozy but bustling arts/crafts sale also continues till 3 pm. We were captivated by these neighborhood-pride (little map segments of West Seattle and other Seattle neighborhoods) magnets that Cyn Moore (cyncity pendants) is selling:

She says you can find her neighborhood pendants and other items at Twilight in The Junction, too. One more craftsperson you’ll find at C & P today – Machel Spence of WavyShell:

More of today’s events (Christmas Ship tonight – three West Seattle stops!) are listed on the WSB West Seattle Weekend Lineup.

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Your West Seattle Saturday: The fun before the chill
December 13, 2008 7:02 am
|    Comments Off on Your West Seattle Saturday: The fun before the chill
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle weather

THE CHILL: Snow or no, just be ready for COLD by nighttime. Latest analysis here.

THE FUN: Click here to go directly to the Saturday section of the West Seattle Weekend Lineup. A few new listings came in after we published it yesterday, so even if you checked once, worth another look! (If you’re shopping, our Coupons have discounts and freebies.)

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West Seattle Weekend Lineup: Tree! Music! Santa! Christmas Ship!
December 12, 2008 1:14 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Weekend Lineup: Tree! Music! Santa! Christmas Ship!
 |   Fun stuff to do | WS culture/arts | WS Weekend Lineup

wswllicon3.pngRegardless of what the weather does or doesn’t do, this is perhaps the very best pre-Christmas weekend – second-to-last weekend before The Holiday, so nobody’s in pre-holiday panic mode yet. And what a wonderful thing that is, since we have a tree lighting tonight, Christmas Ship visits Saturday and Sunday nights, Santa in The Junction and at Westwood Village, wondrous musical offerings, and the WSB Forum members inviting you to a great party and donation drive on Sunday … It’s not all holidays, though – there’s “hardcore karaoke” tonight at Skylark (WSB sponsor), for example, and a circus/acrobatics show at Youngstown! In all, more than 50 West Seattle events listed ahead:Read More

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Happening now: West Seattle Art Walk, holiday edition
December 11, 2008 6:45 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: West Seattle Art Walk, holiday edition
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

That’s artist Lisa Pettit, one of dozens of local artists showing their works during tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk – which you can enjoy at any or all of more than 40 venues, all over WS, till 9 o’clock tonight (full list here). Lisa’s showing drawings and etchings at Brunette Mix, which is on Oregon just west of California (see more of Lisa’s art at her website; her work is on display at the salon all month). On the other end of the heart of The Junction, you’ll find WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli at Ama Ama (WSB sponsor), where his imagery is being displayed on the flatscreens over the bar. Wherever you go — meet an artist, enjoy art and refreshments, holiday-shop, and have fun under the full moon!

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New West Seattle Whole Foods sign: More rumor debunking
December 11, 2008 1:09 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Development | Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

Just spotted this while heading through the Fauntleroy/Alaska/39th intersection, and pulled over to grab a pic. The sign appeared after a day in which we checked yet another “is the project dead?” rumor — several WSB’ers sent us the link to an online report in which a writer (without a quote to substantiate) claimed “new stores were on hold” — we subsequently contacted the regional Whole Foods spokesperson, who promptly responded that report was wrong and had even omitted information she said she had given the writer to clarify a company memo he’d received, and YES, the West Seattle store is still on schedule. (As we reported here a week ago, after checking yet another round of rumors with both Whole Foods and with developer BlueStar.) So now — a sign. As we noted in last week’s story, BlueStar explains that the reason you’re not seeing active construction work at the site right now is that they’re between “phases” and will resume early in the year (that’s when they say the big crane will show up, too). The project continues to evolve behind the scenes as well; BlueStar’s project manager, Easton Craft, tells WSB today, “Based on the uniqueness of the current economic climate we are able to create some value engineering opportunities that will reduce the overall project budget. We plan to take full advantage of those opportunities. Conducting the value engineering exercise will have no discernible impact on the design of the project. We have now gone through the MUP [Master Use Permit] process twice and are excited about the current design. We are also very happy with our General Contractor, Ledcor Construction. They have been and continue to be a valued asset to this project and an excellent team player in this process.” (All WSB coverage of this project is archived here.)

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Sustainable West Seattle’s “spree” a smash
December 8, 2008 11:58 pm
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 |   Environment | Fun stuff to do | Holidays | Sustainable West Seattle | West Seattle news

That’s Stu Hennessey from Alki Bike and Board (WSB sponsor) with Sustainable West Seattle president Bill Reiswig and daughter Linnea at tonight’s SWS Money-Free Shopping Spree holiday party at Camp Long — where handmade/sustainably produced gifts were exchanged as were gift certificates for experiences/services:

Guest speakers included West Seattle Chamber of Commerce executive director Patti Mullen, who reminded everybody that “shopping local” means “shopping sustainably” because the more local businesses survive and thrive, the less we’ll all have to cross the bridge to find … anything!

Also discussed: The “Celebrate Local” pledge (still time for you to take it!) – the deals offered by King County Waste-Free Holidays are part of that campaign. Sustainable West Seattle usually meets the third Monday of each month; you’ll find SWS online at sustainablewestseattle.org.

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