The screengrab at right from the city’s police-call map tells the tale: The spray-paint can is the city map’s icon for property-damage reports; the map is not real-time, so the icons represent mostly incidents reported last night or this morning. Though details on those reports aren’t available, so we don’t know details of the “property damage,” the icon locations correspond with what we’ve heard anecdotally through a variety of channels – a spate of vandalism incidents against cars. First word we had was this morning, when a WSB’er who asked to be anonymous reported, “This morning coming back from coffee at 6 am i noticed a truck with its street side window broken out. The truck was on SW Hill St between 42 and 44th streets. And a few minutes ago I found half a blue rubber glove hanging on a trailer lock handle and a fresh thumb print in the dirt on the trailer door lock. This happened near Hill St and Sunset.” We got two other reports as well – read on:Read More

West Seattle salmon: Fauntleroy Creek season, by the numbers

December 4, 2011 8:41 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Environment | West Seattle news | Wildlife

EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks so much to Fauntleroy Creek volunteer Dennis Hinton for sharing earlier updates as well as this wrap-up on the annual coho watch at the creek, restored a decade ago. Since no fish returned last year, this year’s returns were cause for celebration.

By Dennis Hinton
Special to West Seattle Blog

The first three coho spawners to come into Fauntleroy Creek this year were spotted by volunteer Jack Lawless and friends on Saturday morning, Nov. 19.

The last two spawners were seen by watcher Anne Samenfink on Saturday morning, Nov. 26. They were the first fish that Anne has seen in 10 years of watching.

All told, eight creek volunteers spotted 14 coho during the season, compared to zero last year.

Watchers also noted:
*Three spawning pairs (location of their redds marked)
*Three coho carcasses (examined by volunteer biologist Steev Ward)
*20 Alki Cooperative Preschool kids, plus chaperones, seeing two spawners on their Nov. 21 field trip.
*About 100 people checking out spawning activity from the fish-ladder viewpoint (SW Director and upper Fauntleroy Way SW, across from the ferry terminal). Note: The viewpoint is a treat to visit anytime but is especially interesting during spawning season (Halloween to Thanksgiving).

Local volunteers joined the county-wide Salmon Watch program in 2000. Since then, watchers have tallied 479 spawners (chart after the jump):Read More

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West Seattle holidays: Sharing the lights; Santa at CAPERS

December 4, 2011 7:52 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Did you take advantage of the dry, clear day to put up lights? A LOT of lights? The Burns Family at 3216 SW 114th has 20,000 lights up and invites you to come have a look – they shared the photo along with that invitation. “We have been decorating our home for about 20 years starting with a few strings of lights in 1991,” they explain. Here’s a map to the area; the lights are on 5-10 pm nightly through New Year’s Eve. If *you* have a whole lot of lights – or know someone/someplace that does – we’d love to feature them again this year, and will add them to the “Christmas Lights” section on the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info page too; e-mail editor@westseattleblog.com (photo not mandatory, we can come take one if need be!).

Another holiday scene to share in addition to all the others we’ve photographed/reported on this weekend:

This weekend, CAPERS in The Junction not only had its annual Holiday Open House, the shop also played host, as promised, to the popular Santa Claus who used to have Westwood at the top of his list, so to speak. He was there for “DIY photos” – you bring your camera – the past two afternoons; above, he posed today with Frances and Teagan. He’ll be back at CAPERS 3-7 pm next Friday and 1-5 pm next Saturday and Sunday (next Sunday, December 11th, is a huge day for CAPERS because they’re also hosting Caspar Babypants at 11 am!). And he’s planning a Holy Rosary visit 9 am-noon next Saturday (December 10th). Of course, Santa is everywhere; the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays charity-fundraiser Santa photos were a hit today too, with quite the line when we visited for our first pic.

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West Seattle holidays: First Lutheran Church’s St. Nicholas Faire fundraiser

December 4, 2011 6:16 pm

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| Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Till 7 pm, First Lutheran Church of West Seattle‘s basement is aglow in white Christmas lights and good cheer for a combination gift-basket silent auction and wine-tasting event, the 3rd annual St. Nicholas Faire. There’s an admission charge, with funds raised benefiting West Seattle Helpline and West Seattle Food Bank. (We found board members from the former – the church’s pastor Rev. Ron Marshall – and the latter – Pete Spalding – on hand.) The 110-plus gift baskets were put together by Larraine King, who organized the event, with a bit of help:

The baskets have themes from cookies to toys to cuisine and beyond, even this beach “basket”:

The wine is courtesy of Rev. Marshall’s winemaking brother Rich Marshall of award-winning Maryhill Winery:

If you missed this and this weekend’s other bazaars/fairs, and giving opportunities, no worries – more next weekend – keep an eye on the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info page!

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Log House Museum decks the halls, prepares for totem-pole project

December 4, 2011 4:44 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

The house that’s home to West Seattle history, the Log House Museum, is a lot more Christmasy tonight after a volunteer decorating party this afternoon. When we stopped by, volunteer Pete was helping with the lights outside:

Inside, the gift shop – which is now on the museum’s first floor, instead of in the annex out back – is having a holiday sale. And we talked with museum/Southwest Seattle Historical Society leaders about perhaps the biggest project ahead in the New Year, restoration and upright display of the totem pole that’s been stored at the museum:

That’s the one that used to be at the Admiral Way Viewpoint. Artech, which restored the Rotary Viewpoint Park totem pole after its theft and return two years ago, will do the work on this one too. Funding will come in large part from a grant made by the National Society of Colonial Dames of the State of Washington. (added) WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli photographed it in 2004, while it was still in its old spot:

You can stop by the Log House Museum at 61st/Stevens any Thursday-Sunday, noon-4 pm, to see the exhibits and find out more about everything new they’re doing with everything old!

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Update: 1st round of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Santa photos raises $1,500 for local nonprofits

December 4, 2011 1:23 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle news

While Santa Claus got ready to see his next visitor, volunteer Lauren from WestSide Baby offered a bright-as-Christmas-tree-lights smile. WS Baby is one of the local charities benefiting from the $15 donation for West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Santa photos happening till 3 pm (and again 11 am-3 pm next Sunday, December 11th) at photographer Donna Ryan‘s City Mouse Studio and Store (4218 SW Alaska). Also stop by the H-Holidays booth at California/Alaska for extra holiday cheer – and enter the Junction’s $3,500 Holiday Raffle while you’re going from shop to shop (here’s the list of participants – look for a wrapped entry box like the one in this story).

ADDED MONDAY: The Junction reports $1,500 was raised for local nonprofits with Sunday’s Santa photos!

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West Seattle holidays: Decoration day in the Admiral District

December 4, 2011 12:46 pm

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| Admiral Theater | Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Many storefronts are already festively lit and decorated in the Admiral District, and more will be by tonight – including wreaths going up on some of the business-district light fixtures, like this spot outside Alki Bike and Board (whose proprietor Stu Hennessey is in our photo, with Dave Weitzel from Weitzel Construction). The “work party” was already planned before today’s forecast took a turn for the sunny! Also helping decorate – Max and Quinn, as in the Atomic Boys‘ original namesakes (sons of store owners Parris and Kent Sadow):

Among the holiday fun coming up in the Admiral District, Dinah Brein at the historic Admiral Theater says she’s finalized the date for the free Christmas movie, 7 pm December 20th. She’s still finalizing the movie; once again this year, she asked us to ask you for ideas – see the suggestions here.

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Happening now: Art on sale & in the making, at C & P

December 4, 2011 11:44 am

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| Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

If you’re out in public with the art you put your heart and soul into, it helps to have a cheering section nearby. If our photo’s angle were a bit wider, you would see Rose Jarvey‘s mom off to the left. Rose is one of the artists showing and selling their wares at WSB sponsor C & P Coffee‘s Holiday Arts/Crafts Fair right now, till 2 pm (5612 California SW). It’s all about family over in the other corner of C & P’s front room:

That’s micro-photographer extraordinaire Machel Spence (who has shared work here on WSB many a time) and daughter India – while mom’s known for photographing tiny marvels, India created these:

Feet away, Barbara Noonan was using coffee and croissant as a still-life inspiration for another chalk creation:

She was C & P’s featured West Seattle Art Walk artist last month. Others we saw at today’s fair include Ebrima Jatta with Africa-inspired crafts, painter Sheila Lengle, and Jewelry by Brett Today’s other bazaars/fairs/events are listed on our ‘West Seattle Sunday‘ preview, here.

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Seacrest Boathouse changes? City reportedly picks new operator

December 4, 2011 9:26 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Seacrest Boathouse file photo, by Christopher Boffoli)
Our partners at the Seattle Times report today that the city Parks Department has chosen a new (not-yet-identified) operator for Seacrest Boathouse. The owners of Alki Crab and Fish have been the official operators for a decade, the length of the city contract that expired last June; this past fall, the city put out a Request for Proposals for operating the food/drink concession at the boathouse/pier (see the RFP here, including the city’s terms and conditions).

A document on the city website includes Q/A with the city in response to an unidentified “interested proposer” (see it here). As that document notes, Alki Kayak Tours is a subcontractor to the restaurant operator. We asked its proprietor Greg Whittaker, who has offered tours as well as rentals (not just kayaks, but skates, bikes, and standup paddleboards, among other things) for 7 years, how this would affect his operation. His reply: “I am not really sure how this all will turn out. We have worked really hard to develop this business and hope to negotiate a solution with Seattle Parks and Recreation.” Alki Crab and Fish’s owner told the Times he plans to send the city a protest letter.

The reported plan to turn Seacrest over to a new operator requires City Council approval, with a vote expected early next year. We’ll be following up with Parks tomorrow.

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West Seattle Sunday: Shopping, Santa, recycling, dream homes…

December 4, 2011 8:14 am

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| Holidays | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Fresh this morning – a micro-scene at Lincoln Park, courtesy of photographer Machel Spence, who’ll be at the C & P Coffee Company holiday arts/crafts fair today – part of another busy list of possibilities! From the WSB West Seattle Holidays and Events calendars:

C & P HOLIDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR: Meet the artists and shop at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 9 am-2 pm (5612 California SW).

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska. Today you’ll also find a booth with Waste Management promoting and answering questions about its recycling challenge – with its neighborhoods around the city (including West Seattle) competing over the next few months to win a $50,000 neighborhood-improvement grant, depending on which one has the biggest reduction in waste.

WEST SEATTLE ARTISTS’ STUDIO TOUR: Final day, wide variety of West Seattle artists featured at local artist studios during the Seattle Sampling Artists Studio Tour: Visit Penguina Designs Studio (penguinadesigns.com), Brace Point Pottery (bracepointpottery.com), Ken Turner Pottery Studio (kenturnerpottery.com) or Marilyn Moore Studio all without leaving West Seattle! Multiple artists are featured at each studio; full details at seattlesampling.com. 10 am-5 pm.

BRUNCH, ANYONE? While you’re out shopping … WSB sponsor Fresh Bistro serves brunch 10 am-3 pm; see the menu here.

HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS: SANTA PHOTOS! Santa Photos in The Junction! 11 am to 3 pm at City Mouse Studio and Store, with photographer Donna Ryan; suggested donation of $15 or more goes to help West Seattle charities.

HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS HEADQUARTERS: 11 am-4 pm, in front of KeyBank at California/Alaska, it’s Hometown Holidays Headquarters for information on festivities, shopping, the Holiday Raffle and in-store events. Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB) info here. (P.S. In case you are wondering, the mule-drawn carriage rides are the NEXT TWO Sundays, NOT today.)

DECK THE MUSEUM WITH BOUGHS … (etc.): You’re invited to join in decorating the Log House Museum and potluck lunch 12-2 pm. Help get the Log House Museum ready for the holidays! Join us to string lights and decorate the tree. Also bring a side dish or small dessert for a Potluck Lunch with staff, board and volunteers! And, if you have some, we need extra lights for outside and thumb tacks, small nails, or a staple gun to hang them. So come on over; it’s always fun to share work and food! 3003 61st SW.

HOLIDAY ART, ENERGY, AND HEALING: Greet old friends, make new ones, and shop for unique, uplifting gifts at Alki Arts, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Stone readings, crystals, Peruvian rattles, crystal/flower essences, animal totem pendulums, smudge kits, art, books, and more! Rose De Dan of Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing, Robyn Fritz of Alchemy West, and Vicki Draper of Vi Miere will be there to answer your questions about energy healing for people and animals as well as assist you in finding the right energetic gift for yourself, family, or friends

CAPERS’ OPEN HOUSE AND “DIY SANTA”: CAPERS holiday open house continues 11-5; meet Mary Conzatti of M. Frances Jewelry (noon-4 pm), and take your own photos with Santa, 1-5 pm.

DREAM HOMES TOUR: Multi-agency Open House tour of 11 West Seattle “dream homes,” 1-4 pm. From the announcement: “Our intention has been to generate an energy within our community through agency solidarity, as well as to show what the housing market coupled with the current interest rates can buy. We love West Seattle and want to do whatever we can to help it thrive in this economically challenging time. There are some amazing opportunities available for first time home buyers all the way up to those ready to move up!” Here’s the list of homes.

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS: Dreading the holidays because of the death of a loved one? Grace Church will host a “Surviving the Holidays” one time seminar, 2 pm, 10323 28th SW. Everyone is welcome. Contact Barb at 206-932-7459.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE,’ RADIO STYLE: 3 pm matinee for Twelfth Night Productions‘ “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show,” at Kenyon Hall. Based on the classic 1946 Frank Capra film, playwright Joe Landry’s take on “It’s a Wonderful Life” comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast at historic Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th SW. Tickets are available online at Brown Paper Tickets, and at Kenyon Hall, $15/adults, $12 students & seniors.

‘EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY’: Also continuing today, ArtsWest presents the Seattle premiere of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald and John K. Alvarez. 3 pm; ticket info here.

EVENING SHOPPING: 3rd annual St. Nicholas Faire, a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank and the West Seattle Helpline, at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle, 4105 California SW, 4 pm to 7 pm. Cost is $5 per person, $15 per family (with at least one can of food per person) or $10 per person, $25 per family (when there are no donations). Come and buy gift baskets and baked goods for people on your holiday shopping lists. Also enjoy wine tasting, a wine toss and tasty treats and drinks!

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