West Seattle, Washington

15 Wednesday

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month : 12/2015 286 results

HOLIDAY GIVING: Coat drive for students, with dropoff at West Seattle businesses
December 6, 2015 1:58 pm
|    Comments Off on HOLIDAY GIVING: Coat drive for students, with dropoff at West Seattle businesses
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

If you have a coat you don’t need … or if you can afford to buy one to donate … a coat drive is on right now for students at Interagency Academy, a network of small alternative public high schools in Seattle, with two West Seattle businesses as the dropoff points. Interagency’s assistant principal Melissa Rysemus, a West Seattle resident, explains:

Are you looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in our city this winter? Consider donating a new or gently used warm coat for a student at Interagency Academy! Interagency is a public alternative high school serving students from all neighborhoods in Seattle. Over 30% of the students enrolled at Interagency are homeless, some are young parents, and most live in poverty.

All sizes are welcome, especially adult sizes from small to XXXL as students can be up to age 21. Hats, scarves, gloves and other warm clothes are also welcome. Some of the students have kids or siblings they take care of, so small kids sizes are needed too.

And West Seattleite Stephanie Gerding adds:

Some of these students live in tents and attendance at schools serving disadvantaged children is down right now —it is simply too cold to make their way to school! Many of these kids don’t have the clothing to stay warm in these cold days. Some teachers are literally giving the coat off their own back when they see these students in need of a little warmth. … There are lots of West Seattle kids that attend this school.

Husky Deli in The Junction (4721 California SW) is a dropoff spot, open Sundays 10-7, Mondays-Saturdays 9-9. Also, Lika Love in north Morgan Junction (6031 California SW) is accepting donations too (and giving $10 off purchases today if you bring something in to donate – open until 5 pm).

P.S. We’re adding this to the “Giving Opportunities” section of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen car; package theft on video
December 6, 2015 12:09 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN CAR: Emily‘s silver 2010 Nissan Altima, plate AXL5242, was stolen sometime between 2 am and 11 am Saturday in Delridge. As the @getyourcarback tweet says, call 911 if you see it.

PACKAGE THEFT ON VIDEO: Two clips from an Admiral resident’s security cameras, plus the backstory:

Here are the pertinent details.
1. We live in North Admiral near 41st and Holgate.
2. We found an empty box on our porch (Saturday) morning with a note from a neighbor saying, “We found this on our lawn.”
3. The box had been addressed to us, but was ripped open, the items removed and then the packaging was discarded in our neighbors yard.
4. We used the tracking number to find out it had been delivered to us Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, we didn’t see the box and take it inside when we got home Friday night.
5. We have video cameras installed, so we reviewed the video and found that at 3:39 AM (early Saturday morning), a car drove by our house, the turned around and returned. A young woman got out, came through our gate, walked up to our doorstep and took the box.

We reported the incident to the police and have the entire event on video, so wanted to share it with you. If anyone can identify the thief or the car, please let us know. It would be great if we can stop these criminals before they steal from other people during this holiday season.

Some alternative tips for delivery are among the police recommendations for deterring package theft.

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BIZNOTE: Happy 20th anniversary to West Seattle’s salon ef-fekts’
December 6, 2015 11:12 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

This weekend marks 20 years in business for salon ef-fekts’ (5409 California SW). We found this out from staff member Brooke Wood, who e-mailed to say that proprietor Missy Wheat deserves a congratulatory shout-out. Here’s the item and photo Brooke shared:

She and her husband John have run and owned salon ef-fekts’ since 1995. Missy graduated cosmetology school from South Seattle Community College in 1989 and has been doing hair and working in West Seattle ever since. She opened the salon in ’95 with just her behind the chair; with her hard work and dedication, she has built her salon into the still-thriving salon it is today. She loved educating and pushes everyone to do their best and try their hardest in business and everyday life.

Besides being a kick-butt boss, hairdresser, educator, and caregiver, she also does so much for the community, from collecting food for the West Seattle Food Bank, toys, and back-to-school stuff for Treehouse, to local school auctions all year long.

Thanks to everybody who shares updates about business anniversaries, whether it’s your own or someone else’s – as a small local independent business ourselves, we know how much work it takes to keep going – editor@westseattleblog.com is our all-purpose mailbox for tips and info; thanks!

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Also today: Hanukkah candle-lighting celebration in The Junction
December 6, 2015 10:11 am
|    Comments Off on Also today: Hanukkah candle-lighting celebration in The Junction
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Just found out about this, which is why it wasn’t in the daily preview (we’ll add it there shortly): You’re invited to join Rabbi Zari Weiss and members of West Seattle synagogue community Kol HaNeshamah for a public celebration of the first night of Hanukkah. They’ll be in The Junction for candle-lighting and singing at 4:30 pm, on the southwest corner of California/Alaska. All welcome!

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West Seattle Sunday: Arts/crafts sales/bazaars; St. Nicholas Faire; Admiral Sings Christmas; deck the museum; Hanukkah begins…
December 6, 2015 8:05 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Good morning! Today’s highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

(WSB photo from last Sunday)
BENEFIT WREATH SALES: Pathfinder K-8 will be back in The Junction selling their famous handmade wreaths, 10 am-2 pm. (California/Alaska)

HOLIDAY ART SHOW/SALE: Final day of Brace Point Pottery‘s 18th annual Holiday Art Show and Sale, 10 am to 5 pm. Joining Loren Lukens, four additional artists in an exhibition of pottery, wearables, jewelry and prints. A Seattle Sampling event – follow that link to see other WS studios that are participating. (4208 SW 100th)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Year-round, 10 am-2 pm. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)

HOLIDAY BAZAAR: “Come join us from 12 pm-5 pm at the Community School of West Seattle holiday bazaar! We have everything from bath fizzes, handmade pens, jars of treats, fingerless gloves, tasty baked goods, art photography, and more.” (9450 22nd SW)

DECK THE LOG HOUSE MUSEUM & LEARN ABOUT VOLUNTEERING: Noon today, come to the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum on Alki and learn about volunteer opportunities (no, you don’t have to be a West Seattle history expert!) – and while you’re there, help decorate the museum for the holidays! More info here. (61st SW & SW Stevens)

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A LIVE RADIO PLAY”: Twelfth Night Productions‘s production has a matinee today at 3 pm at Kenyon Hall. Buy your ticket(s) online at this Brown Paper Tickets link or an hour before showtime at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)

ADMIRAL SINGS CHRISTMAS! “West Seattle’s favorite family Christmas sing-along. Join the fun to sing everything from White Christmas to Silent Night to Frosty the Snowman!” 4 pm, Admiral Church; Come at 3:30 for a sumptuous chocolate buffet, yum! It’s FREE! See you there!” (4320 SW Hill)

HANUKKAH BEGINS – UPDATED WITH JUNCTION CELEBRATION: At sundown, the first of eight nights. ADDED: Candle-lighting and singing at 4:30 pm in The Junction, at California/Alaska. (back to original) Local Hanukkah events later in the week are in the Holiday Guide.

ST. NICHOLAS FAIRE: 4 pm-7 pm, the 7th annual St. Nicholas Faire at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) is being held to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank and the West Seattle Helpline.

(WSB photo from 2014 St. Nicholas Faire)
“We offer appetizers and spiced cider or mulled wine; silent auction of gift baskets featuring beer, wine, coffee, cocoa, kitchen items, games, puzzles, art activities, Seahawks & Mariners gear, baked goods, children’s books, etc, and gift cards from local merchants and restaurants. Plus a ring-toss game and wine tasting.” Lower level of the church. Donation: $5 per person with non-perishable food item or $15 per family with food donation for each member. If no food donation, then $10 per person or $25 per family. (4105 California SW)

COMMUNITY + LOVE: An acoustic-music benefit to support John and Frances Smersh, 6-9 pm. Note: Online tickets have sold out. (204 1st Ave. S.)

‘WINTERSONG’: South Seattle College Community Choir in concert at 7 pm, Fauntleroy Church UCC, Bronwyn Edwards, Music Director with John Lehrack, Pianist/Conductor. Free admission. All welcome. (9140 California SW)

LOOKING FOR SANTA? CHRISTMAS TREES? LIGHT SHOWS? WHAT’S COMING UP? All in the Holiday Guide.

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VIDEO: West Seattle Junction Tree Lighting illuminates community for new arrivals and oldtimers alike
December 5, 2015 8:32 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(EDITOR’S NOTE: More video from the event is here.)


Story/photos/video by Tracy Record and Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers

As community Christmas trees go, the official West Seattle Junction tree is humble – subtle, even. It’s a warm glow of pinpoint lights rather than a brilliantly blazing bush. But it’s not really the main event at the annual Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting, presented by the West Seattle Junction Association – the main event is a sampler of community. And with hundreds of new residents within walking distance of Junction Plaza Park, tonight’s event served as a primer of sorts for them as much as a traditional community celebration.

The spotlight speaker, Menashe & Sons Jewelers proprietor Jack Menashe (above), mentioned that a majority of recent visitors to his store are new arrivals. That might be why emcee Josh Sutton from the West Seattle YMCA felt the need to point out to the crowd – surprisingly sizable for a rainy night – that the Menashes are the family who decorates their Beach Drive home with West Seattle’s brightest Christmas lights; if you knew this, it was especially charming to hear Jack Menashe talk about driving around West Seattle himself to look at others’ displays and expressing appreciation for them.

If you’re new here, you might not know that Lori Hinton (photo below) literally wrote the book on West Seattle – “West Seattle 101” – in the ’00s. (Some of its more-timeless features were republished here on WSB.)

At tonight’s Tree Lighting, she read a customized version of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” name-checking Junction stores and restaurants.

Another Junction entrepreneur featured tonight was Lora Swift (with Josh Sutton in the photo above), proprietor of Hotwire Online Coffeehouse, who told a few holiday jokes and reminded everyone about the big summertime series she organizes, West Seattle Outdoor Movies, a six-week series in the courtyard next to her coffee shop (watch in the spring for the annual round of movie suggestions).

A deep-rooted West Seattle tradition had a role in the event too – the West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival, more than 80 years strong, with leaders Jay and Joanne Murray speaking before bringing up some of Hi-Yu’s young representatives, including the first-ever Ambassadors. As they mentioned, Hi-Yu’s next Junior Court will be crowned during the monthly meeting Monday night at Admiral UCC (7 pm).

Then, there was a taste of the West Seattle arts. The young singers of Endolyne Children’s Choir sang holiday traditions under the direction of Amy Stagno Bokanev, as they do each year:

ArtsWest brought Frederick Hagreen, who’ll be in an upcoming After-Hours holiday cabaret show:

Jay Cates and the Big Boss Band played jazzy versions of holiday favorites, featuring Kate Voss (with a few jokes as well as a cameo). A high-school marching band as an opening act has become a fixture, and this year it was the West Seattle High School Band:

Finally, minus celebrity guests or gimmicks, the tree was lit, with Josh Sutton leading everybody in a big spirited countdown (here’s our alternate version, from mid-crowd):

The lights twinkled on cue, and the crowd began to shift, many posing for photos with the tree:

(Thanks to Jeff Long for that photo of Schmitz Park Elementary students with the newly lit tree.)

As Jack Menashe described it, West Seattle can be like a small town in a big city … even as it grows. Next year, look for more new neighbors in Junction Plaza Park enjoying the old-fashioned fun of a tree lighting. Extra-Christmasy with “Santa Al” on hand – umbrella and all:

P.S. The Junction’s Hometown Holidays celebration continues next week, when Shop Late Thursday coincides with the holiday edition of the West Seattle Art Walk – featuring carolers! – 6-9 pm December 10th.

(As always, we disclose when we mention WSB sponsors. Three are mentioned in the story above – West Seattle YMCA, Hotwire Online Coffeehouse, and Menashe and Sons Jewelers. And WSB is a sponsor of Hometown Holidays.)

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VIDEO: High fives and happy holidays at West Seattle Rotary Children’s Shopping Spree
December 5, 2015 4:16 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

On this cold, wet night, about 100 West Seattle kids are keeping warm thanks to the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s annual Holiday Shopping Spree. Local Rotarians and hundreds of volunteers take over Southcenter Sears before dawn to get the kids in for warm clothing including coats and shoes.

And there’s always fun along the way – including a round of high-fives:

The high-fives accompanied a loud round of cheers for each group of kids to arrive – see for yourself in our video!

Each child was accompanied by volunteers as they shopped for what they needed.

The young participants also got a meal and a visit with Santa Claus before they headed back this way – and smiles invariably result, for the volunteers as well as the kids:

West Seattle Rotarians have been doing this since 1972 – it’s the club’s signature event. The students participating this year were from Concord, Gatewood, Lafayette, Pathfinder, and Roxhill.

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Orca baby boom continues: Another calf born to Southern Resident Killer Whales; first seen off West Seattle
December 5, 2015 3:31 pm
|    Comments Off on Orca baby boom continues: Another calf born to Southern Resident Killer Whales; first seen off West Seattle
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(L123, spyhopping with L103; photo by Mark Malleson)
The Center for Whale Research has announced that Puget Sound’s orcas – the Southern Resident Killer Whales – have had their seventh baby in a year, and it was first spotted off West Seattle! Here’s the CWR announcement:

The seventh calf born into the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population in the last 12 months was confirmed yesterday. Photographs taken by CWR associate Mark Malleson confirmed the existence of a new calf born to L pod. The new calf will be designated L123.

This is the first documented calf of 12-year old L103 of the L4 matriline. L123 was first photo-documented on November 10th, 2015 by Alisa Lemire-Brooks and Sarah Hisong-Shimazu from Alki Point, West Seattle. CWR research assistants, Melisa Pinnow and Jane Cogan, later captured some distant shots on November 22nd near the Jordan River in B.C.

Due to poor visibility and unfavorable sea conditions, it took several weeks to confirm that there is indeed a new calf in L pod. We frequently use eye patches to positively identify new calves which can easily be obscured by poor conditions and surface waves.

While a new calf born to this struggling population is certainly cause to celebrate, it is important to remember that another SRKW also means another mouth to feed. With each new calf that is born, we continue to emphasize the need to focus on wild Chinook salmon restoration efforts. Especially the removal of obsolete dams that block wild salmon from their natal spawning habitat, such as those on the lower Snake River. We will continue to monitor the new calf in the next several weeks and provide updates whenever possible.

The November 10th orca visit was a popular one, our archives remind us – maybe you saw the calf and didn’t realize it at the time! The orca baby boom was a big topic at this past Thursday’s Orca Talk, presented by The Whale Trail; we will be publishing a story about it tomorrow – but even the researcher who presented the talk, Brad Hanson, didn’t have word of the calf then.

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HAPPENING NOW: Annual show and sale at Brace Point Pottery, in ‘downtown Arbor Heights’
December 5, 2015 12:36 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

What has long been the home of Brace Point Pottery is actually “downtown Arbor Heights,” as Loren Lukens explained when we visited his studio/shop last night, the first night of its annual holiday show and sale, which is continuing right now (until 6 pm) and again 10-6 tomorrow. Downtown, because the commercial buildings there at and near 4208 SW 100th used to include a market and a drugstore, he explains. But for almost 20 years, he and wife Beth Kirchhoff have made art and music there.

Looking for light on this gray day? The brightly lit studio/storefront shows some of the creations:

Brace Point Pottery is hosting four other artists in the space for this weekend’s special occasion:

It’s part of the Seattle Sampling studio tour this weekend, which has four other West Seattle stops – see the full tour map here.

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WestSide Baby leader Nancy Woodland chosen for ‘Best Starts for Kids’ advisory board
December 5, 2015 10:58 am
|    Comments Off on WestSide Baby leader Nancy Woodland chosen for ‘Best Starts for Kids’ advisory board
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

More November election aftermath: King County’s “Best Starts for Kids,” funded by a levy that won 56 percent voter approval, now has an advisory board. And at least one West Seattleite is on the list: WestSide Baby executive director Nancy Woodland. The full list of appointees chosen by another West Seattleite, County Executive Dow Constantine, is in this news release, which also recaps what BS4K is all about:

Best Starts for Kids is the most comprehensive approach to childhood development in the nation, with a framework based on the latest neuroscience. It will focus investments on birth through age 5 when 92 percent of brain growth occurs. It will sustain the gain by providing intervention services as problems such as serious depression and addiction emerge during teenage years. It will also invest in healthier, safer communities that reinforce progress.

Read more about “Best Starts for Kids” here.

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HAPPENING NOW: Perfect pancake-breakfast day for West Seattle Kiwanis and friends
December 5, 2015 10:21 am
|    Comments Off on HAPPENING NOW: Perfect pancake-breakfast day for West Seattle Kiwanis and friends
 |   Kiwanis Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

Whole lot of flapjack-flipping going on at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s annual holiday-season Pancake Breakfast right now, and if you see this before 10:45 or so, you might still have time to get there. It’s a fundraiser as well as a Toys for Tots toy drive and an opportunity for volunteers of all ages to help out:

Key Club members (below) and Scouts are among the youth volunteers working the tables.

Those are also two of the programs that the Kiwanis supports, in part with money raised at this event. Santa Claus is there for photo ops with kids under 10 – and with the West Seattle Hi-Yu:

From left, Princess Audrey and two of the first-ever Hi-Yu Ambassadors, Lily and Alyssa.
The Kiwanis Club of White Center has reps there too, selling candy and mixed nuts:

That’s Angelika and Audrey. It’s all happening at the Alki Masonic Center, which is on the east side of The Junction, at 40th SW and SW Edmunds.

P.S. The Kiwanis offers breakfast sponsorships to community businesses and organizations – we signed on again this year, as did everybody else on this list:

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West Seattle Saturday: Junction Tree Lighting tonight! Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast this morning! And much more…
December 5, 2015 7:21 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Junction Tree Lighting tonight! Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast this morning! And much more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo: Endolyne Children’s Choir @ 2012 tree lighting)
It’s here – one of the biggest days/nights of the holiday season in West Seattle! We start today’s preview with the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

PANCAKES WITH THE KIWANIS: Get your day going by letting somebody else fix breakfast in the most festive of ways. The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s 68th annual benefit pancake breakfast is on, NOW (it started at 7) until 11 am, at the Alki Masonic Center in The Junction. Kids under 10 eat free with a paid adult, and get free Santa photos too. Bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots if you can. Big fun all morning long. (40th SW & SW Edmunds)

OTHER PLACES TO FIND SANTA TODAY/TONIGHT: Santa Brunch at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor); CAPERS in The Junction (4525 California SW); Westwood Village (info here); “Santa Al” at tonight’s tree lighting (scroll down).

JOE’S ART AND BOOK SALE: To benefit White Center Food Bank & First Place Scholars (K-5 school for homeless and at-risk kids), 9:30-5:30 at Joe Aprile & Julia’s home For Sale: framed & matted original art/photography, photo & art cards, original books of fiction, non-fiction & poetry. (8145 29th SW)

CLICK! TRUNK SALE AND BABY-CARRIER DONATION EVENT: Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) is hosting its second annual Sarah Loertscher Jewelry sample sale this Saturday Dec. 5 from 10am-5pm. Sarah will be selling samples and seconds at discounted prices and stocking us with a refreshed selection of Click! favorites. Sarah has been struck by the heartbreaking story of the Syrian refugee crisis and asked, “what can I do?” She found a nonprofit called Carry The Future, which collects baby carriers for Syrian parents to help safely carry their babies and toddlers on their journey. Do you have gently used baby carriers you’d like to donate? We’ll be collecting them on Saturday during the trunk show, and Click! will ship them to a collection point in California next week. Please read the FAQs first – they can only accept “soft structured carriers;” no slings or wraps, please. Sarah and Click! will also be donating 10% of sample sale proceeds to PSKS, a non profit that helps fight homelessness in Seattle. (4540 California SW)

HOLIDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW: 6th annual show/sale in the Social Hall at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 10 am-4 pm. “You’ll find original and one-of a kind gifts: jewelry, knits felted hats, paintings (watercolor and other media), designer bags and accessories, greeting cards and stocking stuffers, edible holiday goodies, glass art, fiber art and more. Plus free refreshments, and the event is free. Cash and checks only.” (7141 California SW)

HOLIDAY ART SHOW/SALE: Brace Point Pottery‘s 18th annual Holiday Art Show and Sale. Second day today, from 10 am to 5 pm. Joining Loren Lukens: Four additional artists in an exhibition of pottery, wearables, jewelry and prints. A Seattle Sampling event. (4208 SW 100th)

‘HOT CHOCOLATE SATURDAY’: Duwamish Longhouse Open House, 11 am-4 pm. “We will be playing holiday music all day. Enjoy hot chocolate or tea while sitting around our beautifully decorated tree. Still shopping? We have lots of choices under $25 & $15. Artist John Romero is featured in the Art Gallery. Enjoy a walk along the Duwamish River and amble thru a variety of NW native evergreen trees at Herrings House Park across the street from the Longhouse. Lots of holiday selfie opportunities.” (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

ART STUDIO SHOW/SALE & BENEFIT: Artist Carolyn Autenrieth is selling watercolor illustrations and pieces from a “unique spiky ceramic series,” and donating 20 percent of total sales to support the Smershes (backstory here). Noon-4 pm at her home studio. (6406 49th SW)

CHRISTMAS TEA : “Fresh brewed teas, sweets, savories, entertainment, door prizes, silent auction, and raffle,” 2-5 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church – follow the link to contact the church to see if tickets will be available at the door. (3050 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS PARTY: 4-8 pm – before and after the tree lighting (see next item) – many Junction stores have specials, treats, and other reasons for you to spend your Saturday afternoon/evening shopping. See the list here.

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS TREE LIGHTING: Bigger than ever, with SW Alaska closed to increase the space for people to gather around the tree, which is on the south side of Junction Plaza Park. 5 pm is the official start time, but come early and enjoy treats. See the lineup/schedule here. (42nd SW/SW Alaska)

12 BARS OF CHRISTMAS: Third annual event in West Seattle. Starting in The Junction – latest venue/time details here.

And the non-holiday highlights from our ongoing coverage and the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WESTSIDE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon open house for prospective families at preK-8th grade Westside School (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing. (10404 34th SW)

DELRIDGE GROCERY’S ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: 11 am-2:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, Delridge Grocery Cooperative members are invited to find out about topics ranging from “funding, feasibility, and next steps” to a sneak peek of the DGC’s new logo. Lunch will be served. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

LIVE MUSIC: 9 pm, be at Parliament Tavern in The Admiral District to groove to Maurice and His Thing. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

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PHOTOS: West Seattle HS varsity teams victorious over Roosevelt
December 5, 2015 5:58 am
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

High-school basketball season is now fully under way, and the West Seattle HS teams had a big night against Roosevelt on Friday:

In the WSHS gym, the Wildcat girls’ varsity team won, 61-36, followed by the boys taking their game against the Rough Riders, 52-40.

More photos from both games, ahead:

Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Gunfire; burglaries; suspicious visitor
December 4, 2015 11:51 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Four reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

GUNFIRE IN UPPER MORGAN: Thanks to those who texted to report hearing possible gunshots around 7:30 tonight in Upper Morgan. Police did respond and search for evidence; we couldn’t get there in time to talk with them, and we haven’t been able to reach SPD for confirmation, but one neighbor said officers told her they did find evidence of gunfire, and Tweets by Beat now shows the call was classified that way too, with 37th SW/SW Morgan as the general location.

HOME BURGLARIES: From Erin:

FYI- our home, and our neighbor’s home, in the 8000 block of 5th Ave SW were broken into this afternoon between 2 and 3 pm. Both doors were kicked in, and the perps took financial documents, electronics, and jewelry. Unfortunately, they also stole my engagement ring and wedding ring which I forgot to put on this morning – Merry Christmas to me!. A neighbor caught video of the vehicle entering and exiting our dead-end street. It looks like it was a purple Scion. Please warn neighbors to be extra vigilant – we have a great block watch system in place, but this was the perfect storm situation where it didn’t protect us.

GARAGE BURGLARY: From Jane:

Sadly we were the victims of property theft sometime last night. Someone came up our driveway, entered our gated backyard and then entered our garage through an unlocked side door (which is now locked) and stole my husband’s chop saw and blades worth about $1800. Normally, our work trailer and both cars are in the driveway, but last night my husband unloaded his trailer and moved it into the street along with my car because we are having tree work done today and I suspect that someone saw him unloading his tools and came back later to take advantage. We live on 55th between Dakota and Andover and I just wanted to get the word out to our neighbors to be aware this is happening. We have lived here 30 years and have had cars prowled and tools stolen from our vehicles a couple of times but this seems very brazen to walk into a private backyard and enter the garage.

SUSPICIOUS VISITOR: Another reader report:

We are near the intersection of 41st and Oregon. We had a man wearing a very dirty dark brown hoodie ring our doorbell at around 1 am. We looked out our windows and saw he had a very nice bicycle that seemed out of place given his appearance. He continued to ring the doorbell and knock for a couple minutes before leaving. About 10 minutes later, someone we think was the same person tried to open our back door and then left through a vacant lot next door. This incident freaked out our cats and our neighbor’s dog and we’re pretty sure he went to their door as well.

We did call 911 and spoke to a couple officers that responded and checked out the surrounding area and patrolled a few times. That seemed to scare off whoever was snooping around. We live near the vacant house that was cleared by police earlier this week, they suspected it might be related. We’ve had other issues with squatters in some of the other vacant properties nearby that our neighbors have called in.

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VIDEO: Caroling, cheer (and meteor!) ‘Light Up the Night’ at Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 4, 2015 10:03 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

No reindeer in sight, but Santa posed with the sleigh that was filling with food-drive donations right before Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s “Light Up the Night” gathering tonight. Out in the street between the OLG Parish Life Center and church, “The Starry Crowns” led caroling:

OLG parishioner and Seattle Channel host Brian Callanan emceed again this year, which also meant leading the countdown to switching on the lights now shining bright outside the church:

Though the church no longer hangs lights on the towering evergreen at the corner of 35th and Myrtle, you could argue the lights close to the ground, including smaller trees, are even brighter:

A cheery crowd, hundreds strong, joined in song, including the traditional keyring-shaking during “Jingle Bells” – listen!

P.S. An extra meaning to this year’s “Light Up the Night” – checking around as we finish this story, looks like what we and other semi-early arrivals saw in the northwest sky, heading east to west, around 6:50 pm, really WAS a meteor, noticed from B.C. to Seattle, according to this report. OLG pastor Father Jack Walmesley was among those who saw it, and mentioned it before his opening prayer.

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SATURDAY: Pancakes with West Seattle Kiwanis, Santa, and friends
December 4, 2015 9:16 pm
|    Comments Off on SATURDAY: Pancakes with West Seattle Kiwanis, Santa, and friends
 |   Holidays | How to help | Kiwanis Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

One more reminder with the biggest holiday breakfast event of the season just hours away – the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle will be serving you a pancake breakfast 7 am-11 am at the Masonic Center in The Junction. Looks like you can still save $2 by buying advance tickets online – the link is on this page – $8 advance, $10 at the door on Saturday morning. Kids under 10 eat for free if they’re with a paying adult, and they get free photos with Santa Claus. This is the 68th year the Kiwanis Club is presenting this benefit breakfast; if you can, bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. It’s bound to be festive and a great way to start a great holiday Saturday in The Junction (looking ahead to the 5 pm tree lighting). The Masonic Center is at 40th SW & SW Edmunds.

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FOLLOWUP: Murder suspect arrested in 44th/Dakota warrant operation, accused of firing deadly shots after alleged marijuana theft
December 4, 2015 4:26 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(Reader photo from Thursday)
One day after King County Sheriff’s Office deputies served arrest and search warrants at a home north of The Junction, we’ve learned that one of the people arrested is a murder suspect. KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West says the 39-year-old man is wanted in connection with a homicide near SeaTac Airport. He appeared in court this afternoon and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says bail was set at $1 million. Probable-cause documents say the case involves the shooting death of a man on October 29th. The suspect arrested in West Seattle yesterday is accused of chasing the victim and firing the deadly shots into his car, after the victim allegedly stole marijuana he was supposed to be buying from the suspect during a meetup in Burien. Prosecutors will decide early next week whether to file charges against the suspect, whose “last known address” is listed on court documents as the house where he was arrested yesterday.

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FIRST LOOK: Southwest Precinct’s new ‘mobile precinct’ arrives
December 4, 2015 2:47 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

As soon as next week, you’ll see the Southwest Precinct‘s long-awaited new Mobile Precinct out on the street – actually, most likely in a lot at Westwood Village.

That’s where precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis says he’s planning to send it first, with a visit to South Park not far behind, and then, if all goes as planned, The Junction. Here’s a :15 video look around the outside:

He showed us the van today, after we contacted him to ask for a photo op, once we learned – while covering this week’s Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council meeting – that the Mobile Precinct had finally arrived.

It’s been mentioned during SPD briefings at so many other community-council meetings this past year or so, you’d have thought it was here by now, but it arrived just days ago.

It’s significantly smaller than the precinct’s old one – which was destroyed in the firebomb attack on the Charles Street yard downtown six years ago. West Seattle is supposed to have its own, according to this page of the SPD manual, which also specifies what vehicles like this are supposed to be used for.

If you’ve seen one in this area since then, it was borrowed from another part of the city. Now, no more borrowing. Whether it’s Alki Beach in the summer or Westwood Village in the holiday season, the precinct has one to deploy. “It’s a definite force multiplier for us,” says Capt. Davis.

Before it can officially head out, he has to get some staff trained to drive it, and that’s expected to happen within a week or so.

It’s about the size of a TV live truck, with a camera-equipped mast on top, flat display screens inside, even a small compartment in the back with a toilet.

It’s painted with the distinctive new white lettering-on-dark blue SPD look.

Unlike its predecessor, it’s clearly labeled MOBILE PRECINCT on the sides and rear, though you wouldn’t have mistaken the old RV for anything else.

“We’re really excited about it, and we want to get it out there ASAP,” Capt. Davis said as our mini-tour concluded. What we don’t have yet are the van’s specs/cost – we have a request out to the city’s Finance and Administrative Services department, and will add them when we get them.

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Why you’ll see and hear more military jets in the West Seattle sky
December 4, 2015 11:57 am
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

(Boeing photo: KC-46A’s first flight, September 2015)
You can expect more military jets in the nearby skies soon. Boeing Field says two Navy F-18 aircraft will be based there for about nine months, starting this month, while Boeing is testing its new wide-body KC-46A tanker jet. From the Boeing Field website:

During the tests, the new tankers will refuel several models of military “receiver” aircraft during flights over western Washington. In addition to several of its KC-46A tanker jets, Boeing plans to base two Navy F-18 aircraft at Boeing Field during this time. Plans call for two F-18 takeoffs and landings per day (including evenings), a few times per week.

While the advisory on the airport website says, “Boeing is working to minimize the noise impact of this testing on the airport’s neighbors. The company will comply with all state, county, and city codes, and with Boeing Quiet Hour procedures as well as King County International Airport’s Fly Quiet Program,” a letter to the community from King County Transportation Department director Harold Taniguchi spins it a little differently. The letter, which appears to have been sent to community groups/advocates in the area (we are checking with KCDOT), was shared by local advocate Joe Szilagyi:

To our Friends and Neighbors around King County International Airport:

King County owns and operates the King County International Airport (KCIA), also known as Boeing Field. Commercial aviation activity at KCIA supports over 16,000 jobs and generates $3.5 billion in annual economic benefit to King County and its residents.

Recently, you may have heard in the news the Boeing Company will soon begin testing the new KC-46A Tanker military aircraft out of KCIA. The KC-46A is capable of refueling other aircraft in mid-air, requiring the testing of additional high-performance military jet aircraft, some of which will be landing and taking off from KCIA. The Boeing Company is still refining details on timing and scope of the test program for the KC-46A. However, they believe testing of support aircraft will commence as soon as January or even later this month.

As testing of the KC-46A Tanker begins, there may be increased noise impacts in the community from high-performance military aircraft related to the KC-46A testing. Although King County will continue to work with Boeing to reduce these impacts, the County has no authority over military aircraft operations. Under federal rules, all military aircraft are exempt from standard operating requirements related to sound and time of day limitations, potentially resulting in a significant increase in aircraft noise in the surrounding communities at any time of day or night.

King County has requested on multiple occasions that Boeing reach out to impacted communities well in advance of the upcoming test program. At the Airport’s November 9 Round Table meeting, Boeing’s outreach contact, Mr. Rich White offered to meet with any interested parties and community groups to discuss the Tanker Program and address potential concerns.

Questions regarding noise or high-performance aircraft related to the Boeing KC-46A Tanker testing program, as well as requests for you or your organization to learn more about the program, should be directed to Rich White (cc’d) at The Boeing Company:

Mr. Rich White
Manager, Local Government Relations
The Boeing Company
P.O. Box 3707, MC 21-76
Seattle, WA 98124
206-856-6305

King County supports the success of the Boeing KC-46A Tanker program, and I believe that Boeing will successfully mitigate impacts from the testing program through a comprehensive community outreach program. I look forward to supporting and working with the community and Boeing on an outreach program that addresses the sensitive needs of impacted residents and businesses as part of this testing program.

Sincerely,

Harold S. Taniguchi, Director
King County Department of Transportation

The Boeing tanker made its first test flight – out of Snohomish County’s Paine Field – in September, according to this Seattle Times report. According to the Everett Herald, Boeing developed this tanker for the U.S. Air Force but also has orders from Japan.

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Elite Sports and Spine: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!
December 4, 2015 11:25 am
|    Comments Off on Elite Sports and Spine: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!
 |   Health | West Seattle news

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Elite Sports and Spine, whose newest office is in The Admiral District:

(Dr. Nathan Moore, DC, and office manager Bobbie Willden)
Elite Sports and Spine has an offer for you – after your first exam at our West Seattle clinic with chiropractor Dr. Nathan Moore, DC, you can enjoy a complimentary one-hour massage. As a new WSB sponsor, here’s what else Elite Sports and Spine wants you to know:

Elite Sports and Spine provides health care from a multifaceted approach. Its reputation is built on providing quality, comprehensive care for patients. We actually form a partnership with our patients to get them back to fully functioning and achieving their desired goals.

We often hear how impressed people are with how thorough our examination process is, as well as how quickly they see results from the treatment. They usually seek us out because they have either heard about us from a friend or loved one, or they have tried other treatments that simply didn’t achieve desired results. Because we typically see results quickly, patients tend to come back to us with any new injuries because they appreciate how quickly they were able to return to their normal, active daily lifestyle.

In West Seattle, Elite Sports and Spine is at 2743 California SW, next to West Seattle Runner, for whom it’s the preferred health-care provider. We oversee and are sponsors for many athletic groups as well as being preferred providers with Swedish Hospital.

In addition to chiropractic care, Emily Blurton, CES, CPT, SFG, is now offering physical rehabilitation and one-on-one and small-group fitness training at our West Seattle clinic. Introductory Special: 35% off. Space is limited; call the clinic to schedule today – 206-556-4324. That’s also the number to call to schedule your first checkup with Dr. Nate and the complimentary one-hour massage.

We thank Elite Sports and Spine for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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ELECTION UPDATE: Counting’s done in the recount, and it looks like final-final result will be Councilmember-Elect Herbold
December 4, 2015 9:54 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

9:54 AM: King County Elections confirms this morning that the actual counting has concluded in the by-hand recount of the first-ever Seattle City Council District 1 race. “The tallying portion of the recount is done, but there is still additional reconciliation work to do,” KCE’s Kim van Ekstrom tells WSB. By multiple accounts, the “tallying” left Lisa Herbold on top; you’ll recall that she had a 39-vote lead over Shannon Braddock when the official results were certified a week and a half ago. That was a close-enough margin for a mandatory recount by hand, and the vote counting started, and finished, yesterday. Publicola reports that Braddock already has called Herbold to congratulate her. KC Elections says the final certification is still scheduled for Monday, and promises an update on that later today. (WSB photo from Herbold’s Election Night party)

10:28 AM: From KCE via e-mail: “An official announcement on the outcome of the recount will be made on Monday, Dec. 7 by 2:30 p.m. following the Canvass Board meeting at 1:00 p.m.”

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West Seattle Friday: Lights, music, theater, illustration, dance, more!
December 4, 2015 9:09 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Happy Friday! Two sets of previews for you – first, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

WYATT’S OPEN HOUSE: Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) open house @ Westwood Village, 10 am-6 pm. (2600 SW Barton)

POTTERY SHOW AND SALE: Brace Point Pottery‘s 18th annual Holiday Art Show and Sale, 4 pm-9 pm (continuing Saturday and Sunday, 10-5). This year Loren Lukens brings in four additional artists in an exhibition of pottery, wearables, jewelry and prints. A Seattle Sampling event – follow the link for other local participants. (4208 SW 100th)

HUSKY DELI OPEN HOUSE: One of The Junction’s most-anticipated events every holiday season – Husky Deli‘s holiday open house, 6-8 pm. (4721 California SW)

‘LIGHT UP THE NIGHT’: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish & School invites you to “Light Up the Night: An Evening of Caroling and Community,” with Christmas caroling, arts and crafts, cookies and hot cocoa, and of course, lights! “Please bring non-perishable food items (for the West Seattle Food Bank) to fill our sleigh and help our community.” 7 pm, in the Parish Life Center as well as in the street north of the church’s main building across the street. (35th/Myrtle)

‘WONDERFUL LIFE’: Night two for the holiday show at ArtsWest in The Junction. Curtain at 7:30 pm. (4711 California SW)

‘CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Opening night for Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show, “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play.” 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall; buy your ticket(s) online at this Brown Paper Tickets link or an hour before showtime at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)

HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOWS: All three of West Seattle’s brightest displays continue tonight:
–Menashe Family Lights (5605 Beach Drive SW) – WSB coverage here
–West Seattle Lights (3908 SW Charlestown) – WSB coverage here
–West Seattle Yuletide (38th SW north of Genesee) – WSB coverage here

We’ve added a lot to the Holiday Guide in recent days, so browse it when you can, to plan ahead! Now, from the regular year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

PAUL SCHMID AT WORDS, WRITERS, WEST SEATTLE: 5-7 pm at Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village, author/illustrator Paul Schmid will not only talk about his work, including “Oliver and His Alligator,” but will also demonstrate how he draws:

Details in our listing. (2800 SW Barton)

HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY DANCE: Announced by the HPE PTA: “Families are invited to spend the evening on the dance floor with music provided by DJ Spinderella. There will also be a bake sale, raffle, and Yuen Lui will be on site to take free family photos with an option to purchase an upgraded package. Cost is $2/person, or $5/family. 6-8 in the cafeteria” (1012 SW Trenton)

CORNER BAR AT HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: First Friday means fun at HPIC’s pop-up bar. It opens at 6 pm with DJ Dr. Lehl, changing at 7 pm to High Wired NoNet, and then Danny Newcomb and The Sugarmakers at 8:30 pm. (12th SW & SW Holden)

BASKETBALL CLOTHING DRIVE: Again at tonight’s home basketball games at West Seattle High School, warm clothing is being collected for homeless women and their kids helped by the YWCA’s shelter: “We are asking for new or gently used hats, scarves and gloves. Other items that would be helpful are 2016 calendars so they can keep track of their appointments, as well as bus tokens and diapers in any size.” Tonight’s opponent is Roosevelt, girls’ varsity at 6:30 pm, boys’ varsity at 8 pm, all at the WSHS Gym. (3000 California SW)

FIVE-BUCK BAND: Pop-rock at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The first of the winter concerts by the West Seattle Community Orchestras features WSSO with “Dvorak Symphony no. 8,” 7:30 pm, conductor Kim Roy, admission free, donations appreciated. Auditorium @ Chief Sealth International High School. (2600 SW Thistle)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates; weekend previews
December 4, 2015 7:17 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Six WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
One problem in the area as we head for the start of the commute – the aftermath of a crash on the northbound 1st Avenue South bridge is reported to have backed up traffic for miles.

WEEKEND PREVIEWS: Another reminder about Saturday night – SW Alaska will close between California and 42nd for the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting, 4-8 pm tomorrow. (Here’s our update with the tree-lighting lineup.) … Work is scheduled to start tomorrow on dock upgrades at Seacrest to get it ready for new, larger Water Taxi vessel M/V Doc Maynard.

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