West Seattle, Washington
10 Saturday
MONDAY: Thanks to Alice Kuder (of Winter Wander fame) for tonight’s photo, a house on SW Barton between 32nd and 34th. If you’re looking for areas to wander in search of lights, the streets around Westwood Village have multiple pockets of holiday-spirited neighbors … and this one is among them. … Got lights to suggest? Starting tomorrow we’ll be bumping up to two homes a night – we have some in queue but there’s room for more – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
ADDED WEDNESDAY: Jeremy, who created the display, sent this photo, and notes it is music-synched:
Here’s video:
(Seattle.gov file photo)
A white Christmas is looking unlikely. But your solid-waste pickup dates will be shifting next week and the week after because of the holidays, whatever the weather, if you’re a Seattle Public Utilities customer. No pickup on the next two Mondays – Christmas Day and New Year’s Day – so everyone will shift a day later both weeks – Monday customers get Tuesday pickup, Tuesday customers get Wednesday pickup, Wednesday customers on Thursday, Thursday customers on Friday, Friday customers on Saturday. Then the week of January 8th, everything goes back to normal. SPU also reminds you that it’ll le.take trees and holiday greens for free December 26th through January 31st – guidelines are here (along with charts detailing the temporary pickup-day changes).
Two more stolen vehicles to report – both from the same apartment parking lot in Seaview, one already recovered. The report and photo are from Ryan:
Stolen – 2018 Subaru Legacy (Black)
License Plate: BGY4983, WA
Police report # 23-361064Stolen between 5 pm (12/15/2023) & 3 pm (12/17/2023) from an apartment building parking lot in West Seattle
Also stolen from the same lot, same time frame: 2006 Chevy 3500 Van (White box/bubble truck) & Black Utility Trailer (which were recovered in South Park on 12/17/2023 using GPS tracking).
(Photo courtesy THEM)
There is no more-iconic place to spend New Year’s Eve in Seattle than the Space Needle – and that’s exactly where the West Seattle band THEM will be on Sunday night, December 31. Ellie from THEM emailed us with the news that they’ll be featured on the KING 5 “New Year’s at the Needle” broadcast: “We would just love to get as many people watching the broadcast as possible! It sounds like we will be playing a few songs, right around 11:45 pm, when the fireworks/drone show start. We will be performing on the revolving glass floor right at the top of the Needle!” THEM has been ascending since debuting two years ago after forming at Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), when Ellie and bandmates Hudson, Maia, and Thompson were all still teenagers. If you haven’t seen/heard THEM, you can sample their music via channels including YouTube.
Still need a Christmas tree but missed Holy Rosary‘s half-price sale on Saturday? They’re closed for the season now (as is Trees by the Sea on Alki) but a few other places still have trees, including West Seattle Nursery (California/Brandon), which just sent word that they’ve cut prices on their trees by 30 percent. We’ve been keeping the tree-lot list updated in our Holiday Guide all season, so we’ll be checking on other sellers’ status later in the week.
(Reader photo sent by Caitlin)
Fans of Café Osita (7349 35th SW) – closed since the pandemic’s peak – have noticed in recent days that the paper has come off the windows and the coffee shop/eatery appeared ready to reopen. We’ve been going by often in an attempt to catch up with the proprietors, and finally were able to talk to them a short time ago. Yes, it’s indeed reopening under original ownership; they’re not sure exactly when, maybe a week or two, but they’re close. And they have plans to expand into the space next door, too, by taking down a wall – the current space will then become the kitchen. The shop had been open more than a decade before the shutdown.
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN CLASSIC RED 4RUNNER: The photo and report are from Josh:
I’m hoping folks could keep a lookout for my red ‘86 4Runner that was found to be stolen this morning at 7 am. It was parked in the Seaview area, 4600 block between Raymond and Juneau. Last seen around 10 pm, believe it may’ve happened in early AM, perhaps around 4 am..
Lic # BAL5663
Has a celebrate diversity bumper sticker on back bumper; the bumper is also dented.
Back window has a Rogue Community College parking-pass sticker on it.
Driver’s-side back seat window has a Dutch Bros sticker in the form of fingers peace sign
Top of truck is sun-bleached to white.Police report was made; please call 911 if seen. Thank you so much.
CAR BREAK-IN OUTSIDE CHURCH: This report is from Liz:
I was parked in front of Fauntleroy Church and the main street (California) Sunday afternoon at 3:35-5:45 attending their Holiday Concert. I came out and got into my car and noticed the glove box open and stuff thrown about. And then I noticed the right rear passenger window had been shattered all over the back seat. Lucky I had nothing of value in the car. Now just the inconvenience of having it repaired.
(Pigeon Guillemot, photographed by Steve Bender at Jack Block Park)
Here’s what’s up for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:
EXTRA SHOPPING: Some local stores that aren’t usually open on Monday will be open today, with just days left in the holiday shopping season. Among them: Lauren’s Jewelry at Westwood Village (WSB sponsor), 10 am-6 pm, and Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way), noon-4 pm. Anyone else? Email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll add you!
FOR VETERANS: If you need help filing a disability claim, the DAV offers free drop-in assistance until 1 pm. (4857 Delridge Way SW)
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, first-time players too. $5.
PRE-GAME FOOD DRIVE: West Seattle High School‘s varsity basketball teams host Newport HS tonight – girls 7 pm, boys 8:30 pm – and food donations for WSHS families in need will be collected before the games; bring nonperishable items.
COMEDY: Monthly show at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), this time with headliner Duane Goad – info and ticket link in our calendar listing.
MEDITATION ON ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community invites you to Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) for guided meditation, discussion, and community. 7 pm.
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three weekly events – 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Next year’s the big one for members of the Class of 1974 = and organizers of the West Seattle High School ’74 reunion sent this to get the word out early:
The West Seattle High School class of 1974 will be holding their 50th class reunion on May 31st, 2024 from 5-9 PM at Whisky West Bar and Grill, 6451 California Ave SW. The cost is $25 per person, of which $18 will go toward your food and drink. Checks are to be made payable to and mailed to Wayne Senter, 134 Dolphin Ave NE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569. Payment can also be made through PayPal to wsenter@aol.com. The WSHS class of ‘74 has a facebook page. Any questions can be answered by committee members there or by contacting Wayne at wsenter@aol.com.
6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, December 18, one week until Christmas.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Rain returning later today, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:53 am, and the sun will set at 4:18 pm.
(Sunday sunrise, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
TRANSIT UPDATES
Water Taxi – Extra runs tonight for the Seahawks game. Check the real-time map if you’re wondering where the boat is.
Metro – Regular schedule today (yes, the Water Taxi shuttles will run for the extra trips mentioned above); check advisories here.
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 X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem 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!
What’s reported as a two-vehicle collision at West Marginal and Front St. [map] has resulted in what a police officer described to dispatch as a “huge” fluid slick. It’s closed northbound West Marginal at the scene, so if you’re headed out, avoid that stretch for a while.
10:11 PM: If you’ve noticed the lights and sirens at Terminal 5, Seattle Fire has sent a hazmat response to a reported spill. It was initially described as either salt or a salt-like material, in powder form; they’re still assessing the situation. They’re telling dispatch that it’s happening aboard the ship currently at T-5, which MarineTraffic.com shows is container ship MSC Dakar X.
10:27 PM: Some of the substance was described as having been spilled on the dock too. But no injuries have been reported, and SFD is dismissing most of the responders.
No rain, no snow, no sub-freezing temperatures – perfect weather as the group above headed out on the annual Christmas Light Run coordinated by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor):
WSR proprietors Lori and Tim McConnell mapped the run along a route they said would take runners past everything from a yard with more than a dozen inflatable Santas to the Gai Family‘s Madonna.
The shop offers multiple free events every month, including group runs every week. (Last one of the year will be an early New Year’s celebration, 8 am Saturday, December 30th, with champagne and sparkling cider toasts afterward.) In the New Year, WSR also will start another free Get Fit “couch to half-marathon” training series, beginning with an info night at 6:30 pm January 3rd – email lori@westseattlerunner.com with questions.
No new owner yet for Outer Space Seattle, so proprietor Caitlin Huertas says this is its last week – last chance to enjoy the space-themed indoor playground:
This is Outer Space Seattle’s last week unless a new owner steps in.
Open all week for Open Play, 10 am – 8 pm, Monday 12/18 – Friday 12/22.
Last day: Friday 12/22.
Caitlin announced the closure plan and sale listing last month. She opened Outer Space Seattle at 2820 Alki Avenue SW for four years.
Thanks to Brendan for the photo! The “Peanuts” display at 2128 47th SW [map] is up again this year – getting close to half a century of making people smile; last year the display’s creator Don Rice told us it was year 47, so this would be year 48! (Starting just a decade after the classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas” TV special that inspired it, which by the way is only showing on Apple TV this year.)
Got lights? Seen lights? Tell us about them via westseattleblog@gmail.com – and scroll through this archive to see everywhere we’ve shown so far!
Sent by Holy Rosary School:
The Holy Rosary tree lot is closed for the season. About a dozen trees have been leaned against the retaining wall on the Holy Rosary playground. These are free trees that need to find a home.
You’ll find them on the north side of the school, off 42nd SW between Genesee and Dakota.
(Project rendering)
Another public-art project is in the works for West Seattle, and a survey has just opened to seek your feedback in shaping it. From the King County Wastewater Treatment District‘s announcement:
King County will build a 1.25-million-gallon underground storage tank on the west side of the First Avenue Bridge to reduce sewage and stormwater overflows into the Duwamish River during large storms. Water stored in the West Duwamish Wet Weather Facility will flow to the West Point Treatment Plant for cleaning before it is safely released into the Puget Sound. To learn more about the project, visit the project website.
Fencing Panel Art
Help shape the facility’s public appearance by sharing your perspectives about the Duwamish River valley! Fencing designed by Seattle artist Ann Marie Schneider will ring the new facility. Input from the community will be incorporated into the fence-panels art. We would love to learn how you see this dynamic river valley landscape can be integrated into the facility fencing appearance to reflect our commitment to stewardship in concert with the resiliency of our river.
The project had a separate community survey last year; results were part of a briefing at HPAC‘s meeting last April. To answer the new survey, which is open until January 24, go here. The facility is expected to start construction in 2025.
Inside a vintage commercial building that is currently home to a photography studio, you’ll find the first Sweet Reel Makers’ Market until 4 pm. Your host at 5001 Delridge Way SW is photographer Angie Norwood Browne:
The cozy space is hosting 11 makers and artists – the needle-felted animals by Paula Wittmann caught our eye, including ornaments:
The West Seattle Art Walk‘s former longtime coordinator, artist Reeve Washburn, is there with her work too:
The listing for the market also promised “trinkets” – we noticed vintage china and jewelry:
(The building is vintage too – we mentioned it in 2021, when renovations briefly uncovered a “ghost sign.”) For more info on the market, including the list of artists/makers participating, see our calendar listing.
Family and friends will gather February 4 to celebrate the life of Lane Townsend. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community:
Margaret Elaine “Lane” (Wise) Townsend
Lane Townsend, 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 13, 2023. She was born in Seattle, Washington on October 27, 1927 to Robert Wise and Beatrice (Bryan) Wise. She was preceded in death by her husband Ivan Townsend and brothers Ken and Gordon “Oly” Wise. She is survived by her children Steve (Kay), Dave (Jan), Carl (Jennine), and Keith (Yvonne) Townsend, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. As matriarch of the family, she was a generous and beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and good friend to all who knew her.
Lane grew up in West Seattle at 1301 Harbor Avenue. As a young girl she rode the street car to Alki Elementary School and later took dance lessons in the ballroom of the Stockade Hotel. After graduating from West Seattle High School (class of ’45) and attending Whitman College in Walla Walla, she graduated with degrees in Political Science and Music from the University of Washington, where she met and fell in love with Ivan. They were married in 1950.
A loving wife and a very involved mother, Lane was always engaged in activities with Ivan and her four boys. Whether she was serving as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, presiding over the Lafayette Elementary School PTA, or organizing parent groups for James Madison Jr. High and West Seattle High School band and orchestra students, she generously gave the gift of time to her West Seattle community.
Lane inherited her love of music from her father, and it followed her to the end of her life. A benefactor and season ticket holder for Seattle Symphony Orchestra and Seattle Opera for many years, she loved performances of Puccini’s Tosca, Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen, and Verdi’s Aida. In her final days she would listen to classical music and gracefully conduct with her fingers in the air, which brought her peace and tranquility.
She had a fierce love for family and was brokenhearted when her father died. Through the years she remained very close to her mother, spending every Friday with her. Giving the gift of time, they would go grocery shopping, run errands, go somewhere fun… and she always had Gramma at our home for Friday night dinner.
After her father’s passing, Lane inherited his forest land, where she and Ivan learned how to be tree farmers. They built a cabin in the woods and acquired her father’s love of trees. Successful at forest management, they were recognized as Washington State’s Tree Farmers of the Year in 1977. Together, they shared their experience and knowledge of forestry with other members of the Washington Farm Forestry Association. The Tree Farm was one of Mom’s happy places and the forest and cabin have been the location of our annual family reunion (and Uncle Kenny’s salmon bake) for more than 55 years.
Playing competitive tennis, bowling with West Seattle bowling leagues, and water aerobics at the YMCA kept Lane physically active all of her life. Reading the local newspaper daily held her finger on the pulse of local and national information and politics. Combining fitness with her mental acumen and zeal for life surely contributed to her longevity. She loved to travel and loved sharing her travel experiences with others. Some of her adventures took her to Mexico, Europe, Australia, China, Russia, and Egypt. Hiking to the tops of pyramids, walking the Great Wall of China, and riding camels were all parts of her adventures!
A few years after Ivan’s passing, Lane sold her home of 44 years and bought a condominium across the street from Don Armeni Park. Located at 1301 Harbor Avenue, it was the exact same address as where she grew up, but on the 4th floor of a beautiful building with a sweeping view of the Space Needle and downtown Seattle. And there was always a ferry boat sailing through Elliott Bay! Watching people walk, jog, ride bicycles, and roller skate along the waterfront was a favorite pastime. Always the adventurer, sometimes she would walk down the street to the biker bar for a cold beer.
Convalescing after a broken hip in 2015 prompted a move to an adult care home, where she enjoyed culture in Bellevue for the past 8 years. Lane and her brother, Oly, her partner and coach in her hip rehabilitation, would take invigorating walks together, often climbing several flights of stairs. Just as she did with her mother, it was Lane’s children and grandchildren who continued sharing their gifts of time. Attending local theatre productions, concerts, street fairs, and summer picnics in the park were all cherished outings. And of course dining at her favorite Mexican restaurant, El Tapatio!
In her twilight days, Lane was at peace with herself. She had seen everything she wanted to see, done everything she wanted to do, and traveled everywhere she wanted to go. Satisfied that everything in her life was good, she would say, “I’ve have had a good life. But, for cryin’ out loud, I’m 96 years old. The party is over and it’s time to go home.”
A Celebration of Life will be held at noon, February 4, 2024 in Bellevue, Washington. Contact Columbia Funeral Home at 206-722-1100 or a family member for details.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, Seattle Symphony, or Washington Tree Farm Program.
(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)
(Reader photo)
Again today, the daily preview is in two sections – starting with listings from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
HOLIDAY FUN PHOTOS WITH GAIL ANN: 8:30 am-noon sessions at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse – Santa will be there! – book your time here.
DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE NATIVE ART MARKET: One more chance to see and buy the creations of Native artists, 10 am-5:30 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse (4705 W. Marginal Way SW).
(Photo courtesy Pathfinder K-8 PTSA)
PATHFINDER WREATH SALES DURING FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm on the southwest corner of California/Alaska, look for Pathfinder K-8‘s famous handmade wreaths and other “door decor”! And if you can’t get to the market, you can still buy wreaths online – pathfinderk8ptsa.org/shop.” Fundraiser for outdoor education.
LESSONS & CAROLS #1: 10 am at West Side Presbyterian Church (3601 California SW): “We will combine for one special service of Lessons and Carols. This service of timeless carols will include WSPC’s choir, instrumentalists and musicians from the NW Symphony Orchestra.”
SMALL BUSINESS POP-UP MARKET: 10 am-2 pm at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW).
HOLIDAY MAKERS’ MARKET: 11 am-4 pm (5001 Delridge Way SW) – see the participants’ list here.
LAUREN’S JEWELRY OPEN FOR SHOPPING: Shop local, shop indie! Bonus day for holiday shopping at WSB sponsor Lauren’s Jewelry in Westwood Village, open today 11 am-4 pm.
‘THE MAGICAL DOLLMAKER’: “Dance! West Seattle is celebrating its 40th year in West Seattle with their annual performance of ‘The Magical Doll Maker.’ The show is at 1:30 pm at Highline Performing Arts Center (401 S. 152nd, Burien). Tickets will be available for purchase at the theater the day of the performance.”
‘THE POLAR EXPRESS’: Classic movie (trailer above)! Free screening at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), 2 pm. Popcorn and cookies!
‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’: The radio-play edition of Twelfth Night Productions‘ beloved show at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), last show at 3 pm today – get tickets and details on the Brown Paper Tickets website.
‘SNOWED IN’ SOLD OUT: ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) presents its holiday production, “a journey of song, dance, friendship, family, and the true meaning of the holidays.” 3 pm today, but no online tickets are available – you can doublecheck with the box office.
FAUNTLEROY CONCERT: Christmas concert at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 4 pm, all welcome.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT RUN: Gather at 5 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) and jingle on out along a route passing festively lit homes. Hang out at the shop afterward for nog, cider, hot chocolate, and cookies. (Here’s the map.)
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, opening at 5 pm. Tickets and info here.
LESSONS & CAROLS #2: Northwest Boychoir‘s annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church, 7 pm. Check for tickets here. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)
Now, your non-holiday options, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at 9 am at rotating locations – today it’s Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, the market is open as usual between SW Alaska and SW Oregon on California, offering late-fall fruit and vegetables as well as cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, candy, more – even Christmas trees (last chance to get yours from Three Tree Farms)! Here’s today’s vendor list.
TEA AND SCI-FI SOCIAL MEETUP: 1 pm, online, explained in our calendar listing.
CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: 3 pm gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), discussing “Snow Country” by Yasunari Kawabata.
SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.
Something for our calendar – one-time or recurring? Or for the West Seattle Holiday Guide? Please email us the info – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
One West Seattle Crime Watch reader report today, from Eric:
Went out to the car this afternoon to do some Christmas things around West Seattle, and discovered that the driver’s side of my old Subie had been vandalized. There was nothing in the car except a small dog bed, which was still in the car when I discovered the damage. Police report has been filed and there are plenty cameras around here, so maybe something will turn up. This probably happened in the early hours of this morning, Dec. 16th.
Eric says this happened “just south of Jefferson Square on 41st Ave SW, close to the Hudson Steps” and that a neighbor reported a similar incident recently.
(WSB photo)(WSB photo – 2022’s Christmas Light Run participants. Will you be in this year’s photo?)
9:19 PM: One more Christmas-lights note … tomorrow’s the night you can join West Seattle neighbors and friends on a casual run to go see some brightly lit West Seattle homes: West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) presents its annual Christmas Light Run! Gather at the shop (2743 California SW) by 5 pm Sunday (December 17). If you haven’t already seen it in our Event Calendar and Holiday Guide, here’s what it’s all about:
Come for our fun annual tradition! We will map out a 2.5-to 3=mile route that is lit! Wear your reflective gear, head lamps, strands of lights, and festive gear!! Elves, Santas, dogs, kids, walkers and runners welcome. This is an easypaced group run to look at the festive lights. We will gather at the shop afterward for nog, cider, hot chocolate, and cookies. We are hoping someone will lead carols this year finally? We look forward to seeing you. Merry Merry!
11:25 PM: Here’s the route.
Tonight’s lights are at 18th/Trenton, shown on video sent by AC. If you don’t recognize what’s on the fence, it’s this Marvel character. But AC says the theme changes often – it’s programmable; here are some examples:
Going out to look at lights? Let us know if you have recommendations – westseattleblog@gmail.com; scroll through this archive to see what we’ve shown already!
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