West Seattle, Washington
08 Sunday
(WSB photo: Sandbagged Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza before November ‘king tides’)
The fall/winter high tides known as “king tides” will peak in December and January, and the next round is coming up at the end of this week. Keeping in mind that tides can be increased by certain atmospheric conditions, these are the times and peaks as currently projected by tide charts:
Friday, December 5 – 12.6 feet at 5:49 am
Saturday, December 6 – 12.9 feet at 6:40 am
Sunday, December 7 – 12.9 feet at 7:29 am
Monday, December 8 – 12.7 feet at 8:18 am
All but that last one will be before sunrise. Same for the five highest-tide days in January:
Saturday, January 3 – 12.8 feet at 5:51 am
Sunday, January 4 – 12.9 feet at 6:30 am
Monday, January 5 – 13.0 feet at 7:08 am
Tuesday, January 6 – 12.9 feet at 7:43 am
Wednesday, January 7 – 12.8 feet at 8:17 am
(There are other dates with 12+-foot high tides, but these are the highest in the next two months.) If you need sandbags, the city’s current West Seattle distribution spot is Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle).
Feliz Navidad – Happy Christmas – says one of the illuminated decorations at this house on the west side of 42nd SW, north of SW Graham. We noticed the yard’s many holiday characters all lit up earlier this week, before weather like today’s sunshine gave more people a chance to decorate. At this house, both sides of the front yard are filled with happiness:
We’re featuring local lights every night through Christmas – so if you have a display the community should see, and/or when you notice one, please let us know – photos appreciated but not necessary – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
This sunny Sunday was bookended by beautiful color – deep pink at sunset, as shown in James Bratsanos‘s photo above and Carol Ann Joyce‘s photo below:
(added) Note the pink-tinged water off Alki in Sara Walsh‘s photo:
And the sunrise put on a show too, accompanied by fog – Theresa Arbow-O’Connor was there to photograph it:
The more typical Northwest autumn gray may be back for Monday – the National Weather Service says rain could resume as soon as tomorrow morning.
Time for one of our periodic Sunday afternoon bird galleries, thanks to the photographers who’ve sent pics! We start with three from the prolific Jerry Simmons – above, an Anna’s Hummingbird; below, Canada Geese, and a quizzical Bushtit:
Tom Trulin photographed this Mallard at Cove Park in Fauntleroy:
Steve Bender found this Heron in South Park:
Julia Schroeder photographed this Bald Eagle outside her home:
And Mark Carroll sent this sighting from North Shorewood:
Between galleries, we also publish bird photos with our daily lists on occasion, along with other types of West Seattle photos – thanks again to everyone who shares theirs, so we can in turn share with you – westseattleblog@gmail.com any time!

As Duwamish River cleanup work continues, the South Park Bridge has two more overnight closures coming up, Monday night into Tuesday morning (December 1-2) and Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (December 2-3). Here are the announcement details:
The South Park Bridge will be fully closed to all vehicles and pedestrians on the nights of Monday, December 1, and Tuesday, December 2, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., while crews place clean material under the bridge. It will reopen at 6 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, with closures ending the morning of Wednesday, December 3.
During this time, the bridge will be in a raised position. This allows crews to place clean material under the bridge in locations where they dredged earlier in the construction season. Unlike during daytime construction, recreational vessels will not be permitted to pass beneath the South Park Bridge during this nighttime work. …
King County Metro Route 60, which travels over the South Park Bridge, will be rerouted during the hours of the bridge closures. King County Metro will provide Route 60 reroute information on the Metro Services Advisories page: kingcounty.gov/metro/alerts.
ORIGINAL SUNDAY REPORT: Several texters asked about an emergency response at Rotary Viewpoint Park (35th SW and SW Alaska) this morning. According to SFD and SPD radio recordings and logs, 911 got a call around 8:15 this morning about a person who had died in a tent. Upon arrival, responderd confirmed the death. That’s all we know so far; the King County Medical Examiner’s Office has removed the body, and we’re checking with police about the case.
MONDAY UPDATE: Police responded to our inquiry today. While we’re still awaiting information from the Medical Examiner – which could come as soon as today’s weekday update around 3 pm – the police report says the man who died was 37 years old; likely overdosed, based on drug paraphernalia around his body; and had probably been dead two or three days. Police added, “(Name redacted) does not appear to have any next of kin to notify of his passing.”
MONDAY UPDATE #2: He does not appear to be on today’s ME list.
TUESDAY UPDATE: Today’s ME list identifies him as 37-year-old Michael J. Rissler. Though the police report says the apparent cause of death was overdose, the ME report says formal determination of cause/manner of death is still pending.
During the holiday season, we’re publishing two-part event lists most days, especially on weekends – first part today is from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE NATIVE ART MARKET, DAY 3: Final day to shop the work of Native artists and crafters, 10 am-5 pm. Food vendors too. And parking on both sides of WMW. Here’s our coverage from earlier in the weekend. (4705 West Marginal Way SW)
206 MAKERS’ MARKET AT JET CITY LABS: Another place to find multiple creators/vendors! At Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), vendors with ceramics, textiles, baked goods, more. Plus a pop-up with customizable gear! 10 am-2 pm
MOON ROOM SHOP & WELLNESS SALE: The “sweet little gift shop in the universe” at 5902 California SW (WSB sponsor) is “having a 15% off sale in-store and online again today. Moon Room is open 11 am-5 pm today.
MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS SALE: At the Triangle shop (3602 SW Alaska, WSB sponsor), “Happy Holidays! To help you get ready this holiday season, and to celebrate our 16th year as a shop, we’re offering 16% off a full purchase of 3 items or more all. weekend. long. ”
THUNDER ROAD GUITARS SALE: Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor) has a mega-sale and guitar drawing all weekend – details here (drawing tonight).
WEST SEATTLE ROTARY FESTIVAL OF MINI-TREES: Drop in at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW) any day through December 4 to see the decorated mini-trees, donated by Rotarians and businesses, between now and Thursday (December 4); on Thursday evening, 5:30-7:30 pm, the trees will be silent-auctioned, with refreshments provided by Brookdale.
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, 5 pm and onward tonight. Tickets and info here.
Now today’s non-holiday highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more listings!) and inbox:
WESTIES RUN CLUB: No Sunday run this week – but you’re welcome to join the Westies cheering for the Seattle Marathon and Half runners.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Weekly games are back at the new location of The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
SUNDAY MORNING MEDITATION: Small-group class at 9:30 am at Mama Be Well (4034-A California SW); preregistration info is in our calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open as usual in its regular spot on California between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in late-fall produce season – roots, greens, peppers, mushrooms, beans, garlic, apples, more – plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, pasta, more.
FREE NIA CLASS: Now starting at 10:15 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
FOOD DRIVE & SIGN-HOLDING: West Seattle Resist‘s Sunday 11:30 am-1:30 pm sign-holding events also include a drop-off food drive through the rest of the year. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Relax and enjoy your Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
LIVE MUSIC AT C & P COFFEE: Seabyrd Trio iperforms 3-5 pm. All ages, no cover. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
‘PENELOPE’ MATINEE AT ARTSWEST: West Seattle’s playhouse has just opened the folk-pop musical “Penelope,” with a 3 pm matinĂ©e today; get tickets here. (4711 California SW)
FREE COMMUNITY YOGA: 4 pm class at Dragonflyc (3270 California SW).
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: 7:30 pm, free to play. (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, Sundays feature live music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could add to the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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