West Seattle, Washington
17 Wednesday
The Winter Solstice is at 9:47 our time this morning; less than 7 hours later, you’re invited to join West Seattle astro-expert Alice Enevoldsen for winter solstice sunset-viewing at Solstice Park. Alice says on her Alice’s Astro Info website, “I’ll be there even if it is cloudy because sometimes the Sun peeks through just as it begins to set, but if it is driving rain or sleet I’m staying home with a hot cup of tea.” Anything could happen, says the latest “forecast discussion” – possibly some showers Monday night with snow. But if it’s fairly calm as sunset approaches, Alice’s site also explains (with a custom map) where to find Solstice Park. (Photo by Kevin McClintic, from Alice’s autumn-equinox event at the park.)
Three weeks ago, we mentioned that the woman who survived a puzzling bicycle accident on Delridge was publicly chronicling her recovery and getting ready for a fundraising concert to help with her ongoing medical expenses. You may recall from our original August coverage that she was found in the street, and nobody could figure out whether she’d been hit by someone or just taken a bad spill. Against the odds, she has recovered, and is now home after being in the hospital and rehab for almost three months. The fundraising concert starring singer violinist Angela Fuller is 7 pm tomorrow (Tuesday) at Mars Hill Church in West Seattle. The bicyclist, 27-year-old Angela Sweet, agreed to answer a few questions from us via e-mail – our questions and her answers, verbatim, ahead:Read More
Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes tonight: First, via Twitter, Marty reported a burglary attempt today at his home near 35th/Othello (map) – we don’t have the full narrative but he did say police caught the suspects. Meantime, Cathy at 45th/Stevens (map) reports a car break-in, and something heartening she heard when she reported it to police:
Just a reminder to lock your doors and keep valuables out of the car. When I called to report it the dispatcher asked what kind of car. He said someone had already called in suspicious behavior on my block regarding my car. I was glad that I live in a community where people look out for others.
Thanks to Tom Dirks for sharing that photo – and headline – via Facebook. Less than four hours after a small fire in the Fauntleroy Church (WSB sponsor) sanctuary, the church’s Christmas concert is under way as promised, moved to the Fellowship Hall. Here’s our previous report on the fire; while we won’t likely have final official word on its cause till tomorrow, it was believed to be accidental, and investigators were examining both candles and a lighting display. Nobody was hurt, and while the sanctuary needs some repair and airing out, people were allowed back into the co-housed Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) within an hour, so everything’s OK there. As we noted in an update on the previous story earlier this hour, sprinkler-system installation is part of the major renovation work that’s just getting under way at the church.
Along with generous donors, the unsung heroes of holiday help are the volunteers who sort, who gather, who greet ... Darrell was among the volunteers at the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) residents’ holiday party at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center this afternoon. DNDA’s Phillippia Goldsmith had sent us word of the party, and added, “A big thank you to all West Seattle supporters who were a big part of making this happen for the families who live in our affordable housing!” Guests enjoyed food and music – the latter, provided by brass players who told us they’re from the Ballard Odd Fellows:
And then they went into a nearby room in small groups to choose presents from tables overflowing with donated items, like these:
Back out in the hall, while families waited their turn, some kids were so excited they were literally jumping with joy.
We were working on this when the Fauntleroy Church fire broke out, so it’s a bit delayed, but not too late: Holiday fun happening in West Seattle right now! From the team at Wrap It Up, till 5 at Beveridge Place Pub:
Join us for an exciting day of Seahawk football and bring all the gifts that you need wrapped! The Wrap it Up party is in full swing right now at the Beveridge Place Pub. Donations for giftwrapping benefit the Animals First Foundation. Wrap it Up is sponsored by Furry Faces Foundation. We are here till 5pm!!!
And till 4 pm, Santa photos continue – The Junction is where we found Eamon getting ready to meet the big guy for the first time:
(You know you’re a Northwest kid when you’re not used to the sun, which made a cameo! Thanks to Eamon and mom for posing.) Also in The Junction, volunteers from Pathfinder K-8 were facepainting till about 3 pm:
Over at Westwood, like The Junction, we found a good crowd (but not a massive wait) for Santa photos by mid-afternoon:
That’s it for West Seattle Santa pix after 4 pm today, till next season, but holiday fun continues – like Christmas lights-viewing – the ones we’ve featured, each with a map link, are here.
(photo added 3:07 pm)
2:25 PM: It started as an “auto fire alarm” but has just upgraded to a “fire in building” call and the road’s blocked off at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California; map) and more units are on the way. We’re headed down to find out more. 2:29 PM: Scanner says the fire is “tapped” – so it was small – and they’re canceling some of the units – but avoid the area TFN. 2:36 PM: We’re on scene. Some smoke visible on the roof, and firefighters are up there too. Don’t know yet where/how it started or how much damage but the church has just embarked on a renovation/remodeling project. It also was scheduled to have the Christmas concert tonight – we will be checking on its status. At the scene, firefighters are telling us that people ARE being allowed back into the YMCA portion of the building now. 2:51 PM: We don’t know the cause yet but we are told the fire was in the sanctuary, and that a window broke, or was broken – we hope to speak to church officials shortly – they’re said to be out getting plywood. Also, the roadblocks resulting from the fire call have just been removed, and traffic is going through again. ]
3:07 PM: Photojournalist Matt Durham from mattdurhamphotography.com is at the scene too and he and WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand have gathered this information from firefighters and church staff: The main damage is to the altar and to a “standard” window in the sanctuary. Investigators are looking at a lighting display and candles as possible causes. Fauntleroy Church pastor Rev. David Kratz says the main focus for them will be clearing the smoke smell out of the sanctuary in time for Christmas Eve services Thursday; as for tonight’s scheduled concert, it’s still on, and will likely move into the Fellowship Hall.
ADDED 6:07 PM: In that photo by Matt Durham, Rev. Kratz and Lyn Kratz were talking with Engine 26’s Lt. Bennet about how to secure the sanctuary right after the fire. Meantime, church volunteer Judy Pickens has reminded us since then about one key component of the church’s remodeling project that will be even more welcome now – a sprinkler system.
With Christmas just days away, we’ve received questions about which West Seattle restaurants will be open on the holiday – either Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day. Once again, volunteer help has saved our bacon, so to speak: First, thanks so much to Suzanne Tiedeman for her volunteer help with this research – (Suzanne is mom to a Junior Girl Scout and Bear Cub Scout and promises to let us know about their upcoming fundraisers – for her daughter, cookie pre-sales are starting soon; for her son, they’ll have a food drive in the 1st quarter of 2010). Now, to the restaurants: So far we’ve confirmed two THREE FIVE places open Christmas Day – Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) with a limited menu, (under new ownership) The Thaitan, (added 4:38, confirmed what Rick reported in comments) Ho-Win and (added Tuesday morning) Redline and Triangle Pub. Click ahead for the list of what we have so far (and please let us know if you have additions/changes – thanks! – we expect this list to evolve over the next few days):Read More
Gretchen made an unexpected discovery this morning and wondered if anyone is looking for the item she found:
We found a lovely wreath under the play structure at High Point Community Center’s playground this morning. We brought it home and it is now on our front step. It might get hung up if I can find our hanger as it should be displayed. Anyway…if someone wants to claim their lost wreath, they can swing by and snag it.
She added, “I’d rather not have to navigate around a pickup and just let someone pick it up whether we’re here or not,” so the wreath is outside their home at 7339 30th SW (map).
(If you have a lost or found item to report, you are welcome at any time to post it in the WSB Forums; if it’s a pet, please send us info, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com so that we can showcase it on the Pets page – worth bookmarking in case, heaven forbid, you ever have to look for one of your furry friends.)
SANTA TIMES TWO … WELL, MAYBE ALMOST THREE: Santa photos in The Junction with Donna Ryan Photography (moving into that spot permanently when the holidays finish). Santa’s in the house noon-4 pm (with wrapping by Swee Swee, free if you spend at least $50 with participating Junction merchants)- remember the hours have moved up earlier for the lovable mules drawing carriages, 11 am-3 pm today:
Before you board the carriage by KeyBank, your young shopping companions can get facepaint from Pathfinder K-8 volunteers at the Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB) booth at that same corner. And of course remember, just west of there, it’s the last West Seattle Farmers’ Market before Christmas, 10 am-2 pm (here’s the fresh sheet). About that second Santa? Westwood Village, noon-4 pm – bring a food bank donation – also bring diapers (sizes 3-6 especially) for WestSide Baby. The “almost third” Santa – Babbo Natale at Cafe’ Revo (WSB sponsor), telling Italian Christmas stories for kids lunching between 1 and 3 pm. (Bring a gift for WestSide Baby or Furry Faces Foundation and get 10% off your Revo bill! Speaking of discounts – don’t miss the print-em-now WSB Coupons! – and if you go to Jan’s Beauty Supply in The Junction, mention Jan’s WSB ad and get 20% off.)
MUSIC: The Fauntleroy Church (WSB sponsor) holiday concert is tonight at 6; that’s also when The Way Church has a Christmas musical/service; it’s all-ages night at Skylark Cafe and Club (WSB sponsor) with Ambulance, Typewriters, The Hoot Hoots, 7 pm.
REMINDER – DONATE PRESENTS FOR TEENS: And noon-2 pm is today’s window at High Point Community Center for the items needed to make this a happy holiday for area teenagers- full details (including what items are needed) here.
For today’s full list, in chronological order, see the West Seattle Weekend Lineup; for holiday events by activity (including lights and tree info), it’s the West Seattle Holidays page.
Skylark Cafe and Club (WSB sponsor) is throwing an End-Of-Decade Party next Saturday (day after Christmas). But have we even figured out what to call this decade yet? Was it the ot-ots? The oh-ohs? The two-thousands? Whatever you call it, Skylark proprietor Jessie SK invites you to:
Dress as your favorite person, event, meme, or thing from the years 2000 to 2009. Best costume wins $100 Gift Card, and there will be runner-up prizes and recession-friendly drink specials aplenty. 8 pm.
Jessie’s got her full holiday lineup in this online update – including Skylark’s New Year’s Eve plan with locals Stevedore and Guns & Rossetti (we’ve added that no-cover bash to the list in the New Year’s section of the West Seattle Holidays page).
The West Seattle High School Wildcats took both ends of the West Seattle Holiday Basketball Classic on their home court Saturday night, with the varsity girls defeating Seattle Lutheran High School 55-26 and the boys pulling off a 42-32 win. In both games, West Seattle used a run-and-gun offense with differing degrees of success. For summaries of, and clips, from, both games, read on!Read More
A new postscript in the saga of the High Point holiday donations: Rebecca Hall from High Point Community Center says that while, as she updated us all last night, they have exceeded the goal of 400 toys overall for Monday’s distribution (backstory here), they still need items for teenagers – and are working with other West Seattle groups that have the same need. They ask you to please drop off the presents for teens during two specific windows TOMORROW and MONDAY. Here are the specifics:
Gifts for teens are still in high demand and can be dropped off at High Point CC on Sunday, 12-2 pm, or Monday at noon. These items will be distributed to various groups in West Seattle that work with teens.
Don’t know what a teen would like? Here are some suggestions:
-sport equipment such as basketballs, soccer and volleyballs
-pajama sets
-hat / scarf / glove sets
-t-shirts
-athletic pants/shorts
-vanity mirrors
-hair accessories/brushes
-nail polish
-the type of metal waterbottles that are so popular this year
-music cd’s
-journals
Rebecca also says they could use “games for older children.” Again, they’ll be able to accept these donations in two limited windows over the next two days – noon-2 pm tomorrow (Sunday) and at noon on Monday – the main distribution is later Monday afternoon. High Point Community Center is at 6920 34th SW (here’s a map). And as for the items donated so far for the rest of the drive, Rebecca says via Facebook, “The turnout has been amazing and residents of West Seattle and the surrounding communities should know that they REALLY are making a difference this holiday season!”
From their holiday concert at Grace Church on Thursday night, it’s a hi-def West Seattle Big Band Christmas medley – 6 minutes packed with swingin’ sections of multiple holiday faves. (In the mood for more music of the season? Tomorrow’s the Fauntleroy Church [WSB sponsor] Christmas concert, 6 o’clock – one of many holiday events on the West Seattle Holidays page, which now stretches to New Year’s Eve/Day.)
(Photo by Christopher Boffoli, added 5:52 pm)
4:32 PM: Beach Drive is about to be blocked off both ways in the 4200 block because of a house-fire call. We’re on the way plus monitoring via scanner – more as we get it. The address has changed from the original report – it’s now 4213. 4:41 PM UPDATE: The call has “closed” on 911 – we’re just arriving in the area and will find out what happened. Road’s open.
(Editor’s note: We’ve been checking in with major local nonprofits as Christmas approaches, to see what they need and how they’re doing. Earlier stories: West Seattle Food Bank, here; White Center Food Bank, here.)
(Photo courtesy WS Helpline: Volunteer Donavyn with mom LaTista)
By Lauri Hennessey
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The West Seattle Helpline tells us their goal is pretty simple this holiday season: keep as many people sheltered as possible. And, every time someone donates $200 between now and Christmas (do it online!), that means one more family gets to stay in their home through Christmas.
The Helpline helps local families with rent and utilities, clothing (through the West Seattle Clothesline), Metro Transit tickets and school supplies.
Executive director Anna Fern says every $200 means a family doesn’t lose a home this season because landlords will accept partial rent payments more than in the past.
(Read on for more of how to help – how WS Helpline is helping – and for details on a savory fundraiser in The Junction tomorrow.)Read More
Call it a timely two-fer for a good cause: West Seattle’s C & P Coffee has a silent auction under way right now – taking bids online – for a copy of an award-winning Seattle photographer’s book documenting global climate change. The photographer is Daniel Beltra, who you’ll see when you click the clip above, taken from Prince Charles‘s presentation naming Beltra as winner of the Prince’s Rainforests Project Professional Award at the Sony World Photography Awards. The C & P auction is happening as world leaders attending the Copenhagen climate-change conference are being given copies of Beltra’s book. He donated a copy to C & P for the silent auction, which is raising money to help a coffeehouse team members with medical expenses. You can bid by e-mail — candpco@comcast.net – and through the C & P Facebook page (where you can also see what the bidding’s up to – to get a firsthand look at the book, go to C & P at 5612 California SW. (Photos are also viewable at danielbeltra.com.)
(Photo added 12:37 pm, looking toward north side of lot, from SW Yancy westbound)
Thanks to Mike for spotting this one, which online records indicate just went on the market yesterday: The long-abandoned 4-townhouse project at 30th/Avalon/Yancy (map) – fenced-off concrete and rebar at a high-traffic site, inactive for months – is now listed for sale. Here’s the $300,000 listing, which describes the parcel as “bank-owned.”
This may be a “shop till you drop” day for many – in which case, your hometown West Seattle stores are thrilled to see you (take along these coupons! and remember the free stocking-stuffers) – and when you can take a break, you’ve got some options: 10:30 this morning, family gingerbread-house building at High Point Community Center ($5/person) … noon, Admiral Theater‘s free holiday movie “Elf” (trailer above), bring a food-bank donation to get in (and they’re also collecting toiletries for Navos clients) … noon-4 is the second-to-last day for Santa at Westwood Village (food donation’s also the “price” for a photo, and bring diapers for WestSide Baby while you’re at it, sizes 3-6 preferred) … Noon’s the Delridge Community Center holiday party, all welcome … 1-6, “Wrap It Up” giftwrapping at Shadow Land, Furry Faces Foundation animal-advocacy benefit (details here) … There’s wine-tasting 1-4 at West Seattle Cellars, with winemaker Ben Smith from Georgetown’s Cadence Winery … At 1:30, the relatively new West Seattle Film Forum screens and discusses “Confessions of a Shopaholic” at Southwest Branch Library … and at 3 and 7:30, it’s a very retro Christmas with “Plaid Tidings” at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. More in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup!
(photo by Paul Sureddin, taken early 2008, added 11:58 am)
ORIGINAL 2:52 AM REPORT: We will work today to see what more we can find out about this. But wanted to pass along for starters the news from Tom at West Seattle Cellars, who says:
Our good friend and neighbor Wah Wong, proprietor of the fabulous Jade West Cafe, was injured in a terrible traffic accident. Apparently he and his son were struck by a drunk driver, and his wife was also injured. One of my customers at the wine shop came by to tell me that they were at Harborview.
Tom included a link to this Seattle Times (WSB partner) story earlier this week regarding charges in the crash, which happened on Beacon Hill; the original report says the restaurateur and his son were hit in their own driveway. Tom also says “there’s a note on the cafe door (6032 California SW) saying that it’s closed due to ‘injuries’.” We featured Jade West here last February, in an affectionate review written by Fairmount Springs’ Paul Sureddin. 11:49 AM: We went to the cafe’ to look at the note that Tom mentioned. The door also includes a flyer expressing love and get-well wishes for Wah Wong:
The other note on the door says a notice will be posted soon about plans for reopening. 12:17 PM: The note on the door directs inquiries to Dave McDaniel, a neighboring business owner; just talked to him and he hopes to have more information soon on whether the family needs anything and how you can show support. We will publish updates with whatever more we find out.
Seen this car? West Seattleite Bill Schrier hopes so. You may know him as webmaster for the 34th District Democrats, and/or in his acclaimed role as technology boss for the City of Seattle. But right now, he’s a car owner who put out a photo and details on Facebook, which we’re republishing here with his permission:
Be on the lookout for our 2001 silver Honda CRV stolen from Queen Anne at about 5:00 PM (Thursday). … License #940XMJ (Washington State), has a Wisconsin Badgers sticker on the back, plus the unique combination of an Army Reserve bumper sticker and a “peace” bumper sticker (which are shown as insets in the photo …). Call 911 if you see this vehicle. I’m offering a reward of everlasting gratitude and dinner in our remodeled kitchen. After talking to the responding police officer: (1) if you have a Toyota or Honda, get a club or similar very visible locking device and (2) park in West Seattle, not Queen Anne.
4:17 PM UPDATE: As Bill posted below in comments, his car has been found – with some distinctive new items inside:
SPD found it on University Street downtown across from SAM earlier this afternoon. Trashed inside (stuff strewn all about, CD’s missing), but only noticeable damage was a crack in the front bumper. Now I have two more requests: (1) anybody know a good auto detailer to clean the perp germs out of the car? and (2) be on the lookout (BOLO) for the perp who eats Mrs. Freshly’s Golden Honeybun donuts, shops at Whole Foods,and wears a size DD black bra,all of which I found in the vehicle!
ADDED 5:37 PM: And if you are skeptical about all that, Bill posted this photo on his FB page as proof (again, used here with permission):
(Santa photo provided by West Seattle Junction Association)
Again this season, Santa photos like that one are being taken in The Junction by Donna Ryan Photography (you’ve got one more chance coming up this Sunday afternoon). This year, though, new digs for Santa and Donna – Hometown Holidays HQ has been in the former storefront of Swee Swee Paperie (which, while now operating online, has returned for a cameo to wrap gifts during the Santa days), east of Cupcake Royale. And tonight we know the space won’t return to emptiness after Santa-photo season: Donna reveals she’s decided to lease the storefront: “The Calvos were very kind in donating the space to the Junction Association for Santa photos. This gave me the opportunity to shoot in the space and see what wonderful light it has for the fresh and natural style I prefer. I had been growing out of my home based studio – so I rented the space!” After Sunday – when you can get a professional Santa photo by Donna between noon and 4 pm ($10 donation goes to 3 nonprofits) – she takes control of the space, and expects to have Donna Ryan Photography open there in February. (Her move is also featured in this Seattle Times [WSB partner] article tonight about repurposing of vacant retail spaces around the metro area.)
Really, there’s nothing like a ton of good news going into a weekend, especially before a holiday. Here’s more. Earlier we reported the success of Lafayette Elementary‘s food drive for the White Center Food Bank. Now we have a report from Sanislo Elementary, which also wrapped up a food drive today – Lisa K shared the photos and the report below this next pic:
WOW! The Sanislo community once again demonstrated their tremendous generosity during our annual winter food drive. Our 300 students blew away our goal of 1000 lbs of nonperishable food, toiletries and cleaning supplies with donations totaling 2912 pounds! In full disclosure, one of our truly big-hearted dads once again donated hundreds of pounds of food to help his son’s class win the class competition. However, even without his amazing generosity, our kids still topped a ton (!!) of donations. There were more than enough donations this year to provide for our own school families needing extra help AND to share with the greater community through the food bank. Given the current economy and the fact that approximately half our students qualify for free or reduced meals, this is certainly an example of the kids’ and teachers’ care for one another.
Representatives from Mr. Apostol’s 5th grade class accepted the trophy as this year’s winners, and their class leads off the initial engraved plate on our new plaque that will commemorate each year’s “Annual Sanislo Food Drive Superstars.” Mrs. Goethe’s kindergarten class and Mr. Simmons’ 4th graders (woo hoo FIRE MONKEYS!) also deserve mention for their efforts. Since the entire school did such a great job showing us just what outstanding citizens they are, EVERY class won ice cream. Congratulations to you all!
All the best,
Lisa K. for the Sanislo PTA
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