West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
Matthew sent this report tonight about a relative’s pickup truck, stolen from a parking lot:
Yesterday, Monday 12/20/2021, late morning or early afternoon, a red 2003 Ford F-250 pickup truck was stolen from the Home Depot parking lot on North Delridge. Here are some more details:
License plate: B96483N
Other details: Has a matching red Leer canopy & Leather interior
It has been reported to Seattle Police.
Call 911 if you see it.
Thanks to Carolyn Fitzgerald for the photo of the greeting her family created at Jack Block Park today. Winter arrived at 7:59 am, and the day was colder than normal – hitting only 37 degrees, nine degrees below the usual high. The forecast for this weekend still includes the possibility of snow – maybe as soon as Christmas Day – though the National Weather Service reminds us that it’s always difficult to accurately forecast snow around here; right now, the NWS says, if it does snow, it’s not likely to be much – “total snowfall Saturday through Monday only looks to be 1-3 inches for this entire period with not a single 6-hour block of snowfall exceeding a quarter of an inch.” No alerts yet, but it’s early. P.S. Snow or no snow, Sunday and Monday nights could drop into the 20s.
Thanks to prolific photographer Jerry Simmons for tonight’s photo – a rainbow of lights in the 5400 block of (corrected) 41st SW. (Here’s a vicinity map.) This is the 24th display showcased here on WSB this season, thanks entirely to reader tips – you can scroll through them all here, and see the list in our West Seattle Holiday Guide. We’re hoping to keep showing lights nightly through New Year’s Eve – tips, with or without photo(s), are appreciated – email westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
(King County Assessor’s Office photos)
New in city files: The biggest redevelopment proposal yet for South Delridge. This past May, we mentioned an early-stage filing for 1704 SW Roxbury; the new filing shows that the planned apartment county has now quintupled to more than 200. That corner parcel, currently home to Meineke Auto Repair, and the vacant building to its north were bought within the past few months by an entity in which records show South Delridge’s busiest current developer – Craig Haveson of STS Construction (WSB sponsor) – is a partner.
The site plan included in the new filing says a 4-story building with “ground-floor retail” is planned, though the site is zoned for up to 55′, and 6 stories are mentioned on the website of Housing Diversity Corporation, whose CEO Bradley Padden is Haveson’s partner in this project. That website outlines the residential component of the project as a “214-unit development, 171 attainably priced market-rate units and 43 rent-restricted units through Seattle’s Multifamily Tax Exemption Program.” (No mention of whether any offstreet parking will be part of the project.) The architecture firm is Atelier Drome, whose site-plan document shows two other parcels to the north will be part of the project, though they are not yet on record as under the same ownership (Seattle Bible Church is those parcels’ owner of record).
For the second consecutive day, water-watchers in west-facing West Seattle saw an inbound submarine – and this time, it was the damaged USS Connecticut (SSN 22), on its way to Bremerton for repairs, 2 1/2 months after hitting an undersea mountain. Thanks to James Borrow for the photo! Here are arrival details from The Kitsap Sun‘s Josh Farley.
Baking holiday cookies? Add an extra dozen or two and take them to The Christmas People! For three days starting tomorrow, they’ll be accepting cookie dropoffs in West Seattle to include in the meals they’ll be delivering to people in need. Every year, community members have stepped up to fill the order. (Homemade only, please.) You can drop cookies off any time between 9 am and 3 pm Wednesday through Friday (December 22-24) at West Seattle Coworking (6040 California SW)
The home of West Seattle’s history is closed until the new year. Here’s the announcement from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum:
The Log House Museum will be closed through January 2nd, 2022 for the holiday season. We will reopen Friday, January 7th during our normal operating hours: Friday-Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. We look forward to seeing you in the new year!
The museum at 61st and Stevens on Alki is no longer “by appointment only,” so once it reopens, you can just drop in during the aforementioned hours.
(Fauntleroy ferry dock photographed from Lincoln Park by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
It’s been an eventful year for Washington State Ferries and its riders, from crew shortages to vessel challenges to the start of planning for the Fauntleroy terminal/dock replacement. WSF plans to start the new year with online community meetings, and the dates/times have just been announced:
Commuters, occasional riders and community members are invited to attend Washington State Ferries’ upcoming virtual community meetings designed to provide updates and answer questions about the ferry system.
On Wednesday, Jan. 5 and Tuesday, Jan. 11, members of WSF staff will discuss the ferry system’s service and ongoing efforts to mitigate challenges as well as progress on key projects. WSF Assistant Secretary Patty Rubstello will lead the meetings in coordination with the Ferry Advisory Committees, appointed representatives of ferry-served communities who advise WSF.
Both meetings will cover the same material and are designed to give people the option to join the meeting that best fits their schedule. Meeting participants will be able to ask questions and provide comments. People can join the meeting from a laptop, desktop computer or mobile device, but advanced registration is required to participate.
Registration for the January virtual community meetings:
Registration for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5.
Registration for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11.Participants must provide a name and valid email address and have access to a computer or mobile device with an internet connection.
Once registered, participants will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to log in to the webinar.The day after each meeting, a video recording will be available online on our community participation webpage.
Seen from north-facing West Seattle, that’s snowy Mt. Baker, photographed by Jim Borrow. Winter is here and your options for the hours ahead include these, starting with solstice events:
SOLSTICE CLEANSE: Organized by CleanupSEA:
Come cleanse your mind and clean the environment on Winter Solstice! Meet at Constellation Park (Beach Drive & 63rd Ave SW) at 12:00 pm noon and we’ll fan out across Alki Point to clean the beach, streets, parks, and drains. Rain or shine. Pickers, gloves, hand rakes & bags provided. Families welcome! Bring a 5-gallon bucket or bag for trash collection if you have one.
Pre-clean warmup meditation at 11:30 am: If you’d like to join a solstice meditation beforehand, gather at Cormorant Cove (just south of Constellation Park at 3701 Beach Dr SW 98116). Weather permitting. Mats provided. Comment in your RSVP if you plan to join.
Can’t make it during this time? Take a moment on Dec 21 to reflect and get outside for a little pick-me-up.
Hope to see you there!
RSVPs requested but not required – go here.
SOLSTICE SUNSET WATCH WITH ALICE: 3:45-4:45 pm at Solstice Park, NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen hosts her quarterly change-of-seasons sunset watch (regardless of whether the sun’s going to be visible; only heavy rain cancels). From Alice: “Please be vaccinated, masked, and distance from other attendees at this small outdoor public event!” (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW, uphill from the tennis courts)
CANDLELIGHT LABYRINTH WALK & SOLSTICE SINGING: Hosted by the Westside UU Congregation at Myrtle Reservoir Park (35th/Myrtle):
We pause as the path of the sun reverses, seemingly holding its place for a moment of turning. Let us delve into the gifts of darkness at the winter solstice. We follow curiosity and contemplation down into the cold earth, taking a journey to the world below the surface. Here we find acorns, cached by squirrels and chipmunks, perhaps to be food laid in store, or perhaps to become trees in the fullness of time. We find the burrows of hibernating animals, those who sleep and repair. We find seeds, including some that will not sprout unless they first wait through frost and ice. Life finds rest and renewal in the darkness.
Let this be a time of celebration. What joy can be found, let us hold it close, blow on its embers, and share its spark. We do not take for granted having come this far, and we give thanks for our companions on the journey.
Hosted by the Westside UU Congregation, come and move through the candlelight labyrinth, and share in song, word and ritual. This event is open to everyone, an opportunity for the whole community to mark the turning of the wheel, the season’s change. The labyrinth will be open from 5-9 pm and the service will be from 7-8 pm.
SOLSTICE MUSIC: 6 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), live music with West Seattle’s own John Stephans Band.
Also happening today/tonight:
PRE-HOLIDAY SALE: Today at Wyatt’s Jewelers (Westwood Village; WSB sponsor), 10 percent off men’s jewelry. Open until 6 pm.
SHUG’S MINI POP-UP: Final day for the holiday pop-up with Baked Alaska, ice cream, more. Noon-4 pm at the future “mini” location of Shug’s Soda Fountain. Info here. (California/Charlestown)
EXTRA SHOPPING: Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way) is open noon-4 pm today.
LADY JAYE HOLIDAY BAZAAR: At Lady Jaye (4523 California SW) in The Junction:
We are hosting our 2nd Annual Holiday Meat Market Bazaar 4 pm-8 pm. Featuring Wagyu & Whiskey. We will be bringing in A5 wagyu beef from Japan as well as Full Blood Wagyu from Bothell WA. Super local! We will also have over 100 mini airplane bottles of some of our top whiskeys so people can try really cool whiskeys or use them as great stocking stuffers. We will be bringing back our wagyu smoked old fashioned cocktails to go too! The bar will be open, featuring cocktails by our very own Sara Rosales and we will be serving Smoked Wagyu Cheeseburgers off the smoker on the patio. A DJ Called Moon (Derek Moon) will be spinning on the back patio and you will also be able to grab specialty desserts by Sweet Nothings and More and specialty curated stocking stuffers from Keonii of Fleurt Boutique.
SANTA AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) – 5:30-8:30 pm today, see Santa at the supermarket!
HOLIDAY MUSIC AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) Also this week, live holiday music at the store, with Gary Benson 2:30-4:30 pm today and Alex Baird 5:30-8:30 pm.
Family and friends are remembering Steven A. Olson, and sharing this remembrance with his community:
Steven A. Olson (September 24, 1956 – June 8, 2021), died in a tragic auto accident in Federal Way. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Donald S. Olson. Steve was the first of four siblings and grew up near the Fauntleroy Ferry dock in West Seattle. Steve played many sports growing up but loved his time playing Gil Dobie football. He met and retained a number of friends from the sport. His brother-in-law Chris, for one. Steve graduated from Chief Sealth High School in 1975 and went on to Wenatchee Valley Community College on a football scholarship.
Steve spent 36 years as general manager of our family business Ole and Charlie’s Marinas, first in Seattle, and then in Tacoma. Steve was a talented oil-painting artist. We all treasure the memories of his artwork. Famous northwest cowboy artist Fred Oldfield was his protege. Steve loved boating, and his sister’s family spent many years on regular trips to Lake Chelan and Lake Roosevelt boating, water-skiing, and just enjoying life. Steve spent an abundance of years sport fishing with his dad in Alaska. Steve had a huge passion for life, and that was evident when Steve entered the room. He had so many planned outings that the pandemic had changed, like a planned cruise once again to Alaska.
Steve leaves behind his mother Barbara, his partner Sandi, his sister Kim Mickelson (Chris), who was his best friend of 55 years, brothers Mark Olson (Janell), and Craig Olson. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, Christiana (George), Trine (Clint), Tristen, Matthew (Michelle), Marie (Dan), Jessica (Garrett), Luke (Willow), Lily, and many cousins. His Aunt Molly and Uncle Ed of Scottsdale, Arizona. And so many friends! Steve is dearly missed but will never be forgotten!
We also want to thank Federal Way officer Chris Mickelsen, who was first on the scene to help and the witness to the accident, Kristina, who cared for his dog and was there for him. Remembrances can be made to Medic One in his honor.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
6:03 AM Good morning!
WEATHER
Winter starts at 7:59 am. A mostly cloudy forecast launches the season, with rain likely later.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of trip cancellations. (Holiday plans: This Friday, Metro will be on a Sunday schedule; Christmas Day will be a regular Saturday schedule.)
Ferries and Water Taxi: WSF continues a two-boat schedule on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run. Check here for alerts/updates. The Water Taxi is on its regular schedule. (Holiday plans: No Water Taxi service Friday or Saturday.)
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
637th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are views of other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)
The 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
South Park Bridge:
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way (if this cam and the next one are still badly aligned by late morning, we’ll ask SDOT what’s up):
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Are movable bridges opening for vessels? The @SDOTBridges Twitter feed can tell you; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are also tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.
Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
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