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year : 2018 3707 results

District 1 Community Network to be created, for ‘bigger voice’
December 10, 2018 10:08 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

One year into her term, Mayor Jenny Durkan hasn’t clarified what kind of relationship she wants to have with neighborhood groups – particularly what remains of the neighborhood-district-council system the previous elected mayor tried to dismantle.

So some have decided to not waste any more time waiting to see what Durkan might decide to do.

Members of West Seattle’s two neighborhood-district councils, Southwest and Delridge – which have remained active despite the loss of city support – are joining forces with community leaders from South Park to form the District 1 Community Network.

That working title emerged at a recent gathering that explored that idea of “getting together on issues that affect the whole peninsula,” not just specific-neighborhood-based, as described by Amanda Sawyer of the Junction Neighborhood Organization, co-chair of the SW District Council.

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Tonight’s lights: On the fence in Alki
December 10, 2018 8:11 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Many Christmas-light displays use fences. Few are as creative as this one. So tonight we feature the lights on this fence along SW Admiral Way in Alki, east of 63rd SW. (Got a suggestion for other lights to showcase? Send us the location! Photos welcome but not mandatory – if you don’t have one, we’ll take one. Scroll through our archives here to see what we’ve shown already.)

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DEVELOPMENT: 18-townhouse plan at 5242 California SW returns to Southwest Design Review Board next month
December 10, 2018 7:14 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

The Southwest Design Review Board finally has something on its calendar: A January 24th meeting is penciled in for the second and possibly final review of an 18-townhouse project, 9 units at 5242 California SW and 9 next door at 5248 California SW. The “early design guidance” meeting for the project was in November of last year. This project would replace a fenced-off vacant strip mall; separate residential projects are planned for the two restaurant sites to its south, but they’re not part of this review. The SWDRB meeting is planned for 6:30 pm January 24 at the Senior Center/Sisson Building (4217 SW Oregon).

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Couple threatened with gun in North Admiral
December 10, 2018 4:14 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

We received a few questions about an early Saturday morning full-code police response in Admiral. We matched it to an incident number that accompanied a Tweets by Beat listing described as “assaults, firearm involved,” but there was no related medical call. So we requested the report today. Below is the police narrative. The victims’ names were redacted, so we refer to them as A and B:

(A) and (B) are boyfriend/girlfriend and currently homeless; they live inside their 1995 Honda Accord, which is registered to someone else. (West Seattle patrol officers have contacted the couple in the vehicle in previous occasions.)

On 12-08-18, at approx 0210 hrs., (A) was operating the Honda, with (B) in the front seat. He had been traveling northbound on California Ave SW and made a left turn onto westbound SW Seattle St. He pulled over curbside in a posted no-parking-anytime zone. (He) was going to retrieve some items from the trunk and then park there to sleep for the night. Before he had a chance to exit the Honda, the unknown suspect approached and arrived at the Honda from the east, opened up the driver’s side door and stuck a silver-tone handgun in (A’s) face. The startled (A) pushed the suspect’s arm away, but the suspect stuck the handgun in (his) face a second time. At the same time, while the suspect was mumbling incoherently,
(redacted) and (redacted) were yelling. The suspect stepped back, slammed the driver’s door shut and then walked off with a large creme-color dog, in an eastbound direction across the intersection. On the NE corner of that intersection is the Villa Andora Apartments … The suspect was last seen walking into the alley behind the apartment building.

(A) drove away from the scene and called 911. He stopped at (a business parking lot a few blocks south) to wait for officers. … Upon my arrival, I spoke with the couple and obtained the above account. (A) surmised that the unknown suspect possibly did not want to see homeless people in the neighborhood. (He) described the encounter as the suspect pointing the handgun within inches of his face. I confirmed with both (that) they were not injured. It is unknown if they would be able to identify the suspect if seen again. A search of the area was made; the suspect was not located.

If you have any information, the incident # is 18-457416.

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DEVELOPMENT: Another self-storage project on the way
December 10, 2018 3:35 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Is this the flip side of the small-apartment boom? Now there’s a third self-storage project on the drawing boards in West Seattle. We’ve already reported on two in the works for Harbor Avenue SW; this one is proposed for 6045 West Marginal Way SW, at a site that currently holds a landscaping-materials yard and has been on the market for five months. The proposal says the building will be four stories, approximately 109,700 square feet, with 16 parking spaces. Documents suggest the prospective operator is StorQuest, which has only one facility in this region right now, in Federal Way.

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Ferry fight: Vashon residents plan to pack task-force meeting Wednesday in West Seattle
December 10, 2018 1:28 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Fauntleroy ferry dock, October)

The Washington State Ferries Triangle Route Task Force has been meeting for more than a year in relative serenity. But its next meeting, this Wednesday (December 12), is expected to draw a crowd.

The all-volunteer committee was originally launched almost two years ago to consider potential solutions to the problems that plague the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run, particularly during peak pm outbound periods, backing up traffic along Fauntleroy Way some days, while boats leave without full loads.

The task force’s current focus is on the first major change in the route’s schedule in years. WSF says a change is necessary for a variety of reasons, including an upcoming increase in capacity on the route’s assigned vessels, and faster growth on the west end of the route. After several task-force discussions, the ferry system published and sought comment on a draft revised schedule. But a Vashon citizens’ group is unhappy with the proposal – saying it has a better idea that’s been ignored – and it’s calling for a big show of island residents – and anyone else interested – at Wednesday’s meeting, set for 4:30-7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). The schedule change is currently planned to take effect in March.

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West Seattle restaurants: Baja Taco reopens in Jefferson Square
December 10, 2018 11:43 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thanks to Marisa for the tip. After a days-long closure, Baja Taco has reopened in Jefferson Square, under new ownership (but apparently the same staff). We don’t know exactly how long it was closed after the planned shutdown at the end of November – Marisa’s tip came in yesterday; we went right over to check but it was closed, so we went back today, and found it open.

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West Seattle holidays: 3 weeks to New Year’s Eve!
December 10, 2018 11:11 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle holidays: 3 weeks to New Year’s Eve!
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Our West Seattle Holiday Guide rolls on through New Year’s Day … and that includes New Year’s Eve.

December 31st is only three weeks away, so we’re sending out the call – if your venue/group is having a public NYE event in West Seattle/White Center/South Park, be sure we know about it so we can get it into the guide! Just send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – we have a few already, but are ready to add more. And of course we’re still adding Christmas-season events too, from shopping events to light shows to church services, and beyond.

Thanks to everyone who’s contributed to the guide as the one-stop local list of what’s up during the most festive of all seasons!

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What’s up on your West Seattle Monday
December 10, 2018 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on What’s up on your West Seattle Monday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Great Blue Heron, photographed in Lincoln Park by Mark Ahlness, shared via the WSB Flickr group)

Here are highlights as the week begins, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

LAST DAY! Northwest Insurance Group (WSB sponsor) is collecting new, unwrapped toys in their office – today’s the final day!

“We are accepting new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Please stop by and see our beautiful tree and leave a gift for the kids. We would love to visit with you.” (5431 California SW)

WALK WITH SOUNDSTEPS: Weekly Lincoln Park walk – meet at 10 am at the south end of the north parking lot. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

LIBRARYLAB: Learn how to paint and sculpt on the iPad. 4-7 pm at Delridge Library. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

COOKIE-DECORATING CLASS AT SALTY’S: 6-8 pm, cookie decorating at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) – reservation required; details are in our calendar listing. (1936 Harbor SW)

EVENING BOOK GROUPS: Two tonight! Both meet at 6:45 pm. At Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), this month’s book is “The Tusk that Did the Damage” by Tania James; at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), this month’s book is “Brick Lane” by Monica Ali.

FREE TRIVIA: All ages, 7:30 pm, at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch
December 10, 2018 7:15 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

7:15 AM: No traffic incidents or transit alerts reported for our area so far.

FOOTBALL TONIGHT: Stadium zone alert – the Seahawks play the Vikings, 5:15 pm tonight.

8:24 AM: Stalled vehicle blocking 1 eastbound lane on the bridge by Delridge.

9 AM: Trouble on NB 99 – Seneca closed at 1st for “energency utility repairs.” Metro is rerouting.

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West Seattle restaurants: Looks like Agave Cocina is expanding to The Junction
December 9, 2018 9:11 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thanks for the tip that activity’s been sighted in the empty-almost-7-months ex-Fresh Bistro space on the ground floor of Mural (4727 42nd SW). That’s led to a discovery in city permit files: A site plan for a new restaurant called Agave. Same company that has Mexican restaurants on Queen Anne and on the Eastside? The city file says yes. We’ll be following up to find out more.

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West Seattle Christmas lights: May the inflatables be with you
December 9, 2018 8:53 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Out scouting Christmas lights, we noticed these decorations in North Admiral. Not the biggest and brightest, but, well, the “Star Wars”-iest, with R2D2 on the left and BB8 on the right, and another droid on the ornament in front of R2:

If these ARE the droids you’re looking for, you can see them on 44th SW, south of SW Atlantic.

Got a Christmas lights/decorations sighting? Let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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1 extricated after crash on West Marginal Way SW
December 9, 2018 7:47 pm
|    Comments Off on 1 extricated after crash on West Marginal Way SW
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Thanks for the tip about a crash this past hour in the 6500 block of West Marginal Way SW (map). Seattle Fire reports extricating one person from a wrecked vehicle; its units have since all cleared the scene.

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West Seattle holiday scene: Gift-basket-bidding and more @ 10th annual St. Nicholas Faire
December 9, 2018 5:16 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle holiday scene: Gift-basket-bidding and more @ 10th annual St. Nicholas Faire
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

5:16 PM: You have until 7:30 pm to get to the only holiday shopping-bazaar-and-then-some of its kind – the St. Nicholas Faire at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (just north of The Junction). There’s a small admission charge because this is also a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank and West Seattle Helpline. The star attraction: Almost 200 gift baskets created by volunteers, and donated gift cards – the baskets address all kinds of themes and interests, from gardening to sports to kid stuff …

Bake-sale items too. And your admission includes free treats (we hear they’re dishing up some Italian food). More photos to come. The church is at 4105 California SW and if you’re driving, there’s a parking lot in back.

ADDED: FLCWS pastor Rev. Ron Marshall emceed as usual, encouraging attendees to “bid high, bid often”:

The “Tree of Ornaments” was a new feature:

Congratulations to all the winning bidders!

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Reader reports: Mistakenly taken items; misdelivered package
December 9, 2018 4:23 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

Two reader reports – maybe you can help:

MISTAKENLY TAKEN ITEMS? From Laurie, on behalf of a friend in High Point:

If you stopped by 3209 SW Juneau today to take free items in front of the house and went into the garage and took our Christmas boxes we really want them back!! Those are very special family items. The garage was not open to take items. It would really be appreciated if they could be returned. Nutcrackers, decor and a manger. Please call 206-948-0505 if you have any information.

MISDELIVERED PACKAGE: Know someone who got a package they weren’t expecting? Lindsay had a “special Christmas gift” sent to 4109 47th Avenue South. Unfortunately, “tracking shows it was delivered to 4109 47th Ave SW” this past Friday. Even more unfortunately – there is no such address. Lindsay is working with the delivery company but they’ve told her it might take weeks to figure this out. If the unintended recipient happens to read this, please contact us and we’ll put you in touch.

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West Seattle holiday scene: Santa and Nutcracker at My Three Little Birds
December 9, 2018 3:29 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle holiday scene: Santa and Nutcracker at My Three Little Birds
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

After all those bus rides around The Junction, did Santa Claus get to go home to the North Pole? Nope. He is at cool-stuff-for-kids store My Three Little Birds (6959 California SW; WSB sponsor) this afternoon, for one more hour. Store staffer Brittany wore her Nutcracker outfit for the occasion! Free DIY photos or $5 professional, until 4:30 pm. Santa also will visit My Three Little Birds in Burien (421 SW 152nd) 11 am-2 pm next Saturday (December 15th).

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2 people escape RV fire on Harbor Avenue
December 9, 2018 2:34 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

Bob e-mailed to ask about that partly burned RV parked in front of the old Sea-Way property (future self-storage) in the 2500 block of Harbor Avenue. The fire is on the SFD log as a one-engine-dispatched “car fire” at 6:47 this morning. SFD spokesperson Hilton Almond tells WSB that the Red Cross was called to help the man and woman who were displaced by the fire; no injuries reported. He doesn’t have information on the fire’s cause except to note that SFD’s investigator wasn’t called out, which usually indicates there was nothing suspicious/deliberate.

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Funeral Mass on Thursday for Karlene Lacher, 1934-2018
December 9, 2018 1:40 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather Thursday (December 13) in memory of Karlene Lacher. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community:

KARLENE LACHER (SIFFERMAN)

On December 2, 2018 our dear, sweet, beautiful Mom passed away peacefully with all of her children by her side. Mom was born October 22nd, 1934 to Karl and Iris Sifferman.

Karlene grew up on Angle Lake until the 5th grade. The family then moved to West Seattle, where she attended Holy Rosary School, graduating in 1952.

Karlene began her career in the late ’60s at West Seattle General Hospital. In 1973 she went to work for Dr. Wilbur J. Springer until his retirement in 2000. After Dr. Springer retired, Karlene stayed on at Swedish West Seattle Clinic for one more year and then retired herself in 2001. Not satisfied with being retired for long, Mom returned to work for West Seattle Dermatology, where she stayed for almost two years. She then joined the staff at West Seattle Foot and Ankle, where she worked until December 2015 at the age of 81.

Mom loved her home, gardening, traveling, working, and most of all her children and grandchildren.

No matter what was going on in her life or ours, we always knew Mom loved us.
Mom, you will forever be in our hearts.

Karlene was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Susan Cash. She is survived by her children Jean (Michael), Jolene, Steve, Jill (Mark), and Joe (Joy); five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, her sister Jean Freitas, and her brother Nick Sifferman, all of Seattle.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Kathleen, Terri, and Adrienne for their love, compassion and care they gave to Mom. We would also like to thank Providence Hospice of Seattle for the care and respect they gave to Mom in her final months and the support given to our family.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, December 13th, 2018, 10:00 AM, with reception following at:
Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4139 42nd Ave SW.

Remembrances may be made to:
Providence Hospice of Seattle Foundation, 2811 S. 102nd Street, Suite 220, Tukwila, WA 98168
or the charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Services of West Seattle

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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1st of 2 Sundays for West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Santa Bus
December 9, 2018 11:13 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

Santa Claus is not always riding in a sleigh. Right now in the West Seattle Junction, you’ll find him aboard this bus:

The Santa Bus is part of Hometown Holidays in The Junction – with Quail Park Memory Care of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) presenting today’s free rides – look for their canopy at the south end of the Farmers’ Market to catch the bus, which has already had, we’re told, about 150 riders! This continues until 2 pm (and next Sunday too, if you can’t get to The Junction today). See what else is up for Hometown Holidays (with community co-sponsors including WSB) by going here.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Road-work backup on eastbound West Seattle Bridge
December 9, 2018 10:09 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:09 AM: Thanks for the tip. Unannounced “road work” is closing two lanes on a significant section of the eastbound bridge, so if you have to head out, give yourself extra time.

10:51 AM: Tipster Lora sends this photo of where the crew is working:

And we have since found a brief mention of it on the SDOT “On the Move” blog – described as “generally between 8 am and 5 pm … West Seattle Freeway – Helping to complete small improvements, with various traffic impacts.”

12:50 PM: As noted by commenter Onion and tweeted by SDOT, this work appears to be done.

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What’s happening, holiday and otherwise, on your West Seattle Sunday
December 9, 2018 6:07 am
|    Comments Off on What’s happening, holiday and otherwise, on your West Seattle Sunday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Barrow’s Goldeneye, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Welcome to Sunday! First part of our highlight list is from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

SANTA BUS IN THE JUNCTION: 10 am-2 pm, take a fun free ride around The Junction as part of Hometown Holidays! Catch the bus at California/Alaska, south end of the Farmers’ Market. (If you want to check things out before going out, check our Twitter feed for a view close to the start, and then come back here for a “happening now” report.)

WREATH SALES: Pathfinder K-8 PTSA and students make handmade wreaths and sell them in The Junction during the season – find them at the KeyBank corner, 10 am-2 pm. All proceeds go to supporting outdoor education. (California/Alaska)

JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW: 10 am-6 pm, local jewelry artist Alizah Olivas at CAPERS. (4525 California SW)

GIFT WRAPPING: Wrap It Up! gift-wrapping fundraiser with Furry Faces Foundation at Northwest Art and Frame, 11 am-4 pm.

Northwest Art & Frame and The West Seattle Junction Association have invited the Furry Faces Foundation elves to wrap your gifts in splendor and uniqueness! We have gift-wrap, bows, tape, ribbon, garland, pipe cleaners, name tags, and more! It is up to you how much you would like to donate for the gift-wrapping, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to helping animals.

(4733 California SW)

SANTA AT MY THREE LITTLE BIRDS: 1:30-4:30 pm, come meet Santa and take a pic (DIY free or $5 professional) at My Three Little Birds (WSB sponsor) in south Morgan Junction. (6959 California SW)

‘CHRISTMAS CAROL’ MATINEE: Join Twelfth Night Productions this holiday season for “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play.” 3 pm at Kenyon Hall. Buy your ticket(s) online at this Brown Paper Tickets link, or at the KH box office. (7904 35th SW)

CAROLING: You’re invited to go caroling with St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church! Meet at the church at 4 pm. Chili and “Charlie Brown” afterward! (3050 California SW)

ST. NICHOLAS FAIRE: You’re invited to the St. Nicholas Faire at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle, 4:30-7:30 pm. Bid on gift baskets, enjoy holiday festivities, support local nonprofits! Details here. Benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank and WS Helpline. (4105 California SW)

SHORT AND SWEET: 2nd annual Holiday Film Shorts at South Park Hall. 6 pm. $7 admission. Live music by Tim Scallon. Cider and cocoa! Puffles! Free popcorn! Films from Brian Edwards’ private collection. Peruvian Santa might appear, (1253 S. Cloverdale)

PARTY AT EASTRIDGE: West Seattle Christmas Party at Eastridge Church, 6-8 pm. “The evening includes Christmas caroling, pictures with Santa, Christmas games with prizes, a gingerbread decorating contest, cookies, cocoa and more family fun. All activities are free. (39th/Oregon)

And from our year-round Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, see what’s fresh! Vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, cheese, beverages, cookies, nuts, we could go on. In the street in the heart of The Junction. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

CASPAR BABYPANTS – TWO SHOWS: 10:30 am and noon, the family fave performs at Westside School (WSB sponsor) in Arbor Heights as part of a Town Hall-presented concert series. $5 adults, kids free. (10404 34th SW)

CORREO AEREO: Award-winning Latin American music group at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

LADIES MUSICAL CLUB: 3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library: “Join us for a concert featuring Copland’s Poems of Emily Dickinson and late/post Romantic piano music.” Program in our calendar listing. (2306 42nd SW)

BENEFIT FOR RYAN GEORG: A local musician hospitalized after an attack outside a club elsewhere in the city is the beneficiary of this show at The Skylark starting at 6 tonight:

All ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Got something for our calendar or Holiday Guide? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen trailer; alley prowlers
December 9, 2018 12:01 am
|      46 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:

STOLEN TRAILER: Alan e-mailed today to report:

My gray single-axle utility trailer was stolen on Wednesday, December 5th. It disappeared from my driveway in Pigeon Point. License 2978-XK

ALLEY PROWLING: K shares this video from multiple cameras catching Friday afternoon alley prowlers entering yards near 16th/Henderson, with, K reports, at least one package stolen as a result:

The police-report # is 2018-911675.

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VIDEO: Christmas Ship’s 2018 West Seattle finale
December 8, 2018 11:20 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: Christmas Ship’s 2018 West Seattle finale
 |   Holidays | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship returned to West Seattle twice today/tonight – starting just before sunset at Don Armeni Boat Ramp, as seen in David Hutchinson‘s photo above, following an afternoon stop in South Park. After a break and a visit to Bainbridge Island, the Spirit of Seattle made its last West Seattle appearance of 2018, serenading Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor):

(WSB video/photos from here on)

The choir Emerald City Voices delivered a set with flashes of humor – as you can hear in our clip, they opened with “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and before they headed back to the downtown dock, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas“ was among the other songs. We counted 7 boats accompanying the Christmas Ship tonight.

Here’s the schedule for the rest of the season, nightly (and some daytime sailings too) through Christmas Eve-Eve.

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