West Seattle, Washington
15 Sunday
(Yellow-rumped warbler, photographed by Trileigh Tucker)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and WS Holiday Guide, highlights for the day/night ahead:
CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: The meeting that’s under way right now (viewable via Seattle Channel, online or cable) is scheduled to include a review of last June 10’s Highway 99 closure and what was learned from it – see the agenda for document links; that review is scheduled to start around 10:30 am.
TEEN PROGRAM SHOWCASE: 4:30-6:30 pm, the youth at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center are showing off what they’ve been working on this semester; you’re invited to drop in to see! (6400 Sylvan Way)
MVP MALCOLM SMITH AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: Seahawks fans, come meet Malcolm Smith, Super Bowl MVP, 6-8 pm! West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) tells us he’ll be signing posters that’ll be provided at the event. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)
WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center, with two major agenda topics – first, what’s the transportation plan for West Seattle in case of emergency that cuts off the regular routes? And second, another chance to offer your thoughts on the proposed rerouting of RapidRide C Line in The Junction, up California between Edmunds and Alaska instead of its westward jog to 44th SW. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)
NIGHTLIFE, NIGHTLIFE, NIGHTLIFE – Tuesday’s a busy night for regular events – see the calendar for venues/listings!
(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! We start with the usual camera views, and alerts/notes:
TRUCK ALERT: Today is scheduled to be the second of three days for the big concrete pour at the Murray Combined Sewer Overflow Project pit by Lowman Beach, which means up to 20 trucks an hour – here’s our coverage of day 1 last Friday.
SPEAKING OF PITS: Here’s our as-it-happened coverage of the City Council‘s meeting with WSDOT about the “settling” Viaduct and vicinity (pre-scheduled meeting, but Friday’s disclosures switched the focus). Bottom line, the state insists it’s safe, but wouldn’t specify any sort of quantification regarding what would constitute “unsafe.” Later in the day, the Viaduct website added this brief summary.
WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION TONIGHT: The Viaduct’s not officially on the agenda for tonight’s meeting (6:30 pm, Neighborhood House’s High Point Center) but we suspect it’ll come up. The two scheduled topics are detailed on the WSTC website – emergency access, and the proposed RapidRide route change in The Junction (last discussed at November’s SW District Council meeting).
Congratulations to the new West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court, coronated Monday night at Admiral Congregational Church. They are Queen Emily Cain (center) and Princesses Emma Maffeo (left) and Audrey Kline. They will succeed the 2014 Junior Court, Queen Bianca Carufel and Princesses Sadie Botuchis and Callie McFadden, with them in our photo below:
Admiral Church, where Hi-Yu members and volunteers gathered along with family members, is the organization’s new regular meeting place.
The next meeting will focus on designs/themes for 2015 Hi-Yu. Everyone’s welcome and volunteers are very much appreciated – watch westseattlehiyu.com and the Hi-Yu Facebook page for meeting and event info.
P.S. Next gig for Hi-Yu – they’ll be at West Seattle Windermere in The Junction this Thursday night (December 11) for the holiday edition of West Seattle Art Walk, 6-9 pm. You can buy one of their blown-glass fundraising ornaments there, too!
Victory tonight for West Seattle High School‘s girls-varsity basketball team in their first home game of the season, 72-19 over visiting Kennedy Catholic HS. In the photo above, #4 is Lydia Giomi, the Wildcats’ top scorer for the night, with 16 points. Tied for second with 12 points each were Gabby Sarver and Emily Fiso.
Next opponent for the WSHS girls – coached by Sonya Elliott and assistants Ashley Ioane and Karyn Golgart – is Nathan Hale, also at home, 7:30 pm Wednesday (after the 5:45 JV game); the Wildcat boys play Hale at home tomorrow, same start times.
(WSB photo from Christmas Ship’s 2012 West Seattle visit)
On Saturday night, as listed in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, the Christmas Ship makes its first two West Seattle stops – and at the second one, you’ll have extra reasons to celebrate on shore. Alki Community Center recreation-program coordinator Marc Hoffman shares the details:
On Saturday, December 13 the Seattle Parks Department and Advisory Councils of the Southwest Geo district are proud to host the annual Argosy Christmas Ship arrival at Alki Beach. Music, cookies, and hot drinks will be served at the Alki Bathhouse. Music is provided by the Endolyne Children’s Choir and Hope Lutheran Church Choir. The music starts at 4 pm and the ship arrives at 5:10 pm and will perform for 20 minutes. After the ship departs, live music continues in the Bathhouse until 6 pm. Coffee is donated by Tully’s Coffee. The entire event is free to the public. See you there!
Saturday night’s first stop for the Christmas Ship and its floating entourage will be Lowman Beach, 4:20-4:40 pm (note that access and parking are different than years past because of the construction across the street); the Dickens Carolers will be on board for that stop as well as Alki.
5:14 PM: The National Weather Service has just published a “special weather statement” alert that warns of major rain in the next few days – leading to a landslide threat if you’re on a slope/bluff – and possibly strong wind on Thursday. See the alert’s full text here.
7:59 PM: Lura points out that people near the water will want to take note of the “coastal-flooding advisory” for Tuesday morning, too. The stormy weather will compound the already-high high tide forecast for 7:22 am (12.2 feet) to 13.6 feet, which is just above the “minor coastal overflow” threshold, as noted in the text of the alert.
(TOPLINES: State insists Viaduct safe. Council wants to know specifics of what would make it unsafe. State says it’s up to tunnel contractor to figure out what happens next)
(Screengrab substituted for video window after meeting; will add archived video when available)
2:47 PM: The City Council regularly gets briefed on the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project, but with the disclosures of the past few days, the meeting under way now takes on extra weight. Watch in the video window above (click “play” for the live stream); we’ll note key points as it goes.
Regarding the “settling,” WSDOT officials say it does seem to have coincided with the “dewatering” process, which they explain involves a series of wells, to reduce the pressure as the contractor dug further down toward 120 feet in depth. This new settling, it’s explained, was detected by a wider swing in the survey area revealing “deep benchmarks” had settled – where they weren’t supposed to. “Local” settling is what they WERE expecting. But adding that to the “deep benchmark” settling, they came up with the inch of settling reported last Friday.
**AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE CONTINUES AFTER THE JUMP** Read More
EDITOR’S NOTE: Ever wish for advance alert of an upcoming meteor shower/eclipse/etc. – and/or wonder “What’s that bright ‘star’ up there?” This should help. It’s our periodic feature by West Seattle’s own Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen, famed for her solstice/equinox sunset watches, among other things.
By Alice Enevoldsen
Special to West Seattle Blog
Watch for the Geminid meteor shower, Mars, Jupiter, Orion, and Saturn this month. The winter solstice happens this month, though our closest approach to the Sun and our latest sunrise both happen in early January.
I’ve also included things you can look for if you’re out watching the Christmas Ships next weekend or any other clear evening we happen to get, such as after the solstice Sunset Watch on Sunday, December 21st.
Chief Sealth International High School social-studies teacher Noah Zeichner has been announced as one of 50 finalists for a $1 million international award, the Global Teacher Prize. As pointed out in the Seattle Times (WSB partner) report on the announcement, Zeichner was honored by the Seattle-based World Affairs Council last March as Global Educator of the Year. One of his best-known projects at Sealth is World Water Week, which he co-founded with a then-student. From the 50 finalists, a Top 10 list will be announced in February, and the winner in March. You can see the full list of finalists from around the world by going here.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: For the first time in a long time, the Southwest Design Review Board had a two-project meeting last Thursday night. Our report on the first project, 4515 41st SW, is here. This morning, on the other side of the holiday season’s busiest weekend, here’s our report on the night’s second project.)
(NK Architects’ rendering: South side of 4505 42nd SW)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Southwest Design Review Board wants to see 4505 42nd SW at least one more time.
The city’s Design Review process requires at least two meetings for a project – one for Early Design Guidance, at which size/shape are the primary focuses, and one for Recommendations, at which final design touches are discussed. The board needed two meetings to sign off on EDG, and determined last Thursday night that it wants a second one on the final phase. A major sticking point was what the building should look like on its south side, considering that side is expected to eventually be hidden from view by future development.
(Photo by Jake Jaramillo)
Thanks to everyone who shared photos of this morning’s sunrise! We’re sharing two with these calendar highlights for today/tonight:
ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer’s/dementia? Support group meets 1:30 pm today, Providence Mount St. Vincent – details here. (4531 35th SW)
CITY COUNCIL’S VIADUCT COMMITTEE: It’s a regularly scheduled meeting, but with the past three days’ disclosures, there’s a lot to talk about. Right after the Council’s 2 pm meeting, which means approximately 2:30 pm. Live on Seattle Channel (online or cable), if you can’t be at City Hall.
DELRIDGE GROCERY UPDATE: What’s the status of the co-op grocery planned for the commercial space at Cottage Grove Commons? A Delridge Grocery board member is on the agenda for tonight’s 6:30 pm monthly meeting of the North Delridge Neighborhood Council at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
(Photo by Lise Thivierge)
EVENING BOOK GROUP: 6:45 pm at Southwest Branch Library; Jeannette Walls‘ “The Glass Castle” is this month’s book. Everyone’s welcome. (35th/Henderson)
HI-YU JUNIOR COURT CORONATION: All are invited to come celebrate the new West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court, 7 pm at Admiral Congregational Church. Past Hi-Yu court members are especially welcome to come show their support. (California/Hill)
AND THERE’S MORE … on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar. (And when you have a few minutes, browse ahead to see what’s happening later this week in our West Seattle Holiday Guide!)
(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! Heading into the peak period of the commute from here, and nothing unusual to report right now. No rain, but it’s expected back by tomorrow.
TRANSPORTATION NEWS: One big story has been unfolding since Friday night – involving the Highway 99 tunnel plan; first, on Friday afternoon, WSDOT disclosed an inch-plus of “settling” for the Alaskan Way Viaduct and the vicinity of the pit being dug to get to the stalled tunneling machine. Inspecting/surveying was done during the preplanned closure early Sunday, and then last night WSDOT said the contractor would stop digging and dewatering the pit, for now. We expect to hear more as the day goes on; the City Council’s Viaduct committee already had a meeting scheduled for 2:30 pm.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
10:04 PM: A fire call in the 7000 block of Highland Park Way SW has been upgraded to “fire in building” after starting at a less-serious designation. The address checks to Pioneer Industries, just uphill from West Marginal Way SW. We’re working to find out more.
10:09 PM: Via scanner, it’s being described as some kind of “industrial problem” inside the building that will have to be handled through the roof. Since it’s an industrial building, they’re trying to assess the risk before making further decisions how to deal with it.
10:32 PM: Highland Park Way hill is closed because of this, so it took us a bit to get here. It’s been described in radio communications as “overheated (equipment) with some roof char.” Light smoke in the building but no flames. No injuries reported. Some fire units are being cleared from the scene as this ramps down.
10:58 PM: Back from the scene (adding photos shortly) – our crew was told that the overheated equipment was a “heating element.” Ventilation of the building was the remaining task; in addition to doing that through the roof, SFD also had called in the MVU (mobile ventilation unit). Meantime, HP Way hill is reopening both ways, except for one downhill lane.
11:34 PM: All lanes reported open again.
(Added: Screengrab from ‘access pit’ camera – see newest image here)
7:59 PM: After today’s early-morning surveying of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, following Friday’s disclosure of a new inch-plus of “settling,” WSDOT has just published an update. While continuing to say that it’s safe to use The Viaduct, WSDOT says its contractor plans to stop the “dewatering” that was under way in the pit being dug to get to the tunneling machine:
WSDOT and Seattle Tunnel Partners conducted additional survey work early Sunday morning to further assess the amount and extent of settlement that recently occurred on and near the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
Some of the data was inconclusive and analysis is still underway; however, WSDOT observed that a small amount of differential settlement is occurring near the access pit. Differential settlement is when the ground settles unevenly over an area. When the ground settles evenly or uniformly over an area, there is less risk of damage.
The additional survey work did not find that the differential settlement has caused any new damage to the viaduct nor have we observed any damage to buildings or utilities in the surrounding area. On-the-ground surveys will continue this week by historic architects and structural engineers.
Public safety is our top priority and while we have not seen any damage, Seattle Tunnel Partners is taking the prudent step to stop dewatering. The contractor will work with its geostructural designer to stop the dewatering in a deliberate manner in order to ensure worker safety and the structural integrity of the access pit and surrounding structures.
Data analysis, collection and monitoring will continue and we will provide updates as we have new information to share.
“Dewatering” was being done as part of the access-pit excavation; as Mike Lindblom reported at SeattleTimes.com (WSB partner) after Friday’s report of settling, “Within the pit, water must be removed so that excavation machines sit on stable ground and aren’t scooping out an endless slurry.” The question now: Can digging continue without it? Yesterday marked exactly one year since the tunneling machine’s work stopped, after 1,000 feet of northward digging. WSDOT promises more information once it’s available, and we’re likely to hear more when the City Council’s prescheduled Alaskan Way Viaduct committee meets around 2:30 tomorrow afternoon.
ADDED 9:31 PM: We asked Viaduct project spokesperson Laura Newborn, who sent the above update, if this means no more digging, for now. She confirms to WSB that the contractor “will stop excavating.”
ADDED 11:11 AM MONDAY: This morning, spokesperson Newborn says that means excavation stops if/when dewatering stops, but she doesn’t have information right now on whether that’s happened yet.
(2013 photo by Trileigh Tucker)
With the heartbreaking news these past few days of the death of pregnant Puget Sound-resident orca J-32, many wonder, can anything more be done to keep the Southern Resident Killer Whales’ numbers from dwindling further? Come hear and talk about them at The Whale Trail‘s next West Seattle event, 6:30 pm December 17th at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). Here’s the announcement from TWT’s Donna Sandstrom:
With the loss of J-32, the southern resident orcas are down to just 77 individuals. Join us Dec 17 for a seasonal gathering to share our concern for and connection to these beloved and iconic whales.
Researcher Mark Sears will share photos from recent encounters with J, K, and L pods in Puget Sound. Seal Sitters and Diver Laura James will be there too.
Bring your ideas, your passion and your good energy. We’ll provide snacks, speakers, and tools to get involved.
Together we’ll find light in the dark for the whales.
(Mark Sears is one of the researchers you’ll see sometimes when orcas pass through our area, in a boat like the one in the photo above.) Tickets are $5 (kids free), available online. C & P is at 5612 California SW.
Two more West Seattle holiday events closing out a weekend brimming with them:
BLITHE BAZAAR: Until 7 pm at the Community School of West Seattle (22nd/Roxbury), you’ll find vendors including Helena from Girl Scout Troop 44283, above, with homemade bath bombs, and, below, local artist Lonjina Verdugo:
These cute owls caught our eye:
This is the Blithe Bazaar’s fifth year – first one at CSWS.
ST. NICHOLAS FAIRE: Also on until 7 pm, a unique silent auction/bake sale/holiday party/charity benefit on the lower level of First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (4105 California SW), north of The Junction:
Lights, music, and refreshments combine for a warm holiday-evening mood. You can bid on one-of-a-kind gift baskets assembled as donations – with themes from gardening to cooking to kid stuff to Seahawks:
Award-winning Maryhill Winery is on hand again, with proprietor Rich Marshall, brother of FLCWS’s pastor Rev. Ron Marshall. The event, meantime, is put together by Larraine King and daughter Elizabeth Olsen:
As detailed in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, the St. Nicholas Faire’s fundraising component means an admission charge (less if you bring a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank).
Go, Hawks! The photo and report on a one-of-a-kind viewing party happening right now are from Southwest Seattle Historical Society executive director Clay Eals:
Enjoying the ‘Hawks at Alki Fatburger with expert commentary from NFL coach Ken Flajole and supporting the Southwest Seattle Historical Society — what could be more fun on a Seattle Sunday? Flajole (lower left), former 16-year assistant coach of four NFL teams including the Seattle Seahawks, joined Eric Bell (to Flajole’s left) and seven of Eric’s buddies to take in the ‘Hawks/Philadelphia Eagles game this afternoon at Alki Fatburger, which donated the lunch at the SWSHS 2014 Champagne Gala Brunch. Others in the group (counter-clockwise from Eric) were Ricardo Cruz, Scott McClellan, Alex Shearer, Robert Ponselle, Lindsey Smith (Alki Fatburger manager), Christopher Goethe, Liz Day (the volunteer who put this Gala package together), Charles Smith, and Robin Warma.
More info here; here’s our coverage of the SWSHS gala on November 8th.
Don’t know whether Santa lost his smartphone or picked up because he knew someone was calling in with a Christmas wish, but we caught him in the British-style phone booth in the lobby at The Sanctuary at Admiral, where the new-this-year Holly Jolly Holiday Fest continues until 4 pm, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association.
In the heart of The Sanctuary – a city landmark that was once a church – you’ll find free treats plus a mini-bazaar with local businesses/organizations including the new Seattle Farm School and WSB sponsor Mode Music Studios, which brought some students for holiday music:
You’re also invited to come talk to neighborhood reps over cookies and mulled cider. ANA is the same group that brings you Summer Concerts at Hiawatha every year as well as meeting most months (resuming in January, second Tuesday, 7 pm, at The Sanctuary) to focus on issues/concerns. They support the 4th of July Kids’ Parade, too, whose co-organizer Jackie Clough of Alki Party Treasures (WSB sponsor) was spotted chatting with Mr. Claus:
Stop by before 4 pm, 42nd and Lander, across from the northeast corner of the park adjacent to Hiawatha CC.
Five reports in West Seattle Crime Watch today:
BURGLAR(S) HIT WESTWOOD VILLAGE: Thanks for the texts about the board-covered doors at Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) and neighboring NK Nails at Westwood Village. We talked to Kirk Keppler from Wyatt’s. He said they were hit just before 4:30 am; security and police were there within minutes, but the burglar(s) had made their getaway. Investigators have prints and video to work with; Wyatt’s is proceeding with its originally scheduled Open House today (continuing until 4 pm), after hours of cleanup. They were even planning to defiantly and festively put a bow on the board over the door. (added – here’s the photo:)
Four reader reports today as well – all but one involving package theft. The first one has a package thief caught on video:
That’s from Todd, who has also provided the video to SPD after the theft at his home in the 3600 block of 35th SW. Todd says it happened last Thursday night. Any idea who that is? Case number to refer to if you are calling in a tip to SPD is #14-404125.
Ahead – three more theft reports, two involving packages:
(WSB photos)
It’s partly sunny and fully cheery in The Junction right now on Hometown Holidays Sunday – above, Santa’s in the house at City Mouse (4218 SW Alaska), BYO-camera photos until 2 pm, within view of the California/Alaska pickup spot for free carriage rides:
They’re also continuing until 2 pm, as is the nearby West Seattle Farmers’ Market, where you’re invited to enjoy a free cup of hot apple cider today. After today, next up on the Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB) lineup: The holiday edition of the West Seattle Art Walk next Thursday (December 11), 6-9 pm, which happens to be Shop Late Thursday, too
(This morning’s foggy moonset – photo by Lynn Hall)
Good morning! If you haven’t already browsed our West Seattle Holiday Guide and regular calendar to see what’s up – here are the highlights, from mid-morning on into the night!
JUNCTION SANTA: DIY Santa photos (bring your camera!) at City Mouse as part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays, 10 am-2 pm. (4218 SW Alaska)
MULE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES: 10 am-2 pm, also part of Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB): “Take a carriage ride down California Avenue pulled by beautiful Belgian Draft Mules. A treat the whole family and friends will enjoy. Stop off at the Farmers Market for a complimentary hot apple cider.” (California/Alaska)
PATHFINDER WREATH SALES: Also in The Junction, 10 am-2 pm, the second of three Sundays (while supplies last!) for Pathfinder K-8‘s wreath fundraiser – selling their famous wreaths made by the school community from local greenery – here’s our photo from last Sunday:
Details in our calendar listing. (California/Alaska)
SEATTLE SAMPLING: Final day of holiday studio tour, with 4 of the 10 studios in West Seattle – Brace Point Pottery, Village Green Nursery, Ceramistas Seattle, Penguina Designs. 10 am-5 pm. Detailed tour information at seattlesampling.com.
TIBBETTS CRAFT BAZAAR: Holiday craft bazaar at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor),11:30 am to 1:30 pm, including hand-sewn items, crafts, stocking stuffers, baked goods, & jewelry. (3940 41st SW)
NEW THIS YEAR – HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAY FEST: New event in Admiral – the Holly Jolly Holiday Fest, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, noon-4 pm at The Sanctuary at Admiral:
The Admiral Neighborhood Association welcomes a visit from Santa Claus on Sunday, December 7th at the Sanctuary at Admiral!
Santa’s visit will be part of our Holly Jolly Holiday Fest, a full afternoon of holiday activities including live holiday music, a gingerbread house contest, a craft bazaar, and a food drive for the West Seattle Food Bank. A photographer will be available to take portraits with Santa for a small donation, or you can bring your own camera.
If you made a gingerbread house to enter in the contest, drop it off by 10:30 am; judging starts at 11 am. Otherwise, drop by The Sanctuary noon-4 pm! (42nd/Lander)
OPEN HOUSE AT WYATT’S: Holiday Open House at Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) at Westwood Village, noon-4 pm. “Nibbles, bubbles, storewide specials.” (2600 SW Barton)
CAPERS SANTA: DIY Santa Photos at CAPERS in The Junction, with “ex-Westwood Santa.” Noon-3 pm. Bring cameras/phones, kids/friends, and a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. (4525 California SW)
BLITHE BAZAAR: Cozy afternoon/evening of shopping and sipping, supporting West Seattle artisans. At Community School of West Seattle. 3-7 pm. (9450 22nd SW)
‘JUDY’S SCARY LITTLE CHRISTMAS’:”Matinee today at ArtsWest in The Junction, 3 pm. Buy tickets online here. (4711 California SW)
‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’: Matinee today at 3 pm for Twelfth Night Productions‘ radio play edition of the holiday show, at Kenyon Hall. Buy your ticket(s) online at brownpapertickets.com/event/917572 or an hour before showtime at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)
CHOCOLATE *AND* SINGALONG! Admiral Sings Christmas at Admiral Congregational Church, 3:30 pm Grand Chocolate Buffet, 4 pm festive concert and singalong of favorite Christmas songs and carols. Admission free (suggested donation $10); nonperishable food donations welcomed, for local food banks. (California/Hill)
ST. NICHOLAS FAIRE: First Lutheran Church of West Seattle‘s St. Nicholas Faire, 4-7 pm, fundraiser for West Seattle Food Bank and West Seattle Helpline, admission $5/person with nonperishable food item, $15/family with food donation for each family member, or, without food donation, $10/person or $25/family. Appetizers and spiced hot cider; elegant bake sale items; silent auction with a variety of gift baskets- puzzles, games, wine, art & educational activities, gift certificates to local businesses, food -themed baskets, Seahawks and Sounders gear, etc! Plus a ring-toss game to win wine prizes and wine tasting. (4105 California SW)
HOLIDAY SCENES AS THEY HAPPEN … while we’re out and about, we’re usually updating the WSB Twitter and Instagram feeds with quick pix – so check in, and share yours too, through either of those links or editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!
The countdown and light-up came earlier than expected at tonight’s West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting. The crisply planned program moved swiftly – one performance needed to be moved back, so another was moved up, and that led to some time-filling with a little unexpected comedy. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Again this year, the Chief Sealth International High School Marching Band, directed by Marcus Pimpleton, kicked off the event:
Sealth’s band was the opening act; here’s our video of the entire event that followed:
On behalf of the sponsoring West Seattle Junction Association, for which she serves as vice president, Bakery Nouveau co-proprietor Heather Leaman greeted the crowd gathered in Junction Park Plaza:
Words of cheer ensued from emcee Josh Sutton (below left) of the West Seattle YMCA and from Dave McCoy (below right) of Emerald Water Anglers, photographed with event manager Oliver Little:
(The Y and EWA are both WSB sponsors.) As they do each year, the Endolyne Children’s Choir provided cheery carols (see them at 2:16 into our full-event video):
Things moved along so quickly, the next scheduled performer wasn’t on hand yet – so a little time had to be filled while things changed up. Emcee Sutton solicited holiday jokes from the kids standing right up by the stage:
The humor was a little grim, if creative, as you can hear for yourself for about two minutes starting at 12:40 into the full-event video (right before Jay Cates and friends’ jazzy holiday music). The tree countdown starts at 17:50 (and ended a bit early, in keeping with the night’s theme). Cates and band continued the holiday serenade, with the finale from the new ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) production “Judy’s Scary Little Christmas,” and then it was back to the Junction Holiday Party – after a moment of stopping to admire the tree.
More Hometown Holidays fun tomorrow – mule-drawn carriage rides 10 am-2 pm from California/Alaska, and a Santa meet-and-greet (BYO camera) at City Mouse (4218 SW Alaska) those same hours. See you there!
The West Seattle Junction‘s Christmas tree is lit, as of about an hour ago. We’ll have full coverage of the celebration in a separate story, but first – The Junction’s first-ever Holiday Party late-shopping event, before/during/after the tree lighting, continues until 8 pm. The decorations in the heart of the business district have an extra-festive touch – look closely and you’ll even see little candles:
Many shops have special events – Sarah Loertscher and her jewelry are at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor):
Dasher the holiday-cheer ambassador was sighted at CAPERS (which shared the photo):
Here’s the list of who is doing what. If you miss the chance to shop late tonight, there are two more Shop Late Thursdays, the 11th (which is also Art Walk night) and 18th. And in The Junction tomorrow, along with the regular Farmers’ Market 10 am-2 pm, you’ll also find carriage rides and a Santa meet-and-greet – details are in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.
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