West Seattle, Washington
26 Friday
Police are searching the Morgan Junction area for a suspect in a shoplift-turned-armed-robbery – the thief brandished a weapon – at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor). The description so far is a white man in his mid-to-late 20s, 6′, medium build, shaved head, beard, neck tattoo, brown coat, blue jeans, with a gun in his waistband. He left with two cases of beer (Modelo and Corona), officers told dispatch, last seen southbound on foot – they’re not sure if he was headed for California or 42nd.
As we wrap up a day in which the main mantra was “shop local,” here are four reasons to “read local” – four books we’ve recently heard about, all the work of West Seattle writers and/or illustrators:
‘POETRY FOR PUPS’: By author Susan Seah and illustrator Morgan Boyle, this book is already an award-winner (Gold Medal from Literary Titan), and a reading for people AND dogs is planned next weekend, 3-5 pm Sunday, December 3, at Realfine Coffee (4480 Fauntleroy Way SW). The author, who plans to bring her “beagle muse” Koa to the reading, writes from this viewpoint: “Embracing the joys of being a dog mom for over two decades, her journey has been enriched with adventures, inspiration, and the unwavering devotion of her fur babies. Beyond her canine companions, Susan wears the hat of a corporate and technology lawyer, a vocation that stands alongside her dedication to empower women as the CEO and Founder of The Koa Club.” Copies of “Poetry for Pups“ will be available for purchase at next weekend’s event.
‘IT’S NOT (ALL) YOUR FAULT’: West Seattle author Sharon Podobnik recently launched her first book, described as …
… a deeply personal nonfiction exposé on the self-help industry from an insider’s perspective. Rather than being a self-help book in the traditional sense, it is a self-conscious self-help book that reveals the tactics that the industry uses while demonstrating exactly how they work. The book is incredibly approachable, while proving that well-being depends on solidarity, not self-optimization.
Sharon is the founder of The Center for Conscious Leadership, “which seeks to co-create a more peaceful, just, and equitable world.” She recently read from “It’s Not (All) Your Fault“ at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor).
‘BROOMS’: The illustrator of this graphic novel, written by Jasmine Walls, is Teo Duvall, a member of the team at Highland Park Corner Store, which held a launch party earlier this fall. Teo explains that “Brooms“ is about “six young witches of color in an alternate history 1930s Mississippi. In order to raise money for better lives, they participate in illegal backwoods broom racing. It’s a story about friendship, magic and overcoming the odds with lots of joy and love.” You can see an excerpt here. “Brooms” has been acclaimed for a variety of reasons including its inclusion of people living with disabilities.
To buy “Brooms” locally, check Pegasus Book Exchange and (of course) Highland Park Corner Store.
“ALWAYS CARRY YOUR SCYTHE”:
Pip Paisley recently published Always Carry Your Scythe, describing the book as “a humorous, contemporary fantasy set in Seattle (that) features a diverse cast of living and alternative-living beings in all shapes, sizes, colors and orientations.” Pip has been leaving copies of “Always Carry Your Scythe” in (Little) Free Libraries around West Seattle, and whether you encounter the book that way or by buying it, Pip has an offer: “If anyone reads the book and leaves a review on Amazon, drop me a note at pippaisley@gmail.com and I’ll happily send over a Always Carry Your Scythe mug.”
(Photo by Kersti Muul)
Over the past decade. readers have sent occasional photos of a multicolored bird we quickly learned was a Golden Pheasant. (For example: 2013, 2019.) Most likely not all the same one, as their lifespan isn’t quite that long. Most recently, the one shown above was hanging around Arbor Heights. Kersti Muul sent a sad update about it today:
I leaned yesterday that the golden pheasant was found off 106th and (Marine View Drive) with head trauma and euthanized at Urban Animal. I matched it to one in Arbor Heights that (a) woman had contacted me about. We were monitoring it in her yard. Found very close to her house.
Kersti said several people had suggested she “rescue” it in the past year, but it was clearly not in distress and was “very active and alert,” so there was no reason to do so. “He had a good free life for a long while. Rest well, beautiful one.”
From Stewart L.:
Walking today (on Harbor Avenue) I found an unlabeled box containing a Disney item that’s brand new. I suspect this has been stolen based on where it was found. If you are missing a Disney-themed gift, please reach out with a description and I will be happy to reunite you with it.
Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com and we’ll forward to Stewart.
Start checking your cupboards and closets now for anything you might be able to donate to the Caudle family’s annual drive-up food/coat drive next Saturday – 10 am-3 pm December 2nd! This is the fourth year that the Caudles (Leah, Tim, Atticus, and Dominic) have organized the drive held in the lot behind Hope Lutheran Church/School (enter off SW Oregon, just east of 42nd SW).
Coat donations should be new or “gently used,” all sizes. For food donations, here’s more information on what’s most helpful for WSFB and the people they help.
If you sing, this is a unique way to use your voice and presence. The South Seattle Threshold Singers asked us to share this announcement as they invite new members:
We are a chapter of Threshold Choir, a nationally known nonprofit network of a cappella choirs whose members volunteer to sing in small groups at the bedsides of those who are at end-of-life.
We invite you to visit the Threshold Choir website at thresholdchoir.org, and our chapter website at thresholdchoir.org/southseattle to learn more about us.
We welcome people who can carry a tune, hold their own part and blend with others in a small group, communicate kindness with their voice, offer a loving presence to those who are dying, and share deeply with other chapter members. The time commitment is an average of ten hours a month.
If this is of potential interest to you, please contact us at sseattlethreshold@gmail.com and we will send you more information.
Thanks to the crew at Alki Bike and Board (2606 California SW; WSB sponsor) for the photo. Santa is on two wheels today instead of riding in the reindeer-drawn sleigh. You can stop by the shop for a photo with Santa on the classic tandem bike until 3 pm today. While you’re there, check out the Small Biz Saturday sale on bikes and gear (and find out about the AB&B layaway plan).
P.S. As published Friday, here’s our list of all the West Seattle Santa photo ops listed in our Holiday Guide so far!
Thanks for the photos! Above, Rick Dolezal sent that view with the observation, “Weather watching on Beach Drive is always awesome. This weather phenomenon occurred this morning over the water across from Emma Schmitz Overlook.” Below, Darlene Allen photographed “interesting fog”:
And earlier, from Constellation Park, Pelicans photographed fog flowing over the ridge:
Bonus close-up view: “Spider art” seen by Rosalie Miller:
Thanks as always to everyone who sends photos, from weather views to breaking news (and it’s just about time for Christmas lights, too!) – best way is email, westseattleblog@gmail.com, but text works too, particularly when it’s urgent – 206-293-6302.
(Goldeneyes at Jack Block Park, photographed by Steve Bender)
Another two-part list – first, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY: Today’s the day to emphasize shopping at your independent local businesses (which we do all year long) – and some are offering sales/deals to invite you in. Full details are in the Holiday Guide, but here are highlights:
Filigree & Shadow Handmade Fragrances (WSB sponsor): “Between now and end of Monday, I’m offering 15% off storewide, and online with code GOODTHINGS. I offer complimentary U.S. shipping, too.” Filigree & Shadow’s studio behind Canna West Culture Shop “is open by coincidence or appointment. If you see my sign on the sidewalk, come on in!”
Carmilia’s (4528 California W): At the Junction boutique, today’s offers: “15% off your gift purchase, pick a free gift. Sale Rack up to 50% off. Open today 11 am-6 pm.
Alki Bike and Board (2606 California SW; WSB sponsor): Multiple items on sale – big savings on bikes, bags, shoes, lights. Shop open today 10 am-6 pm. (Also note AB&B has a layaway program!)
Emerald Water Anglers (4502 42nd SW; WSB sponsor): 40% off on select items in-store, Also: Offering a free casting lesson with the purchase of any single-hand rod. Shop open today 10 am-6 pm.
Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor): 20% off select items, in-store and online. Shop open today 10 am-6 pm.
The Bass Shop (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor): All basses 15% off, in-store or online. Shop open today 10 am-6 pm.
SSC Garden Center (6000 16th SW, north lot): The Garden Center is open 10 am-2 pm with 20% off plant sales.
Northwest Wine Academy: Also on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, north lot: “1 tasting included with the purchase of any bottle and 3 for 42$ on all 2016 bottles!” Open 11 am-4 pm.
More holiday events:
DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE NATIVE ART MARKET: Day 2 of your annual chance to buy from Native artists and crafters. We went on Saturday – in addition to work by Northwest Natives, you’ll also find creations like these:
Those are crafts from the Pueblo of Zuni, sold by Seciwa’s Southwest Native Jewelry and Crafts, one of 15+ vendors this weekend. The market is open 10 am-7 pm. Food vendors too. And now there’s more parking, north of the Longhouse! (4705 West Marginal Way SW)
SANTA PHOTOS IN ADMIRAL: This afternoon, Alki Bike and Board (WSB sponsor) hosts Santa for your DIY pics, noon-3 pm. (2606 California SW)
CHRISTMAS SHIP: The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship returns to West Seattle twice tonight for 20 minutes of live caroling for audiences on the shore:
Stop 1: Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor), 5:35 pm
\Stop 2: Alki Beach Park (usually near the Bathhouse), 8:35 pm, with a bonfire
GARY BENSON’S CHRISTMAS SHOW: 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
Now – from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and archives:
FREE GROUP RUN: Start your Saturday with this weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW) group run! All levels welcome. Meet at the shop by 8 am.
SOFT OPEN: As we reported earlier this week, today is the first day of a soft open for sandwiches-tea-and-more shop Banh Mi XO (9003 35th SW), 9 am-4 pm.
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
PLAY GAMES! The South Park Library invites you to drop by and celebrate International Games Month, 11 am-3 pm. (8604 8th Ave. S.)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Try the new reds!
BURGERS & BEATS: Saturday night food and music at Revelry Room – burgers start at 6, DJs at 9. (4547 California SW, alley side)
PINK BOA AT EASY STREET: Doors open at 6:30 pm for free all-ages in-store show. (4559 California SW)
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
‘GREAT NIGHT’: Saturday night program for young adults 18+ to hang out 7 pm-midnight, at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle).
DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: West End Girls drag extravaganza hosted by Cookie Couture, doors 7 pm, music 8 pm, $20 at the door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Planning a concert, open house, show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, Halloween or holiday-season happening, or ? If the community’s welcome, get your event on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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