West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STREET ROBBERY: We have heard from several people about this incident in The Junction late today. From Kevin:
At 4:35 p.m. today, I was walking past the alley behind Northwest Art and Frame, near California and Edmunds. I heard a woman’s screams. The woman screamed “they stole my phone, stop them” and I saw three black males, I would estimate between 14 and 18, run south through the alley. The three individuals ran east on Edmunds. The woman was chasing after them and crying and screaming. I took the best photos I could of the three individuals as they ran by.
I heard from other witnesses that another bystander chased after them, as they ran east on Edmunds. I am not sure if the woman made a report to the police, however. I spoke with the police, gave them my name and showed them the photos. The police were trying to locate the victim.
We were contacted separately, via text, by the person who reported chasing the suspects; they also did not know if anyone was caught, saying, “Several people joined me in chasing them to 40th and Edmunds, where we think they were hiding in a yard. Police took it from there.” we just checked the jail register and the only person booked for robbery since this afternoon is way out of the described age range, so likely not related. We will pursue more details on this Monday, but in case the suspects are still at large, a heads-up seemed in order.
MAILBOX PROWLED: From John:
Thought your readers might want to watch out for this:
It occurred at about 5:20 pm on December 7th. This guy walked up to our front porch, took a quick look in the mailbox (empty) then walked away. We were not at home at the time, but it happened so fast it would not have made any difference anyway. This is in the Genesee area just west of the Junction.
P.S. If you happen to be downtown right now, a reader reports that a shooting investigation at 3rd/4th/Pine has led to the rerouting of the C Line. We don’t know anything else about the incident but thought we’d mention it since we were writing Crime Watch anyway.
(WSB photos/video unless otherwise credited)
5:17 PM: After a late-afternoon stop in South Park, the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship sailed into West Seattle waters by Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) for the first of tonight’s three West Seattle stops.
Emerald City Voices on board. pic.twitter.com/JdDpBsPGL1
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) December 10, 2017
In our short video clip, you hear Emerald City Voices, serenading those on board and ashore. (added) More photos from this stop – first, spectators viewing through the Luna Girls on Alki sculptures:
The Christmas Ship headed downtown to change passengers and singers before its second voyage of the night brings it back to West Seattle – The Dickens Carolers will be on board for the 8:10 pm visit to Lowman Beach Park and the 8:55 pm stop by the Alki Bathhouse.
9:46 PM: We made it to Alki for the final visit of the night – a chattier crowd ashore, and you can even hear the water:
The Dickens Carolers are singing onboard #christmasship pic.twitter.com/SfSKJkDV9c
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) December 10, 2017
(Added) More photos – first, thanks to volunteers and Seattle Parks, treats inside the Bathhouse:
A beach bonfire:
The enduring wish on the stern of the Christmas Ship:
And thanks to Molly Al-Jawad for this photo of the brightest of the 9 boats that accompanied the Christmas Ship to Alki:
Meantime, the Christmas Ship will be back in West Seattle for an encore next Thursday – 9:10 pm at Don Armeni, with The Dickens Carolers.
4:33 PM: Seattle Fire has a “full response” headed for a house in Arbor Heights, in the 9900 block of 37th SW. More to come.
4:49 PM: The log shows most of the SFD units have been dismissed from the call, so it’s not major. We are en route in hopes of finding out.
5 PM: Last SFD crew (Engine 37) left just as we were arriving in the area and the call is officially closed. No one else around to ask but note that 99th is blocked off in the area – looks like downed wires/cables of some kind, on the other side of the yellow “caution” tape.
SUNDAY NOTE: Lynn explains here what happened.
(Everyone helped get 50 chess boards ready for play)
Story and photos by Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog
Since the first West Seattle tournament for elementary students, in 2013, chess has been proving its benefit in area schools. Now West Seattle Elementary has hosted its first state-qualifying tournament.
(Chess Mates coach Jeremy Higgins briefed players and parents about how the tournament would proceed)
The all-day scholastic event today drew 104 participants from schools across the city, including multi-grade teams from Fairmount Park, Lafayette, Alki, Holy Rosary, Genesee Hill, Roxhill, Arbor Heights, and West Seattle elementaries. At the end of the day, Chess Ratings Northwest updated each student’s rating based on performance after five rounds of play. Those who earn high-enough ratings in multiple meets will qualify for the state elementary tournament in April in Pasco, the largest state meet in the country.
West Seattle Elementary introduced chess in 2012. According to teacher Ritchie Garcia, the game of strategy is proving especially helpful for the school’s many English-language learners.
“Chess provides a different way for students who are not yet proficient in English to demonstrate their abilities, especially critical thinking,” he said. “They have the immediate reward of making a smart move and even winning.”
Chess is on the schedule every week in every classroom at the school, plus students can join the after-school chess club.
(Chess play starts early at West Seattle Elementary when younger siblings of players get interested)
Given that many West Seattle Elementary families are recent immigrants, only about a dozen students usually have funding to attend a tournament, Garcia explained. “By hosting, our club members were able to compete for free in a rigorous event and we could offer other students a discount on registration.”
Yes, there’s an air-stagnation advisory … but the still, foggy air also has brought scenes of beauty, like this one photographed by Jim Edwards. (Big thanks to Jim and everyone who has been sharing memorable West Seattle images here for 10 years now.)
12:21 PM: Thanks to everyone who’s messaged about the Admiral/California signal flashing red – a recurring problem lately. We checked with SDOT‘s 24-hour dispatch line (206-386-1218) and they told us, “We’re on it” – took a while because they had to call in a crew. Meantime, remember that a flashing signal means stop all ways!
1:42 PM: Just went through to check; fixed.
Got some spare time this weekend (maybe between cheering for the Sounders today and cheering for the Seahawks tomorrow)? Consider planning a gingerbread house to enter in this first-ever community contest announced by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society:
Come join with us in celebrating the warmth and sweetness of the season!
The Log House Museum, Husky Deli, and Northwest Art & Frame are so excited to bring you a holiday gingerbread house contest! Fill your senses with the smells of spice and gingerbread; spend quality time with family & friends and celebrate the spirit of creativity and imagination with the community.
Completed houses can be dropped off at Husky Deli between December 15th through December 29th. Judging will be held January 6th. There are three categories, each with lovely prizes! No kits please.
The 2017 Theme: “Our Wonderful West Seattle Community”
Go to loghousemuseum.info for online forms and information, or stop by Husky Deli at 4721 California Avenue SW.
P.S. Don’t worry, you’re not expected to build a gingerbread mansion! The rules, including size parameters, are all here.
(Common goldeneye, photographed at Jack Block Park by Mark Wangerin)
Welcome to the weekend! We start with highlights from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
HOLIDAY BAZAAR: 8:30 am-3 pm at DutchBoy Coffee in Highland Park: “Shop for treasures inside the Christmas bus. Local art, vintage bags & accessories, dog fashion, and more.” (1513 SW Holden)
GIVING-TREE DEADLINE AT THE WEST SEATTLE AND FAUNTLEROY YMCAs: Last day to take cards and return them with the requested gifts for the giving trees – more than 1,100 requests this year and every gift matters. (36th/Snoqualmie and 9140 California SW)
TOY-DRIVE DEADLINE: Last day to participate in the Toy ‘n’ Joy Drive at Bartell Drugs stores, partnering with the Salvation Army, collecting new, unwrapped toys. You can donate items, or cash at Bartell registers. Bartell has stores in Admiral (2345 42nd SW) and The Junction (4706 42nd SW).
SANTA PHOTOS: Santa is back at CAPERS in The Junction, 9 am-noon. Donations benefit the West Seattle Food Bank. (4525 California SW)
SANTA AND PANCAKES: Santa photos with a free community pancake breakfast, 9 am-1 pm at John L. Scott in The Junction. (4445 California SW)
SANTA AT THE SCHOOLHOUSE: Santa photos at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 9 am-4 pm: Gail Ann Photography will be taking holiday photos in a living-room scene with Father Christmas. Walk-ins welcome! Bring the family, and the dog, too! Packages start at $30 and 20% of all sales will be donated to the Fauntleroy Community Service Agency. (9131 California SW)
ENDOLYNE CHOIR CONCERT: 11 am at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, as previewed here. DECEMBER 9: Endolyne Children’s Choir “Winter Fantasy” Concert, 11 am at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. Free (suggested donation $5/person, $20/family). (3050 California SW)
SEASONAL SOUNDS ON THE SOUND: Hosted Christmas Ship-viewing party benefiting the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. 3-6:30 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (1727 Harbor SW)
CHRISTMAS SHIP: Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship stops off the shores of West Seattle and South Park!
-3:30-3:50 pm at Duwamish Waterway Park in South Park (7900 10th Ave. S.)
-4:35 to 4:55 pm at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor)
-8:10-8:30 pm at Lowman Beach Park (7017 Beach Dr. SW)
-8:55-9:15 pm at Alki Beach Park (near the Bathhouse, 2701 Alki SW)
Emerald City Voices are aboard for the first two performances, The Dickens Carolers for the second two.
BEFORE AND DURING THE NIGHT’S FINAL CHRISTMAS SHIP STOP: During the Christmas Ship’s Alki visit:
Calling West Seattle families, friends, and neighbors to gather at the Alki Bathhouse for the Argosy Christmas Ship’s annual visit. Enjoy special performances by the Seattle Lutheran High School band and Hope Kid Choir, and join in Christmas caroling accompanied by a live band. Alki Community Center and Seattle Parks Department staff will be on hand to offer hot drinks and cookies.
(60th/Alki)
CELEBRATION OF LOVE AND LIGHT, 5:30-7:30 pm at The Kenney, with harp music, storytelling, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and beverages. “Decorate our tree with your personalized ornaments remembering and honoring those you love. All proceeds benefit The Kenney Foundation Resident Care Fund … Additionally, we have a unique raffle gift of a beautiful antique lace quilt, made by local quilter Judy Pickens, and several paintings to auction by local artist Kathy Johnson.” (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)
BELLS OF THE SOUND AT TIBBETTS: Bells of the Sound handbell choir in concert at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor): This year’s holiday concert is “Peace on Earth,” featuring “traditional carols and songs of peace from around the world.” Come see and hear Puget Sound’s premier handbell ensemble at 7 pm – show and ticket details here. (3940 41st SW)
‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’: Join Twelfth Night Productions for this year’s second performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show.” 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall. Get your ticket(s) online at this Brown Paper Tickets link, or at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)
Now, top options from our year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
ADMIRAL ADOPT-A-STREET CLEANUP: Start your Saturday by devoting some time to clean up the streets in The Admiral District. It’s the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s quarterly Adopt-A-Street cleanup, starting at 9 am – meet at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor), which donates treats before and after the cleanup. (41st/42nd/Admiral)
WEST SEATTLE LINUX USERS GROUP: Back to the regular meeting spot this time, the Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor), 9 am. More info in our calendar listing. (9140 California SW)
SOUTHSIDE REVOLUTION JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY: Season-opening bouts for two of the Southside Revolution teams! 5:15 pm-8:30 pm at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center; more info in our calendar listing. (9646 17th SW)
AFROCOP FT. BILL HORIST: 9 pm psychedelic jazz & groove-based jams at Parliament Tavern. $7 cover, 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
We wish you an awesome Saturday!
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