West Seattle, Washington
24 Sunday
(Photo by Peter de Lory)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Highland Park Improvement Club is edging ever-closer to rebuilding its headquarters, after 2021’s devastating fire.
Until then, HPIC leaders, members, and supporters are gathering in other venues – like the wreathmaking meetup at Highland Park Corner Store today (photo above), and online, which was the venue for this past Wednesday’s town hall. Here’s what we heard:
As HPIC moves into the future, it’s rebuilding in a different way too – it’s attracted new board members; more than half the board is new, it was noted near the start of the town hall. And it’s been a momentous year, as documented in this video shown after the board members’ introductions. More milestones in the rebuild were part of it, of course, including demolition of what remained of the fire-gutted old HPIC building. Kay Kirkpatrick recapped everything else that happened this year, including hiring a general contractor.
(October photo courtesy Kay Kirkpatrick)
Now that the building’s down to the foundation, it’s time for work on the side sewer before the demolition preview can be “closed out”; then comes “civil work … where people dig around and look for plumbing lines, things like that.” Then it’s time to work on other phases:
How they move through those phases, Kirkpatrick said, depends on how funding goes. In response to a question, she said, no, the shell won’t be usable, they’ll have to get the new building to a stage where they get a occupancy permit. But they do hope to use the site as much as possible (only half of it will be fenced off for the project).
Not yet, though – so they were at Highland Park Corner Store for today’s Wreath-Making Meetup, and they’ll be moving through the neighborhood for the Not-So-Silent-Night Parade on New Year’s Eve. (Volunteers appreciated!)
(WSB photo, New Year’s Eve 2022)
Now back to the topic of fundraising. They have two needs – operations, and the rebuilding project. So far they have $1.75 million for the latter; they hope to get business sponsors and “major donors” to help cover the rest of what they need. They’re wrapping up work on fundraising strategy and planning a capital campaign. They will need to “re-introduce” themselves to the community to build connections – fundraising@hpic1919.org if you can help and/or have ideas.
For HPIC operations, they are working on a business model, though the organization is nonprofit.
The priority will be “welcoming and meaningful and barrier-free arts, culture, and social events.” supported by member and rental fees. To get more of a handle on pursuing those, they are studying who else is serving Highland Park in that space, in hopes of forming new partnerships (and confirming that their rental rates are competitive). If you’d like to help with the resource inventory, email galen.vanhorn@hpic1919.org.
How to get involved? There’s a link on the HPIC website. You also can follow HPIC on social media. You can become a member (with multiple levels of membership available). And/or be part of the “people power” they need from the neighborhood for all the different tasks that need to be handled. “Boosting awareness and engagement” are the focuses for 2025.
One question submitted before the town hall had to do with aircraft noise in the area. Kirkpatrick suggested that the person come to the HPAC meeting in January (fourth Wednesday, 7 pm, so January 22). Another question, sent in via chat: What about the construction timeline? Site prep is expected to go into mid-2025, but beyond that, it’s hard to say, funding-dependent – the next phase might take six to nine months IF full funding is found (at least $3 million total). Same for the “systems” phase – and then they hope to get the occupancy permit even if the building’s not quite complete. But they also recognize that there are a lot of questions regarding how costs might be affected if the next federal-government administration indeed imposes tariffs. They’ll be in close communications with their contractor, Metis (which had a representative at the meeting).
You can read about HPIC’s century-plus history here.
Shortly after Thanksgiving, two-plus weeks of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays festivities (co-sponsored by WSB) begin. Here are the dates you’ll want to get on your calendar:
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30: Small Business Saturday! We always say EVERY day should be Small Business (Whatever)day, but there’s a national movement attached to this one, so join the party and shop your local indies.
(Better As Brass, WSB video from 2023)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5: Shop Late in The Junction with special sights and sounds – The Silver Belles will carol, Better As Brass will play holiday favorites, Elves will be out and about, and the West Seattle Book Club will be reading at venues inside and outside The Junction.
(Tree lighting, WSB video from 2023)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 – The BIG night! 4-8 pm, this year’s Holiday Festival features the tree lighting in Junction Plaza Park, plus vendors at the Night Market, pet costume contest, Santa, singers, beer garden, and more on SW Alaska between 42nd and California. (See the full schedule here.)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10-MONDAY, DECEMBER 23: DIY photos in a holiday wonderland at Curious Kidstuff (4740 California SW), noon-5 pm.
(Silver Belles, WSB video from 2023)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12: 5 pm “till late,” Holiday Art Walk and Shop Late in The Junction – Santa, The Silver Belles, and The Art of Music.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14: Santa Photos at Curious Kidstuff (noon-3 pm) and John L. Scott (11 am-2 pm)
(Donated coats, WSB photo from 2023)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15: Cocoa and Coat Drive with the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle at the Farmers Market’s south end (California/Alaska), 10 am-1:30 pm.
Lots of individual businesses and organizations will have special events throughout the season too – if yours is among them, please send us info for our West Seattle Holiday Guide, if you haven’t already – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Sent by Chris:
Saw this guy put a box down for a PS4 on Hanford Street between 44th and 45th. He put the box down right in the entrance to the alley on the north side of the block in the middle of the block. Box contains PS 3 with all of the hardware … (Then) on my way back from the store checked the box and it was still there. I put it under a tree at the entrance to the same alley.
Tomorrow marks two weeks since arson gutted the lodge at West Seattle’s Camp Long. We’re checking in periodically with Seattle Parks as they decide what to do about the lodge and two cabins that were all damaged that night. (The park has remained closed too.) Most recent statement was this response to our inquiry, from Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin: “We are still working through a lot of questions with insurance and building inspectors and so on before we make any decisions. The park is still closed as we work to secure the building. Once the building is secured, we will reopen the park to the public.” Our photo (taken through the closed gate) is from Saturday; no work crews or others in sight at the time. Meantime, a reminder that park staff are seeking public help in recreating Camp Long’s catalogue of history – here’s how you can be part of that.
(From second Early Design Guidance packet for the CVS project in 2015)
Seattle’s Design Review program is a shadow of its former self already – take a look at the city’s project-review calendar, empty as of our check while writing this story. It’s been criticized for adding time and money to projects. But over the years, it’s also been the main channel through which some not-so-great projects have eventually died – two examples in our archives, the standalone Petco store (and parking lot) once planned where the Rally live/work/townhouse complex sits at California/Charlestown, and the standalone CVS store (and parking lot) once planned (rendering above) where the Maris mixed-use building went up at 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW. The last Southwest Design Review Board meeting in our archives was almost a year ago. So what should the program’s future be? You have three days left to let the city know via a survey:
Design review changes are coming to the City of Seattle. Please tell us your thoughts by November 27:
Design review is currently required for most new larger buildings in the City of Seattle. It includes public notice with the ability for neighborhoods to comment on the appearance of new buildings. City of Seattle Staff and volunteer Design Review Boards review new buildings to make sure they meet the Design Guidelines.
Recent changes to Washington State law require us to make changes to Seattle’s Design Review program.
SEVA Workshop is asking for people’s feedback on several topics, including:
-Which areas of Seattle should require Design Review for new construction
-Which types of new construction should go through Design Review
-When and how people can comment on new construction projects
-How to update the Design Guidelines to be easier to understand
-How adding incentives for new construction could improve equitySome of the possible design review program changes could include:
-Limiting projects to only one public meeting,
-Streamlining the Design Review process to be quicker and less costly for applicants, and
-Reducing the number of projects that are required to go through Design Review (if new construction does not require design review, then most new buildings will not include any public comment period or public notice)SDCI’s goal is to update the Design Review program before the Washington state’s House Bill 1293 deadline of June 30, 2025.
Take the Design Review Program community survey and add your voice to help shape the future of Seattle. The survey closes November 27.
(Thanks to Robin Schwartz in South Park for circulating the survey.)
1:27 PM: Did you hear the roar? We did from The Junction. Home game today with a “Salute to Service.”
1:59 PM: And here’s who flew over:
Today's #SaluteToService flyover features two EA-18G Growlers from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.@USAA | @USNavy pic.twitter.com/ljVQ3W52U9
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 24, 2024
While many are out shopping on “Black Friday,” one young West Seattleite will be bowling … for a cause.
(Photo from nathantavelbowling.com)
That’s Nathan Tavel, who plans to bowl 10 am-11 am Friday (November 29) to raise money for the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks. You can pledge now – with pledging categories including how many pins he’ll tally, how many strikes he’ll throw, how many turkeys he’ll throw, and what his total score will be. You can find out more – and pledge – at nathantavelbowling.com. Lots of prize possibilities for pledgers, too! (This isn’t his first bowling fundraiser – we told you about one of Nathan’s efforts back in early 2020, when he was just eight; his dad, community advocate Phil Tavel, says he’s been bowling since age four.)
Sent by LDP this morning:
Reporting a stolen 2017 Lexus RX – gray. License plate ending in 281. Has a child’s car seat in back. Per video we obtained, stolen near Petco in the Alaska Junction area on 41st at 1 am on Thursday, November 21st. Thief who stole the vehicle was dropped off by what looks like a white sedan. Appreciate everyone keeping an eye out for it. Still no word from police about the whereabouts of the vehicle. But please do call 911 if you see it.
We’ll add the SPD incident # for reference when we get it.
(Saturday rainbow, photographed by Greg Snyder)
Time for our two-part list of what’s happening on your Sunday. First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide (where you’ll find LOTS of other holiday info):
(WSB photo, last Sunday)
TOYS FOR TOTS AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle Kiwanis continues with their holiday-season booth at the south end of the market (California/Alaska) – bring new unwrapped toys to donate.
HPIC WREATH-MAKING MEETUP: 11 am-1 pm at Highland Park Corner Store. “Bring loose greens, pine cones – a great way to use those evergreen branches the fall winds are dropping! If you can, bring clippers or scissors, ribbon, wire, etc.+ we’ll have some to share.” (7789 Highland Park Way SW)
‘SNOWED IN (AGAIN)’ MATINEE: 3 pm performance of ArtsWest‘s holiday show; check here for tickets. (4711 California SW)
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)
SEATTLE STRENGTH AND PERFORMANCE MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL: $299 holiday-membership deal from the studio (WSB sponsor) with a West Seattle location at 2942 SW Avalon Way – less than half-price for what you get. Email membership@seattlesp.com today if interested.
And from our year-round Event Calendar:
SWIM IN THE SOUND: At 9:30 am, dive into the weekly group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet for today’s run at 9 am at Dough Joy Donuts (4310 SW Oregon).
KNEIGHBORHOOD KNIVES: The knife-sharpening-on-whetstones pop-up is back, 10 am-4 pm, $10/knife, Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Last market before Thanksgiving – open 10 am-2 pm, with almost-winter produce, plus beverages, baked goods, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Fall is project time. Need a tool to make yours happen? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: Monthly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm, this time discussing Charles Dickens‘ “Great Expectations.”
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 listed on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring – and/or in our Holiday Guide? Just email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The floor and the loft at Easy Street Records were packed tonight for hometown faves The Dusty 45s, celebrating their new album “All the Beauty in Between.” We couldn’t stay for the whole show but caught several songs including, above, “One Girl,” and below, “Cash in Her Soul“:
Easy Street proprietor Matt Vaughan introduced Billy Joe Huels and his band as “relentless” (and might we say, Vaughan knows a thing or two about relentlessness). Huels, for his part, told the crowd, “I’m Billy Joe, I live right down the street.” He explained the songs were largely written “during the COVID break,” including “Thursday Afternoon,” recalling the simple pleasure of going out for a walk during pandemic times. You can get the album via links here (and listen to clips from the rest of the songs). And if you want to see the band again, albeit outside West Seattle, they have a show at Tractor Tavern next Wednesday.
(Photo by Nancy Woodland)
7:55 PM: Look for the lights east of Alki Bathhouse and you’ll find the epicenter of Alki Holiday Lights, the neighborhood celebration organized by the Alki Community Council while awaiting the Christmas Ship’s 8:35 pm appearance – with local businesses, and the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens), participating too. Updates later!
(Added: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” excerpt with Pacific Sound Chorus on board)
9:13 PM: The Christmas Ship has sailed on after its Alki stop, second of the night (after Seacrest). We’ll add visuals once we’re back at HQ!
10:15 PM: As promised, the Alki Community Council lined part of the seawall with luminarias – no rain, so they stayed lit! The ACC set up this festive display too:
Along with the businesses offering treats, the Log House Museum was open for the evening, with merchandise including a bake sale and the remaining stock of ornaments, each featuring something or someplace from West Seattle’s history:
The museum was thrilled with the turnout, even though they’re a block inland – they’d counted well past 100 visitors before we stopped by around midway through the evening event. Meantime, that’s it for the Christmas Ship’s 2024 West Seattle stops, but if you want to catch it elsewhere in the region, here’s the full-season schedule.
ADDED: Thanks to Rod for this photo of the Christmas Ship, with its traditional illuminated wish for “PEACE,” sailing away from Seacrest:
(WSB photo)
Remember the giant tree that fell across Walnut Avenue in South Admiral during Tuesday’s windstorm? We believe it’s the biggest one that came down; the photo above is all we saw left of it this afternoon. Here’s what it looked like right after the storm:
A neighbor told us work to remove it was finally under way last night, and she believed the nearby residents who were without power for days had been restored too. The Seattle City Light map is finally without West Seattle outages and shows fewer than 800 customers still out systemwide.
(WSB photos)
Dave McCoy is thrilled that the new location of his fishing-focused shop Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor) is in the heart of The Junction (4707 California, steps from Walk-All-Ways), where they’re getting the kind of exposure they couldn’t enjoy at their previous 42nd/Oregon location. EWA has been in the new space for almost two months, but has been officially celebrating its grand opening these past two days. Even if fishing’s not your thing, there’s a lot to see – Dave is still stoked about uncovering the space’s original flooring:
He notes that since fishing is a sport with a strong element of nostalgia, the classic flooring fits right in. And then there’s the “rod wall” and mural by Chris Habermann:
Toward the back of the store, a place to hang out:
EWA has all sorts of events and programs (and guided trips), making it more than just a place to find merchandise (outdoor apparel too, by the way):
The grand opening continues until 6 tonight. But Dave would love to see you any time you wander in – 10-6 Mondays-Saturdays, 11-5 Sundays.
Our tour of some of today’s handcrafted shopping opportunities ended at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), where the Christmas Market continues until 4 pm. We found one creative stocking stuffer:
Stacey just started her business selling playing cards with recipes, “Make Meals, Play Cards” – simple ideas for meals, five ingredients for less, right on the cards. (If you miss the market but are interested, email her at mmpcdeck@gmail.com.) Chantel is a teacher who is selling clay creations, from dishes to ornaments:
There’s also an opportunity to give to the Westside Neighbors Shelter – a giving tree that gives you the chance to chip in for sturdy footwear:
And if you’re bringing the kid(s), there are craft tables just outside the sanctuary, where most of the market is happening:
Cider and pretzels are available too , outdoors by the entrance. This is part of a full complement of holiday events, that Admiral Church is offering – all in our West Seattle Holiday Guide, but here’s the list as sent by the church:
“Holy Night”; Christmas With The Chosen. November 26, 6:30-8:30 pm. Free movie screening and discussion of “Holy Night”, by the producers of “The Chosen” series. Christmas cookies and popcorn, too! All welcome!
Grinch and Grahams! December 8, 1:00-2:30 pm. Admiral Church, Family Holiday Event! FREE! “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”, the beloved 30-minute holiday classic movie, followed by making and decorating graham cracker houses! All welcome!
WEST SEATTLE BIG BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT! December 15, 1:00-3:00 pm. Holiday Jazz Concert, dancing as space allows! All Welcome! FREE! And there’s cookies!
12:54 PM: Sent by Barb:
I am writing to report a pair of high-end, carbon-fiber kayaks were stolen from across the street from Lincoln Park two weeks ago. I have attached photos of them. They are worth, used, about 2k apiece. They are in good condition and there is a reward being offered for information of $500 to anyone who gives the name of the thief and their location to the police or myself, leading to their recovery. They are both 16′ long. One is a Sega Revenge and the other is a Steller 16.5.
You can reach Barb at 206.851.6244.
5:09 PM: Here’s her SPD incident number – 24-331535.
On the southeastern edge of West Seattle is a holiday sale worth going out of your way for today – the craft fair at Arrowhead Gardens (9200 2nd SW). It’s also continuing until 3 pm today. You’ll find some tasty surprises – above, “Mama T” is selling lumpia; below, Linda is a devoted canner whose creations include saffron-nectarine jam, “monkey butter,” syrups, jellies, and simple pleasures like pickled carrots:
She gave up canning for a while after 40 years – and then hopped back into it a few years ago, making small batches. Bill, meantime, has channeled his beautiful photos into calendars and gift cards:
The tables throughout the “welcome center” on the complex’s east side also include warm knitted items for all ages:
Holiday decor too, plus jewelry and more. Support the senior artisans and delight your gift recipients!
(WSB photos)
Don’t feel like – or have time to – bake for the holiday(s)? Peace Lutheran Church (39th/Thistle) has you covered. Their “Bake Sale Plus” – raising money for nonprofits/community work – is on until 3 pm. Even a gluten-free table, as shown above. Pies, cookies, brownies, breads, snack mix … if you’re looking for it, they probably have it. Plus – knitted creatios:
And even a “Toy Share” area if you have little ones on your list:
This is happening on the lower level of the church – enter off 39th. One more note: All the baked goods are packaged in compostable material!
(Photos by Dave Gershgorn for WSB. Above, DJ Padilla, Carlos Lopez, and Teagan Gaither hand out turkeys)
Until noon – or until supplies run out – anybody who needs some help getting a turkey dinner on the table this Thanksgiving is welcome at the annual Eastridge Church turkey giveaway (outside the church at 39th and Oregon).
No questions asked – anyone can get a turkey and bag of groceries that contains fixings for a full traditional holiday meal. Volunteers were busy packing the bags inside:
(Carol Heisler places a bag of groceries in the pile to be distributed)
Between their West Seattle and Eastside campuses, Eastridge gives away about 1,500 turkeys on the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year – something they’ve been doing for more than two decades.
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
It’s the weekend before Thanksgiving and the holiday happenings are taking over. First, our list from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, followed by today’s list from the regular Event Calendar:
EASTRIDGE CHURCH TURKEY GIVEAWAY: Hundreds of turkeys and bags of holiday-fixings groceries will be available outside the church at 39th/Oregon, starting at 9 am, continuing while they last. Details here
PEACE LUTHERAN BAKE SALE PLUS: “Yummies and Yarn bake sale +” is the church’s holiday event this year, at 39th/Thistle. 9 am-3 pm.
HOLIDAY BAZAAR AT ALKI CENTER “Alki Court #21, Order of Amaranth, is having their annual Craft Bazaar from 9 am to 4 pm. It will be held at the Alki Masonic Center at 4736 40th Ave SW and there is plenty of parking!!”
ARROWHEAD GARDENS HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: Amazing handmade creations, every year! Office building on the east side of the complex at 9200 2nd SW, 10 am-3 pm.
ADMIRAL CHURCH CHRISTMAS MARKET: “Step into a German-style Christmas market right here in West Seattle! Enjoy a cup of hot cider and a soft pretzel while browsing our festively decorated booths. Discover that perfect one-of-a-kind gift created by a local artisan. Bring joy into your home with our handcrafted holiday decor. Find unique gifts for co-workers, teachers, and holiday hosts. And don’t miss our homemade cookies, pies, and holiday sweets. Relax and enjoy the enchanting spirit of Christmas, support Admiral Church’s important community work, and return home prepared for the festive season!” 10 am-4 pm. (4320 SW Hill)
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)
CHRISTMAS SHIP, TWO STOPS: The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship will make two West Seattle stops on its first night of the season. First, at Seacrest (new location), 1600 Harbor SW, 5:35 pm. Second, Alki Beach Park (usually near the Bathhouse), 8:35 pm, with a bonfire plus the special Alki Holiday Lights event presented by the Alki Community Council
ALKI HOLIDAY LIGHTS: 7-9 pm, so there’s lots of time to have fun before the Christmas Ship arrives at 8:35 pm – 10+ places to get freebies, three places to drop off donations for the West Seattle Food Bank, luminarias on the beach, more – look for the Alki Community Council info booth east of the Bathhouse.
“SNOWED IN (AGAIN)”: 7:30 pm performance of ArtsWest‘s holiday show – our calendar listing has the ticket link. (4711 California SW)
Now, everything else! (Are we missing anything 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 home studio (3618 SW Alaska)
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others for a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Flowers are still blooming in some gardens, so keep working on yours! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
EMERALD WATER ANGLERS GRAND OPENING: As previewed here, celebrate the fishing-focused shop’s new location, 10 am-6 pm today! (4707 California SW)
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).
ALKI ARTS ANNIVERSARY: 12-8 pm, the gallery at 6030 California SW is celebrating its first anniversary!
We will be celebrating with refreshments being served all day and 10% off of any single piece of original local art.
The festivities culminate with a fabulous concert from 6-8pm with a talented trio from ‘Tobias the Owl‘ playing. (tickets by donation at the door, with all proceeds going to the musicians)
Stop in between Noon to 8 pm to celebrate with us at 6030 California Ave SW. And we want to take this opportunity to thank all of the loyal art lovers who have shopped with us all year!
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)
‘GRATITUDE’ SOUND BATH EXPERIENCE: Noon-1 pm at Inner Alchemy‘s studio (3618 SW Alaska); get your ticket(s) here.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
MONTHLY SONG CIRCLE: 1-3 pm Soul Sisters song circle, no experience required; our calendar listing explains how to get location info.
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/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
THE DUSTY 45s AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, free in-store concert, all ages, celebrating The Dusty 45s‘ new album and vinyl release, as previewed here. (4559 California SW)
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: The Brews Brothers, 7 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)
AT THE SKYLARK: Relocation benefit with Hayward Sun, Bobby Malvestuto, Deer Wave, Cesar Cuevas, doors at 7, music at 8, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Shonuph. (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
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 – thank you!
As we’ve been reporting, West Seattle High School‘s volleyball team is at the state tournament for the first time in a half-century. Saturday was their second day of play in Yakima, concluding late at night with a loss – first match of the day, the Wildcats shut out Stanwood, 3-0 (25-23, 31-29, 25-14); then in the second, they lost to Seattle Prep, 3-1 (21-25, 27-25, 25-9, 25-19). That sent them to the consolation bracket, with little time to rest – they’ll play Liberty at 10 am today (Saturday), and if they win, they play for 5th place at 2 pm. It’s been a huge season for head coach Scott Behrbaum and his team, taking the district championship along the way. We’ll have another update after today’s game(s).
Four months after playing at West Seattle Summer Fest, a beloved West Seattle band has a new album out! The Dusty 45s have released “All the Beauty In Between,” produced by West Seattleite Johnny Nails. Saturday night, they celebrate with a live performance at 7 pm at Easy Street Records (free, all ages, as always) plus a vinyl release of the new album. Billy Joe Huels of The Dusty 45s tells us you also can stream the new album at thedusty45s.hearnow.com/all-the-beauty-in-between.
7:42 PM: Thanks for the tips. We don’t yet know why, but the west end of the West Seattle Bridge is closed – texters report both ways, though the camera only shows a crew blocking it a short distance past the Fauntleroy entrance to the eastbound bridge. No crashes on the SFD log… Updates to come.
8 PM: Open again.
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society recently had its annual membership meeting, and has news to share about what’s next. Read about it below – and visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) during Saturday night’s Alki Holiday Lights:
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society held its annual meeting last Saturday at the Log House Museum, which currently features the exhibit, Seattle’s Forest: The West Duwamish Greenbelt.
SWSHS members gathered to hear about the organization’s accomplishments in 2024, including increasing online access to museum collections, and to learn new details about the organization’s strategic and interpretive planning.
Members also gathered to elect a new slate of Officers to lead SWSHS’s Board of Directors in 2025. Officers include, incoming President Kathy Duncan; incoming Vice President Jason Plourde; Secretary Nancy Sorensen; Treasurer John Sweetland; and Membership Secretary Megan Simkus. The biographies of SWSHS’s 2025 Officers are shared below.
Programs and Outreach Director Elizabeth Rudrud shared new details on SWSHS’s plans for an overhaul of the museum’s exhibitions. A multi-year interpretive planning project supported by Maritime Washington National Heritage Area began earlier this year. The planning will help the historical society design a permanent, interactive exhibit at the Log House Museum that will highlight the historical and cultural significance of Alki Beach, prioritize interactive museum experiences and the display of historical society artifacts, share diverse stories from across the Duwamish Peninsula, and extend to the exterior of the Log House Museum, where several artifacts are currently on display, including the original Alki Beach Lady Liberty.
Planning for this exhibit is well underway and has included participation from community partners, regional heritage and museum professionals, and the Duwamish Tribe. The project is rooted in SWSHS’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan and takes inspiration from a Peninsula-wide community survey conducted by SWSHS in 2023. The competitive, inaugural grant from Maritime WA funds this project through the design phase. Keep your eyes out for updates on the project next year.
Kathy Duncan, incoming SWSHS President, says, “I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue serving the board, Southwest Seattle Historical Society members, and our community. We have exciting plans for expanding programs and
services.”You can visit the Log House Museum Fridays and Saturdays, from 12-4 pm and tomorrow (Saturday, November 23) from 7-9 pm for Alki Holiday Lights. SWSHS will provide complimentary cider and crafts and host a Bake Sale to raise funds for the Society. The event coincides with the arrival of Argosy’s Christmas Ship Festival at Alki Beach.
Learn more about SWSHS programming, including Alki History Walking Tours and Words, Writers, Southwest Stories, at www.loghousemuseum.org
And below – meet the new board (and ongoing leadership)! Read More
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