West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
Third year in a row that readers have sent a pic of the famous “Santa hat” tree at 36th and Roxbury, so we are just going to have to declare this an annual tradition in the WSB Christmas-lights spotlight series. This photo is courtesy of Stephen, who said, “Been checking out lights and we thought these were blog worthy! Coolest crooked tree in West Seattle!” The shape of the top of the cap has changed a bit over the years – we first showed it in 2007, then again in 2011, and in 2017 and 2018. Almost time for Santa himself to start those special deliveries, but we are still welcoming suggestions for the next few nights, with or without photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com; scroll through our archive to see what we have already spotlighted!
(WSB photos/video)
On this first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, West Seattle synagogue Kol HaNeshamah took their celebration outdoors to Junction Plaza Park. Rabbi Zari Weiss and assistant Abe lit the menorah’s first candle, and she explained the traditional blessings:
…and then it was time for singalongs:
Rabbi Weiss also spoke of the spirit of Hanukkah, inspiring all those who have sought freedom from persecution.’
Despite the return of the rain, the celebration drew a good-sized crowd, and everyone was offered Hanukkah treats – jelly donuts. Hanukkah continues for eight nights, with the menorah’s last candle to be lit one week from tonight.
Reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:
CHURCH PROWLER: From Holy Rosary pastor Fr. Matthew Oakland:
Today after our last Mass at Holy Rosary, while decorating the church for Christmas, an unknown man was in the church standing behind columns, shifting his position so as to be less visible as the decorating crew were moving about. He was later found by one of the staff in the sacristy going through all of the cabinets, after making an unsuccessful walkthrough earlier as there were still people there. When confronted, he asked if an unknown person was there, was upset at being suspected of theft when asked what exactly he was looking for, and then made a hasty exit toward the Junction.
During this season of such great generosity, this is a reminder especially to our neighboring houses of worship of the unfortunate need to always be mindful and on alert.
Description: About 5’10”, slim to medium build, about 50 years old, African American, wearing a gray close fitting hat and gray jacket with dark pants.
PACKAGE THIEF: Mary says the area around 30th/Holden had multiple reports of a package thief/prowler today.
See a closer-up framegrab here
PROWLER: No visual but we also received a text of a prowler active in Fauntleroy, near 45th/Austin.
(WSB photos and video)
It’s a holiday tradition, so the return of the rain didn’t deter dozens from being part of the annual Christmas Light Run this evening, taking off from West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) shortly after 6 pm.
This year’s biggest challenge, as proprietors Lori and Tim McConnell explained pre-run, was redesigning the route a bit, since the highlight of previous years, West Seattle Lights, is no more:
One of the sights they added is the revived Gai Family display. Post-run, the McConnells were hosting everyone for cookies and hot chocolate at the shop. Besides free weekly runs – featured in our West Seattle Event Calendar – they also have a special event the day after Christmas, the next Info Night for their free couch-to-half-marathon Get Fit West Seattle training program – be at the shop 7(2743 California SW) pm December 26th to find out more.
Thanks to Jamie Kinney for the photo! That’s the C-17 Globemaster seen over West Seattle this afternoon on its way to a Seahawks pre-game fly-by. It was from the 62nd Airlift Wing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the South Sound.
P.S. One non-aviation-related Seahawks note – next Sunday’s home game vs. the 49ers has been moved from an afternoon start to evening start – 5:20 pm kickoff.
(Photo by Monika Lidman)
One week before a milestone birthday, a special candle – the report is from Judy Pickens:
This season, elders have been lighting one candle on each of the four Sundays of Advent at Fauntleroy Church, United Church of Christ, and today’s candle lighter was the eldest of all. Aided by son Brian, about-to-be-centenarian Bettie Porter Dunbar lit the candle of compassion to open the worship service. She was born on December 29, 1919, in Puyallup and she and her late husband, Horace, joined the church 70 years ago this month, shortly after he finished building their home in Fauntleroy.
P.S. If you’re looking for Christmas Eve church services, our list is in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.
The new year will bring new movement classes for babies/toddlers at local Seattle Parks facilities. Here’s the announcement:
Hiawatha Community Center is so excited to broaden its dance offerings this winter! Beginning in January, we’ll have Parent and Me creative movement classes, baby ballet, and toddler dance jam. Anyone who has had their little one in class with Miss Marika knows how energetic and wonderful she is at ushering the kiddos into their first dance education experience. In addition to our Wednesday morning classes, we’ll be expanding into Monday afternoons at Dakota Place Park. Give us a call at 206.684.7441 or visit us online to sign up and make sure we’ve got enough spots filled to run all these amazing classes! Questions? E-mail Assistant Coordinator Andrea Sisco at andrea.sisco@seattle.gov
P.S. Looking for programs for other age groups? Here’s the winter brochure (PDF) for all the local city-run community centers!
This happened to Laura overnight:
I wanted to pass along Incident #19-471877. My car was parked on Harbor Ave SW [2400 block]. Someone broke into to my 15-year-old car. They attempted to steal it as well, but were unsuccessful. They stole emergency cash, emergency car kit, emergency survival kit, and a bag or two full of donations.
Please remind folks to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity. My car doors were locked and I did not have anything out in view. Bad people suck.
Know someone who needs a Christmas tree but can’t afford one? Holy Rosary School‘s lot is giving away what they have left – a few dozen as of 9 am. The lot is just north of the school, off 42nd SW between Genesee and Dakota. Self-serve, while they last.
(Photo by Don Brubeck, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar:
LAST SANTA MORNING AT CAPERS: Santa photos at CAPERS, 9 am-noon, DIY photos with $20 suggested donation benefiting West Seattle Food Bank. (4525 California SW)
TWO TOY GIVEAWAYS: 10 am, Victory Outreach Church (10851 1st Ave. S.); noon, Duwamish Tribe Longhouse. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Last one before Christmas! 10 am-2 pm, in the street, in the heart of The Junction. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)
SANTA AT MET MARKET: Santa photos, 11 am-2 pm at Metropolitan Market. (41st/42nd/Admiral)
BONUS SHOPPING DAY: Two WSB sponsors that are usually closed Sundays are OPEN today, noon-5 pm, for your holiday shopping! Wyatt’s Jewelers at Westwood Village (2600 SW Barton) and Thunder Road Guitars. (6400 California SW)
HOLIDAY MUSIC AT THRIFTWAY: We 3 Carolers noon-2 pm, Gary Benson 2:30 pm-4:30, performing inside West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) for shoppers. (4201 SW Morgan)
CORREO AEREO: Live music 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW)
SANTA AT THRIFTWAY: 4=7 pm at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), it’s Ol’ St.Nick. (4201 SW Morgan)
POP-UP HANUKKAH: The first of eight nights of the Festival of Light begins at sundown, and West Seattle synagogue Kol HaNeshamah invites everyone to celebrate at its Pop-Up Hanukkah in Junction Plaza Park, 5-6 pm. Candle-lighting, songs, and donuts. (42nd/Alaska)
CHRISTMAS LIGHT RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) at 6 pm for the annual leisurely run (or walk) past brightly lit homes, as previewed here. Festivities at the shop afterward. Bring a nonperishable food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank if you can. (2743 California SW)
THE COCOA CRIS CRINGLE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE: 7 pm at Parliament Tavern – this time for a performance, not photos! $8 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
CONCERT: Northwest Boychoir‘s annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church, 7 pm. Tickets here. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)
‘CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS’ MUSIC, LIVE: 8 pm at Pacific Room (WSB sponsor) on Alki. Online tickets are sold out, so check with the restaurant to see if there’s any room left. (2808 Alki SW)
MORE! in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar.
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