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West Seattle shopping and more for your post-Thanksgiving Friday
November 25, 2016 10:18 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

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(The Brothers, photographed this morning by David Hutchinson)

Lots to do in West Seattle on your post-Thanksgiving Friday! First, from the WSB Holiday Guide:

DUWAMISH NATIVE HOLIDAY-GIFT FAIR: Until 4 pm, it’s the first of three days for the Duwamish Native Holiday Gift Fair at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse and Cultural Center, admission free, all ages:

The Duwamish Tribe invites the public to its Longhouse on Thanksgiving weekend for a Native Holiday Gift Fair. Buy directly from native artists and craftpersons. Lots of holiday spirit and a big lighted tree. Unique gifts in every price range – fine art, native crafts, regalia, cards, jewelry, T-shirts, smoked salmon, and more. Snacks: soup of day, hot chocolate, and more. Celebrate National Native American Heritage Day on Nov. 25th! Free admission and parking for shoppers.

(4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

SANTA PHOTOS: First day of the season at Westwood Village – see the days/times here. (2600 SW Barton)

HOLY ROSARY TREE LOT: It’s opening day for the Holy Rosary Tree Lot, north of the school. This year’s schedule:

*Open until 9 pm today; next two Fridays, 2 pm-9 pm
*Mondays through Thursdays 2 pm to 8 pm
*Weekends: 9 am to 9 pm
*Last day, Sunday, December 11th

Part of this lot’s proceeds benefit West Seattle Helpline, Hickman House (domestic-violence shelter), and West Seattle Food Bank. (41st/Dakota)

MEEPLES GAMES’ SALE: Black Friday (and Shop Small Saturday) sale at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor):

We’re Having A Black Friday Sale And Collecting Non-Perishable Food For The West Seattle Food Bank! Stop in on Black Friday or Small Business Saturday to find a wide selection of games and accessories at 40%* off MSRP!

Bring non-perishable food items for the West Seattle Food Bank and receive an additional 5% off sale items or 10%** off non-sale items.

* Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts ** Discount does not apply to Cafe items

More info, including the WS Food Bank wish list, is here. (3727 California SW)

THUNDER ROAD GUITARS’ 5TH ANNIVERSARY SALE: Big sale on Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday @ Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor): “We will be offering 10-15% off most guitars, basses, amplifiers and pedals in store and online. We have hundreds of fantastic items that will be for sale, stop in or call for details! Special Hours:
Friday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm, Sunday 11 am – 4 pm.” (4736 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE YMCA BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL: No joining fees, today only, at the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) – details here. (4515 36th SW and 9140 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS: Second night for West Seattle Lights, holiday-light show programmed to synch to music. 5-10 pm tonight. Taking donations again this year for the West Seattle Food Bank and Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation. (3908 SW Charlestown)

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(Wider view of the finally-snowy Olympic Mountains, photographed by Lynn Hall)

And from our year-round West Seattle Event Calendar:

‘FINDING DORY’: Free family matinee at Southwest Library, 2 pm. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

INDIE ROCK, LIVE: Little Fixtures, Black Giraffe, 25 Cent Ride perform at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Post-Thanksgiving Friday
November 25, 2016 7:02 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Post-Thanksgiving Friday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

7:02 AM: Good morning – here’s what you need to know if you’re headed out this morning:

TRANSIT CHANGES:
*strong>Metro buses are on the “reduced weekday” schedule
*King County Water Taxi is out of service
*Sound Transit Route 560 is on the regular weekday schedule; Link light rail is on the Saturday schedule

DOWNTOWN ROAD CLOSURES THIS AM AND PM:
The 9 am Macy’s Holiday Parade and 5 pm lighting of the store’s big star both will bring big crowds and road closures – more info in this SDOT holiday-weekend event roundup.

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West Seattle Thanksgiving scene: Fishing instead of feasting
November 24, 2016 9:35 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

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Thanks to Ann Anderson for sharing her photos from Seacrest Pier just after dusk tonight – a crowd turned out for squid fishing.

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Above, locals Steven (in the orange hat) and Danny were using line, lure, and lights to catch squid off the pier, Ann reports. If you haven’t fished for squid, this state Department of Fish and Wildlife one-sheet has some background.

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‘May love get us through’: Alki artist’s message
November 24, 2016 6:31 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

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Chatara Hajje created art at Alki Beach on November 10th, “in response to the election,” and sent it to us the next day. We didn’t see it until some days later, and decided to save it for the holiday. Here are her photos, and the message she said she wanted her creation to convey:

May love get us through all that is currently happening and all that is to come. May it be enough. May it overcome fear, despair, and isolation. May it unite instead of separate. May it heal instead of sicken. May it empower, inspire, uplift, and enlighten. May it lead us through this time of darkness to a future that is bright and beautiful. May it bring opportunities and blessings we don’t yet know are possible. May it move us to live a life that is fueled by our deepest dreams. May it plant seeds of magic in the soil of our souls. May it grow abundantly. In all things. Always.

love-is-enough

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FOLLOWUP: Admiral Theater’s 2nd new auditorium now open; 3rd and 4th expected within weeks
November 24, 2016 3:46 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Admiral Theater | West Seattle news

When we reported last week on the debut of the first of four new auditoriums at West Seattle’s only moviehouse, the city-landmark Admiral Theater, management was hoping to have the second one open by Thanksgiving. So we checked – and indeed, it is open. If you’re going there today/tonight or for the rest of the holiday weekend, you have three movie options, because the theater confirms that both halves of its newly twinned Pier 1 are open, as is Pier 2, where twinning work starts next week. The second new auditorium is showing “Doctor Strange” plus an added early-evening showing of “Moana.”

According to this week’s e-mail newsletter, The Admiral hopes to have the rest of the work done by “mid-December in time for the ‘Star Wars’ (Rogue One) premiere on 12/16.” Also, if you haven’t been lately: “Restrooms have already been renovated as has repainting of the lobby and enhancement of our concessions area. Our goal has been to remain open during construction with crews beginning early each day and finishing their work by the time afternoon movies begin. We recognize that we are still somewhat of an active construction site but have been able to offer movies in a quality and professional environment. The entire project will be complete within a matter of weeks and we look forward to welcoming the community with 4 brand new state-of-the-art auditoriums and the most current digital laser projection and sound quality.”

BACKSTORY: The renovation work began two months ago – three months after a key approval from the city Landmarks Board, a year and a half after the theater’s longtime management announced “an agreement in principle” with its owner to allow the renovations, which they had warned in mid-2014 were essential to the historic moviehouse’s survival.

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HAPPENING NOW: Community Thanksgiving-dinner time!
November 24, 2016 1:03 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Holidays | West Seattle news

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(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

Thanksgiving afternoon means it’s time for free community dinners. We stopped by the longest-running of them all, presented for the 18th year by the Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering division of DSquared at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Big turnout right from the start:

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Volunteers and staffers are serving up a full turkey-and-sides dinner (with vegetarian options too):

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And while this dinner is for everyone, in need or not, those seeking an extra helping hand are welcome to pick up some donated warm clothing in the hallway before heading on out:

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The Fauntleroy dinner continues until 3 pm at 9131 California SW (south end of the historic schoolhouse). Also this afternoon, as noted in our Thanksgiving-info list and Holiday Guide, you’re welcome to free dinner at the South Park Senior Center until 2 pm (8201 10th Ave. S.) and at the West Seattle Eagles‘ aerie 2-5 pm (4426 California SW).

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TRAFFIC ALERTS: Bridge trouble; Delridge/Orchard tree
November 24, 2016 11:21 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

11:21 AM: Thanks to everybody who’s sending tips on this Thanksgiving – our usual sources of traffic info are not at full speed today so info from the streets matters a lot. Just got a text that the eastbound bridge entrance at 35th/Fauntleroy was blocked off as of a few minutes ago. That could be related to a westbound bridge crash reported about half an hour ago. Also, a caller advises taking care toward the east end of the eastbound bridge, by the I-5 entrance, because of a protruding jersey barrier – we asked them to call 911, which is the best thing to do on a holiday or weekend *if something dangerous is in or affecting the road*. And then let us know – call or text 206-293-6302, 24/7/365.

12:45 PM: Another text – tree down on Delridge just north of Orchard (the Home Depot, etc., intersection). On our way to check.

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12:59 PM: Our crew reports the tree is blocking the southbound and center lanes of Delridge by the Lam-Bow Apartments. SDOT has just arrived; police are on scene directing traffic, which is being allowed through, both ways. Close call for a car but it was spared and no one was hurt.

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WEST SEATTLE THANKSGIVING 2016 INFO: Grocery stores, coffee, restaurants, workouts, transit, more
November 24, 2016 6:07 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

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(Busy buoy in the bay, photographed by David Hutchinson)

Happy Thanksgiving! Hoping for a quiet day, but if you see/hear news, please text/call 206-293-6302. Meantime, we have gathered info we hope you will find helpful:

GROCERY STORES THAT ARE OPEN: Here’s the list.

COFFEE SHOPS THAT ARE OPEN: 16 coffee shops open for at least part of today are listed in the Thanksgiving section atop our West Seattle Holiday Guide.

PRE-TURKEY EXERCISE : Three options, which you also will find in the Thanksgiving section atop the Holiday Guide.

WHERE TO FIND A FREE COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER:
The Hall at Fauntleroy, noon-3 pm (9131 California SW)
South Park Senior Center, 1 pm-2 pm (8201 10th Ave. S.)
West Seattle Eagles, 2 pm-5 pm (4426 California SW)

WANT TO HELP OUT? Donate a dessert to The Hall at Fauntleroy’s dinner – drop it off between 10 am at noon, same address as above (south end of the historic schoolhouse).

RESTAURANTS (AND BARS WITH FOOD) THAT ARE OPEN TODAY AND/OR TONIGHT: Here’s the list; please be aware that it is a list of who told us, when we called, that they planned to be open – always subject to last-minute change without notice to us, so please let us know if you find any discrepancies – thanks!

WHAT TO DO AFTER DINNER:
The Admiral Theater is open this afternoon/evening – see the movies/times here (2343 California SW) … The West Seattle Lights music-synched light show starts tonight, 7-10 pm – bring food for the West Seattle Food Bank! (3908 SW Charlestown)

TODAY’S TRANSPORTATION NOTES:
*Metro is on the Sunday schedule
*No Water Taxi service
*Sound Transit Route 560 is on the Sunday schedule
*Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on its regular schedule
*Parking is free on city streets in neighborhoods with pay stations

ALSO:
*No solid-waste pickup; transfer station closed
*Most Seattle Parks facilities closed

Info for today and beyond is also in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide. Have a great Thanksgiving!

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHTS: 8th season starts Thanksgiving night
November 23, 2016 9:16 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

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(WSB photo)

Rain or shine, the show must go on, and Thanksgiving night, it will do just that at 3908 SW Charlestown, home of West Seattle Lights. We stopped by late today to say hi to Jim Winder, programming a synchronized holiday-lights-and-music show for the eighth year at his friends’ house across from the water tower. Jim was doing a bit of last-minute troubleshooting but says it’s all set to go for the first night, 7-10 pm Thursday. Again this year, West Seattle Lights invites donations to the West Seattle Food Bank (you can bring nonperishable food to drop in the bin out front, too) and Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation – none of the donations go toward the show, just directly to those organizations. The WSL website hasn’t yet been updated for this year (the lights come first, and Jim does a show in Maple Valley too) but the schedule is the same one you’ll find on this page, after the special 7 pm-10 pm hours Thanksgiving night.

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QUARTER-TON OF HOLIDAY GIVING: What Peel & Press gave to the West Seattle Food Bank
November 23, 2016 8:15 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

The West Seattle Food Bank planned to distribute at least 300 holiday-meal birds, and here’s where a big helping came from – at right is Dan Austin, proprietor of Peel & Press (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction, where 20 percent of the proceeds one week ago resulted in 480 pounds of turkey and chicken for the WSFB (whose Judi Yazzolino is in the photo too). You too can indulge in holiday giving, all season long – we have ongoing donation drives in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.

P.S. Dan adds, “P&P will be closed for Thursday and also Friday so my team can all go head home for some family time. We will be back up and running Saturday for brunch!” (A few local restaurants will be open for at least a part-day tomorrow … our list is here.)

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West Seattle development: Demolition starts at 2310 California
November 23, 2016 5:59 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle development: Demolition starts at 2310 California
 |   Development | West Seattle news

We’ve received multiple e-mails today noting that demolition has begun at 2310 California SW in Admiral, former site of Brickyard BBQ. In case you were wondering too – a 4-story mixed-use building is planned at the site, as reported here three weeks ago when mentioning issuance of the demolition permit. The documents for this proposal have mentioned gym, child care, and residential units; one new document describes the residential units as “condominium,” which would be unusual, as almost everything multi-family that’s been built over the past decade in West Seattle has been apartment or townhouse/rowhouse. A different proposal for the site stalled after going through Design Review in the mid-’00s; we noted in February 2014 that the site was for sale, and 10 months later, it was sold.

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CRIME WATCH: Followup on package-theft arrests; two car prowls; stolen car found
November 23, 2016 3:35 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon:

FOLLOWUP ON PACKAGE-THEFT SUSPECTS’ ARREST: The official report on yesterday’s incident in Westwood tells a slightly different story than what we were told in the early going. The incident was spotted by an officer “on routine patrol” along 35th SW who saw a man run toward a house with two packages on its stoop, scooping them up and running back to a car where a woman was waiting in the driver’s seat. She took off as the officer pulled up; he followed until she dead-ended in an alley and “nearly drove … down an embankment.” The officer recognized both people from “past contacts.” The man “claimed someone had told him to pick up the packages for them” but later, at the precinct, “admitted that he had stolen the packages.” The officer also wrote that the suspect “claimed that (the driver) had picked him up just minutes earlier from Westwood Village” and that they “have known each other for a few years and use drugs together.” She, meantime, claimed he had picked her up there. Police were trying to determine who owned the car. He was arrested for investigation of a drug violation; she was cited for theft, and since that is an official misdemeanor charge, we can identify her as 20-year-old Elizabeth D. Parish. The citation carried a bail amount of $1,000, and she got out of jail a short time ago. It was her fourth stay in the King County Jail this year, according to the register. The other suspect, 33, is still there, and we’re awaiting word on whether he’s having a bail hearing this afternoon.

P.S. The police-report narrative says the victim later went to the Southwest Precinct “and claimed his packages.”

(added) P.P.S., 5:36 PM: The 33-year-old suspect had a bail hearing today and was granted release on personal recognizance; the VINE alert system says he’s being processed for release right now. Probable-cause documents say he’s under investigation for a drug charge because he was found in possession of heroin and meth.

Now, the latest reader reports – both about car prowls:

PROWLED IN PARKING GARAGE: From Israel:

Two vehicles were broken into in the garage parking lot at L.A. Fitness in West Seattle (last night) between the hours of 5:30-7:45 pm. The windows were broken and property was stolen from the cars. A blue hiking backpack containing personal belongings and information, including a passport, immigration documents, flash drives, and iPad was stolen from my car. If anyone sees or finds it dumped on the ground somewhere please contact me directly at 509.434.9355. My name is Israel Martinez. Thank you!!

PROWLED IN WESTWOOD: From Andrei:

I had my car window smashed last night early morning on Trenton and 31st st. All that was missing was a pack of cigarettes.

Please report even the smallest of crimes so at least the stats are accurate – that’s the request from police. After we were prowled last Friday, we filed one report for both vehicles and it took just a few minutes … here’s where to start. (And when you get to the long list of car makes, key in the first few letters of yours so it will jump ahead and you can stop scrolling.)

And one more followup:

STOLEN IN WEST SEATTLE, FOUND IN BURIEN: Jackson‘s stolen Ford Escape, reported here on Monday, turned up at 1st/160th in Burien. Jackson says one person was arrested, and, as seems to be a trend lately: “There was also another bag in the car that was not ours. It had a leather jacket and some new clothing from Macy’s in it.”

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Origins Recreational: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor
November 23, 2016 1:57 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

The first recreational cannabis store to open in West Seattle, Origins Recreational, is now in its new Junction location, and has just joined the WSB sponsor team. Here’s what they would like you to know about their business:

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Origins Recreational is unique in that we pride ourselves on selecting top-quality products from farms who share the same passion and values in cannabis. Origins has spent significant time and resources in creating what we believe to be the first scientific approach to recommending the correct products based on the cannabinoid and terpene profiles. We provide consumers a loyal brand they can be confident in consuming. Origins Recreational pulled away from the pack of cannabis retailers by establishing the Origins Certified™ seal, providing buyers confidence in tested products. All products containing the Origins Certified seal have undergone phenotype terpene testing and pesticide screening. Cultivating a strong relationship with partnered gardens, Origins works with each grower individually to provide the highest quality product, assuring responsible, sustainable farming practices were used to grow it.

Located in West Seattle, our brand is all about the Pacific Northwest and showcasing the natural beauty it offers. Origins‘ local roots trace back to Better Day Gardens, a medical dispensary founded in 2011, so it is a true West Seattle original. For West Seattle locals, they no longer have to go far to purchase their flower, concentrates or edibles.

Origins clients mostly comment on our clean, comfortable environment, superior selection of artisan gardens, and educated cannabis guides. We have heard how excited West Seattle residents are that we made our move into the area. We have worked feverishly to build trust with the community and our patrons. Customers can trust that Origins has taken the extra steps to ensure they are getting the best quality and safest product at the best value.  We believe this is why new customers seek us and will return. 

Origins Recreational is at 4800 40th SW, with ample parking behind the store. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 11:30 pm. and Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm. Phone: 206-922-3954. Origins will be open Thanksgiving Day (November 24th), 10 am-5 pm.

We thank Origins Recreational for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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‘FIGHT THE FEAR’: All teens invited to West Seattle training event
November 23, 2016 1:11 pm
|    Comments Off on ‘FIGHT THE FEAR’: All teens invited to West Seattle training event
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

From Johanna Fischer, health-center coordinator at West Seattle High School:

All teens are welcome to come to a FREE training on self defense, sexual-assault awareness and relationship-violence education, put on by FIGHT THE FEAR at West Seattle High School on Monday, December 5th from 3:30 to 6 pm in the WSHS Library. This event is OPEN and welcome to students of ALL genders and identities who are interested in learning more about these important topics. Teens under the age of 18 need to have their parent or guardian sign a permission slip in order to participate. Please call Johanna Fischer at 206-658-8048 or email at JohannaF@neighborcare.org for more information.

Here’s a printable PDF of the permission slip. Again, while this is at WSHS, all teens are invited, regardless of where you go to school.

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HOLIDAY GUIDE UPDATES: Who’s open on Thanksgiving; more trees; local shopping for Black Friday/Shop Small Saturday…
November 23, 2016 11:55 am
|    Comments Off on HOLIDAY GUIDE UPDATES: Who’s open on Thanksgiving; more trees; local shopping for Black Friday/Shop Small Saturday…
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

As usual this time of year, we’re updating the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide multiple times a day as new events/info comes in. A few things to mention today:

-You’ll find Thanksgiving information toward the top of the guide, including grocery-store hours for tomorrow and lists of restaurants and coffee shops that told us they plan to be open tomorrow, as well as info on the free community meals in Fauntleroy and South Park, and pre-turkey workouts.

-Looking for an early Christmas tree? We’ve just added three more places to the list in the Holiday Guide, after noticing tree arrivals while out on errands.

-Planning on Black Friday/Shop Small Saturday shopping? The guide includes that info for some local businesses too, and more to come by day’s end. (Added: Here’s the big Junction list.)

As mentioned, we’re updating the guide frequently and appreciate hearing directly from businesses, groups, event organizers, anyone with info that belongs in it – just e-mail us the details at editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

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NEW WEST SEATTLE BUSINESS: Raven’s Nest West soft-opens Friday in The Junction
November 23, 2016 10:03 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

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A Vashon Island gallery and gift shop is expanding to add a West Seattle location, just in time for holiday-shopping season. You might have seen the sign in the window at 4400 SW Alaska: Raven’s Nest West is opening this Friday. Co-proprietor Sue Shotridge shares the announcement of the business offering what she describes as “authentic high-quality Northwest Coast Native Art Gallery & Gifts”:

Sue & Israel Shotridge have been partners in business for over 25 years. Israel is a Master Tlingit Artist/ Carver from Ketchikan, Alaska, Sue wears many hats, Jewelry Designer, and Sales, Marketing & Production Director for Shotridge Studios, the Shotridges’ multifaceted NWC Native Art business. The Shotridges established their flagship Raven’s Nest Native Art Gallery & Gift Shop on Vashon Island in 2010. Many of their customers have been coming over to Vashon from West Seattle and urging them to open up a Raven’s Nest in the West Seattle area.

The opportunity to create a stepping stone, a charming intimate Northwest Coast Native Art Gallery & Gifts shop, was presented in early September when 4400 Alaska was completed and ready for tenants at a very busy Junction location. There was one live/work space available on the street level; the Shotridges saw this as an opportunity to extend their business to the West Seattle community to see what interest there would be in marketing NWC Native art here. If it is well-received, future plans are to find a bigger location in a prime spot.

Holiday Business Hours will include Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Hours may vary, with extended hours closer to the holiday. Check ravensnestwest.com for additional info in the near future.

Ravens Nest West will offer authentic Northwest Coast Native Art & Gifts. Original Wood & Ivory carvings, Limited Edition Art Prints, Hand Engraved Jewelry, Cedar bark Basketry, Seal Fur Jewelry Accessories, Native Art Cards, Holiday Tree Ornaments, many other gift items all in Native imagery, stocking stuffers and much more. In addition to the Shotridges’ artworks created by Sue, Autumn, and Israel Shotridge, a small group of tribal Artists from around the Pacific Northwest Coast will show their artworks at Raven’s Nest West on a regular basis. Art works to be included will be carvings, cedarbark basketry, contemporary glass, deerskin drums, engraved jewelry along with ceramics depicting NWC imagery. A selection of fine apparel including scarfs, shawls and embroidered fleece along with many other native designed gift items will be available.

Sue Shotridge adds that Raven’s Nest West plans a grand opening during the holiday edition of the West Seattle Art Walk on December 8th.

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SPORTS: Congratulations to the Ultimate Frisbee division champs from Denny International Middle School,
November 23, 2016 9:22 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

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Thanks again to everyone who has been sharing youth-sports-success stories this week – this one is from Perry:

On Saturday, Denny International Middle School defeated Washington Middle School to become the Ultimate Frisbee A Division Champions! They worked incredibly hard over the past 2 Saturdays to defeat 3 of the 4 teams that placed ahead of them in the standings.

Congratulations to coaches Joe and Branden and all the players!

WSB sports coverage is archived here, newest-to-oldest.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thanksgiving Eve Wednesday, & holiday changes
November 23, 2016 7:15 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thanksgiving Eve Wednesday, & holiday changes
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)

7:15 AM: Good morning and welcome to Thanksgiving Eve. So far, no incidents in/from West Seattle.

Info you might find useful:

TODAY: Seattle Public Schools get out one hour early today, and won’t be back in session until next Monday.

THANKSGIVING DAY TRANSPORTATION NOTES: Metro buses will be on the Sunday schedule … Sound Transit Route 560 will be on a Sunday schedule too (as is Link light rail) … King County Water Taxi is out of service … Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route will be on a regular schedule … Street parking will be free in areas of the city that have pay stations.

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WEST SEATTLE REZONING: 1 week to community-led briefing; 2 weeks to city-convened open house
November 22, 2016 9:31 pm
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

Before you get entirely into holiday mode … a reminder about a process that’s playing out right now, and seeking your comments on major zoning changes:

(Direct link to draft West Seattle Junction Urban Village rezoning map)

(Direct link to draft Westwood-Highland Park Urban Village rezoning map)

(Direct link to draft Admiral Urban Village rezoning map)

(Direct link to draft Morgan Urban Village rezoning map)

Those are the newest versions of the city’s “draft maps” showing proposed rezoning in West Seattle’s four “urban villages” as part of the mayor’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA). Besides what’s shown on the maps, all multifamily zoning in the city is proposed for upzoning as part of the HALA component called Mandatory Housing Affordability – adding more development capacity in exchange for requiring developers/builders to either include a certain percentage of “affordable” units, or pay into a city fund that will be used to build “affordable” housing elsewhere.

Right now, the city is planning one open house-style meeting to answer questions and take comments about all four of these maps (and the one for South Park), 5:30 pm-7:30 pm on Wednesday, December 7th, at Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery in The Junction (4752 California SW). You might already have received a mailer about it, though as the recipient who shared the mailer with us pointed out, it doesn’t mention the word “rezoning” (below, photos of its front and back):

Since the open-house event has no presentation scheduled, local community members are planning a pre-meeting to explain the maps and the process – including the guiding principles – in hopes of helping you understand what’s being proposed and comment most effectively, whether you’ll be doing that at the December event and/or via the special city website hala.consider.it. As explained in this announcement earlier this month, that meeting is one week from tonight – 6:30-8:30 pm Tuesday, November 29th, at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th SW/SW Holden), and everyone is welcome.

TIMELINE: At last week’s Junction Neighborhood Organization discussion of this, Nick Welch from the city Office of Planning and Community Development said that after the comment and review period this winter, final rezoning maps are likely to go to the City Council around June.

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FOLLOWUP: Dead seal, sea lion south of Alki Point
November 22, 2016 8:10 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Dead seal, sea lion south of Alki Point
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Back on Sunday, a text resulted in this report about a dead seal south of Alki Point. Commenter Jenny mentioned there was another carcass nearby. Tonight, we have an update from David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network:

Thanks to those of you who have reported these two dead marine mammals to Seal Sitters’ Hotline (206-905-7325). As of the evening of 11/21, the California Sea Lion is at the north end of Constellation Park and the adult Harbor seal is at the south end of the park. Seattle Parks has been notified of their current location. Seal Sitters has been tracking the position of both dead animals since first reported back on November 16th when one was onshore at Cormorant Cove and the other on private property to the north.

When Seal Sitters responds to dead marine mammals, the animal is photographed, measured and examined. An official report is then completed and entered into NOAA’s online marine mammal database. If the location is on a public beach, we typically bag the smaller animals, remove them from the beach and contact Seattle Parks for disposal, unless the animal will be transferred for necropsy by WA Department of Fish and Wildlife. In certain situations if a necropsy is performed, Seal Sitters pays for blood and tissue lab tests on the animal.

In this case, both animals are too large to be easily removed from the public beach – the sea lion is over 7 feet in length. Disposal of animals on private beaches is the responsibility of the property owner. Thankfully, the ebb and flow of tides will most often return carcasses back to the sea, to nourish other marine life. For smaller animals not suitable for necropsy due to decomposition, that is the ideal end result as well.

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GIVING TUESDAY: Jazz Night School benefit, live music @ West 5
November 22, 2016 6:36 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB video of Jazz Night School All-Stars outside West 5 on Summer Fest Eve in 2015)

One week from tonight, here’s another way to celebrate Giving Tuesday – dine out, and enjoy live music, at West 5 in The Junction, as it supports Jazz Night School, which has been spotlighted outside the restaurant/bar the past few years on Summer Fest Eve. Here’s the announcement:

Jazz Night School, Seattle’s only all-ages jazz education institution, is partnering with West 5 Restaurant and Lounge in West Seattle on Giving Tuesday, November 29.

Proceeds from restaurant sales on Giving Tuesday will benefit Jazz Night School’s Bring Jazz to Life capital campaign to fund construction of a new facility for the school. “We are thrilled to partner with West 5 Restaurant for this year’s Giving Tuesday,” said Erik Hanson, founder and Executive Director of Jazz Night School. “Funds raised in support of our Bring Jazz to Life campaign will help us build our new school in Seattle’s Rainier Valley and will greatly increase our capacity for people to learn, study and enjoy jazz.” said Hanson.

To celebrate Giving Tuesday, a performance ensemble from Jazz Night School will provide live jazz entertainment (no cover charge) at West 5 starting around 7:00 pm.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: 2 more stolen cars to look for
November 22, 2016 4:00 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Crime Watch: 2 more stolen cars to look for
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Might be blocks from where they were stolen, or miles … but thanks in advance for keeping an eye out for these stolen cars (and others noted in previous West Seattle Crime Watch reports):

Jim reports his green 1997 Toyota Corolla, WA license AVM1612, was stolen overnight from the 3000 block of 44th SW. “It has kayak racks (at least it did) on the roof.”

And CJ reports her friends’ car, a dark gray 2007 Toyota Matrix, license plate number 125VUH, was stolen recently in WS and has yet to be found. One distinguishing feature: “I seem to recall it has a small crack in the windshield which had been filled.”

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HOLIDAY GIVING: Preschoolers’ lesson in math and kindness
November 22, 2016 3:35 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

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Thanks to Holy Rosary Preschool teacher Tauna Evans for the photo from the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive: “This is our Pre-K class posing after sorting and counting the collected food.” Final tally: 110 cans!

P.S. Looking for ways to give this season? The list of donation drives in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide keeps growing. If you have one to which the public can contribute, please let us know so we can add it – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

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