West Seattle, Washington
17 Tuesday
A little rain doesn’t stop dedicated runners … like the ones in our photo, who showed up at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) tonight for a beloved tradition – the annual Christmas Lights Run. It’s one of countless running events that proprietors Tim and Lori McConnell – whose store will celebrate its 15th anniversary next spring – presented this year, including the Float Dodger 5K, the first-ever Halloween Lights Run, and Thanksgiving morning’s Gobble Gobble Run and food drive.
After a safety talk (and a moment to remember WSB co-founder Patrick Sand, who has been there to take the group photo at the start of so many previous Christmas Lights Runs), everyone headed out on a route the McConnells had planned:
You can see the route map here.
P.S. Looking into 2025, West Seattle Runner’s free fitness programs get going right after New Year’s – Get Fit (January 2 info night), Full Fit (also January 2 info night), and Got Fit (January 8 info night).
Tonight’s Christmas-lights photos were sent by Deb, showing not one house, but several in the same block – 1900 block of Sunset Avenue in North Admiral. What they have in common: Trees with light-encrusted branches and/or trunks.
Still at least three showcase spots through Christmas, so we’re still welcoming photos/location suggestions – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (And scroll through our archive to see what we’ve shown already.)
After setting up the stage in the Easy Street Café, Cocoa Cris Cringle has launched his annual West Seattle photo session. If you get here before 7 pm, you too can get your pic taken with Cocoa Cris for $20 (benefiting charity) – hats and props available if you want to use them. Kids and pets welcome too. Santa pics can be serious business but it’s always fun with Cocoa Cris – who says he’s been doing this for more than 20 years!
If you’ll be looking for someone else to do the cooking – or pouring – on Christmas Eve and/or Day, our annual list is now up – linked in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, or go directly to it here. We may have some changes/additions, so check back before you go. The coffee-shop list will be up later tonight; the guide already features grocery stores’ hours for Christmas Eve/Day.
In West Seattle Crime Watch, three notes, starting with a followup:
STOLEN CHEROKEE RECOVERED: If you read the comments, you’ll know this case of a student’s stolen white Jeep Cherokee was resolved. We followed up with police, and here’s what they say happened: Thursday afternoon at about 1:43 pm, a Parking Enforcement officer spotted a vehicle identified as stolen, around 37th/Cloverdale, and it was the stolen Cherokee. Someone was inside. A patrol officer was sent. It had left the area but other officers spotted it near California/Myrtle, where, after officers tried to stop the vehicle, the driver turned around in a dead-end and “rammed an SPD patrol vehicle and was last seen SB on California Ave SW from SW Myrtle.” The officer in the police car was not hurt. The stolen Cherokee was subsequently found, empty, still running, open door, punched ignition, in the 8800 block of 36th SW; its bumper (reader photo above) was at the scene of the collision. The Cherokee was taken to the SPD processing room to be checked for prints.
PACKAGE THEFT: Kevin reported this happened around 10:10 am Friday: “A package was stolen off my front porch in north of The Junction on SW Andover. It was a Black Audi Sedan with tinted windows. I watched a white male in his 40s-50s that was heavy set, maybe 5’7″-5’11,” gray hair and white stubble on face, wearing black jeans and a black hoodie at the time, run into the back seat of the car and take off. Just giving a heads up this holiday season. The license plate # (started with CLG).”
CAR BREAK-IN ATTEMPT: Seanelle says this also happened Friday morning on Delridge Way SW (but no block or cross-street mentioned): “We found the driver’s-side handle of my sister’s 2016 Hyundai Accent on the ground beside her vehicle. It appears someone tried and failed to break into her car, although completely breaking the key hole and removing the handle with no additional attempts or vandalism. Sending as a crime watch for fellow West Seattle residents.”
Last chance to get a handmade wreath benefiting – and made by – Pathfinder K-8 students and supporters! Look for the booth at the KeyBank corner until 2 pm.
Thanks to Brooke for the photo and report about students’ generosity:
Saturday we dropped off about 25 shopping bags full of new games and toys collected by West Seattle High School students, benefiting Seattle Children’s Hospital. (Pictured: Adam Gosztola, Junior and Student Council member)
Family and friends will gather January 2 to celebrate the life of Jim Barnecut. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community now:
JAMES GEORGE BARNECUT
January 2, 1951 – December 11, 2024James (“Jim”) is resting in peace after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. Jim is survived by Jamie K. Barnecut, the love of his life and spouse of almost 40 years. He is also survived by his two adult children, Nicholas J. Barnecut and Rachel J. Barnecut (Norman Wu) and grandson, Ezra James Barnecut-Wu.
Jim was born to the late Richard and Dolores Barnecut. He is survived by his siblings: Margaret, Mary Ellen and Andrew. Like his parents, Jim lived, worked, and raised his family in West Seattle. He attended Lafayette Elementary, Madison Jr. High and West Seattle High School (Class of 1969). He continued his education at the University of Washington (1973) and the University of Puget Sound School of Law (1977).
Jim and Jamie worked side by side in their West Seattle “mom and pop” law office for decades. Jim frequently commented that “she wasn’t bad to work for.” This was consistent with his oft-repeated characterization of his wife as bright, beautiful, and hard-working.
Jim was enthusiastic about sports as both a participant and spectator. He enjoyed outdoor activities, particularly hiking and climbing. He summited most of the major peaks in this area. There was an expectation of much more golf in the future because it was a sport that he had enjoyed and struggled with. Two aces were somehow recorded along the way together with the customary collection of “x’s,” both of which are verifiable by credible witnesses.
Family trips to Mexico, Whistler, B.C., and time spent at the family vacation home on Hood Canal will be fondly remembered. After retiring from his law practice in 2021, Jim was especially fortunate to be able to travel with his family to Hawaii, Iceland, Ireland, and Denmark.
Jim was blessed with a loving wife and has always said that his proudest accomplishment and legacy are his two children, whom he adored and revered with pride.
We will forever cherish and hold him close to our hearts and he will always be our strong man.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held in West Seattle on January 2, 2025. For details, please email: JGBmemories@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations “In memory of James Barnecut” may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and/or to Evergreen Health Foundation. Please visit EmmickFunerals.com/obituary/James-Barnecut to sign an online guest book, send condolences, and/or share memories or photos of Jim.
(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)
Multiple readers have texted with the news that Xfinity is out in North Admiral for between 100 and 500 customers, citing “network damage.” The company’s hoping to have it back on by late morning, but with, for example, the Seahawks vs. Vikings game coming up at 1 pm, you might want to have a backup viewing plan.
11:29 AM: Per comment and text, service is back.
(Pileated Woodpecker on Lincoln Park beach – photo by Susan Romanenghi)
Again today, we have two lists for you – first, the holiday happenings, from our WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
FOOD DRIVE: Bring nonperishable food donations to the West Seattle Kiwanis Club booth at the south end of the Farmers’ Market today, 10 am-2 pm, as previewed here!
PATHFINDER K-8 WREATH SALES: As featured in the Holiday Guide, the school’s beloved handmade wreaths are on sale just south of the Farmers’ Market one last time today, 10 am-2 pm at California/Alaska, plus available online. (California/Alaska)
JET CITY LABS’ SMALL-BIZ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, stop in to see who’s selling what at Jet City Labs for your holiday needs, whims, and dreams! (4547 California SW)
HANUKKAH CRAFTS: From the Torah Learning Center of West Seattle:
Menorah Workshop at The Home Depot (Delridge/Orchard) at 10:00 am – Come build your very own Chanukah game!
THUNDER ROAD GUITARS: Open 7 days a week until Christmas – that includes 11 am-5 pm today. (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor)
NORTHSTAR TRADING POP-UP: Sheepskin creations formerly sold at Pike Place Market, closeout at a West Seattle pop-up, 12-4 pm today. (7038 30th SW)
BAKE AND DONATE CHRISTMAS COOKIES: “The Christmas People will once again be collecting homemade Christmas Cookies at West Seattle Coworking, 9030 35th Avenue SW, beginning today, 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, daily 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. Please call us for information. Fred Hutchinson and Ruth Bishop, co-founders. 206-719-4979”
DANCE! WEST SEATTLE: Presenting “The Nutcracker Suites” at 1:30 pm, Highline Performing Arts Center (Burien) – ticket info is in our calendar listing and preview.
‘SNOWED IN (AGAIN)’: ArtsWest‘s holiday musical closes today with a sold-out performance.
FAUNTLEROY CHURCH CONCERT AND FESTIVAL OF TREES: Christmas concert at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 4 pm. “Enjoy a free performance of seasonal music for choir, soloists, and instrumentalists in the sanctuary. Fellowship Hall will be open an hour before (starting at 3 pm) for viewing of the Festival of Trees.” Bring nonperishable food donations to “vote” for your favorite tree(s) by placing the item(s) beneath the tree(s)!
COCOA CRIS CRINGLE AT EASY STREET: 4:30-7 pm, $20 cash/Venmo (benefits charity). Most-fun “Santa” pics of the season. (4559 California SW)
GIVING TREE AT CAPERS: Last day for annual giving tree for families at Hickman House – stop in and claim a star, and bring back the gift by 5 pm closing time today. (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor)
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT OUNCES: Nightly after dusk till close* (closing times vary; see Ounces hours here):
This Holiday Season, experience the magic of the Holidays every night at Ounces with Holiday Lights, Christmas Music, a 20 ft Santa, Festive Inflatables & Decor, Holiday Beer & Cider on Tap, FREE Candy Canes and more festive fun for all! Stop in any Tuesday-Sunday from dusk till close to experience the holiday magic!
(3809 Delridge Way SW)
ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, times vary. Tickets and info here.
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER CHRISTMAS LIGHTS RUN: The one and only original run to see Christmas lights! Gather at the shop (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) by 5:30 pm for a leisurely run to see some of the neighborhood’s best and brightest, then re-gather for beverages and festivities afterward.
WHITE CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING: This year at 16th/98th, 5:30 pm.
And here’s the non-holiday list with everything else – mostly from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet for today’s run at 9 am at Dough Joy Donuts (4310 SW Oregon).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, with winter produce (root vegetables! greens!), plus beverages, holiday greenery, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool to make your project happen, or to assemble a holiday gift? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
BABY MOTOR-SKILLS PLAY GROUP: 3:30 pm at Viva Arts, geared toward 3 months to pre-crawling. Preregister here. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring – and/or in our Holiday Guide (which runs through New Year’s Day)? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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