West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
8:32 PM: You might have noticed about two hours ago that the wind suddenly picked up in a big way – “house-rocking” velocity, we observed via Twitter at the time, but the National Weather Service hadn’t issued any alerts. Now, it has, as pointed out by Heather pointed out; the wind advisory warns of gusts up to 50 mph, and is in effect until noon Sunday.
8:55 PM P.S. – TRAFFIC: Thanks to everyone who’s called/texted/tweeted about trouble on the bridge tonight – first, a westbound crash; more recently, an eastbound crash, both on the westernmost section, between Fauntleroy/35th and Admiral. In both cases, lanes reopened before we could even publish something here, but we monitor traffic fairly closely on Twitter, so if you’re heading out or back, check there first.
10:28 PM: Roger caught the westbound 35th crash on his dashcam – it’s toward the end of the minute-long clip:
And thanks to Jason for a photo from Olson/Cambridge, where he says a crash reported about an hour ago involved this vehicle hitting a light fixture:
No major injuries reported in any of these crashes.
(WSB photos, updated 9 pm: Above, Santa & Menashe granddaughters Makenna and Angelica)
What could be more Christmasy than Santa photos at West Seattle’s brightest light show? Until 10 pm, “Santa Al” is making his annual stop at the Menashe Family Christmas Lights – bring a nonperishable food item for the West Seattle Food Bank and take a photo that’ll be bursting with holiday festiveness. Yes, the weather’s a little wild, but there’s a canopy for photo protection!
5605 Beach Drive SW.
(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
Again this year, a doubleheader night for the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship in West Seattle began at Lowman Beach, right around sunset. The view is different from the nighttime stops, and you could still see the Spirit of Seattle as well as its lights. Onshore:
(This photo and next two by Trileigh Tucker)
The Lowman crowd enjoyed a bit of a break in the rain, and a little sunset color even broke through the clouds:
At both Lowman and Alki, Seattle Parks provided a bonfire:
Among those who appreciated their work: Sarah, who shared this photo:
Sarah wrote in her e-mail, “We had a great time watching the Christmas ships go by tonight at Lowman! Thanks to all who brought out hot drinks & built the big fire!”
From Lowman (where you might be able to watch next year from the observation deck atop the new Murray CSO facility across the street) the Christmas Ship headed to Alki Beach Park, where a bonfire also awaited:
(This photo and next three, by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
Inside the Bathhouse, a chance to get treats:
On the east side of the Bathhouse, Christmas Hope performed as an opening act:
Then, as rainshowers drifted in and out, the Christmas Ship sailed up – with The Dickens Carolers singing for 20 minutes until it was time to go, leaving West Seattle for the last time this season.
If you missed it, you can hear the performance (for the next day or two) in the archived video from our live Periscope phonecast. The rest of the Christmas Ship’s regional schedule, nightly through Christmas Eve-Eve, is online here.
Update on the three cross-country runners from the High Point Community Center team who represented our area in the national championships in Albuquerque (here’s the backstory, from earlier this week). Coach Eric Linxweiler sent the photo and report:
They ran this morning in a driving rain, at 37 degrees. It was cold, but they did fantastic! Boden, William, and Whit ran their best races of the year. West Seattle should be very proud!
Eric says the team they’re representing is the only one of its kind in the city, based at a Seattle Parks community center. All three of these boys are students at Schmitz Park Elementary and ran in the youngest division at the meet.
(WSB photo added 4:16 pm)
Less than an hour until the Christmas Ship‘s final West Seattle visits begin, and you can get ready for the second stop, at Alki Beach Park (5:10-5:30 pm, following 4:20-4:40 pm at Lowman Beach), by visiting the Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s ‘Holiday Party on the Porch,’ with free treats on the covered porch at the Log House Museum, right now at 61st SW & SW Stevens (half a block inland from where you’ll see the Christmas Ship).
The porch party is the second of two big events today for SWSHS:
(Photos courtesy Southwest Seattle Historical Society)
At the historic, city-landmark Admiral Theater, Santa Claus jingled his way into the auditorium during “Claus, Chowder, and Cartoons,” a free family event this morning. Santa’s stage show followed a program of short Christmas cartoons.
SWSHS supporter Duke’s Chowder House provided soup for the Admiral crowd and is doing the same at the museum right now.
One day after celebrating the King County Water Taxi system’s half-millionth passenger of the year – a record – workers were busy today getting Seacrest ready for the newer, bigger boats. Thanks to Carolyn Newman for the photo; as we reported earlier this month, once the dock work is done and the crews are trained, M/V Doc Maynard will become the regular West Seattle Water Taxi vessel sometime next month. (Today’s work isn’t interrupting service, because this is the time of year that the Water Taxi only runs on weekdays.)
While you’re out shopping your favorite local stores this weekend, you can also see what local arts-and-crafts creators are offering at the annual C & P Coffee Company Holiday Fair. Here are a few things we spotted during our stop:
The fair is on until 3 pm today, and then from 8 am until 2 pm tomorrow; C & P is at 5612 California SW, between Alaska and Morgan Junctions.
That’s Vince Hance, the West Seattle 18-year-old who survived being hit by a light-rail train in Columbia City two days before Thanksgiving. He is now in rehab after getting out of the hospital, but has a long road to recovery. Vince was doing OK enough this morning to be at Highland Park Improvement Club, which hosted a pancake breakfast to benefit Vince and his family.
Vince, a former Chief Sealth International High School football player, was crossing the tracks after waiting for one train to pass but didn’t see the one that hit him; he had to be rescued from under it. If you missed the breakfast, they’re also continuing to fundraise online.
Who in this photo’s been naughty and who’s been nice? Up to “Santa Paws” to find out. Thanks to Bethany from Cascadian Nomads for sharing the photo of her canine friends’ adventure in The Junction, where – as previewed on our daily list – you can get a free professional Santa photo at West Seattle Windermere until 1 pm. (4525 California SW)
(WSB photo from Wednesday night’s visit)
The Christmas Ship returns tonight, with two more West Seattle stops, plus a bike ride and other activities accompanying one stop. That’s just part of what you’ll find while you’re out and about – highlights from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and regular year-round Event Calendar:
BENEFIT BREAKFAST: As previewed here earlier this week, pancakes are being cooked up at Highland Park Improvement Club 9 am-noon to raise money for the family of Vince Hance, the 18-year-old West Seattleite hit by a train. (12th SW & SW Holden)
ARTS & CRAFTS AT C & P: C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) presents its Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair featuring unique, local arts and crafts. Handmade jewelry, toys, clothing, prints , paintings, furniture and more. First of two days, 9 am-3 pm. (5612 California SW)
SECOND-TO-LAST DAY FOR HOLY ROSARY TREE LOT: Getting your Christmas tree today? The Holy Rosary Tree Lot (WSB sponsor) is open for its second-to-last scheduled day. 9 am-9 pm. (41st SW & SW Dakota)
SANTA PAWS: Photo op with Santa, and your pet is welcome, 10 am-1 pm, free professional photo with photography by Richard and Christina Figgins. At Windermere West Seattle in The Junction. (4525 California SW)
CLAUS, CHOWDER, & CARTOONS: Presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society at The Admiral Theater: Family celebration from 10 to 11:30 am. The fun starts with the screening of an hour of classic Christmas cartoon shorts. Then, “The Real Santa Claus” will entertain with a 20-minute live show, followed by an opportunity for families to take photos with Santa while enjoying chowder served in the Admiral lobby by Duke’s Chowder House. Donations will be taken for SWSHS. If you didn’t already get a ticket (online availability closed a week ago), note that walk-ups will be admitted only if space is available. (2343 California SW)
RAINWISE CELEBRATION: Another neighborhood ribboncutting, and you’re invited – go see what you could do in YOUR yard! (3700 block Tillman)
SILVER BELLES: Missed them on Art Walk night? The Silver Belles are due back in The Junction with spirited carol parodies, 1-3 pm.
VINTAGE HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP: 1-5 pm at Treehouse Lounge in The Admiral District – details here. (2206 California SW)
‘ACCESS FOR ALL’: Technology open house at Southwest Library, 2-4 pm, explained here. (35th SW & SW Henderson)
ART UNDER $100: South Park Arts‘ big annual “Art Under $100” holiday art sale and party. 2-8 pm, free entry. At Seattle Design Center‘s Atrium. (5701 6th Ave S.)
HOLIDAY PARTY ON THE PORCH: At the Log House Museum. “Planning to watch the Argosy Christmas Ship stop at Alki Beach from 5:10 to 5:30 p.m.? Don’t wait around feeling clammy and cold! Stop first and warm up at our ‘Birthplace of Seattle’ Log House Museum starting at 3 p.m. with our annual free cookies, hot cider and – added this year — tasty chowder from our sponsor, Duke’s Chowder House … While you wait for the fabled vessel and its broadcast carols, enjoy some of Duke’s chowder and get a sneak peek of our upcoming exhibit, direct from the Nordic Heritage Museum, about the life and times of a West Seattle notable, the restaurateur, folksinger and Port of Seattle commissioner Ivar Haglund. The exhibit will be up at our museum from December through next May.” (3003 61st SW)
RIDE TO THE CHRISTMAS SHIP: 4:15 pm, starting from Seacrest Marina, 1600 Harbor Ave SW – “Decorate and light up your bikes and come join West Seattle Bike Connections for a fun all ages, all abilities, all faiths, family-friendly ride from Seacrest Marina to Alki Bathhouse to see the Christmas Ships, and to hear and join the carolers. Seattle Parks will have hot cider and cookies at the bathhouse and a bonfire on the beach to keep us warm. Please arrive by 4:15 to sign in. We’ll roll at 4:30 in fading light, and arrive at the bathhouse as it is getting dark. The Christmas Ships are due to be at Alki from 5:10 to 5:30.” More on this FB event page. (1660 Harbor SW)
WHEN/WHERE TO SEE THE CHRISTMAS SHIP: It’s your last two chances this year to see the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship in West Seattle! 4:20-4:40 pm at Lowman Beach, 5:10-5:30 pm at Alki, with The Dickens Carolers on board. The Alki Bathhouse is offering cookies and hot cider, 4-7 pm, for the occasion. (60th SW & SW Alki)
JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY: Doors open at 5:30 pm for the “Star Wars”-themed slate of Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby bouts at Southgate Roller Rink – details in our preview. (9646 17th SW)
SANTA & LIGHTS: 6-10 pm, “Santa Al” is at the Menashe Family Christmas Lights display for photos – bring a nonperishable food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. (5605 Beach Drive SW)
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Concert tonight at Fauntleroy Church, 7:30 pm. Featuring the Fauntleroy Chancel Choir, Peace Lutheran Choir, and local instrumentalists. (9140 California SW)
FRED TALK FOR HANUKKAH: From Kol HaNeshamah: “Essayist, poet and award-winning storyteller Merna Ann Hecht will share an evening of Jewish stories taken from the treasure troves of both Eastern European and Sephardic tradition, beginning at 8 pm at West Seattle’s Kol HaNeshamah progressive reform synagogue community. Hecht is part of an ongoing series of FRED or Fresh Relevant Educational and Dynamic talks.” (6115 SW Hinds)
NIGHTLIFE! Live music, karaoke … see the venues on our complete calendar.
(CSIHS #15, Isiah Hart, led Sealth scoring with 17)
Final game of last night’s basketball slate with West Seattle High School visiting Chief Sealth International HS was a close one in the final moments – which were a story unto themselves – final score Wildcats 50, Seahawks 48.
(WSHS #1, Nate Pryor, led West Seattle scoring with 21)
Earlier in the game, WSHS had threatened to pull away. Less than a minute into the second quarter, they were up 17-8, but Sealth led the scoring that quarter, and at halftime it was WSHS 25, Sealth 21.
(WSHS #24, Carter Golgart; Sealth #24, Evan Moe, and #23, Peyton Dickerson)
Head coach Keffrey Fazio‘s (center, below) Wildcats led 44-36 with just under 4 minutes to go.
And that’s when it got wild, in no small part thanks to a flurry of fouls and resulting free throws. At 1:46, head coach Colin Slingsby‘s (center, below) Seahawks pulled within three, 46-43.
WSHS followed with a three-pointer at 1:10, 49-43. Sealth answered with one of its own, 49-46. Defense was intense, as was the fight for rebounds.
(WSHS #22, Yusuf Mohamed, with Hart & Pryor)
The fans had dueling chants, “Westside Power/Seahawk Power.” Foul shots netted two more points for the Seahawks, and it was 49-48. Then what turned out to be the last point of the game was a shot by West Seattle’s #4 – putting them ahead 50-48 – and with one second on the clock, Sealth tried a cross-court attempt that didn’t quite make it. As the buzzer sounded, players, cheerleaders, and fans erupted as if it were the playoffs. Next up for both teams, 7:30 pm Tuesday home games – WSHS vs. Lakeside, CSIHS vs. Rainier Beach.
Friday night was the only scheduled crosstown-rivalry match of the year for Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School‘s girls-varsity basketball teams. Above are friendly adversaries, Sealth head coach Katie Jo Maris and WSHS’s new head coach Darnell Taylor. The stands were full in the CSIHS gym and the game was intense despite the lopsided final score, Wildcats 70, Seahawks 28.
(WSHS #11, Jasmine Gayles; CSIHS #4, Labrea Denson, and #34, Kali Schroyer)
West Seattle remains undefeated.
(CSIHS #11, Bella CortesDeBonar, and WSHS #32, Lydia Giomi)
Both teams’ next games are at 7:30 pm Wednesday – the Wildcats play Lakeside, while the Seahawks are home vs. Rainier Beach.
(WSHS #30, Lexi Ioane)
Next – our final report on last night, with photos from the boys-varsity game that followed this one.
With Banda Vagos as the headliner once again, Friday night’s sixth annual Posada Navideña holiday party at Denny International Middle School was a hit. Especially so far as the piñatas were concerned:
Denny principal Jeff Clark was there to assist the littlest piñata-targeters:
Posada organizer and Denny teacher Roxana Amaral, too, as first a butterfly and then a dolphin (the Denny mascot) got the takedown treatment.
Crafts and food were on the menu , with at least one activity combining both:
The first Denny Posada, in December 2010, was the only one held in the school’s old building a few blocks from the one it’s occupied since fall 2011.
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