West Seattle, Washington
30 Wednesday
(WSB photos and video)
Highland Park is the only neighborhood in West Seattle where you can start your New Year’s Eve with a parade – and tonight’s 9th annual Not-So-Silent-Night Parade through the streets near Highland Park Improvement Club was huge, with more than 100 participating, all ages as always:
The light of the almost-full moon shone on the parade, with participants invited to bring drums, noisemakers, musical instruments, lights, whatever adds to the cheery stroll along the sidewalks – here’s what it sounded like near the start:
Parade from @HPIC1919 is on! pic.twitter.com/Xe9oSNzMla
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) January 1, 2018
The weather was about as good as it gets – dry and not too cold (it’s a no-matter-what-the-weather parade, and we even recall icy 2010). Things warmed up considerably once everyone was back in the HPIC lot, as the Sage Comet Performance returned after skipping NYE 2016:
Then everyone moved into the historic HPIC building to join the Corner Bar party, usually on first Fridays except for New Year’s Eve:
For the holiday, there was the extra element of a masquerade party – those in costume include DJs Dr. Lehl and Evan:
The DJs and musician McTuff are providing the HPIC sounds for as long as the party goes on – 1 am or so. And we suspect it’s the only West Seattle NYE party with a hot-dog stand in the courtyard:
You’re invited, 1116 SW Holden.
8:31 PM: Thanks to Peter Commons for catching the last sunset and moonrise of the year in one reflective scene. The official full moon is tomorrow – and that’ll be followed by “king tides” of 13 feet (or slightly higher) on Wednesday (13.1′ at 6:26 am), Thursday (13.2′ at 7:11 am), Friday (13.2′ at 7:55 am), and Saturday (13′ at 8:39 am).
ADDED 9:52 PM: Thanks to Alice Enevoldsen for the moon-halo photo, taken in Arbor Heights:
Alice explains that this is caused by ice crystals high in the sky – more info here.
In the spirit of “it’s not over until it’s over,” we usually wait until the last day of the year to look back on what’s happened. So, with hours remaining in 2017, here are the top 10 (11 again this year because of a tie) most-commented-on WSB stories of the year:
#10 – MAYOR MURRAY’S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
February 21, 2017 – 127 comments
This was more than a month before first word of sex-abuse allegations against the then-mayor; the uproar was over taxes, especially a $55 million property tax proposed to fight homelessness. (He dropped the idea a month and a half later.)
#9 – FE-BRRRRR-UARY SNOWSTORM
February 6, 2017 – 133 comments
This was no mere snowstorm. Though just a few inches fell, the storm also included a big power outage and school closures, so there was lots of info for commenters to share with each other.
#8 – GREAT AMERICAN DINER & BAR COMING TO WEST SEATTLE
May 7, 2017 – 139 comments
Four months after Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery closed at 4752 California SW, we learned the Great American Diner & Bar would become the sixth establishment in 10 years to inhabit the space. We had few details when we published this – a few days later, we interviewed the co-proprietors.
#7 (tie) – ADMIRAL STABBING SUSPECT CHARGED, BAIL QUADRUPLED
October 12, 2017 – 141 comments
The second half of 2017 brought two particularly shocking street attacks, including the one involved in this case. Kierra Ward, who had been living on the streets in Admiral, was charged with stabbing a woman out for a walk with her baby, and also charged with a second crime for threatening a man who tried to intervene. (Ward remains in the King County Jail, in lieu of $400,000 bail, as the case proceeds through the system, with her next case-scheduling hearing set for January 4th.)
#7 (tie) – BICYCLIST ESCAPES ATTACKER ALONG PATH; CITY PLANS ACTION
March 24, 2017 – 141 comments
Campers underneath the western half of the West Seattle Bridge escaped much official notice until this incident, in which a bicyclist riding home from work escaped someone who tried to grab her on the path under/alongside the bridge. The incident brought light to problems including non-functioning lighting, and various city departments sprang into action.
#6 – RYAN COX ARRESTED AGAIN, AFTER GATEWOOD STABBING
August 8, 2017 – 151 comments
Ryan Cox, a repeat offender who had been something of a fixture in recent years in the Morgan Junction, Fauntleroy, and Gatewood areas, was arrested and charged with stabbing a man. He remains in jail in lieu of $150,000, awaiting trial; we published this update on his case December 22nd.
From the WSB inbox, another case of someone seeking the person who helped them after a crash during our snowy Christmas. From Mercedes:
On December 25th, we were in an accident. It was around 10:00 pm and we were crossing the intersection between SW Morgan St and 41st. I would like to find the Good Samaritan that helped us. I remember a young man going to my side and checking on us. Please, if anyone saw or knows this angel, let me know, I would like to thank him personally. If anyone else who was there reads this, please feel free to contact me so we can thank you.
If you’re the person Mercedes is looking for – or if you know him – please e-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com so we can connect you.
West Seattle biznotes for your New Year’s Eve afternoon:
CLICK! BREAK: If you need to get something at Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW; WSB sponsor), do it before 4 pm today, when they’re closing early to “spruce up the shop” over the next two-plus weeks – reopening January 19th.
MERRYWEATHER BOOKS UPDATE: In early December, we reported via a reader tip that this used-books shop in The Junction (4537 California SW) is closing. Today, Mary Clark sent us the full announcement they want to share with the community:
After more than 20 years, Merryweather (Leisure) Books is sadly going to have to close our retail location. We need to focus on our families and are not able to put the time into the store that would enable us to keep it open. We will be open reduced hours during January and the books will be on sale as we clear out. We will continue selling online. Come in and leave us your email it you would like to get announcements of online stock and specials and check our facebook page for an easy link to our store.
It has been an honor and joy to be part of your community over the years. We always had a nook and chair for people to curl up in and rest, read, and browse. We have watched people explore the world of books, plundering our shelves and finding treasures, connecting to stories that opened up vistas in their imaginations. We have watched families bringing in children for their first book, grandparents sharing their favorite stores, and the children grow up and share stories, and connect ideas with others who love books. That is what independent bookstores do. So now as we close our doors, we say thank you so much for making us a part of your life! We will miss everyone very much. We will have a going-away party during the Art Walk in January.
We know many people have trade credit with our store. Come in and take advantage of our storewide sale to use your credit. If you have books on consignment with us, please come in and pick them up. We will be selling some of the cases and fixtures so if you are interested let us know.
Again thank you to all our loyal customers from Mary, Manya, Ron, and all of our family.
WEST SEATTLE PRODUCE: When we reported a month ago on the longtime produce stand’s plan to close because of redevelopment at their site (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW), the plan was “at the end of this year” – but don’t expect to find New Year’s Eve fruit and vegetables there; their last day was Christmas Eve. A dumpster is already on the site, Kevin Freitas found out, and tweeted this photo:
No word yet on a new location.
SECOND DOMINO’S PIZZA NOW OPEN: Back in May, we discovered the plan for Domino’s to open a second West Seattle location at Springline (3220 California SW). The store‘s manager confirms it’s now officially open.
The photo is from Jacob, who found those car seats while out walking his dog this morning.
Found these 2 car seats in the ditch on Brandon street behind the 7th hole of West Seattle golf course. They are both in excellent shape. Do not know why someone would throw them in the ditch but guess is a car was stolen and these were thrown out.
Please post if you see worthy as I am a parent and have paid a lot of money for car seats for my children and would want them back.
If yours, please e-mail us – editor@westseattleblog.com – and we can forward your contact info.
(Varied thrush, photographed in Fauntleroy Park by Mark Wangerin)
Happy last day of 2017! From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar, here’s what’s happening:
FREE RIDES ON METRO: One more reminder that Metro buses are FREE through 4 am Monday. (So is the Seattle Streetcar downtown, which runs until 1 am.) Info here.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Yes, it’s open today! 10 am-2 pm in the street in The Junction, as always. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)
NEW YEAR’S EVE SERVICES: Featured in the Holiday Guide, from churches that sent us their winter-holiday schedules.
GO TO THE LIBRARY: Your local Seattle Public Library branches are open regular Sunday hours today, but closed tomorrow.
NEW YEAR’S EVE WALKS: Emerald City Wanderers are hosting 5- and 10-kilometer walks on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, “different routes each day. And there’ll be hot soup and snacks to chase away the chills. Walks start on New Year’s Eve, anytime between 4 and 7 PM, at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW). No fee for the walks, which are noncompetitive. The New Year’s Eve 5-kilometer route winds through the holiday lights in the Admiral neighborhood and Junction. The 10-kilometer route also enjoys neighborhood holiday lights, heads down to Alki and features the lights on and around Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, and downtown Seattle. Flashlights will be helpful.” Sanctioned by the American Volkssport Association. Information about volkssports will be available.
LAST NIGHT FOR WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS: The lights-and-music show across from the SW Charlestown water tank runs 5 pm-midnight tonight to conclude its 2017 run. Show your appreciation by bringing nonperishable food for the West Seattle Food Bank – the bin’s out front – and/or donating money to WSL’s chosen causes, including WSFB, online. (3908 SW Charlestown)
NOT-SO-SILENT-NIGHT PARADE AND CORNER BAR: Highland Park Improvement Club‘s all-ages celebration starts at 6 pm, when you can assemble outside HPIC for the Not-So-Silent-Night Parade – bring drums, noisemakers, musical instruments, bells, etc., for the walk through surrounding neighborhoods, and then back at HPIC it’s the New Year’s Eve edition of the monthly pop-up bar, with DJ Dr. Lehl & DJ Evan, the HPIC Hot Dog Stand in the courtyard, and starting around 9, music by
McTuff. RL Carroll will be there again for keepsake photos! (1116 SW Holden)
KID PARTY @ SOUTH PARK HALL: 7-9 pm, the proprietors of Admiral Bird have a big new venue for this year’s New Year’s Eve party tailored to kids (and their families) – their newly renovated and historic South Park Hall. Details in our preview. (1253 S. Cloverdale)
OTHER VENUES WITH NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOWS AND/OR MEALS … are listed in the Holiday Guide.
WATCH THE FIREWORKS: Yes, even with the remodeling project, the Space Needle will have a midnight fireworks show tonight, and many north-facing West Seattle spots will have a good view. Don’t wait until the last minute to go look for a spot because roads to the viewpoints tend to get jammed with everybody else who had the same idea!
Thanks for another awesome year of community collaboration! Got a calendar event for 2018? E-mail us the info – the earlier the better – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you.
(WSB photo: Councilmember Herbold at the Delridge Neighborhoods District Council, November 2017)
We usually put together a few year-in-review items, and you’ll see ours tomorrow – the year’s not over until it’s over! But many others go public with their lookbacks a bit sooner, and among them is West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold. Since her 2017 year-in-review writeup is not on the city website yet, you’ve probably only seen it if you’re on her mailing list. It contains way too many links for us to try to republish it via cutting and pasting, but you should be able to see the browser version here – nine parts (transportation, public safety, housing, land use, government accountability, economic development/equity, arts, budget, constituent contacts), 34 shortcuts to those sections and their sub-sections, followed by the full review.
P.S. As previewed here the other day, Herbold is scheduled to be the main guest when the Southwest District Council meets 6:30 pm Wednesday (January 3rd) at the Sisson Building/Senior Center (4217 SW Oregon), so if you have questions/concerns, bring them!
If your New Year’s resolutions include learning new skills – we’re spotlighting interesting classes coming up in early 2018. Including this one, announced by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary:
Suddenly In Command
Sunday, January 7, 2018, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.A class for the inexperienced boater to prepare you for an emergency situation on board and what to do if something were to happen to the “skipper.” Free and open to the public! Taught by volunteers from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Venue: West Seattle Library meeting room. 2306 42nd Ave SW. To sign up and for more information, go to our registration page or email flotillatwentyfour@gmail.com
A man reported to be in his 60s is being taken to Harborview Medical Center after his motorcycle collided with a car in The Junction. The crash blocked the northbound lanes of California SW at SW Oregon but the scene is likely to be clear shortly, as a tow truck is there now (see image above from SDOT camera). So far the man’s injuries are not reported to be life-threatening.
3:25 PM: With less than an hour until nightfall, we don’t know how good the viewing will be, but we’re sharing the news that orcas are headed southbound in our direction, last seen off Bainbridge Island. Kersti Muul sent the tip that they’d been seen from the Shilshole vicinity, and we just checked Orca Network, where a tipster saw them off mid-Bainbridge [map] – closer to that side than this one, so if you go looking, take good binoculars!
4:22 PM: As it gets dark, one Orca Network commenter reports one male orca is visible from Constellation Park (just south of Alki Point), still southbound. Maybe we’ll see whales northbound in the morning! Let us know any time you see one (or more) off West Seattle – text or voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!
5 PM UPDATE: In what was originally reported as a case of mail theft – the mail WAS taken, but by a neighbor who meant well.
10:20 AM: Having water-pressure trouble – or no water – near Lincoln Park? The photo shows the scene of a water break at Lincoln Park Way and 47th SW. It’s from Kersti, one of several people who have contacted us to let us know about the problem. Seattle Public Utilities has been alerted. (Any time you have a water problem – low pressure, no pressure, discoloration, etc. – the hotline to call is 206-386-1800.)
10:40 AM: Just talked with SPU spokesperson Andy Ryan. He says the break is in an 8-inch cast-iron water main, and there’s no estimated time for repairs yet, but they’re working on it. It’s affecting about 32 “services” – a “service” can have multiple customers, and those affected by this include nearby retirement center The Kenney. Three hydrants are affected, too.
2:03 PM: We just stopped by the scene (photos added above and below). The crew tells us it could be another “two to three hours” because once they finish repairing the line, they’ll have to flush it.
3:34 PM: Commenter SA reports the water’s back on.
(Barrow’s Goldeneye, photographed by Mark Wangerin. PS – today’s the Christmas Bird Count)
Second-to-last day of 2017. From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide, here are a few ways to spend it:
SOUND STEPS WALKING PROGRAM: Scheduled for a 10 am walk at Camp Long – our listing explains how to confirm with the organizer. (5200 35th SW)
SEE THE LIGHTS: The displays/shows in the Holiday Guide (where you’ll find times and addresses) are ending soon; West Seattle Lights‘ finale is the soonest, New Year’s Eve, while the Menashe Family Lights run through January 2nd.
TRIBUTE TO TRIO: One more 30th-anniversary tribute to the collaboration of Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt. 8 pm-11 pm at Parliament Tavern. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
WEST END GIRLS: A DRAG EXTRAVAGANZA – Doors 8 pm, show 9 pm at The Skylark. Lineup and ticket link are here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SING IT: Karaoke at Talarico’s in The Junction, 10 pm-1 am. 21+. (4718 California SW)
On the second day of 2018 City Council meetings, the Planning, Land Use, and Zoning Committee will take on the “neighborhood parking reform” proposal. We first wrote about it in mid-November, when the proposed changes to parking policy were released by the office of then-Mayor Tim Burgess. Wednesday’s 9:30 am committee meeting will bring the first official briefing for, and discussion by, councilmembers, according to the agenda circulated today, which includes this map:
The map (also viewable here, in PDF) shows areas of the city where the proposal would lead to reduction or elimination of parking requirements (see the legend at the bottom of the map, explaining the color coding). The proposal enables this by expanding the definition of “frequent transit service” to cover more areas. You can read a relatively short summary in this agenda attachment, or the long version in the “director’s report” here. Along with the change in parking requirements, it also lays out the rules for “flexible-use” and “shared” parking, intended to increase usage of what the city says is underutilized offstreet parking that already exists, or will be built, and it would require rental properties’ owners to “unbundle” parking so that renters who don’t want it aren’t required to pay for it. There are also some changes in requirements/allowances for car-sharing and bicycle parking, and also a provision to close a loophole that some said was leading to parking stalls that were too small to use – it would “require that non-required parking for residential and live-work uses meet the existing minimum size standards for parking spaces” (currently, the standards only apply to required parking). The full 138-page bill is here.
HOW TO COMMENT: This meeting isn’t scheduled to include a vote. But you can comment on this, or any other, proposed legislation by e-mailing and/or calling councilmembers – this page includes all that information, as well as details of which councilmembers are on which committees – our area’s Councilmember Lisa Herbold is a member of the PLUZ committee that will start this proposal’s review Wednesday.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Those Seattle Parks vehicles are the only hint you’ll see in the 1300 block of Alki Avenue SW that there’s a slide behind one of the residential buildings across the street. We got a tip tonight (thank you!) about the slide. The Parks crews explained that it’s on a city-owned slope, and they are trying to access it to assess what’s happened. (The tipster said it was affecting one building’s rear entry but we weren’t able to get a look.) Parks says it’s the same area as a past slide; our archives show one in the same block in November of last year.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON: By daylight, here’s how the slide aftermath looks from a nearby building’s driveway:
Family and friends are mourning a beloved member of the West Seattle community. We’ve learned that Dotty Hughes died on Tuesday.
Many knew her as the longtime manager of the Washington Federal branch north of The Junction. She had been with the company for more than 20 years; her staff at the branch told us she had been planning to retire soon.
Ms. Hughes was also long active in the community, including involvement with organizations including the Rotary Club of West Seattle and the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. And a longtime friend who contacted us about Ms. Hughes’ passing remembers her as “one of the most thoughtful, kind, and loving souls I knew.”
We hope to have more information soon, including memorial details; we are told that arrangements are being handled through Dignity Memorial.
You’ll soon see that poster around West Seattle – it’s the official poster for the West Seattle Art Walk first-quarter dates (first Thursdays as usual – January 11, February 8, March 8), featuring art by George Perrou. Every quarter, there’s also a venue map/list, of retailers, galleries, restaurants, etc. that agree to be open late that night while hosting an artist and/or offering food/drink specials to make it a more-memorable night for folks out exploring West Seattle. Wherever you are on the peninsula, there’s still time to get on that list for the first-quarter Art Walk nights if you do it here no later than New Year’s Eve (Sunday)!
The photo and report are from West Seattle High School boys-basketball head coach Keffrey Fazio, whose team is celebrating a tournament championship:
The West Seattle HS boys basketball team won the 2017 Sterling Holiday Basketball Tournament yesterday with a 56-40 win over the Squalicum Storm. The tournament was a three-day event, and all games were played at Kennedy HS [Burien].
Tuesday, December 26th, in the first round of the tourney, the Wildcats beat Lindbergh (Renton) 76-24. Junior forward Abdullahi Mohamed powered the Cats with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Wednesday, the second round game, the opponent was the Woodinville Falcons. WSHS came away with another win, 64-40. Senior guard Elijah Nnanabu and sophomore point guard Marcus Collins both scored double figures.
Thursday, the tournament final, as mentioned above, WSHS over Squalicum. Senior guard Simon Harris scored 13 points, and tournament MVP Elijah Nnanabu scored 15 points.
The Wildcats record now sits at 7-3 overall, and 3-2 in league play. Next game for WSHS is a home contest vs. Franklin (8-0) on Tuesday, January 2 at 7:30 pm.
Do those books look familiar? Lost? Stolen and dumped? Or? Joy sent the photo, noting, “These books were in Bay 2 shelter at Junction” when she was there late this morning. We just drove by a few minutes ago and they are still there, on the bench in the covered shelter on the south side of SW Alaska just west of California SW.
(WSB photo from Wednesday)
If you were traveling along the SW Genesee hill between Avalon and Delridge earlier this week, you might have noticed that startling sight – two flipped cars alongside a residential building on the north side of the street. Several who missed our original coverage have asked what happened. We published this story late Christmas Eve about the first crash there, after several hours of snow; about two hours later, the second crash happened, as reported by commenters – including the second car’s driver. No injuries, so no SFD callout for the second crash; the owner of that car told us today that their insurance company arranged for its removal last night. As of less than an hour ago, though, the first car is still there.
One month after the final election results certified West Seattleite Mitzi Johanknecht‘s election as the next King County Sheriff, she will take the oath of office next Tuesday. Today’s advisory from the Sheriff’s Office says the public is welcome to attend the ceremony, 11 am Tuesday (January 2nd) in room E-942 at the King County Courthouse downtown (516 3rd Avenue). As noted in the announcement:
Johanknecht is a 32-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office. Throughout her career, she served in various leadership positions in every division throughout the Sheriff’s Office. Johanknecht rose to the rank of Major and was the first woman to command the department’s SWAT Team.
In the final vote count, Sheriff-elect Johanknecht defeated incumbent Sheriff John Urquhart with 56.8 percent (283,745 votes) to his 43.2 percent (216,214). Photo: May 2017, White Center Now coverage of North Highline Unincorporated Area Council
You might recall seeing that photo of a Canada goose and gosling here on WSB last April – one of many beautiful bird (and sometimes other wildlife) photos contributed by Mark Wangerin. In case you missed it, this photo drew a special honor from a showcase elsewhere – chosen as one of the 2017 top ten Seattle Times Reader Photos of the Year. Mark photographed the geese along Harbor Avenue SW. It was honored in the Northwest Flora and Fauna category. (Thanks to Gary Jones – who also contributes memorable images here – for pointing out Mark’s recognition.)
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