BIZNOTE: Delridge Grocery Co-op serving up fruit and vegetable deals with Cascadia Produce

(Photos courtesy Delridge Grocery Co-op)

Healthy food at low prices! Go to the Delridge Grocery Co-op (5444 Delridge Way SW) starting at 3 pm today for major produce deals – the DGC announcement explains:

This weekend, the Delridge Grocery Co-op (DGC) is partnering with Cascadia Produce to offer its neighbors some special deals on produce. Owned and operated by Delridge residents (and DGC owner-members) Jillian Moore and Jeremy Vrablik, Cascadia is part of the Seattle Good Business Network’s Good Food Exchange program, which is working to distribute surplus or recovered food to businesses and organizations.

These produce items are sent to Cascadia after being rejected by groceries for a number of reasons — peppers were too small, stores were overstocked, or temperature was off by 1-2 degrees. Yet these are still usable, healthy packages of fruits, vegetables, and greens, and Jeremy and Jill are passionate about keeping good food on plates and out of the landfill.

The DGC will be offering a selection of items that Cascadia has procured this week and selling them at discounted prices, including:

• Strawberries (Foxy brand, 16-ounce) — $2.99 (compare at $8.99)

• Raspberries (Driscolls brand, 6-ounce) — $2.99 (compare at $5.29)

• Organic Spinach and Arugula (Earthbound Farm brand, 16-ounce tubs) — $2.99 (compare at $6.99)

• Sweet Mini Peppers (Dolce brand, 16-ounce) — $1.99 (compare at $4.99)

All are welcome to shop at the DGC, but this is also our monthly Discount Weekend when Co-op owner-members (who have paid into their ownership share) receive a 10% discount on all in-store purchases (December 1-3). You can also shop for holiday gifts from local artisans, including pottery from The Clay Cauldron and hot sauce from Bootsie’s Sauce Co.

Come check out your neighborhood grocery and #shopthecoopfirst this weekend! The all-volunteer DGC is located at 5444 Delridge Way SW, and is open Friday 3–7, Saturday 9:30–3, Sunday 11–3, Monday 3–7, and Tuesday 3–7.

Moon Room Shop and Wellness: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!

Today we’re welcoming a new sponsor to the team of local businesses and organizations advertising on WSB: Moon Room Shop and Wellness in north Morgan Junction. When new sponsors join us, they get the opportunity to tell you about themselves – here’s what Moon Room would like you to know:

Moon Room Shop and Wellness is inspired by and created from imagination! We are a unique and eclectic retail gift shop that sells crystals, rocks, jewelry, 100% pure and natural essential oil body products and sprays, high-vibration art prints, and custom original T-shirts such as our popular Lincoln Park shirt. We also carry natural incense and sustainable smudge, intention candles, chimes, sun catchers, lamps, and so many other fun treasures that uplift and inspire joy in our daily living. We are always adding new fun items to our store while continually striving to offer our customers an affordably vibrant shopping experience.

Our crystal, rock, and mineral selection is selectively curated to appeal to the beginning and casual rock hound all the way to the collector looking for that nice specimen. We carry a great variety of tumbled and polished stones, crystal towers, spheres, free forms, and also some really cool fossils. Our jewelry section is filled with a beautiful and varied selection of gemstone rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Whether you are treating yourself or buying a gift for someone special, there is a lot to explore and enjoy at Moon Room.

To show our gratitude to everyone who has supported Moon Room and to all those we look forward to meeting, we are running a “West Seattle Rocks!” sale today (Friday, December 1) through Sunday, December 3, where everything in the store and online is 15% off! Come see us in person at 5902 ½ California Ave. SW in Morgan Junction or order online for pick up or delivery at www.moonroomshop.com. Use special code WSROCKS for online discount.

And to accommodate busy schedules for this holiday season, we are offering in-store private shopping bookings from 9-11 AM for the month of December. Book your own half-hour slot to browse and shop. Minimum $50 purchase required. Gift cards are available too! Book your private shopping excursion at calendar.app.google/3dwq2bQc9mKkqRHT9

We look forward to seeing you!

Much love,
Moon Room

We thank Moon Room Shop and Wellness for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here; email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Store robberies; stolen red Yukon; car prowls

In West Seattle Crime Watch:

STORE ROBBERIES: These two incidents, both classified as “strong-arm robberies,” were dispatched simultaneously last night, just after 9 pm. We obtained the summaries from SPD this morning. One was at the Admiral 7-11, where police say three people walked into the store, then two went behind the counter “and aggressively approached the clerk and told him to get out of the way. The clerk stepped aside”; the robbers grabbed two tills and “tobacco products,” then left in a “white vehicle.” No other descriptive information. The other was a shoplift-turned-robbery at the High Point Walgreens; here’s the summary police provided: “Officers arrived and spoke with a 28-year-old victim who reported a male suspect entered the business and stole merchandise. The victim employee attempted to stop the suspect but the suspect shoved the victim out of the way. The male suspect was described to be a Black male, approximately 5’6″-5’8″, thin build, with short black hair, wearing a white face mask, a blue/gray hoodie, and blue sweatpants. He left the location in an SUV.” No injuries reported in either robbery.

STOLEN RED YUKON: The photo and report are from Ellen:

My son’s GMC Yukon was stolen last night from the Admiral Neighborhood of W. Seattle. Maroon/Red 2005. Any help is appreciated.

LICENSE PLATE: CBX0004
FRONT PLATE: Florida State Trooper

CAR PROWLS: Reported by Paul: “Our next-door neighbors and we were victims of car prowls sometime this morning. They stole a car jumpstarter, our registration docs, and car manual out of my wife’s car and left the car open to the rain. Similar story from our next-door neighbor. We live on 51st Ave. SW off Genesee.”

Light Up the Night, Winter Wander, Kenyon Hall Cabaret, art show/sale openings, more for your West Seattle Friday

(Photo by Ann Anderson)

We have a two-part event list today – starting with highlights from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

LINDA MCCLAMROCK HOLIDAY ART SALE: Mixed-media artist’s annual sale, two days at 5532 SW Lander Pl., starting 4-8 pm tonight – details in our calendar listing.

RAIN CITY CLAY HOLIDAY ART SHOW & SALE: Rain City Clay is hosting a holiday show & sale featuring artists who work with clay, running through Tuesday, opening 4-8 pm tonight. (4208 SW 100th)

HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET: Nine artists/makers, 4-8 pm tonight and 10 am-4 pm tomorrow, at Keller Williams Realty (5446 California SW).

MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: The Menashe Family Lights are the biggest and brightest \in West Seattle and tonight is scheduled to be the display’s first “official” night of the season. (5605 Beach Drive SW)

CHOCOLATE & WINE WALK: In the “lower Junction,” 5-8 pm, as previewed here – tickets available at check-in location, Bohemian Studios (Fauntleroy/Edmunds).

‘WINTER WANDER’ SCAVENGER HUNT: Alice Kuder presents the “Winter Wander” scavenger hunt again this year – pre-registration open now; email wswinterwander@gmail.com:

The fourth annual Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt will run from 5 PM Friday, Dec. 1st to 7 PM Sunday, Dec. 10th. While intended primarily as a gift to the West Seattle community, the event is free to everyone of all ages. Instructions for this year’s hunt are available for download at wondersinaliceland.com/winter-wander. Clues to the locations of 15 local businesses and five private homes are provided in a Bingo-style clue sheet which will be posted at the same online location at 4 PM on Dec. 1st. Wanderers who submit selfies in front of the correct solutions will be entered into a drawing for duffle bags filled with gift cards and swag from local businesses. A $100 Grand Prize will be awarded to the team that earns the most points during the hunt. Extra points are awarded for donations to West Seattle and White Center Food Banks, as well as Toys for Tots. Register your team here. Register before noon TODAY to earn extra points.

‘LIGHT UP THE NIGHT’: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish & School invite you to “Light Up the Night,” with music and of course, lights, including the giant tree, highest-altitude community tree in the city! Bring nonperishable food donations to fill the sleigh in the Walmesley Center (which is also where you’ll find a holiday gift fair and craft activities for kids). 7 pm. Caroling, cookies, and cocoa too! (35th SW/SW Myrtle)

‘SNOWED IN’: ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) presents its holiday production, described as a “a journey of song, dance, friendship, family, and the true meaning of the holidays.” 7:30 pm. Get tickets here.

KENYON HALL CABARET, HOLIDAY EDITION: Drag at Kenyon Hall (7904 California SW), 7:30 pm showtime, all ages.

Now, the non-holiday lineup, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

OPENING DAY AT BANH MI XO: 9 am-4 pm as previewed here. (9003 35th SW)

SSC GARDEN CENTER: It’s still planting season! Shop for plants on the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-2 pm.

TODDLER GYM: Free drop-in gym at Arbor Heights Community Church, 10 am-11:30 am. (4113 SW 102nd)

SCRABBLE CLUB: You can play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café inside the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room/wine bar open – wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Try the newly released red wines!

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 7-9 pm, singer/songwriter Steve Itterly performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.

DANCE NIGHT AT THE SPOT: Fridays are DJ Dance Night at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

‘SCENES ABOUT TEENS’: Chief Sealth International High School‘s new musical has the first of three public performances at 7:30 pm – details in our preview. (2600 SW Thistle)

SOUND HEALING WITH REIKI ENERGY: 7:30 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

CHARMING DISASTER AND MISTER INK: “Prepare for an evening of musical enchantment, mayhem, and cabaret chaos that is sure to captivate and thrill audiences,” 9 pm at 2 Fingers Social (9211 Delridge Way SW)

DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Music 9 pm-1 am on Fridays! (4547 California SW)

Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Memorial planned December 9 for Daniel J. Jackson, 1950-2023

Family and friends will gather December 9 to remember Dan Jackson. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community now:

Daniel J. Jackson passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 17th, 2023.

Dan was born on August 1st, 1950, in Hamtramck, MI to Marie Ladley and grew up in MI with his younger brother Bill Ladley until joining the Army in 1969 and being sent over to Vietnam. Upon his general discharge under honorable circumstances – and receiving an Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) for consistent acts of heroism and meritorious service – he returned to MI, started a career working on freighters around the Great Lakes (including underwater welding/diving), and having his first two children, Ian & Jenna, from his first marriage to Jan Webber. After that marriage ended, he fell in love with and married Lynn Taber from Grosse Pointe, MI, having his last two children, Brendan & Mairi, in the early ’80s and relocating to Seattle.  

In WA, Dan started what would be a life-long career with the Bellevue Water Dept. (where he would retire from in the 2000s) and was involved with activities such as coaching youth sports teams (baseball, soccer, basketball) outside of work. Another long-term passion of his that he discovered in WA was the beginning of his association with Hope Lutheran Church. It was at Hope that Dan found his calling through multiple avenues of ministry, including preaching, chanting, spearheading acolyte programs, participating in Elders, and eventually becoming a Deacon in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

Dan was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Ladley, and is survived by his wife Lynn, his four children, Ian (Paula), Jenna, Brendan, & Mairi (Duane), his six grandchildren, Robbie, Dea, Savannah, Aria, Aidan, & Lyric, his brother Bill (Marlene), his nephew Aaron, and scores of extended Reinhardt family members across the country and beyond. 

A funeral service honoring Dan will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 4456 42nd Ave SW, on December 9th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception afterward at Hope North, 4100 SW Genesee St. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hope Lutheran Church toward its future Hope North expansion program. 

Please share memories, condolences, and photos of Dan on the Tribute Wall, at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Daniel-Jackson * Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY: The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary

Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 school year? The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary (WSB sponsor) is having an open house tomorrow. If you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the reminder:

The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary invites prospective families to an open house this Saturday, December 2 from 10 am – noon, refreshments provided. At our Open House, you’ll learn about our whole-child, hands-on approach to learning that includes multi-age small classes, an outdoor education program [photo right], and an emphasis on the arts. We have openings for students ages 5-11 for the ’24-’25 school year!

What makes The Bridge School special?
– Core teachers with over a decade of experience in the classroom and boundless passion for students
– Teaching that meets each young learner where they’re at using responsive teaching and continuum-based assessment
– Hands-on and project-based learning experiences with lots of field trips
– An emphasis on social-emotional learning
– Weekly outdoor education and arts instruction
– Prioritizing social justice while we learn and grow together as a community of teachers, caregivers, and students

Please join us this Saturday, December 2 (or on Saturday, January 6th), to meet our teachers and tour the school. Community members will be present to show you around, answer questions about the cooperative model, and share about why they chose The Bridge School for their children.

Interested in The Bridge School but unable to make it to an open house? Fill out our inquiry form and our Head of School will contact you to schedule a conversation and tour.

The Bridge School is at 10300 28th SW.

UPDATE: House fire on 55th SW

7:39 AM: Firefighters are at a house fire in the 3800 block of 55th SW [vicinity map]. Avoid the area. Updates to come.

7:44 AM: SFD says no injuries are reported so far.

7:48 AM: The fire is under control, firefighters report.

7:59 AM: We’ve just arrived in the area. SFD is starting to dismiss some of the units now that the situation is winding down. 55th SW remains blocked.

8:05 AM: We’ve just talked to incident command at the scene. They describe the fire as relatively small, but it did spread to the attic so that took a while to subdue. Their investigator has just arrived to start looking into how this started.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: December begins

7:44 AM: 55th SW is blocked by the house-fire response in the 3800 block.

Earlier:

6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, December 1.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The rain indeed returned. The forecast says we should get a break in the pm, but the wind will kick up. High in the upper 40s. Sunrise today is at 7:36 am; sunset, 4:19 pm.

STREET CLOSURE NOTE

SW Myrtle just east of 35th will be closed this evening for Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s 7 pm “Light Up the Night” holiday celebration, lighting Seattle’s highest-elevation Christmas tree.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – Regular schedule today; check advisories here.

Water TaxiRegular schedule today.

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check alerts for changes, and use Vessel Watch to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on Twitter/X shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if applicable). Thank you!

FOLLOWUP: Here’s why West Seattle Stadium site might become EV-charging lot instead of off-leash area

You might call this a followup to a followup:

(Parks graphic from June announcement of sites under consideration as off-leash areas)

During Monday night’s Seattle Parks online briefing about various West Seattle projects, there was a major update to the process of planning a second WS off-leash area – Parks said that one of the two sites between which they’re deciding, south of West Seattle Stadium, might no longer be “viable” because of the city’s push toward “electrification.” For our followup on that – published Wednesday – we learned that the city Finance and Administrative Services department is eyeing the site for charging city vehicles, including electric golf carts for the adjacent golf course. But that information came from Parks, so today we asked FAS for more details on the project. FAS spokesperson Melissa Mixon first gave us this overview, “FAS approached Parks about the location and shared it could be an ideal site for a charging site, so long as it’s not needed or used by Parks for purposes of a dog park since that project pre-dates this one. FAS is currently awaiting direction from Parks on how they would like to proceed and whether we should explore the feasibility of the West Seattle Stadium/Golf location or pursue other potential sites for a charging station.”

The backstory: “FAS is building EV charging hubs throughout the City to support the City’s rapid transition to electric vehicles in the City’s fleet. These locations will be regional so City fleet can re-fuel (electricity) when needed. The West Seattle area became the first priority region and the West Seattle Stadium/Golf could serve as an ideal location. FAS and Parks are in early conversation about this site.” Right now, Mixon said, it’s “the only West Seattle location under consideration but that could change based on Parks’ feedback regarding this site. … This site is under consideration due to its location, ease of access for City electric vehicles to enter and exit, and because it would have minimal impact on the public.”

We asked for more specifics regarding the potential facility’s scope. Mixon said it is envisioned for “6-8, Level 3 (150 KwH+) fast chargers that need approximately 10,000 square feet to accommodate ingress/egress and parking. … There are 17 fleet-using departments in the City. All departments would have access to this EV fueling station as they conduct business in the area. Seattle Parks Department would be a heavy user as they have the fourth largest fleet in the City.”

If Parks gave FAS the green light to pursue this site, “FAS would need to conduct a feasibility study and estimate costs. This process can typically take two months and a decision would not be made until both are complete.” Parks, meantime, is supposed to have a recommendation on the dog-park site within weeks; the other site that’s been under consideration for West Seattle’s second off-leash area is in Lincoln Park.

LAST CALL: Live/work in Fauntleroy? Questions for you!

If you live/work in Fauntleroy, but haven’t responded yet to the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s survey, you have just a few more days! FCA is the only neighborhood council in West Seattle that surveys people in its service area, “to understand what is important to our community members and help the FCA board set priorities.” You can find the survey online by going to fauntleroy.net/survey. Once it’s closed, FCA will compile and publish the results. The board meets second Tuesdays most months, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse and online, and community members are always welcome.

DEVELOPMENT: Early proposal for ‘office building’ at 4501 35th SW

Going through online filings in the city permit system, we happened onto an early-stage proposal for a five-story “office building” at 4501 35th SW, a small – 2,369 square feet – parcel immediately north of Brookdale West Seattle, across 35th from West Seattle Stadium/Golf Course. Records show the site is owned by the Sweeney family, currently pursuing much larger developments a few blocks north. So we asked family spokesperson Lynn Sweeney about the “office building” plan. She explained, “We are going through the SDCI process to see what might be buildable given that there is possible steep slope, so we just need to start the process to do some due diligence.” She added that the site currently holds a “shack” that has had squatter trouble and that they’re hoping to demolish but need to be “into the permitting process” to pursue that.

FRIDAY: First-ever Wine & Chocolate Walk in ‘lower Junction’

The West Seattle Junction Association-presented Wine Walks have been a huge success – and now WSJA is expanding the concept. Tomorrow (Friday, December 1, 5-8 pm) brings the first Wine & Chocolate Walk event, happening in the “lower Junction” area, and we’re told tickets remain!

$20 gets you eight tastings of wine and/or chocolate. Under-21 participants are welcome too (no wine for them, though). Online ticket sales are over but tickets will be available at the check-in location, Bohemian Studios (Fauntleroy/Edmunds) – the official event page lists not only the participating wine and chocolate providers, but also the nearby “lower Junction” businesses where you’ll find them. This is the first event of this year’s Hometown Holidays festivities!

WEEKEND PREVIEW: Kids’ basketball contest in West Seattle on Saturday

So many holiday events in West Seattle this weekend – but a few non-holiday events too! Like this one for kids:

It’s happening 9 am-noon Saturday (December 2) in the gym at Lafayette Elementary (2645 California SW). The Burien Elks – whose wide service area includes West Seattle – will be holding a “hoop shoot” contest. The Elks’ Missy Wheat says it’s part of a national competition for kids 8 through 13. The top scorers on Saturday will move on to district competition, followed by state and nationals. There’s a chance to win scholarships through the Elks National Foundation. No preregistration required – just show up Saturday morning! If you have questions, squareknot85@gmail.com is how to reach local tournament director Mark Komac.

FOLLOWUP: Here’s where the ‘Quiet Zone’ project stands, four months in

Thanks to Don Brubeck for that photo from the low bridge showing progress on part of the Terminal 5 Quiet Zone project. As previously reported, it’s a group of crossing changes meant to reduce the need for horn-blowing by trains serving the newly modernized T-5.

(Here’s an official explanation of “quiet zones.”) Don’s photo led us to check in with SDOT on project progress – here’s our questions and their answers:

What’s been completed so far?

Since beginning construction in July 2023, we have installed electrical and signal conduit, drainage and paving to support the future signalized intersection at W Marginal Way SW and Elder Bernice White Place. We have also paved a section of the access road north of the W Marginal Way SW and Elder Bernice White Place intersection. We closed Chelan Ave SW, the north leg of the former 5-way intersection to vehicular access.

What’s next?

We’re currently working on storm water work, including the installation of a storm water filter vault and moving catch basins to meet new curb alignment, and excavating trenches for signal and fiber conduit near the Chelan Ave SW/W Marginal Way SW intersection. We’re also working on the new signal at W Marginal Way SW and Elder Bernice White Place. We’ll also be working with railroad crews to install the new railroad crossing at Elder Bernice White Place.

What’s the latest projection for completion?

Completion is expected in May 2024 pending railroad crews’ installation of new crossing arms and safety equipment at railroad crossings at both Chelan Ave SW and Elder Bernice White Place.

The “Quiet Zone” work originally was supposed to be complete before the first modernized berth at T-5 was opened; that’s now been almost two years, and the second berth is almost done. Note that this doesn’t affect all train traffic in the area – some trains serve industrial facilities along the Duwamish River, not T-5, and those sections of track are not part of the project.

VIDEO, PHOTOS: Young humpback whale still in Elliott Bay, and getting a guard

10:46 AM: This is the third day a young humpback whale has been seen in Elliott Bay. Kersti Muul tells us its official ID is BCY0995, and that it was born last year to a humpback known as “Smiley.” Today it’s near the downtown waterfront again. She says its lingering in the area is not necessarily a good thing, and explains in a comment on Wednesday’s report:

… It is a bit concerning (not only for safety reasons). Humpbacks are particularly prone to being struck as they are not as aware of their surroundings as other species of whales. This is an app that you can put on your phone that alerts vessels like the ferries to whales’ presence in the area. It’s a great tool that we use to help whales and wildlife in yet one more way. Here is the link.

Soundwatch will be heading out to keep an eye on this calf and take some pictures.

1:51 PM: Added video above sent by Manuel, showing the humpback breaching.

4:41 PM: David Hutchinson sent photos of Soundwatch, mentioned by Kersti above and in comments;

Meantime, Jamie Kinney sent this photo of the humpback’s fluke as it dove:

See a musical, paint and sip, discuss light rail, other options for your West Seattle Thursday

(Photo by Suzanne Krom)

From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for an update on where they’re playing today.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room and wine bar open 1-6 pm on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus (6000 16th SW).

THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), Levantine Cuisine will be visiting.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run!

PAINT AND SIP: 6-9 pm with artist Christopher Coleman at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) in The Junction. Guided painting, materials, two drinks – $50 online, $60 at door.

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: You’re invited to this online meeting at 6:30 pm with guests from Sound Transit to talk about West Seattle light rail; also, Seattle Times transportation reporter Mike Lindblom (a WS resident) will talk about what he’s covered this year. See our preview for the meeting link.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Future Primitive Beer Bar (2536 Alki SW) at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.

BLUES NIGHT: 7 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.

YOGA, BREATH WORK, GONG BATH, MORE: 7 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

‘SNOWED IN’ OPENING NIGHT: ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) presents its holiday production, described as a “a journey of song, dance, friendship, family, and the true meaning of the holidays.” 7:30 pm. Tickets are available here.

We publish daily lists like this one as reminders, but you can look ahead any time, to any day, by scrolling through our full calendar and Holiday Guide!

WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: Saturday open house, holiday giving at Tilden School

(Tilden School photo – Giving Tree after first day – it’s being replenished daily)

Two notes from independent K-5 Tilden School (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) – first, a reminder that if you’re school-shopping for next year. Tilden welcomes you to its next Open House this Saturday (December 2), 10 am-noon. Head of school Dr. Jorge Olaf Nelson says, “Folks can stop by, have a coffee and a scone and meet our wonderful faculty and staff and learn about our program at Tilden School.”

Also, he shares an update on the school’s holiday-giving drive, which includes the “giving tree” shown above:

Our parents have organized a warm clothing drive which has already raised hundreds of pounds of clothes for children. WestSide Baby was blown away by our Give Joy drive and said we were “the best one ever!” For a small school we really gave in a BIG way!

By the numbers:
34 bags donated
204.9 lbs overall
34 winter coats
12 raincoats
29 pairs of warm shoes
20 sets of PJs
33 pairs of pants
10 pairs of snow pants
204 tops/sweatshirts/sweaters
42 hats
29 pairs of mittens
24 sets of socks
Plus one bagful of the following uncounted; books, toys, baby gear, scarfs, stuffies and learning toys. All items were re-bagged into the same item groupings, to help the volunteers process the donations more efficiently.

Parents have also organized a Giving Tree and we are now gathering toys to be distributed soon to Mary’s Place Seattle. Such a wonderful group of dedicated parents at Tilden School. The tree is being restocked on a daily basis. We are so grateful for their kind support.

If you’d like to donate to Mary’s Place too, the link is here; you can also have your own WestSide Baby Joy Drive (as explained in our Holiday Guide) – here’s how.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday notes

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, November 30.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s the day the rain returns, says the forecast, high in the low 40s. Sunrise today is at 7:35 am; sunset, 4:20 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – Regular schedule today; check advisories here.

Water TaxiRegular schedule today.

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check alerts for changes, and use Vessel Watch to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on Twitter/X shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if applicable). Thank you!

FOLLOWUP: Plan for ex-substation in Highland Park gets unanimous council-committee approval

47 minutes into that video, you’ll see the City Council Public Safety and Human Services Committee‘s relatively short discussion of the former substation site at 16th/Holden in Highland Park. As reported here Monday, council legislation would transfer the site from Seattle City Light to the Office of Housing. The latter department then would seek proposals for developing the site into up to 16 units for “affordable homeownership,” plus street-level commercial space. The units would likely be lofts or townhouses, available for purchase by people making up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. The plan got unanimous approval in Tuesday’s meeting of the committee chaired by outgoing District 1 Councilmember Lisa Herbold, who has long championed this kind of future for the site, which SCL declared “surplus” a decade ago (it was decommissioned in the ’00s). Next step is a full council vote, expected on Tuesday (December 5).

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen car-top tent and crossbars; abandoned-possibly-stolen bikes

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

STOLEN CAR-TOP TENT AND CROSSBARS: The photo and report are from Karyn:

My Roofnest Sparrow tent and Thule Aero crossbars were stolen off of my car parked on 45th Ave SW at SW Alaska near the Junction, sometime between 10 pm on Tues. 11/28 and 12 pm Weds. 11/29. Please let me know if you see one near you or for sale somewhere – the tent had blue painters tape on some of the latches, a safety strap around the middle, and the rear grey buckle strap has been stitched together. Thank you for keeping an eye out! Please email kamckelvey@gmail.com with any information.

ABANDONED BIKES: Peter sent the photo:

He spotted these bicycles abandoned near the north side of Westwood Village. If you recognize either one, let us know.

LIGHT RAIL: Sound Transit reps @ West Seattle Transportation Coalition tomorrow

Following up on last month’s West Seattle station-planning event (WSB coverage here), Sound Transit reps will be guests at Thursday night’s meeting of the West Seattle Transportation Coalition. The group usually meets on fourth Thursdays, every other month, but moved this meeting because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Chair Michael Taylor-Judd promises “an in-depth review and discussion with Sound Transit on the latest planning for light rail expansion to our side of the Duwamish.” The WSTC meeting is online, 6:30 pm Thursday (November 30), and you can attend via this link (meeting ID 885 1970 8802, passcode WSTC) – all are welcome.

TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: Fauntlee Hills’ Christmasy corner

‘Tis the season for us to feature holiday lights, and Ken Arkills‘ display in Fauntlee Hills is once again one of the first ones we’re hearing about. Thanks to his brother Jim Arkills for sending the video! Ken says, “It makes my heart melt” to see the smiles on visitors’ faces. You can join them at 39th/Trenton [map] – the surrounding blocks in Fauntlee Hills usually have other displays worth seeing too.

Got lights to suggest – yours or someone else’s, with or without photos? Email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

BIZNOTE: Meeples Games showcased at HomeStreet Bank

HomeStreet Bank in the West Seattle Junction (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) is continuing its tradition of showcasing another local business/nonprofit every month, and this month, the spotlight has been on Meeples Games, with a special display in the branch and a drawing at month’s end. That’s why Meeples Games proprietor Laura Schneider visited HomeStreet (whose Joyce Leslie is at right in our photo with Laura) on Tuesday – to draw the winner of a $100 gift card. (Just in time for holiday shopping!) If you haven’t been to Meeples, the shop is upstairs at 3727 California SW, with numerous weekly gaming events as well as retail offerings. The December spotlight at HomeStreet will be on ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), where “Snowed In” opens tomorrow night.