West Seattle, Washington
09 Sunday
(Photo by Jason A.G. Enevoldsen)
By the time the first sunset of winter 2024-2025 showed hints of color above the Lincoln Park forest, nearby Solstice Park held an estimated 140 people – possibly the largest crowd yet for educator/skywatching expert Alice Enevoldsen‘s quarterly gatherings.
As always, Alice first explained the unique features that make Solstice Park the place for a gathering like this: the paths and markers placed to line up with the setting sun on the solstices and equinoxes each year. (Fun fact: Did you know “solstice” means “sun stop”?) Once she explained them, everyone was invited to walk to the end of the winter-solstice path to see how it lined up with what could be seen of the setting sun:
Once reconvened in a circle where the paths converge, attendees got to hear about, and participate in, the explanation of sun/Earth positions when the seasons change, and where in the sky the sun hits its seasonal high (winter solstice, 19 degrees).
A bonus feature of these always-free events – which Alice has led for 15+ years as a volunteer NASA Solar System Ambassador – is hearing about the next big thing in the space/skywatching world. Tonight, Alice explained the Parker Solar Probe, days away from its closest pass around the Sun yet, on Christmas Eve morning. It’s expected to get even closer in a pass next March – a few days after Alice’s spring-equinox sunset watch.
From the WSB inbox:
I found these glasses when I was cleaning up a big pile of dumped stuff … likely from a stolen or ransacked vehicle. I just grabbed the box and put it all in my garage with all the other paper and junk dumped and didn’t immediately look to see what they were. So my apologies to whoever lost these … they look expensive. Maybe a holiday surprise to get them back? I’m in the Genesee Hill area and would be happy to meet someone to give them back.
If they’re yours, email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you.
Thanks to Yvonne for sending the photo! Here’s how she describes tonight’s featured lights, as seen on her walking route: “Here is a Santa sled taking off northbound from a snowy rooftop and there is a southbound holiday train on the front of the house complete with engine and caboose with festive laden cars inbetween. A fun display with 2 modes of transportation! Located on 32nd Ave. SW between SW Elmgrove and SW Kenyon Streets.” Still at least four more nights to showcase Christmas lights, so you still have time to suggest a location (with or without photo), westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you! (See every display we’ve shown already by scrolling through this WSB archive.)
Advance alerts about two Sunday events of note:
EXTRA FOOD DRIVE: Robbin Peterson from the West Seattle Food Bank tells us the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle will be back at the south end of the Farmers Market tomorrow – California/Alaska – with “a final push to collect non-perishables for WSFB. While the holiday spirit inspires generosity, January often brings a sharp drop in donations—but the need remains. Contributions now will ensure we have the food to support families when regular distributions resume after the holiday. Let’s stock the shelves and start the new year with hope and abundance for all!” Find the booth at the market 10 am-2 pm.
DANCE! WEST SEATTLE: Back during the November West Seattle Art Walk, we recorded that video of Dance! West Seattle previewing “Nutcracker Suites” at Alki Arts. Tomorrow, 1:30 pm at Highline Performing Arts Center, you can see the full show, and Dance! West Seattle asked us to share this final invitation:
On the search for holiday cheer this Sunday? You are cordially invited to join Dance! West Seattle as we perform Nutcracker Suites, a newly choreographed ballet offered to the greater community. This fresh, engaging, charming show is filled with holiday spirit, providing the perfect opportunity for a delightful afternoon out at a great price!
Our 1st Act will be performed by all D!WS students showing demonstrations of what they are working on in classes, followed by our 2nd Act of Nutcracker Suites! Limited tickets are still available for ONLY $28, with no additional taxes or fees, and going quickly! Less than 100 tickets remain! Please email us at info@dancewestseattle.com to secure your seats for tomorrow’s incredible show!
Despite the rain, despite the traffic passing by at California/Alaska, that hardy group – call them 3 Carolers 3 aka B Sharp Studio – serenaded West Seattle Junction passersby for two hours at midday today. It’s a holiday-season tradition to raise money for the White Center & West Seattle Food Banks. If you didn’t get the chance to listen in and drop a contribution in the box, you can also help the WCFB – which serves southern West Seattle too – by donating here, and/or help the WSFB by donating here.
Thanks for the photos! Before we head over to the winter-solstice sunset watch (yes, it’s on), the first rainbows of the season (which officially changed at 1:20 am today). The photo above is from Jerry Simmons; this next one, from a texter:
And from KT in White Center:
We brought you first word in November that the annual Alki Beach Polar Bear Swim was on again for January 1, 2025, after covering an Alki Community Council meeting at which organizer Mark Ufkes was one of the guests. Today, for anyone who missed that first announcement, Mark has just sent this reminder:
Alki Beach Polar Bear Swim
New Years Day – January 1, 2025, in front of Duke’s West Seattle
Make sure that you are in good health if you participate.
We go into the water at 10:00 am sharp; after a group countdown from 10, 9, 8 . . . There will be a huge crowd (well over 1,000 last year), so plan accordingly. Line up and down the beach. Spread out. Holding hands with someone you love makes going into the water much easier. Trust me on this. Once the countdown begins, get ready to run. And keep your kids close.
Wear good water shoes, bring a large towel and a warm sweater to put on after you get out of the water. And remember, the water will be warmer than the air, making the experience much more pleasant.
In that brief moment, as you run into the water, you will be surrounded by joy and laughter from the huge crowd. The entire beach is filled with cheering, abundance and happiness. It’s really quite amazing. And the crowd watching us from the sidewalk will be cheering too, with a touch of envy, for not joining us.
So, wash away the complexities of 2024, and your fears too. And as you come out of the water, you will bask in the unlimited possibilities that life offers to each of us in the New Year.
Whatever it is that you want in life, go for it. That is what the New Year, and our great nation, is telling us. Enjoy life and go for it.
Everyone has a GREAT time. You will too.
Sincerely,
Mark Ufkes and Lois Schipper (20-year Alki Polar Bear veterans)
While the beach across from Duke’s is where you’ll find Mark and his megaphone, you can find a spot pretty much anywhere on the sand to be part of the crowd running in and out.
(CAPERS’ giving tree, photographed last weekend by Mel)
Got some room in your heart and budget for a little more holiday giving? Every year, CAPERS in The Junction has a Giving Tree for Hickman House, which helps domestic-violence survivors. Tomorrow (Sunday, December 22) is the last day to swap an “ornament” on the tree for a new, unwrapped gift item, so today you can stop in and get one or more ornaments to go shop to fulfill the gift wish. Details from CAPERS:
The CAPERS Giving Tree is a neighborhood collaboration that helps support women and families who are survivors of domestic violence at Hickman House, a local transitional residence. Since 1990, this tradition has brightened the lives of hundreds of families through the generous support of our community. This Giving Tree is a beautiful example of neighbors helping neighbors, and a testament to the kindness and compassion of our West Seattle community. Over the years, thousands of gifts have been collected, making a meaningful impact on countless lives. We invite you to become part of this wonderful tradition. Stop by CAPERS for more details and to select your star. Together, we can make the season magical for families in need. Thank you for your generosity this holiday season!
1. How It Works: Choose a Star: Stars, lovingly crafted by Hickman House staff, are hung on the Giving Tree in our store.
2. Purchase a Gift: Pick a star, fulfill the wish, and purchase the requested item. Gift cards to local businesses are also welcome.
3. Return by December 22: Bring the unwrapped gift back to the store by December 22.
What Happens Next: The gifts are delivered to Hickman House families, spreading joy and hope to those in need.
CAPERS (a WSB sponsor) is at 4525 California SW, open until 6 pm today, 9:30 am-5 pm Sunday.
10:01 AM: If you don’t mind braving the drippy weather, it’s another great day to see black orca fins slicing through the silver/gray water – Kersti Muul says Southern Resident Killer Whales are back in Elliott Bay. Also, she shared the news that photographer Brittany Noelle first spotted a new calf with J-Pod on Friday in the Mukilteo area. Here’s one of Brittany’s photos – she says it was traveling with J35:
Brittany, of PNW Orca Pod Squad Photography, also was first to see a new J-Pod calf a year ago.
4:46 PM: Getting dark but people are still watching. Updates in comments. Also Donna from The Whale Trail is at Alki with binoculars “hoping the light holds.”
7:08 PM: Thanks to Robin Sinner for the photo just added above, two J-Pod whales in a “close pass at sunset, Lincoln Park.”
Two-part list again today! First, the list from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
(Mel’s family with Santa at CAPERS on December 14)
SELFIES WITH SANTA AT CAPERS: Details here – last chance today – 8:30-11 am with “Santa Tony”! And while you’re there, visit the CAPERS Giving Tree so it has all the gifts needed by tomorrow’s deadline. (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor)
GET BAKING: “The Christmas People will once again be collecting home-made Christmas Cookies at West Seattle Coworking, 9030 35th Avenue SW, beginning Sunday, December 22, 1 to 4 PM.. Monday, 23rd and Tuesday 24th from 10 AM .to 4 PM Cookies may also be dropped off at our main kitchen location, Artisan Community Kitchen, 10836 East Marginal Way S.,Tukwila, Saturday, Dec. 21 through Tuesday, Dec. 24: 9 AM to 5 PM. We are hoping for 9000 cookies which will be assorted and distributed daily to 12 shelters and centers. Also food preparers and drivers are needed. Questions? Call Fred Hutchinson and Ruth Bishop, co-founders. 206-719-4979″
BUSKING CAROLERS: At California/Alaska again today, 11 am-1 pm, We Carollers 3, “busking on the corner at the future Molly Moon’s, collecting monetary donations for the WS and WC food banks. This group has been Busking for the food banks for about 16 *years*!”
ARTIST POP-UP: 11 am-5 pm, Alizah Olivas at CAPERS (4525 California SW).
NORTHSTAR TRADING CO. POPUP: Longtime Pike Place Market vendor closing shop and selling sheepskin creations at a West Seattle pop-up, 12-4 pm – details here. (7138 30th SW)
“SNOWED IN (AGAIN)”: 3 pm and 7:30 pm performances of ArtsWest‘s holiday show – here’s the ticket link. (4711 California SW) – last chance to see it, as Sunday’s closing performance is already sold out.
(added) RICHARD PETERSON’S HOLIDAY IN-STORE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: “Join us from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM for a special holiday in-store with Richard Peterson. A Pacific Northwest institution, a well-known savant Seattle trumpet player/piano player/composer. His music is heavily influenced by the 1950’s and 60’s television soundtrack work of the Columbia and Ziv music production companies.” Free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
(added) SOUTHSIDE JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY: Season opener! 4:45 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW) in White Center – doors open 4:15 pm. Details in our calendar listing.
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)
FESTIVAL OF TREES & CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Christmas concert at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 7 pm, with optional 6 pm tree viewing: “Enjoy a free performance of seasonal music for choir, soloists, and instrumentalists in the sanctuary. Fellowship Hall will be open an hour before for viewing of the Festival of Trees.” Bring non-perishable food to donate for “vote(s)” on your favorite tree(s)!
(Friday sunset, photographed by Bruce Gaumond)
****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)
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.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
SOLSTICE CEREMONY: 12 pm-2 pm, “Solstice Spiral – Community Ceremony for the Light and the Dark” at Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska). $55; tickets here.
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).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: Open 1-6 pm in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), last day before a holiday break.
SOLSTICE SUNSET WATCH: Join educator/expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen for her quarterly change-of-seasons sunset watch at Solstice Park, 3:45 pm. Free. A 15+-year tradition! (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW, top of slope)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: “Join us for a special performance by West Seattle’s own Ashton Hart Decker! Starting the night will be Vito from Vito and the One Eyed Jacks. Music at 5:00, $5 per person or $10 per family.” (3803 Delridge Way SW)
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: West Seattle HS hosts Kingston, girls’ varsity at 7, boys’ varsity at 8:30. (3000 California SW)
EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Roo Forrest and Friends, 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ OV1. (4547 California SW)
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 10 pm start time for Saturday singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
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!
5:34 AM: Minutes ago, Seattle Police announced that they’ve arrested Richard Sitzlack, suspected of stabbing Metro bus driver Shawn Yim to death Wednesday in the U District. No other details on the arrest yet, and he’s not yet on the King County Jail roster. Police had put out a bulletin for him on Thursday.
9:49 AM: SPD Blotter has since added:
Seattle Police officers were flagged down by a King County Metro driver near 3rd Avenue South and South Main Street, who informed them that Richard Sitzlack was believed to be on board. Police could see him asleep in the back of the bus.
Additional patrol officers were dispatched to the area, and he was arrested at 4:51 a.m. this morning.
Sitzlack was transported to Seattle Police Headquarters and interviewed by Homicide detectives. He will be booked into King County Jail for Investigation of Murder.
2:11 PM: More info has since come in from SPD and prosecutors. First – SPD has provided this video of the arrest on board a bus. Second, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says he’s not expected in court before Monday, but because a person can’t be held more than 48 hours without a determination of probable cause, a judge will make that decision sooner. The KCPAO notes that he was booked into jail at 9:43 am, about five hours post-arrest, and that Thursday (December 26) is the deadline for charges to be filed, assuming a judge decides today there’s probable cause to keep holding him.
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