West Seattle, Washington

23 Tuesday

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day : 22/12/2022 11 results

WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS: Info-list time – anything to add?
December 22, 2022 10:58 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle businesses

Every year, we compile lists with some Christmas basics – churches with services Christmas Eve/Day, grocery-store hours Christmas Eve/Day, restaurants/bars and coffee shops open Christmas Day. We keep adding to the lists until the holiday’s here, so if you have info to add, please let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to send info. In the meantime, you can see what we have so far by going here for the restaurants/bars list, here for the church-services list, and to our Holiday Guide‘s Christmas section for the grocery store and coffee lists (which will have their own pages in our Event Calendar by Saturday). Thanks to everyone who’s already provided info by email, phone, or web!

P.S. We welcome info for New Year’s Eve too – the events we have so far are also in the Holiday Guide.

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TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: A visit to Who-ville
December 22, 2022 8:16 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

It’s a page out of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” at Lacey‘s house on 18th SW between SW Roxbury and SW 98th – their theme is “Who-ville,” the town where the Grinch made off with the decorations and presents but discovers he “HADN’T stopped Christmas from coming!” Even by day, you can see the sneaky green Grinch:

Lacey says the subfreezing weather’s taken a bit of a toll on the display – she was out today replacing some strands of lights on the fence, but can’t get her battery-powered stars going because “the switches are frozen shut!”

Our trips out to check out lights have been curtailed by road ice, so we’re looking forward to getting out of the deep freeze. Photos in the meantime are welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com; you can see the lights we’ve shown by scrolling through this WSB archive.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Thursday pm updates – roads, water breaks, more
December 22, 2022 5:09 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts | West Seattle weather

5:09 PM: That’s a texted photo of Fairmount Avenue – through the trees – where several drivers got into trouble this afternoon. It’s one of the icy, hilly streets you’ll want to stay off again tonight, even before the forecast snow/freezing rain moves in. Speaking of which, we’re now officially under an upgraded alert, a Winter Storm Warning, which took effect at 4 pm. The National Weather Service still warns that what’s on the way is a “complex mix” and says that it’ll be snow until about 2 am, then freezing rain, with temperatures starting to rise. In the meantime, if the freezing rain really does arrive, risks include power outages from ice-laden branches and wires, so keep everything charged. The well-below-freezing weather also has affected water service for some – we just got a text about a water outage at 32nd/Cloverdale, which is now on the Seattle Public Utilities map; an earlier outage at 36th/106th has been resolved.

INFOLINKS
SDOT Winter Weather Response map (which roads it’s serviced and how recently)
Metro alerts and reroutes
Washington State Ferries alerts
Citywide traffic cams
West Seattle traffic cams
County traffic cams (choose “south” tab for White Center)

Updates as we get them. (westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/call 206-293-6302 – thanks!)

7:01 PM: The West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) says it’s opening late Friday, 9 am.

8:23 PM: No precipitation yet here on the Gatewood/Upper Fauntleroy line (nor on any of the WS traffic cams we’ve checked), but the radar shows it headed this way. Let us know when you see it where you are!

9:55 PM: The NWS’s latest forecast discussion explains the radar: “Widespread light radar echos are spreading across the region this evening. The vast majority of this precipitation is evaporating before reaching the surface due to the cold, dry airmass in place.” But the NWS still expects that to change at some point during the night.

11:29 PM: Some icy precipitation in this video Brendan tweeted:

We’re seeing some on the traffic cameras, too. Meantime, SFD confirmed to us late tonight that two fire-alarm calls in West Seattle earlier today – including one at the QFC/Capco Plaza building in The Junction – were water-related. Overall, SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB, “Dating back to Monday, Dec. 19, Seattle Fire has responded to approximately 13 medical emergencies related to the snow and cold weather.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen-car suspect arrested in West Seattle after fleeing from police in SODO
December 22, 2022 4:10 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Police have arrested another stolen-car suspect in West Seattle. This time it started on the other side of the Duwamish River. Police say they were trying to pull the 40-year-old man over in SODO after discovering the white van he was driving had a stolen license plate. In his attempt to get away, they say, he “rammed the van through a business’s chain link fence, then backed into an SPD patrol vehicle before fleeing with at least one flat tire.”

(Image via SPD Blotter)

He made it all the way to West Marginal Way SW and SW Alaska [map], where he ditched the van on the railroad tracks. It was empty when police got to it but footprints in the snow led them to the suspect, sitting on a park bench nearby. According to police, mail in the suspect’s name was left in the van. They arrested him; he’s currently in the King County Jail for the sixth time this year, most recently a six-week stay in July and August, related to burglary and auto-theft-related charges for which he’s awaiting trial.

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BIZNOTE: Alki Bike and Board’s ski and snowboard service
December 22, 2022 3:08 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

A timely message from Alki Bike and Board (2606 California SW; WSB sponsor):

(Stevens Pass photo courtesy Alki Bike and Board)

You know what all this snow in the city means? It’s time to get up into the mountains. Our books are cleared up and we can guarantee to have the quickest turnaround in town. Call or stop in today and we can get you on the schedule.

We will be closing:

Christmas Eve at 4 PM
Closed Christmas Day
New Year’s Eve 4 PM
Closed New Year’s Day

AB&B is open until 6 today, 10 am-6 pm tomorrow, and if you do want to call and check on scheduling for ski/snowboard service, they’re at 206-938-3322.

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WEATHER: More changes for bus riders Friday, when Metro plans to switch to Emergency Snow Network
December 22, 2022 1:46 pm
|    Comments Off on WEATHER: More changes for bus riders Friday, when Metro plans to switch to Emergency Snow Network
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Metro says it’s going to change its service plan to the Emergency Snow Network on Friday. From the announcement just sent::

With ongoing freezing temperatures and a widespread freezing rainstorm forecast for the region, King County Executive Dow Constantine directed Metro to shift bus service to the Emergency Snow Network starting Friday, Dec. 23. The move focuses service on 65 core bus routes operating on snow routes that the City of Seattle and other jurisdictions prioritize for snow and ice removal. The Emergency Snow Network (ESN) will be effective at 4 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, until 4 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 24.

This approach delivers transit service for the most riders and on streets and highways that are more reliably treated during adverse weather. Customers will be able to board service on 65 core bus routes and shuttles prioritizing higher ridership routes, avoiding steep hills and primarily serving key arterials and transit centers. The routes were developed in coordination and collaboration with jurisdictions, including the City of Seattle.

Metro will continue to operate all service on snow routes Thursday, Dec. 22, until switching to the ESN early Friday morning.

Routes operating as part of the ESN will serve core centers around King County, via RapidRide A, B, C, D, E and F lines, routes 3, 4 (between Seattle Center and Downtown Seattle only), 5, 7, 10, 21 (local service only), 24, 27 (snow shuttle only), 31, 32, 36, 40, 44, 45, 48, 60, 62, 65, 67, 70, 75, 90 (downtown Seattle/First Hill snow shuttle) 101, 105, 106 (between Renton Transit Center and Mount Baker Transit Center only), 120, 124, 128, 131, 132, 148, 150, 160, 161, 165, 168, 181, 184, 230, 231, 239, 245, 250, 255, 271 (between University of Washington and Eastgate only), 331, 345, 348, 372, 522, 545, 550, 554, 631 (if road conditions allow) 773/775 (if Water Taxi is running), 903, 906, 907 and 930.

Metro staff will be monitoring the performance of this network and making adjustments as needed to improve operations. Customers in outlying areas and neighborhoods should prepare for reduced or temporarily unavailable bus service due to inclement weather, difficult travel conditions and topography.

For the rest of today, Metro continues on snow routing, with cancellations/suspensions as announced.

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HELPING: Dave Newman Insurance Agency extends warm-clothing drive
December 22, 2022 12:36 pm
|    Comments Off on HELPING: Dave Newman Insurance Agency extends warm-clothing drive
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(Photo by Chris Frankovich)

With the overnight low in the teens and today’s high not expected to get out of the 20s, bundling up in winter clothing can be a matter of life or death for people who don’t have consistent access to someplace warm. Dave Newman Insurance Agency (WSB sponsor) has been collecting warm-clothing donations – especially coats – throughout the holiday season and has just extended the drive, with this message:

Thank you, West Seattle!

The annual clothing drive is in full swing. It’s been a tough year for donations for the Clothesline and they can use all the help they can get.

There is still plenty of time to donate. Bring your warm coats to 3435 California Ave SW. We’ll continue the clothing drive through the month of January.

Happy Holidays,
Dave Newman Insurance Agency

The office is open 9 am-5 pm most weekdays. The Clothesline is the clothing bank operated by the West Seattle Food Bank

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HEALTH: New therapy program ‘for anyone looking to improve their lives’
December 22, 2022 12:10 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news

If your plans for the new year include getting help to improve your life, Laura Bruco, MSW, LSWAIC (WSB sponsor) is offering a program that starts in January. Here’s the announcement:

I’m excited to announce that Registration is OPEN for the next 12-week intensive therapy program!

I specialize in working with adult clients who need more intensive therapy than 2-4 hours per month, and who benefit from a program that is fully online in the evenings.

The program is appropriate for anyone looking to improve their lives. This includes folks previously diagnosed with complex trauma / PTSD, personality disorders, emotion regulation disorders, dissociative disorders, substance use disorders and psychotic disorders. I welcome folks who have experienced oppression based on race, nation, gender, sexuality, neurodiversity, and more.

Program Dates: The first group session will be held on 1/23/2023 and the final group session will be on 4/13/2023.

Schedule: Groups will be held via Telehealth on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-7:30 pm.

Program Structure: Small closed group cohort of adults. Process-oriented so that clients know how to continue the process well after the program ends.

Discovery Group focused on exploration/development of the self and skills for managing life and relationships;
Experience Group focused on practicing and playing with new ways of relating to others; and
Individual Psychotherapy to support you with your individual needs as you move through the program. (Option to use existing therapist for this via the Partial Package.)

Visit the Program Details page for detailed information about the program.

Early bird registrations by December 31, 2022 are eligible for 20% off the total program fee! If you are interested but finances are an obstacle, please reach out about a sliding scale option (limited availability).

First Step: The first step to register is to schedule a 20-minute consultation with me to make sure it’s a good fit. There will be a $150 deposit upon registration.

Please reach out if you have any questions! Laura@TheCenterOfYou.net

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WEST SEATTLE THURSDAY: Other changes – including libraries and parks – plus events for today
December 22, 2022 10:15 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Grand Menorah at Alki Beach, photographed by David Hutchinson early today)

Regardless of the snow/ice, the holiday season carries on, so today we have a list with holiday happenings as well as weather-related changes. From the inbox, Event Calendar, and Holiday Guide:

COOKIE-DONATION DROPOFFS: Today is the first of three days that you can drop off homemade cookies for The Christmas People at West Seattle Coworking‘s south location (9030 35th SW), until 3 pm today and again 9 am-3 pm tomorrow.

LIBRARIES OPENING LATE: Seattle Public Library says its branches will open at noon today and close at regular times.

WEST SEATTLE GOLF COURSE CLOSED: Except for non-sledding “winter recreation” – here’s the Seattle Parks update.

HOLIDAY MUSIC AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: Two musicians today at the grocery store – Alex Baird noon-3 pm, Gary Benson 3-5:30 pm. (4201 SW Morgan)

‘HOLIDAY GIFT SHOPPE’ POP-UP: Three featured artists/makers (listed here), 4-8 pm tonight at Carpe Diem Collective (3834 California SW).

SANTA AT WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: Second-to-last appearance at the grocery store – 4 pm-7 pm. (4201 SW Morgan)

‘Q BROTHERS CHRISTMAS CAROL’: ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) presents a holiday musical described as a “hip-hop remix of Dickens’ classic tale.” Tickets and show times/dates are here.

HANUKKAH: This is the fifth of eight nights.

Any changes or additions, we’ll add here through the day – westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to send us info but texting 206-293-6302 works too, especially when it’s urgent – thank you!

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GARBAGE/RECYCLING: No pickup again today
December 22, 2022 9:07 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

The side streets aren’t any better than they were yesterday, so SPU has just announced no garbage/recycling pickup again today:

No residential collection today due to unsafe road conditions. Due to this delay, customers missed this week on Tuesday and Wednesday will be able to set out extra next week at no additional charge. Wednesday customers can pull in their containers for today. We will attempt recycling in the off week.

We will attempt to service Thursday customers tomorrow, weather permitting. Customers should have carts out by 7 am. If Thursday customers are missed tomorrow, pull your containers in and put out double next week. We will attempt Friday customers on Saturday.

Both the North and South transfer stations are open to customers today as well as the South Hazardous Waste Facility.

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WEATHER, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT: Icy Thursday morning
December 22, 2022 6:03 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, December 22nd, and it’s very cold – 19 degrees right now.

WEATHER

Continuing cold again today, with a high temperature in the 20s, and a Winter Storm Watch for later today into tomorrow, predicting snow again in the pm.

TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS

-Compounding weather challenges, Metro is still down buses for repairs and is (updated) canceling many trips again today. Keep watching notification channels such as @kcmetroalerts for cancellations and suspensions. Also, here’s the page with rerouting info.

-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule.

-WSF’s Triangle Route starts the day down a boat because of M/V Issaquah’s mechanical trouble – check here for alerts/updates.

STREETS & SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS

Here’s the SDOT Winter Weather Response map showing which roads have been recently treated and when, as well as closed roads. Some impassably icy roads won’t show there (like these), though, so your best bet is to stick to treated routes.

New Delridge cameras: As reported here, three have been added; four more are on the way. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon and Delridge/Orchard.

High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).

Low Bridge: Or nearby, depending on where SDOT points the camera.

1st Ave. S. Bridge: The south route.

Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.

All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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