West Seattle, Washington
23 Friday
Another of our quick-look previews of the week ahead: The Sound Transit Board usually meets on fourth Thursdays, but this month, that’s Christmas Day, so it’s meeting on the third Thursday instead – December 18, 1:30 to 4 pm. The board members will include a new representative from West Seattle – King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, a North Delridge resident, just appointed by new King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, who is also a board member. It will be the last meeting for outgoing Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell; his successor, Katie Wilson, will be on the board starting next month. Here’s the agenda for Thursday’s meeting. It includes a report on the proposed downtown tunnel, which some have suggested could be dropped as a way to cut costs. Also, board members are expected to give a performance rating of “outstanding” to first-year CEO Dow Constantine while deferring a potential raise and bonus “at (his) request,” according to this document. The meeting at Union Station downtown (401 S. Jackson) includes a public-comment period; find out here how to watch/comment in person or online
(WSB file photo)
Previewing major events planned for the week ahead – Thursday (December 18) is the next big West Seattle night on the holiday calendar. The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship makes both of its 2025 West Seattle stops (with Choir of the Sound performing) on that night, 5:50-6:10 pm off Salty’s (1936 Harbor SW), 8:35-8:55 pm in the vicinity of the Alki Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW). The second stop will be the heart of the Alki Community Council‘s Alki Holiday Lights celebration, coordinated by the Alki Community Council with beach businesses plus the Log House Museum. See the dozen-plus participating locations – and the treats/freebies they’re offering – by going here. And be at Alki Bathhouse for free Santa photos 7-8:15 pm!
P.S. As mentioned here last week, boaters are encouraged to join the Christmas Ship off Alki on Thursday night too!
Going out looking at lights tonight while the weather’s relatively calm? Another West Seattle must-see is on! Thanks to Ryan and Kent, the “4040 House Crew,” for sending word that their popular display is up and running, and delighting visitors:
We’re glad to share that the Winter Holiday Light Display at 4040 House is back, doing our part to make the season a little more merry and bright.
The display is located at 4040 47th Ave SW and is open:
•Sunday–Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
•Friday & Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Santa’s Jukebox will be up and running later this week, giving visitors the chance to select songs and interact with the show.
During your visit if you have questions, look for Kent or Ryan wearing the “4040 House Light Crew” jackets. We will be out most nights enjoying the show with our guests.
Please note that 47th Ave SW is a busy street and primary residential parking area. If you are driving, we kindly ask that you be respectful of our neighbors. Parking is typically easier along Dakota Street or Andover Street, with plenty of sidewalk space for a short walk over. Benches are also available for those who would like to sit and enjoy the display.
A huge thank you to our neighbors for their continued support, patience, and kindness throughout the season — these displays truly wouldn’t be possible without you.
We’d also like to give a special shout-out to the Menashes and to Derick at Seattle Light Show for helping make West Seattle THE Christmas light destination of the Pacific Northwest. We’re proud to be part of such a creative and generous community.
We hope you’ll come by and celebrate the season with us. For more information, visit 4040house.com.
Got lights? Seen lights? westseattleblog@gmail.com for tips and/or photos – and scroll here to see what we’ve shown so far!
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB
(#4, Ayla Moore; #33, Dagny Hendershott)
West Seattle High School girls basketball has a young varsity team this year – half freshmen, only one senior – but they’ve won two games by large margins, including this one last night.
The Wildcats defeated Peninsula HS 55-30 at home. Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was there for WSB. #10, junior Seneca Lucas, led scoring with 20 points:
Most of that came from five 3-pointers.
Next-highest point total was contributed by #4, sophomore Ayla Moore, with 19:
#15, freshman Ella Brown, added 8 points.
#24, freshman Jackie Sutcliffe, had 6:
The Wildcats’ head coach is Darnell Taylor.
(#3, senior Lucy Parker)
Next up for the team: Both they and the boys’ varsity squad host their crosstown counterparts from Chief Sealth IHS on Monday night.
(#23, freshman Edna Tito)
The girls play at 5:45 pm; the boys, at 7:30 pm.
Anna sent the photos with word her 2021 white Lexus IS 350 has been stolen, near 44th and Dakota, sometime since Friday. It has Florida plate MIFFFY and a bunny sticker in the rear window. Call 911 if you find it. (We’ll add the police-report number when we get it. UPDATE: 25-365577.)
We heard a bit of the radio exchanges about this around 10 this morning but not enough description to write about – until this photo came in just now, literally completing the picture. (Thanks to CJ for sending it.) Another crash in the area where some think the pavement is the problem, and others blame speed. The driver of this 4Runner wound up in the grass by the “Welcome to West Seattle” sign; no other vehicle was reported involved, and the initial SFD dispatch to check out the driver was quickly downsized.
Bring a new/lightly used coat and/or other warm clothing to the south end of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market today, and your reward will be a cup of cocoa, plus of course the knowledge you’ve done a good deed! It’s the annual West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays “Cocoa and Coat Drive,” gathering up bundles and bins full of warm clothing for the West Seattle Food Bank‘s clothing bank Clothesline. Volunteers from the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle are here to help. (above are Whit, Robbin, Sawyer, Denis from WSFB and the Kiwanis – look for the Food Bank van!) The market is on until 2 pm.
(Photo by Jon Anderson – holiday mode for Highland Park’s Steller’s Jay)
Today again brings a two-part event list – first part, the holiday-related highlights, from both our West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:
SELFIES WITH SANTA: 8:30 am-11 am Saturday and Sunday mornings in December, DIY photos with Santa at CAPERS Home (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor), donation requested for West Seattle Food Bank.
SANTA BRUNCH AT HARRY’S BEACH HOUSE: 9 am-1 pm, reservations required, link and info here. (2676 Alki SW)
HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS COCOA & COAT DRIVE: At the south end of the Farmers’ Market with the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, 10 am-2 pm – bring new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and – “Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa courtesy of Husky Deli.” Donations go to the West Seattle Food Bank clothing bank Clothesline.
206 MAKERS’ MARKET AT JET CITY LABS: Find multiple creators/vendors at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), vendors with ceramics, textiles, baked goods, more. 10 am-2 pm.
VIVA STUDIO TOUR ON VASHON: 10 am-5 pm again today, final day for a self-guided tour of Vashon Islaand artists’ studios, just a ferry ride away. Info and locations at vivartists.com. (WSB sponsor)
WESTWOOD ART STUDIO HOLIDAY ART SHOW & SALE: Final day for this group show and sale, 12 pm-5 pm today, more info here. (9042 31st SW)
CHRISTMAS TREES: Final weekend day for Holy Rosary Tree Lot (42nd/Dakota, 9 am-8 pm today). List of all vendors is in our Holiday Guide.
(Saturday sunset photographed by Chris Frankovich – sunsets start getting later tonight – 4:18 pm – and beyond!)
HANUKKAH: Begins at sundown tonight (4:18 pm). Two public events next weekend – see the list in our Holiday Guide.
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, 4:45 pm and onward tonight. Tickets and info here.
NORTHWEST BOYCHOIR: Northwest Boychoir‘s second performance of “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church, 7 pm. Tickets here. (42nd SW and SW Genesee)
Now today’s other highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find more listings!) and inbox:
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 almost-winter produce season – roots, greens, peppers, mushrooms, beans, garlic, apples, more – plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, pasta, more. (Note that our state’s flooding may have affected some of the growers you usually see.)
(added) BENEFIT BAKE SALE: We happened onto Amelia and Thomas on the southeast corner of California/Alaska, outside the Farmers’ Market, having a bake sale to benefit the West Seattle High School Class of 2029. They said they’ll be there until 2 pm.
FREE NIA CLASS: Now starting at 10:15 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Sunday run – 10:30 am this week, combined with a holiday party, leaving from Ounces. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
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)
‘SUNDAY SOLIDARITY ACTION’: West Seattle Resist‘s Sunday 11:30 am-1:30 pm sign-holding event, also including a drop-off food drive through the end of the year. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)
BLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP: 1 pm at Nurture Wellbeing (6307 California SW).
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: 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)
‘PENELOPE’ MATINEE AT ARTSWEST: West Seattle’s playhouse is presenting the folk-pop musical “Penelope,” with a 3 pm matinée today; get tickets here. (4711 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE INDIVISIBLE: Monthly meeting features guest speaker Shasti Conrad, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, 3:30 pm at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
LIVE AT EASY STREET: Packaging performs in-store at Easy Street Records at 5 pm, all ages, no cover. (4559 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? Or maybe you have a listing for our West Seattle Holiday Guide? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Another Wind Advisory alert from the National Weather Service – this time, for 10 pm tonight (Sunday, December 14) through 10 pm Monday. The NWS alert advises expecting south winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts 45 to 50 mph. And it adds, “Given the very saturated ground, expect that impacts may be more widespread than normally associated with these particular wind speeds.” Charge everything!
SIDE NOTE: Tonight marks the 19th anniversary of the 2006 Hanukkah Eve Windstorm – which threw thousands of West Seattleites out of power for days, us included.
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