West Seattle, Washington
10 Tuesday
Get out of the house and into the bleachers! In the Menashe Gym at Seattle Lutheran High School, the Saints’ Alumni Basketball Tournament is under way for a few more hours.
Five teams’ worth of players signed up for tonight’s tournament. There’s parking right across the street from the gym, 41st and Genesee on the north end of The Junction.
P.S. Next up for the current Saints basketball teams – they host Shoreline Christian on Saturday, January 3rd, with the girls-varsity game at 2:30 pm and the boys-varsity game at 4 pm.
Orcas are headed this way, northbound, most recently seen off Vashon Island, roughly parallel with Burien’s Seahurst Park, according to commenters on the Orca Network Facebook page; we’ve also received general tips via Facebook and Twitter. They apparently are the “transient” orcas that have spent a lot of time in the South Sound lately. We’re off to look; please let us know if you see them off our shores – we have barely an hour of light left!
(Added: WSB photo of SSCC parking lot by ravine where the girls were found)
1:56 PM: Police are looking for two girls, ages 4 and 10, in eastern West Seattle, and their family has asked us to get the word out too. The older girl has brown hair, wearing pink sweats and a pink orange jacket; younger girl has blonde hair, wearing a bright orange or blue (reversible) jacket and bright pink pants. They left their house without permission more than an hour ago and might be in the greenbelt behind Sanislo Elementary, their family says. If you see them, please call 911.
3:01 PM: Per scanner – just found, near South Seattle College.
3:26 PM: We have also confirmed with police in the area, that they are OK and safe. Medics were called to check them out just to be sure.
Restaurant updates today:
PAGLIACCI PIZZA EXPANDING IN WEST SEATTLE: After spotting construction-permit applications, we confirmed with Pagliacci Pizza that its West Seattle location (4449 California SW) is expanding. Pagliacci’s Matt Galvin confirms, “We did just submit drawings to the City to expand our dining capacity. Our plan is to go into construction in the spring with a mid-June opening. We will offer slices, lots of new seating, and beers on tap. We will open at 11:00 every day.” The expansion will stretch into the Clementine’s-turned-Lika Love space next door, adding more than 600 square feet to Pagliacci’s current 1,800-sf space. (We asked Lika Love owner Malika Siddiq about her future plans. She tells WSB she’ll continue to be “out and about in the truck when the weather warms up” as well as looking for a permanent space and selling online via shoptiques.com.)
BAMBOO’S NEW NAME: One month ago, Bamboo Bar and Grill (2806 Alki SW) closed for an overhaul, confirming it’ll reopen as a sports bar. While checking out this morning’s “king tide” across the street, we noticed it’s announced the new name, Alki Huddle:
No word yet on timeline for opening; STS Construction Services (WSB sponsor) is on site working on the revamp.
SPECIAL NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNERS: While the WSB holiday restaurant list already shows who told us they’ll be open New Year’s Eve, we’re also compiling notes about any West Seattle restaurants with special New Year’s Eve dinners. For starters: The Cassis bistro on Alki (WSB sponsor) is taking reservations for its special prix-fixe menu – see it here. Cassis is at 2820 Alki SW. We’ve also heard from Blackboard Bistro (3247 California SW) – see its New Year’s Eve plan here. Anyone else with a special New Year’s Eve menu? Let us know.
Not that we’re suggesting you de-decorate your tree and rush it right out the door right this moment, but the practical-minded West Seattleite might be wondering about this year’s treecycling dates, at the very least. Here’s what Seattle Public Utilities has to say:
Seattle residents who subscribe to curbside food and yard waste collection can put their trees and greens out on their regular collection day at no extra charge from December 26, 2014 through January 11, 2015.
Multi-family buildings can put out one tree next to each food and yard waste cart per collection day at no extra charge during this time.
Trees should be cut into sections of six feet long or shorter, with branches trimmed to less than four feet to fit into the collection trucks. Sections should be bundled with string or non-plastic twine. Metal, plastic and ornaments in trees and wreaths must be removed.
Trees that are flocked and/or have tinsel or ornaments will be collected as extra garbage. Customers will need to cut the tree into three-foot pieces and each piece will be charged as extra garbage. Each unit of extra garbage costs $10.20. Plastic trees are not compostable.
Seattle residents can also drop off holiday trees and greens for free at Seattle Public Utilities’ South Transfer Station from December 26, 2014 through January 11, 2015. The tree sections must be cut to eight feet or less in length and the trunk must be four inches or smaller in diameter. The limit is three trees per vehicle. Only trees and wreaths without flocking or decoration may be composted free of charge. The station is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m, other than selected holidays.
If anyone is handling treecycling as a charity benefit this year, we haven’t heard about it yet (but we’re standing by for info as always – editor@westseattleblog.com). Meantime, we’re adding this and other post-holiday recycling info to the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, which stays up and running through New Year’s Day.
(Photo by Matt Olson: Sanderling at Constellation Park in the Christmas Day sunshine)
A few notes from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
GIFT OF LIFE: Another mobile blood drive – this time, on the south side of Westwood Village until 3:30 pm (closed for break 11:30 am-12:30 pm); details in our calendar listing. (2800 SW Barton)
SEATTLE LUTHERAN ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: Enjoy some post-holiday hoops at Seattle Lutheran High School – the Saints’ Alumni Basketball Tournament starts at 4 pm in the Menashe Gym on campus; details on the school website. (41st/Genesee)
LIVE MUSIC: The True Romans at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 5:30 pm … Dylan Jakobsen and special guests with a country-rock show at Skylark Café, 7 pm (all ages, $12) … Red House at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 9 pm …
‘JUDY’S SCARY LITTLE CHRISTMAS’ FYI: The remaining three performances of ArtsWest‘s holiday musical (7:30 pm tonight and tomorrow, 3 pm Sunday) are almost entirely sold out, according to the AW website, so call the box office to see if anything’s left. (4711 California SW)
'King tide' scene: At Seacrest, floating Water Taxi dock almost level with non-floating fishing pier pic.twitter.com/l1ra1WNrwh
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) December 26, 2014
As noted here last night, we’re in the midst of three days at which the morning high tides are part of this year’s “king tides.” So we went out today to see what that might bring. The photo above, from Seacrest, was about as dramatic as it got. (added) At nearby Don Armeni, the water was almost up to parking lot/drive-path level:
We checked Alki a few minutes later, and the water wasn’t even over the seawall – see for yourself in this video shared by Joe Szilagyi, who was also out investigating:
Nothing at all like the wind-fueled post-Thanksgiving sights on Alki (and no doubt waterfront residents are relieved!). Tomorrow morning’s high tide, just after 9 am, will also be 13 feet, and that’s it for the official “king tides” until a stretch in January.
(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! First note this morning – if you’ve driven the bridge after dark/before dawn in the past few days, you’ve probably noticed the light outage (visible in the top-left camera here, if you see this early enough). We’ve heard from multiple sources, including SDOT, that City Light is aware of it – we’ll be checking today on the repair timetable.
TRANSIT TODAY: Metro remains on the “reduced weekday” schedule today.
(Photos taken Christmas evening at Lincoln Park, by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Lots of people out walking the shoreline in Lincoln Park just before tonight’s sunset. If you’re looking for a reason to go out for a walk tomorrow morning, here’s one: The “king tides” are back, and tomorrow is the second of three mornings bringing the highest tide of the month – 13 feet tomorrow, at 8:22 am. With calm weather expected, you might even see someone out for a closer look.
Whatever you see during the “king tides” these next two mornings (and during another round in late January), the state would love to see your photos – as explained here.
(Just to be clear, this round of “king tides” is arriving in the morning; our photos were taken today at Lincoln Park around 4 pm, when the tide was about as close to average as it can get, not high, not low.)
We’ve received several calls about a police response at 35th/Austin (map) – the original call was “assault with weapons”; one witness said there was a report of someone seen in the neighborhood with a gun. At the scene, officers told us it’s being investigated as a case of suicide. SW Austin is blocked off on the west side of 35th SW.
(As always when mentioning suicide, we want to point out a local resource for those considering self-harm or otherwise in crisis: The Crisis Clinic has a 24-hour hotline, 206-461-3222.)
Thanks to Don Brubeck for sharing the photo of that Christmasy creation on Alki – and thanks to the artist (whoever you are) for creating it!
(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
1:58 PM: Another major Seattle Fire callout – this time at an apartment building in the 3600 block of SW Genesee (map). “Tapped” within minutes, according to radio report from the first units on scene, but we’re on our way to check.
2:26 PM UPDATE: It was a kitchen fire, but it spread briefly to some yarn (or similar material) in the cabinets by the stove, according to what firefighters told us at the scene, so it was very smoky, and that’s left them with a lot of ventilating to do. No injuries reported.
Big Seattle Fire response to a possible fire at a house in the 5600 block of 21st SW (map), but it was just a case of “food on the stove,” according to the first arrivals – cooking-oil flare-up, out fast. Most of the responding units are being canceled.
Merry Christmas! Some info you might find useful on this holiday:
LOOKING FOR COFFEE? At least three West Seattle coffee shops are open – they’re on the list in our Holiday Guide.
CHRISTMAS DAY CHURCH SERVICES: You’ll find several, also in our Holiday Guide.
WHICH RESTAURANTS ARE OPEN? Here’s the list we put together after calling around in the past week-plus – invariably someone changes their mind (or is open but not on our list because we were unable to make contact) so please let us know if you find any discrepancies – we’re at 206-293-6302 text/voice as always.
WHICH GROCERY STORES ARE OPEN? Here’s the list.
TRANSPORTATION: Metro is on its Sunday schedule today. … The West Seattle and Vashon Water Taxis do NOT run today. … Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on a regular weekday schedule. … Sound Transit is on a Sunday schedule. … In Seattle neighborhoods with city pay stations/meters, no charge for parking today.
ENTERTAINMENT: Yes, the Admiral Theater (2343 California SW) is open – schedule’s here.
KARAOKE: Guy sends word that the Yen Wor Village (2300 California SW) lounge in The Admiral District will be open for karaoke tonight, 9 pm-2 am.
For Christmas Eve, we stopped by two more light displays – the peace sign and candy canes (above and below) are at 2707 48th SW (thanks to Lemon for the tip):
Last but not least, Santa and his flamingos can be seen in a festive Westwood yard at 31st/Thistle:
We’re adding them to the short list of Christmas-lights highlights (sorry, we’ll get back to mapmaking next year!) in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.
6:51 PM: Thanks to JayDee for the photo of tonight’s beautiful sunset, as seen from Upper Alki.
7:55 PM P.S. – If you have a view of the southwestern sky, check out the crescent moon before it sets.
(Photos courtesy West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA)
Thanks to a Seattle-based volunteer group called Kids Need Bikes, dozens of young West Seattleites have new ones just in time for Christmas. The West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) received 90 donated bicycles.
Most of the bicycles donated to the Y through Kids Need Bikes, which believes “every child deserves a bicycle to experience the unique freedom and well-being that only riding a bicycle can offer,” were given to children served by Y programs – the Y’s Joleen Post shared the photos from bike-pickup visits this past Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The donation even included tricycles for the Y Preschool – shown below with Emilia Holbik and Obie Wilkerson from the preschool:
The trikes are for preschoolers to use while at school. In all, Kids Need Bikes made 200 bicycle donations in the city this holiday season, and it could use your help, via donations of volunteer time and/or money; get more info on its website.
Seattle Police say about three of every four stolen cars turn up somewhere. Today’s West Seattle Crime Watch starts with the latest one.
Eric‘s stolen 1997 Accord was featured here last week, and we got the photos and update from him last night:
I wanted to let you know the King County Sheriff notified me on Saturday he found my car in Skyview. When I went to the impound lot, I found some other victim(s) stolen items in my trunk including opened christmas cards, a lyric/poetry notebook, silver serving platter, a license plate which was not mine and many other items. My belongings were unfortunately missing.
Feel free to share this info if you would like to. Sure wish they would catch these creeps.
Eric had written that his kids’ booster seats were in the car when stolen.
One more Crime Watch note – an early-morning text about car prowls in the 11th/12th/Henderson/Barton area; police were searching shortly after getting the call.
West Seattle High School boys’ basketball head coach Keffrey Fazio shares the photo – more than 60 participants at this week’s Holiday Mini-Camp! As for the team, they’re off until a tournament at Mountlake Terrace High School next week.
We haven’t quite reached the “…and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse …” part of the day/night yet. So here are some Christmas Eve notes from around West Seattle and vicinity:
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY … all locations closed today (and of course tomorrow).
RESTAURANTS THAT ARE OPEN: Here’s our list of restaurants that are open anywhere from one to all four of the following – Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve/Day. Please read it carefully. As we note, we have to make the calls a week or two ahead to get them ALL done, but some establishments change their plans, so please let us know if a change or omission is detected – text/call 206-293-6302 or e-mail editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!
GROCERY-STORE HOURS: When do West Seattle supermarkets close tonight? That info’s here.
SHOPPING TODAY: You’ll find many local stores with last-minute hours. Some of the ones we’ve heard from include new WSB sponsor VAIN, 10 am-5 pm, where Rebecca shares these last-minute ideas:
Our favorites are probably the local items we carry – soaps and bath salts from Estrella, jewelry by Siddal (she’s one of our hairstylists), Theo Chocolates, and more. My personal pick would be greeting cards by local artist Mike Doyle (photo), who also is a server at West 5 down the street!
Those would make a cute stationery set with a cute pen from NW Art & Frame. Of course, we also have gift cards for the undecided gift-giver. Those are good towards hair services, hair products, or anything in our boutique.
Also: Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor), 10 am-5 pm; Junction True Value (open now, until 4 pm; WSB sponsor); Atomic Boys, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm; Beer Junction, 10 am-7 pm. (added 10:29 am) Emerald Water Anglers and Wallflower Custom Framing, until 2 pm; Wyatt’s Jewelers & Curious Kidstuff, until 4 pm; JF Henry, until “4 or 5” (preceding five are all WSB sponsors); West Seattle Cellars, 11 am-7 pm; (added) Twilight Gallery and Boutique until 5 pm, The General Store Seattle until 7 pm
Anybody else? Contact us and we’ll add to the list!
FREE FOOD: Taqueria El Antojo at the Lincoln Park 76 station is giving away tacos and burritos 11 am-3:30 pm. Same family that has a free-food tradition at Taqueria La Fondita in White Center 11 am-4 pm (details here).
WRAP IT UP: One last session for the Furry Faces Foundation gift-wrap fundraiser – 2-7 pm at Beveridge Place Pub. (6413 California SW)
FREE COCOA TONIGHT AT WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS: 6-8 pm, visit West Seattle Lights/Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular and that’s what awaits you. Don’t forget your West Seattle Food Bank donation! (3908 SW Charlestown)
CHRISTMAS EVE CHURCH SERVICES: We’ve moved the list up toward the top of our West Seattle Holiday Guide.
AS FOR US … Open 24/7/365, as always. Today’s the ninth anniversary of the day we started publishing here, though WSB didn’t become a full-service professional/commercial news publication until almost two years later.
(WS high/low bridges and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Probably more holiday travelers than headed-to-work commuters on the road this morning, but just in case you have to head out, here’s our usual complement of cameras, plus reminders about the transit changes:
TODAY (Christmas Eve): Metro is on its “reduced weekday” schedule.
TOMORROW (Christmas Day): Metro will be on the Sunday schedule; the Water Taxi will *not* run; Sound Transit Route 560 will be on its Sunday schedule; Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run will be on a normal schedule.
(WSB photo, June 28th)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Almost six months after a city-organized event that was envisioned as a prototype for conversations with neighborhoods around the city, a West Seattle community advocate laments that months of following up have shown the “experiment in communication has not worked out.”
Held on the last Saturday morning in June, the event titled “Let’s Talk: West Seattle” was announced as being for “encouraging civic engagement around development issues” – a chance to discuss those issues in a big-picture context, instead of the usual one-development-at-a-time.
Quick reminders about Christmas Eve/Day information that you can preview here now rather than trying to track it down when you really need it:
*CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICES: A dozen local churches shared service times/descriptions with us, and you’ll find it in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.
*WHAT RESTAURANTS ARE OPEN? We’ve been making this list and checking it twice, after dozens and dozens of phone calls. Whatever local restaurants told us they were open Christmas Eve and/or Day are listed here. (With the caveat, every year somebody changes their plan … happens every so often … apologies in advance!)
*GROCERY STORE HOURS: Here’s our list of when West Seattle supermarkets close on Christmas Eve and who’s closed/open on Christmas Day.
P.S. The Holiday Guide runs through New Year’s Day, and we’re still corralling info for next week’s holidays – e-mail us if you have a New Year’s Eve/Day party or other event to announce!
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