West Seattle, Washington
19 Sunday
(Photo by Dan Ciske)
Here are highlights of what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from our Event Calendar, where you can get a preview days, weeks, even months ahead, and our West Seattle Holiday Guide:
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Long-distance advocacy via handwritten postcards sent to voters in other states – the work continues post-election – drop in 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all welcome.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Lunch meeting at noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW), followed by volunteering with Food Lifeline.
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: The board meets online at 5 pm to officially accept the superintendent’s withdrawal of the school-closure plan; here’s the agenda, which explains how to watch.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm tonight, play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
FREE TRACK RUN: All runners welcome! Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.
TALK WITH YOUR SCHOOL-BOARD MEMBER: 6:30 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, join West Seattle/South Park school-board director Gina Topp for her periodic community-conversation meeting – any Seattle Public Schools topic that you want to discuss.
‘CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHOSEN’: Film and discussion, 6:30-8:30 pm. Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill). Free movie screening and discussion of “Holy Night,” by the producers of “The Chosen” series. Christmas cookies and popcorn, too! All welcome!
MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).
BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! Tuesday nights bring Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 5: Now there are five trivia options for Tuesday – new, 7 pm trivia with Amelia at Future Primitive‘s Beer Bar on Alki (2536 Alki SW) … The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 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; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
Planning an event? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar and/or Holiday Guide – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:18 PM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the sighting tip – a gray whale was spotted off The Arroyos, and we’re told several watchers are looking south from the Fauntleroy ferry dock. Let us know (24/7 text is 206-293-6302) if you see it!
9:59 PM: Here’s video recorded by Dave, a member of Kersti’s text-alert group:
(Photo by Holli Margell)
The Center for Active Living runs on volunteer power. That means you, if you have a little extra time. Volunteer coordinator Danny Perez says this is what they’re looking for right now:
The Center for Active Living (formerly the Senior Center of West Seattle) at 4127 SW Oregon St is currently in need of volunteers to fill various positions. Volunteers can enjoy connecting with fellow volunteers and seniors in a friendly, relaxed environment. The Center is seeking to fill the following volunteer positions:
Café Attendant: Mondays and/or Fridays from 11 am-2 pm; take customer orders and prepare sandwiches and salads in The Center’s onsite café
Dining Room Attendant: Tuesdays and/or Thursdays from 10am-1pm; Serve beverages and prepared meals to seniors participating in our Community Dining program
Retail Sales Clerk/Cashier: provide general customer assistance in The Center Thrift Shop
Westside Friends: provide companionship and support to seniors in their home location in West Seattle
Must be 18 years of age or older, and shifts are generally weekdays during the day, and can be two to three hours in duration. Flexible scheduling options are available. To apply, click this link to complete a volunteer application or email dannyp@wscenter.org
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, November 26, two days until Thanksgiving. (See our West Seattle Holiday Guide for everything you need to know on Thanksgiving – open restaurants and coffee shops, supermarket hours, free dinners …)
SCHOOLS
No classes at Seattle Public Schools elementaries and K-8s, since it’s conference time, but middle and high schools ARE in session..
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Partly sunny, slight chance of showers, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:31 am, while sunset will be at 4:22 pm.
TRANSIT
Water Taxi today – Regular service.
Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes. Triangle Route will run the weekend schedule on Thanksgiving Day.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the south half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the north side. Fairmount Avenue remains closed beneath the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Thanks to those who forwarded this: One night before the Seattle Public Schools Board was scheduled to have a special meeting to authorize superintendent Dr. Brent Jones to withdraw his plan to close four schools, he sent families a message tonight saying he’s doing just that, declaring the district will find other ways to save money – next school year, at least:
As Superintendent, I take seriously the responsibility of ensuring our district’s schools meet the needs of every student while operating sustainably for the future.
Earlier this year, the Seattle School Board directed me to develop a preliminary recommendation for elementary school closures and consolidations to address enrollment declines, budgetary challenges, stabilizing programs and services.
After much deliberation, reflection, and engagement with our community, it is clear there is no longer a pathway for this approach for the 2025-26 school year. I am withdrawing my preliminary recommendation, and we will not pursue school closures and consolidations for the upcoming school year. The Board will vote Tuesday to formally approve this direction.
This decision was not made lightly and reflects the Board and my shared priority: the needs and well-being of our students, families, and community. While our Board recognized the vision for the proposed changes, and many in our community understood the need for stability behind them, this decision allows us to clarify the process, deepen our understanding of the potential impacts, and thoughtfully determine our next steps.
The projected $5.5 million savings from the proposed closures are significant. However, we agree that achieving these savings should not come at the cost of dividing our community.
The discourse surrounding this issue highlighted the need for constructive conversations and collaboration to replace conflict, as meaningful progress for our students requires unity and shared purpose.
Instead, we will focus on addressing our district’s budget shortfall through legislative and levy renewal advocacy, as well as pursuing operational efficiencies aligned with our shared values and priorities. We also remain committed to addressing the underlying issues that drove this initial proposal. These challenges remain critical to ensuring the long-term health of our district, and we will continue to work together to find solutions and ensure any adjustments we make are both equitable and sustainable. …
The closure possibility loomed over months of meetings, discussions, and protests about what the district originally suggested would result in a system of “well-resourced schools” – a concept first introduced a year and a half ago – closing up to 20 of them and offering two possible slates of closures. That was eventually whittled down to four elementaries including Sanislo. Then last week’s emotional board meeting ended with Dr. Jones saying he might withdraw the plan.
P.S. If you want to talk with West Seattle/South Park school-board director Gina Topp about any of this – or any other SPS topic – her community conversation meeting remains on for 6:30 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, November 26) at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), shortly after the board’s one-issue, online-only meeting to officially cancel the closures.
That’s part of the colorful display – also including seawall luminarias – the Alki Community Council created as part of its first-ever Alki Holiday Lights celebration Saturday night, before and after the Christmas Ship’s visit to the beach (WSB coverage here). The event also included business participation, plus the Log House Museum, and a food drive. One of the ACC organizers, Zak, tells WSB, “I made a survey to gather feedback on this first annual event. Hoping to have 2025 be bigger and better. Would love to have more attendees fill it out and hear what we did well or could improve on.” If you were there and can offer some feedback, here’s how!
If you got stuck in a pre-dusk jam near the Fauntleroy ferry dock, this crash at Fauntleroy/Wildwood might have played a role. Sent by Mike:
Apparently the car was heading west on Wildwood when the brakes failed. The driver was trying to slow it down by trying to put it in Park. It wouldn’t go so he made a sharp left turn onto Fauntleroy heading south in order to avoid a potential collision with cars or pedestrians at the ferry dock if he were to follow Fauntleroy heading north. No injuries. Driver just shaken up.
The scene has since cleared.
Announced today by the King County Wastewater Treatment Division, as their million-gallon sewer-overflow tank project continues taking shape:
Utility investigation work near First Avenue South bridge beginning December 2
King County Wastewater Treatment Division is planning to build a wastewater and stormwater storage tank near the First Avenue South Bridge to reduce combined sewer overflows into the Duwamish River, with construction expected to begin in summer 2025. Starting as early as (next Monday) December 2, 2024, crews will spend up to three days potholing, or digging small holes, near the future storage tank site in preparation for upcoming construction. This work will help King County to better understand the locations and condition of existing utility lines.
What you can expect
-Work hours 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for up to three days, starting as early as Monday, December 2. Work on Highland Park Way SW may happen at night to avoid disrupting traffic.
-Temporary lane closures with flaggers on site to assist vehicle and pedestrian movement.
-One drill rig and up to four service vehicles on site.
-Noise and slight vibrations during work hours, including engine noise and periodic hammering.
-Occasional truck traffic accessing the site during work hours.Please watch for equipment and signs in the area, travel slowly to stay safe and follow direction from flaggers.
The overflow tank has been in planning for years – here’s some of our past coverage.
1:31 PM: Police and fire are responding to a report of two people stabbed at 30th/Cambridge [map], just west of Roxhill Park. Updates to come.
1:35 PM: Police are looking for at least one vehicle in connection with this – described as a newer silver SUV, possibly a Nissan Murano. They confirm there are two victims, describing as “one in a fight that got stabbed, one who we’re interviewing right now.”
1:44 PM: SFD has reduced its response size; we’ll be checking with them regarding conditions. No further info from police yet regarding suspect(s)/circumstances.
1:47 PM: Police have just said the suspect(s) and victims in this “are all juveniles” and they’ve checked the parking lots at nearby schools but no sign of the involved vehicle.
2:02 PM: They are looking for a teenage girl and apparently have her name.
2:50 PM: SFD says its medics treated a 17-year-old girl who was in stable condition when taken to the hospital and a 15-year-old girl with “minor injuries” who did not want to go to a hospital.
ADDED 5:17 PM: We followed up with SPD too. Det. Eric Muñoz noted, “There is a family relationship between the suspect and stabbing victim, making this a domestic violence-related incident. Another female juvenile victim sustained minor injuries (scratches); and was treated on scene. Video surveillance was obtained by officers. The weapon used was not located. The 16-year-old suspect fled the scene and was not located. Police are actively searching for her. Police are also looking for another involved male suspect; his involvement in this incident is under investigation.”
6:28 PM: SPD confirms the suspect has just been arrested.
(WSB photo, July)
Four months ago, we reported that city permit files showed a Gene Juarez salon was penciled in for the former Sound Credit Union space at 4730 California SW. At the time, the company’s CEO Katie Trent had no comment. Today, she emailed us this announcement:
I am happy to now confirm that we have leased the space formerly housing Sound Credit Union.
We are thrilled to bring our award-winning salon and skin care services to the Junction. Many of our staff (including me) live in West Seattle, as do many of our existing guests. It is a privilege to join the vibrant business scene in West Seattle/the Junction, and we look forward to making a positive contribution through additional foot traffic to the Junction as well as involvement with the many wonderful community events throughout the year.
Trent says they’re hoping to open in April. She adds:
The salon will feature our full complement of salon services, including texture/curl specialists and specialty extension services. We have been certified carbon neutral for beauty services by our sustainability partner, Green Circle Salons, since 2022 and intend to carry that practice to this location. Our skincare team offer a full suite of facial services as well as waxing, lash and brow services.
12:34 PM: Thanks for the photos, including the one above from Steven Rice – the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is inbound, headed for Bremerton. According to this report, it left San Diego one week ago – the same day two other carriers departed.
ADDED 1 PM: This photo’s from Sid:
Two reader reports so far today:
ROCK THROWN: From T:
I live at an apartment on Edmunds and 42nd Ave SW. About 3:15 am, a rock was thrown into our sliding glass door and shattered it. It landed in my dog’s bowl and broke that too. There is glass all over the living room – I was asleep on the couch when this happened.
If anyone saw anything, a police report has been filed.
The temporary number for that is T00017786.
DUMPED TABLETS: Sent by M:
Wanted to let readers know that I found 2 tablets dumped in the street near 35th & Trenton this morning.
One was a kid’s and one was an adult’s, based on the cases. The adult’s tablet seems to still function. The kid’s one seems damaged though. If they can identify the brand of the tablet and describe the cases, happy to get them reunited with the owner!
Email or text us and we’ll connect you.
Today, as our West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlights on local nonprofits continue, you can ensure a nonprofit preschool can teach big lessons to more little kids. Three times a week through year’s end, WSB is bringing you this special holiday-season opportunity to learn more about some of this area’s amazing local nonprofits, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation. Today – open the doors more widely to Hazelwood Preschool – here’s their story:
At Hazelwood Preschool, children discover the joy of learning through a blend of play-based education and connection to nature.
We are a non-profit preschool serving around 40 children ages 2-5 in West Seattle. Nestled against Fauntleroy Park, Hazelwood Preschool provides a unique learning environment that focuses on social-emotional growth. Children are encouraged to build empathy, resilience, and confidence while forming lasting friendships. A central focus of our curriculum is our outdoor program where children explore the natural world, fostering curiosity, and a deep respect for the environment. Our approach to education is holistic, incorporating art, music, and hands-on science activities alongside structured and free play. We celebrate diversity in all its forms, ensuring that every child sees their identity reflected in our curriculum.
At Hazelwood, we are committed to making high-quality early education more accessible. Our scholarship program is deeply meaningful to us, as it allows us to remove financial barriers for families. With your generosity, we can give more children the opportunity to develop a lifelong love of learning and a connection to their community. Contributions to our school enable us to expand our scholarship program, retain passionate educators, and keep tuition affordable.
Hazelwood parent Katy says, “It has been amazing watching my daughter transform during her years at Hazelwood. She went from hesitant and shy to outspoken and immensely proud of herself. She comes home every day excited to tell us about something, whether it was a funny moment with her friends, or the art she created. It is such a relief as a parent to know my child is in a safe and supportive place she loves.”
We are grateful to be part of the incredible West Seattle community. The support and involvement of our families, staff, and neighbors make it possible for Hazelwood Preschool to thrive, and for that, we thank you.
To support Hazelwood Preschool with your West Seattle Giving Spirit, go here! To see who we’ve featured already – browse this WSB archive.
(Eagle at Alki, photographed by Christopher Boffoli)
Here’s our list for your Monday, from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and West Seattle Holiday Guide:
FORGOTTEN CHILDREN’S FUND TOY DRIVE: Today’s the first day you can bring new, unwrapped toy donations to the John L. Scott Westwood offices (WSB sponsor) on the breezeway at Westwood Village (2600 SW Barton).
DONATE WARM CLOTHES & DESSERTS: Today’s the first day you can donate warm clothes, blankets, socks, and/or desserts at D Squared Hospitality‘s offices – 4105 Airport Way S. – for Thursday’s free community dinner at The Hall at Fauntleroy.
BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), for kids 0-2.
BINGO! Monday nights at Locust Cider on Alki, 6 pm. (2820 Alki SW)
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, including first-time players.
LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: No Monday night meeting this week.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three places to play tonight – 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: You’re invited to free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MEDITATION IN ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community also hosts Monday night meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 7-8:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: The Alley in back of Bonjour Vietnam is open – Monday nights, live music from The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
SING! 9 pm is the start time for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, and/or something for our Holiday Guide, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(2023 photo courtesy Thunder Road Guitars)
Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) is bringing back the Dick’s Drive-In burgers-and-shakes truck on Black Friday (this Friday, November 29)! Here’s the TRG announcement:
This Black Friday Weekend is going to be LEGENDARY! For the first time ever, Thunder Road Guitars Seattle & Portland are offering:
-20% OFF select new, used, and vintage guitars, amplifiers, and pedals!
-Shop online at www.thunderroadguitars.com with code BLACKFRIDAY20 to save big!
-Or visit us in-store in West Seattle or Portland to snag these epic deals.
BONUS: At our West Seattle location, the DICK’S DRIVE-IN Truck will be on-site Friday from 12-2 pm! Treat yourself to lunch with purchase of any item in store. Guitars + burgers = Black Friday done right!
Hurry! Sale runs Black Friday Weekend only. Some exclusions apply, so call or email for details.
In West Seattle, Thunder Road Guitars is at 6400 California SW in Morgan Junction.
Anyone else with Black Friday festivities? Email – westseattleblog@gmail.com – or text – 206-293-6302 – us so we can add to our West Seattle Holiday Guide – thanks!
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, November 25, as we start the pre-holiday-week.
SCHOOLS
No classes at Seattle Public Schools elementaries and K-8s, since the days before Thanksgiving are conference time.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy, showery, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:29 am, while sunset will be at 4:23 pm.
TRANSIT
Water Taxi today – Regular service.
Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the south half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the north side. Fairmount Avenue remains closed beneath the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Police say a driver has hit a pole on the northbound side of the 3600 block of Admiral Way [map], and brought down wires/cables; traffic on that side will be blocked for a while.
(Photo by Peter de Lory)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Highland Park Improvement Club is edging ever-closer to rebuilding its headquarters, after 2021’s devastating fire.
Until then, HPIC leaders, members, and supporters are gathering in other venues – like the wreathmaking meetup at Highland Park Corner Store today (photo above), and online, which was the venue for this past Wednesday’s town hall. Here’s what we heard:
As HPIC moves into the future, it’s rebuilding in a different way too – it’s attracted new board members; more than half the board is new, it was noted near the start of the town hall. And it’s been a momentous year, as documented in this video shown after the board members’ introductions:
More milestones in the rebuild were part of it, of course, including demolition of what remained of the fire-gutted old HPIC building. Kay Kirkpatrick recapped everything else that happened this year, including hiring a general contractor.
(October photo courtesy Kay Kirkpatrick)
Now that the building’s down to the foundation, it’s time for work on the side sewer before the demolition preview can be “closed out”; then comes “civil work … where people dig around and look for plumbing lines, things like that.” Then it’s time to work on other phases:
How they move through those phases, Kirkpatrick said, depends on how funding goes. In response to a question, she said, no, the shell won’t be usable, they’ll have to get the new building to a stage where they get a occupancy permit. But they do hope to use the site as much as possible (only half of it will be fenced off for the project).
Not yet, though – so they were at Highland Park Corner Store for today’s Wreath-Making Meetup, and they’ll be moving through the neighborhood for the Not-So-Silent-Night Parade on New Year’s Eve. (Volunteers appreciated!)
(WSB photo, New Year’s Eve 2022)
Now back to the topic of fundraising. They have two needs – operations, and the rebuilding project. So far they have $1.75 million for the latter; they hope to get business sponsors and “major donors” to help cover the rest of what they need. They’re wrapping up work on fundraising strategy and planning a capital campaign. They will need to “re-introduce” themselves to the community to build connections – fundraising@hpic1919.org if you can help and/or have ideas.
For HPIC operations, they are working on a business model, though the organization is nonprofit.
The priority will be “welcoming and meaningful and barrier-free arts, culture, and social events.” supported by member and rental fees. To get more of a handle on pursuing those, they are studying who else is serving Highland Park in that space, in hopes of forming new partnerships (and confirming that their rental rates are competitive). If you’d like to help with the resource inventory, email galen.vanhorn@hpic1919.org.
How to get involved? There’s a link on the HPIC website. You also can follow HPIC on social media. You can become a member (with multiple levels of membership available). And/or be part of the “people power” they need from the neighborhood for all the different tasks that need to be handled. “Boosting awareness and engagement” are the focuses for 2025.
One question submitted before the town hall had to do with aircraft noise in the area. Kirkpatrick suggested that the person come to the HPAC meeting in January (fourth Wednesday, 7 pm, so January 22). Another question, sent in via chat: What about the construction timeline? Site prep is expected to go into mid-2025, but beyond that, it’s hard to say, funding-dependent – the next phase might take six to nine months IF full funding is found (at least $3 million total). Same for the “systems” phase – and then they hope to get the occupancy permit even if the building’s not quite complete. But they also recognize that there are a lot of questions regarding how costs might be affected if the next federal-government administration indeed imposes tariffs. They’ll be in close communications with their contractor, Metis (which had a representative at the meeting).
You can read about HPIC’s century-plus history here.
Shortly after Thanksgiving, two-plus weeks of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays festivities (co-sponsored by WSB) begin. Here are the dates you’ll want to get on your calendar:
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30: Small Business Saturday! We always say EVERY day should be Small Business (Whatever)day, but there’s a national movement attached to this one, so join the party and shop your local indies.
(Better As Brass, WSB video from 2023)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5: Shop Late in The Junction with special sights and sounds – The Silver Belles will carol, Better As Brass will play holiday favorites, Elves will be out and about, and the West Seattle Book Club will be reading at venues inside and outside The Junction.
(Tree lighting, WSB video from 2023)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 – The BIG night! 4-8 pm, this year’s Holiday Festival features the tree lighting in Junction Plaza Park, plus vendors at the Night Market, pet costume contest, Santa, singers, beer garden, and more on SW Alaska between 42nd and California. (See the full schedule here.)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10-MONDAY, DECEMBER 23: DIY photos in a holiday wonderland at Curious Kidstuff (4740 California SW), noon-5 pm.
(Silver Belles, WSB video from 2023)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12: 5 pm “till late,” Holiday Art Walk and Shop Late in The Junction – Santa, The Silver Belles, and The Art of Music.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14: Santa Photos at Curious Kidstuff (noon-3 pm) and John L. Scott (11 am-2 pm)
(Donated coats, WSB photo from 2023)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15: Cocoa and Coat Drive with the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle at the Farmers Market’s south end (California/Alaska), 10 am-1:30 pm.
Lots of individual businesses and organizations will have special events throughout the season too – if yours is among them, please send us info for our West Seattle Holiday Guide, if you haven’t already – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Sent by Chris:
Saw this guy put a box down for a PS4 on Hanford Street between 44th and 45th. He put the box down right in the entrance to the alley on the north side of the block in the middle of the block. Box contains PS 3 with all of the hardware … (Then) on my way back from the store checked the box and it was still there. I put it under a tree at the entrance to the same alley.
Tomorrow marks two weeks since arson gutted the lodge at West Seattle’s Camp Long. We’re checking in periodically with Seattle Parks as they decide what to do about the lodge and two cabins that were all damaged that night. (The park has remained closed too.) Most recent statement was this response to our inquiry, from Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin: “We are still working through a lot of questions with insurance and building inspectors and so on before we make any decisions. The park is still closed as we work to secure the building. Once the building is secured, we will reopen the park to the public.” Our photo (taken through the closed gate) is from Saturday; no work crews or others in sight at the time. Meantime, a reminder that park staff are seeking public help in recreating Camp Long’s catalogue of history – here’s how you can be part of that.
(From second Early Design Guidance packet for the CVS project in 2015)
Seattle’s Design Review program is a shadow of its former self already – take a look at the city’s project-review calendar, empty as of our check while writing this story. It’s been criticized for adding time and money to projects. But over the years, it’s also been the main channel through which some not-so-great projects have eventually died – two examples in our archives, the standalone Petco store (and parking lot) once planned where the Rally live/work/townhouse complex sits at California/Charlestown, and the standalone CVS store (and parking lot) once planned (rendering above) where the Maris mixed-use building went up at 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW. The last Southwest Design Review Board meeting in our archives was almost a year ago. So what should the program’s future be? You have three days left to let the city know via a survey:
Design review changes are coming to the City of Seattle. Please tell us your thoughts by November 27:
Design review is currently required for most new larger buildings in the City of Seattle. It includes public notice with the ability for neighborhoods to comment on the appearance of new buildings. City of Seattle Staff and volunteer Design Review Boards review new buildings to make sure they meet the Design Guidelines.
Recent changes to Washington State law require us to make changes to Seattle’s Design Review program.
SEVA Workshop is asking for people’s feedback on several topics, including:
-Which areas of Seattle should require Design Review for new construction
-Which types of new construction should go through Design Review
-When and how people can comment on new construction projects
-How to update the Design Guidelines to be easier to understand
-How adding incentives for new construction could improve equitySome of the possible design review program changes could include:
-Limiting projects to only one public meeting,
-Streamlining the Design Review process to be quicker and less costly for applicants, and
-Reducing the number of projects that are required to go through Design Review (if new construction does not require design review, then most new buildings will not include any public comment period or public notice)SDCI’s goal is to update the Design Review program before the Washington state’s House Bill 1293 deadline of June 30, 2025.
Take the Design Review Program community survey and add your voice to help shape the future of Seattle. The survey closes November 27.
(Thanks to Robin Schwartz in South Park for circulating the survey.)
1:27 PM: Did you hear the roar? We did from The Junction. Home game today with a “Salute to Service.”
1:59 PM: And here’s who flew over:
Today's #SaluteToService flyover features two EA-18G Growlers from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.@USAA | @USNavy pic.twitter.com/ljVQ3W52U9
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 24, 2024
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