West Seattle, Washington
12 Friday
Almost six years after it opened as an arcade/bar in The Admiral District, Vidiot has suddenly shut down. Thanks to everybody who’ve messaged us since Vidiot’s short announcement on social media, saying simply, “Vidiot has been shut down. Thanks for all your love and business.” That had been preceded by a Saturday post saying it was “temporarily closed” and advising to “check back Tuesday.” We went over tonight to see if anyone was around to ask; dark, closed, no sign. We’ve sent messages through multiple channels; no reply so far. Searching public records, wondering if “has been shut down” meant another entity was involved, all we’ve found is three state back-taxes filings from earlier this year; records show two of them have been paid. Vidiot’s space at 4210 SW Admiral Way had past lives as the Admiral Benbow and Heartland Café. We’ll update if we find out anything more.
Tonight’s West Seattle Christmas lights spotlight are courtesy of Mark Bader, who sent the photo and video of his music-synched lights in Gatewood:
“Austin Street Christmas Lights” is at 3711 SW Austin Street. I have about 2000 lights; all of them are LED lights that can change to any color. There are 5 songs that are synced to the lights, if you stay and watch all of them, it’s about 15 minutes of music. The lights run from 4 pm to 10 pm nightly – tune your car radio to 99.5 to hear the music.
To see other lights we’ve featured, scroll through this archive. And if you have tips – your own lights or someone else’s, with or without photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The photo and report are from Judi Yazzolino at the West Seattle Food Bank:
Dan Austin, owner of Peel and Press, is a generous supporter of the West Seattle Food Bank. For the last 5 years Dan has done a percent-of-sales fundraiser for the food bank on Peel and Press’ anniversary in November and then buys turkeys or hams (whatever we need) for the holidays. Today Dan delivered $1,300 worth of hams just in time for our holiday distribution! Thank you, Dan, for helping those we serve have a wonderful holiday meal with their friends and families.
If you would like to help our families with food or cash, we will be open Wed. 9am – 7pm or Thurs. & Fri. 9 am – 3 pm or you can donate at westseattlefoodbank.org or mail to 3419 SW Morgan St., Seattle, WA. 98126.
6:04 PM: Before the U.S. House of Representatives‘ expected vote tomorrow on presidential impeachment, hundreds of rallies are happening around the nation tonight, one of them in the West Seattle Junction. Our rough estimate is about 100 people at California and Alaska; they are walking back and forth during the crossing times in the Walk-All-Ways intersection.
A rally is also under way downtown at 2nd/Marion.
6:45 PM: Our crew has moved on but the live traffic camera at California/Alaska shows the rally has ended.
10:09 PM: Added video and 2 more photos.
EARLY WEDNESDAY: Thanks to those who sent photos. Here are two by Jonathan Rawle:
Congratulations to the West Seattle Valkyries! Michelle Waters sent the photo and word that the U19 girls team has made it into the final match of the Seattle Youth Soccer Association citywide-championship tournament after an undefeated season. “Most of these girls have known each other since grade school,” she adds, but this is their last year to play together as many are graduating. “I’d like to recognize all the hard work these ladies have put in” – and their coach Stefan Persson, who Michelle says is in his final year after 10 years as his daughter is graduating too. The team opens tournament play 10 am Saturday (December 21st) at Ingraham High School.
P.S. We featured the Valkyries five years ago when they were part of a national-TV show after getting a surprise visit from soccer star (and now Sportsperson of the Year) Megan Rapinoe!
Quick note from the Port of Seattle: Weekend pile-driving work is planned at West Seattle’s Terminal 5 the next two weekends, December 21-22 and 28-29. “The weekend pile driving is required to maintain the construction schedule,” explains port spokesperson Peter McGraw. The first phase of the modernization project started last summer; pile-driving is limited to a certain window for in-water work.
Today is opening day at Nos Nos Coffee House (35th/Graham, in Upton Flats), as mentioned Monday. This is a much-awaited opening, as High Point is short on walkable businesses.
Nos Nos’ proprietor is Khalid Agour, also known for Itto’s Tapas in The Junction. He announced the café plan last June.
Nos Nos will be open 6 am-3 pm for starters, hoping for later hours in a few months. Along with QED Coffee and Flying Bird teas, it’s serving pastries from Patrick’s in White Center, as well as soups and sandwiches.
We photographed the menus – printed food menu here, beverage menu here.
Thanks to Rosalie Miller for this week’s #TurkeyTuesday photos – almost eight months after this lone turkey first appeared in West Seattle. The Turkey likes perches – above, atop a parked van. Now on with happenings from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS … for seniors, 2-4 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle – call first to see if appointments are still available. (4217 SW Oregon)
RALLY: 5:30 pm in The Junction, one of 600+ pro-impeachment rallies around the country on the eve of the U.S. House‘s vote. (California/Alaska)
‘EARLY OUTREACH’ DEVELOPMENT MEETING: Find out, and talk, about the proposed apartment project for 3417 Harbor SW, 6:30 pm at Hiawatha Community Center. Coffee and cookies provided. (2700 California SW)
EVENING BOOK GROUP: 6:30 pm at High Point Library. This month’s book is “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Diaz. (3411 SW Raymond)
WSHS WINTER CONCERT: Jazz Ensembles in concert at West Seattle High School, 7 pm in the theater. Free. All welcome. (3000 California SW)
SINGER-SONGWRITER CONTEST: 7 pm at Pacific Room on Alki (WSB sponsor). Come see/hear the contenders! No cover. All ages. (2808 Alki SW)
TUESDAY TRIVIA: “West Seattle’s sassiest trivia,” 8:30 pm with Devon at Admiral Pub. 21+. (2306 California SW)
OPEN MIC: Take your talent to Parliament Tavern tonight, 9 pm. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
MORE! … for today/tonight/beyond, in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar.
If you missed the open-enrollment deadline for getting, or changing, health insurance – you have a reprieve. From Carol McClure, a WSB sponsor who can help you through the system:
The Washington Healthplanfinder has extended open enrollment through December 30 for those who did not get enrolled or those who wish to change plans. If you need help enrolling or choosing your plan, please call Financial Designs Insurance, 425-392-7390 – your West Seattle Health Plan Finding Pros! Happy Holidays to all!
From Patricia:
A dark gray Mercedes Sprinter cargo van (high top) was stolen right in front of the owner’s house in the 2300 block of Walnut Ave SW around 1 am today.
Neighbor saw a large white van type vehicle in the middle of Walnut Ave SW (not parked). Sounded like a diesel engine. Wondered if Amazon delivery, but so late. Then within literally a minute the gray van was stolen and driving down the street. Police were immediately contacted and it has been reported. Please watch for the gray Mercedes Sprinter but also beware of a very large white cargo van that is stealing vehicles quickly and quietly.
We will add the stolen van’s plate # when we get it.
TUESDAY NIGHT UPDATE: The van’s been found, but with its contents stolen, Patricia explains in a comment below..
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
6:58 AM: Good morning. No current incidents or alerts for our area.
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