West Seattle, Washington

19 Friday

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month : 12/2017 316 results

From the ‘in case you wondered too’ file: The flag-bearing marchers
December 2, 2017 12:14 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news

Several people asked us about a group seen “marching” northbound on California, through The Junction and beyond, this morning, carrying a flag and some wearing what at least two observers perceived as military-style garb. One person caught the photo shown above. We caught up with the group north of The Junction; when asked what they were about, they directed us to goruck.com. In addition to selling rucksacks and other gear, the company organizes/facilitates teambuilding-type long-distance walks; its founders include a former Green Beret, and some of its events raise money for the Green Beret Foundation. Thanks again for the tips – on many things, so far today! – 206-293-6302 any time of any day/night.

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FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Trader Joe’s closed because of power outage caused by early morning crash
December 2, 2017 9:11 am
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Triangle | Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle Trader Joe's

9:11 AM: Thanks to everyone who’s texted us about this, reporting that West Seattle Trader Joe’s is closed right now because of a power outage caused by the flipped-car crash we reported early this morning. Angela, whose photo is in our original report, also sent this video:

One person went to the hospital via private ambulance, indicating their injuries were not life-threatening. Meantime, the City Light map says they’re hoping for restoration around 10:30 am – as with all outages, could be sooner, could be later.

9:22 AM: We just went over to the store to find out more. Lots of crews working out front on repairs. A Trader Joe’s staffer tells us they don’t know how long it’ll take – they’ve been warned it could be several hours.

12:05 PM: Still out, per the SCL map and per driving by. No restoration estimate now. Meantime, as noted in comments, SPD classified the crash as a suspected case of DUI.

SUNDAY MORNING NOTE: The SCL outage map shows the power still out. We hope to get over there around 9:30 to verify that the closure is continuing.

10:17 AM: We haven’t made it there yet but multiple reader messages confirm the closure continues.

NOTE: Our Sunday followup is here.

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West Seattle Saturday: Junction Tree Lighting, Night Market, Kiwanis pancake breakfast, Menashe house lights up, more…
December 2, 2017 6:15 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

The first Saturday in December always has a sizable slate of events, and this year it’s even bigger! First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

PANCAKES AND SANTA PHOTOS! Santa photos for kids up to age 10 are part of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s 68th annual pancake breakfast, 7-11 am at Alki Masonic Hall. Tickets are $10 at the door if you didn’t buy yours in advance; kids under 10 eat free with paid adult. **Bring new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots!!** (40th SW/SW Edmunds)

FAUNTLEROY SCHOOLHOUSE HOLIDAY MARKET: The halls are decked with artists and crafters at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse Holiday Market, as previewed here last night. The market continues 9 am-3 pm today. (9131 California SW)

BAZAAR AT THE KENNEY: 10 am-3 pm, shop this year’s holiday bazaar at The Kenney. Handmade items! (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

SANTA PAWS You and your pet(s) are invited to Windermere West Seattle for photos, 10 am-1 pm. (4526 California SW)

NUTCRACKER TEA: 11:30 am-1 pm at Hiawatha Community Center: “Dress up in your favorite ballet outfit and join us for goodies, sweets, and children’s activities during this spectacular tea party kicking off the holiday season.” $5 per person. (2700 California SW)

WYATT’S JEWELERS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: At Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) in Westwood Village, today’s the day for their annual open house, noon-6 pm. Treats and discounts – 20 percent off your entire purchase! (2600 SW Barton)

WESTSIDE HOLIDAY BOOK FAIR: Noon-6 pm Saturday is the first day at Westside Unitarian Congregation:
“Join your neighbors for a holiday book fair featuring new and used books for children and adults. Admission is free and complimentary goodies will be served. This is a great opportunity to buy a book as a special gift or to stock up on books for your own winter reading pleasure!” (7141 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION NIGHT MARKET: 3-7 pm in the street, vendors, treats, and community activities! See the vendor list here. Here are the activity highlights, from West Seattle Junction Association executive director Lora Swift:

We’ll have the Hope Lutheran kids in a booth at the night market helping kids decorate (with markers and jewels) wooden snowflakes. The kids will be encouraged to hang their snowflake on the Christmas tree to show their off their art work! Hope will have hot cocoa to warm little hands.

Westside School will have a booth filled with crafts for our outdoor critters. Stop by to make a peanut butter and pinecone bird feeder. Everyone can have a delicious holiday.

The folks from Darigold will be serving eggnog, watch for them at the night market. Also, we’ll have Whole Foods serving cider and cookies again this year. They will be by the Christmas tree.

(WSB photo of Santa during My Macy’s Holiday Parade eight days ago)

Santa (the Macy’s Santa!) will be tucked into his Santa house listening to gift wishes. Bring your camera or handy cell phone for DIY pictures. Sharing Santa’s tent will be volunteers from WestSide Baby. Everyone is encouraged to bring a pack of diapers to drop off.

Curious Kidstuff has been kind enough to donate 250 glow in the dark necklaces! Come early to get yours! You can pick up your necklace from one of the Junction volunteers.

(SW Alaska between California and 42nd SW)

12 BARS OF CHRISTMAS-WEST SEATTLE, 3 pm start. See the list of bars/times, and how to get your wristband, via our calendar listing. (Starts at Beveridge Place Pub, 6413 California SW)

SEE THE MENASHE FAMILY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS GO ON! The Menashe Family Lights are the biggest and brightest display in West Seattle. You’re invited to be there for the ceremony to turn them on, between 4 and 4:30 today. (5605 Beach Drive SW)

TREVOR RAS HOLIDAY SINGALONG: It’s a holiday music event and a West Seattle Food Bank fundraiser, 4-6 pm at C & P Coffee Company. (5612 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION TREE LIGHTING: 5 pm at Junction Plaza Park, be there for music and good cheer in this year’s tree-lighting ceremony, hosted by Sundae + Mr. Goessl, with music by Endolyne Children’s Choir and The Silver Belles. (42nd SW/SW Alaska)

TIBBETTS COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARTY, 5-7 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor). Decorate gingerbread, eat Christmas cookies, make crafts – bring your friends and family! Chili with cornbread muffins and a spiced vegan lentil soup. All free. (3940 41st SW)

GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST, 5-7 pm at West Seattle Christian Church. Cookie decorating, photo backdrop, Christmas games, ornament exchange, hot-chocolate bar, finger food, dessert. The kit to build and decorate a gingerbread house is $10. All welcome! (42nd SW/SW Genesee)

WEST SEATTLE ALTERNATIVE GIVING FAIR First session is 6-8:30 pm tonight in the Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church: “Make a difference through a different way of giving at the second annual West Seattle Alternative Giving Fair. A total of 19 proven non-profits are expected to be there, explaining what they do and welcoming donations in lieu of giving more stuff for Christmas, birthdays, and other occasions.” See the list here. (9140 California SW)

HOLIDAY CAST PARTY: Continuing tonight, it’s ArtsWest’s Holiday Cast Party, 7:30 pm, hosted by Mathew Wright. (4711 California SW)

And from our year-round West Seattle Event Calendar and news previews:

SEATTLE JAM BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: 8 am to 5 pm, first day of the annual wheelchair-basketball tournament at the West Seattle High School Gym. Free admission. (3000 California SW)

EXPLORER WEST OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-11:30 pm, Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) welcomes prospective families to come visit. (10015 28th SW)

WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIE: 6:30 pm doors open, 7 pm film, “The Lost Art of Good Conversation” at Neighborhood House High Point. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

AT PARLIAMENT TAVERN: 9 pm, “Seattle rock made by grownups,” with Young Pioneers, Llama, Transient Songs. $6 cover. 21+ (4210 SW Admiral Way)

HOUSE ON THE MOVE TONIGHT: As we’ve been reporting, the old “log house” at California/Findlay is scheduled to be moved overnight tonight to its new home in the Admiral area. It’s scheduled to be on the road sometime after 11 pm, using California SW most of the way.

There’s a LOT more on the calendar! See it all here.

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Crash at Fauntleroy/Alaska
December 2, 2017 2:38 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Triangle | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

If you have to head out, avoid Fauntleroy/Alaska for a while. Though no major injuries are reported, a flipped-car crash there has raised some safety concerns because of a leak from the car. (Thanks to Angela for the photo.)

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BASKETBALL: Another 40+-point victory margin for West Seattle HS girls
December 2, 2017 1:39 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Photos by Max Westerman for WSB)

West Seattle High School‘s #32 Meghan Fiso starred in Friday night’s 78-36 victory over Nathan Hale, which sent the Wildcats out to a 2-0 start, both wins by a margin of more than 40 points. Fiso racked up 30 points to lead the team.

#4 Kelsey Lenzie was next with 13 points, and #11 Jasmine Gayles with 10.

#20 Grace Sarver and #5 Rilcy Newsome contributed 8 points each. WSHS’s next two games are on the road (here’s the season schedule).

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BASKETBALL: West Seattle HS boys win again, this time against last year’s state-champion team
December 2, 2017 1:15 am
|    Comments Off on BASKETBALL: West Seattle HS boys win again, this time against last year’s state-champion team
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

In boys-varsity basketball at West Seattle High School Friday night, the Wildcats scored a big win over the defending state champions, Nathan Hale, and are now off to a 2-0 start.

On the way to their 70-47 win, the West Seattle boys were led by #5 Abdullahi Mohamed and #2 Elijah Nnanabu, with 14 points each, followed by #23 Anthony Giomi and #24 Simon Harris with 10 each. (Full stats here.)

The Wildcats’ next three games are on the road (see the schedule here).

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WEST SEATTLE SHORES: King tides ahead, following ‘supermoon’
December 1, 2017 11:06 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SHORES: King tides ahead, following ‘supermoon’
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(December 2012 at Alki, when king tides combined with ‘storm surge’ conditions)

The extra-high high tides known as king tides are returning, starting next week, after the “supermoon” full moon that you’ll see (as clouds permit!) this weekend. Nothing catastrophic is forecast so far – high tides plus stormy weather can be problematic, but fairly calm weather is expected so far. Still, for those who like to track these things:

Tuesday, December 5 – 12.8 high tide at 6:32 am
Wednesday, December 6 – 12.9 high tide at 7:23 am
Thursday, December 7 – 12.9 high tide at 8:14 am

In January, the king tides will rise even higher – over 13 feet on January 3, 4, and 5. Again, without accompanying stormy weather (as was the case in December 2012), they’re generally little more than a rising/falling curiosity, but worthy of note just the same.

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HOLIDAY GIFTS: 2 unique ways to shop in Fauntleroy on Saturday – market @ schoolhouse; Alternative Giving Fair @ church
December 1, 2017 8:34 pm
|    Comments Off on HOLIDAY GIFTS: 2 unique ways to shop in Fauntleroy on Saturday – market @ schoolhouse; Alternative Giving Fair @ church
 |   Fauntleroy | Holidays | West Seattle news

Two unique ways to shop for holiday gifts in Fauntleroy tomorrow, right across the street from each other:

FAUNTLEROY SCHOOLHOUSE HOLIDAY MARKET: This continues 9 am-3 pm Saturday in the halls of the historic schoolhouse at 9131 California SW; we stopped by tonight to see what the artists and crafters are offering. We found everything from knit caps to Sophisticated Slime:

That’s Jordyn, who makes the “slime,” which is something like Silly Putty – something to keep your hands busy, at the very least. $4 for 4 ounces, with color, glitter, and/or scent added at no extra charge. Then down at the end of the south hallway, we found Tab with Fun Times Too – a variety of found items converted into clocks:

Only place you’re going to find a bowling-bag clock, among other things, Tab assured us. Those are just two of the vendors – lots more at the schoolhouse, 9 am-3 pm tomorrow. Then across the street at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) on Saturday evening, 6-8:30 pm, and Sunday between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm, it’s the West Seattle Alternative Giving Fair – where you can give to local nonprofits on behalf of those on your gift-giving list. Here’s who you’ll find:

Thanks to Judy Pickens for providing the list. Those are just two of many holiday-season events around West Seattle this weekend – see many more in our frequently updated Holiday Guide!

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Husky Deli celebrates 85 years in business @ Holiday Open House
December 1, 2017 6:40 pm
|    Comments Off on Husky Deli celebrates 85 years in business @ Holiday Open House
 |   Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Jack Miller‘s legendary Husky Deli isn’t just having its annual Holiday Open House tonight – this is also the deli’s 85th anniversary.

And of course it’s the visitors who are getting the gifts, sampling the famous fare of the West Seattle Junction deli, founded by Miller’s grandfather in 1932. As the open house continues until 9 pm, you’ll also be serenaded:

If you are a brand-new arrival and don’t know the deli’s address yet … 4721 California SW.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Street-robbery suspect charged
December 1, 2017 6:21 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The 18-year-old suspected in two Thanksgiving-night robberies in The Junction is now charged in one of them. Abdi K. Jama is charged with second-degree robbery, accused of throwing a woman to the ground and making off with her purse, working with two juvenile accomplices. The three also are accused of robbing the Junction 7-11 earlier in the evening, in both cases claiming they had a gun, though none was seen and none was found after their arrests.

According to the police narrative accompanying the charging document, the victim, who is not a West Seattle resident, was dropped off at California/Alaska at 11 pm Thanksgiving night to catch a bus home. She first noticed the three suspects across the street watching her; two crossed the street, including Jama, and the one with him grabbed her purse strap. When she tried to resist, that suspect said, “Just let it happen,” and then, “I don’t want to shoot you.” They both kept tugging at the strap until finally it broke and the victim fell to the ground, at which point they ran off northbound, with the victim in chase until she spotted a police car that had happened by. That officer, patrolling the area, had seen what was happening, sounded his siren, and notified other officers by radio. He lost sight of the suspects by 44th and Oregon, and with other officers searching, he went back to check on the victim. One juvenile suspect was found in a bus shelter near the original robbery scene, with the victim’s purse and items that had been in it. A K-9 team found Jama and the other juvenile suspect in an alley nearby.

Jama, who lives in West Seattle, has no criminal record, and his bail was set at $5,000; he was out on bond within two days. When filing this charge, prosecutors requested a warrant be issued with his bail increased to $50,000. According to the document on file, Judge Catherine Moore declined, and bail remains at $5,000. No online information is available about the juvenile suspects’ status so we don’t know if either or both has been charged.

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FOLLOWUP: Church’s rezone request for Morgan Junction townhouse project moves up to next Monday’s City Council meeting
December 1, 2017 4:09 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(WSB file photo)

The West Seattle Church of the Nazarene‘s requested rezone for a six-townhouse project on its unofficial “park” space has moved up a week on the City Council‘s calendar. When the Planning, Land Use, and Zoning Committee voted on it this past Monday, they said it would go to the full Council for a final vote on December 11th, but instead, it’s on the December 4th agenda that just arrived. This is the project with a complication – though it’s been in the works for four years, long before the HALA Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) program was launched, the city says the project should be subject to MHA, which means either a $200,000-ish fee or setting aside two of the townhouses as “affordable.” The church was hoping for a waiver but the councilmembers who voted last Monday did not grant one. The land in question at 5911 42nd SW currently is zoned for three single-family houses; the church had been offering to preserve part of the open space as part of an agreement accompanying the upzone request. Next Monday’s meeting is at 2 pm at City Hall downtown.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another stolen car recovered, with arrests
December 1, 2017 3:15 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Gatewood | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Thanks to the texter who tipped us to this: Police have recovered another stolen car, and arrested 2 suspects. This time, it ended in a Gatewood apartment parking area, on SW Orchard just east of California [map]; the silver Acura above is the stolen car. SPD tells us an officer spotted it being driven nearby and pulled the driver over after verifying the car was stolen. They were still on scene awaiting a tow truck to impound the car. We don’t know anything about the suspects yet but will be watching the jail register.

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BIZNOTE: The Escape Artist opening next week in West Seattle Junction
December 1, 2017 2:02 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Five months after we first reported on Kristine Atri’s plan for West Seattle’s first “escape room” venue, The Escape Artist, she says its opening is just days away. It’s opening in what were three vacant spaces spanning both floors, and both sides of the ground-level breezeway, of the commercial building at 4517 California SW. “Escape rooms” offer scenarios where you pay for the experience of solving puzzles to “escape” from some sort of simulated danger or problem, and as Kristine told us last summer, she is opening The Escape Artist after becoming a big fan of such experiences herself. Depending on how next week’s final inspection goes, the first day in business will be either Tuesday or Wednesday.

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SATURDAY NIGHT MOVE: Final preps for transporting California/Findlay ‘log house’ to its new West Seattle home
December 1, 2017 12:17 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

Tomorrow is the big night – we confirmed today that Nickel Bros is still on track to move the 5458 California SW “log house” to its new home starting late Saturday night. Their crews are on site again today making final preparations.

As announced back in March, the house is being moved to a new location in Admiral. The owners of the California/Findlay site were originally going to demolish it to make way for six live-work units, but Nickel Bros got permission to offer the house for sale/move – their specialty – and it all worked out.

It will be taken directly up California SW most of the way, starting some time after 11 pm Saturday night, continuing into early Sunday morning. It should be quite a sight, as was the last on-the-road house move we covered, in 2010 (which involved two hours of travel time to get from The Junction to Admiral). We will of course cover this as it happens, so if you’re up late/early, check in!

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West Seattle Friday: ‘Light Up the Night,’ shop, taste, listen, more!
December 1, 2017 10:41 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: ‘Light Up the Night,’ shop, taste, listen, more!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Decorations at West Seattle High School, photographed after we covered a basketball game earlier this week)

From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

HOLIDAY MARKET: 4-8 pm, it’s the start of this year’s Fauntleroy Schoolhouse Holiday Market. Come see who’s selling what in the historic schoolhouse. (9131 California SW)

LAFAYETTE CRAFT AND BOOK FAIR: Support a school while doing some holiday shopping tonight! It’s the annual Lafayette Elementary School Holiday Craft & Book Fair by Scholastic, 5-7 pm. “Come shop, visit with friends, and celebrate the season of giving!” (2645 California SW)

FIRST NIGHT FOR WEST SEATTLE YULETIDE: Music-synched lights east of The Junction. 5:30-9 pm – more schedule info here. (38th Ave SW between Genesee and Dakota)

HUSKY DELI OPEN HOUSE: Get a taste of the holidays at the annual Husky Deli Open House in The Junction, 6-9 pm. (4721 California SW)

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish & School invites you to help “Light Up the Night”:

There will be caroling and the lighting up of the grounds. People will be invited to a cookie and hot beverage reception in the Walmesley Center (gym) after the grounds are lit. There will be crafts for children. We ask that people bring non-perishable food items for the St. Vincent de Paul food bank.
with Christmas caroling, hot chocolate, and of course, the ceremony to turn on the lights on the church grounds!

Bring your food donation(s) to the sleigh in the Walmesley Center. 7 pm. (35th SW/SW Myrtle)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Both West Seattle High School teams play Nathan Hale at home tonight – 7 pm girls, 8:30 boys. (3000 California SW)

HOLIDAY CAST PARTY: ArtsWest‘s Holiday Cast Party opens tonight, 7:30 pm. See the nightly lineup in our calendar listing and check for ticket availability. (4711 California SW)

And from our year-round West Seattle Event Calendar:

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY: At South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), 11 am-3 pm:

South Seattle College and the TRiO Educational Opportunity Center are hosting an educational opportunity drop in event for both South students, their friends and family, and community members! Come receive one-on-one assistance with FAFSA and discuss degree and certificate programs, high school completion, English language programs, apprenticeships and more! No appointment necessary!

(6000 16th SW)

WORDS, WRITERS, WEST SEATTLE: David B. Williams and Jennifer Ott are the featured authors at this month’s Southwest Seattle Historical Society-presented reading/signing event at Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village, 5-7 pm. Here’s their video invitation, courtesy of the SWSHS:

Their book tells the amazing story behind Seattle’s Ship Canal. (2600 SW Barton)

CORNER BAR: Highland Park Improvement Club‘s monthly pop-up bar is tonight, starting at 6 pm, featuring The Black Tones performing starting at 8 pm, all ages until 9 pm. (1116 SW Holden)

BOOK SIGNING: Drew Bensen reads from and signs the book he co-authored, 7-10 pm at Inner Alchemy. (7354 35th SW)

AT KENYON HALL: Laura Love, Terry Hunt, and Orville Johnson, 7:30 tonight. Check to see if reservations are still available! (7904 35th SW)

AT PARLIAMENT TAVERN: Christy McWilson + The West Seattle 2, The Riffbrokers, Jasper Tollefson. “Americana folk and rock.” 9 pm. $8 cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

Got something for our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Please send the info as early as you can! editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

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BIZNOTE: Srivilai Thai Cuisine now open in West Seattle
December 1, 2017 9:12 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

The photos are from the proprietors of Srivilai Thai Cuisine, who sent word late last night that the restaurant is now open at 3247 California SW (where Blackboard Bistro closed in August): “We won’t have our signage in place until Wednesday of next week, but everyone is welcome to stop by and have Thai food, beer and wine nonetheless.”

As we reported in September, they plan to serve lunch and dinner 7 days a week, phone number 206-257-5171.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates; weekend alerts
December 1, 2017 7:12 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates; weekend alerts
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:12 AM: Good morning. No incidents in/from West Seattle so far this Friday morning.

SATURDAY STREET CLOSURE: The West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Night Market and Tree Lighting will close SW Alaska between California and 42nd tomorrow, approximately 2-8 pm (the Night Market runs 3-7, the Tree Lighting in Junction Plaza Park is at 5). This means Metro reroutes, too, for the 22, 50, 128, and C Line – the reroute docs are all linked from this page.

9:20 AM: Tipster says the Admiral/California signal is blinking again. Please remember that means it’s an all-way stop! (And thanks as always for tips throughout the day/night, especially via our 24/7 hotline at 206-293-6302, text or voice.)

10:12 AM: Dave tells us an SDOT crew has just fixed the signal.

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