Post-holiday giving: Blanket drive at West Seattle Autoworks
The holidays are over, but the opportunities to give to people in need continue year-round. Here’s one of your first opportunities of 2013: West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor) is hosting a drive to collect blankets to help homeless people stay warm during these below-freezing nights. Co-owner Todd Ainsworth says his wife Dianne came up with the idea and plans to take the blankets to the Nickelsville encampment here in West Seattle and to the Union Gospel Mission (which helps people in South Park and White Center as well as operating its shelter downtown). The official collection time for the drive is this Saturday (January 5th), 9 am-3 pm, but Todd tells WSB they will also accept blankets dropped off during regular WS Autoworks business hours before then – or even after. They’re on the southwest corner of 35th/Webster (map).
West Seattle Wednesday: South Seattle CC; Southwest DC; more
(Mt. Baker, as seen from 35th/Myrtle on New Year’s Day afternoon; photo by Karen Derby)
Slowly revving back up to post-holiday reality … as is the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, from which most of today’s highlights spring:
TRASH/RECYCLING/YARD WASTE – AND CHRISTMAS TREES: Reminder that again this week, because of the Tuesday holiday, Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday city pickup is on a one-day delay (so if you get Tuesday service, it should be picked up today, etc.). And you are welcome to put your Christmas tree out at curbside, or take it to the transfer station, free through January 13th – here again are details on that.
SSCC’S WINTER QUARTER BEGINS: Today is the first day of winter quarter at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor). Many other area schools (including all Seattle Public Schools) don’t go back till next Monday.
THREE LOCAL STORY TIMES … today/tonight in West Seattle, at your local public libraries. See them all on the Seattle Public Library Calendar of Events!
SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL – NEW TIME, NEW LOCATION: The monthly meeting of reps from community councils and other organizations around western West Seattle is now at 6:30 pm on first Wednesdays, at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle). As previewed here last week, tonight’s agenda includes presentations by applicants for city grants to fund traffic-safety (and other) projects. Come see what your neighbors are proposing – public’s welcome.
TRIVIA AT SKYLARK: 7 pm, weekly trivia with Brittanica is back at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW). Here’s how it works.
MONA CONCEPCION AT COMEDY UNDERGROUND: As previewed here on Tuesday – Mona’s the only West Seattleite in a showcase of new comics at Comedy Underground in Pioneer Square at 8 tonight (our preview included a link to buy a ticket online for half the door price).
LIVE MUSIC: Tonight’s listed venues include Benbow Room and Locol.
(added) BONUS PHOTO: Thanks to Pamela Neithercott for sharing views from Alki Point – including an eagle headed for the knoll:
TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Back-to-work Wednesday
(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
Still on holiday break till next week? Lucky you! Overall, we know it’s back-to-work day for more than a few people today, so we are resuming the daily traffic/transit trackers. As a refresher – this is the spot for updates if needed on not only the morning commute, but traffic trouble throughout the day and into the evening, if there’s any – and a place to talk about what you’re encountering, whether you’re driving, riding the bus, bicycling, walking, taking the Water Taxi, a state ferry, etc.
TRANSIT SCHEDULES: Back to normal, including Metro.
WEEKEND RAMP CLOSURES: One month ago after first word of the Spokane Street Interchange Vicinity Special Bridge Repair project, the first closure weekend is almost here: 10 pm this Friday 1/4 through 5 am next Monday 1/7, two ramps will be closed – Columbian Way (Beacon Hill) to West Seattle Bridge, and Southbound I-5 to West Seattle Bridge. Here’s the detour map. Again, that’s this coming weekend.
West Seattle Little League history: Online registration launched
This year, something new for West Seattle Little League – online registration. 
Here’s the official announcement, from Laurie Rasmussen:
West Seattle Little League baseball registration has begun!
West Seattle Little League is excited to announce that we will be offering ONLINE REGISTRATION as well as our traditional IN-PERSON REGISTRATION for the 2013 season. To register online go to westseattlelittleleague.com and click the “Register for 2013 season” button. The in-person registration will be held at the West Seattle High School Library on Tuesday, January 15, and Thursday, January 24, from 6 pm-8 pm. West Seattle Little
League’s website has more information regarding registration and the items needed to register your child.
If you have any questions, please e-mail playeragent@westseattlelittleleague.com
West Seattle Polar Bear Swim 2013, report #2: The people
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
As the first day of 2013 comes to an end, a closer look at some of the people who started it with a brisk tradition – West Seattle’s annual Polar Bear Swim on Alki. Though hundreds dashed into Puget Sound together, for each one, it was a very personal type of triumph. Above, Andrew Kurtz‘s fist-pump; next, Lisa Hayden‘s spirited wave as she emerged:
Charlie Duncan and Steve Douglas were pumped up even before they went in:
More of WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams‘ Polar Bear Swim scenes – before, during, and after – ahead:
Read More
West Seattle traffic alert: Hit-run crash in South Admiral
(Photo by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
7:41 PM: Another crash under investigation right now – this time at California and Spokane, with the driver possibly having left the scene after reportedly hitting parked cars and shrubs. On the way to check out.
7:46 PM: The suspect being sought in connection with the crash is described as blonde, male, wearing a dark hoodie, and jeans, last seen headed west on SW Spokane from the California vicinity.
8:01 PM: Our crew at the scene says the vehicle is a white pickup truck with equipment of some kind in the back. Police say it’s NOT a stolen vehicle. It went up into the bushes in front of an apartment building in the 3400 block of California, after hitting two vehicles out front. No injuries reported (unless the driver, who hasn’t been found yet, turns out to be hurt).
(This photo and next one by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
10:35 PM UPDATE: WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli went back out to the scene while the truck was being towed. He caught that scene (above) and also found police checking out one of the other damaged vehicles:
Christopher talked to one of the building’s owners, who said that they had just redone the landscaping, but at least the truck didn’t hit the building. Towing the truck, meantime, was a challenge, the driver told him, because the front axle was broken and a tree was in the way, so, Christopher explains, “He had to hook up the front and gingerly pivot the truck around, going back and forth. He finally got it out just around 9:30. SPD had southbound California closed for a bit but it is open now. As of 9:35, SPD said they still did not have the driver in custody.”
West Seattle traffic alert: Delridge blocked after crash involving stolen car; 4 hurt, including suspect
4:47 PM: What is reported to be a 2-car crash has Delridge blocked by the Southwest Precinct and Home Depot. According to scanner traffic, four people are hurt. We’ll have a crew at the scene shortly and will update.
(Added: This photo and next two, by Tony Bradley)
4:53 PM UPDATE: Police tell us the Mercedes was reported as stolen, with the suspected thief possibly linked to a burglary; that car hit the BMW, which was not involved. The suspect was among the injured.
5:13 PM UPDATE: Delridge is blocked all the way from Webster to Orchard. Meantime, a commenter wondered if the stolen Mercedes in the crash is the same one reported in our earlier Crime Watch report – our crew confirms it does appear to be the same make/model/color (late ’80s, 4-door, green) but we haven’t confirmed.
5:29 PM UPDATE: The Traffic Collision Investigation Squad is on scene, and that would tend to mean the closure will last a while – probably a few hours. Meantime, police have provided more details: They started trying to stop the Mercedes on 35th; it headed south on Morgan/Sylvan Way, then after entering Delridge, fishtailed and hit the BMW. Police confirm, as we reported earlier from scanner traffic, that the suspect, who was alone in the stolen car, and the three people from the other car are all at Harborview Medical Center.
6:14 PM UPDATE: Photographer Tony Bradley – whose photos we’ve added to the story – confirms the license plate on the stolen car. Meantime, SPD Blotter now has an item; the number of victims differs from what we were told at the scene and heard in medical-radio traffic, but the report does add one detail: The burglary from which the stolen car’s driver was said to be fleeing was in the 4200 block of SW Graham – just a few blocks from where the car was taken this morning.
7:15 PM: Went by the scene a few minutes ago, and Delridge was still blocked, except for allowing cars to leave Arco/Home Depot/etc. and head northbound.
LATE-NIGHT P.S.: The road has fully reopened.
West Seattle comic Mona Concepcion in showcase tomorrow
Resolved to laugh more in 2013? Here’s a chance to work on that, while supporting an up-and-coming West Seattle comic. Mona Concepcion is the only West Seattleite in a showcase of what she describes as “some very cool, new Seattle comics, including me!” at 8 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, January 2nd). It’s not in West Seattle – no comedy clubs here (yet) – but it’s not far; Comedy Underground is at 109 S. Washington in Pioneer Square on the south side of downtown. And if you buy your ticket in advance – here’s the link – it’s $5, half what it’ll cost you at the door. Mona was a funny writer long before she went into stand-up comedy; her website kirida.com has been on the WSB “Blogs” link-list page for years.
West Seattle Crime Watch: Brazen car theft & 2 other reports
A brazen car theft – stolen though someone was right next to the car – tops the New Year’s first West Seattle Crime Watch report roundup. From Carlos:
This morning around 8:35 am, my daughter’s used car (1988 4-door green Mercedes 300E, license plate # AFV7311) was stolen right in front of my wife, who was warming it up; the key was on as she was defrosting the windows, she was on the passenger side. A car with two men drove past the house (42nd/Findlay) and the passenger got out and walked on the street, jumped in the car and drove off. It’s an old car, but my daughter needs it for school. If anyone spots the car, please call the Seattle Police Department (case number 13-000485).
Reach them via 911 if you see it, as advised in the SPD @getyourcarback tweet about this case.
Two other Crime Watch reader reports – both from Lincoln Park – after the jump:Read More
West Seattle’s Polar Bear Swim 2013, report #1: Your photos
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Sunny again this year for West Seattle’s traditional Polar Bear Swim on Alki – with hundreds heading into the xx-degree water for at least a quick dunk. Our first report features community-contributed photos – above, by David Christensen, who explained that his wife “decided this was the year to join the polar bear plunge. … It was 32 F at the time.” (Water temperature in the 40s.) Next, from Russ Walker‘s Flickr gallery, what happens AFTER everybody runs into the water:
And another scenic view of swimmers on the run back to the beach, courtesy of Pat Binns:
Also, Andrew Jacobs was there for the first time, and just e-mailed to let us know you can see his splashy – literally – photos here. Thanks, all, for sharing (and if anyone else wants to add to this roundup, editor@westseattleblog.com)! Meantime, contributing photojournalist Nick Adams was there on assignment for WSB, and you’ll see his work in report #2 later today. Happy sunny start to 2013!
West Seattle New Year’s Day 2013: A few reminders
What a way to start the year – sunshine! If you are looking for our lists of restaurants/coffee shops open today/tonight, they’re on the Holiday Guide page, along with what else is up today, and atop the “Big Stories” list over on the sidebar. Metro is on a Sunday schedule; no Water Taxi. Then tomorrow, everything starts creaking back toward full speed again (except schools – most don’t resume till Monday).
It’s on! 2013 bursts in with Space Needle fireworks, seen from West Seattle
(Photo by Nick Adams)
From anywhere it was in view, the Space Needle held all in thrall for seven minutes as 2013 arrived.
(Photo by Nick Adams)
No rain, no fog, just chilly air and cheers as fireworks of many colors blossomed in the New Year’s first moments.
(Photo by David Hutchinson)
The end of 2012 meant the end of the Needle’s 50th anniversary year.
(Photo by David Hutchinson)
The fireworks tradition, meantime, is in its 3rd decade, having begun in 1992.
(Photo by Nick Adams)
West Seattle New Year’s Eve 2012: Highland Park’s big party
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
It’s not loud – and no explosives are involved – but the Highland Park Improvement Club‘s New Year’s Eve “Sage Comet” always puts the fireworks to shame. That’s Chris Huson spinning the briefly blazing display tonight outside HPIC, following the fourth annual “Not-So-Silent Night Parade“:
Highland Park’s big party is actually still under way right now – since midnight hasn’t arrived yet – with a special edition of HPIC’s “Corner Bar,” which usually happens the first Friday of the month – and you’re welcome to go join the fun at 12th/Holden:
Meantime, more of WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams‘ photos from the parade and show that started the night are ahead:
Read More
West Seattle scene: New Avalon/Genesee light switched on
Even with brilliant sunrise and sunset in the books, and fireworks to come, this very simple light is also likely bringing some smiles this New Year’s Eve – Mary McNeight from Service Dog Academy sends word (and photo) that the new Genesee/Avalon traffic signal has been turned on and is in flashing red/yellow mode, three days after the lights themselves were installed. As noted here, the light is a community-requested Neighborhood Street Fund project.
West Seattle 2012 in review: Most-commented-on WSB stories
We like to think of the end of the year as a time to look ahead more than to look back. But one particular year-in-review list has become a tradition here on WSB – the “most-commented-on” stories of the year. The 2012 top 10 is actually the top 11, because of a tie at numbers 5/6 (depending on which way you’re counting). Here’s the countdown:
10. FIRST WEEKDAY COMMUTE WITH RAPIDRIDE AND RESTRUCTURING – 139 comments – October 1, 2012
First weekday after Metro launched the RapidRide C Line and a fleet of “restructuring” changes on other routes.
9. ICY THURSDAY, AFTERNOON UPDATES – 141 comments – January 19, 2012
Wintry weather always means lots of WSB commenters sharing information to help each other stay safe.
8. GOAPE ZIPLINE PROPOSAL SCRAPPED – 142 comments – July 11, 2012
The day after hundreds crowded into a special Fauntleroy Community Association meeting to hear for the first time from Seattle Parks about a proposal to allow a commercial zipline/ropes course attraction in Lincoln Park – and to almost unanimously decry it – Parks announced it was shelved.
7. LAFAYETTE PRINCIPAL EXPLAINS NO-COSTUMES-ON-HALLOWEEN DECISION – 143 comments – October 16, 2012
Lafayette Elementary didn’t ban Halloween and didn’t ban costumes. But the staff did decide not to allow costumes on Halloween itself (a shortened school day), and that led to much discussion, plus an explanation from the principal.
6. OCCUPY WEST SEATTLE ANNOUNCES WEST SEATTLE RALLY – 145 comments – March 12, 2012
We published Occupy West Seattle’s first announcement of a rally/protest – targeting Chase Bank in The Junction. Much discussion followed (the event itself was relatively low-key).
Read More
Happy (early) New Year! West Seattle’s earliest celebration
It’s a tradition at Providence Mount St. Vincent – West Seattle’s earliest New Year celebration. So early, it just wrapped up, nine hours before 2013’s local arrival. Among the revelers, Gwen:
Gwen has seen more than 80 new years arrive, we learned, and is looking forward to another one. While we couldn’t stay for the whole thing, we were told they were expecting to wrap up by dancing to the song for which 2012 will be remembered (bet you can guess which one).
Post-holiday recycling: Christmas lights; more tree options
Popular question for these days between Christmas and New Year’s: Where/how to recycle no-longer-needed lights and/or the done-for-the-season tree? We just got two new answers to the latter. But first, the former:
RECYCLING CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Thanks to Victoria for sending this link to KING 5‘s list of locations – while it starts off with details about a mostly Tacoma-centered program, it includes a mention that McLendon Hardware is recycling lights this year, and that means you don’t have to go far; they’re at 16th/102nd in White Center.
MORE OPTIONS FOR RECYCLING CHRISTMAS TREES: We’ve mentioned the city’s how-to a couple times, for curbside pickup or transfer-station dropoff. Just in, two other options: First, the West Seattle Rainbow Girls are again recycling trees by donation at the Masonic Hall in The Junction (40th/Edmunds), this Saturday (January 5), 10 am-2 pm. Second, Dreamscapes Landscaping owner Jacob Ford says he’ll pick your tree up for free in West Seattle – he mulches the branches and “makes things out of” the rest. 206-412-7707.
West Seattle New Year’s Eve: 3 things to do long BEFORE midnight
(1/1/12 Needle fireworks, photographed by David Hutchinson)
You already know about the midnight fireworks – visible from anywhere there’s a view of the Space Needle, or from anywhere there’s a screen (via KING 5). But long before we get to midnight – here are three things you can do BEFORE your late-night celebration of choice:
NEW YEAR’S EVE WALK: The Emerald City Wanderers have again organized “healthy, scenic walks” for tonight and tomorrow. Both start from St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (California/Hanford, just south of West Seattle High School) and you can start any time between 4 and 7 pm today, 9 am-noon tomorrow. No charge, no competition, just show up and find out about the routes (different 5K and 10K routes each day).
LABYRINTH WALK: 6-8 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW), in the Vashon Room (enter through the lower-level door off the parking lot on the west side of Fauntleroy Schoolhouse). Suggested $5 donation benefits the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse capital campaign. More info here.
NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHT PARADE, AND MORE: At 6 pm, the annual New Year’s Eve noisemaking parade takes off from the Highland Park Improvement Club, strolling through nearby – followed by the “Sage Comet” in the parking lot, and then indoors, new for this year, starting around 7, a special New Year’s Eve edition of the all-ages Corner Bar.
For the late-night parties, etc. – see the Holiday Guide!
More West Seattle stoplight trouble: 35th and Alaska
10:10 AM: Thanks for the calls/texts. Another stoplight is having trouble in the Junction/Triangle area – this time, 35th and Alaska (the past few weeks have seen problems at 35th/Avalon, 42nd/Alaska, and California/Fauntleroy). When we checked with SDOT at the end of last week, they told us information on what’s causing these glitches wasn’t expected till post-holiday. P.S. If you see a significant road problem like a broken signal, BIG pothole, road obstacle, etc., the city hotline is 206-684-ROAD, unless it’s after-hours, in which case a major problem would go to 911.
10:25 AM UPDATE: Our crew says it’s stuck on red in all directions. So far, people are doing what they should be doing in case of malfunction – treating it as a 4-way stop (in this case, three ways).
West Seattle New Year’s Eve 2012 starts with spectacular sunrise
Thanks to Lise Thivierge for sharing the view from the West Seattle Water Taxi dock at Seacrest (regular schedule today but no WT service tomorrow, by the way). Beautiful start to the year’s final day.
ADDED: More views! This one’s from Michelle Stathoulis via the WSB Facebook page:
Fittingly, there’s a Sunrise Heights landmark in the foreground of Michelle’s sunrise view! And from Arbor Heights, Debbie Pierce sends this sunrise-watching scene:
That’s Debbie’s pup Austin enjoying the view.
West Seattle weekend weather scenes, and the newest forecast
(Photo by Robert Kristofer Lanier, shared via the WSB Facebook page)
Tonight’s fog is expected to linger into the morning – but the newest forecast says that once it clears, it shouldn’t be back until after midnight tomorrow night; here’s hoping it holds off until the Space Needle’s fireworks show is over (12:07 am or so)! While tomorrow afternoon is projected as cloudy, the National Weather Service also thinks we might see sunshine again on New Year’s Day:
(Photo by Anne Higuera from Ventana Construction [WSB sponsor])
That’s how Lincoln Park’s north shore looked this afternoon. Thanks to Robert and Anne for sharing the photos!
ADDED MONDAY MORNING: A view of the early-morning fog in The Junction, from John Kieltyka:
Also just spotted a Sunday afternoon skyline-with-fog view in the WSB Flickr group – see it here.
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