West Seattle, Washington

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year : 2011 4273 results

Video: Caspar Babypants & Kate Endle’s ‘booksinging’
December 11, 2011 11:29 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

No, that’s not a typo in our headline – when we stopped by CAPERS in The Junction just before musician Caspar Babypants and artist Kate Endle started their 11 am appearance, we asked about the order of events – music, then reading, then signing, or? “We’re singing the books,” they explained, “so it’s a book ‘singing,’ then a book ‘signing’.” We’ll add video of the singing part when we’re back at HQ. You can find out more about their new books “Bunny Rabbit in the Sunlight” and “My Woodland Wish” here – they’ll be at CAPERS till noon or so.

ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: Here’s the video, as promised. It begins with Caspar B explaining how he added the kids-music sideline to his rock ‘n’ roll career:

As Kate said in the comment section, pre-signed books are still available at CAPERS, among other items of hers.

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West Seattle Sunday: From music to mule-drawn carriages
December 11, 2011 10:24 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Added 11:22 am: Pathfinder K-8 selling handmade holiday wreaths again today at WS Farmers’ Market)
From the WSB West Seattle Holidays page and Events calendar:

FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 2 pm, The Junction (44th/Alaska) – note that the market has a special evening edition 12/22, and then is closed the following two Sundays, since those are Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS IN THE JUNCTION – CARRIAGE RIDES AND SANTA! *Mule Carriage Rides* 11 am-3 pm, free. Take a traditional carriage ride down California SW pulled by beautiful Belgian Draft Mules. Carriages depart on California in front of KeyBank at Hometown Holidays Headquarters. Same time period, Santa Photos at City Mouse Studio and Store, professionally photographed by Donna Ryan Photography, with a suggested donation of $15 or more going to West Seattle charities.

CASPAR AND KATE AT CAPERS: At CAPERS, 4525 California SW: West Seattle artist Kate Endle and musician Caspar Babypants will be reading their two new children’s books, “My Woodland Wish” and “Bunny Rabbit in the Sunlight,” with a book-signing session to follow, and a bit of music. 11 am.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR AT THE FEEDBACK: Arts/crafts on sale at the Feedback Lounge‘s (WSB sponsor) annual Holiday Bazaar, 11:30 am-6 pm (6451 California SW).

CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE LONGHOUSE: Duwamish Longhouse Christmas Concert — Teachings of the First People with Ravenspeaker. Local Native storyteller Ravenspeaker (Robert Frederiksen) of the Tsimshian Raven Clan shares NW stories, song and dance. Born and raised in Seattle, Ravenspeaker has travelled all over North America as a recognized Culture Bearer for the Northwest Coast’s First Peoples. Children and friends will be invited to join in song and dance. Includes hot cocoa & cookies. $10 general, $5 students, retired seniors, unemployed. Doors open at 1 pm.

HOLIDAY PET PHOTOS: West Seattle Girl Scout Rainbow Troop 52698 presents Holiday Pet Photos at The Puppy Perfectors, 9629 17th Ave SW, 2-5 PM to benefit The Doney Memorial Pet Clinic (a volunteer-run clinic providing free veterinary care for low income and homeless people’s pets.) For a donation of $25 or more, you will receive a 4×6 print of your favorite shot and a CD of all shots taken. There will be fun and goodies for people and pets.

SELF-DEFENSE FOR KIDS: Class at Lee’s Martial Arts, 2-4 p.m. This class is designed to inform and empower children ages 6-11 on the basics of self-defense. The class includes a highly rated film, role playing and physical self-defense skills. Material is presented in an age-appropriate way and is taught by Lisa Skvarla, who chairs the American Women’s Self-Defense Advancement (AWSDA) and is a third-degree black belt in taekwondo. Call 206-938-3375 to see if there’s still room.

CONCERT AND FOOD DRIVE AT C & P: Trevor Ras performs live 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW, and it’s a food drive for West Seattle Food Bank – bring donations!

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE,’ RADIO-STYLE: 3 pm performance of Twelfth Night Productions‘ “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show,” at Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th SW. Tickets are available online at Brown Paper Tickets.

‘EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY’: ArtsWest in The Junction presents “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!).” 3 pm; ticket info here.

‘WONDER’: Christmas Concert at Fauntleroy Church, 4 pm: “Wonder.” An original cantata by Bronwyn Edwards, performed by the Chancel Choir and various soloists. Details in our preview.

ADMIRAL SINGS CHRISTMAS: 4 pm and 7 pm, the popular annual singalong/concert, free (donations accepted, and nonperishable food will be collected too). Details in our preview.

‘EXTREME GINGERBREAD CHALLENGE’: Tonight at 5 pm in the WSCC Activity Center (4400 42nd Ave SW): “Join what will undoubtedly be the largest gathering of questionable talent for an amazing holiday creative venture which, while certainly being memorable, will also be contributing to our effort to provide clean water to a village in El Salvador.” At least 40 teams are signed up – come cheer them on!

WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK BENEFIT: Not in WS but benefits one of the food banks that serve our area: Dueling Piano Holiday Food Drive: 5 and 7 pm at Three Tree Community Church, 16261 First Ave. S. in Burien, to benefit White Center Food Bank and the Union Gospel Mission. Performers from Chopstix Dueling Pianos will entertain and take requests – for a donation of either cash or food.

WHITE CENTER TREE LIGHTING: 5 pm at 16th/Roxbury – details here.

‘BIG CHRISTMAS BROADCAST OF 1941’: Free show at Westwood Christian Assembly (with dessert afterward), 7 pm, 9252 16th SW.

FOOD TRUCK: Looks like just one visiting West Seattle today (aside from those based here) – Snout and Co. food truck at 35th/Graham, 11 am-3 pm.

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West Seattle holidays: ‘Admiral Sings Christmas’ singalong time!
December 11, 2011 3:45 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Classic Christmas songs are made for singalongs, which is exactly the plan for “Admiral Sings Christmas,” the annual tradition that’s happening twice today at Admiral Congregational Church. Music director Keith Terhune wanted to be sure you were officially invited to be part of it. He, jazz musician Overton Berry, and The Admiral Choir are featured, and Keith explains, “We’re doing two shows at 4 and 7 PM with a chocolate reception 1/2 hour before each show. It’s the most fun way to really get everyone in the holiday spirit, singing as many Christmas songs as we can pack into an hour.” No admission charge, though donations are accepted, and they’re collecting nonperishable food donations, too. Admiral Church is at California/Hill.

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Young West Seattleites in this year’s Pacific NW Ballet “Nutcracker”
December 11, 2011 3:17 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

Two weeks till Christmas! And while it seems the holidays are busy for everyone – imagine being part of your city’s best-known holiday production. More than a dozen West Seattle students, from a second-grader up to a 12-grader, are part of the Pacific Northwest Ballet‘s “Nutcracker“ this year, and in case you’re among the many people going to see it as its run continues through December 27th, we thought you’d like to know. From the list provided by PNB:

Calista Burke-Conte, “Small Servant,” Seattle Country Day School third-grader
Celeste Burke-Conte, “Infantry,” Seattle Country Day School sixth-grader

Keegan Daley (above photo), “Toy Theater Boy,” Madison sixth-grader
Sebastian Fanucchi, “Infantry,” Sanislo fifth-grader
Nikolas Jordan, “Party Boy,” Westside School fourth-grader
Megan Kennedy, “Chinese,” The Center School twelfth-grader
Ailee Knauff, “Baby Mouse,” Lafayette second-grader
Carlin Kramer, “Fighting Mice Woman,” homeschooled/Running Start eleventh-grader
George Legler, “Little Boy,” Westside School second-grader
Vanessa Lincoln, “Tall Servant,” Seattle Country Day School seventh-grader
Benjohn Magcalas, “Toy Theater Boy,” West Seattle Elementary fourth-grader
Luchlan Munteanu, “Infantry,” Sanislo fifth-grader
Tayler Nguyen, “Little Boy,” Arbor Heights second-grader
Flynn Schuehle, “Tall Servant,” Seattle Girls School seventh-grader
Erica Schwartz, “Tall Servant,” McMurray-Vashon seventh-grader
Nathanlel Solis, “Fighting Mice Man,” West Seattle HS eleventh-grader
Fletcher Weld, “Toy Theater Boy,” Tilden School fifth-grader

PNB points out that you won’t see all of these students in every performance, as they have “two and a half casts” of participating children/teenagers. (P.S. Photo above was shared by Keegan Daley’s mom Sue – if you are a parent of any of the other West Seattleites in the cast, we’d be happy to add more photos – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!)

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From pub to park: Camp Long Advisory Council says ‘thanks’
December 10, 2011 11:38 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Before this season’s benefit beer Whale Tail Ale arrived, local venues raised money for nonprofits by selling its predecessor Löwman Bräu. At Beveridge Place Pub in Morgan Junction, the shared portion of the proceeds went to Camp Long – whose Advisory Council invites you to come help them thank the BPP crew next Thursday. CLAC’s Mat McBride sent the invite:

It’s been a good year for volunteering in Seattle. Good people rolling up their sleeves and putting shoulders to the wheel. But all that volunteerin’ is hard work, and the Camp Long Advisory Council is taking a break in December.

The Beveridge Place Pub made a generous donation from the proceeds of Lowman Brau to the park, and we’d like to say “Thanks!”. On Thursday, December 15th, the Advisory Council will present a limited edition screen print by local artist Damon Brown [right], and then stick around a while to raise a few pints. You should come and join us, it’s a great opportunity to support your local. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about Camp Long, about Environmental Learning Centers in Seattle, and about why we care so much about getting kids into authentic encounters with nature. We’ll be there from 7:00 – 9:00 PM.

Beveridge Place is at California SW and … of course … Beveridge Place. Camp Long sprawls across 68 acres of spectacular greenspace accessible at 5200 35th SW.

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West Seattle Christmas lights: Twinkling by the bridge
December 10, 2011 10:40 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Tonight’s spotlighted Christmas lights are the ones that catch your eye just off the southwest (Fauntleroy Way) end of the West Seattle Bridge. In fact, they are on the east end of Fauntleroy Way itself, which runs a few blocks along the bridge in frontage-road style, in the 4000 block (map). Jodi lives there and also tipped us about her family’s twinkling display back in 2007. Since our photo is a wide look at the entire house, it doesn’t do justice to some of the close-up sights – you just have to go take a walk down the block; Jodi says, “We love it when families bring their kids and get out of their cars and walk around; we can always hear little voices talking about all the animals.” We’ve added her home to the list of featured lights on the WSB West Seattle Holidays page, and we renew our invitation to let us know about any must-see display, yours OR someone else’s!

ADDED 1:33 AM: Finally made a map with the lights we’ve featured so far (including the two ceremonially lit trees). We’ll keep adding at least through Christmas!


View West Seattle Christmas lights, 2011 in a larger map

You’ll also find this map on the Holidays page.

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Video: Christmas Ship serenades Seacrest; two more West Seattle stops tonight
December 10, 2011 6:36 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Bigger fleet than usual accompanying the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship tonight for its first West Seattle stop this season. The Dickens Carolers are on board tonight, and they serenaded Seacrest Boathouse and vicinity with Christmas classics:

Two more stops for the Christmas ship tonight – and The Dickens Carolers are scheduled to be on board for those too – Lowman Beach Park at 8:50, Alki Beach at 9:40. Like Seacrest, those two stops also are scheduled to have a beach bonfire for spectators who want to warm up; the weather at Seacrest wasn’t too bad, chilly and a little drizzle (three years ago, on this night, The Big Snowstorm began right after the Seacrest stop – we never made it to the other two). If you can’t get out tonight at all, you do have one more chance – the Christmas Ship will come to Don Armeni on Monday, 8:40 pm, with Soundwave on board; the full regional schedule for the rest of the Christmas Ship season is here.

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More free West Seattle holiday music: ‘Wonder’ tomorrow
December 10, 2011 6:19 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | Holidays | West Seattle news

Tomorrow at Fauntleroy UCC Church, music director Bronwyn Edwards‘ new cantata “Wonder” debuts, and you are invited to come enjoy it, free. Here’s the story behind it, shared by Irene Stewart:

Wonder, a cantata celebrating the wonder of the season, is a new work by local performer, composer, and music director Bronwyn Edwards. Inspired by interviews with David Kratz, senior pastor at Fauntleroy Church, UCC where Edwards serves as music director, “Wonder” presents concepts and stories ranging from biblical times to modern day and includes personal reflections on the meaning and wonder of the season.

The work will be performed Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California Ave SW). The program begins with a carol sing-along. A reception will follow in the church’s narthex. The concert is free and all are welcome to attend.

“The music is diverse in its mood and message,” says the composer.

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‘Tinselitis: A West Seattle Christmas Album’: Free music!
December 10, 2011 3:08 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Remember “We Are the Junction“? Two years later, West Seattle musicians have joined forces for another holiday collection: “Tinselitis: A West Seattle Christmas Album.” And this time .. it’s free, and “family-friendly”! You can download the songs on this page of the Feedback Lounge website. Each one is sponsored by a different local venue (besides The Feedback, sponsors include Beveridge Place Pub, Big Al Brewing, The Bridge, Company, Easy Street Records, Löcöl Barley and Vine, Mission, Shadowland, and West 5). Follow the link for the artist/song list – we just previewed them and already have faves, but you can discover them for yourself. Want to read the official news release? Click ahead:Read More

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‘We (heart) Alki Crab and Fish’: Supporters rally near Seacrest
December 10, 2011 1:24 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thule the dog was the hit of this afternoon’s rally to show support for Alki Crab and Fish in its challenge to the city’s decision to award the Seacrest Boathouse concession contract to a competing proposal. About 20 people were there for the low-key gathering. ACF’s owner Eric Galanti was among them; we photographed him with diver/photographer Laura James, who organized the rally and an ongoing petition drive to show support:

As Laura had been careful to say, the gathering wasn’t meant as a protest; the diving community wanted to show their appreciation for Alki Crab and Fish, saying its owners have gone above and beyond “business as usual” in serving them over the years at the popular dive spot/pier. The rally along the pathway east of Seacrest concluded with a group photo:

As reported here earlier this week, Galanti has sent a formal protest letter to the city, as provided for in the concession-contract process. He told WSB today that nothing else has happened in the meantime, except that he has submitted “another packet,” so “the wheels are turning” as he waits to hear what happens next. The city’s decision to give the contract to Marination – whose food truck was making its regular Saturday visit to West Seattle just a few miles away, in High Point, and whose supporters also have set up an online petition – ultimately needs City Council approval, and wouldn’t reach that stage till early next year.

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Happening now: ‘Santa Paws’ at Windermere West Seattle
December 10, 2011 11:57 am
|    Comments Off on Happening now: ‘Santa Paws’ at Windermere West Seattle
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Thanks to Domenica at Windermere West Seattle for sending a photo – “Santa Paws,” free photos till 1 pm, isn’t just for pets! 4526 California SW.

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West Seattle Saturday: Christmas ship, Seacrest rally, Santa…
December 10, 2011 8:57 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo from one of the Christmas Ship’s 2010 stops)
Happy Saturday! From the WSB West Seattle Holidays page and Events calendar:

WEST SEATTLE SHOPPING: Two more weekends to shop before Christmas Eve. Shop West Seattle! We have just added another coupon to the Holiday Shopping Guide page, and our year-round Coupons page has a few options that might be of holiday assistance. (Each coupon is individually viewable/printable.)

‘ART PAGEANT’:: Diva Espresso‘s annual Art Pageant: 9 am-4 pm, 4480 Fauntleroy.

SEE SANTA! Santa Claus at Holy Rosary Tree Lot, 9 am-noon, BYO camera, 41st/Dakota … why look, he’s also at CAPERS, 1-5 pm (also bring-your-own camera) … Westwood Village Santa photos, 10 am-8 pm.

SCHOOL BAZAAR: Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trenton) is having its 4th annual holiday bazaar, 10 am-3 pm. In addition to the bazaar itself, they’re having a bake sale, and a raffle with donations from vendors and local businesses.

SANTA PAWS: Windermere West Seattle invites you and your four-legged friends to our office from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A professional photographer will be taking pictures of your pets with Santa. We will also have holiday treats for you and the little ones. You can also bring items to donate to the YMCA Kids Program. See Windermerewestseattle.com for a donation list. Donations are not required, but certainly appreciated.

ALKI CRAB AND FISH SUPPORTERS’ RALLY: Noon, supporters of Alki Crab and Fish, as it challenges city’s decision to award Seacrest Boathouse contract to another proposer, plan to rally just south/east of Seacrest. Our most recent story about the situation is here.

TIME TO TANGO: Argentine Tango Classes In West Seattle at Allstar Fitness, 2629 SW Andover. Saturdays from 1-3 PM, $7, more info here. Contact Layton Miller: 360.250.2066, info@gttango.com

THREE CHRISTMAS SHIP STOPS: Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship in West Seattle! 5:15-5:35 pm at Seacrest, 8:50-9:10 at Lowman Beach, 9:40-10 pm at Alki (where you will find strolling performers enacting Biblical scenes).

DINE AND DANCE: Holiday Potluck Dinner and Dance at Highland Park Improvement Club, starts 6 pm, details here.

BENEFIT AT THE BRIDGE: Rachel Halladay benefit at The Bridge, 7 pm till close, raising money for therapy that is helping Rachel learn to walk again after a car crash in her teens took away that ability. Live music, raffle prizes, drink specials. 21+. Here’s the official flyer.

‘BIG CHRISTMAS BROADCAST OF 1941’: Free show at Westwood Christian Assembly (with dessert afterward), 7 pm, 9252 16th SW.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE,’ RADIO-STYLE: 7:30 pm performance of 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’: ArtsWest presents “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!).” 7:30 pm; ticket info here.

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT: Rock ‘n’ Roll Food Drive with The People Now at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), no cover but bring a nonperishable food-bank donation, 9 pm … Marco Benevento and Nefarious Jones at Skylark Café and Club, 9 pm (cover).

GOOD LUCK! 2 West Seattle Soccer Club teams are in the state semifinals, with the first game today – details here.

TV ALERT: Local home on “Sell This House: Extreme” – details here

FOOD TRUCK ROUNDUP: Food trucks today – Skillet (chicken/waffles lunch) and Bigfood (dinner) at Uptown Espresso Junction pod; Marination Mobile at 35th/Graham, 11 am-2 pm; Lumpia World, Curry Now and Charlie’s Buns at Highland Park Improvement Club at 11 am, Beloved Mexico along Fauntleroy south of Alaska (note, any of this subject to change, as food-truck operators tend to have sudden switches).

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Update: Lunar eclipse visible from West Seattle – for a while
December 10, 2011 5:40 am
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Added: Photo by David Hutchinson, taken from Alki just before 6 am)
5:40 AM: Anybody else up watching? Took us a while to spot it through one of the trees across the street – we’re used to seeing moonsets over Vashon, but this is more a straight line over Blake Island. If you don’t have a view of it – here’s a webcast.

5:51 AM: Just a small lip of moon visible now. Saw a meteor while out on the corner watching.

6:22 AM: Clouds are obscuring it from here (north Upper Fauntleroy) – but they do appear to be fast-moving, with some holes, best as we can tell despite the street lights etc., so all hope may not be lost for reappearance, and your vantage point may be different! The timeline in the link above says totality will last another half-hour or so. (Here’s a direct link to the narrated webcast on slooh.com.)

6:40 AM: Still in the “total” phase till just before 7 am. Alki photographer David Hutchinson just shared a photo (thank you!) that we have added above, from “just a few minutes before 6:00 am, when the moon went behind a layer of clouds.” We’ve also received a reader note warning about frost-slippery roads this morning: “Coming home from watching the eclipse, I just almost got hit on Jacobsen as the car coming downhill slid across the center line into my lane. Please caution people to drive at safe speeds!”

7:11 AM: The sky’s getting light, and the clouds don’t appear likely to provide another peek at the moon (which is emerging from the shadow again), but it was cool while it lasted … Next total lunar eclipse visible from here, April 2014.

ADDED SATURDAY AFTERNOON: A few more photos – thanks! From Trileigh Tucker (click for a larger version – a few planetary/star pinpoints are part of the image):


From Craig, 5:16 am from the main Alki business district:

Emily Austin shared photos too:

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West Seattle wildlife: Mystery bird sighting; ID help requested
December 10, 2011 5:38 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

Every so often, it’s time for a round of “Name That Bird,” and this one is requested by Kate, who shared the photo, saying she can’t deduce what this bird is: “I’d be grateful; my identification books are letting me down. I think this is a Cooper’s Hawk- maybe Sharp Shinned?” (We couldn’t tell by checking photos online.)

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West Seattle Christmas lights: Red-and-white wonderland
December 9, 2011 11:44 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Every night we’re featuring at least one West Seattle Christmas lights display – and here’s the one in tonight’s spotlight: You can’t miss this house if you are anywhere near PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor) or the west side of West Seattle High School – it’s on SW Stevens at 45th, and it’s lit in the colors of candy canes, red and white. (We recall this home being decked out for Halloween, too.) Here’s a map; our lights list is on the WSB West Seattle Holidays page, and we’d love to hear from you if you have, or have seen, a great display.

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West Seattle schools: Sanislo’s ‘friendly but fierce’ food drive
December 9, 2011 11:03 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

The tales of generosity and compassion keep rolling in, especially from the communities centered around local schools. Lisa Keith coordinated the Sanislo Elementary food drive again this year, and shares photos and a wrapup report:

Once again, the big-hearted kids at Sanislo Elementary School have had a tremendous annual food drive. The students and families of our community gave BIG this year, and the result is Sanislo’s largest food drive total in recent memory, with donations of food, toiletries, cleaning products and baby needs totaling over 1612 pounds!

There is a friendly (but fierce) competition between classes to see which group can bring in the most donations and win the coveted Food Drive Cup. This December, the honor goes to Mr. Simmons’ 4th graders, who brought in 348 pounds. In second place was Ms. O’ Connor’s 3rd grade class, with 248 lbs., and in third, Ms. Tsuboi’s 1st graders, with 206 pounds. (Ms. Tsuboi’s class should really get an honorable mention for “Cutest and Most Consistent Donors” during our daily weigh-ins, as well.)

A huge thanks goes to students from Ms. Crowley’s 5th grade class for helping to sort our many, many donations, and to Laura Probst and Julie Robinson-Jasper, who assisted with the weigh-in and sorting each day during our two week drive. With over half our students qualifying for free and reduced meals through the district, we also very much appreciate the efforts of our school social worker, Nina Bowman, who will distribute the donations to Sanislo families in need. Children who may have gone hungry during winter break will now have a happier holiday.

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Video: Hundreds cheer Our Lady of Guadalupe tree lighting
December 9, 2011 8:51 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

That’s our first video clip from tonight’s Our Lady of Guadalupe tree lighting in Sunrise Heights – first the countdown by emcee Brian Callanan (an OLG parishioner and longtime local TV newsperson who’s now with Seattle Channel), then “O Christmas Tree/O Tannenbaum,” featuring not just the hundreds-strong crowd and OLG choir members caroling, but also Engine 37 roaring north on 35th to a call, and a brightly lit pickup truck turning up in the lower part of the frame.

Something new is largely unseen (given the time of night) off to the left of the frame – the new Parish Life Center that has almost fully taken shape north of the church. As Brian noted – sharing the impromptu under-the-tree stage with OLG’s Father Jack Walmesley – next year, the post-tree-lighting cocoa and chatting will happen inside the new center, instead of the school building. Here’s more from tonight’s event – two of the songs that preceded the actual lighting:

If you love Christmas caroling, make a note to be at this event next year – the crowd went through all the classics (with a program featuring lyrics, in case you’ve forgotten them), including the ever-popular “Jingle Bells” accompanied by car keys.

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Will West Seattle see tomorrow morning’s lunar eclipse?
December 9, 2011 6:36 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Click for larger image)
Thanks to Stephanie for that beautiful pre-sunset shot with the moon rising over downtown. Sky-watchers are hopeful tonight that we might somehow get to see the lunar eclipse early tomorrow morning (here’s the newest forecast). If visible, it’ll start around 4:45 am, when the moon is in the west, and reach its peak just after 6 am. Here’s what NASA has to say.

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One more sentencing today: 20 months for Gatewood arsonist
December 9, 2011 4:55 pm
|    Comments Off on One more sentencing today: 20 months for Gatewood arsonist
 |   Crime | Gatewood | West Seattle news

We couldn’t cover this one in person because it was at the exact same time as the “prolific burglar” sentencing this afternoon, but just got the results from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office: The judge went with the prosecution’s recommendation for John C. Siegel, who pleaded guilty to setting his wife’s Gatewood home on fire last June. His sentence totals 20 months (as broken down in our earlier report on the guilty plea)

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Woman hit by car in North Admiral, taken to hospital
December 9, 2011 3:47 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

Thanks to Gerard for the tip on this; it also came up in the WSB Forums: A 41-year-old woman was hit by a car in the 2200 block of California SW earlier this afternoon. Her injuries were not life-threatening, says Seattle Fire Lt. Sue Stangl – she was taken to the hospital with an ankle injury.

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Care about Seattle’s street trees? West Seattle meeting Monday
December 9, 2011 3:38 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(The European Hornbeams of 35th SW, photographed in 2009)
Just announced by SDOT – and it’s happening Monday at 6:30 pm at High Point Community Center:

The Seattle Department of Transportation is seeking community feedback regarding protecting and preserving street trees. The proposed ordinance will address protection and preservation; restrictions on tree removal; requirements for replacements; new requirements for private tree companies; and will strengthen penalties for violations.

After the Monday meeting in West Seattle, four others are planned around the city over the next month. We asked SDOT if there is a specific proposal about which people will be asked for feedback; apparently not, yet – but one is in the works, and we’re told it’ll be online next week.

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‘Prolific burglar’ John Novotny gets ‘exceptional’ 8-year sentence
December 9, 2011 2:38 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(Our hearing video starts with the victims speaking to the judge)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

We’re at the King County Courthouse again this Friday afternoon, a popular day/time for sentencings. This afternoon, King County Superior Court Judge – soon to become state Supreme Court Justice – Steven González has just sentenced 42-year-old John Novotny to 8 years – short of the 10 years the prosecution had asked for, but one year more than the upper end of the “standard sentencing” range.

We reported in October that Novotny, described by authorities as a “prolific burglar,” had pleaded guilty to 16 felonies, including burglary, forgery, identity theft, and “taking a motor vehicle.” Among the crimes with which he was charged in April were multiple break-ins victimizing elderly residents at the Arrowhead Gardens complex in southeast West Seattle. He had a unit at a nearby storage facility in which investigators say they found loot from other West Seattle burglaries.

In court for the sentencing: Five of Novotny’s victims, as well as the two lead detectives on the case, and several of Novotny’s family members and friends.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: ‘2 or 3 burglary teams,’ & other reports
December 9, 2011 12:20 pm
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 |   Crime | West Seattle news

We start this West Seattle Crime Watch update with a followup, as promised, on the burglary/suspects reports from yesterday afternoon. Southwest Precinct commander Captain Steve Paulsen says there were four burglaries in the area, including the 36th/Myrtle one we had mentioned. Two possible suspects were detained, he says, but: “We didn’t quite have enough at this time for arrest, but we are following up with evidence collected. Both of these subjects are well known to us. Since the increase in burglaries, we have re-arranged our normal deployments which include modifying work hours in order to maximize the opportunities to apprehend the suspects. Our officers are chasing every suspicious circumstance 911 call that gets broadcast and we are flooding the area with multiple officers. We think we have 2-3 teams working in the West Seattle area. Our folks have been sharing information with other precincts as well as neighboring jurisdictions (Puget Sound region) who are experiencing the same issue and some of the same subjects.” Meanwhile, we’ve heard from some of yesterday’s victims – that, and other Crime Watch reader reports, aheadRead More

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