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year : 2015 3718 results

HAPPENING NOW: Santa & diaper-donation drive in The Junction
December 20, 2015 11:56 am
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 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Junction Santa is in the house! It’s a festively decked tent – lots of holiday greenery – on the southwest corner of California and Alaska. Above, Elizabeth was visiting Santa when we stopped by. DIY photos are free but bring a diaper donation if you can for WestSide Baby – right outside the tent, helpful elves are waiting to collect what you bring.

This is all happening as part of Hometown Holidays, until 2 pm today.

P.S. If you miss Junction Santa and are looking for last-minute Santa photo ops in the next few days, keep an eye on the ongoing list in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.

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West Seattle weekend scenes: Tyvek & tide
December 20, 2015 11:29 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Two of the photos texted to our hotline (206-293-6302) this weekend are interesting sights you might have missed:

UNWRAPPED: Thanks to Charlie G. for the photo of wind-blown Tyvek peeled off the under-construction Rally project at Charlestown/California. (Lynda B. had texted us about it earlier but it was gone by the time we arrived.)

Meantime, today’s high-mark “king tide” is 20 minutes away, at 11:49 am. Today it’s 12.4 feet – just a bit down from Saturday morning, when Tim McMonigle shared this photo from the Alki seawall:

Certainly it’s more spectacular when north winds are blowing – but as Tim noted, even without them, seeing the Sound almost over the seawall is still impressive.

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Lights, music, Santa, scholarships: West Seattle Sunday events
December 20, 2015 8:23 am
|    Comments Off on Lights, music, Santa, scholarships: West Seattle Sunday events
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Townsend’s Warbler, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Here’s what’s up for this breezy Sunday, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:

JUNCTION SANTA: As part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB), come to Santa’s House, 10 am-2 pm. “Santa is coming to The Junction to listen to your children’s Christmas requests. At ‘Santa’s House,’ you’ll find a festive tent to drop in for a hug and a smile. Bring your camera and capture your own special moment. Live music too. Meet at Key Bank.” (California/Alaska)

FARMERS’ MARKET: Produce, beverages, cheese, meat, more – and food trucks – are all part of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm year-round on Sundays – see what’s available in advance of your Christmas dinner! (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)

HOLIDAY SERVICES: Some local churches are having their holiday services today – see the listings (including Christmas Eve and beyond) in the Holiday Guide.

THRIFTWAY SANTA: Find Santa Claus at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) – 11 am-3 pm. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

‘STAR WARS’ GAMES AT MEEPLES: Noon-4 pm today, second of two days for the weekend-long “Star Wars” event at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) – see the full updated schedule on the Meeples website. (3727 California SW)

LAST CHANCE TO VISIT THE MUSEUM BEFORE CHRISTMAS: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s Log House Museum is open today, noon-4 pm, and you can see its new arrival – the life and times of West Seattleite Ivar Haglund, on loan from the Nordic Heritage Museum. While you’re there, shop for unique holiday gifts in the museum gift-shop corner – including books, apparel, West Seattle tote bags. (61st SW & SW Stevens)

MUSIC TO SHOP BY: Gary Benson plays guitar at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), 2-5 pm. (Fauntleroy/California/Morgan)

OPERA PREVIEW LECTURE: Seattle Opera‘s preview lecture for “The Marriage of Figaro,” 2 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library – details in our calendar listing. (2306 42nd SW)

FROYO FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, AND JACKETS FOR KIDS: 4-7 pm at Admiral Menchie’s, come meet Miss Seattle Taryn Smith, who is collecting jackets for kids at Mary’s Place and raising money for the Miss Seattle Scholarship Organization via part of the froyo proceeds – details here. (2620 California SW)

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS RUN: Meet at 6 pm for the annual West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) Christmas Lights Run. “Social, festive group run” – details and route in our preview. (2743 California SW)

SEATTLE GIRLS CHOIR: 7:30 pm at Holy Rosary Church, Carmina Angelorum: songs for harp & treble voices. An evening concert of elegant music celebrating winter and the holiday season, featuring harpist Juliet Stratton and the young women of Prime Voci and Cantamus. Works by Benjamin Britten, Edward Elgar, and Paul Carey to be performed. Check for ticket availability – $12 and $8 for seniors/students – or at the door. (4210 SW Genesee)

TRIO PARDALOTE: 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall – details here, including ticket info. (7904 35th SW)

MORE MUSIC … on our year-round calendar.

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SUNDAY: West Seattle Runner’s annual Christmas Lights Run
December 19, 2015 8:46 pm
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 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Get your shoes on, get your bells on, get your personal string of lights on, and join the annual Christmas Lights Run with West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor). Meet at the shop, 2743 California SW – remember, WSR has moved since last year! – at 6 pm Sunday. WSR co-proprietor Lori McConnell shared the route map (above), “in case any neighbors want to carol us as we run by, make sure they have their lights on, or leave cookies for our reindeer (me and Tim).” As further explained in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

We will run about a 3-mile loop of easy running and walking to view the lights in West Seattle. We do stop at the Helmstetler Light Show, so please bring a canned food item if you can for their food drive. We welcome elves, Santas, reindeer, and any costume you can think of!! Wear your battery-operated Christmas lights (or any other reflective gear or lamps you have to see and be seen). Post run, we will have cookies and cocoa and cider. This is simply a social, festive group run … not a good fit for those looking for a race. We can’t wait!

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West Seattle coyotes: Charlestown Hill, Admiral sightings
December 19, 2015 8:13 pm
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 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

We publish reader reports about coyote sightings periodically, with educational intent as much as anything. Within the past half-hour, we received a text (on our 24/7 hotline, 206-293-6302) from someone saying there are “coyotes in the yards at 52nd/Charlestown.” Too dark for a photo, the texter says. Meantime, back on Monday, here’s what Rose saw:

First time I have seen a coyote traveling the open streets and sidewalks in broad daylight. This one looks like it has either completely shed all its fur or it has mange. Came up 39th and turned onto Lander Street cruising the neighborhood. I know for sure it was a coyote because my cat Manitou, who happened to be outside at the time, froze until he went by across the street, then ran like greased lightning for the back door and wanted IN with a very bushed tail. Wise cat, and something he never does about dog.

If you haven’t read this information about coexisting with coyotes before – it’s worth a look. Most important advice: If you see one, do what you can to scare it away, for its sake and yours – yell, wave your arms to look “big,” even throw rocks.

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Special Saturday Santa sighting #3: Cocoa Cris Cringle at Easy Street Records
December 19, 2015 6:53 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Today’s final one-time Santa event is under way right now at Easy Street Records – as previewed here earlier this week, Cocoa Cris Cringle is making his seasonal appearance. He might just be the jolliest Santa you’ll see all season; as shown in the photo above, featuring Atticus and Mark, you can be a character too – with hats and props in CCC’s “Theatrical Holiday Photo Funomenon.” And it’s a benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank – good time for a good cause – ESR in The Junction at California/Alaska until 9 pm.

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Special Saturday Santa sighting #2: Cartooning at Luna Park Café
December 19, 2015 5:26 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Santa cartooning at Luna Park Cafe

A photo posted by West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) on

Until 7 pm, “Cartooning Santa” is making his annual appearance at Luna Park Café (2918 SW Avalon Way), not just listening to Christmas wishes but also drawing! With him in our photo above, that’s Mickey. Cartoons and DIY photos are free, by the way – your holiday gift from Luna Park.

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle Shock wins boys’ U16 championship at SYSA City Tournament
December 19, 2015 4:49 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Congratulation to the West Seattle Shock of the WS Soccer Club for their citywide soccer championship! Jenny Ancich sent the photo and report:

Whoo-hoo! West Seattle Shock Boys U16 just won the SYSA city tournament championship played in Shoreline.

Led by Coach Dan Day, Shock was down 3-0 at half. They fought their way back to take the lead; then the game ended up tied at 5-5 at end of regulation play. Shock then won on a penalty kick shootout. A very exciting game for all! Go, Shock!

According to the tournament schedule, the Shock’s opponent was Magnolia Fake Madrid.

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Special Saturday Santa sighting #1: At Emerald Water Anglers
December 19, 2015 2:29 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: Santa at Emerald Water Anglers, with Nessa and friend)
This afternoon brings multiple Santa Claus sightings in West Seattle – three of them one-time-only, starting with this one at Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor), 42nd SW & SW Oregon in The Junction. Santa’s at EWA until 4 pm, free DIY photos (note the shop’s cool mural as a backdrop!), but they are accepting donations to the Wild Steelhead Coalition if you’re so moved.

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West Seattle restaurants: Cassis closes on Alki
December 19, 2015 11:57 am
|      44 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

ORIGINAL REPORT, 11:57 AM: After almost 2 years, the bistro Cassis has suddenly closed on Alki. Thanks to those who messaged us with tips about this, learning of the closure while trying this morning to reach the restaurant for dinner reservations. Here’s the message on the front page of the restaurant’s website:

Cassis Closes For Now.

Dear beloved patrons, due to unexpected events – we have closed our doors after service, Friday, December 18. We will see you soon in a new location.

We just talked briefly to proprietor Jef Fike, who confirmed his restaurant is closed and will not be reopening in West Seattle.

Cassis’s opening at 2820 Alki SW in February 2014 generated much excitement, as the revival of a popular bistro Fike had operated on Capitol Hill almost a decade earlier. He had just sent a newsletter to patrons a few weeks ago, saying he planned to take a holiday vacation this year for the first time in eight years, but said in the newsletter that he would be leaving the restaurant in the hands of his staff. Then this morning, readers alerted us to the closure news they had discovered while seeking reservations.

Before Cassis, the space had been “temporary” home to the Alki Arts gallery/event space (now located downtown) for three years; for two years in 2007-2009, All The Best Pet Care preceded the gallery.

1:21 PM UPDATE: New twist: We received a call from a man identifying himself as Andy Dekle, Cassis’s chef, saying he’s a member of the ownership group and that this is a “temporary” closure resulting from a “disagreement” and that he plans to reopen in this space and is hoping to do so by New Year’s Eve. We pointed out that when we stopped by Cassis to confirm the closure with Fike this morning, things were being boxed up and moved out. He said he’s aware of that. Stay tuned.

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West Seattle development updates: Second SW Design Review Board meeting set for Perch at 1250 Alki SW; 7 units now planned on Junction lot once proposed for 40
December 19, 2015 10:21 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle development updates: Second SW Design Review Board meeting set for Perch at 1250 Alki SW; 7 units now planned on Junction lot once proposed for 40
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Checking the city Department of Planning and Development (new names soon) online files for end-of-week updates of interest, we found two:

2ND DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING FOR 1250 ALKI SW: It’ll be an all-almost-waterfront-project lineup when the Southwest Design Review Board has its second meeting of the new year on January 21st. We’ve already reported that 1307 Harbor SW – the mixed-use project for the old Alki Tavern site and neighboring parcels – is up for its next review at 6:30 that night. Now the second slot on the schedule, 8 pm, is slated for the board’s second look at Perch, the proposed ~100-unit apartment building at 1250 Alki SW. Its first review, in October, drew a large turnout (WSB coverage here; official city report here). The meeting will be at the SWDRB’s usual venue, the Sisson Building (WS Senior Center) at Oregon/California in The Junction.

7 UNITS FOR 4439 41ST SW: Another followup today on 4439 41st SW, where neighbors – including a church and school – voiced concern last year over a then-proposed 40-unit apartment building with five offstreet parking spaces replacing a 105-year-old single-family house. Two months ago, we reported on a new plan for the site – a four-unit rowhouse, plus a lot split, with no indication at the time of what the other lot would hold. Now the city files show a two-unit townhouse plus one single-family house added to the site, for a total of seven units proposed. The new site plan showing all seven units indicates four offstreet parking spaces are planned behind the rowhouses, and a garage for each of the three other units.

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West Seattle Saturday: From Santa to ‘Star Wars,’ and beyond…
December 19, 2015 8:01 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: From Santa to ‘Star Wars,’ and beyond…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Amanita, photographed at Lincoln Park by Machel Spence)

FABULOUS FAMILY FUN – OCTOPUSES: 10:30 am session for kids 3-5 and families, 11:15 am for 5 and up, with visitors from the Seattle Aquarium at High Point Community Center. Free. (6920 34th SW)

‘STAR WARS’ GAMES AT MEEPLES: 11 am-9 pm today, first of two days of a weekend-long “Star Wars” event at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) – see the full updated schedule on the Meeples website. (3727 California SW)

HOLIDAY MUSIC AT THRIFTWAY: Gary Benson on guitar at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), 12-3 pm, followed by We Three Carolers 3-5 pm. (Fauntleroy/California/Morgan)

SANTA AT EWA: Santa at Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor) – “Pictures with Santa Claus @ EWA! Santa will be in the store from 1-4 pm. All ages are welcome — you’re never too old to sit on Santa’s Lap!” (42nd SW & SW Oregon)

COCOA CRIS CRINGLE: Easy Street Records is again hosting Cocoa Cris Cringle, as a benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank; it’s his 7th annual “Theatrical Holiday Photo Funomenon“! 4-9 pm, “shop for records, enjoy hot cocoa, and prepare to have a truly unique holiday photo experience … Cocoa welcomes families, individuals, groups, and most pets. … Suggested donation $15-$20, superflexible. Includes 3 poses with a variety of hats, props, and a fog machine. One printed photo to take with you, and shots with your smartphone or camera.” (California/Alaska)

‘CARTOONING SANTA’: 4-7 pm at Luna Park Café – 4-7 pm. From the café: “Food and beverage specials; have our Santa draw a cartoon for your little one or get a Santa picture (bring your camera). All the Luna Elves are working hard to get everything decorated and prepared for a fun evening! Hope to see you all there!!!!” (2918 SW Avalon Way)

WEST SEATTLE SANTAS: 3rd annual West Seattle Santas Pub Crawl. Per this schedule, starts at 6 pm at Coastline in The Junction. (4444 California SW)

MERCY MERCI: Live music at Admiral Bird, 6:30 pm. (California SW & SW Admiral Way)

SWTLC WINTER FEST: Teens are invited tonight to Winter Fest at Southwest Teen Life Center, 7-10 pm, with dinner at 7, games and more at 8. (2801 SW Thistle)

THE AMPLIFY PROJECT: 7:30 pm singer/songwriter showcase and benefit at The Junction Church – details here. (4157 California SW)

‘WONDERFUL LIFE’: “Wonderful Life” is the show this holiday season at ArtsWest in The Junction. Wednesday – Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3 pm, no performances Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Buy tickets online here. (4711 California SW)

More holiday events/info, through New Year’s Day, in our guide, including church services; if we’re missing your event/service, please e-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

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UPDATE: Police investigation in Highland Park after crash, gunfire
December 18, 2015 9:20 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, added 10:11 pm)

9:20 PM: Thanks for the tips – we’re sorting out a police investigation near 12th and Roxbury, related to a crash that is reportedly linked to possible gunfire. No reports of any victims so far. The scene might span both sides of the city/county line. And if you’re hearing a helicopter, Guardian One has been in the area offering assistance. No injuries reported so far but besides searching for a suspect, police are also looking to be sure there’s not a victim somewhere. More to come.

9:37 PM: We’re on the city side of 12th and Roxbury now; just talked to a neighborhood resident who said she heard the gunshots along the street and “hit the floor.” 12th is blocked on the north side of the intersection while police deal with the crash, in which at least one vehicle is reported to have gone through a fence.

9:44 PM: According to officers at the scene – two vehicles were involved in the crash, at the northeast corner of 12th/Roxbury; the driver of the silver SUV said she was driving eastbound on Roxbury with her sister – they had just picked up pizza and soda to take home – when somebody shot at her from a red SUV, which also crashed; its driver got out and ran, and has not yet been found.

10:48 PM: We just talked with Sgt. Cindi West of the King County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the investigation since the gunfire was on the county side. Here’s the news release she just sent:

Multiple people living near the area of SW Roxbury St and 12 Ave SW called the police this evening after hearing cars racing in the area and shots being fired.

King County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area after the 911 calls started coming in around 8:45 tonight. When deputies arrived they found an accident on the corner of SW Roxbury and 12 Ave SW, which involved one of the vehicles that had been chasing another car.

Witnesses told police that a grey 90’s Jeep Cherokee was northbound on 12 Ave SW with a red Ford Explorer chasing it. Occupants in the Explorer were firing shots at the Cherokee as it continued northbound. The Cherokee was able to safety cross SW Roxbury but when the Explorer tried to follow they struck a Chevrolet Tahoe that was driving eastbound on SW Roxbury. The Tahoe had not been involved in the chase and was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Witnesses saw 3 occupants in the Explorer jumped out of the wrecked car and get into a white Toyota car that had been following the Explorer. The Toyota then fled eastbound on SW Roxbury.

Deputies on the scene found 2 guns in the Explorer and found at least one bullet hole that went into a house on the north side of SW Roxbury.

The woman driving the Tahoe suffered minor injuries. It is unknown at this time if anyone was injured as a result of the shooting, or if the occupants who ran from the Explorer were injured.

If you have information about this crime or live near SW Roxbury and 12 SW and find damage to your property as a result of bullet holes, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311.

We asked her about descriptions of anyone on the run – none so far – and also whether the Explorer, abandoned by the suspects, was stolen. Not reported as such, she says.

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From the ‘in case you wondered too’ file: RV lineup on Andover
December 18, 2015 9:07 pm
|      32 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

We’ve heard from several readers wondering about the lineup of RVs that turned up recently on the north side of SW Andover along the southwest side of Nucor, across the street from West Seattle Health Club. We went over for a look and counted nine parked there as of midday today. Several had orange tags on windshields or windows:

This lineup arrived concurrent with the departure of a group that had been parked under the West Seattle Bridge east of the Delridge/West Marginal Way intersection.

Questions about RVs parked on city streets have come up at recent community meetings including this one in September, when city attorney liaison Matthew York said overnight parking is not allowed and that police can issue citations. Researching further, though, we find that is not the case with city streets in industrial zones. The 72-hour rule still applies, though. So we asked the Southwest Precinct today if this is on their radar; precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis replied that “a majority of the owners have been contacted and should be making plans to move their rigs,” while pointing out that “other social-service issues” are involved as well, and that Community Police Team officers are involved with that. He added that this is considered a city-wide issue that multi-agency teams are working on, too. The citywide program Road to Housing offers spaces in church parking lots for people living in their vehicles, though none appear to be available in West Seattle currently.

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GIFT THAT GIVES: West Seattle Wildlife Calendar available at C & P Coffee tomorrow
December 18, 2015 8:29 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(From this month’s WS Art Walk, Mark Wangerin with the fundraiser calendars featuring his photos)
One more chance to buy the West Seattle Wildlife Calendar, with wonderful photos by Mark Wangerin (who’s shared many here on WSB in recent years) – tomorrow, 8 am-noon, at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Laura Robb from Mark House Publishing just sent word that students from Chief Sealth International High School (whose environmental-education programs benefit from calendar proceeds, and where Mark used to teach) will be there. Or – order online!

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TOMORROW: Why you’ll see Water Taxi vessels at Seacrest on a no-service Saturday
December 18, 2015 5:48 pm
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 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

This time of year, the King County Water Taxi runs are Monday through Friday only, so you might do a double-take to see the current and future West Seattle Water Taxis, Spirit of Kingston and Doc Maynard, at Seacrest tomorrow. County Department of Transportation spokesperson Rochelle Ogershok tells WSB that they’ll be involved in installation/adjustment of dock upgrades tomorrow, as preparations continue for putting the DM on the run full time next month.

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Will the Highway 99 tunneling machine really restart next week? Here’s another pit-prep update
December 18, 2015 3:26 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news

Another update from WSDOT this afternoon, as its contractor Seattle Tunnel Partners approaches the date on which it has said it hopes to restart the Highway 99 tunneling machine – next Wednesday:

(WSDOT photo)

Seattle Tunnel Partners has spent much of the week backfilling the SR 99 tunnel access pit. By Friday, only part of the machine’s shield and cutterhead were visible from our time-lapse camera. Crews stopped backfilling on Wednesday afternoon to repair a mixing arm that broke off inside the machine during testing of the cutterhead. Backfilling has since resumed and will continue over the weekend.

STP has indicated they may fill the remainder of the pit with a concrete-sand mixture in addition to material removed during excavation. Using the concrete-sand mixture – rather than sand and soil, as STP previously planned – could reduce the time it will take to complete backfilling. Additionally, the deep dewatering wells that have been used to control groundwater in the pit may be turned off sometime in January. STP previously planned to turn them off this month.

STP has told us they plan to move the SR 99 tunneling machine forward by Dec. 23, the date shown in their most recent schedule. As part of their testing program, STP intends to tunnel forward a short distance in the pit before taking a break for the holidays. After the holidays, STP plans to mine out of the access pit toward a planned maintenance stop approximately 450 feet to the north. Along the way crews will mine forward and install tunnel rings while continuing to run tests.

The state cannot verify the contractor’s schedule, but we will continue to provide updates as STP’s work progresses.

Reminding you again – Highway 99 from the Battery Street Tunnel north to Valley Street (lower Queen Anne) will be closed both ways overnight tonight, with other closures ahead, as part of the project.

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Bye-bye, boom: Lingering length removed from Alki seawall
December 18, 2015 12:56 pm
|    Comments Off on Bye-bye, boom: Lingering length removed from Alki seawall
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

12:56 PM: We’re in the midst of another round of “king tides” – 12.5 feet at midmorning today – and that was not only interesting to see, it also facilitated some work that needed to be done beneath the Alki seawall. Thanks to Buzz Shaw for the photos and report:

For a few weeks now, a large section of marine spill containment boom has been wrapped around the rocks on the beach and the seawall at the 1500 block of Alki Ave. Today, Seattle Parks Dept. staff used two trucks, and a front loader. and lots of effort to remove the 50+-foot long section of the containment boom from the rocks.

We’ll be asking Parks if they know whose boom it was. Removal of marine debris is vital for wildlife protection, among other things.

P.S. Re: the “king tides” – high tide is 12.5 feet again tomorrow, at 11:01 am, and remains above 12 feet at each day’s peak until dropping to 11.9 feet at 3 pm next Thursday (here’s our favorite chart).

ADDED 1:36 PM: Parks spokesperson David Takami responded to our inquiry: “Our crew looked at the boom but couldn’t find any identifying information (company or boat name). We will be disposing of the boom today, and there really aren’t any significant cleanup expenses.”

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West Seattle restaurants: Work starting at Pecos Pit BBQ site
December 18, 2015 12:17 pm
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Almost two years after the abrupt closure of Beni Hoshi Teriyaki by the West Seattle Bridge entrance at 35th/Fauntleroy, the work to revamp the site into the home of Pecos Pit BBQ is getting under way. When last we updated the restaurant plan a month ago, they weren’t sure how soon work would start, but then this week, contractor banners went up on the fence and equipment including a big dumpster showed up at the site. We first reported the Pecos Pit plan back in February. The site is actually city property, owned by Seattle City Light as part of the former substation to the north, so Pecos, as was its teriyaki predecessors, will be a tenant. Current timeline for opening: Spring.

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See which committee your new Seattle City Councilmember Lisa Herbold will lead
December 18, 2015 10:46 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

It’s not final until after the first of the year, but the Seattle City Council has just announced the tentative plan for which councilmember will head which committee next year. That includes the choice of District 1 City Councilmember-elect Lisa Herbold as chair of the Civil Rights, Utilities, Economic Development and Arts Committee. Here’s the full announcement, which includes some committee-name changes (note Sustainability and Transportation, for example – it’s currently just Transportation):

Seattle City Council announced its tentative plan for committee assignments today, in preparation for work in 2016. Each Councilmember is responsible for chairing a Council committee and managing legislation related to the committee’s focus. Councilmembers also serve as a vice-chair on one committee and as a member on another. Councilmembers can also sponsor legislation on other committees under certain conditions. Committee assignments are made official at the first Full Council meeting of the year, on Monday January 4, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. Councilmembers will also elect their 2016-17 Council President at the meeting. Committee assignments last for two years.

Councilmember Sally Bagshaw will chair the Human Services and Public Health Committee. Councilmember Bagshaw will oversee Council’s work on issues relating to services provided by the Human Services Department, including programs that meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable people in our community. The committee will also consider matters involving public health and Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), which allows law enforcement officers to redirect low-level offenders engaged in drug or prostitution activity to community-based services.

Councilmember Tim Burgess will chair the Affordable Housing, Neighborhoods and Finance Committee. As chair of this committee, Councilmember Burgess will focus on issues relating to housing—investing and promoting the development and preservation of affordable housing, and building strong neighborhoods through outreach and engagement. Councilmember Burgess will also chair the Budget committee, overseeing the review of the Mayor’s proposed budget.

Councilmember Lorena González will chair the Gender Equity, Safe Communities and New Americans Committee. As chair, Councilmember González will consider policies to address gender equity and help improve the lives of Seattle’s immigrant and refugee residents. The committee will also focus on fostering safe communities, improving police accountability, crime prevention, criminal justice, emergency preparedness, and fire and medical services.

Councilmember Bruce Harrell will chair the Education, Equity and Governance Committee. As chair, Councilmember Harrell will focus on issues relating to public schools and improving student success rates, intergovernmental relations, technology, ethics and elections, prisoner reentry and equity issues for underserved communities.

Councilmember Lisa Herbold will chair the Civil Rights, Utilities, Economic Development and Arts Committee. Councilmember Herbold’s committee will manage issues relating to labor standards, civil rights, Seattle Public Utilities, and economic development. The committee will also manage issues relating to arts and culture in Seattle, which includes nightlife issues.

Councilmember Rob Johnson will chair the Planning, Land Use and Zoning Committee. As chair of this committee, Councilmember Johnson will take up issues involving City zoning, planning, major institutions, quasi-judicial decisions, community development, and land use regulations.

Councilmember Debora Juarez will chair the Parks, Seattle Center, Libraries and Waterfront Committee. As chair, Councilmember Juarez will focus on issues relating to City parks, community centers, and public grounds, including the Seattle Center. Her committee will also manage legislation relating to the Seattle Public Library system. Councilmember Juarez will also chair the Central Waterfront committee.

Councilmember Mike O’Brien will chair the Sustainability and Transportation Committee. Councilmember O’Brien’s committee will handle matters pertaining to city-wide and regional transportation policy and planning. These issues range from pedestrian and bicycle programs, traffic control and parking policies, and overseeing the City’s coordination with regional and state departments of transportation. The committee will also have a shared-focus on Seattle’s Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon emissions.

Councilmember Kshama Sawant will chair the Energy and Environment Committee. Councilmember Sawant’s committee will handle policies relating to Seattle’s energy usage, as well as issues relating to alternative energy sources, air pollution regulation, energy utility rates, and Seattle City Light finances. In addition, Councilmember Sawant will take up matters that relate to climate and environmental protections, conservation programs, and green infrastructure.

During the campaign, Herbold had said she was interested in chairing the Land Use Committee.

See the full list of committee memberships here.

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Six possibilities for the rest of your West Seattle Friday
December 18, 2015 10:03 am
|    Comments Off on Six possibilities for the rest of your West Seattle Friday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(River otter, photographed from Lowman Beach by Trileigh Tucker)

Here are your highlights of what’s up today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:

HOLIDAY CRAFTS AND WRAP Final drop-in session for teens at Hiawatha Community Center, 2:30-4 pm. Details in our listing. (2700 California SW)

WINTER FESTIVAL: Celebrate holiday traditions from around the world at High Point Community Center. 5-7 pm. (6920 34th SW)

MOVIE NIGHT: Bring the whole family to Movie Night at Highland Park Improvement Club, with a holiday theme! “Doors open at 6 pm with a children’s short at 6:15 and the main movie at 7. Free admission. Volunteers will be selling popcorn, candy and other movie fare. Bring blankets and pillows or sit in our chairs. This is an all-ages event. Bring your friends, family and neighbors. Double Feature! Children’s Movie Hint: In this 1966 animation (26 minutes) a grumpy hermit hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. Movie hint: In this 2004 G (100 minutes) feature, a young hero boy on Christmas Eve boards a powerful magical train that’s headed to the North Pole and Santa Claus’s home.” (12th SW & SW Holden)

‘COSMIC AMERICANA’ LIVE MUSIC: That’s what Walter and Donny from Vashon Island are playing tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

PAINT FOR PARIS: Benefit at Mind Unwind, 7 pm – details and registration here.

NORTHWEST BOYCHOIR: The group’s annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church is tonight at 7:30 pm. Find more info, including whether tickets remain, here. (42nd/Genesee)

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HOLIDAY GIVING: WestSide Baby alert for potential donors
December 18, 2015 9:26 am
|    Comments Off on HOLIDAY GIVING: WestSide Baby alert for potential donors
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

With one week until Christmas, if you’re still thinking about helping nonprofits before the holidays, the sooner the better. This morning we have word from WestSide Baby that its holiday closure is coming up fast:

Please note – WestSide Baby is closing for the holidays, including donation dropoff.

In order to perform an inventory and to give staff and volunteers a much deserved break, WestSide Baby will be closing its sites in \ White Center and the Central District for the holidays from December 20th, reopening January 5th.

This means that they will not be accepting donations during this time. Please do not leave donations outside as there are no guarantees they will remain before the sites reopen. If you are interested in donating to WestSide Baby, feel free to bring any items on or after January 5th.

If you’re wondering what WS Baby needs before then – its holiday donation drive info is in the GIVING OPPORTUNITIES section of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates; weekend reminders
December 18, 2015 7:33 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Six WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning. Today’s the last day of school before the two-week winter break, and Seattle Public Schools get out an hour early.

PREVIEWS: One more reminder of nighttime Highway 99 closures north of the Battery Street Tunnel, starting tonight – details here. And the citywide weekend alert is here.

GOING TO THE AIRPORT? Whether you’re picking someone up, or departing, you might find this info helpful. Today is the second-busiest travel day of the holiday season at the airport.

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