West Seattle, Washington
06 Thursday
Report from a reader on the water: Somebody in Fauntleroy with a green laser is pointing it at ferries again. Striking navigable vessels with a laser is a felony crime, not to mention a health and safety hazard. If you see anyone doing it, call 911.
Again this year, Theresa Arbow-O’Connor brings us first word of the return of the Gai Family‘s legendary illuminated Madonna. Last year she told us about the new setting that Ron Gai, son of the display’s creator Phil Gai, had crafted. This is in northeast West Seattle, in the 3200 block of 36th SW [vicinity map]. Theresa happened to find Ron finishing securing the display last night, so she took these photos.
Thanks to everyone who’s sent locations, with or without photos, for our spotlights – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302!
5 PM: It’s on! The West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Festival is happening – the Night Market is open, performances have begun on the stage in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska), and the tree lighting is barely an hour away. Get down here if you’re not here already. See the schedule here (tree lighting’s scheduled around 6, festival continues until 8); this is just meant as a reminder – we’ll have lots more coverage later! And wait – is that Santa we see?
6:30 PM: We caught up with Santa shortly thereafter … as he spoke to a young fan whose mom pronounced her child “starstruck”:
(If you haven’t caught up with Santa yet this season, see the list in our Holiday Guide for many upcoming opportunities!)
The stage show continued with the West Seattle School of Rock, well, rocking:
The Seattle Metropolitan Singers caroled:
You can hear more from them at 7 pm December 15th at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds). … And the “butchered” Christmas tree lit up quite nicely, thanks to some Charlie Brown Christmas-style love from the West Seattle Junction Association:
(WSB photo by Jason Grotelueschen)
Here’s how Santa, emcee Brian Callanan, and guest tree lighter City Councilmember Rob Saka lit it up:
Yet more images of tonight’s festivities to upload (including the pet-costume-contest winner!) when we’re back at HQ! Still time to get down here and wander … you might even see this:
ADDED POST-FESTIVAL: Here’s a bit of the night’s first musical performance, by the Endolyne Children’s Choir:
The pet-costume contest winner was a Corgi, “Chef Coy-Ar-Gee“:
WSB sponsor All The Best Pet Care (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW) donated prizes.
Finally, a video montage with a few more sights and one more look at the tree-lighting countdown:
Two reader reports this afternoon:
STOLEN PRIUS: T says this theft happened in the Alki area:
We live in Port Townsend and was bummed after staying first night in West Seattle. I mistakenly left my keys in my coat in our silver Prius parked on 56th SW. My husband used his FOB to lock the car at about 8 pm Dec 3rd. We went out 5:30 am to meet my son who was scheduled for his open heart surgery at 6 am at U of W. and the car was gone!!! We were calling police, geico and for a cab – so stressful. The car has a yellow and black bumper sticker “Save a Nurse – Wear a Mask” and “Vote for Ammunition Control.” Also, my key ring is obviously gone – has anyone found a set of keys that has a painter’s palette on it?
We’ll add the plate and report numbers when we get them. (SUNDAY UPDATE: Plate AYF6993 and case number 24-341102.)
PORCH PROWLER: Sent by a Morgan Junction resident:
This guy was on our porch rummaging around at 1:15 this morning. He left behind an orange electric plug adapter and a blue collar for a cat or small dog.
Yet another chance to give today! Those were among the first toys donated at Fire Station 29 in North Admiral this afternoon, when the SFD two-hour Toys For Tots drive got going. Here’s the crew at Station 29 ready to accept your donations of new, unwrapped toys until 3 pm:
This is the only station in West Seattle among the six citywide that are participating in today’s drive, which continues until 3 pm. Just show up and drop off, on the east side of the station, which is at 2130 Ferry Avenue SW.
1:17 PM: Thanks for the tips. Traffic is backing up on the westbound West Seattle Bridge because of a crash and emergency response near the Delridge exit. If you have to head that way, be patient – or wait a while.
1:20 PM: One texter says the backup is primarily on the exit ramp itself.
1:39 PM: Thanks to commenter Agen for posting the photo bearing that out. SFD has now cleared, to underscore Agen’s report of no apparent senior injuries.
The SPD personnel working at the Southwest Precinct right now to sort and tag donated clothes are part of a first-of-its-kind donation drive. SPD’s Community Service Officers are often called on to help people in emergency situations with items like clothes, coats, even something as simple as socks … so they’re collecting donations today to be sure they have a stockpile. The Southwest Precinct is the first to do this; some of the donations will be stored downtown to help CSOs assist people all over the city.
At the precinct when we stopped by this past hour were Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite, CSOs Heslin and Huang, and Community Liaison Officer German Barreto. They told us they’re getting a lot of good stuff – they had been out of men’s pants, for example. What do they need most? we asked. Items that aren’t too closely fitted/sized – for example, sweat pants, in sizes that are flexible like small, medium, large, extra-large. Socks and hats are also welcome too. (But no used underwear.)
Satterwhite added that if you’re coming down during today’s drive, which continues until 3 pm in the community room just off the visitors’ parking lot on the south side of the precinct (2300 SW Webster), you’re also welcome to pick up a free steering-wheel lock if you need one.
And if you have clothing to donate but can’t get to the precinct today, email her and you can arrange a dropoff when the lobby is open (her address is on this page). CSO Heslin added that they might be able to pickup donations on Wednesdays, because that’s the day all CSOs work.
Turn in at that sign on the north side of SW Oregon east of 42nd, behind Hope Lutheran, and you’ll find the Caudle Family with their annual drop-off coats-and-food drive.
From left, Leah, Dominic, Tim, and Atticus Caudle have collected thousands of pounds of food and hundreds of coats since Atticus started this in 2020. They’d love to have you add to the totals today. The West Seattle Food Bank – which provides clothing as well as food to people in need – distributes what you drop off. Drive in, ride in, walk in, run in before 3 pm and they’ll do the unloading of whatever you bring!
8:14 AM: Happening right now at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), it’s the biggest breakfast event of the holiday season – the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s annual pancake breakfast. Their kitchen crew has been busy stirring batter and flipping pancakes:
For $10 at the door – kids free! – you get pancakes, Husky Deli ham, orange juice, and coffee/tea. Volunteers powering the event include not only Kiwanians but also Scouts from Troop 284. You can bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and meet an active-duty Marine, plus enter raffles and more. This is on until 11 am, and if you’re driving on this rainy morning, parking is right by the door to the lower-level event room on the south side of the Masonic Center.
8:41 AM: Santa is in the house, as are Marine Corps Sgt. Angalina Roseberry and Gunnery Sgt. Samuel Hernandez, both based at JBLM (while Santa is of course based at the North Pole). They’re here to help with the Toys for Tots donations, which the Kiwanis Club says are going very well this morning:
They’ve already loaded out some of the donations. This morning’s volunteers also include the Key Clubs from Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS, the Circle K Club from Seattle U, and Kiwanians from the White Center and South Seattle clubs. Some are here for fundraising sales of holiday items from handpainted ornaments to candy.
P.S. A week from tomorrow – on December 15 – look for the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle on the south end of the Farmers’ Market as they collect coat donations and serve cocoa as part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays.
(SDOT camera at California/Alaska – watch for street closures today/tonight because of the Hometown Holidays Festival)
What a day and night ahead! First, the list from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
SANTA PHOTOS AND PANCAKES: The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle will present its holiday-season pancake breakfast, 7 am-11 am at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), pancakes, ham, and beverages, $10 at the door, $8 in advance, kids eat free. Toy donations, Santa photos, more – details here..
SELFIES WITH SANTA AT CAPERS: Details here – 8:30-11 am with “Santa Tony”! (4525 California SW)
SANTA PAWS #1: Windermere West Seattle offers you a chance for a Santa pic with your dog, 10 am-noon. (4526 California SW)
CAUDLE FAMILY’S DROP-OFF COAT/FOOD DRIVE: Fifth year this local family awaits you 10 am-3 pm in the lot behind Hope Lutheran (SW Oregon east of 42nd) so you can drive up, ride up, walk up, and drop off your donations of coats and/or nonperishable food.
VASHON ISLAND HOLIDAY STUDIO TOUR, DAY ONE: Take a ferry to explore this event (which is sponsoring WSB to get the word out)!
Vashon Island artists offer art lovers and gift shoppers a fun and inspirational event, the Vashon Island Holiday Studio Tour, Saturdays and Sundays, December 7-8 and 14-15, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm. The tour, which is organized by Vashon Island Visual Artists, features 44 studios and galleries representing more than 140 artists and craftspeople. The organization’s website also offers an interactive online map with details about each studio or gallery.
WARM CLOTHING DRIVE AT PRECINCT: SPD’s Community Service Officers are at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster) 11 am-3 pm to gather donations of warm clothing.
(added) SHOP SMALL SOUTH PARK: 11 am-4 pm art market at South Park Hall (14th S./S. Cloverdale), plus a small business passport program – see our calendar listing for details/locations.
DONATE TOYS AT FIRE STATION: West Seattle’s Station 29 (2130 Ferry SW in North Admiral) is one of five fire stations citywide accepting new unwrapped toys for Toys For Tots 1-3 pm today.
RAIN CITY CLAY HOLIDAY SHOW: The Arbor Heights studio/gallery hosts the annual holiday show 1-5 pm today – details in our calendar listing. (4208 SW 100th)
SANTA PAWS #2: Santa & pets, 1-4 pm December 7 at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), $25 donation, benefiting Forgotten Dogs Rescue.
FUTURE PRIMITIVE HOLIDAY MARKET: Future Primitive (9832 14th SW) in White Center is celebrating its 6th anniversary with a Holiday Market. 1 pm, with Santa visiting 3-5:30 pm.
HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS FESTIVAL: Night Market, roaming Santa, tree lighting, stage performances, beer garden, cocoa, pet costume contest, a stilt-walker … this is the holiday night in The Junction that has everything! 4 pm-8 pm. Here’s the schedule:
4:00 PM – Festival begins. Night Market is open. Carolers, Metropolitan Singers, and Santa will be roaming the area.
4:30 PM Endolyne Children’s Choir Performance
5:00 PM The School of Rock Performance
5:30 PM Pet Costume Contest on Stage
6:00 PM Tree Lighting plus with carolers (Seattle Metropolitan Singers)
6:30 PM Christmas DJ spinning holiday tunes
8:00 PM Night Market closes
See the list of Night Market vendors here. Remember SW Alaska east of California will be closed for the festival plus setup and breakdown.
HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR AT OLG: The popular fair-trade-gift fair returns to Our Lady of Guadalupe, with the second night 4-8 pm tonight in Walmesley Center (35th/Myrtle)
ARTHUR’S 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: Through December 12, daily specials at 4 pm – details in our calendar listing. (2311 California SW)
ASTRA LUMINA: The illuminated walk at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge continues. 5 pm and later entry times; ticket cost varies. (6000 16th SW)
A JOHNSON FAMILY CHRISTMAS X 2: All-ages holiday drag show at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), doors 6, show 6:30. Plus, 21+ show at Box Bar (5601 California SW) at 9:30 pm.
“SNOWED IN (AGAIN)”: 7:30 pm performance of ArtsWest‘s holiday show – here’s the ticket link. (4711 California SW)
‘WINTER WANDER’ SCAVENGER HUNT: Alice Kuder presents the “Winter Wander” scavenger hunt again this year, continuing tonight:
The Winter Wander Scavenger Hunt is a free, 10-day community event designed to bring friends and families together for holiday fun. Wanderers download a Bingo-style clue sheet, scour West Seattle to identify the locations that solve the clues, and upload selfies in front of those locations to qualify for prize drawings. Open to everyone of all ages! Winter Wander concludes at 7 PM, Sun., Dec. 15th, 2024. Sign up by registering at wondersinaliceland.com.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Now, everything ELSE that’s happening, non-holiday! (Got something to add for today/tonight? Text 206-293-6302 – thank you!)
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s sanctuary/studio (3618 SW Alaska)
INTRODUCTORY WALK: Prelude to the next event – meet at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, 9:30 am, for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Then at 10 am, you’re invited to join others for the weekly walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy).
TILDEN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Visit K-5 Tilden School (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) 10 am-noon today.
BRIDGE COOPERATIVE ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE: The Bridge School also has an open house 10 am-noon today. (10300 28th SW; WSB sponsor)
SSC GARDEN CENTER: “Garden Center is open until December 20th! We have Holiday Swags, Poinsettias and beautiful blooming Christmas Cactus! All new indoor plants will brighten any home or office and make a wonderful gift! Open Thursday-Saturday from 10 am-3 pm until December 20th! We will reopen January 9th! Thank you for a wonderful year supporting our students! The Garden Center at South Seattle College provides Landscape Horticulture students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of plants while gaining real-world retail experience. Plants available for sale are selected, propagated, grown and presented by Landscape Horticulture students. Additional plants are brought in from local growers. Proceeds benefit Landscape Horticulture Program projects. The selection includes perennials, ground covers, shrubs, some annual edibles and flowers, as well as indoor plants. Cash and electronic payments accepted. The Garden Center is located in the North Parking Lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th Ave SW) in the Puget Ridge neighborhood of West Seattle. There is ample paid parking in the north lot, and visitors can generally find free parking along 16th Ave SW with a short walk to the Academy from there.”
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 – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.
GET YOUR GO BAG ON: 45 minutes with Alice Kuder at 11 am, and you’ll be ready for (almost) anything. RSVP for her free Ready Freddy Prep Party at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW) by going here.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
SCHMITZ PARK CREEK RESTORE OPEN HOUSE: 1-4 pm at Alki Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW), learn about student-led visioning projects providing inspiration for how the restoration might be possible.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: Open 1-6 pm in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
‘THE RAKE’S PROGRESS’ AT CSIHS, 2 PERFORMANCES: Matinée and evening performance of the student production, 2 pm and 7:30 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium (2600 SW Thistle); details and ticket link in our preview.
DINNER TO BENEFIT WSHS MUSIC AND THEATER: At West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), starting at 5 pm with student music performance, lasagna dinner at 5:30, all proceeds to WSHS music and theater. $14, all ages welcome, no membership required. Hosted by Anne and Ron Weglin.
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
AT THE SKYLARK: Paper Nova, Malty and the Rain, The Western Groovers at The Skylark. Doors at 7, Music at 8, $10, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Cloudburst‘s “homecoming show,” 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Vagabond Superstar. (4547 California SW)
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – same place to send your Holiday Guide listings – thank you!
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