West Seattle, Washington

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year : 2012 3917 results

Another reason to go see the sea: Orcas, southbound, off West Seattle
December 17, 2012 11:14 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

11:14 AM: As if the high tide, high waves, high wind, etc. wasn’t all scenic enough – we just got a text about orcas heading southbound off Alki Point. As always, please let us know if you see them – thanks!

11:33 AM UPDATE: Just got another text – they are described as “north of Alki Bathhouse, in the Bremerton ferry lane,” still headed south.

12:45 PM: Donna from The Whale Trail called – she had them in view off Blake Island (Tillicum Village), but warned they’re tough to see because of the whitecaps.

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Video/photos/updates: Monday morning’s high tide, waves, wind
December 17, 2012 6:06 am
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts | West Seattle weather

(SCROLL DOWN for the newest photos/video)

(Added 8:44 am – high tide swamping Statue of Liberty Plaza)
ORIGINAL 6:06 AM REPORT: So far, no major damage or outages reported in West Seattle in the four and a half hours since the wind started kicking up. We’re starting this new report to track whatever happens – including our usual traffic watch – during the morning commute and beyond.

(The west-facing bridge camera is back! Other cams are on the WSB Traffic page)
VASHON WATER TAXI CANCELED: King County just sent a text alert that the Vashon-Downtown Seattle Water Taxi is canceled TFN because of the wind. There are **no** changes reported to the West Seattle Water Taxi so far, though.

HIGH WIND WARNING: The National Weather Service’s wind advisory has been upgraded to a high-wind warning, in effect till noon. See it here; it mentions sustained wind out of the SW, 25-35 mph with gusts of 60 mph possible until midday, though it’ll still be breezy then, with gusts of up to 40 mph.

SNOW TONIGHT/TOMORROW? We mentioned it on Sunday – and the possibility of snow after midnight is still in the newest forecast.

7:06 AM UPDATE: In our area, two single-customer outages are now listed on the City Light map, one in North Admiral and one in Shorewood, both with “tree” listed as the cause. The ground saturation from recent rain has increased the tree/slide risk. On the WSB Facebook page, KL reminds us that since many in West Seattle have Monday trash pickup, you’ll want to take extra steps to secure your containers since the wind will be gusty for at least a few more hours. Also note that this morning’s high “king tide” – almost 13 feet – is still more than an hour away; (added) Justin took this predawn video from Alki and 53rd around 6:30 – no beach visible:

Further west, Beach Drive Blog is tracking it, including video updates.

7:26 AM: Potential traffic trouble – 3-vehicle crash at Delridge/Genesee. Emergency responders en route.

7:51 AM: Waiting to hear from our crew at that scene. Meantime, now that it’s becoming light, we’re seeing what the mega-high tide looks like – Lise Thivierge just sent this from Seacrest:

Seattle Fire has been dispatched to a home in the 6700 block of Beach Drive reporting water coming into the house.

8:05 AM: Just got this video from Mark Tabbutt near Lowman Beach:

8:29 AM: And from Margot in the 7100 block of Beach Drive – she says this is her “front yard”:

We’ve been to Statue of Liberty Plaza, where water has swamped onto the plaza itself. Photo (also see video added atop this story):

8:41 AM: Mark near Lowman Beach also sent this photo of high water at his neighbors’ house:

And back on the north side of the West Seattle waterfront – the tide, without the strongest wind gusts, is swamping Don Armeni – Carolyn Newman sent this photo:

8:55 AM: Swamped stairway and boardwalk at Alki at highest tide half an hour ago:

A reader texted this photo from near Constellation Park (south of Alki Point):

Thanks to everyone who has shared photos – we have two crews out and will be adding more of their photos too, but your perspective from waterfront homes is unique and appreciated. Hope no one has suffered serious damage.

9:24 AM: Thom, just south of Lowman Beach, shared this video:

He added, “Since that video was taken, the other half of the gate is gone as well as the splash plank.”

10:19 AM: Further north on Beach Drive, in the 5400 block and vicinity, WSB’s Patrick Sand caught the waves and the driftwood logs looming offshore:

Thanks to Lura for letting us come shoot that view. Not far away, at Beach Drive Blog HQ, where they were busy getting word out about all this days ago, Patrick’s video shows them pumping out the water that came in:

(added) Kim sent this view of the waves along the 3800 block of Beach Drive:

We also have photos of tree trouble in Highland Park:

Nora, who shared the photo, says: “Fortunately one car is in the shop otherwise it would have been under the big branch to the left. Damage to carport with a few branches sticking through the roof. No damage to the car beneath.”

11:44 AM: We went to the Alki Bathhouse to make sure the high water hadn’t gotten inside and done damage – it had not, we’re told. But while there, we caught this only-on-a-high-tide sight:

We have LOTS more photos to publish – will update when we either add them here or launch a new story.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: The wind arrives
December 17, 2012 1:57 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Short clip of what it sounded like around 2 am – just in case you sleep through the whole thing)
1:57 AM: In the past 20 minutes or so, the wind has arrived in a big way where we are, west-facing Upper Fauntleroy. The forecast remains the same – the National Weather Service has our area under a wind advisory until 4 pm today. If the NWS keeps to its usual timetable, the next likely forecast update will be within the next two hours or so. We’ll be monitoring everything throughout the morning – here’s hoping for no major trouble, but if there’s a power problem, a downed tree, etc., where you are, please let us know (text or call 206-293-6302).

2:25 AM: Some links we’re watching:
**City Light power-outage map (none as of this writing)
**Hourly readings at weather stations (the T column is temperature, SP is wind speed, GS is wind gusts)
**Seattle City Light’s “Wind Watch” animated forecasting

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Big theft, big search: King County Sheriff’s Office asks for help
December 17, 2012 1:54 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

The King County Sheriff’s Office is hoping someone can help solve a $2 million heist. From KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West:

More than 7,000 Wii game consoles were stolen from a distributing warehouse in SeaTac in the last 24 hours and detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating the van and trailers they were stolen in.

Employees at Seattle Air Cargo in the 19100 blk of Des Moines Memorial Dr said the theft occurred sometime between 9pm Saturday night and noon on Sunday. The suspects used forklifts on the premises to load up two 53’ trailers and a box van with at least 64 pallets of Wii game consoles.

Both Trailers are 53’ in length, white in color and have the name “McKinney” on the side:

The box van is a large International van with “Seattle Air Cargo” written on the doors. (Note: Seattle Air Cargo is NOT written on the side of the box, only the doors):

Trailer #1- California license plate 4HB3365 with a trailer number 533457

Trailer #2- California license plate 4EA5521 with trailer number 531841

Box Van- make “International” Washington license plate B40622K

Detectives believe the suspects drove two tractor trucks to the warehouse and used forklifts inside to load up the trailers and box van with the pallets of Wii games. Detectives estimate the value of property stolen including the vehicles is over $2 million.

If you have information about this crime please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 or 911 if you see any of the vehicles.

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Update: Fire call on Alki = cooking problem
December 16, 2012 9:46 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

Fire units are at a building in the 2700 block of Alki SW (map), after a report of smoke. Per the scanner, a resident is telling them it was a problem with cooking – no actual fire spotted so far. And firefighters have just confirmed “food on the stove” – smoke, but no fire. They will be ventilating the building’s fourth floor.

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West Seattle holiday giving: Arrowhead Gardens residents bring socks to Nickelsville
December 16, 2012 8:31 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | Nickelsville encampment | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
Socks are among items often requested for the residents of the encampment that calls itself “Nickelsville” – and this morning, its residents received more than 270 pairs, courtesy of the Arrowhead Gardens Residents Community. The group’s vice president, Diane Radischat, explains:

The Arrowhead Gardens Residents Community wanted to do something to help those in need. We needed to find a project that would work for anyone living here, something that was useful and most of all affordable to our residents. We decided on a ‘sock drive’ and chose the recipients to be the residents of Nickelsville.

Yesterday was our annual holiday event. We held a brunch and asked everyone to bring a pair of new socks. What a great success! We collected and delivered 271 pairs of socks along with 5 hats and 5 pairs of gloves.

And this morning, Diane and Darrell Orr, Alan Quigley, Lori Pelligrino, Sharon Schaffner, Joe Matthews, and Anne Rutherford, arrived with the special delivery. If you are interested in donations to Nickelsville – WSB Forums members have continued to organize deliveries large and small – most recently, a Christmas tree (read about it here).

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West Seattle traffic alert: 35th/Avalon light trouble again
December 16, 2012 6:09 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

FIRST REPORT, 6:09 PM: Thanks to everybody who’s messaging about trouble with the 35th/Avalon stoplight. “Big traffic mess,” we’re told. En route to check it out and see if anyone’s on the case.

6:17 PM: Via the WSB Facebook page, Tahna reports police have arrived to help direct traffic.

7:11 PM: Just went through the intersection. Lights look OK but police still directing – looks like at least one stalled or crashed vehicle on east side of intersection.

7:23 PM: No more traffic-directing, but still some SPD on SE corner.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Wind advisory tonight; snow possible Monday night; that erroneous ‘blizzard alert’
December 16, 2012 3:31 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Added 6:38 pm: Rainy Junction evening; photo by Nick Adams for WSB)
3:31 PM: What was a National Weather Service high-wind watch for our area is now a wind advisory, 10 pm tonight till 4 pm tomorrow – see it here. We’ll be updating throughout the night/morning. There’s also a “coastal flood advisory” for “minor tidal overflow” in waterfront areas 7 am-11 am tomorrow, since the wind will coincide with a very high tide (12.9 feet, 8:17 am Monday). And then, the forecast for Monday night and Tuesday DOES suggest some snow on the hills. However, as we’ve already noted via Facebook and Twitter – if you received a “blizzard warning” on your phone, that does NOT involve our area – just the mountains.

5:36 PM UPDATE: Seattle City Light has updated its Power Lines site to say it’s prepared in case of outages, with extra staff. And regarding that “blizzard warning,” KING5.com has the explanation.

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Found in West Seattle: ‘Bizarre sculpture’ turns up on streetcorner
December 16, 2012 3:12 pm
|      44 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | Seen around town | West Seattle news

The photo is from Highland Park’s Dina Johnson, who explains:

Yesterday a bizarre sculpture appeared on the Henderson street sidewalk near the corner of 13th Ave [map] in Highland Park.

We thought the thing might have fallen off a passing car, or stolen from someone’s yard. Or maybe it was part of an art installation in a rather unconventional gallery? Maybe someone is looking for it.

It’s the size and shape of a sitting child. It’s heavy; it appears to be made of plaster covered with fabric and wire mesh and glue. The face is a strange painted mask. A tuft of onion grass is attached to the head. It’s slightly damaged – one foot is missing, the other has broken off next to it.

We left it there all day and night, but no one came to retrieve it. We will put it out for garbage pickup if you post the pic and no one claims it. I have respect for art, but really, it’s kind of creepy.

Clues, anyone?

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Happening now: Let them wrap for you! First ‘Wrap It Up’
December 16, 2012 2:54 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Local animal advocates have launched the first of this year’s five installments of the “Wrap It Up” benefit – they do the wrapping, you decide how much to donate. In the top photo, texted from today’s wrapping site at Beveridge Place Pub, that’s David Walega of Art for Animals’ Sake and Teri Ensley from Furry Faces Foundation. Wrapping elves include Keri DeTore:

F3 is partnering with Animal Aid and Rescue Foundation in the gift-wrap sessions, which will continue:

*Thursday, Dec 20th, 6 – 9 pm, Beer Junction, 4511 California SW, West Seattle (during their weekly Beer Tasting)
*Saturday, Dec 22rd, 1 – 6 pm, at Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub; 255 SW 152nd, Burien
*Sunday, Dec 23rd, 1 – 6 pm, Beer Junction
*Christmas Eve (Monday, Dec 24th), 2 – 7 pm at Beveridge Place Pub

And today at BPP (6451 California SW and also in the midst of its specialty-bottle sale), Wrap It Up is scheduled to continue until 7 pm.

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High-school basketball: West Seattle HS girls’ busy week ahead
December 16, 2012 2:34 pm
|    Comments Off on High-school basketball: West Seattle HS girls’ busy week ahead
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Big week ahead on the home court for West Seattle High School girls’ basketball, reports head coach Sonya Elliott, sharing the getting-ready photo above – and she notes that 2 of their 3 upcoming opponents are from across town:

The West Seattle Girls Basketball team, now 4-2 after a big win against Bainbridge last week, got in a little cross-training in at the local Crossfit West Seattle, preparing for a 3-game home stand starting Monday, December 17th.

West Seattle Girls’ Varsity Basketball Schedule this week:

Monday Dec 17 at 7:00 pm vs Lindbergh @ WSHS
Wednesday, Dec 19 at 7:30 pm vs. Chief Sealth @ WSHS
Saturday, Dec 22 vs Seattle Lutheran at 5:15 pm @ WSHS

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Happening now: Holiday warmth trumps chilly rain in The Junction
December 16, 2012 1:43 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Till 3 pm, the covered mule-drawn carriage is continuing to make the rounds in The Junction, during the season’s final Hometown Holidays Sunday (with co-sponsors including WSB). You can catch a ride from the southwest corner of California/Alaska, where we also found Lashanna Williams and Cari Jones on duty at Hometown Holidays Headquarters:

They’re also there till 3, and you can enjoy a cup of cocoa and cheery holiday music while you wait for the carriage – or even if you just stop briefly while shopping. Kitty-corner from there, just past the northeast corner of Walk-All-Ways, City Mouse Studio is the location for the final round of Junction Santa photos with City Mouse proprietor/photographer Donna Ryan (your donation goes to charity), and 3 is also the closing time for that. But this isn’t the end of Junction festivities this season – there’s Shop Late Thursday four nights away, and some merchants will be keeping special later hours all week (Curious Kidstuff, for example, sent word the store will be open till 9 pm this Monday-Friday, till 7 pm Saturday the 22nd, and till 6 pm Sunday the 23rd – we’ll be adding that, and any other special late pre-Christmas West Seattle shopping hours we hear about, to the Holiday Guide).

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Holiday giving: Nucor’s truckload, and check, for West Seattle Food Bank
December 16, 2012 11:51 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Big holiday help for the people served by the West Seattle Food Bank – on Friday, we were there as Nucor delivered tidings of great joy: A truck full of food donated by Nucor employees, and monetary donations totaling more than $20,000. Below, from left, Ryan Knoyle and Gerrit Reed from Nucor, and Eagle Hilton and Jason Wissbrod from Benchmark Industrial Services, which volunteered its trailer so the delivery could be done in one trip:

If you would like to help WS Food Bank – here’s the latest: When we last checked in with executive director Fran Yeatts, to ask about their biggest needs, her reply: “Turkeys and hams would be really appreciated to help with our holiday food distribution. One of the biggest ongoing needs for us is formula, specifically Similac Advance in the 12.4-ounce cans, and diapers, size 3, 4, 5, or 6. We can always use non-perishable food like canned protein, soup, fruit.” The food bank’s location and hours are here.

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West Seattle Sunday: Hometown Holidays; free Admiral Theater Christmas movie; ‘Wrap It Up’; concerts; more
December 16, 2012 6:52 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(December 2 Junction Hometown Holidays mule-drawn carriage; photo by Nick Adams for WSB)
Though it’s the second-to-last Sunday before Christmas, it’s the last one for many holiday events, since next weekend is a time for traveling and last-minute shopping. Among the highlights – the last Sunday for West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB), with the return of mule-drawn carriage rides! And the Admiral Theater’s free Christmas movie. The highlights, from the WSB Holiday Guide and regular year-round Event Calendar, right after weather/water/road alerts:

WEATHER ALERTS: Reminder, the National Weather Service has a High Wind Watch in effect for our area tonight through tomorrow morning, and a Coastal Flood Watch for the potential intersection of strong wind and the extra-high high tides. Speaking of which …

HIGHEST HIGH TIDE: 7:34 am is the second and last instance of the highest of the high tides in this “king tides” cycle – 13 feet. (Here’s the chart.)

TRAFFIC-ALERT REMINDER: The lane closure on southbound 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct and Atlantic St. offramp closure are scheduled to continue till early Monday morning, so be forewarned of possible traffic backups till then – consider heading to West Seattle via alternate routes (1st Avenue South to Spokane St. Viaduct or 1st Avenue S. Bridge, 4th Avenue South to 1st Avenue S. Bridge, I-5).

**already closed**FINAL DAY FOR HOLY ROSARY TREE LOT: 41st and Dakota, last scheduled day for the lot (a WSB sponsor) that’s benefiting not only Holy Rosary School, but also three local charities: West Seattle Food Bank, West Seattle Helpline, and the Salvation Army’s Hickman House shelter for domestic-violence survivors.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: West Side Presbyterian Church presents “A Rockin’ Royal Christmas Pageant” at 9:40 am & 4:30 pm, 3601 California SW: “A Higher Calling to a Higher King – An action-packed musical that is complete with investigations, mystery, travel and oh yes – ‘royalty’. The songs are catchy and our orchestra will ‘rock’! Presented by our children and youth. All ages are welcome. A cookie reception will follow the 4:30 pm show. Admission is free.”

LAST CHANCE FOR PATHFINDER WREATHS: The handmade wreaths benefiting Pathfinder K-8 are scheduled to be available at their booth by the Farmers’ Market (next to KeyBank) one last time today, 9:30 am-2 pm.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, 44th and Alaska, as always.

SANTA PHOTOS IN THE JUNCTION: 11 am-3 pm, as part of Hometown Holidays, Santa will listen to your children’s Christmas requests at City Mouse Studio and Store (4218 SW Alaska). Professional Santa photos and printing – suggested donation of $15 or more goes to WestSide Baby.

MULE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES IN THE JUNCTION: 11 am-3 pm, FREE, courtesy of the West Seattle Junction Association. Take a traditional carriage ride down California SW, pulled by beautiful Belgian Draft Mules. Carriages depart on California SW in front of KeyBank at Hometown Holidays Headquarters.

STOTTLE WINERY TASTING ROOM: Noon-6 pm, 3400 Harbor Avenue; tasting info here (Stottle is a WSB sponsor).

BENEFIT GIFT WRAPPING: “Wrap It Up” with Furry Faces Foundation and AARF: These two animal-advocacy groups are wrapping gifts by donation (you decide how much), with 100 percent of the donations going to help animals. The first session is today, 1-7 pm at Beveridge Place Pub, 6413 California Ave SW (during the Specialty Bottle Sale and for a couple hours after).

SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE: Matinee performance of the locally written/produced “Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical” (WSB sponsor), 2 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW); tickets available online. Bring your camera, because showgoers can take photos with Santa afterward!

‘EPIC OF THE NORTH WIND’: Native storyteller/artist Roger Fernandes invites you to “journey back to the time when the North Wind held this land under his power,” with song and dance, 2 pm at the Duwamish Longhouse (4705 W. Marginal Way SW). Cocoa and cookies (and see the Longhouse’s decorated tree). Details in the calendar listing.

‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE RADIO PLAY’ FINALE: Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show will be performed one final time at 3 pm today at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW); tickets available online. Also: A Children’s Hospital toy drive is happening in connection with the show – bring a donation!

WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: It’s meeting on a Sunday this time, for the holiday cookie exchange, 3 pm at Beveridge Place Pub. Organizers suggest bringing 4 dozen to 6 dozen cookies. More info here.

‘THE WINTER WONDERETTES’: ArtsWest presents the “new ’60s Christmas musical,” 3 pm today. Details and ticket sales are on the ArtsWest website.

FREE CHRISTMAS MOVIE! The Admiral Theater will show “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at 4 pm as this year’s free Christmas movie, benefiting the Seattle Humane Society – bring donations to help them help animals – details in the original announcement.

FAUNTLEROY CHRISTMAS CONCERT: At Fauntleroy Church, 4 pm on the sanctuary performance stage. Bronwyn Edwards will direct choir, brass, and percussion in a medley of modern and traditional music of the season. The event will include carol singing and a reception. Free.

BELLS OF THE SOUND: “Home for the Holidays” concert by Bells of the Sound, 4 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), 3940 41st SW – details here

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West Seattle Bike Connections, Chief Sealth Bike Club meet with SDOT to review draft Master Plan update
December 16, 2012 1:36 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Photo by Eileen McHugh; from left, Adrian Verdugo and Sara Zora from SDOT, Stu Hennessey from West Seattle Greenways and Sustainable West Seattle, Bob Anderton and Bill Gobie of West Seattle Bike Connections)
Two reports on meetings this week to advance the cause of safe bicycling in West Seattle, both shared by Don Brubeck of West Seattle Bike Connections. First:

Thursday evening, a group of West Seattle residents met to review the draft Seattle Bike Master Plan Update map with Seattle Department of Transportation representatives. Ten members of West Seattle Bike Connections and Stu Hennessey of West Seattle Greenways met at the West Seattle Library with Sara Zora, SDOT transportation planner and traffic engineer Adrian “AJ” Verdugo, who also lives in West Seattle. They discussed bicycle, pedestrian and vehicle routes shown on SDOT’s draft map, concentrating on two dozen locations where members of the groups have specific suggestions for revisions, AJ Verdugo knew the areas already, and gave frank opinions on challenges and opportunities for each area, and pointers for further action. Sara Zora gave more information about the plan status and process.

From WSBC: We are impressed by the quality of work the SDOT bike planners are doing, and the attention they are now giving to West Seattle, including potential “greenways” routes and difficult spots like the 5-way intersection by the Chelan Café, and parts of Avalon and Fauntleroy.

Some great pieces of information for easier cycling access with less conflict with car, bus and truck traffic:

*The Greenway supported by North Delridge Community Council and West Seattle Greenways is funded.

*A cycle track (basically, a bike lane separated by curbs or other barriers) is in the plan for East Marginal Way / Alaskan Way from Spokane Street to the bike path that exists north of S Atlantic St; and, in South Park, SDOT has funding from bonds for South Park Neighborhood Association’s request to pave S Portland St to 8th Ave S and do a separated 10 foot wide multi-use path to extend the West Marginal Trail into South Park, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to bypass heavy traffic in the industrial area to get to the Green River trail.

Don also sends word of the Chief Sealth International High School Bike Club‘s meeting with SDOT, ahead:

Read More

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West Seattle Weather Watch: 60 mph wind possible
December 15, 2012 10:00 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Weather Watch: 60 mph wind possible
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Be sure you have batteries on hand, and check around your house for anything in danger of being picked up and blown around: The National Weather Service has renewed its High Wind Watch for our area – in effect late tomorrow night through Monday morning. See it here; the NWS says it’ll be southwest wind, “rising to 25 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts to 60 mph.” We’ll keep close watch on the changing forecast, as well as the wind itself if/when it arrives.

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West Seattle holiday scene: Santa visits Menashe lights
December 15, 2012 9:25 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

When you have as many Christmas lights up as the Menashe family does, you’re probably entitled to more than one visit from Santa Claus. And so, with nine nights left before Christmas Eve, the jolly old soul is there tonight amid the bright lights in the 5600 block of Beach Drive SW, for photos with young Christmas-wishers, including some of the Menashe family’s youngest members:

If you see this before 10 pm, that’s how late Santa (in the persona of “Santa Al”) was scheduled to be on hand.

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West Seattle traffic alerts: Viaduct reminder; WS Bridge cam back
December 15, 2012 5:41 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Two traffic notes tonight:

VIADUCT LANE/EXIT CLOSURE REMINDER: If you missed, or forgot about, the alert, be forewarned that the all-weekend-long lane closure and Atlantic exit closure on southbound 99 **is** affecting traffic. Saw it ourselves while headed to Queen Anne for an errand a few hours ago (through-the-windshield-from-passenger-seat photo above) – and decided to take an alternate route when headed back (I-5 tends to be busy every weekend, so we chose 4th Avenue South to the 1st Avenue South Bridge, but if you’re in north West Seattle, 1st Avenue South to the Spokane Street Viaduct works well too.) The lane and exit are not scheduled to reopen until early Monday morning.

BRIDGE CAM RETURNS: Another traffic alert for today involved SDOT work to restore a West Seattle Bridge cam view that’s been out of commission for months – and tonight, it’s back:

That’s a west-pointed view of the West Seattle Bridge, available again, so it’s back in action on the WSB Traffic page too.

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West Seattle holiday scene: Living Nativity/petting zoo at ARK Park
December 15, 2012 5:04 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

A unique way to help tell the Christmas story to children – twin a Living Nativity with a petting zoo! That’s what happened at ARK Park in Arbor Heights this afternoon – with animals including a donkey and llamas.

This was a presentation of Arbor Heights Community Church – one of the churches listed in our lineup of West Seattle Christmas Eve/Day church services. See the list here – and please let us know if you have an addition or change!

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Video: Christmasy afternoon in The Junction – free music & wrap
December 15, 2012 1:52 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

With the weather mixing snow/sleet/slush into the rain this afternoon, it’s extra-Christmasy as We Three Carolers and South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsors) sing in The Junction this afternoon – you are welcome to join them at California/Alaska till 3:30 pm. Less than a block away, West Seattle High School band members are performing:

They’re outside Windermere at 4526 California SW – where free gift wrap is available till 3:30 pm for Junction-bought items. Bring your receipt!

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West Seattle restaurants: ‘Soft open’ debut for Duos Lounge
December 15, 2012 12:47 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Luna Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(STORY UPDATED MONDAY with planned days/hours)

It’s been almost four months since Duos Catering moved into the former Avalon Restaurant spot at 2940 SW Avalon Way (as reported here in August). The owners said they planned to open a “neighborhood hangout” – and they’re finally ready. Last night, during their “soft open,” WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams stopped in, photographing both the small-plates food …

(Grass-fed beef sliders with applewood-smoked bacon, Tillamook cheddar, onion jam)
… and the people – here’s co-owner Benjamin Jury checking in with guests:

More of Nick’s photos ahead:Read More

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West Seattle Weather Watch: ‘Lumpy rain,’ and an alert ahead
December 15, 2012 10:24 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

10:24 AM: Two weather notes this morning – First, just received a text (206-293-6302 any time) noting “lumpy rain” north of Roxbury. The National Weather Service did warn of “rain mixed with snow” in this morning’s forecast update – increasing winds, too, and we’ve seen them kick up here. The NWS also has a Special Weather Statement out for the region, including our area, about a big storm headed this way late Sunday and into Monday – wind and rain mentioned, not snow, though “snow showers” are noted as possible in the aforementioned forecast. P.S. Could be extra-problematic in waterfront areas if high wind coincides with the ongoing high tides – Beach Drive Blog has a mashup of all that info together.

4:57 PM UPDATE: The Special Weather Statement has since been upgraded to a High Wind Watch for late Sunday night into early Monday morning – see it here.

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West Seattle Saturday: Last night of Hanukkah; 2nd-to-last weekend before Christmas
December 15, 2012 10:09 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Last night of Hanukkah; 2nd-to-last weekend before Christmas
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

If you haven’t checked the Holiday Guide yet for what’s up today/tonight – here are the highlights! With a few from the year-round WSB Event Calendar too:

BAKE SALE FOR FAMILY REUNION: Till 3 pm today and 9-3 tomorrow, a new West Seattleite hoping to raise money for a holiday family reunion is having a bake sale. Read all about it here.

BLOOD DRIVE AT WESTWOOD VILLAGE: Till 3 pm. Drop-ins welcome but note that the Bloodmobile will be closed 11 am-noon. Details here.

FREE GIFT WRAP STATION! 11:30 am-3:30 pm: Let us wrap your Junction gifts! The West Seattle High School Music Program parents will staff our gift wrap station at Windermere (4526 California SW) while the students perform in The Junction. Please bring Junction retailer receipt. FREE wrap and ribbon, no boxes provided.

CAROLING IN THE JUNCTION: We 3 Carolers, and members of the South Seattle Community College Choir, will be caroling in The Junction, corner of Calif and Alaska, from 11:30-1:00, and 1:30-3:00. Come by and join us if you like to sing carols! We will also be collecting cash or check donations to the Food Bank. Thanks West Seattle and WC Neighbors! And special thanks to B Sharp Studio and Clowns Unlimited for sponsoring this 4th Annual Sing-Along for the Food Banks of West Seattle and White Center.

SANTA PHOTOS IN THE ADMIRAL DISTRICT: Free at Merrill Gardens at Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor) 12 pm to 4:00 pm, bring donations for West Seattle Food Bank (see wish list in the Holiday Guide).

SANTA PHOTOS AT THE MENASHE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DISPLAY: “Santa Al” will be available for photos – free with your camera, or have a photo taken for $5 – at the Menashe Family lights display (5600 block of Beach Drive) from 5:30-10 pm.

(More Santa photo opportunities today are in the Holiday Guide)

SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE: Second weekend run for the premiere season of locally written/produced “Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical” (WSB sponsor), 2 and 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW); tickets available online. Bring your camera, because showgoers can take photos with Santa afterward!

BLITHE BAZAAR: 4-8 pm at Center Studio in White Center, the next chance to buy holiday gifts from local artisans.

CHRISTMAS TREE SALES: Last big weekend. Son-In-Law Tree Farm just announced their trees are all half-price till gone (California/Charlestown). Holy Rosary School Tree Lot (WSB sponsor; 41st/Dakota) is in its final weekend, today and tomorrow.

LIVE NATIVITY SCENE WITH SMALL PETTING ZOO: Free! One donkey, two sheep, one lamb, five goats, two alpacas, 1-3 pm at the Arbor Heights A.R.K. Park behind Arbor Heights Community Church at 4113 SW 102nd.

CHAMPAGNE TASTING: West Seattle Cellars‘ special 1-5 pm tasting, annual grower Champagne tasting. (There will be a $10 fee for this tasting, which can be applied to a purchase.)

FONDUE PARTY: Junction QFC is having a Fondue Party – announcing that “dipping time is 2:00 till 6:00. Come join in the fun, we’ll be melting gooey, hot cheese and dipping bread, pickles, apples, and veggies! We are also having a raffle for a FREE Fondue Pot. Must be present to win.”

PARTY ON THE FINAL NIGHT OF HANUKKAH: It’s the eighth and final night of Hanukkah; celebrate at Kol HaNeshamah, 6115 SW Hinds, 4-8 pm. Details here.

(Photo courtesy Twelfth Night Productions)
‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE RADIO PLAY’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show is in its final weekend at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm; tickets available online. Also: A Children’s Hospital toy drive is happening during the show’s run – bring a donation!

TIDAL EXTREMES CONTINUE: As the winter “king tides” continue, 12:15 am tonight (early Sunday) is the lowest, 7:34 am Sunday the highest (here’s the chart).

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