(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
10:04 PM: A fire call in the 7000 block of Highland Park Way SW has been upgraded to “fire in building” after starting at a less-serious designation. The address checks to Pioneer Industries, just uphill from West Marginal Way SW. We’re working to find out more.

10:09 PM: Via scanner, it’s being described as some kind of “industrial problem” inside the building that will have to be handled through the roof. Since it’s an industrial building, they’re trying to assess the risk before making further decisions how to deal with it.

10:32 PM: Highland Park Way hill is closed because of this, so it took us a bit to get here. It’s been described in radio communications as “overheated (equipment) with some roof char.” Light smoke in the building but no flames. No injuries reported. Some fire units are being cleared from the scene as this ramps down.

10:58 PM: Back from the scene (adding photos shortly) – our crew was told that the overheated equipment was a “heating element.” Ventilation of the building was the remaining task; in addition to doing that through the roof, SFD also had called in the MVU (mobile ventilation unit). Meantime, HP Way hill is reopening both ways, except for one downhill lane.

11:34 PM: All lanes reported open again.

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Alaskan Way Viaduct ‘settling’ update: Tunnel contractor ‘will stop excavating’ after what today’s surveying revealed

December 7, 2014 7:59 pm

| 41 COMMENTS

| Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

(Added: Screengrab from ‘access pit’ camera – see newest image here)
7:59 PM: After today’s early-morning surveying of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, following Friday’s disclosure of a new inch-plus of “settling,” WSDOT has just published an update. While continuing to say that it’s safe to use The Viaduct, WSDOT says its contractor plans to stop the “dewatering” that was under way in the pit being dug to get to the tunneling machine:

WSDOT and Seattle Tunnel Partners conducted additional survey work early Sunday morning to further assess the amount and extent of settlement that recently occurred on and near the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Some of the data was inconclusive and analysis is still underway; however, WSDOT observed that a small amount of differential settlement is occurring near the access pit. Differential settlement is when the ground settles unevenly over an area. When the ground settles evenly or uniformly over an area, there is less risk of damage.

The additional survey work did not find that the differential settlement has caused any new damage to the viaduct nor have we observed any damage to buildings or utilities in the surrounding area. On-the-ground surveys will continue this week by historic architects and structural engineers.

Public safety is our top priority and while we have not seen any damage, Seattle Tunnel Partners is taking the prudent step to stop dewatering. The contractor will work with its geostructural designer to stop the dewatering in a deliberate manner in order to ensure worker safety and the structural integrity of the access pit and surrounding structures.

Data analysis, collection and monitoring will continue and we will provide updates as we have new information to share.

“Dewatering” was being done as part of the access-pit excavation; as Mike Lindblom reported at SeattleTimes.com (WSB partner) after Friday’s report of settling, “Within the pit, water must be removed so that excavation machines sit on stable ground and aren’t scooping out an endless slurry.” The question now: Can digging continue without it? Yesterday marked exactly one year since the tunneling machine’s work stopped, after 1,000 feet of northward digging. WSDOT promises more information once it’s available, and we’re likely to hear more when the City Council’s prescheduled Alaskan Way Viaduct committee meets around 2:30 tomorrow afternoon.

ADDED 9:31 PM: We asked Viaduct project spokesperson Laura Newborn, who sent the above update, if this means no more digging, for now. She confirms to WSB that the contractor “will stop excavating.”

ADDED 11:11 AM MONDAY: This morning, spokesperson Newborn says that means excavation stops if/when dewatering stops, but she doesn’t have information right now on whether that’s happened yet.

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The Whale Trail’s next West Seattle gathering: ‘Find light in the dark for the whales’

December 7, 2014 7:33 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

(2013 photo by Trileigh Tucker)
With the heartbreaking news these past few days of the death of pregnant Puget Sound-resident orca J-32, many wonder, can anything more be done to keep the Southern Resident Killer Whales’ numbers from dwindling further? Come hear and talk about them at The Whale Trail‘s next West Seattle event, 6:30 pm December 17th at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). Here’s the announcement from TWT’s Donna Sandstrom:

With the loss of J-32, the southern resident orcas are down to just 77 individuals. Join us Dec 17 for a seasonal gathering to share our concern for and connection to these beloved and iconic whales.

Researcher Mark Sears will share photos from recent encounters with J, K, and L pods in Puget Sound. Seal Sitters and Diver Laura James will be there too.

Bring your ideas, your passion and your good energy. We’ll provide snacks, speakers, and tools to get involved.

Together we’ll find light in the dark for the whales.

(Mark Sears is one of the researchers you’ll see sometimes when orcas pass through our area, in a boat like the one in the photo above.) Tickets are $5 (kids free), available online. C & P is at 5612 California SW.

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Happening now: Blithe Bazaar and St. Nicholas Faire, both until 7 pm

December 7, 2014 6:08 pm

| Comments Off on Happening now: Blithe Bazaar and St. Nicholas Faire, both until 7 pm

| Holidays | West Seattle news

Two more West Seattle holiday events closing out a weekend brimming with them:

BLITHE BAZAAR: Until 7 pm at the Community School of West Seattle (22nd/Roxbury), you’ll find vendors including Helena from Girl Scout Troop 44283, above, with homemade bath bombs, and, below, local artist Lonjina Verdugo:

These cute owls caught our eye:

This is the Blithe Bazaar’s fifth year – first one at CSWS.

ST. NICHOLAS FAIRE: Also on until 7 pm, a unique silent auction/bake sale/holiday party/charity benefit on the lower level of First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (4105 California SW), north of The Junction:

Lights, music, and refreshments combine for a warm holiday-evening mood. You can bid on one-of-a-kind gift baskets assembled as donations – with themes from gardening to cooking to kid stuff to Seahawks:

Award-winning Maryhill Winery is on hand again, with proprietor Rich Marshall, brother of FLCWS’s pastor Rev. Ron Marshall. The event, meantime, is put together by Larraine King and daughter Elizabeth Olsen:

As detailed in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, the St. Nicholas Faire’s fundraising component means an admission charge (less if you bring a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank).

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West Seattle scene: Cheering for the Hawks, with expert guest

December 7, 2014 4:19 pm

| Comments Off on West Seattle scene: Cheering for the Hawks, with expert guest

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS & Sports

Go, Hawks! The photo and report on a one-of-a-kind viewing party happening right now are from Southwest Seattle Historical Society executive director Clay Eals:

Enjoying the ‘Hawks at Alki Fatburger with expert commentary from NFL coach Ken Flajole and supporting the Southwest Seattle Historical Society — what could be more fun on a Seattle Sunday? Flajole (lower left), former 16-year assistant coach of four NFL teams including the Seattle Seahawks, joined Eric Bell (to Flajole’s left) and seven of Eric’s buddies to take in the ‘Hawks/Philadelphia Eagles game this afternoon at Alki Fatburger, which donated the lunch at the SWSHS 2014 Champagne Gala Brunch. Others in the group (counter-clockwise from Eric) were Ricardo Cruz, Scott McClellan, Alex Shearer, Robert Ponselle, Lindsey Smith (Alki Fatburger manager), Christopher Goethe, Liz Day (the volunteer who put this Gala package together), Charles Smith, and Robin Warma.

More info here; here’s our coverage of the SWSHS gala on November 8th.

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Happening now: Santa, snacks, shopping @ Holly Jolly Holiday Fest

December 7, 2014 2:56 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Holidays | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Don’t know whether Santa lost his smartphone or picked up because he knew someone was calling in with a Christmas wish, but we caught him in the British-style phone booth in the lobby at The Sanctuary at Admiral, where the new-this-year Holly Jolly Holiday Fest continues until 4 pm, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association.

In the heart of The Sanctuary – a city landmark that was once a church – you’ll find free treats plus a mini-bazaar with local businesses/organizations including the new Seattle Farm School and WSB sponsor Mode Music Studios, which brought some students for holiday music:

You’re also invited to come talk to neighborhood reps over cookies and mulled cider. ANA is the same group that brings you Summer Concerts at Hiawatha every year as well as meeting most months (resuming in January, second Tuesday, 7 pm, at The Sanctuary) to focus on issues/concerns. They support the 4th of July Kids’ Parade, too, whose co-organizer Jackie Clough of Alki Party Treasures (WSB sponsor) was spotted chatting with Mr. Claus:

Stop by before 4 pm, 42nd and Lander, across from the northeast corner of the park adjacent to Hiawatha CC.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Burglar(s) hit Westwood Village; package thefts, including one on video

December 7, 2014 12:51 pm

| 29 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Five reports in West Seattle Crime Watch today:

BURGLAR(S) HIT WESTWOOD VILLAGE: Thanks for the texts about the board-covered doors at Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) and neighboring NK Nails at Westwood Village. We talked to Kirk Keppler from Wyatt’s. He said they were hit just before 4:30 am; security and police were there within minutes, but the burglar(s) had made their getaway. Investigators have prints and video to work with; Wyatt’s is proceeding with its originally scheduled Open House today (continuing until 4 pm), after hours of cleanup. They were even planning to defiantly and festively put a bow on the board over the door. (added – here’s the photo:)

Four reader reports today as well – all but one involving package theft. The first one has a package thief caught on video:

That’s from Todd, who has also provided the video to SPD after the theft at his home in the 3600 block of 35th SW. Todd says it happened last Thursday night. Any idea who that is? Case number to refer to if you are calling in a tip to SPD is #14-404125.

Ahead – three more theft reports, two involving packages:

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Happening now: Santa, carriage rides @ West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays 2014

December 7, 2014 11:40 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)
It’s partly sunny and fully cheery in The Junction right now on Hometown Holidays Sunday – above, Santa’s in the house at City Mouse (4218 SW Alaska), BYO-camera photos until 2 pm, within view of the California/Alaska pickup spot for free carriage rides:

They’re also continuing until 2 pm, as is the nearby West Seattle Farmers’ Market, where you’re invited to enjoy a free cup of hot apple cider today. After today, next up on the Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB) lineup: The holiday edition of the West Seattle Art Walk next Thursday (December 11), 6-9 pm, which happens to be Shop Late Thursday, too

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West Seattle Sunday: Admiral’s new ‘Holly Jolly Holiday’; carriage rides and Santa in The Junction; morning & evening bazaars; more!

December 7, 2014 8:44 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(This morning’s foggy moonset – photo by Lynn Hall)

Good morning! If you haven’t already browsed our West Seattle Holiday Guide and regular calendar to see what’s up – here are the highlights, from mid-morning on into the night!

JUNCTION SANTA: DIY Santa photos (bring your camera!) at City Mouse as part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays, 10 am-2 pm. (4218 SW Alaska)

MULE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES: 10 am-2 pm, also part of Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB): “Take a carriage ride down California Avenue pulled by beautiful Belgian Draft Mules. A treat the whole family and friends will enjoy. Stop off at the Farmers Market for a complimentary hot apple cider.” (California/Alaska)

PATHFINDER WREATH SALES: Also in The Junction, 10 am-2 pm, the second of three Sundays (while supplies last!) for Pathfinder K-8‘s wreath fundraiser – selling their famous wreaths made by the school community from local greenery – here’s our photo from last Sunday:

Details in our calendar listing. (California/Alaska)

SEATTLE SAMPLING: Final day of holiday studio tour, with 4 of the 10 studios in West Seattle – Brace Point Pottery, Village Green Nursery, Ceramistas Seattle, Penguina Designs. 10 am-5 pm. Detailed tour information at seattlesampling.com.

TIBBETTS CRAFT BAZAAR: Holiday craft bazaar at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor),11:30 am to 1:30 pm, including hand-sewn items, crafts, stocking stuffers, baked goods, & jewelry. (3940 41st SW)

NEW THIS YEAR – HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAY FEST: New event in Admiral – the Holly Jolly Holiday Fest, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, noon-4 pm at The Sanctuary at Admiral:

The Admiral Neighborhood Association welcomes a visit from Santa Claus on Sunday, December 7th at the Sanctuary at Admiral!

Santa’s visit will be part of our Holly Jolly Holiday Fest, a full afternoon of holiday activities including live holiday music, a gingerbread house contest, a craft bazaar, and a food drive for the West Seattle Food Bank. A photographer will be available to take portraits with Santa for a small donation, or you can bring your own camera.

If you made a gingerbread house to enter in the contest, drop it off by 10:30 am; judging starts at 11 am. Otherwise, drop by The Sanctuary noon-4 pm! (42nd/Lander)

OPEN HOUSE AT WYATT’S: Holiday Open House at Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) at Westwood Village, noon-4 pm. “Nibbles, bubbles, storewide specials.” (2600 SW Barton)

CAPERS SANTA: DIY Santa Photos at CAPERS in The Junction, with “ex-Westwood Santa.” Noon-3 pm. Bring cameras/phones, kids/friends, and a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. (4525 California SW)

BLITHE BAZAAR: Cozy afternoon/evening of shopping and sipping, supporting West Seattle artisans. At Community School of West Seattle. 3-7 pm. (9450 22nd SW)

‘JUDY’S SCARY LITTLE CHRISTMAS’:”Matinee today at ArtsWest in The Junction, 3 pm. Buy tickets online here. (4711 California SW)

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’: Matinee today at 3 pm for Twelfth Night Productions‘ radio play edition of the holiday show, at Kenyon Hall. Buy your ticket(s) online at brownpapertickets.com/event/917572 or an hour before showtime at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)

CHOCOLATE *AND* SINGALONG! Admiral Sings Christmas at Admiral Congregational Church, 3:30 pm Grand Chocolate Buffet, 4 pm festive concert and singalong of favorite Christmas songs and carols. Admission free (suggested donation $10); nonperishable food donations welcomed, for local food banks. (California/Hill)

ST. NICHOLAS FAIRE: First Lutheran Church of West Seattle‘s St. Nicholas Faire, 4-7 pm, fundraiser for West Seattle Food Bank and West Seattle Helpline, admission $5/person with nonperishable food item, $15/family with food donation for each family member, or, without food donation, $10/person or $25/family. Appetizers and spiced hot cider; elegant bake sale items; silent auction with a variety of gift baskets- puzzles, games, wine, art & educational activities, gift certificates to local businesses, food -themed baskets, Seahawks and Sounders gear, etc! Plus a ring-toss game to win wine prizes and wine tasting. (4105 California SW)

HOLIDAY SCENES AS THEY HAPPEN … while we’re out and about, we’re usually updating the WSB Twitter and Instagram feeds with quick pix – so check in, and share yours too, through either of those links or editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

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