Whimsical is the word that came to mind when we checked these out, on the recommendation of Thad – so much, we needed to take photos from two angles.
The house is on the west side of 32nd SW, south of SW Cloverdale – and that stretch of 32nd has several other nice displays. We’ve of course added it to the WSB West Seattle Christmas Lights map. Still a few more to check out before Christmas!
Four weeks ago, we got word from Joan about a toy drive with a collection box at Husky Deli, to benefit kids in South Park. Tonight, Joan shares the news that “we did really well,” with local donations resulting in more than 250 presents, distributed at a party attended by more than 450 kids and 350 adults (that’s where the photos are from).
Joan wanted to publicly say “thanks” to everybody who helped out.
5:15 PM: Thanks to everyone who has texted about this – we heard the sirens from a mile south. There’s a major police search in the Seaview area. We have a crew there, and we’re still working to confirm details.
5:33 PM UPDATE: Police at the scene, which is near 45th/Findlay (map), tell us this was called in as a burglary in progress – possibly with people in the house when it happened. They’re searching the area, with K-9 help, for two suspects. We also learned from a nearby resident that police had been called earlier in the afternoon about people who appeared to be trying doors in the area.
As reported in recent WSB Crime Watch updates, police have been making progress in catching suspects in what until recently had been an rash of break-ins; just yesterday, according to Southwest Precinct Capt. Steve Paulsen, they arrested a suspect after a burglary in Fauntleroy.
7:45 PM UPDATE: Neighbor Kristina provides more information in a comment, from which this is excerpted:
This happened next door to my house. My neighbor’s wife had just left in the car to run errands with their two small children, and my neighbor had just come out of the shower and was getting dressed when a man came up behind him and started strangling him. He was able to get away, came to my house, and we called 911. Terrifying for all of us, but everyone was safe in the end (fortunately my neighbor is a strong man). The burglar had kicked in a back door to get in. One theory is that the burglar had watched the wife and kids leave, and thought that the house was empty, but didn’t know that the husband was home.
8:27 PM UPDATE: And more new information, from Capt. Paulsen: “(On) further investigation of the occupied burglary (it) was determined to be a family matter. We are following up on the deceptive reporting given the amount of resources used/responded.”
On the WSB West Seattle Holidays page, we are still collecting info on restaurant/bar/coffee hours for this weekend, as well as any and all local retailers open Christmas Eve for last-minute shoppers – but ONE category of information is now complete: Grocery-store hours, which are as follows:
METROPOLITAN MARKET (WSB sponsor): Closing 6 pm Christmas Eve; closed on Christmas Day PCC NATURAL MARKETS (WSB sponsor): Closing 7 pm Christmas Eve; closed on Christmas Day QFC/JUNCTION: Closing 6 pm Christmas Eve; open 8 am-4 pm Christmas Day QFC/WESTWOOD: Closing 6 pm Christmas Eve; open 7 am-4 pm Christmas Day SAFEWAY (all three): Closing 7 pm Christmas Eve; open 8 am-5 pm Christmas Day WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: Closing at 9 pm Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day
As we’ve done with previous projects, we took a drive on the newly opened lanes of the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct, particularly for those who commute home via I-5 or Beacon Hill to the West Seattle Bridge and might be interested in a preview. As SDOT warned, the lanes are narrower, and they’ve reduced the speed limit. From their announcement, here’s what’s next:
Following this initial traffic shift, the contractor will connect the old and new structures, construct a new center median between the old and new structures, and install new lighting in the median. Over the next few months, eastbound traffic will be shifted from the south side to the north side of the old structure so that the contractor can begin demolition of the existing south barrier. This spring, eastbound traffic will be temporarily moved over to the new viaduct so that the old bridge deck can be repaired and repaved.
If you’ve missed previous mentions – the 1st Avenue South on/offramp on the westbound side won’t be “fully open” till the project is done next summer, according to what SDOT told us recently. Meantime, there are no current changes to the eastbound direction – except that the new temporary configuration means a lot more distance between westbound and eastbound traffic (which you may recall used to have no separation at all!).
Photos this afternoon from three of the photographers who have shared more than a few images va WSB over the months and years (thank you!) – first, Machel Spence and daughter India found “a stropharia and a sleeping slug” in the Thursday morning chill at Lincoln Park. That’s also where Bill Bacon got a squirrel to pose (after bribing it with a bit of sandwich) last week:
And Melanie Dixon spotted this juvenile bald eagle this morning near Me-Kwa-Mooks, on the lookout for salmon (after competing with a family of sea lions, she said):
Thanks to them and to everyone who has shared photos, from cameraphone breaking-news shots, to volunteers out doing great things in the community, to school celebrations, wildlife, sunsets/sunrises, and so much more … here’s how to connect with WSB any time.
(Photo added 12:24 pm – that’s Cara at the Illusions open house) ILLUSIONS OPEN HOUSE: Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) holiday open house (stop in for treats!) Till 4 pm.
WINE TASTING: Bin 41 wine tasting from 6-7:30 pm. Santa’s Sippers (with homemade cookies by the stockings with care)!
HANUKKAH PARTY: Party tonight at Kol HaNeshamah, 6112 SW Hinds, 6:30 pm. From the announcement: “Join us for Shabbat and Hanukkah blessings, dinner with plenty of latkes, and a special Hanukkah concert and puppet show. The Sababas, a Seattle-based duo, will return to Kol HaNeshamah with their unique mix of Jewish and popular music, storytelling, puppetry and fun. All are welcome at no charge — children and adults alike! Please bring one extra bottle of oil to our donation box in the foyer at synagogue during the Hanukkah party. A cooking essential, the oil will sustain those in need, especially this time of year.” (More details on the KHN website.)
SECOND-TO-LAST CHANCE TO SEE ‘EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY…’: Again tonight, ArtsWest presents the Seattle premiere of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald and John K. Alvarez. 7:30 pm tonight, 5 pm on Christmas Eve; ticket info here.
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