day : 12/12/2023 12 results

Santa! Carolers! Mini-concerts! And … artists! That’s all in the plan for Thursday night’s holiday edition of the West Seattle Art Walk.

From Alki to Admiral to The Junction to Morgan Junction, dozens of venues will either be featuring artists or food/drink specials, as the list above shows. Beyond that, you’ll find holiday extras – plus three mini-concerts for The Art of Music.

(WSB photo: Santa in The Junction during 2022’s holiday Art Walk)

HOLIDAY EXTRAS IN THE JUNCTION: The Silver Belles caroling, Santa Claus roaming, the Better as Brass band playing at the KeyBank corner, and Shop Late Thursday at participating stores.

HOLIDAY EXTRAS IN ADMIRAL: Hot cocoa and ornament-making at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW), Santa Claus meet-and-greet at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor), and an ugly sweater tournament at Soiree (3278 California SW).

THE ART OF MUSIC: All three of these performances are scheduled for 6 pm-7:45 pm:

Sue Quigley at West Seattle Grounds
Rik Wright‘s Fundamental Forces at Great American Diner (4752 California SW)
Matt Cecil at Zeeks Pizza (6459 California SW)

As for the art – scroll through the preview post on the Art Walk website to see who’s showing their work – for example, if you’re going to West Seattle Grounds for the music and/or holiday extras mentioned above, you’ll see orca photos by PNW Orca Pod Squad Photography …. muralist Desmond Hansen will be at John L. Scott West Seattle (4445 California SW) … glass art by Melissa Misoda is part of what’ll be featured at CAPERS (4511 California SW) … browse and buy work by multiple artists at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) plus gift-wrapping by Clay Cauldron (5-8 pm) … Most artist receptions will be 5-8 pm, but doublecheck with individual venues. Again, this is all happening Thursday (December 14) … see you out along the Art Walk!

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LIGHT RAIL: Sound Transit CEO leaving after less than a year and a half

December 12, 2023 8:14 pm

| 33 COMMENTS

| Sound Transit | West Seattle news

As light-rail planning for West Seattle approaches a key point, Sound Transit will be changing leadership again. 15 months after starting as CEO, Julie Timm announced she’s leaving the $375,000/year job “in order to return to the East Coast to take care of family matters.” That’s according to an ST news release that says her last day will be January 12th, one month from today. The ST board will appoint an interim CEO “in the weeks ahead.” Their next meeting had been scheduled to include Timm’s performance rating and bonus, according to agenda documents. Before Timm, Peter Rogoff was CEO for more than six years. Around the middle of next year, the board is supposed to get the final Environmental Impact Statement for the West Seattle Link Extension, after which the final routing (alignment) will be decided. There also will be some board changes early next year, since some of its current members are leaving, including West Seattle-residing County Councilmember Joe McDermott, who didn’t run for re-election.

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: New setting for Gai Family’s Madonna

December 12, 2023 6:45 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Thanks to Theresa Arbow-O’Connor for sending photos with the news that the Gai Family’s Christmas display is ready for viewing – with a new setting for the Madonna that the family patriarch, the late Phil Gai, built in the ’50s. For this year, his son Ron Gai has created a new crown setting for the Madonna – “a 3-D computer project and labor of love that took 45 days,” reports Theresa.

You can look at last year’s photos for a before/after comparison. To see the display in person, go to the 3200 block of 36th SW [vicinity map].

We’re showing light displays nightly through Christmas – if you have a suggestion, with or without photos/video, please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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HELPING: WestSide Baby hosts big volunteer turnout for Sip & Sort

December 12, 2023 5:32 pm

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| Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

West Seattleite-founded, White Center-headquartered WestSide Baby is hosting a big party of sorts right now – more than 90 volunteers RSVP’d for tonight’s Sip and Sort event. The turnout included groups from Holy Rosary and Eastside-based Trupanion.

The sorting involves donated items – WestSide Baby can always use help sorting them for distribution to clients and partners, ultimately helping thousands of local families.

As featured in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide‘s “Giving Opportunities” section, you’re invited to help WS Baby this season too – you can donate diapers, new/gently used children’s clothing, and/or money, or host a “Joy Drive“ of your own! (Or volunteer.)

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ELECTION 2024: Republican candidate for governor Semi Bird in West Seattle tonight

December 12, 2023 3:55 pm

| 84 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Just got belated word of this:

Tonight, 6-8 PM, 34th LD Republicans Committee host Semi Bird, GOP candidate for Governor. Inviting all King County to a special Christmas dinner and inspiring conversation.

Where? The Grove West Seattle Inn, 3512 SW Alaska St

Please RSVP: birdforgovernor.com/34th-ld-republican-committee-christmas-dinner-potluck-rsvp

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle VFW honors essay-contest winners at holiday party

December 12, 2023 2:25 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The photo and report are from West Seattle VFW Post 2713 commander Steve Strand:

The West Seattle VFW held their annual holiday celebration. The veterans and community came together to celebrate our student essay contestants on their patriotic themes. Bill Dwyer is the chairman of the student essays and coordinates with our local schools for entries. Chief Sealth International High School and Our Lady of Guadalupe were especially well-represented this year.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars handed out certificates and cash prizes to the winners. The delicious turkey, stuffing, and fixin’s were catered by West Seattle‘s very own Jack Miller and the Husky Deli.

Essay contest:

James McDonald
High School Teacher coordinator

Juliana Agudelo Ariza
Voice of Democracy winner

Harper Gilbert
1st place Patriots Pen

Mimi Katz
2nd place Patriots Pen

Evelyn Jane Satwicz
3rd place Patriots Pen

Alex Tsada
1st place Youth Essay

Miguel Santos
2nd place Youth Essay

Fiona Howell
3rd place Youth Essay

Lila Dacanay
3rd grade winner

Zykx Sotero
Honorable mention

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STAY SAFE! Free avalanche-awareness education Wednesday at Mountain to Sound Outfitters in West Seattle

December 12, 2023 12:28 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

It’s snow-sports season in the mountains – which can bring a lot of fun, but also danger in some circumstances. Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) is offering a free, potentially life-saving event tomorrow night – here’s the announcement:

We’re co-hosting a free 90-minute Avalanche Awareness Course on December 13th at 6 pm with NWAC!

The NWAC (Northwest Avalanche Center) – AIARE Avalanche Awareness Course utilizes interactive presentation materials and local case histories and encourages questions from the audience.

The course is expected to:
-Introduce and explain to students where and why avalanches occur.
-Describe who gets caught and why.
-Provide a basic approach to staying safe in the backcountry.

This course targets the young and unaware backcountry traveler, and introduces the recognition of avalanche danger and how to reduce the risk.

Student Learning Outcomes
-Learn to access local avalanche bulletins and weather reports.
-Recognize basic signs of avalanche danger.
-Learn to avoid avalanche danger.
-Understand the need for companion rescue techniques and equipment.

This event is free but registration is required. Please use the tickets link to register.

Mountain to Sound Outfitters is in The Triangle, at 3602 SW Alaska.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Cherry Consignment burglarized

December 12, 2023 10:30 am

| 25 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

That’s the burglar who threw a rock through the door of Cherry Consignment (4123 California SW) early this morning – and this is some of the damage he left behind:

It took the burglar two tries to shatter the door – all recorded on video. Proprietor Nyla Bittermann got the call from police just after 12:30 am. According to dispatch audio, a passerby saw the break-in and called 911; the burglar was gone before officers arrived. Nyla says he was “in and out quickly and only took the cash drawer, which was empty, except for a few coins.” Though the burglary was quick, the cleanup was not – she says, “We stayed until almost 3:30 cleaning up glass. It’s going to be a long day.” But “the show must go on,” she adds, here in the middle of the holiday shopping season, so her shop – which marked its 14th anniversary this year – IS open today. If you have any information on the burglary and/or the burglar, the SPD incident number is 23-356323. (Back in January, a would-be burglar tried, but failed, to get into the shop.)

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16 for your West Seattle Tuesday

December 12, 2023 9:45 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(December blossoms, photographed by Mary Burki)

Here’s what’s happening today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

MORGAN JUNCTION McDONALD’S REOPENING: As we first reported last week, this is reopening day – drive-thru only for starters – at the overhauled Morgan Junction McDonald’s. (6546 California SW)

SENIOR CENTER LUNCH: Senior Center of West Seattle‘s holiday lunch, with live music. Free to members. Suggested donation for others. Follow link to see menu. (4217 SW Oregon)

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

SANTA PHOTOS WITH GAIL ANN: 3-7 pm, during Gail Ann Photography‘s holiday run at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse have limited Santa availability – book ASAP.

SIXTH NIGHT OF HANUKKAH: No public events scheduled tonight.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration continues at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, times vary. Tickets and info here.

AUTHOR DISCUSSION: 5:30 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), discuss “Little Thieves” with Margaret Owen, who will also read from her book – details in our calendar listing.

LEARN ASL: Free class, 6 pm at West Seattle Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (4001 44th SW) – info’s in our calendar listing.

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FREE TRACK RUN: Run with friends old and new on these long nights! Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

THE CLAY CAULDRON: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance or drop in to work on your project(s).

WSHS WINTER CONCERT: First of three consecutive nights of student group performances, 7 pm, West Seattle High School Theater (3000 California SW), admission free – more info in our calendar listing.

NEW TIME FOR BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), now starting at 7 pm. Free, all ages!

TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW); also, 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).

BASKETBALL: One home high-school varsity game tonight – West Seattle HS boys host Rainier Beach, 7:30 pm. (3000 California SW)

You can look into the future any time via our event calendar – if you have something to add to it (or to our Holiday Guide), please email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Celebration of life planned January 6 for Kevin A. Hamel, 1972-2023

December 12, 2023 9:00 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather January 6 to celebrate the life of Kevin Hamel, and are sharing this remembrance with the community now:

Kevin Allen Hamel, 51, of Seattle, passed away on December 5, 2023. He was born on May 7, 1972, in Statesville, NC, to Jan Hamel.

Kevin served two years in the Air Force and later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2017 from Seattle Central College. He had an exceptional career with Catholic Community Services, where he worked tirelessly to house homeless veterans and college students. Kevin’s dedication and hard work were recognized this year when he received the President’s Award for his outstanding service to CCS clients.

Kevin was a beloved son, a cherished nephew, and a dear friend to many. He had a warm and kind personality, always willing to lend a helping hand to others.

Kevin had a passion for sports, particularly softball, and played on various teams in the Seattle area, including the Plastix.

He was known for his love of dogs, especially his beloved companion, Spencer. Kevin’s infectious smile and his penchant for hugging everyone he met endeared him to many.

He is survived by his loving mother and aunt, Jan Hamel and Pat Phillips, both of Statesville, NC, and many close friends in the Seattle area. Kevin will be dearly missed by his chosen family in Seattle, who loved him dearly.

A service and celebration of Kevin’s life will be held on Saturday, January 6th, at 1 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, located at 3050 California Ave SW.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Catholic Community Services in Kevin’s memory.

Please share memories and photos of Kevin on the Tribute Wall, at emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Kevin-Hamel

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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HOLIDAY GIVING: Skunk Works Robotics ‘engineers of tomorrow’ need $ today

December 12, 2023 8:32 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

In that short video, you’ll see and hear the students of Skunk Works Robotics 1983, an organization we’ve told you about before, serving youth in West Seattle and beyond. As one of the West Seattle participants, Jonah, explains, “Skunk Works is truly amazing. I have learned or improved so many skills like leadership, computer aided design (CAD), communication/presentation skills and so many more. We also teach programming, fabrication, data analysis, and electrical skills, plus many other soft skills. All this is taught by building a robot in 6 weeks and then competing at multiple competitions across Washington and the United States.” Getting ready for, and going to, those competitions costs money. Skunk Works launched a fundraiser for Giving Tuesday, and while we missed the chance to tell you about it then, they’re keeping it open through the holidays – you can donate here.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Tuesday info

December 12, 2023 6:03 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, December 12.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Forecast says partly sunny today, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise today is at 7:48 am; sunset, 4:17 pm.

ROAD WORK

Pavement grinding is scheduled for 26th SW between Roxbury and Barton today and tomorrow, according to a notice distributed to residents. Metro is rerouting buses off that stretch.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro – Aside from the aforementioned rerouting, it’s a regular schedule today; check advisories here.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule today. Watch the real-time map if wondering where the boat is.

Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check alerts for changes, and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

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

Low Bridge:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on Twitter/X shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if applicable). Thank you!

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