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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: First Friday of 2015
January 2, 2015 6:16 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
We’re watching traffic just in case you’re working today – and we have a few reminders/notes:

METRO: One final day of “reduced weekday” service – back to regular weekday on Monday (January 5th).

WATER TAXI: Back in service after the New Year’s Day holiday. And the Spirit of Kingston is done with its annual maintenance, so you’ll see it today on the West Seattle run, while the Melissa Ann – seen in TW‘s photo below – will be back on the Vashon run:

(Did you catch the sneak peek at the new, almost-ready Water Taxi?)

FERRY DOCK TONIGHT: As previewed here last week, cleaning work tonight and most if not all nights for the next two weeks will affect the Fauntleroy ferry dock and vicinity.

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West Seattle weather: What happened last year; what’s up now
January 1, 2015 8:55 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Click image for larger view)
There’s your view over West Seattle on the first day of 2015, southward toward Mount Rainier, courtesy of Long Bach Nguyen. If the forecast bears out, it’s our last chance at that view for a while. If you’re in the mood for one more look back, here’s the National Weather Service‘s 2014 Western Washington Year In Review (with one update, the recent cold weather has dropped the year’s average high to 55.1, according to an NWS tweet earlier today). If you’re looking for what’s happening now and in the hours/days ahead, check out the WSB West Seattle Weather page – available any time, with more than just weather information; it includes sunrise/set, moonrise/set, tides, even the UV index (by request).

ADDED 10:53 PM: Bonus photo just in from David Hutchinson:

That was the view from Seacrest (and from nearby Don Armeni, where we were, about that same time) during the first sunset of 2015.

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VIDEO: West Seattle New Year’s Day 2015 Polar Bear Swim!
January 1, 2015 3:15 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(WSB video/photos, unless otherwise credited)
Though the New Year had arrived 10 hours earlier, for hundreds, it wasn’t 2015 until the annual Polar Bear Swim at Alki Beach. This year, the water was warmer than the air – ~50 degrees and 32 degrees respectively. Whatever the temperature or weather conditions, some wouldn’t miss it, like Kayleen Dunson and her fellow softball umpires (join them on the field this year!), with the morning’s most-patriotic photo op:

Water-testing was called for, too.

Of course, Seahawks fans were in view …

… after on-the-beach decorating:

Not as many costumed swimmers this year, but festive hats were in evidence:

(That photo and next by Russ Walker, whose Flickr gallery is here)

Big smiles too – this one’s from Frank Gross of Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor):

Finally it was time for the countdown – here’s organizer Mark Ufkes with the megaphone:

And … they’re off!

(Photo by Craig Young)
Post-plunge, organizer Ufkes was of course among those emerging triumphantly:

Spectators caught it all:

Awaiting the newly soaked Polar Bears, chowder from Duke’s across the street, and info about the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s upcoming Totem Cruise:

(Photo courtesy SWSHS/Clay Eals)
That’s SWSHS volunteer Liz Day in the foreground; in the background, Duke’s GM Greg Green and server Autumn Kline with the chowder. Whether you swam, stayed on shore, or stayed home, a Happy 2015 to all!

Past years’ WSB coverage:
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010

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West Seattle traffic-alert updates: Eastbound bridge crash cleared; pedestrian hit on Harbor
January 1, 2015 1:41 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

1:41 PM: You wouldn’t expect to encounter a backup on the West Seattle Bridge on a holiday – but there’s one on the eastbound side now because of a crash that we’re told is between Nucor and the crest. Seattle Fire‘s response cleared quickly, suggesting no major injuries, but with the backup, wait a while to head that way if you have to. (A couple of key SDOT cameras aren’t working today, so we don’t have a view of the scene; thanks for the tips.)

2:02 PM: Update from SDOT via Twitter:

Thanks also to Jean-Paul for this view:

2:20 PM: Thanks to Tim for the update in the comment section – scene’s clear, backup should clear soon.

2:41 PM: If you’re seeing the emergency response on Harbor Avenue at the bottom of California Way, by Seacrest, a vehicle is reported to have hit a pedestrian. Injuries weren’t serious, if any; the pedestrian was reported to be the person who made the 911 call and was reported to have been declining medical assistance.

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‘Stagnant weather’ brings Stage 1 burn ban for King County
January 1, 2015 1:01 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

Our area and the rest of King County is now under a Stage 1 burn ban, announced by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency because of “stagnant weather conditions and rising air pollution,” expected to continue at least until tomorrow. Here’s what a Stage 1 burn ban means:

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

* The only exception is if the homeowner has a previously approved ‘No Other Adequate Source of Heat’ designation from the Clean Air Agency

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

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

* It is OK to use natural gas and propane stoves or inserts during a Stage 1 burn ban.

We’ll publish an update whenever the burn ban is lifted.

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Update: Fire response at Admiral McDonald’s, but no fire
January 1, 2015 9:13 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
9:13 AM: Big Seattle Fire response at the McDonald’s in Admiral (3003 California SW), but our crew on the scene says it’s not a major problem – the smoke that led to fire concern was apparently sparked by mechanical trouble, possibly with the HVAC system. Some of the crews have been dismissed already. More to come.

9:20 AM: Just heard over the scanner – “this is smoke from a properly operating cooking exhaust system.” All but one engine will be leaving. (added) Our crew says SFD is allowing everyone back in, and the restaurant’s open for business.

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West Seattle New Year’s Day 2015: What’s up as the year begins
January 1, 2015 6:30 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Happy 2015! Thanks to Gary Jones for the bald-eagle photos from Alki Point. Here’s what you need to know about today:

TRANSIT: Sunday schedule for Metro; no Water Taxi; Sound Transit‘s Route 560 is on a Sunday schedule; Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on a regular weekday schedule.

RESTAURANTS: Here’s our list of who told us, when we did research before Christmas, they’d be open New Year’s Day. Might be some missing if they didn’t answer our inquiries; might be someone who’s changed their plan since last we checked in; so please let us know of discrepancies – text or call 206-293-6302.

COFFEE FOR A CAUSE: Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) is continuing its New Year’s giving campaign by offering a special drink today – the “2015” white chocolate and blackberry mocha – with $3 going to WestSide Baby. (4410 California SW)

NEW YEAR’S WALKS: 5- and 10-kilometer routes, noncompetitive, no fee, take off between 9 am and noon from St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, which is sponsoring the walks along with Emerald City Wanderers. More info in our calendar listing. (3050 California SW)

POLAR BEAR SWIM: This is the big annual one. 10 am (get there early!) from the beach across from Duke’s. Details in our calendar listing. (58th/Alki)

HANGOVER BRUNCH AT MARINATION MA KAI: Open early – 10 am; see the Marination ma kai (WSB sponsor) “epic hangover brunch” details here. (1660 Harbor SW)

‘KILL YOUR HANGOVER’ AT FEEDBACK LOUNGE: 6th annual edition at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) – drink specials, big-screen football, more. Open at 11:30. (6451 California SW)

CONTEMPLATIVE WORSHIP: What better time, than the first night of the year? 6:30 pm at Westside Unitarian Universalist. (7141 California SW)

LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … by browsing our calendar, any time!

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West Seattle New Year 2015 scenes: Needle’s fab fireworks
January 1, 2015 2:07 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle New Year 2015 scenes: Needle’s fab fireworks
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

The colorful show from the Space Needle at midnight, more visible from West Seattle than last year (remember the fog?). Our first photos are from David Hutchinson.

This was the 30th annual “New Year’s at the Needle” fireworks show, by the way. If you missed the show or want to see it again, here’s the link to KING 5’s video.

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West Seattle New Year’s Eve scenes: 2014 making way for 2015
December 31, 2014 11:38 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

With less than half an hour to go in 2014, some scenes from tonight: Above, Long Bach Nguyen‘s aerial view of West Seattle after the last sunset of the year; below, Trileigh Tucker‘s sea-level view from Lowman Beach around the same time:

And one of the first New Year toasts in West Seattle tonight – at Peel and Press in Morgan Junction, proprietor Dan Austin offered a toast when 2015 arrived in the Eastern time zone at 9 pm, and shared the photo:

Any other New Year’s Eve scenes to share, now or later (impending Needle fireworks, for example)? editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you, and here’s to 2015!

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High-school basketball: West Seattle HS boys’ tournament win
December 31, 2014 11:02 pm
|    Comments Off on High-school basketball: West Seattle HS boys’ tournament win
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

From West Seattle High School boys’ basketball head coach Keffrey Fazio:

The West Seattle HS Boys Basketball team traveled to the Mountlake Terrace Holiday Basketball Classic on Monday and Tuesday for a 4-team tournament.

The Wildcats went 2-0 and won their pool. WSHS beat host school Mountlake Terrace on Monday and then beat Bellingham on Tuesday for the bracket championship.

WSHS was led by sophomore point guard Nate Pryor, who was tournament player of the game, scoring 28 points in the first contest, then scoring 23 in the second. He had help from senior Andre Moore, and juniors Carter Golgart, Chaaka Trahan, and Melvin Arrington. Sophomore Akili Kasim played well off the bench for the Wildcats.

West Seattle resumes Metro League play Tuesday, January 6th, at home against O’Dea. JV 5:30 pm, Varsity 7:00 pm.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Morgan Junction business shot at
December 31, 2014 9:48 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Somebody fired two shots into the front window of a south Morgan Junction business less than an hour ago. Our photo shows one of the bullet holes in the glass at Stella Ruffington, a dog-care center in the 7000 block of California SW. No one at the business wanted to comment; police say no one was hurt, neither human nor canine. They were trying to sort out the circumstances.

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Most-commented-on WSB stories of 2014: See who said what
December 31, 2014 4:32 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online

Again this year, we’ve rounded up the year’s most-commented-on WSB stories. These aren’t necessarily the most important stories (many stories are much-read but little-commented), but we always find it an interesting look back; hope you do too!

#11 – 4-mile, 5-hour closure after Highway 99 crash, June 10, 2014 – 121 comments
****Followup note – This much-scrutinized situation was reviewed at City Hall earlier this month; it’s led to changes including more hours of staffing at the city Traffic Management Center.

#10 – SDOT apologies for ‘scumbag hat’ tweet making fun of West Seattle Bridge drivers, May 5, 2014 – 122 comments

#9 – Barton family eviction/protest, July 18, 2014 – 131 comments
****Followup note – Their foreclosure lawsuit is still making its way through the court system at last check.

#8 – West Seattle Health Club officially open, November 4, 2014 – 137 comments

#7 – West Seattle Athletic Club closes; property owner opening WS Health Club, October 25, 2014 – 140 comments
****Followup note on the previous two – The gym’s popular swimming pool has yet to reopen; management says HVAC equipment is still on the way.

Read More

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More road repairs, more microsurfacing ahead for Arbor Heights
December 31, 2014 3:26 pm
|    Comments Off on More road repairs, more microsurfacing ahead for Arbor Heights
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Just in from SDOT:

Crews from the Seattle Department of Transportation are scheduled to make minor repairs such as filling potholes and depressions on numerous blocks in Arbor Heights starting Monday, Jan. 5, weather permitting. SDOT anticipates the work will be completed in less than a month.

The repair work will focus on non-arterial blocks in the western and southwestern sections of Arbor Heights. These repairs will improve the pavement condition to a level where a microsurfacing preventive maintenance treatment would be effective.

Microsurfacing is a protective seal coat which extends the life of pavement. It is a thin, tough layer of asphalt emulsion blended with finely crushed stone for traction.

SDOT’s contractor microsurfaced approximately 27 lane-miles of streets in Arbor Heights last summer. SDOT is now in the process of finalizing the list of blocks that will be included in a smaller microsurfacing project in Arbor Heights this summer. Streets being repaired at this time may or may not be included in this summer’s microsurfacing project.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Thief’s outfit caught on camera; car stolen; car found; prowler/peeper; store burglary…
December 31, 2014 1:37 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Barring breaking news, here’s our last West Seattle Crime Watch roundup of 2014. (You can always check the archives, by the way, via either the CW page – see the tab on our header – or here.) We are always sorry to hear about ANY of this happening, but we appreciate the reader reports, so that other West Seattleites can be better-informed – as we mention often, we don’t get as much information from police as you might assume. (We’re working on that, though.)

RECOGNIZE THIS CAMERA THIEF’S JACKET/BOOTS? From Grant in Morgan Junction:

My home’s two exterior security cameras were stolen on Monday, December 29 around 10:00 pm. I believe the thief crept along a narrow unlit path alongside my property, then across my backyard, and around to my front door to disable and remove my door camera from behind. Next he proceeded to my driveway camera where he again came up from behind it and disabled it before removing and leaving.

A rake was found by my door suggesting this was used tilt the camera. The door camera was thoroughly removed with a screwdriver, but the driveway camera had part of its mount left attached to the house. This suggests to me the thief was probably just wanting to get the cameras fast to sell them.

If nothing else, it shows someone had studied my house beforehand and planned how to come in through the backyard to take these at night. That person may have already been in the backyard before to make sure there was no backyard cam to catch him coming in that way. Lesson learned: mount valuables like security camera high up and with tamper-resistant screws, and make sure a thief can’t disable and remove them from behind.

HAVE YOU SEEN KATHY’S CAR? Stolen in Upper Fauntleroy:

My one and only family car….blue 1997 4-door Honda Civic was stolen last night on SW Sullivan Street near 39th Avenue SW. It has a child’s car seat in the back. License plate AJY 3038. The black chrome along the bottom of the driver’s side has also been removed (previous car prowl incident) . There are a couple of small bumper stickers on the back with Seattle Storm license plate frame.

Call 911 if you see it.

Click or scroll for (updated) three more reports – another stolen car, found; prowler/peeper at a local home; and (just confirmed and added, 2:07 pm) a store break-in:

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West Seattle New Year’s Eve: What’s up as 2014 closes out
December 31, 2014 11:41 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(Photo by John Hinkey)
This is it – goodbye to 2014! Before the New Year’s Eve highlights, two more Olympics views:

(Panorama by Chris Frankovich)
Now, on with what’s up in this year’s final hours:

NEW YEAR’S EVE FOOD DRIVE: At Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), open until 5 tonight, a food drive. As proprietor Lora Swift explains, “We’ll be offering free 8 oz lattes to anyone who brings in a non-perishable food item. It’s a way for everyone to end 2014 on a good note!” (4410 California SW)

RESTAURANTS OPEN TODAY/TONIGHT AND/OR TOMORROW: Here again is our holiday restaurant list, including which local restaurants told us they would be open tonight and/or tomorrow. (Please note, as always, plans might have changed since our research, so if you have an update to report, text/call us ASAP – 206-293-6302 – thank you!)

TAKE A NEW YEAR’S EVE WALK: Hosted by the Emerald City Wanderers and St John the Baptist Episcopal Church, and sanctioned by the American Volkssport Association: Noncompetitive 5- and 10-kilometer walks starting from the church, no fee – “And there’ll be hot soup to chase away any chills.” Start any time between 4 and 7 pm. (California/Hanford)

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER AT CASSIS (WSB sponsor): See the special prix-fixe menu here. (2820 Alki SW)

CORNER BAR AND NOT-SO-SILENT-NIGHT PARADE: 6 pm start for the annual New Year’s Eve celebration at and around Highland Park Improvement Club – first the Not So Silent Night Parade, then the Sage Comet, then the Corner Bar, as noted on the HPIC website. Be there! (12th/Holden)

BURNING BOWL CEREMONY: 7 pm at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation: “Ceremonies that involve fire as a cleansing ritual go back to ancient times. The service will include music, readings, prayers, singing, and the burning bowl ceremony.” (7141 California SW)

SACRED HOOP: A “more-ceremonial way” to welcome the New Year. 8 pm-1 am at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse. Details here. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

NYE AT SKYLARK CAFE/CLUB: 9 pm, New Year’s Eve with Hibou, 9 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

NYE AT YEN WOR VILLAGE: Guy will start karaoke at 9 pm, stop it down for about 10 minutes of countdowns to the New Year’s arrival at midnight, then continue karaoke until 2 pm. (California/College)

NYE AT FEEDBACK LOUNGE: New Year’s Eve party with Off The Hook Band, 9:30 pm, no cover, champagne at midnight. (6451 California SW)

P.S. – WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS FINALE: Last night this year to visit the music-synched West Seattle Lights/Helmstetler Family Spectacular. See the schedule here. Bring food to donate to the West Seattle Food Bank. (3908 SW Charlestown)

AND SPEAKING OF LIGHTS … if you’re new to West Seattle, yes, you can see the Space Needle fireworks (midnight) from north-facing north West Seattle. But don’t rush out at quarter till midnight and expect to find a great spot at the last minute. Trust us. (And if you notice that the Needle’s pink, no, it’s not for breast-cancer awareness; it’s a commercial sponsor.)

IN THE HOLIDAY GUIDE: At westseattleblog.com/westseattleholidays – even more of what’s up tonight – and, what’s up for New Year’s Day tomorrow!

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Almost-West Seattle scene: Last sign of the Sears sign
December 31, 2014 11:28 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

11:28 AM: Thanks to Bill Schrier for spotting and sharing this while visiting SODO – the sign for the shuttered, historic Sears store is coming down. “Kind of a nostalgic end of a historic brand in SODO for the last day of 2014,” he observes. We noted the store’s closure announcement last February, primarily because it meant the Rotary Club of West Seattle would have to find someplace new for its annual Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree. (Ultimately, it moved to the Sears store at Southcenter.) As for the fate of the sign and the question of whether anyone’s leased the space yet – we don’t know but are trying to find out. (This might suggest the answer to the latter, at least, is “no.”)

ADDED 12:44 PM: According to the company that owns the building, no new tenant yet, as the Sears lease runs another year.

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New achievement for West Seattle’s top ump Kayleen Dunson, as she prepares to plunge (will you join her on the beach or field?)
December 31, 2014 10:10 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS & Sports

If you’re going to tomorrow’s 10 am Polar Bear Swim at Alki Beach – watch for the softball umpires who are doing it again this year. Leading the way will be West Seattle’s Kayleen Dunson, who shares the news of a big achievement in her storied career as an ump:

Kayleen Dunson, the Umpire in Chief for Seattle/Tacoma, and West Seattle resident, just earned ELITE Umpire Status from USA/ASA Softball.

Less than 1 percent of the 30,000 USA/ASA softball umpires in the country earn their Elite Umpire Status. It is the highest award for an American umpire. Kayleen joins just 14 other umpires in the Seattle area who have earned their Elite.

Only umpires who have earned their Elite Status are eligible to apply to become certified International Softball Federation (ISF) umpires – and only ISF umpires can work international championships – like the Olympics!

Kayleen will try for her ISF certification this July. And it’s looking like softball may make it’s way back into the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Could she be selected to represent the United States there? It’s possible.

But Kayleen isn’t about the glory. “I do this because I’m having so much fun,” she said. She and about 15 other softball umpires will be “Polar Plunging” at Alki on New Year’s Day. “Umpiring is a family – like any family we have the ‘Steady Eddies’ and the ‘Crazies.’ On New Years Day a bunch of my like-minded ‘Crazies’ join me for a Plunge into Puget Sound – in full uniform. It’s a bond as strong as any family bond.”

Seattle needs about 50 new Softball Umpires this year. If you are interested, check out their website at www.smsua.org – or contact “Krazy Kayleen” at umpkayleen@outlook.com.

Kayleen adds an update about two people who signed up after past reports here: “West Seattle umpires Shani Neamen and Mike Katz both umpired their first National Championship Tournament this past summer. They did awesome!”

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Memorial service Sunday for Mary Jane Erlewine, 1932-2014
December 31, 2014 9:12 am
|    Comments Off on Memorial service Sunday for Mary Jane Erlewine, 1932-2014
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

In the days ahead, family and friends are saying goodbye to Mary Jane Erlewine, who died last week at 82. Here’s the remembrance sent to us to share with you:

Mary Jane Erlewine, a longtime resident of West Seattle, passed away on Friday, December 26th.

Mary Jane was born on April 23rd, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in nursing. She put her education to use as a registered nurse with Group Health Cooperative for over 25 years. She was married to Lewis Erlewine from 1958 until his death in 2000. She is survived by her sons Jim Erlewine, Tom Erlewine, Robert Erlewine, daughter-in-law Traci, granddaughter Christina, grandson Michael, brother Charles Gillece & his wife Beverly, sister Dolores Mehringer & husband Otto, and numerous nieces & nephews.

She was full of life and had a kind and generous spirit. Visiting new places, meeting new people, the symphony, the ballet, Alki Beach and her cabin on Ohop Lake in Eatonville brought joy to her life. Her laugh was infectious and will be missed very, very much.

Please join us for a celebration of her life. All are welcome. If you are unable to attend, celebrate by saying a prayer, sharing a memory &/or paying it forward.

Visitation
Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 6701 30th Avenue SW

Service
Sunday, January 4, 2015 at 3 pm
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish, 7000 35th Avenue SW

Burial
Monday, January 5th at 11:00 am
Calvary Cemetery, 5041 35th Avenue NE

(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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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: New Year’s Eve begins; Admiral alert
December 31, 2014 6:41 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning and welcome to the last day of 2014. Again today, Metro is on its “reduced weekday” schedule.

ADMIRAL ALERT: Crews worked late into the night at the bottom of the Admiral Way hill, just north of the bridge, at the scene of a water-line break. From the comment thread on our afternoon/evening story, Val has the first report on this morning’s conditions:

Went through there southbound just before 3:00 am and all the work has been completed. Northbound lanes have a couple of rough, bumpy patches in them but otherwise everything looked open. There has been an attempt at sanding and salting or whatever it is we use around here but it was still icy. Today more than ever slow down if you are coming down the hill. Hit the turn to Avalon or the curved on ramp and under 20 and you should be fine. It’s not even supposed to get to 40 degrees today so the ice in this area might be there a couple of days.

We’re headed over shortly for a look.

8:20 AM: Here’s an Instagram video cliplet (:15) how it looks as you head downhill there, which we just did:

Also from north West Seattle, another road-ice report, via Twitter:

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Update: Car fire at home in Westwood, no one hurt
December 31, 2014 12:59 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

12:59 AM: What started as a house-fire response near 24th/Thistle in Westwood appears to have become a car-fire call. Firefighters are checking to be sure it hasn’t spread to the structure. More to come.

1:15 AM: Our crew at the scene was told by SFD that the fire started in a vehicle in a carport and also scorched a boat parked nearby, but didn’t spread to the house. No one is hurt.

1:36 AM: Photo added.

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West Seattle giving: ‘Gains for Good’ benefit for local woman’s dad
December 31, 2014 12:45 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle giving: ‘Gains for Good’ benefit for local woman’s dad
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

We’ve been talking about ways to finish – or start – the year with a good deed. Here’s yet another opportunity. This Saturday (January 3rd), 10 am-4 pm, CrossFit LOFT in The Junction (4142 California SW) will host a fitness competition and silent auction to help Keith Olson, injured in a logging accident. Keith’s daughter Annie Olson is a West Seattle resident and firefighter who coaches at the gym. You can find out more about the event here – and that’s also where you can register in advance.

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New hope for endangered orcas: Baby J50 announced
December 30, 2014 7:21 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife


(Photo courtesy Center for Whale Research: Mom J16 and newborn J50)
After heartbreaking losses this year in Puget Sound’s orca pods, good news – a baby! Here’s the news release shared by Orca Network:

This afternoon Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research confirmed seeing and photographing 42-year old J16 (Slick) with her newborn baby – now known as J50!

During an encounter off the south shores of North Pender Island in Canadian waters, Ken discovered J16 with her newborn calf, only a day or two old, snuggled in her slipstream and looking healthy and energetic.

No other female has given birth at over 42 years of age in the four decades of demographic field studies of the Southern Resident orcas. J16 was not expected to be carrying a calf due to her advanced age.

Researchers probably won’t know the calf’s gender for many months, until they are able to see and photograph the calf’s ventral markings.

The Southern Resident community was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 2005, after dropping in population to only 78 members, but had recently lost a pregnant female, J32 Rhapsody, bring their numbers down to only 77 members. This birth brings the So. Residents up to 78.

Most of J pod was seen on December 24 west of Orcas Island, but J16, known as Slick, and her family were not among them. Then on December 26th, the Orca Network Sightings Network received a photograph of J16’s oldest offspring, 23-year old J26 (Mike), and another orca off the north end of Lopez Island, indicating that J16 was probably nearby, because maternal families remain in close proximity their entire lives.

9:09 PM UPDATE: We hope to add a photo when Orca Network releases one; in the meantime, you can see several on the ON Facebook page. Also, thanks to West Seattle wildlife watcher/photographer/writer Trileigh Tucker for tipping us to the happy news even before we got the news release.

9:28 PM UPDATE: Added a Center for Whale Research photo of mother and calf, republished with permission. You can see half a dozen others on the center’s website.

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West Seattle holidays: Your local New Year’s Eve, Day options
December 30, 2014 6:12 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle holidays: Your local New Year’s Eve, Day options
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from New Year’s Eve 2012 at Highland Park Improvement Club)
One more mention – if you’re looking to stay close to home on New Year’s Eve/Day, you have options, and most of them are listed in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, which we’ve been updating all season long as usual, starting in mid-November. (Each day, while adding updates, we also remove what’s already happened, so you don’t have to wade through expired info.) From the Not-So-Silent-Night Parade (all welcome!) to bar parties to special menus to Polar Bear Swims to scenic walks- and then some – check out the listings. And if your business/organization/etc. has special plans that AREN’T in our guide yet, it’s not too late for us to add them – please e-mail the information to editor@westseattleblog.com ASAP!

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