West Seattle, Washington
18 Monday
We start this West Seattle Crime Watch roundup with a search under way right now:
ATTEMPTED ROBBERY: Police are at and around Westwood Village right now looking for a would-be robber. The man – described (as heard via scanner) as black, late 30s, 6-1, dark clothing – told the victim he had a gun. But apparently he fled without stealing anything. We have a crew heading to the scene to find out more and will add it.
(3:36 pm update) The robbery attempt happened outside the WWV Bank of America (which like other banks is closed for the holiday).
Earlier this afternoon:
TIP-JAR THIEF: Around 2:30 pm, according to scanner traffic – somebody stole (or tried to steal) a tip jar at Burger Boss in South Delridge. The only descriptive info we caught was “female,” and that she was last seen heading southbound on Delridge.
The next four are reader reports:
STOLEN BICYCLE: From Mike:
This morning, 12/26/16, a locked bicycle was stolen from in front of the Westwood Village QFC between 10:35 and 10:55 AM.
It is a 56 cm off-white 2012 Jamis Bosanova road bike. It has a black leather Brooks saddle with a tool bag attached and a distinct wooden Portland Design Works cargo rack on the back. It also has front and rear fenders as well as disc brakes. Photos attached. If you see the bike or have any leads, please call Seattle Police and email me at mbutler@newbelgium.com. Thank you.
BACKPACKS FOUND: We received this text late last night:
2 backpacks found near Delridge Community Center, ditched in road after suspected car prowl. We want to reconnect them with their owners – the contents lead us to believe they are from Canada.
We asked the texter to e-mail us with more info; haven’t received anything yet, but if this sounds familiar, let us know (editor@westseattleblog.com), and we’ll do our best to connect you.
MAIL FOUND, #1: First we received this from Trileigh:
We found a pile of mail on Christmas Day along Murray Ave SW near Lowman Beach, mostly opened, including several Christmas cards sent to different neighborhood addresses. I’d guess that someone went through mailboxes along our street, hoping to find some cash Christmas gifts. We put the mail back in the addressees’ mailboxes where we could – if you live near there and find some opened mail in your mailbox, that might be from this pile.
Since it’s still the Christmas season, it might be a good idea for people to try to bring in mail from your box as soon as possible after it’s delivered, just in case.
MAIL FOUND: We also have received two reports today of what looks like discarded mail near the Fauntleroy fish-ladder viewpoint.
Thanks again to everyone sharing Crime Watch reports so your neighbors all around the peninsula know more about what’s happening – we hope crime will NOT happen to you, but if it does, once you’ve reported it to police (911 if it’s happening now or just happened), let us know … 206-293-6302 if breaking, editor@westseattleblog.com if not — thank you.
12:33 PM: Seattle Fire has sent a sizable response to a single-family house in the 1700 block of Alki Avenue [map].
12:38 PM: Arriving crews report “moderate smoke” coming from the house.
12:45 PM: As Sharon points out in comments, the SFD response has blocked Alki Avenue both ways, so steer clear of the area until further notice. Meantime, via scanner (our crew is still en route), crews are reporting that the fire has extended into the house’s attic, but they’ve “knocked down” that part of the fire from inside.
1:04 PM: Photo added (and we confirmed that the house number on the SFD log, 1728 Alki, is the house where the fire happened). People were home when this started, but everyone got out OK and no injuries are reported. SFD tells us that early information indicates this is woodstove-related. A sizable section of Alki SW remains blocked because at least one hydrant line is running more than a block.
1:16 PM: Above, that’s a photo of the aforementioned line to a hydrant (now being rolled up). SFD is still assessing the extent of the damage, as they’re checking the walls and attic.
2:18 PM: The online incident report indicates the last few crews on scene were finally dismissed about 10 minutes ago, so the road should be back open now. And thanks to Steve Quant for this photo of what firefighters were dealing with at the peak of the fire:
We’re not likely to get a final report on the cause/damage before tomorrow.
Though many government offices/facilities are closed today, Seattle Public Library branches are open! In West Seattle, the Southwest and WS (Admiral) branches are open now, closing at 8 pm; the Delridge branch is open 1-8 pm; the High Point branch remains closed for renovations (reopening January 9th).
No special events at the branches today, but tomorrow, if you have kid(s) home from school for winter break, check this out: Southwest Library (35th SW/SW Henderson) has an event that children’s librarian Dave Eicke wants to make sure you know about – Lego Space Wars, 2-4 pm Tuesday. As Eicke points out, “Play and use of Legos have been shown to show real benefits in STEM education. The planning and building helps with communicating ideas with physical objects.” Free, no registration required, just show up!
(2016 Alki Polar Bear Swim photo by Scott Nelson)
Just got confirmation that the West Seattle Polar Bear Swim is on again for Sunday (New Year’s Day 2017). From organizer Mark Ufkes:
January 1, 2017, at 9:50 am, polar-bear swimmers will line up along the beach across from Duke’s.
With a countdown, at 10 am sharp we will hold hands with our friends and run into Puget Sound.
Bring water shoes, a towel, a change of clothes and your hopes and dreams for 2017 with you. Also bring the lessons you learned in 2016. Running into the water with friends and family will help you leave behind the complexities of 2016 and start the new year clean and burden-free. We hit the water at 10 sharp.
Thinking about trying it for the first time? Here’s our coverage from last year, including video and links to previous years’ coverage.
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
Since Christmas Day was on a Sunday, today is an official holiday. Here are the transit changes:
METRO: Sunday schedule.
WATER TAXI: The West Seattle and Vashon runs both are NOT in service.
SOUND TRANSIT: Route 560 (and light rail) are on run Sunday schedules.
STREET PARKING: For the neighborhoods with city-operated pay stations, this is a free-parking day.
Also, while Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on a normal schedule, usage is likely to be heavier than usual because the South Vashon run (Tahlequah-Point Defiance) remains out of service.
On this Christmas night, we stopped by West Seattle Lights (3908 SW Charlestown) with time to record just one song, whatever it turned out to be. It was the grand finale of the second set (see the schedule and song list here), “Wizards of Winter,” just before 6 pm. The show goes until midnight tonight. As you can tell from our video’s audio, the best way to listen while you watch is NOT necessarily just standing along the street; if you go via vehicle, listen on 101.9 FM.
West Seattle Lights is in its eighth season, so popular that a couple years ago, mastermind Jim Winder added a show in Maple Valley (where he lives – the show here is at the home of friends). It’s also become a fundraiser/foodraiser – bring a food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank, and/or donate online to the show’s chosen charities, WSFB and the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation (donated money all goes to them – the show itself is put on as a labor of love).
For more info on holiday light shows in West Seattle, see our Holiday Guide.
A few minutes before 4 pm, we stopped by the Alki Masonic Center in The Junction to photograph the volunteers who had just spent four hours making West Seattle holiday history – serving a free sit-down dinner to anyone who needed one. The lodge and The Christmas People co-sponsored the first-ever event, feeding almost 100 people who showed up over the course of the afternoon. They also wanted to say thanks to community members who volunteered time to help prepare, and who donated dozens and dozens of homemade cookies! The Christmas People, led by Rev. Fred Hutchinson and Ruth Bishop, have been feeding others in need, but usually in smaller groups, he told us – this was the first time they decided to offer a big sit-down dinner, and they’ll do it again next year, getting the word out far and wide to fill the hall.
More beautiful views to share while enjoying the holiday. The day began with an enormous canopy of pink-orange overhead – Jenny‘s photo is above; Sandra sent the one below:
A little later in the morning, Chris Frankovich photographed the Olympics:
And though it’s not from West Seattle – we can’t resist sharing this city view tweeted at us (and a few other news outlets) by Marcus:
Christmas Morning from #Seattle with some #fog and #sunshine 🎄 @komonews @KING5Seattle @Q13FOX @westseattleblog @NWSSeattle pic.twitter.com/hifVTIDZ7r
— Marcus Klotz (@MisterKlotz) December 25, 2016
Sunset tonight is 4:23 pm, per the WSB West Seattle Weather page.
(Photo by Don Brubeck, from Alki early Christmas Eve morning)
Merry Christmas! Some info you might find helpful on this holiday:
RESTAURANTS THAT TOLD US THEY’LL BE OPEN TODAY/TONIGHT: Go here for the list (and please note the disclaimer!).
GROCERY STORES OPEN TODAY: Local Safeways are open 8 am-5 pm; Westwood QFC is open 7 am-4 pm. Other West Seattle supermarkets are closed today.
CHRISTMAS DAY CHURCH SERVICES: See the list in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.
WHERE TO GET COFFEE TODAY: At least three West Seattle coffee shops are open today, also noted in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide. (You might find others – if you let us know, we can add.)
ALSO OPEN TODAY: Origins Cannabis (4800 40th SW; WSB sponsor), 11 am-6 pm.
FARMERS’ MARKET CLOSED: No West Seattle Farmers’ Market today OR next Sunday.
FREE CHRISTMAS DINNER: The Christmas People are making this available noon-4 pm today at Alki Masonic Center. Details here. (4736 40th SW)
(Menashe Family Lights at 5605 Beach Drive, photographed by Leda Costa)
WHERE TO SEE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TONIGHT: See the Holiday Guide.
Transit today:
METRO: Regular Sunday schedule
SOUND TRANSIT: Regular Sunday schedule
WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES: Regular schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth, but expect heavier usage because as of first thing this morning, the Tahlequah-Point Defiance route (South Vashon-Tacoma) is out of service
Want to go to the movies?
ADMIRAL THEATER: The newly renovated moviehouse is open this afternoon/evening (2343 California SW), showing “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Sing,” and “Passengers,” all with showings starting just after 3 pm – here’s the schedule.
Breaking-news tips? Lost/found pets? Traffic trouble?
YES, WSB TRULY IS 24/7/365: Best way to reach us today is 206-293-6302, text or voice.
However you’re spending it – we wish you a wonderful day!
12:58 AM: Seattle Police and Fire are outside the California/Erskine/Edmunds 7-11 in The Junction, where a 19-year-old man was found with what are described over the air as two gunshot wounds to the chest. Scanner traffic says they’re not sure yet what happened or when, as the victim is described as intoxicated and so they’re having trouble communicating with him. SFD Medic 32 is taking him to Harborview Medical Center.
1:19 AM: No word of an arrest, or suspect description, so far.
A heartwarming story – told in verse – from the WSB inbox this Christmas Eve:
A true Christmas story for everyone to enjoy:
Twas the night before Christmas, with no food in the house, so off to get groceries, for me and my spouse.
Bacon, eggs, bread, wine and rice, fruit and ice cream, checked off my list twice.
Away to the checkstand, I flew like a flash, to purchase my goods with not enough cash.
But what to my wondering eyes should I see? A guy with just greeting cards, that I let cut in front of me.
He replied with a thankful “no way really?”
And which I exclaimed, with an “of course, don’t be silly!”To the cashier, he muttered something unclear, that was meant for just him and her ears to hear.
“Merry Christmas” he said as he left out the door! What a friendly man, I thought! A nice smile and more!
Now it’s my turn in line, to purchase my stuff. Hoping to God but doubting that I had enough.
With a look of weary, yet hopefulness in my heart, the lady exclaimed, “He gave me enough to cover your whole cart!”
I replied “Shut the Front Door!” and other words to not include. “Oh my God! Seriously? What a cool dude!!”
Tears began to fall down my excited cheeks in a flurry, leaving the store with vision so blurry.
This kind, generous stranger, out of nowhere came here, and left us all with a great feeling of Christmas cheer!
The moral of my story, my fellow West Seattleites, is to Pay It Forward, Merry Christmas and to Have a Great Night!!!
-Thank you kind and giving stranger at the Roxbury Safeway tonight!!! You have no idea how much you brightened our holiday and spirits! You are amazing, and the true definition of what this time of year should be all about! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
–Bradi and Tim Jones
Thanks to Kristin for tonight’s Christmas-lights photo: She says this is on 34th SW between Othello and Webster – inflatable elf, and all!
(Photo taken just before 11 pm – line stretched past The Kenney at that point)
7:45 PM: Christmas Eve trouble for Washington State Ferries on both Vashon routes – the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route had to cancel some sailings because of a crew shortage, but WSF says things will be back to normal after the canceled 8 pm departure from Fauntleroy. Then, the South Vashon (Tahlequah)-Tacoma (Point Defiance) route went out of service until further notice “due to damage to the Pt. Defiance dock apron following a medical emergency.” No estimate yet how long it will take for repairs; keep an eye on the WSF website’s “bulletins” page for updates.
8:32 PM: The Fauntleroy terminal currently has a one-hour wait, according to WSF.
8:52 PM: Now that’s up to two hours, also because, “The Issaquah continues to operate one-boat service on the route making multi-destination sailings in place of the regular fall weekend schedule. Due to limited vessel capacity and holiday traffic demands, there will be upcoming single destination service based on demand.”
6:34 AM SUNDAY: WSF says Tahlequah-Point Defiance is still out of service TFN. Vessel Watch shows two boats running now on Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth.
5:27 PM SUNDAY: The Point Defiance dock still isn’t fixed, so the South Vashon run is still out of service.
Thanks to James Bratsanos for the sunset photo on this Christmas Eve/first night of Hanukkah! It’ll be chilly through tomorrow, forecasters say.
So you’ve finished your last-minute shopping (or, if you haven’t, check here to see who’s still open) – and would love some help wrapping. That’s what the volunteer animal-advocate elves of Furry Faces Foundation are doing right now at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW). Bring your gift items in and they’ll “Wrap It Up” by donation (how much? you decide) until 6 pm.
Need a Christmas tree, still? Junction True Value (WSB sponsor) is giving away the few non-artificial they have left – while they last (they’re closing today at 4 pm, as noted in our list of where you can do last-minute shopping). 4747 44th SW.
It’s a gift only you can give … your time. Here’s a request from the White Center Food Bank (which also serves south West Seattle):
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR INVENTORY HELP DECEMBER 30!
Are you available to help weigh and count the inventory of the White Center Food Bank? We start at 9 am and go until it’s done (usually before 2 pm). We will need 5-10 people who can lift 40 pounds. Other tasks that morning include counting and recording. If you can help with this important yearly task, contact Audrey Zemke at audrey@whitecenterfoodbank.org or 206-762-2848.
If you have family/friends visiting via vehicle, please remind them not to leave anything in the car, as thieves don’t seem to take time off for the holiday:
CAR PROWLS: From Lea – “Riverview neighborhood had multiple smash and grab car prowls” on Thursday night. No further details. Also, from Mariya near 28th SW/SW Nevada, “Our truck got broken into (Thursday) night for the 3rd time. We park on the street and never leave anything of value inside. We’ve filed police reports every time. One time they stole the sifter gear knob and now they’ve stolen our radio. They must have a key to the truck because they never break windows, just let themselves in.”
PACKAGE THEFTS: From David and Adam, “Multiple packages stolen from 8600 block of Fauntleroy Way SW on Thursday.” And Elton says a neighbor reported packages stolen from their townhouses around California/Hinds on Friday.
Hoping for a Silent Night tonight. If not … we’re at 206-293-6302, text or voice.
Thanks to Karyn Sherburne for the photo from somewhere in Lincoln Park (where, by the way, Thomas e-mailed to report hearing a pack of coyotes early today, so if you’re walking your dog, keep it close). Here’s what you need to know about the festive day/night ahead …
WHERE YOU CAN SHOP TODAY: We’ve added more local indie businesses where you can do your last-minute gift shopping – see the list here. (Grocery-store closing times are in the Holiday Guide.)
WHERE YOU CAN DINE TODAY: Here’s our list of restaurants (and coffee shops with more than pastries) open Christmas Eve and/or Day.
CHRISTMAS EVE/DAY CHURCH SERVICES: The full list is in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOWS: They too are in the Holiday Guide, including lights set to music!
And this isn’t just Christmas Eve:
HANUKKAH: Tonight is also the first of the eight nights of Hanukkah. No local services that we have heard of; Kol HaNeshamah has an event next Wednesday.
Also from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE ULTIMATE FAMILY FRISBEE: “See you all at Walt Hundley Field at 9 am this morning. And bring elf/Santa/festive hats. Also bring red shirts and green shirts if you have them.” (34th SW/SW Myrtle)
(Added 10:40 am: WSB photo, Santa & spouse at Endolyne Joe’s)
SANTA AT ENDOLYNE JOE’S: Going to Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) for breakfast? We hear Santa’s taking a break from his last-minute preps to stop in, 9 am-11 am “ish.” (9261 45th SW)
FREE FOOD: “Taquitos Feliz taco truck will be giving out free food on December 24th from 11-4. Please stop by and get some tacos. We are located at 7427 Fauntleroy Way SW in West Seattle across from Lincoln Park. Happy Holidays from all of us at Taquitos Feliz.”
HELP PREP FOR FREE CHRISTMAS DINNER: The Christmas People say volunteers are welcome 9 am-4 pm – along with homemade-cookie dropoffs – at Alki Masonic Center in preparation for tomorrow’s free Christmas dinner. (4736 40th SW)
GIFT-WRAPPING FUNDRAISER: Need some help wrapping?
Wrap It Up! With Furry Faces Foundation!
Beveridge Place Pub, 12 pm – 6 pmHave your Christmas gifts wrapped while watching the Seahawks game! The elves of Furry Faces Foundation are looking forward to wrapping your gifts in splendor and uniqueness! We have gift wrap, bows, tape, ribbon, garland, pine cones, pipe cleaners, name tags, and more! It’s up to you how much you would like to donate for the gift wrapping with 100% of the proceeds going directly to helping animals. Please note the Beveridge Place Pub is 21+ and over
(6413 California SW)
Have a great day/night! WSB really is 24/7/365 so if there’s breaking news today/tomorrow/beyond, we appreciate the tips as always, 206-293-6302, text or voice.
1:40 AM: The photo is from Sofia, who explains a Seattle Fire call to the Menashe Family Lights on Beach Drive Friday night – trouble in the Nativity scene: “We were just looking at lights as usual, and noticed white fog coming from behind the Virgin Mary. I thought it was a fog machine, but then we realized it was a fire. Several of us called 911, someone knocked on the Menashes’ door and let them know, the neighbors got water. I guess the straw that was part of the stable scene caught fire.” We’ll be checking with the family later this morning to follow up.
12:06 PM: We just followed up with Jack Menashe. He says it was apparently a problem with old wiring in the manger display, and it’s being fixed, but tonight, the manger will instead be illuminated with a spotlight. Everything else is OK, so if you’re going for Christmas Eve, don’t worry, it’ll all be bright as ever.
The photo taken in The Admiral District is from Katie Kauffman, who explains:
(On Friday) West Seattle Neighbors for Peace and Justice called attention to Wells Fargo’s substantial investments in the Dakota Access Pipeline.
In the photo they are singing a song to the tune of ‘Let It Snow,’ with the refrain, ‘Move your dough! Move your dough! Move your dough!’
Opponents of the pipeline – or its original route, which the Army Corps of Engineers is re-examining – have been encouraging people to take their money out of the financial institutions bankrolling it. Wells Fargo is reported to have loaned more than three and a half billion dollars for the project.
Maybe you’re a procrastinator like your editor here, and/or just haven’t had much time. Whatever the reason – if you still have gift shopping to do tomorrow (Saturday, December 24th), here are the independent local businesses that have told us they’ll be open:
Again & Again/Kid-Friendly Footwear* – Noon-5 pm
Atomic Boys – 10 am-2 pm
Avalon Glassworks – 10 am-2 pm
Bartell Drugs, Jefferson Square – until 11 pm
Beer Junction – Open until 7 pm (see comment with more details)
Click! Design That Fits* – 10 am-5 pm
Curious Kidstuff – 10 am-4 pm
Easy Street Records – 9 am-5 pm
Emerald Water Anglers* – 10 am-4 pm
Junction TrueValue* – 8 am-4 pm
Meeples Games* – 10 am-6 pm
Menashe & Sons Jewelers* – 10 am-4 pm
Mountain to Sound Outfitters – 10 am-4 pm
My Three Little Birds* – 10 am-4 pm
Origins* – 9 am-8 pm
Pet Elements – 10 am-4 pm
Second Gear Sports* – 10 am-4 pm
Tap Station – Open until 5 pm
Thunder Road Guitars* – 10 am-1 pm
West Seattle Wine Cellars – 11 am-7 pm
Wyatt’s Jewelers* – 10 am-4 pm
Zamboanga – 10 am-4 pm
(Asterisked businesses are WSB sponsors)
Any other retailers open tomorrow? Tell us your hours in a comment – or e-mail us – and we’ll add you to the list! Meantime, if you’re looking for restaurants open on Christmas Eve (and/or Day), that list is here; grocery-store closing times are in our Holiday Guide.
7:55 AM SATURDAY: We’ve added to the list and will continue to do so if we hear from more.
More West Seattle Christmas lights! Thanks to Cindy Craig for two photos from one street near Fairmount Park: Both displays are on 40th Avenue SW between Dawson and Findlay; above, on the east side of the street; below, on the west side.
We will be showing more tomorrow and Sunday – Christmas Eve and Day – and maybe beyond if we have enough suggestions/photos – editor@westseattleblog.com. (Here’s our archive of what we’ve shown already.) Thank you!
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