West Seattle, Washington
14 Saturday
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN GOLD TOYOTA: Maybe you’ll find Sarah‘s car:
Our car was stolen today at 3:45 pm from in front of our carport located in the alley between 40th Ave SW and 41st Ave SW off SW Bradford,
2007 gold Toyota RAV-4
WA license plate BLN5548Please report to police or contact me if you see it. Thank you. 206-486-2718
SPD incident # is 2022-331103.
CAR BREAK-IN INTERRUPTED: Richard reports that a neighbor stopped what was either going to be a break-in or a car-theft attempt:
My 2011 Hyundai Elantra had an attempted break-in tonight at about 8:30 pm. My driver rear window was busted out in an attempt to either steal the car or rummage around for anything valuable inside. One of my neighbors was outside and saw the suspects against the car and thought it was suspicious. As he walked up to get closer, a getaway car (Honda Civic or similar) drove up to pick them up and they all drove off together. I live in the Fauntleroy neighborhood near Wildwood Market. Was fortunate to have neighbors on alert that were able to spook the burglars away before they were able to do anything more than break my window.
ADDED MONDAY: The SPD incident # is 2022-926217.
10:25 PM: SFD and SPD are at a crash reported at 49th SW and Admiral Way, and they’re calling for Seattle City Light because of a “fractured pole.” We don’t have further information on traffic effects but pole problems can compound things, so we’re noting it.
11:24 PM: Police just told dispatch that traffic is reopening all ways, and that SCL will be back tomorrow to complete pole repair.
(WSB photos)
Two days before today’s Artemis 1 splashdown, the moon mission spent an hour at the center of the universe for dozens of students at Denny International Middle School.
Boys from all grades in the Kingmakers program filled tables in the Denny library on Friday afternoon to work with two guest presenters – Amazon employees visiting as part of Hour of Code, an annual series of events around the world marking Computer Science Education Week. We were invited to observe.
Jacq Bolliges and Pedrito Maynard-Zhang – center and right in our photo above with Denny’s Kingmakers coordinator Keenen Allen – were there on behalf of Amazon’s Future Engineer program. But if the name “Hour of Code” has you guessing they sat down with the students for a coding tutorial – that’s not what happened at all. Instead, they spent the hour leading an interactive presentation about the Artemis program and space-exploration technology, with videos and quiz questions. A competitive aspect to the quiz questions had the students cheering and chanting with as much enthusiasm as they’d exuded while discussing the just-concluded Argentina-Netherlands World Cup match before the class got going.
Allen teaches four Kingmakers classes a day and told us this was the first time this year that students from all four classes gathered in one place. Guest presenters have been especially important because the pandemic precluded field trips. Part of the inspiration offered by the guests was their own backgrounds; while Bolliges wasn’t from an engineering background, Maynard-Zhang told the students about starting out teaching himself BASIC on old computers, and pursuing education all the way up to a Ph.D. at Stanford. He taught for four years before going to work for Microsoft and then Amazon.
Before the space-program presentation, the visitors invited questions. First one: “Why is Amazon laying off people?” Bolliges, who had been a recruiter, blamed that on “the economy” but added, “We hope to be back to hiring soon!” The tech industry overall, they noted, has half a million current openings. Students had similarly no-holds answers once the space presentation began and they were first asked about the challenges astronauts face when going into space: “Death!” was the first answer, followed by “being away from their families.”
Things got more technical from there, with information about topics from rocket propellant to telemetry. Every quiz question resulted in cheers. A highlight was when the students ended up chanting “DEEP SPACE NETWORK!” after learning about that communication system (“There are no cell towers in space,” they were informed).
The time flew by, and since it was the last period of the day – of the week, in fact – there was no chance of holdover. Laptops were closed, the guests were applauded, stickers were offered, and the Hour of Code was over. Toward the start, the students had been given one exhortation: “Have fun and think big!”
“Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more!” No – you’re in Seaview. These Christmas lights and decorations are inspired by the 1939 classic movie “The Wizard of Oz“! The photos and report are from Bethany:
Have to share the Oz inspired day and night decorations on this Seaview house – east side of 49th between Raymond and Graham. Details like the Dorothy dress plaid ribbon, poppies, “… please knock†door sign and crashed balloon make me smile every time I go by.
Thank you to these neighbors who know there really is no place like our emerald city for the holidays!
We’re continuing to show notable lights nightly – tips, with or without photos, are welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com. See what we’ve showcased so far by scrolling through this WSB archive.
When SDOT announced nine days ago that more speed humps would be added to part of Harbor and Alki Avenues, the agency also said it would install a raised center divider in the area, to deter people from trying to pass on the curve. Driving the waterfront street today for the first time in a few days, we noticed the divider has been installed. As our photos show, they have a feature that other sections of raised center divider in West Seattle – sections of Fauntleroy and Delridge, for example – don’t have: Posts atop the divider.
As promised by SDOT, which described the location as “between California Place and Luna Park,” the divider has gaps to allow turning to/from driveways. The speed humps and dividers follow years of community complaints about reckless and stunt driving in the area.
4:50 PM: Another major Seattle Fire response – this time a “water-rescue response” for Alki Point. SFD dispatch is telling responders the report came in from the U.S. Coast Guard, reporting what appeared to be a person in the water hanging onto a log.
5 PM: Apparently the USCG is now saying nobody’s out there, but a rescue boat arriving in the area was going to look around just to be sure. The response overall is being canceled.
Just as it starts to get dark, Southern Resident Killer Whales are in the area again, Kersti Muul tells WSB. J-Pod is visible from Alki Avenue, she says, “south of Eagle Harbor, west in channel.”
2:53 PM: SPD and SFD are on their way to a report of a vehicle into a ravine near 2nd SW and Olson Place, near Arrowhead Gardens. Updates to come.
2:56 PM: The response is being downsized. … SFD says that’s because no one was trapped after all.
3:26 PM: Our crew reports from the scene that police are blocking part of uphill Olson – as shown in our photo:
The vehicle that went into the greenbelt:
We’re told the people in the car were unhurt and are strategizing with police how to get it out,
Thanks for the tips! West Seattle is temporarily down to one McDonald’s – the overhaul at Westwood Village continues, and now the Morgan Junction location is completely closed for three weeks, after having been drive-thru-only for a while. We just went down for a look after several texts and emails about the closure, and found not only yellow tape across both driveways, but also this sign on the door:
Permits in the city’s online system indicate this is remodeling work, including equipment upgrades. This McDonald’s is operated by the same franchisee as the one in Admiral; when that was remodeled four years ago, we were told the Morgan Junction restaurant would be, too.
As noted in our daily highlight list, you have extra reasons to go to The Junction during Farmers’ Market hours today:
The West Seattle Food Bank, West Seattle Junction Association, and Kiwanis Club of West Seattle are teaming up to accept coat (and other warm clothing) donations, with free cocoa, at the south end of the market (California/Alaska). A very young donor visited while we were there:
Also at the booth, you can buy Hometown Holidays mugs and $2/foot holiday garland, both benefiting WSJA (which is a nonprofit too):
Across the Walk-All-Ways intersection, just outside the market at KeyBank Plaza, you’ll find the Pathfinder K-8 PTSA selling handmade garlands and other “door decor”:
This is the second of three consecutive Sundays they’re in The Junction to sell the fundraising wreaths/decor, which benefit outdoor education for Pathfinder students. You can also order online!
All of the above is happening until 2 pm today.
Elicia reports discolored water this morning in Morgan Junction, just southwest of California/Fauntleroy, and wonders if anyone else is experiencing it. The Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map doesn’t show any current outages in West Seattle, but there are a variety of potential causes for brown water. Elicia has reported it to SPU, as should anyone seeing it – call 206-386-1800.
(View from Luna/Anchor Park last Wednesday, photographed by James Tilley)
Here’s the list for your Sunday, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:
HOLIDAY PHOTO POP-UP: 8:30 am-2 pm, sessions with Gail Ann Photography at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), details including booking link in our calendar listing.
CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s lineup here.
GET-TOGETHER FOR GIRLS INTERESTED IN LACROSSE: 9:30 am-11 am at 30th/Thistle field – details in our calendar listing.
SANTA AT MY THREE LITTLE BIRDS: 10 am-noon, Santa will be at this Junction shop. “No charge. Families can take their own photos. Please bring diapers for WestSide Baby if you wish to donate. We are also doing a diaper drive that day.” (4736 California SW)
COATS, COCOA, GARLANDS, MUGS: Visit the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays tent at the south end of the Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm. Bring a coat to donate, enjoy hot cocoa, buy garlands and/or Hometown Holidays commemorative mugs.
(California/Alaska)
FARMERS’ MARKET: As usual, 10 am-2 pm, the market itself offers fall produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. California SW between Oregon and Alaska.
FUNDRAISING WREATH (ETC.) SALES: Pathfinder K-8 PTSA and students will be selling their handmade wreaths again today by KeyBank in The Junction, 10 am-2 pm today:
Pathfinder K-8 PTSA is holding our 27th annual wreath fundraiser to benefit outdoor education at Pathfinder K-8 School after a 2-year hiatus. Last week was a huge success and this week we’re so excited to bring you more Door Decor – wreaths and other holiday swag. Everything is 100% unique and made from foraged materials from our yards and tree lots (thank you, Trees by the Sea on Alki!). This year’s selection will be some of our best including some super-modern designs!
Have a hot lead on fallen branches or other supplies we can use in our creations? Email kathleen.hynes@me.com and bae.jungun@gmail.com
Thank you for supporting the kids at Pathfinder School!
PET SUPPLIES PLUS GRAND OPENING: At Westwood Village, the new shop celebrates its grand opening all weekend and is sponsoring WSB again today to be sure you know. Open 10 am-6 pm today.
PIZZA FUNDRAISER: Get food at or from MOD Pizza-Westwood Village today (open 10:30 am-10 pm) during a dine-out fundraiser benefiting Denny-Sealth Performing Arts – code and details are in our calendar listing.
NWAA HOLIDAY CONCERT: Chorus with members from West Seattle performs at 2 pm again today at Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien (401 S. 152nd).
ARTSWEST HOLIDAY SHOW: Today at 3 pm, it’s the third matinée for “Q Brothers Christmas Carol” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) – ticket info is in our calendar listing.
‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET’: Also at 3 pm, it’s the first matinée for the Twelfth Night Productions presentation of The Lux Radio Theater version of the classic 1947 film, performed at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – ticket info and other details on the TNP website.
LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: 3 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), the trio Citizens of Earth plays. No cover.
WEST SEATTLE CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) CLUB: Also at C & P starting at 3, you’re invited to this month’s gathering – see our calendar listing for topic and other details.
NEED FOOD? White Center Community Dinner Church serves a free meal (take-away available) at 5 pm Sundays at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge (9050 16th SW).
SOFAR SOUNDS: Live music at YogaSix West Seattle (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW):
Sofar Sounds is hosting their first event in West Seattle this Sunday, December 11th at YogaSix West Seattle! Use the discount code SOFARSPACES15 for 15% off $27 tickets. Space is limited for this intimate live music event, which will feature 2-3 surprise artists performing 20-25 minute sets between 8-10 pm. Doors open at 7:30 pm. BYOB, be prepared to remove your shoes and also bring a blanket/pillows to get cozy on our soft yoga studio floor. YogaSix will be offering a free yoga class pass to each attendee. Come enjoy some live music with your West Seattle Yoga Community!
YOGA, MEDITATION, GONG BATH: Presented by Inner Alchemy, 7 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.
NORTHWEST BOYCHOIR CONCERT: Northwest Boychoir‘s annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church, 7 pm. Tickets here – some remained when we checked early this morning. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)
SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.
SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
Have an event to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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