(TOPLINE: Power restored after a little more than one hour; ‘cable failure’ blamed)

11:01 PM: Thanks to everyone who’s been calling and texting – as of a few minutes ago, more than 4,100 homes/businesses have lost power in north West Seattle. Don’t know why yet. More to come.

11:08 PM: Just added screengrab from City Light map showing where the power’s out. Commenters and texters report something that resembles a possible transformer explosion preceding the loss of power.

@westseattleblog we live next to Delridge substation, heard what sounded like two explosion with bright flashes.

— Lindsey Hurd (@lindseyhurd) December 14, 2014

City Light site guesstimates restoration by 2 am but remember – that’s just an estimate, could be sooner, could be later.

11:13 PM: Denny tweets that the apartment-rich zone along Avalon is affected:

@westseattleblog power out here on 35th & Avalon. Lots of cars not able to get into their parking garages. Hope no one's stuck in elevators

— Denny Lee (@DennyJLee) December 14, 2014

11:24 PM: In fact, the SFD 911 log indicates a couple “elevator rescue” calls, on Avalon and Alki.

11:29 PM: City Light just tweeted for the first time, but no information beyond what we’ve already gotten from the outage map – “early estimate” of restoration ~2 am, no cause verified yet, not even with all these reports of an explosion preceding it.

11:43 PM: From City Light’s site, “what to do in case of an outage.” We’d add from experience – unplug major appliances unless you have great surge protectors; last outage, a computer we didn’t unplug was damaged when the power surged back on. One other point while we await updates – while the outage affects more than 4,100 “customers,” it affects many more people; a “customer” is an account, a home, a business, sometimes an entire multi-unit building.

12:04 AM: Multiple reports that the power’s back on.

12:12 AM: The map now shows everybody back on – so if you’re not, please call City Light, 206-684-3000. The only indication of its cause appeared on the map in the past 20 minutes or so – “equipment failure.” We might not be able to get further details until Monday.

12:18 AM: Scratch that; we do have a little more information from SCL via social media: “Cause was underground cable failure leading from substation.”

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West Seattle holidays: Christmas Ship night #1, report #2

December 13, 2014 10:41 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Holidays | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Lowman Beach photos by Trileigh Tucker)
A night of lights and song on two West Seattle beaches. First – it was barely dark enough to see the star shine on the Christmas Ship as it arrived at Lowman Beach around 4:20 pm. Despite the massive Murray CSO Control Project construction setup across the street and in part of the beach park, a sizable crowd made its way to the beach just north of Lincoln Park:

While the Dickens Carolers were serenading the Lowman spectators from the Christmas Ship, Alki visitors were getting ready for the ship’s next stop. Just inland from West Seattle’s biggest beach, the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) extended its hours to welcome visitors for “Cookies and Cider on the Porch”:

The museum also showed off gift ideas from its gift shop (open during the museum’s Thursday-Sunday hours, noon-4 pm), including the recently published “Apron Strings” cookbook:

From there, it was on to the beach, to await the Christmas Ship and the decorated boats accompanying it – some official, some unofficial. Seattle Parks and Recreation staffers and volunteers from around the department’s Southwest division organized entertainment and treats at Alki Bathhouse, for a party that started before and continued after the ship’s visit. That included bonus entertainment:

Along with those musicians from Seattle Lutheran High School, other performers included the Endolyne Children’s Choir (WSB sponsor). Inside the bathhouse, holiday treats:

And then, just after 5 pm, the Christmas Ship came into view, rounding Alki Point.

Lots of families among the spectators who lined the beach and seawall in the Bathhouse vicinity to hear the Dickens Carolers – the lineup rotates, as the Christmas Ship schedule shows – perform Christmas classics from the ship, amplified toward the shore.

(Hear a bit of the music via Instagram.) After 20 minutes, with the announcer’s cheery “Ahoy to the world!”, the boats headed off toward a downtown marina for a break (and new passengers) before the night’s next two stops. The Christmas Ship will be back in West Seattle for an encore on Monday night (December 15th), 9:15-9:35 pm, just outside Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor).

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Transit alert: Water Taxi substitutions for next 2 weeks

December 13, 2014 10:19 pm

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| King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

According to an alert sent tonight to King County Water Taxi riders, the regular West Seattle Water Taxi vessel, Spirit of Kingston, is going in for annual maintenance, so for the next two weeks or so, starting Monday, Melissa Ann will be on the West Seattle run, and Victoria Clipper III will fill in for Vashon. Side note: We talked recently with Greg Lerner of the King County Department of Transportation Marine Division, and he says construction of the two new Water Taxis is on schedule; Sally Fox, the Vashon vessel, is set for delivery first, to be followed by the West Seattle vessel, Doc Maynard.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Arbor Heights mailbox casing?

December 13, 2014 9:00 pm

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| Crime | West Seattle online

Arbor Heights has for some reason been a hotbed of mail theft, which ratchets up the radar for reports like this: Andi says, “Just wanted to let you know when my husband and I were driving home tonight in Arbor Heights, we saw a man riding a bike south along 30th around 7 pm rummaging around in some mailboxes that are located streetside. I called 911 and gave a description, which wasn’t much since it was dark. The best we could manage was: White, 30s, 6ft tall, wearing a checkered gray winter coat, gray pants, black stocking cap, and a black backpack. Hope they’re able to track this guy down; we’ve had some mail theft problems recently in this area.”

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West Seattle weekend scene: Southside Revolution’s 1st bout

December 13, 2014 8:27 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Since summertime, we’ve been reporting on the new local junior roller derby league, Southside Revolution. Tonight, a milestone – their first bout! As previewed here earlier this week, the hew league hosted teams from NWO Junior Roller Derby in Chilliwack, B.C.. We happened to stop by Southgate Roller Rink during a warmup period.

In the fluorescent green shirts are members of the Rebels, one of the first two SSR teams (the other, the Cadets). They bouted with the NWO league’s Honey Badgers and TNT. Don’t know yet how it turned out, but keep an eye on the Southside Revolution Facebook page for that and for info on your next chance to cheer them on.

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Christmas Ship celebration at Alki, report #1

December 13, 2014 4:53 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle news

Arriving at Alki for Christmas Ship (due after 5 pm), music and treats at and around bathhouse pic.twitter.com/fBBSdzWRSg

— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) December 14, 2014

4:53 PM: Beautiful night, mostly clear sky, as a crowd gathers to await the Christmas Ship on Alki, due to arrive just after 5 pm, after serenading Lowman Beach. The party organized by Seattle Parks will continue after the ship sails on, until about 6 pm. You’re also invited to stop by the Log House Museum, just a bit inland at 61st/Stevens, with “Cookies and Cider on the Porch” (and gift-shop deals) until 6:

At Alki for Christmas ship? Walk to Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) for cookies, cider, gift shop deals, totem pole.. pic.twitter.com/1uic7hEOdd

— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) December 14, 2014

Watch our Twitter and/or Instagram feeds for updates – and photos/video here later tonight – hope you’re here to enjoy it in person!

5:36 PM: The Christmas Ship and its fleet have moved on, but the celebration continues until 6 pm. We’ll have more photos/video later, but first a short phone-video clip, including the walking Nativity seen here most years:

P.S. If you missed tonight’s stops, the Christmas Ship’s final West Seattle visit this year is Monday at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 9:15 pm. Here’s the full schedule.

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Benefit/reading Monday for local writer Sarah Alisabeth Fox

December 13, 2014 3:38 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle books | West Seattle news

(“Trailer” for Sarah A. Fox’s book “Downwind“)
Next Monday at 7 pm at Skylark in North Delridge, it’s your chance to support a local writer whose decade of work has finally culminated in a book. Here’s the announcement:

Local historian and author Sarah Alisabeth Fox is asking for your help. Her recently published book, “Downwind: A People’s History of the Nuclear West,” is the culmination of a ten-year research project, yet some of the most important work spreading the word about the book still remains.

As a first-time author published through a university press, she received no advance and no institutional support for a book tour. Royalties are 1% (15% for ebooks), paid out once a year. All book events and travel expenses come out of Sarah’s personal funds, and she must often take time off work to commit to these events.

“Downwind” explores the human and environmental cost of nuclear testing and uranium extraction in the American West through the stories of “downwinders,” the residents of the Great Basin region affected by radiological pollution.

Ahead, the announcement continues with more about the book and how you can help at Monday’s event:

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Hit-run driver damages Salon 08

December 13, 2014 11:40 am

| 16 COMMENTS

| Crime | Utilities | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL REPORT, 11:40 AM: With so much construction and utility work around town these days, the crew working outside Salon 08 on SW Genesee east of 42nd might not have drawn a double take this morning. But the reason for its presence was unusual – a hit-run driver crashed into the gas hookup out front and did a little damage to the bricks in the facade. It happened sometime before 4 am – that’s when the Seattle Fire Department was called out to investigate a possible gas leak; the tipster who sent us word of it said the driver would have been a “silver hatchback” that “fled the scene on 3 wheels.” The salon, however, is open for business as usual.

ADDED 6:30 PM: In comments, Rich says the suspected hit-run car ended up near his Lowman Beach-area home. We’ve also received a photo via text and e-mail showing what’s said to be the car in question:

Rich says police told him they knew whose car it was – we are checking to find out if a suspect was arrested.

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West Seattle holiday giving: Girl Scouts’ donations for YouthCare

December 13, 2014 11:27 am

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| Holidays | West Seattle news

That’s just some of what comprised a big donation for YouthCare, from West Seattle Girl Scouts, this past week. Rosina shares the story and photos:

On Monday, December 10th, Cadette Troops 40890 and 42780 (middle-schoolers) co-hosted the 5th Annual “Brownie Girl Scout Christmas Cookie Exchange.”

More than 70 Brownie Girl Scouts (2nd – 3rd graders) attended. They exchanged cookies, learned about some Girl Scout traditions, made some crafts, decorated and ate some cookies, and sang some songs. And at the end of the evening, we had over 80 dozen cookies, a box full of handmade Christmas cards, and a trunk load of toiletries to donate to YouthCare. YouthCare is an organization that provides shelter and services to the homeless youth in Seattle.

It was a fun evening of celebrating the holidays with sister Girl Scouts AND spreading the holiday cheer to our young neighbors in need of love and support, especially at this time of year.

Still lots of chances for you to reach out and offer holiday help, too – see the list in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide!

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West Seattle Saturday: Christmas Ship to meteors to music…

December 13, 2014 8:59 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(2012 WSB photo by Nick Adams)
The Christmas Ship makes two West Seattle stops today/tonight! That’s on our list of highlights from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and our regular calendar:

C & P CRAFT FAIR: C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, 9 am-3 pm.

(Added: Photo shared by Melanie)
Local arts and crafts! (5612 California SW)

SANTA AT JF HENRY: Santa Al will be at JF Henry (WSB sponsor) 10 am-1 pm; bring your own camera or get a photo for $5. (4445 California SW)

CHOIR CONCERT: Endolyne Children’s Choir (WSB sponsor) presents its “Winter Fantasy” concert, 11 am at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. Tickets $7 adults/$5 children, at the door. (California/Hanford)

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

‘THE CHRISTMAS POST’: annual dessert theater at Westwood Christian Community. 1 pm & 7 pm. Admission free, as are the desserts. (9252 16th SW)

(added) HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, THE BRIDGE! The Bridge is celebrating its 1st anniversary in its new location starting at 3 pm today, continuing through tomorrow’s Seahawks game, with door prizes and more. (California/Graham)

CHRISTMAS SHIP MAKES 2 WEST SEATTLE STOPS: Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship in West Seattle! 4:20-4:40 at Lowman Beach, 5:10-5:30 pm at Alki, where you’ll find these onshore festivities:

The Seattle Parks Department and Advisory Councils of the Southwest Geo district are proud to host the annual Argosy Christmas Ship arrival at Alki Beach. Music, cookies, and hot drinks will be served at the Alki Bathhouse. Music is provided by the Endolyne Children’s Choir and Hope Lutheran Church Choir. The music starts at 4 pm and the ship arrives at 5:10 pm and will perform for 20 minutes. After the ship departs, live music continues in the Bathhouse until 6 pm.. The entire event is free to the public.

(60th/Alki)

‘COOKIES AND CIDER ON THE PORCH’: Before, during, and after the Alki Christmas Ship visit, stop by the Log House Museum, 4-6 pm. Refreshments at the home of West Seattle history and a discount on items in LHM gift shop during the event! (61st/Stevens)

ROLLER DERBY DEBUT: First bout for Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby – it’s the new league’s “Holiday Bash,” 5:15-9 pm, Southside Roller Rink. (9646 17th SW)

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE: RISE Now hosts this 6 pm fundraiser with performances, small plates and drinks, and more at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – details in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

FAUNTLEROY CHURCH CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 7:30 pm at Fauntleroy UCC, featuring choirs from Fauntleroy UCC and Peace Lutheran, plus local instrumentalists. (9140 California SW)

‘JUDY’S SCARY LITTLE CHRISTMAS’: Go back to 1959 with Judy Garland and fellow stars in the holiday show at ArtsWest in The Junction, 7:30 pm Buy tickets online here. (4711 California SW)

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY’: Second-to-last performance for Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show, “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” 7:30 pm 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)

‘HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS’: Benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, 8 pm at OutWest Bar. Details on this Facebook event page. (California/Brandon)

VELVETEEN LOTHARIOS: 9 pm, go retro at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) – details here. (6451 California SW)

METEORS! Peak of the Geminids – as explained in Alice Enevoldsen‘s most recent “Skies Over West Seattle.”

LOTS MORE on the calendar!

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