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Live at City Hall: Wedding marathon, including West Seattleites
December 9, 2012 9:49 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

FIRST REPORT, 9:49 AM: At or around 10 am (and afterward till about 5 pm), if you click “play” in the video box above, you should see streaming video from Seattle City Hall, which is about to host more than 100 of our state’s first same-sex weddings. It’s right across the street from the King County Courthouse, where couples would have had to have obtained their marriage licenses on Thursday (WSB coverage here) to be eligible to participate. Volunteer judges will officiate at five “stations” decorated by local artists. The first 10 weddings are open to the media; among the couples are Corianton Hale and Keith Bacon of West Seattle, who checked in a few minutes ago:

We’ll be reporting on their ceremony. Any other West Seattleites marrying here today – let us know! (editor@westseattleblog.com) The city is also providing its own coverage – as did the county during the first licensings – online, including social media; it’s all being aggregated and updated at married.seattle.gov.

10:20 AM: In a ceremony by Kent Municipal Court Judge Karli Kristine Jorgensen, concluding “I now pronounce you husband and husband,” Keith and Corianton were married minutes ago (and then mobbed by media). Here’s the iPhone photo we tweeted:

We have video of the ceremony and other scenes from this half-hour of history, to add when we’re back at HQ.

12:43 PM UPDATE: Just added the entire wedding clip – about five minutes. Event photos next. (added) The other angle during the wedding – the media half-circle they faced (with another half-circle alongside and above where our photographer was while taking this):

(Photo by Nick Adams for WSB)
A chat with the mayor:

(This and next 2 photos by Patrick Sand)
Three City Councilmembers there to congratulate newlyweds, too – from left, Council President Sally Clark, Councilmember Tim Burgess, and Councilmember Richard Conlin:

Outside the west side of City Hall – the receiving line kept growing:

The city has switched what was to be its “booth cam” inside to a live feed from the receiving line – see it here.

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West Seattle Sunday: Hometown Holidays Sunday #2, gingerbread houses, Hanukkah party, Admiral Sings Christmas…
December 9, 2012 9:32 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Sunday: Hometown Holidays Sunday #2, gingerbread houses, Hanukkah party, Admiral Sings Christmas…
 |   West Seattle news

Holiday happenings abound again today! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and regular Event Calendar:

SANTA PHOTOS AT HOLY ROSARY: 9:30-11 am in the school hall during Coffee & Donuts time (42nd and Genesee) – then visit the Tree Lot (41st and Dakota)- more details there.

PATHFINDER K-8’S FAMOUS HANDMADE WREATHS: On sale 9:30 am-2 pm at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market.

SPEAKING OF THE FARMERS’ MARKET … it’s open as always, 10 am-2 pm at 44th/Alaska.

WSHS CHEERLEADERS BENEFIT: The West Seattle High School cheer squad is selling hot cocoa 10 am-8 pm at Son In Law Tree Farm (Charlestown/California), and part of the weekend’s tree-sales proceeds will benefit them too. More details here.

VILLAGE GREEN PERENNIAL NURSERY HOLIDAY SALE: 10-3:30 at Village Green Perennial Nursery (WSB sponsor) (10223 26th SW): Find gifts for gardeners in your life!

PROFESSIONAL SANTA PHOTO DURING ‘HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS SUNDAY’: 11 am-3 pm, Santa will be here to listen to your children’s Christmas requests at City Mouse Studio and Store (4218 SW Alaska). 100% of your donation of $15 or more goes to West Seattle charities, and today there’s professional Santa photos and printing.

GRETCHEN’S GRAINS DEMO: West Seattleite Gretchen will show how to make yummy recipes with her Gretchen’s Grains products 11 am-3 pm at PCC Natural Markets-West Seattle (WSB sponsor; California/Stevens).

FEEDBACK LOUNGE HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Noon-5 pm, the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) presents “Gifted,” the 4th annual holiday bazaar (more info here)

NEWLYWED AND ENGAGED COUPLES’ PHOTO SHOOT: Celebrate marriage equality with a professional photo at Marination ma kai (WSB sponsor) at Seacrest – noon-3 pm, bring donation for the West Seattle Food bank. Full details here.

COMMUNITY MOVIE SHOWING: “Where God Left His Shoes“: When Frank, Angela, and their two children are evicted from their New York City apartment, they have no choice but to move into a homeless shelter. After a few difficult months, good news comes their way on Christmas Eve: a nearby housing project has an apartment available immediately–however, Frank needs a job on the books in order to qualify. While the rest of the city prepares for Christmas, Frank and his ten-year-old stepson, Justin, roam the cold streets of New York trying to find a job by day’s end … Alki United Church of Christ, 6115 SW Hinds. Hot lunch served 11:45 am. Movie starts 12:15 pm. Discussion about issues of family homelessness immediately following, led by Alida Rothgeb, professional caseworker for families in need. Child care provided.

CHEESE TASTING AT PCC WEST SEATTLE: 1-5 pm – details here – free tasting at PCC Natural Markets (California/Stevens; WSB sponsor).

‘SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE: THE MUSICAL’: 2 pm matinee of brand-new locally written/produced Christmas musical (which is sponsoring WSB to help get the word out), Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 2 pm matinee and evening performance at 7 pm; tickets available online.

CHRISTMAS TEA AND SILENT AUCTION: 2-5 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 3050 California SW. Please come to an elegant and festive afternoon tea with a silent auction. Tickets are $15 per person, ($10 under 10), for reservations, call Kate McCormick @ 206-932-2973, or email: rasadeh@quidnunc.net

ALL-AGES HANUKKAH PARTY: 3-5:30 pm. Join the West Seattle Torah Learning Center for its annual Hanukkah Happening. Hang with friends new and old, bedazzle, decorate… and enjoy some latkes and great food. High Point Community Center, 6920 34th SW. Please RSVP if you see this in time: shevigreer@gmail.com or 732.503.0795. For more info, see Facebook event page here.

‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE RADIO PLAY’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show continues with its first 3 pm matinee at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW); tickets available online. A Children’s Hospital toy drive is being held during the show’s run.

ADMIRAL SINGS CHRISTMAS! All of West Seattle – and beyond! – invited to “Admiral Sings Christmas,” at 4 and 7 pm. (The entire family’s welcome, and there’s child care for babies.) “A Festive Community Sing-Along of all of your Favorite Christmas Songs and Carols! Featuring the fine music master: Keith Terhune & Jazz Legend: Overton Berry & the Admiral Choir … Come early for refreshments 30 min. before each performance.” Free admission; free-will contribution and non-perishable food donations encouraged. At Admiral Church (California and Hill)

SEATTLE MARINERS WOMEN’S CLUB PARTY: Seattle Mariners Women’s Club hosts their holiday banquet and party at The Sanctuary (2656 42nd SW), 4 pm, including dinner, raffles, auction, and Mariner-style traditional carols led by Rick Rizzs. More info (including how to purchase tickets) here.

SEE GINGERBREAD HISTORY IN THE MAKING: “Extreme Makeover Gingerbread Challenge” – the teams are all lined up but public viewing of gingerbread-homebuilding is invited starting at 6 pm in the WSCC Activity Center (4400 42nd Ave SW)… Admission free but donations accepted for this year’s fundraiser to benefit a village in Guatemala.

KATE ENDLE AT ALKI ARTS: At Alki Arts, 6-9 pm: Kate Endle Collage Holiday Art Show with live music by Chris Ballew: Collage artist Kate Endle & her husband singer/songwriter Chris Ballew live in West Seattle & Vashon, where they collaborate on music and books for little children. Kate’s illustration and collage work can be found in stores and galleries all over the world. This event is a great opportunity for locals to pick up some gifts (magnets, children’s books, Caspar Babypants albums, prints, holiday notecards, calendars and more) as well as view & purchase Kate’s original art. Chris is best known as the lead singer for the band Presidents of the United States of America and more recently as children’s musician Caspar Babypants. We will be selling Caspar cds, but we want to remind people that this is not a Caspar Babypants event – only Chris Ballew instrumental music. (So please leave the kiddos at home and enjoy a glass of wine & a night out for the grownups!)

‘MOSTLY MESSIAH’ CONCERT: At 7 pm, the South Seattle Community College Community Choir will present “Mostly Messiah,” a choral concert featuring excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, seasonal numbers and a holiday sing-along. The concert will be held at SSCC’s Olympic Hall in Room 120. This concert is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact paula.herd@seattlecolleges.edu.

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West Seattle holidays: Santa at Holy Rosary this morning
December 9, 2012 8:01 am
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

The Holy Rosary School Tree Lot (WSB sponsor) has decked Walking On Logs at the end of the bridge, and has an invitation for you this morning – combine tree shopping with a Santa photo:

Santa will visit Holy Rosary’s “Coffee & Donuts” in the school hall this morning from 9:30 am until 12:00 noon. Children of all ages are welcome to come take a picture with Santa inside the school hall. Please bring your own camera and your Christmas wishes! Then, step outside to carefully choose your Christmas tree or lovely wreath to take home & decorate, completing the jolly outing!

The school is on 42nd SW, just north of Genesee; the tree lot is on its north side, at 41st and Dakota, and donates 15 percent of its proceeds to local nonprofits – the West Seattle Helpline, West Seattle Food Bank, and the Salvation Army’s Hickman House transitional shelter for domestic-violence survivors and their children.

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Marriage equality: West Seattleites among the first to wed
December 9, 2012 3:25 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Photo by Nick Adams for WSB)
3:25 AM: Now that three days have elapsed since licenses were issued, the first same-sex couples to get them are eligible to marry – and right after midnight at the King County Courthouse, some couples became the first to say “I do.” WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams was there as the weddings began, and reports that the earlybirds included West Seattleites Julie Fein and Cynthia Wallace (above), who have been together more than a quarter-century. Later this morning, City Hall will open for pre-booked weddings, with the first 10 open to media coverage (including at least one West Seattle couple); the city itself plans to stream via this link. More coverage here later.

ADDED 8:14 AM: The newlyweds tell WSB of another reason their wedding, performed by Judge Mary Yu, was special – they shared two more photos that explain:

Cynthia explains, “Judge Yu presided over the adoptions of our sons four years ago. Now tonight she pronounced us married! With our sons in attendance. Such a joy!”

With Cynthia and Julie for their wedding were their sons Ari and Rafael‘s godfather Jason Plourde and their friend Shayna.

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West Seattle Bridge traffic alert: Crash at east end
December 8, 2012 10:21 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:21 PM: Another traffic alert – one-car crash at east end of eastbound West Seattle Bridge has police closing the Columbian Way and northbound I-5 exits. Might be a while – scanner traffic also has mentioned some damage at the “gore point” as well as a small oil spill from the crash.

10:56 PM: Scanner traffic says everything’s open again.

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West Seattle traffic alert: Crash blocking southbound Delridge
December 8, 2012 9:35 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:35 PM: Seattle Police are blocking southbound Delridge at Findlay because of a crash at Delridge/Juneau. According to scanner traffic, a car hit a parked car – and the driver is reported to have left the scene. No word of any injuries, so far – a Seattle Fire engine was responding but has just been canceled since “the patient fled on foot” – possibly into a nearby apartment complex.

10:57 PM UPDATE: Adding a photo. We saw three damaged vehicles at the scene – one being towed, two parked along the street. We will check back soon to verify whether the southbound side of Delridge has reopened.

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Fire call on Alki: ‘Food on stove’
December 8, 2012 9:21 pm
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 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

Big response to a “fire in building” call a few minutes ago in the 2700 block of Alki SW, but according to the scanner, firefighters say it was a “food on stove” situation and have canceled most of the units.

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What the picketing in the Admiral District is about
December 8, 2012 8:42 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Multiple tipsters say picketers have returned to The Admiral District for the second time in two weeks. Here’s what we know: The picketers are with a group called Seattle Solidarity Network. This is the second time the group has targeted a local restaurant this year, alleging “wage theft,” according to flyers and picket signs. In both cases, after hearing about a protest, we checked with the state Department of Labor and Industries, to ask if any such complaint had been filed – that’s the agency that investigates workplace complaints. In both cases, L&I had no complaint on record. (L&I also has an online lookup.) Earlier in the year, we asked the group why they were picketing if no complaint had been filed, and the representative who answered our inquiry did not address that question. We will check again with L&I on Monday to ask again if any local wage-theft investigation is under way.

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West Seattle holidays: Christmas Ship serenades Lowman, Alki
December 8, 2012 7:20 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(1st four photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
Two stops for the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship (above right, with the Royal Argosy at left; WSB sponsor) tonight in West Seattle, at Lowman Beach at dusk, then at Alki Beach.

Beachfront crowds and Christmas music from The Dickens Carolers at both – and bright lights from the accompanying fleet (which varies, night by night):

This was the first time in as far back as we can remember that the Lowman stop was early in the evening:

ADDED: Video from the second stop of the night, at Alki – you can’t see the chorus, but you can certainly hear them!

On shore, as part of a celebration organized by the Alki Advisory Council, musical groups performed starting at 4 pm – from Hope Lutheran and Seattle Lutheran as well as elsewhere in the community. We caught an ensemble from the Seattle Women’s Chorus:

Hope Lutheran’s live Nativity Scene wandered the beach with banners:

A toasty bonfire crackled nearby:

Santa showed up – on two wheels:

And helpers inside the Bathhouse included teens from the Hiawatha Community Center program – tending to the treats:

While that’s it for West Seattle Christmas Ship stops this season, you can see it elsewhere – or even ride on board – see the official website for details.

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Photos: Holiday shopping at West Seattle arts/crafts sales/bazaars
December 8, 2012 1:51 pm
|    Comments Off on Photos: Holiday shopping at West Seattle arts/crafts sales/bazaars
 |   Highland Park | Holidays | West Seattle news

It’s a Very Hairy Christmas with your own Cousin Itt Christmas tree. You can find it – er, Itt – at the Highland Park Improvement Club holiday bazaar till 3 pm (12th and Kenyon) – along with other handcrafted creations such as Andy and Keandre‘s work:

We’ve also been to the Schmitz Park Elementary arts/crafts sale – also till 3 pm (5000 SW Spokane) – where a bake sale is raising money for WestSide Baby:

Bonnie‘s offering popsicle-stick puppets:

Julian and Reed are raising money for West Seattle High School Global Visionaries travel:

And at Diva Espresso (4480 Fauntleroy Way SW) – here’s a gift idea:

The Mason-jar drinking “glasses” are on sale during the Diva “Art Pageant,” which like the aforementioned events, runs till 3 pm. Also under way right now – a sale till 7 pm at the Log House Museum on Alki, which will host the Christmas Ship‘s final West Seattle stop of the season at 5:25 pm, with a shoreside music extravaganza starting at 4.

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West Seattle holiday giving: Rotary ‘First Friday’; Nucor’s SWYFS check
December 8, 2012 12:50 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Photo courtesy WS Rotary: Reis Pearson, Darcell Slovek-Walker, Sarah Jones, Dave Nichols)
Two updates on local holiday-season giving. First, from the Rotary Club of West Seattle – club spokesperson Dave Nichols‘ update on last night’s “First Friday” giving event at The Cask:

Last night we had a nice turn out to collect preparedness items for Transitional Resources. We invited the local Red Cross to join us and they brought, some preparedness items to donate (Whistles, Ponchos, chap stick, hand sanitizers and emergency contact cards.) It was a good connection to make between our community members and the American Red Cross.

15 First Aid Kits
14 Flashlights and batteries
27 Emergency Ponchos
30 Mini Flashlights
30 Hand Sanitizer Sprays
30 ChapSticks
30 Can/Bottle Openers
30 Emergency contact cards

Friday afternoon, we visited Southwest Youth and Family Services as they accepted a generous gift:

(Photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Representatives from Nucor Steel’s Safety Team came with a check for $3,500, a gift from the company and its local employees. SWYFS says it’ll be used “to purchase gift certificates to cover holiday expenses and basic needs for the families with whom we work.” From left in our photo are Nucor’s Scot McSwane and Maryallene Otis, SWYFS’s Steve Daschle, and Nucor’s Robert Gaurin.

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West Seattle Saturday: Schmitz Park craft fair; Highland Park bazaar; Christmas Ship back; Hanukkah begins; more!
December 8, 2012 8:55 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Schmitz Park craft fair; Highland Park bazaar; Christmas Ship back; Hanukkah begins; more!
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(Endolyne Choir at Junction Tree Lighting 12/1 – photo by Nick Adams for WSB. Their holiday concert is today!)
Another holiday-season Saturday with lots of chances to celebrate – including shopping local at your local stores and local arts/crafts bazaars – plus music and more, including the start of Hanukkah:

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION ADOPT-A-STREET: If you see this before 11 am, go help! ANA’s quarterly street cleanup is headquartered at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) – check in and take off. Tools supplied.

DIVA ‘ART PAGEANT’: It’s the annual “Art Pageant,” 9 am-4 pm, at Diva Espresso in The Triangle.

STORY TIME AT KOL HANESHAMAH: 9:45 am, focusing on holidays and Shabbat, geared for 2-5-year-olds – details here.

SCHMITZ PARK ELEMENTARY HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: Schmitz Park Elementary welcomes you, 10 am-3 pm, 5000 SW Spokane: Crafts from a variety of vendors; raffle; and more! All proceeds go to the Schmitz Park PTA General Fund. And a special addition: “The second graders at Schmitz Park (Ms. Bailey’s, Mr. McMillan’s, Ms. Aylesworth’s and Ms. Noreng’s classes) are putting on a bake sale at the fair and donating proceeds to WestSide Baby! Many traditional cookies and bars, along with (rumor has it!) some gluten-free and vegan options as well. Please come down and support Schmitz Park kids and WestSide Baby!”

HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Highland Park Improvement Club (12th and Holden) is also having a holiday bazaar, 10 am-3 pm: Shopping, eating, raffle-ticket-buying, and pictures with Santa.

ART SALE AT GINOMAI: The 5th Annual Holigaze Holiday Sale at Ginomai Studios (4401 42nd SW), hosted by artisans Kelly Rae Cunningham & Shelli Markee, 10 am-3 pm

VILLAGE GREEN PERENNIAL NURSERY HOLIDAY SALE: 10-3:30 (tomorrow too) at Village Green Perennial Nursery (WSB sponsor) (10223 26th SW): Find gifts for gardeners in your life… Gift certificates to stuff the stockings. Studio seconds…pottery, hammered garden items for you to finish and add to your own project. Glass garden spires created by Sean Welch from Avalon glass. Lollipops by Bedrock glass. Salves to soothe the gardeners’ dry hands and Healthy Chocolate! Also, of course, perennials, trees, shrubs, pottery and living holiday trees to plant out after the season…save a tree.

WSHS CHEERLEADERS BENEFIT: The West Seattle High School cheer squad is selling hot cocoa 10 am-8 pm at Son In Law Tree Farm (Charlestown/California), and part of the weekend’s tree-sales proceeds will benefit them too. More details here.

SANTA PAWS AT WINDERMERE: 10 am-2 pm, bring your furry friends to Windermere West Seattle in The Junction for a “Santa Paws” photo! Details here.

SANTA AL AT JF HENRY: This just in from “Santa Al“: After spending last night on the Argosy Christmas ship that was part of last night’s celebration, Santa Al returns to land at JF Henry (WSB sponsor) for free photos. Come with your own camera or have Santa’s elf helper take one for $5. From 11 AM to 2 PM today.

MORE SANTA APPEARANCES TODAY, AND WHERE TO BUY A CHRISTMAS TREE: See the WSB Holiday Guide!

ENDOLYNE CHOIR CONCERT: The Endolyne Children’s Choir present their Winter Fantasy Concert, 11 am, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (California/Hanford).

WHITE CENTER LIBRARY GUILD HOLIDAY BAZAAR White Center Library Guild Holiday Bazaar. 11 am-3 pm: Shop for special holiday gifts and goodies including cookies, breads and gently used items. This year for the first time there will be items from the Burien Knitters group. Entertainment by Magician Jeff Evans at 2 pm. All proceeds benefit the White Center Library. White Center Library Meeting Room, 11220 16th SW.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM CIDER, COOKIES, SALE! The Southwest Seattle Historical Society invites you to join us at the Log House Museum today from noon—7:30 pm for hot cider and cookies and live holiday music by local entertainers. 10% off on all gift-shop items during this event only. (Walk a block inland while you’re visiting for the Christmas Ship!) 3003 61st Ave SW

‘FLAVOR THE SEASON’ TASTING EVENT: At Metropolitan Market, noon-3 pm.

‘SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE: THE MUSICAL’: Second and third shows today for this brand-new locally written/produced Christmas musical (which is sponsoring WSB to help get the word out), Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 2 pm matinee and evening performance at 7 pm; tickets available online.

HOLLYDAY DECORATIONS: Check with Camp Long to see if there’s still room in this class, 2 pm, details here.

CHRISTMAS SHIP AT LOWMAN, ALKI: Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship (WSB sponsor) back in West Seattle! 4:35-4:55 at Lowman Beach, 5:25-5:45 pm at Alki – and a BIG party at the Bathhouse before and after the Alki stop, with music onshore too (see details here).

FIRST NIGHT OF HANUKKAH: The eight-day Festival of Lights begins at sundown tonight.

ART AND MUSIC ON ALKI: After the Christmas Ship visits Alki, pop across the street to Alki Arts (2820 Alki SW), for art and music, 6-9 pm: “Join us for a glass of wine, some live music in the background, and a ‘meet & greet’ print signing with artist Nationally-acclaimed artist Michael Birawer. Birawer has brought a new look to the face of urban neighborhoods through his unique style of painting. A combination of graffiti, cartoon, illustration and heavy textures, his paintings have received praise from both art critics and patrons, who describe his work as “one of the best examples of the contemporary revival of urban art. There will be new work and gift items for attendees that Michael will be bringing with him.”

‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE RADIO PLAY’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show continues tonight at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm; tickets available online. A Children’s Hospital toy drive is being held during the show’s run:

Please consider bringing a new unwrapped toy or gift card for these families. The following items are in greatest need: Crayola® crayons; Play Doh; fuzzy coloring posters; small Lego sets; Brio trains; nail polish; coloring books; arts and crafts kits; playing cards; tactile toys for all ages; rattles; links; Disney/Pixar DVDs; PG-13 DVDs; gift cards; videos, books, and music.

MORE HOLIDAY GIVING … scroll through the WSB Holiday Guide to the “Giving Opportunities” section for giving trees, gift drives, and other ways to make this a happy holiday for those in need.

…AND LOTS OF LIVE MUSIC! Along with the holiday concerts (etc.) above, our regular WSB West Seattle Events Calendar also includes listings for music at various local venues tonight – check it out!

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West Seattle holidays: Giving, caroling as Our Lady of Guadalupe tree is lit
December 8, 2012 7:40 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

That sleigh and its contents represented the true light of last night’s 8th annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and School – the spirit of giving, in this case food donations for those in need. (Heidi Ehrenberg designed the sleigh.) Oh, of course there’s a tree too:

OLG is graced with the highest-elevation tree in the city, right across the street from Seattle’s highest point, at Myrtle Reservoir, 512 feet above sea level. Its lighting was celebrated as always with what might be West Seattle’s most festive outdoor public caroling session – highlighted as usual by “Jingle Bells” featuring hundreds of jingling sets of car keys:

Another tradition – local broadcaster/journalist Brian Callanan emceed, festively as ever, from beneath the tree, along with OLG’s pastor, Father Jack Walmesley:

While some in the crowd were decked in antlers or Santa hats (including Santa himself – clip in the works), OLG School’s principal Kristin Dixon chose the angelic look:

After the caroling, it was time to stream inside the OLG Parish Life Center for cookies and cocoa:

The center was dedicated last May. Chair of last night’s event was Tovee Delaliana, as noted on the program, which also listed the OLG Christmas Eve/Day Mass times – we’ll be adding those to the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, and invite all local faith communities with celebrations this season to send word of the dates and times too! (editor@westseattleblog.com)

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West Seattle holiday scene: Christmas Ship’s 1st 2012 visit
December 7, 2012 11:09 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle holiday scene: Christmas Ship’s 1st 2012 visit
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

No rain, no snow – just lights, music, a bonfire, and an audience as the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship (WSB sponsor) made its first of three 2012 West Seattle stops tonight at Don Armeni Boat Ramp. The other two are tomorrow – 4:35 pm at Lowman Beach and 5:25 pm at Alki (with a music-fest on shore, as noted here earlier this week). More from tonight’s stop, coming up.

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‘The Hum’ followup: CalPortland installs second silencer, hopes that’s the fix
December 7, 2012 10:39 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(The “silencers” at CalPortland, which provided the photo)
The Duwamish River loading dock where at least one version of the notorious “Hum” was traced in September has continued working to quiet the offloading equipment that’s blamed for it. Tonight we have an update from Pete Stoltz of CalPortland, who says the promised additional silencing equipment has been installed, and will get a real-world test when another ship arrives this weekend:

In late September, we learned that the machine we use to offload ships at our terminal could be the source of the “West Seattle Hum.” We learned more about “the hum.” After meeting with the co-chairs of the Highland Park Action Committee, and hearing the nature of their concern, we decided to take steps to reduce noise from the machine even though noise levels measured by the City of Seattle and contracted noise experts confirmed the operation technically complied with State and local noise requirements.

We suspended ship-offloading operations to disassemble and inspect noise control equipment on the machine. We replaced one of the two silencers on the machine, ordered fabrication of a second replacement silencer from the factory, and our crew used down time during weather delays to install insulation, noise blankets and plywood noise shields. Unfortunately, this effort reduced measured noise levels at the machine, but reports of “the hum” continued.

CalPortland is happy to report delivery and installation of the second silencer is complete as promised. The crew tested the machine by running it empty before and after they installed the second new silencer and report being encouraged by the results. Their observations are consistent with the advice of noise experts, who predict that installation of the second silencer will substantially reduce noise levels.

We will be paying close attention with our fingers crossed when we begin offloading the next ship scheduled to arrive this weekend. Offloading will likely continue through next week as the weather permits. This is the only ship scheduled for offloading this month. The next ship will arrive after the New Year.

Based on the advice of noise experts, we are confident installation of the second silencer will address our neighbors’ concerns. We will evaluate the situation during this offloading event and consider the need for additional noise control measures. We will use the time between ships in December and January to identify and implement additional actions as necessary and appropriate.

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High-school basketball: Sealth, WSHS varsity teams all in action
December 7, 2012 8:14 pm
|    Comments Off on High-school basketball: Sealth, WSHS varsity teams all in action
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

8:14 PM: That means four varsity games – and two are in the books. West Seattle High School is hosting Rainier Beach; the boys’ game just ended, RB 84, WSHS 57. (Photo added above – that’s the Wildcats’ Jimi Martin in the air.) Chief Sealth International High School is on the road at Bainbridge; the boys won, 76-54. The girls-varsity teams are playing now; updates later.

11:38 PM: WSHS girls beat Rainier Beach, 53-22; Sealth girls lost to Bainbridge, 59-22. (Photo added above – that’s the Wildcats’ Gabby Sarver.)

NEXT WEEK: Sealth plays Rainier Beach at home – boys 7:30 pm Tuesday, girls 7:30 pm Wednesday – and hosts Cleveland next Friday night, 6:15 pm girls, 8 pm boys. WSHS visits Bainbridge, boys 7 pm Tuesday, girls 7 pm Wednesday.

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Update: West Seattle package/mail-theft suspects arrested; stolen items to be returned
December 7, 2012 4:15 pm
|      39 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(Added 4:42 pm – iPhone photo; van ready to be towed to impound)
4:15 PM: That is what brought a TV helicopter over. More shortly.

4:25 PM: Sorry for the terse original line – we were over at 16th and Roxbury checking out the situation and then as soon as we saw the chopper, thought we’d better put something out quick. We had heard scanner traffic that police had pulled over a van and were getting witnesses from the incidents – at least one in North Admiral – brought over to look at the suspect(s). More to come.

4:33 PM: Seattle Police spokesperson Det. Jeff Kappel confirms four people are in custody and also mentioned an incident in the 10000 block of 30th SW.

5:17 PM: No additional details yet, but discussion on the WSB Facebook page indicates that alert neighbors helped get the description to police. Photo added above this line is from a texter who says it was from the first moments after the van was stopped on the south (eastbound) side of Roxbury, when police as per standard procedure had weapons drawn (and traffic briefly stopped on that side of the street) until the situation was under control.

6:42 PM UPDATE: Here’s the police narrative on how this unfolded, from Lt. Ron Smith at the Southwest Precinct:

Officer was dispatched early in the shift to a call of a package theft from the porch of a house. The homeowner saw a suspect male take a UPS package from the front porch of her residence. The suspect went to a white van and left the area.

At about 1530, another package theft was reported at a different location. The witness to the theft saw a female and male suspect take the package and enter the white van. The witness was able to get the license plate of the van and it was broadcast over radio.

At 1537, suspect vehicle (the van) was observed at the corner of 16th Ave SW and SW Roxbury. Officers conducted a stop on the vehicle. The victim from the first theft responded to the scene and positively identified three of the occupants of the van. One being the suspect who took the package from her porch.

The witness from the second theft gave a description of the female in the van as well as the third suspect who wore red shorts. All were taken to the SW precinct and booked for theft. The minivan was impounded to the processing room for service of a warrant.

7:39 PM UPDATE: For those wondering about what was found in the van – we talked to Lt. Smith by phone a short time ago and he says four packages – from four separate locations – and two letters were recovered. All had clear addresses, so he says they will be photographed for evidence and then police will get them to their rightful recipients. One, he says, was a Nativity scene whose recipient was waiting for it to be part of a holiday event.

7:58 PM UPDATE: SPD Blotter has just published its version of the story.

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Got greens? Give them to the Pathfinder K-8 wreath-makers!
December 7, 2012 3:22 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from last Sunday)
The volunteer crew from Pathfinder K-8 will be back in The Junction during Hometown Holidays Sunday this weekend, 9:30 am-2 pm by the Farmers’ Market – but they need help right now so they can make more fundraising wreaths! From Lashanna:

West Seattle – Do you have beautiful ornamental greens and flowers? Does your holly need a trim?

You see us each weekend in the Junction selling our homemade wreaths; well, we have crafted ourselves out of materials. Pathfinder K-8 is in need of all kinds of ornamentals; yellowish colors, bluish, variegated, anything with pines, or acorns or nuts; seed-heads, rose hips. Basically anything in your garden or neighborhood that still looks good, even statice from your last bouquet of fresh flowers! The clippings need to be at least 5″ long in order to be usable – so 5″ to 12″ long or bring in an entire branch!

If you have some beautiful trimmings, please call or e-mail Lashanna 206-715-5265 or lashannaw@gmail.com with
–the name of what you have to donate
–location
–good time to pick up or we can arrange a drop-off.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Ukulele-attack suspect on cam; mail theft; motor-home watch
December 7, 2012 3:13 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes this afternoon, starting with a photo to take a good look at:

Seattle Police have just gone public with surveillance-camera images of the now-notorious ukulele-armed shoplifter who attacked a Delridge convenience-store owner. The attack happened the night of Tuesday, November 27th. Police are still looking for the attacker. Know who he is? Call police at 206-684-5540.

Also in West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon: An anonymous resident’s mail-theft alert and a mystery motorhome on the move, both ahead:

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A penny saved is a penny learned: Gatewood students’ harvest
December 7, 2012 2:35 pm
|    Comments Off on A penny saved is a penny learned: Gatewood students’ harvest
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Gatewood Elementary‘s latest successful Penny Harvest wasn’t just a collection – it was a lesson. Teacher Darren Radu shares the photo and report:

One of our guiding questions for Gatewood students is “How can we have a positive effect on the systems in our world?”. Keeping this question in mind, students jumped at the chance to continue the Penny Harvest, and worked hard to bring in as many coins as possible; this year it’s close to 300 pounds of pennies (and other coins). We’ll be sending the bags of coins to the local Penny Harvest offices next week.

In early 2013, we will again convene a Philanthropy Roundtable, where students from each grade will research organizations working for justice in the community, country, and world, and determine which organizations are most worthy of support. The Philanthropy Roundtable will then allocate grant funds from the pennies raised to these organizations. One of the Roundtable’s most important criteria is ‘leverage per dollar’ – the Philanthropists research and allocate funds to most effectively make a positive difference in the world. In the past three years, Gatewood students have awarded Penny Harvest grants totaling $3000 to organizations such as Oxfam Sudan Relief, Page Ahead, Child Haven, PAWS, Nature Consortium, Southwest Boys and Girls Club, and Save the Children Japan. Students weighed the impact of their decisions and made the final decisions on where to send the money.

The attached photo shows some of our many ‘harvesters’ with a few of the 30-pound bags they filled.

You can find out more about the Penny Harvest at commoncents.org/go/penny-harvest

Once again, our ‘Gator Gratitude’ goes out to our Gatewood neighbors, families, and friends, for supporting this worthwhile work!

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West Seattle-born Mary Louise Killeen Richardson, 99, remembered
December 7, 2012 2:06 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Memorial and burial were scheduled today at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor) for Mary Louise Killeen Richardson. Here’s how she is remembered:

Age 99 and one month, Mary Lou died peacefully in her sleep in her apartment at The Kenney. She was born on Yancy Street in West Seattle on November 2, 1913 to Walter Killeen and Gertrude Barnecut Killeen. She was proud of her Barnecut family pioneer heritage. The Killeen Family spent two years homesteading in the Priest Rapids area of eastern Washington from 1916-1918. When they returned to West Seattle, the family bought a home on SW Mills Street. Mary Lou attended Gatewood School and later graduated from West Seattle High School in 1931. She stayed on at West Seattle High for two more years of post-graduate secretarial study. Then she went to work for Peoples National Bank in West Seattle, where she met her husband, Wayne Harding Richardson.

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Seattle Lutheran cheerleaders going to London New Year’s Parade
December 7, 2012 12:58 pm
|    Comments Off on Seattle Lutheran cheerleaders going to London New Year’s Parade
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photo courtesy Seattle Lutheran High School)
Congratulations to Seattle Lutheran High School cheerleaders Angel Cucio (Class of 2015) and Kayla Searle and Tiffany Tran (both Class of 2014), who have been chosen to be part of the New Year’s Day Parade in London, as part of the United Cheerleaders Association contingent of about 300 from around the U.S. According to SLHS’s announcement, “They have been practicing the cheer routine for several weeks and will practice with the entire group once they are all assembled in London. The students were selected for this opportunity while at a UCA Cheerleader cheer camp this past summer.” The parade starts at 11:45 am London time (that’s 3:45 am Seattle time) on New Year’s Day, with more than 10,000 participants traveling along a 2-mile route, according to the official website.

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Marriage-equality history: Free* photos Sunday @ Marination ma kai
December 7, 2012 12:16 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Back in October, WSB’er Stacy shared that double-rainbow view from Seacrest. This Sunday, a different rainbow view – as marriage equality will be celebrated by a free-photo shoot for newlyweds and newly engaged couples at Marination ma kai (WSB sponsor):

CALLING ALL NEWLYWEDS! AND THE NEWLY ENGAGED! FREE SEASIDE PHOTO OPP EXTRAORDINAIRE THIS SUNDAY!

WHAT– Free seaside photoshoot with pro photog Erinn J Hale for newlyweds and newly engaged couples and their families.

WHERE– Marination ma kai, on the water taxi dock in Alki
1660 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle 98126 WHEN- This Sunday, December 9th, noon-3pm

WHY- TONS of reasons! The LOVE, The perfect, romantic VIEW at ma kai, the NEW DAY for WA state citizens, and for a local food bank!

*HOW MUCH? The donation of any item on the West Seattle Food Drive wish list.

At Marination ma kai, we are aching to capture this moment in time! It is so important. So historical. So ALIVE. We were sitting here at ma kai thinking about it all, gazing across the perfect, unbelievable, best ever view and a BIG IDEA STRUCK.

THIS SUNDAY, DEC 9, NOON-3 PM, weʼre setting up a seaside LOVE PHOTOSHOOT for newlyweds, the newly engaged, and their families (kids, pets, whatevs!) with the breathtaking view across Puget Sound and our gorgeous Seattle skyline as the backdrop.

How much is this groovy opportunity for a professional photo-of-a-lifetime going to cost? We ask that you drop an item from the West Seattle Food Driveʼs wish list into our WSFD bin here at Marination ma kai. Thatʼs it! Wish list is here.

Erinn J Hale will be armed with a lens and ready to capture your gorgeous, smiling faces with a personal newlywed/newly engaged portrait for the family history book. You will receive a hi-res version of your photo over email, and then you can do whatever youʼd like with it! Best holiday card ever, by the way.

Extra love points if you bring your marriage license for the photo!

Worried about a little rain? Donʼt be! Right by your side youʼll have your sunshine, your only sunshine, making you happy when skies are gray. And weʼll have a pop-up tent. Questions? Email Emily, our Saucy Love Promoter. saucy@marinationmobile.com

FAQs

Q: Is this awesome Seaside Love Photoshoot only for couples who happen to be the same sex?

A: Nope! ALL LOVE COUNTS.

Q: Will your bar be open and stocked with bubbly?

A: YES! Booze, too! Plus some beer & wine specials, and the kitchenʼs open all day!

The WSB Facebook page has an ongoing list of freebies/discounts, though some were just for yesterday’s licensees – here’s the link.

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