West Seattle, Washington
08 Sunday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
If you didn’t get to Alki Bathhouse Friday or Saturday to see UW students’ visions for Schmitz Preserve Park Creek‘s future – we can show you what you missed.
Their professor, landscape architect Paul Peters, explained that the inspiration for the “studio” in which his master’s-degree students created their proposals began when he read about the grassroots effort Schmitz Park Creek Restore on WSB, shortly after their launch event last May. Peters is a West Seattle resident and had been looking for something to assign his students to work on. Over 10 weeks, amid site visits, his nine students worked on plans for how the creek could come back to life.
Friday afternoon, on the first day of a two-day open house, the students presented their concepts. We recorded each group’s presentation so you can see for yourself, starting with the two-part introduction and acknowledgments by Daniel Nye from Schmitz Park Creek Restore:
=
Nye turned it over to professor Peters, who told the story of how the project launched, and how – when they saw the creek undergrounding – they all agreed “there’s a lot of opportunity here”:
Peters explained that the students worked in three groups, focused on the forest, on the park (Whale Tail to Alki Playground), and the beach. The forest group gave their presentation first:
The forest presentation continues in this clip:
Next, the park group:
They continued in the next clip (as everyone switched locations to see the second set of renderings) and explained how they’ve designed their idea to a “100-year storm surge” situation:
Finally, the students who reimagined Alki Beach:
Keep in mind, none of these ideas is an official proposal yet – they’re ideas, visions, even dreams of what could be, so there’s no official feedback process, though Schmitz Park Creek Restore would certainly love to hear from you about these or anything else relevant to their dreams and goals – here’s how to reach the group.
Just received by text:
Very brown water 6000 block of 44th Ave. Southwest.
Nothing on the Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map; they have just reported it to SPU at 206-386-1800 (which you ALWAYS should do if your water is discolored), and report that the utility promised a call back.
Thanks to Will for sending the photo. The Westwood Village GameStop store is closing; tomorrow is the last day, a staff member said by phone. This is not a surprise, as the space has been posted “for lease” for months, according to our periodic check of local listings. But several weeks ago, when a reader got email saying their “local” GameStop would be closing – without specifying an address – we went in to ask, and at the time, they told us no. The Westwood store opened in 2011. The chain said in September it would be closing some of its 2,000+ stores after a less-profitable-than-expected earnings report; its next quarterly-earnings announcement is expected this Tuesday.
Our holiday-lights spotlights continue with this photo sent by Dayna:
Our neighbor has a really great light display on 45th Ave SW between Admiral and Lander!
(That’s just west of Lafayette Elementary.) If you have lights – or have seen lights – to suggest for a WSB spotlight, please email us (with or without photo), westseattleblog@gmail.com, or text 206-293-6302 – thank you! (Scroll through this WSB archive to see what we’ve shown already – plus past year’s features.)
(The size/shape alternatives under consideration for Fauntleroy terminal/dock replacement)
As Washington State Ferries moves closer to deciding on a “preferred alternative” for replacing the Fauntleroy ferry dock, two of the project’s advisory groups are meeting online this week, and all are welcome to watch and listen. First, on Tuesday (December 10), the Technical Advisory Group meets 10 am-11:30 am; then on Wednesday (December 11), the Community Advisory Group meets 6-8 pm. (The project page has information on who comprises the two groups.) You can register to get the meeting links by going here. Construction of the new dock, currently budgeted at almost $100 million, is not expected to start before 2027; the intersection at the dock’s entrance/exit, however, is scheduled for changes including a signal, with work starting in fall of next year. Our report on the Community Advisory Group’s most-recent meeting a month and a half ago is here.
(First texted photo – thanks)
12:02 PM: Thanks for the tips and photos. SFD and the Coast Guard are responding to a boat fire visible from Alki. They’re also mobilizing on shore in case there are patients to be brought to shore – right now the mobilization point is Seacrest. There’s word that one person is in the water “being picked up by a bypassing boat.” Updates to come.
12:08 PM: The closer view above this line is from Curry Gibson, who confirms that the boat (the one on the left) picked up a person in the water. And according to SFD radio, everyone is off the boat, which as the photos show is fully engulfed in flames.
12:14 PM: The view above this line is from Rick Cocker. SFD radio says the fire was reportedly preceded by some kind of “explosion” on the boat. (Added – video from another person onshore:)
12:19 PM: No fireboat on site yet, people who can see the boat are reporting, and emergency radio confirms that the nearest fireboat is still about 10 minutes away. SFD confirms one person was rescued by a “civilian vessel” and they say the person is OK but “refusing treatment” so the land response will demobilize.
12:37 PM: A fireboat (Chief Seattle) has finally arrived on scene (texted photo above).
12:50 PM: SFD told dispatch they’re still using Seacrest to shuttle some extra personnel out to the fireboat. Meantime, the texter – David – who sent the photo above says “fire’s out” and just sent this:
1:03 PM: Part of what they’re doing now, and the reason they’re sending out more personnel, is “dewatering” what’s left of the burned boat.
1:23 PM: Now they’re discussing towing what remains of the boat to “beach it at Duwamish Head” and figure out what else to do from there.
2:30 PM: Thanks to James Tilley for the photos above and below this paragraph. We just talked by phone with SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty. Here’s what we learned: The boat instead has been towed to Fourmile Rock on the north side of the bay – the Coast Guard decided to change the location. The person who escaped by jumping into the water, then getting picked up by another private vessel, was the only one on board and indeed was not hurt. (Added – Stephen King‘s photo, first uploaded in a comment, shows that person escaping.)
As for why a fire boat did not arrive sooner – Lafferty says they do indeed have one stationed on the waterfront downtown, but they were not in active patrol mode today and it took a while to mobilize. The first one on scene was Fireboat 3, based near Ballard. They don’t yet know the cause; the fire wasn’t fully out, because it was burning below deck, and firefighters could not safely board the boat. The first word of the fire came in from 911 callers who saw it, not from the person on board, so SFD says they really appreciate hearing from those people, and they also want to remind people on boats to keep communication devices and personal flotation equipment handy too, and to always have a fire extinguisher on board (there’s no word whether this person did or did not, it’s just a reminder). No word if the fire has led to any water pollution, but the crews that responded did have equipment to deal with that if it was needed.
Even as we get to the shortest days of the year, there are reasons to think ahead to the warming months of spring. For one: Youth-sports leagues are opening spring registration, and this morning we have the announcement from West Seattle Little League:
West Seattle Little League Spring (WSLL) 2025 registration is now open for all youth ages 4-14.
Join us, your West Seattle neighbors in the bleachers, for another incredible season of hot dogs, cool drinks, sunny afternoons, and fun moments that your child and your family will cherish forever!
We are competitive, but most important, our coaches encourage fair play, teaching, and positive sportsmanship. Whether that’s summoning up the courage to swing the bat or running the bases with passion, we are here to listen, teach and inspire West Seattle youth to find their best self.
Each year, we want to make sure all kids have the opportunity to write the next chapter in the Little League story, regardless of their situation. No child will be denied an opportunity to play due to financial reasons. If you are in need of a full or partial scholarship, please visit our scholarship page for more info. We are dedicated to finding a confidential financial solution for families.
WSLL is excited to announce the fourth year of the Challenger Program! The Challenger program is Little League’s adaptive baseball program which offers additional support for athletes with disabilities.The Challengers program is free to all participants and open to West Seattle residents between the ages of 4-18 or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school. Inclusion and opportunity is the cornerstone of Little League, and it’s our passion to ensure everyone has an opportunity to play. Find more info here or email challenger@westseattlelittleleague.com with any questions.
The WSLL spring season will run from March – June and features fun activities including the jamboree, sandlot days, and end of the year bash. Interested to know more details? Check out westseattlelittleleague.com to find information about boundaries and divisions of play.
Register by February 9th. Registering early helps streamline our league operations – sign up today!
(Saturday photo by Christopher Boffoli)
Again today, we have two lists for you – first, the holiday happenings, from our WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
FINAL DAY FOR ALKI CO-OP PRESCHOOL BOOK FAIR: Last day to make purchases at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW) and have part of the proceeds benefit Alki Co-op Preschool!
MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS SALE: Winter-clothing flash sale, 10 am-6 pm at the shop! (3602 SW Alaska)
HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR AT OLG, LAST DAY: The popular fair-trade-gift fair concludes at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 9:30 am-1:30 pm. (35th/Myrtle)
PATHFINDER WREATH SALES: As featured in the Holiday Guide, the school’s beloved handmade wreaths are on sale just south of the Farmers’ Market today and the next two Sundays, plus available online. (California/Alaska)
HOLIDAY ART SHOW & SALE: Rain City Clay in Arbor Heights is hosting a holiday show & sale again this year, featuring artists who work with clay: 1-5 pm today. (4208 SW 100th)
VASHON ISLAND HOLIDAY STUDIO TOUR: Take a ferry to explore this event! “Vashon Island artists offer art lovers and gift shoppers a fun and inspirational event, the Vashon Island Holiday Studio Tour, continuing today, 10 am to 4 pm. The tour, which is organized by Vashon Island Visual Artists, features 44 studios and galleries representing more than 140 artists and craftspeople. The organization’s website also offers an interactive online map with details about each studio or gallery.”
THUNDER ROAD GUITARS: Open 7 days a week until Christmas – that includes 11 am-5 pm today. (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor)
SHOP SMALL SOUTH PARK: Go explore our neighboring community during their 11 am-4 pm art market, plus “retail crawl” at many SP small businesses. Details in our calendar listing. (14th Ave. S./S. Cloverdale)
GRINCH AND GRAHAMS: 1:00-2:30 pm. Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill)
Family Holiday Event! FREE! “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” the beloved 30-minute holiday classic movie, followed by making and decorating graham-cracker houses! All welcome!
‘SNOWED IN (AGAIN)’: ArtsWest‘s holiday musical has a 3 pm matinée today; get your ticket(s) here. (4711 California SW)
THE KENNEY CHIMES CHOIR: “The Kenney, 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW, 2 pm, Chime In for The Holidays! Join The Kenney Chimes Choir featuring The WestSide Ringers and The Kenney Singers for Carols At The Kenney! (Event is free, donations welcome) Email: tickets@thekenney,org to reserve your seat.”
ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, times vary. Tickets and info here.
NORTHWEST BOYCHOIR: Northwest Boychoir‘s annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church, 7 pm. Tickets here. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)
And here’s the non-holiday list with everything else – mostly from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet for today’s run at 9 am at Ampersand (2536 Alki SW).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, with almost-winter produce (root vegetables! greens!), plus beverages, holiday greenery, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Fall is project time. Need a tool to make yours happen? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
THE DOWNTOWN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: This WSB sponsor welcomes families to its independent high school campus downtown today, 12:45-3 pm. (160 John Street)
‘THE RAKE’S PROGRESS,’ FINAL PERFORMANCE: Last chance to catch the Chief Sealth IHS student performance! 2 pm in the campus Performing Arts Center – ticketing and other details are in our preview. (2600 SW Thistle)
BABY MOTOR-SKILLS PLAY GROUP: 3:30 pm at Viva Arts, geared toward 3 months to pre-crawling. Preregister here. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
HIGHLINE PREMIER FC INFO NIGHT: 6 pm online, for families interested in this soccer league – details in our calendar listing.
JET CITY IMPROV AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm, “a night of laughter and musical magic.” (4711 California SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring – and/or in our Holiday Guide? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Report from a reader on the water: Somebody in Fauntleroy with a green laser is pointing it at ferries again. Striking navigable vessels with a laser is a felony crime, not to mention a health and safety hazard. If you see anyone doing it, call 911.
Again this year, Theresa Arbow-O’Connor brings us first word of the return of the Gai Family‘s legendary illuminated Madonna. Last year she told us about the new setting that Ron Gai, son of the display’s creator Phil Gai, had crafted. This is in northeast West Seattle, in the 3200 block of 36th SW [vicinity map]. Theresa happened to find Ron finishing securing the display last night, so she took these photos.
Thanks to everyone who’s sent locations, with or without photos, for our spotlights – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302!
5 PM: It’s on! The West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Festival is happening – the Night Market is open, performances have begun on the stage in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska), and the tree lighting is barely an hour away. Get down here if you’re not here already. See the schedule here (tree lighting’s scheduled around 6, festival continues until 8); this is just meant as a reminder – we’ll have lots more coverage later! And wait – is that Santa we see?
6:30 PM: We caught up with Santa shortly thereafter … as he spoke to a young fan whose mom pronounced her child “starstruck”:
(If you haven’t caught up with Santa yet this season, see the list in our Holiday Guide for many upcoming opportunities!)
The stage show continued with the West Seattle School of Rock, well, rocking:
The Seattle Metropolitan Singers caroled:
You can hear more from them at 7 pm December 15th at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds). … And the “butchered” Christmas tree lit up quite nicely, thanks to some Charlie Brown Christmas-style love from the West Seattle Junction Association:
(WSB photo by Jason Grotelueschen)
Here’s how Santa, emcee Brian Callanan, and guest tree lighter City Councilmember Rob Saka lit it up:
Yet more images of tonight’s festivities to upload (including the pet-costume-contest winner!) when we’re back at HQ! Still time to get down here and wander … you might even see this:
(WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)
ADDED POST-FESTIVAL: Here’s a bit of the night’s first musical performance, by the Endolyne Children’s Choir:
The pet-costume contest winner was a Corgi, “Chef Coy-Ar-Gee“:
WSB sponsor All The Best Pet Care (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW) donated prizes.
Finally, a video montage with a few more sights and one more look at the tree-lighting countdown:
Two reader reports this afternoon:
STOLEN PRIUS: T says this theft happened in the Alki area:
We live in Port Townsend and was bummed after staying first night in West Seattle. I mistakenly left my keys in my coat in our silver Prius parked on 56th SW. My husband used his FOB to lock the car at about 8 pm Dec 3rd. We went out 5:30 am to meet my son who was scheduled for his open heart surgery at 6 am at U of W. and the car was gone!!! We were calling police, geico and for a cab – so stressful. The car has a yellow and black bumper sticker “Save a Nurse – Wear a Mask” and “Vote for Ammunition Control.” Also, my key ring is obviously gone – has anyone found a set of keys that has a painter’s palette on it?
We’ll add the plate and report numbers when we get them. (SUNDAY UPDATE: Plate AYF6993 and case number 24-341102.)
PORCH PROWLER: Sent by a Morgan Junction resident:
This guy was on our porch rummaging around at 1:15 this morning. He left behind an orange electric plug adapter and a blue collar for a cat or small dog.
(WSB photos)
Yet another chance to give today! Those were among the first toys donated at Fire Station 29 in North Admiral this afternoon, when the SFD two-hour Toys For Tots drive got going. Here’s the crew at Station 29 ready to accept your donations of new, unwrapped toys until 3 pm:
This is the only station in West Seattle among the six citywide that are participating in today’s drive, which continues until 3 pm. Just show up and drop off, on the east side of the station, which is at 2130 Ferry Avenue SW.
1:17 PM: Thanks for the tips. Traffic is backing up on the westbound West Seattle Bridge because of a crash and emergency response near the Delridge exit. If you have to head that way, be patient – or wait a while.
1:20 PM: One texter says the backup is primarily on the exit ramp itself.
1:39 PM: Thanks to commenter Agen for posting the photo bearing that out. SFD has now cleared, to underscore Agen’s report of no apparent senior injuries.
(WSB photos)
The SPD personnel working at the Southwest Precinct right now to sort and tag donated clothes are part of a first-of-its-kind donation drive. SPD’s Community Service Officers are often called on to help people in emergency situations with items like clothes, coats, even something as simple as socks … so they’re collecting donations today to be sure they have a stockpile. The Southwest Precinct is the first to do this; some of the donations will be stored downtown to help CSOs assist people all over the city.
At the precinct when we stopped by this past hour were Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite, CSOs Heslin and Huang, and Community Liaison Officer German Barreto. They told us they’re getting a lot of good stuff – they had been out of men’s pants, for example. What do they need most? we asked. Items that aren’t too closely fitted/sized – for example, sweat pants, in sizes that are flexible like small, medium, large, extra-large. Socks and hats are also welcome too. (But no used underwear.)
Satterwhite added that if you’re coming down during today’s drive, which continues until 3 pm in the community room just off the visitors’ parking lot on the south side of the precinct (2300 SW Webster), you’re also welcome to pick up a free steering-wheel lock if you need one.
And if you have clothing to donate but can’t get to the precinct today, email her and you can arrange a dropoff when the lobby is open (her address is on this page). CSO Heslin added that they might be able to pickup donations on Wednesdays, because that’s the day all CSOs work.
(WSB photos)
Turn in at that sign on the north side of SW Oregon east of 42nd, behind Hope Lutheran, and you’ll find the Caudle Family with their annual drop-off coats-and-food drive.
From left, Leah, Dominic, Tim, and Atticus Caudle have collected thousands of pounds of food and hundreds of coats since Atticus started this in 2020. They’d love to have you add to the totals today. The West Seattle Food Bank – which provides clothing as well as food to people in need – distributes what you drop off. Drive in, ride in, walk in, run in before 3 pm and they’ll do the unloading of whatever you bring!
(WSB photos)
8:14 AM: Happening right now at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), it’s the biggest breakfast event of the holiday season – the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s annual pancake breakfast. Their kitchen crew has been busy stirring batter and flipping pancakes:
For $10 at the door – kids free! – you get pancakes, Husky Deli ham, orange juice, and coffee/tea. Volunteers powering the event include not only Kiwanians but also Scouts from Troop 284. You can bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and meet an active-duty Marine, plus enter raffles and more. This is on until 11 am, and if you’re driving on this rainy morning, parking is right by the door to the lower-level event room on the south side of the Masonic Center.
8:41 AM: Santa is in the house, as are Marine Corps Sgt. Angalina Roseberry and Gunnery Sgt. Samuel Hernandez, both based at JBLM (while Santa is of course based at the North Pole). They’re here to help with the Toys for Tots donations, which the Kiwanis Club says are going very well this morning:
They’ve already loaded out some of the donations. This morning’s volunteers also include the Key Clubs from Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS, the Circle K Club from Seattle U, and Kiwanians from the White Center and South Seattle clubs. Some are here for fundraising sales of holiday items from handpainted ornaments to candy.
P.S. A week from tomorrow – on December 15 – look for the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle on the south end of the Farmers’ Market as they collect coat donations and serve cocoa as part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays.
(SDOT camera at California/Alaska – watch for street closures today/tonight because of the Hometown Holidays Festival)
What a day and night ahead! First, the list from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
SANTA PHOTOS AND PANCAKES: The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle will present its holiday-season pancake breakfast, 7 am-11 am at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), pancakes, ham, and beverages, $10 at the door, $8 in advance, kids eat free. Toy donations, Santa photos, more – details here..
SELFIES WITH SANTA AT CAPERS: Details here – 8:30-11 am with “Santa Tony”! (4525 California SW)
SANTA PAWS #1: Windermere West Seattle offers you a chance for a Santa pic with your dog, 10 am-noon. (4526 California SW)
CAUDLE FAMILY’S DROP-OFF COAT/FOOD DRIVE: Fifth year this local family awaits you 10 am-3 pm in the lot behind Hope Lutheran (SW Oregon east of 42nd) so you can drive up, ride up, walk up, and drop off your donations of coats and/or nonperishable food.
VASHON ISLAND HOLIDAY STUDIO TOUR, DAY ONE: Take a ferry to explore this event (which is sponsoring WSB to get the word out)!
Vashon Island artists offer art lovers and gift shoppers a fun and inspirational event, the Vashon Island Holiday Studio Tour, Saturdays and Sundays, December 7-8 and 14-15, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm. The tour, which is organized by Vashon Island Visual Artists, features 44 studios and galleries representing more than 140 artists and craftspeople. The organization’s website also offers an interactive online map with details about each studio or gallery.
WARM CLOTHING DRIVE AT PRECINCT: SPD’s Community Service Officers are at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster) 11 am-3 pm to gather donations of warm clothing.
(added) SHOP SMALL SOUTH PARK: 11 am-4 pm art market at South Park Hall (14th S./S. Cloverdale), plus a small business passport program – see our calendar listing for details/locations.
DONATE TOYS AT FIRE STATION: West Seattle’s Station 29 (2130 Ferry SW in North Admiral) is one of five fire stations citywide accepting new unwrapped toys for Toys For Tots 1-3 pm today.
RAIN CITY CLAY HOLIDAY SHOW: The Arbor Heights studio/gallery hosts the annual holiday show 1-5 pm today – details in our calendar listing. (4208 SW 100th)
SANTA PAWS #2: Santa & pets, 1-4 pm December 7 at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), $25 donation, benefiting Forgotten Dogs Rescue.
FUTURE PRIMITIVE HOLIDAY MARKET: Future Primitive (9832 14th SW) in White Center is celebrating its 6th anniversary with a Holiday Market. 1 pm, with Santa visiting 3-5:30 pm.
HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS FESTIVAL: Night Market, roaming Santa, tree lighting, stage performances, beer garden, cocoa, pet costume contest, a stilt-walker … this is the holiday night in The Junction that has everything! 4 pm-8 pm. Here’s the schedule:
4:00 PM – Festival begins. Night Market is open. Carolers, Metropolitan Singers, and Santa will be roaming the area.
4:30 PM Endolyne Children’s Choir Performance
5:00 PM The School of Rock Performance
5:30 PM Pet Costume Contest on Stage
6:00 PM Tree Lighting plus with carolers (Seattle Metropolitan Singers)
6:30 PM Christmas DJ spinning holiday tunes
8:00 PM Night Market closes
See the list of Night Market vendors here. Remember SW Alaska east of California will be closed for the festival plus setup and breakdown.
HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR AT OLG: The popular fair-trade-gift fair returns to Our Lady of Guadalupe, with the second night 4-8 pm tonight in Walmesley Center (35th/Myrtle)
ARTHUR’S 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: Through December 12, daily specials at 4 pm – details in our calendar listing. (2311 California SW)
ASTRA LUMINA: The illuminated walk at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge continues. 5 pm and later entry times; ticket cost varies. (6000 16th SW)
A JOHNSON FAMILY CHRISTMAS X 2: All-ages holiday drag show at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), doors 6, show 6:30. Plus, 21+ show at Box Bar (5601 California SW) at 9:30 pm.
“SNOWED IN (AGAIN)”: 7:30 pm performance of ArtsWest‘s holiday show – here’s the ticket link. (4711 California SW)
‘WINTER WANDER’ SCAVENGER HUNT: Alice Kuder presents the “Winter Wander” scavenger hunt again this year, continuing tonight:
The Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt is a free, 10-day community event designed to bring friends and families together for holiday fun. Wanderers download a Bingo-style clue sheet, scour West Seattle to identify the locations that solve the clues, and upload selfies in front of those locations to qualify for prize drawings. Open to everyone of all ages! Winter Wander concludes at 7 PM, Sun., Dec. 15th, 2024. Sign up by registering at wondersinaliceland.com.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Now, everything ELSE that’s happening, non-holiday! (Got something to add for today/tonight? Text 206-293-6302 – thank you!)
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s sanctuary/studio (3618 SW Alaska)
INTRODUCTORY WALK: Prelude to the next event – meet at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, 9:30 am, for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Then at 10 am, you’re invited to join others for the weekly walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy).
TILDEN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Visit K-5 Tilden School (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) 10 am-noon today.
BRIDGE COOPERATIVE ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE: The Bridge School also has an open house 10 am-noon today. (10300 28th SW; WSB sponsor)
SSC GARDEN CENTER: “Garden Center is open until December 20th! We have Holiday Swags, Poinsettias and beautiful blooming Christmas Cactus! All new indoor plants will brighten any home or office and make a wonderful gift! Open Thursday-Saturday from 10 am-3 pm until December 20th! We will reopen January 9th! Thank you for a wonderful year supporting our students! The Garden Center at South Seattle College provides Landscape Horticulture students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of plants while gaining real-world retail experience. Plants available for sale are selected, propagated, grown and presented by Landscape Horticulture students. Additional plants are brought in from local growers. Proceeds benefit Landscape Horticulture Program projects. The selection includes perennials, ground covers, shrubs, some annual edibles and flowers, as well as indoor plants. Cash and electronic payments accepted. The Garden Center is located in the North Parking Lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th Ave SW) in the Puget Ridge neighborhood of West Seattle. There is ample paid parking in the north lot, and visitors can generally find free parking along 16th Ave SW with a short walk to the Academy from there.”
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.
GET YOUR GO BAG ON: 45 minutes with Alice Kuder at 11 am, and you’ll be ready for (almost) anything. RSVP for her free Ready Freddy Prep Party at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW) by going here.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
SCHMITZ PARK CREEK RESTORE OPEN HOUSE: 1-4 pm at Alki Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW), learn about student-led visioning projects providing inspiration for how the restoration might be possible.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: Open 1-6 pm in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
‘THE RAKE’S PROGRESS’ AT CSIHS, 2 PERFORMANCES: Matinée and evening performance of the student production, 2 pm and 7:30 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium (2600 SW Thistle); details and ticket link in our preview.
DINNER TO BENEFIT WSHS MUSIC AND THEATER: At West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), starting at 5 pm with student music performance, lasagna dinner at 5:30, all proceeds to WSHS music and theater. $14, all ages welcome, no membership required. Hosted by Anne and Ron Weglin.
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
AT THE SKYLARK: Paper Nova, Malty and the Rain, The Western Groovers at The Skylark. Doors at 7, Music at 8, $10, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Cloudburst‘s “homecoming show,” 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Vagabond Superstar. (4547 California SW)
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – same place to send your Holiday Guide listings – thank you!
That’s the highest-elevation outdoor Christmas tree in Seattle, shining brightly outside Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church after tonight’s “Light Up the Night” celebration. Big turnout filled SW Myrtle between the church and its Walmesley Center gym/event venue.
The lighting was preceded by Christmas classics sung by two groups, the Starry Crowns:
And OLG fourth- and fifth-graders:
That’s the voice of emcee Brian Callanan at the end. Now, here’s what was new: It was the first “Light Up the Night” for OLG’s newest pastor Father Phuong; it’s the first also since OLG and Holy Rosary were joined as part of the Archdiocese of Seattle‘s initiative to stretch pastoral resources. And it was the first year for expanded indoor festivities, including story time with Santa:
Plus it was the first of three sessions for the church’s Fair Trade Gift Fair, usually a once-a-year event and generally not in combination with “Light Up the Night”:
The Fair Trade Gift Fair also will be open for shopping in Walmesley Center (north side of SW Myrtle east of 35th) 4-8 pm Saturday and 9 am-1 pm Sunday. Lots of handmade items, including body-care products.
And tonight, generous eventgoers brought food donations to fill up the sleigh:
Before we wrap up this report, one more song from the Starry Crowns – “Carol of the Bells”:
You can see their free Christmas concert at OLG (35th/Myrtle) at 7 pm Friday (December 13) – adding that to our Holiday Guide right now!
We’re getting some questions about the King County Sheriff’s Office Guardian One helicopter flying over downtown White Center. According to a bulletin shared over the Seattle Police airwaves and subsequent discussion on KCSO radio, they’re investigating a robbery at 15th/100th. The robber “ran eastbound and linked up with (two other people),” according to KCSO radio. The robber took the victim’s cell phone. No description(s) yet.
(WSB photos)
That fence at 34th/Cambridge was nominated by Yvonne as a don’t-miss display of lights:
I don’t have the house # but along Cambridge St there is a long fence with a LONG display of what looks like pool noodles with rope lights running through them in the shapes of giant snow flakes. Maybe 5 or 7 of these very large, bright & colorful snowflake shapes. Definitely worth a photo on the WSB! I am a frequent walker & saw them in the daylight but wasn’t sure what they were…was thinking yard art? until I walked by in the dark and saw them all aglow.
We went over for a look tonight and they’re indeed “all aglow,” on the north side of Cambridge.
Got lights to suggest, with or without a photo? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you! (Go here to see what we’ve shown so far, and past years’ spotlights too.)
Also from last night’s Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council meeting – precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair told attendees that nine people had been arrested in an operation at Westwood Village earlier in the day. She said three stores – Target, Marshalls, and Ulta Beauty – had been reporting particularly egregious trouble with thieves, so they got some extra help to go after the problem. The newfound ability of the King County Jail to book misdemeanor suspects played a role in their ability to do this, Capt. Bair said, noting that six of the nine arrestees were booked into jail. Previously, without the ability to book such suspects, she said, “for a while it was a free-for-all there … today we let them know, that’s not the case.” The department’s General Investigations Unit and Community Response Group were involved, she said, making those nine arrests in three hours. “Those businesses really appreciated it.” We don’t have the suspects’ names yet but SPD says the charges they face include “theft, burglary, assault, and warrants.” (Our report on the major topic of the rest of last night’s meeting, the Unified Care Team, is still in the works.)
5:21 PM: Thanks for the tip. Northbound 35th is blocked north of Morgan because of a crash. Apparently no major injuries; one SFD engine was dispatched but already has been dismissed.
5:40 PM: Tow truck’s now on scene.
5:59 PM: Officers just told dispatch the street’s open all ways. We’re checking with SFD re: if anyone was hurt.
| 0 COMMENTS