West Seattle, Washington
14 Saturday
ORIGINAL DECEMBER 29 REPORT: Reported via text:
This morning we had a car dumped in our front yard at 10 am [32nd SW a few blocks south of Roxbury]. With the ignition destroyed, the car was taken by Seattle Police Department. In the process of (dumping) that car, ours was stolen. This was the car that was dumped with the ignition rolling:
Here is my car that was stolen. Bright pink 2021 Hyundai Elantra:
The officer let us know to not approach the car if it was found and to immediately call 911 as there was a box of bullets found in the passenger seat of the dumped car.
The stolen car has California plates, 8SVT364. SPD incident # is 24-364291.
JANUARY 5: We checked with the owner after a sighting was reported at Westwood Village. The owner says they got it back yesterday – so no need to call in any further sightings.
(Photos courtesy Dave Townsend and family)
By Anne Higuera
Special to West Seattle Blog
If you go to a tree nursery, they will often tell you that the best time to plant a tree is today. For one West Seattle family, the best time started 70 years ago, when their grandfather began purchasing regenerating timberland with an eye to the future. Just this month, Robert Wise’s vision and his family’s work stewarding that land led to his grandchildren and their spouses being named National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year by the American Forest Foundation.
(The family’s 2023 award paved the way for this year’s national award)
Wise settled in West Seattle almost a century ago, after finishing a business degree at the University of Washington. He came to Washington State from Iowa after serving in WWI, determined not to be a farmer, but he was wowed by the vast forests of the Pacific Northwest as rode the train westward. Summer breaks from college were spent at logging camps, and after graduating, Wise continued to work as a logger, and started a fuel business with his wife Beatrice from his property on Harbor Avenue SW.
(Robert Wise, 1960)
While the Wises were raising their two sons and daughter in the city, Robert wasn’t initially able to realize the dream of owning his own timberland.
Late afternoon whale-watching alert – Kersti Muul reports transient orcas are southbound, mid-Puget Sound off the entrance to Elliott Bay. Let us know if you see them!
Most of our lost/found reports go in the WSB Community Forums, but this one is likely of great importance to someone’s quality of life:
About three weeks ago, I found this hearing aid on the corner of Northrop and Thistle. I did not know that you posted found objects until I saw a recent post about someone’s glasses. I’m happy to return the hearing aid to someone if they claim it’s theirs.
The note and photo are from Megan, and if we hear from the hearing aid’s owner – westseattleblog@gmail.com – we’ll connect you.
The photos and report are from Seattle Dive Tours (4217 SW Admiral Way) proprietor Scott Flaherty:
Seattle Dive Tours would like to take a moment to thank the Saturday night breakers of windows.
3 windows as well as power meter and other utility vandalism.
You really encouraged us to do a deep post-holiday store vacuuming and cleaning.
Suspect profile: Those that are very offended/afraid of light-up jellyfish or dry-suit mannequins.
Today, we’ll be a bit slower on the phone and email as we get some new wood grain windows.
But come on by, we are open!!
The police report # is 24-364301.
On behalf of the family of 31-year-old Riley Kestner, killed in a crash in Seaview on October 30, Al shares news of his Celebration of Life next weekend.
I am sharing this announcement of a ‘Celebration of Life’ for Riley Kestner: On January 4, 1-3 pm at the Alki Bathhouse.
The announcement includes “Riley LOVED food; bring what you love to eat or something that reminds you of him!”
(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)
(‘Gymnast’ squirrel, photographed by Arlene Rubin)
Here’s what’s up today/tonight, mostly from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FERRIES: Washington State Ferries starts winter sailing schedules today.
GO HAVE A WAFFLE! Second-to-last day before Bebop Waffle Shop closes (as announced last month) – open 7 am-3 pm. (2600 California SW)
WESTIES RUN CLUB: No Sunday Funday run this week.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, with winter produce (root vegetables! greens!), plus beverages, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, condiments, yogurt, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
HANUKKAH STORY TIME: The Torah Learning Center of West Seattle hosts this 10 am story time at High Point Library (35th/Raymond).
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Closed until January 4.
MUSEUM POP-UP: You can experience a taste of the Burke Museum again today during the second of two drop-in pop-ups at South Park Library (8604 8th Ave. S.), 11 am-4 pm.
JUNCTION FC TRYOUTS: Free open tryouts for men 16-27, 1-3 pm, looking toward the second season of West Seattle Junction FC. At Delridge Playfield. (4458 Delridge Way SW)
CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: 3 pm gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor); see our calendar listing for the book/movie(s) in the spotlight this month.
HANUKKAH POP-UP: Kol HaNeshamah will be in Junction Plaza Park with “love, light, donuts” on Hanukkah’s fifth night, 5 pm. (42nd/Alaska)
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT OUNCES: Nightly after dusk till close (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.
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL: Bethany Community Church welcomes everyone, 5:30-6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall (8600 9th 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!
Again this year, the final four nights of Hanukkah will bring two public celebrations in West Seattle:
(WSB photo, from Kol HaNeshamah’s pop-up in 2023)
KOL HANESHAMAH’S ‘POP-UP’ HANUKKAH: Sunday night at 5 pm in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska), progressive synagogue Kol HaNeshamah will again “pop up” to offer donuts, music, and menorah-lighting. All welcome to participate on what will be the fifth night of the Festival of Lights.
(Photo by David Hutchinson, Grand Menorah on Alki earlier this week)
GRAND MENORAH ON ALKI: Wednesday night (January 1) at 4:30 pm, the Torah Learning Center of West Seattle will again light a 12-foot-tall Grand Menorah on Alki, east of the bathhouse, to celebrate Hanukkah’s eighth and final night. All welcome at this event (which also promises donuts) too.
Is this car yours?
Steve says that Kia Soul with a missing window and damaged ignition – almost indisputable signs of a stolen car – turned up near 36th/Barton today. It’s been reported to police.
3:47 PM: Thanks to Tim for the photos! That tree is proof that when the ground is as saturated as it is now, winds don’t have to be gusting for trees to topple. It’s down at 22nd/Barton [map], and the police dispatch indicates it’s blocking the street.
No injuries reported.
4:15 PM: Police say 22nd is blocked between Barton and Kelsey Lane [map], and the tree isn’t likely to be cleared quickly. Also, “live wires” are down.
5:30 PM: According to a radio exchange, Seattle City Light has completed work with the wires and given the green light to SDOT to come in and deal with the tree.
8:48 PM: We haven’t heard the “all clear” yet but Tim sent that photo of SDOT getting close to completion of tree cleanup about 45 minutes ago.
(WSB photo from start of work in March)
Almost 10 months have passed since Seattle Parks‘ long-delayed “stabilization” work at Hiawatha Community Center finally began. When Parks recently released a list of open-this-winter restrooms, with a notation about one at Hiawatha reopening, we asked if that meant the center was expected to reopen, at least partially, before spring. Short answer from Parks: No. Longer answer from Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor: “The building will not be opening before spring. We are working on assigning a new project manager and working out some potential additional environmental improvements. We will have more information in January.” Last December, we talked with a Parks manager about why the center had been closed almost four years before work began.
Don’t yet know why, but if you need to get to EB bridge, enter further east.
UPDATE: SDOT says “debris” are the reason for the closure.
2ND UPDATE: Per texter and live cam, open again.
Looking for inspiration to dream past the winter grayness? The owners of West Seattle’s pre-pro soccer clubs offer a reason:
Attention, West Seattle soccer fans! The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here — season tickets for the 2025 season of West Seattle Junction FC and West Seattle Rhodies FC are now available for purchase!
For just $100-$150 per season ticket ($20.00 discount on 4 or more), you can secure your spot to cheer on our own talented semi-pro men’s and women’s teams as they take the field in the 2025 upcoming season at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex and compete against regional teams like Ballard FC, Tacoma Stars, Big Foot FC, and Lane Co FC.. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather your friends and family for an unforgettable soccer experience May – July.
This will be the second season for Junction FC, first for Rhodies FC.
P.S. Both teams are about to have free, open tryouts in West Seattle – Junction FC today and tomorrow, Rhodies FC January 4-5.
(How rainy has it been? Slime mold made a slicker for this frog sculpture in Judy’s yard)
Quieter than the usual Saturday, but still some possibilities, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
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).
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.
MUSEUM POP-UP: You can experience a taste of the Burke Museum today during a drop-in pop-up at the South Park Library (8604 8th Ave. S.), 11 am-4 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle history is usually open Saturdays, but not today.
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 (get your New Year’s wine!) – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
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)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: West End Girls Drag Extravaganza: Goodbye 2024 Holiday Show, hosted by Cookie Couture, doors 7, show 8, tickets here by noon or at the door for more. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Shonuph. (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!
(2021 reader photo by Claire)
On Tuesday night, some will stay home with a bottle of bubbly (inflatable or otherwise) to say goodbye to 2024. Others will head out. And if that’s your plan, all the better if you can celebrate right here on the peninsula. So we want to be sure our Holiday Guide‘s New Year’s list has all the options. If you know of something we’re missing – bar party? live music? late dinner with a midnight toast? organized run? or? – please send the info so we can add it to the list ASAP! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you.
As we reported Thursday, 34th District State Senator Joe Nguyen of West Seattle will be leaving his seat to lead the state Commerce Department. That means at least one legislative vacancy in our area, possibly two since – as also noted in our Thursday story – State House Rep. Emily Alvarado told WSB she’s interested in the State Senate seat. The 34th District Democrats have the first task in the process of filling the seat(s) – choosing candidates to be considered. If you’re interested in the State Senate vacancy or potential State House vacancy, 34th chair Graham Murphy says you’re invited to fill out and send this form to “formally express your intent to be considered for nomination.” (Not mandatory, though.) This process will move fast; Murphy says the 34th DDs are already planning an online candidate forum next weekend, 10 am on Sunday, January 5.
7:36 PM: The eastbound West Seattle Bridge is moving slowly right now by the exit for Highway 99 because two lanes are blocked by the response for what’s reported to be a one-vehicle crash. If you have to head that way, an alternate route is recommended, or wait a while until it’s cleared.
8:13 PM: Police have just told dispatch that “the bridge is back open.” We’re asking SFD about injuries.
Another one-of-a-kind local nonprofit is in our spotlight tonight so you can demonstrate the West Seattle Giving Spirit: ArtsWest. We’ve been bringing you this special holiday-season opportunity to learn about, and support, some of our area’s nonprofits, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation, and tonight, West Seattle’s playhouse and gallery tells you its own story:
ArtsWest is a nonprofit theater located in West Seattle’s Alaska Junction. This season we proudly celebrate our 25th anniversary! Since opening our doors in 1999, we have been producing live theater experiences that celebrate our shared humanity, invite us to ask questions of one another, and imagine a better future together. We firmly believe that theater is for everyone, and by joining us you are automatically a member of our community.
We are the only professional theater between Seattle and Federal Way. We program and produce five thoughtfully crafted and innovative productions per season that invite audiences to explore the human experience with us. When we present beautifully specific stories like Sanaz Toossi’s ‘English’ or John Cameron Mitchell’s ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch,’ we explore universal questions we all have like “Who am I?” and “Where do I belong?”
Last season at ArtsWest we…
– Provided our community with over $22,000 in free and reduced tickets
– Employed over 70 local artists
– Increased our audience by 43% and welcomed 2,000 new audience membersAt its best, live theater helps us find joy, build empathy, and in Joseph Campbell’s words, have an experience of being alive. That kind of magic can transcend what happens on stage and impact each of us for a lifetime.
It’s no secret that arts organizations across Seattle and the nation are struggling. Live theater is an expensive business and less than 35% of our revenue comes from ticket sales.
A donation to ArtsWest, no matter the size, makes a tremendous impact. The magic we make in the theater is only possible with support from artists, crew, staff, and most importantly you!
We have one more West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlight for you on Monday. Learn about all the nonprofits we’ve already featured by scrolling through this archive!
(Added: Some of the cookies Andrea & kids baked)
Earlier this season, we shared The Christmas People‘s request for homemade cookies to distribute at Christmastime – and many bakers stepped up again this year! We received this report with words of gratitude to share with you:
Through the tremendous generosity of West Seattle residents, The Christmas People collected more than 8,000 home-baked cookies during Christmas week. The cookies were put up in assortments of 120 per box and distributed to 15 shelters, centers, tiny-house settlements, and tent encampments.
(Photo courtesy The Christmas People>
We also provided 1900+ meals and 1000 lbs. of bulk provisions. Thank you to Ross at (cookie dropoff spot) West Seattle Coworking and all volunteers who helped us, help others.
Fred Hutchinson, co-founder and president
P.S. If anybody who baked cookies has a photo to share (of your cookies, your baking day/s, anything relevant), please send – westseattleblog@gmail.com – we’d love to add to the story and have it for our archives (and promotional use next year)!
ADDED: Kim sent this baking pic:
And Bonnie showed us her finished cookies:
Thank you!
Just before going off watch around 3 am, we heard a flurry of possible robbery calls. The police-radio traffic about them ebbed, so we asked for report narratives. SPD says two resulted in reports:
HARBOR AVE 7-11 ROBBERY: This was reported as “three young males” running into the store “yelling ‘This is a robbery’.” The clerk said they demanded that he open the register; no weapons were seen or implied, “but they were aggressive, and he felt fear,” the officer wrote in their report. Two started taking money while the third collected tobacco products; all three subsequently grabbed food items too. The report says security video reviewed by police showed two were dressed in all black, the third in a hoodie with blue jeans. They apparently waited “for the newspaper run to be delivered” and took the opportunity to run into the store just as the clerk was about to lock the door.
35TH/AVALON 7-11 THEFT: SPD said this did not result in a full report but the dispatch was for a report of theft from the 35th/Avalon 7-11 while the clerk had taken refuge in a locked area in the back.
FAUNTLEROY SHELL ROBBERY ATTEMPT: Police were called to the station/mini-mart in the 4500 block of Fauntleroy Way SW. The clerk said that less than 15 minutes earlier, a black four-door sedan pulled up and someone described as “male, in black clothing, black ski mask, approximately 5’8″” got out and tried to enter the mini-mart – but the clerk had already locked the door, which the person then tried, and failed, to force open. The clerk said he saw “another male in black clothing waiting next to the vehicle.” Both then got into the car and left. Police found more than 20 “tobacco products” outside the mini-mart door that might have been loot from one or both earlier incidents.
(Photo courtesy Ash Grove Cement)
The industrial facilities on the Duwamish River often evoke a great amount of curiosity, and sometimes concern. Unless you work at one, they tend to be a mystery. One plant is offering to lift the veil a bit; we heard from plant manager Andy at Ash Grove Cement, just on the other side of the river and south of the West Seattle Bridge, asking if we could let you know they’re offering community tours starting next month:
When: Thursday afternoons from 1-2 pm. Starting January 2025.
Who: Anyone (above the age of 12) who is interested in learning more about what Ash Grove Cement does. Anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. We can accept up to 15 people per tour.
What: Depending on age, a full tour of the plant, including brief presentation on the cement-making process.
Why: Ash Grove Cement is the only cement plant in Washington state that takes the raw materials to produce cement. There has been a cement plant n the location for almost 100 years and the company would like to spend time with the community to allow them to see what we do firsthand.
How to RSVP: Reply to Allen Block, Environmental Manager, at allen.block@ashgrove.com. We’d like around 1 week’s notice.
Like other industrial facilities in the area, Ash Grove (3801 East Marginal Way S.) is regulated by a variety of agencies. One of them, Puget Sound Clean Air, has just extended the public-comment period for a requested change in how Ash Grove operates, involving the burning of tires as part of its kiln fuel (an industry alternative to fossil fuels) – you can read about it here.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Another quiet list for today/tonight, in the stretch between holidays, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round West Seattle Event Calendar:
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Closed today and tomorrow (otherwise open Fridays/Saturdays).
SSC GARDEN CENTER & NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Both also closed until January.
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: 12:15 pm-12:45 pm Fridays. More info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
AFTER-SCHOOL MAGIC: School’s out but this longrunning event is still on 4-6 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW).
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, through January 5)
VISCON CELLARS: Season’s just right for the ambience of this tasting room/wine bar, back open tonight for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
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, timed entries start at 5 pm. Tickets and info hereLIVE AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: At C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Art Frankel, Gordon Assadi on violin, and Tim Moran on mandolin, 7-9 pm. No cover, all ages.
AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
THE SKYLARK: Closed tonight but back open tomorrow for this month’s West End Girls show.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Topspin tonight! (4547 California SW)
Are we missing anything? If you have something else to add to our event lists, calendar, and/or (last call for New Year’s Eve/Day!) Holiday Guide, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
8:32 AM: SFD is sending a “scenes of violence” response, with police accompanying, to the 3200 block of SW Avalon Way for a call described as a “man with a stab wound to the arm.”
8:36 AM: They’re looking for a suspect described as a white woman in her 50s, 5’2″, wearing a beige beanie and black sweater.
8:43 AM: This happened in an apartment that officers are now approaching, they’ve told dispatch.
8:50 AM: No word yet on the status of the reported victim.
8:59 AM: Police just told dispatch the victim is declining SFD medical attention, so they’re canceling the responders who’ve been standing by.
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