West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen blue Toyota truck; car theft attempt; store intruder
December 23, 2019 3:49 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN TOYOTA TRUCK: Victoria‘s Tacoma was stolen from the 4500 block of Glenn Way:

It was taken some time between 11 pm and 6:30 am. It is a blue 2015 Toyota Tacoma, it’s lifted and has a custom grill, light bar on top and in the custom bumper. The plate number is C45948P; the report number is 19-473574.

If you see it, call 911.

CAR BREAK-IN/THEFT ATTEMPT: Via text – “Was going to go to work, my front driver-side car door was left open. They pulled out my Ignition, tried to start the car and couldn’t. It has a safety lockup, so they just grabbed everything they could in the car.” This happened near California/Raymond.

STORE INTRUDER: CAPERS in The Junction reported an intruder in their store around noontime Sunday who they believe matched the description of the intruder reported at Holy Rosary. He was found in their office area. They do not believe anything was taken

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FOLLOWUP: Dakota Homestead project edges closer to goal. 2 ways you can help
December 23, 2019 1:44 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Urban Homestead Foundation)

Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Neighbors gathered Wednesday night for an update about the Dakota Homestead fundraising campaign to purchase the former Seattle City Light substation at 50th and Dakota (just north of Genesee Hill Elementary).

The campaign was launched three and a half years ago by the Urban Homestead Foundation, with a goal of buying the Dakota site (most recently appraised in 2017 at a value of $650,000) and preserving it as a neighborhood greenspace, meeting hub, urban garden and environmental education center. The site is one of the six former substations in West Seattle that Seattle City Light had determined were no longer needed, which started a process to sell or otherwise dispose of the properties.

Urban Homestead president Rich Sheibley said that since 2016, the group has successfully secured community donations and grant funding to help support the project, but things really accelerated earlier this year when the project was earmarked for $155,000 in funding in the state capital budget as part of the state’s community projects program (more on that below).

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ORCAS: Whales off West Seattle, southbound
December 23, 2019 11:43 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Whales

ORIGINAL REPORT, 11:43 AM: Early warning this time – Kersti Muul sends word that orcas are off Golden Gardens (Ballard), southbound, so could be visible from here before long. Let us know if you see them!

12:07 PM: Update from Kersti – they’re off the north tip of Elliott Bay.

12:47 PM: Update from Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail – they are in view from Constellation Park – residents!

1:27 PM: Along with the updates in comments, we just received email from Russell, saying they are in view from Pt. Williams at Lincoln Park.

6:09 PM: Photos added – top of the story and above this line, by Jamie Kinney. Thank you!

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7 West Seattle Monday highlights
December 23, 2019 11:24 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Pine Siskin, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

It’s the second night of Hanukkah as well as Christmas Eve eve. From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar:

THE CHRISTMAS PEOPLE: First day at Alki Masonic Center, until 5 pm, working in the kitchen to put together holiday meals for those in need, as well as accepting donations of homemade cookies – also 9 am-5 pm tomorrow and Wednesday, with a free noon-4 pm buffet Wednesday for anyone who needs a holiday meal. Backstory here. (4736 40th SW)

HOLIDAY MUSIC AT THRIFTWAY: Lots of live music for shoppers at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) – Alex Baird noon-3 pm, Gary Benson 3:30-5:30 pm, We 3 Carolers 5:30-7:30 pm. (4201 SW Morgan)

SANTA AT THRIFTWAY: One last chance for pics with Ol’ St. Nick, 2-5 pm at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) – then it’s back to the North Pole to get ready for Christmas Eve. (4201 SW Morgan)

LIBRARY LAB – ROBOTS! Drop in 4-7 pm at Delridge Library. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

3 TRIVIA/QUIZ NIGHTS: Here are your Monday night options:
*Best of Hands Barrelhouse (7500 35th SW), 7 pm, $2/person, 21+
*The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 7:30 pm, free, all ages
*Parliament Tavern (4210 SW Admiral Way), 8 pm, $2/person, 21+

SEE WHAT ELSE IS UP TODAY, TONIGHT, BEYOND … by browsing the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar!

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: The closest we’re going to get to a white Christmas …
December 23, 2019 10:16 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

… are views like these. Above, David Hutchinson‘s photo of the Olympics during a weekend sunbreak. Below, Bob Bollen‘s recent view of the Mount Rainier vicinity, with the West Seattle Bridge in the foreground.

As for our forecast down here in the lowlands … you might see the mountains again later today, if the “partly sunny” projection comes true.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Christmas Eve-eve Monday watch
December 23, 2019 7:24 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Christmas Eve-eve Monday watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

7:24 AM: Good morning! No incidents/alerts in our area so far.

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TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: Tip of the hat to this fave
December 22, 2019 11:25 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Third year in a row that readers have sent a pic of the famous “Santa hat” tree at 36th and Roxbury, so we are just going to have to declare this an annual tradition in the WSB Christmas-lights spotlight series. This photo is courtesy of Stephen, who said, “Been checking out lights and we thought these were blog worthy! Coolest crooked tree in West Seattle!” The shape of the top of the cap has changed a bit over the years – we first showed it in 2007, then again in 2011, and in 2017 and 2018. Almost time for Santa himself to start those special deliveries, but we are still welcoming suggestions for the next few nights, with or without photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com; scroll through our archive to see what we have already spotlighted!

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VIDEO: Hanukkah begins with West Seattle celebration @ Junction Plaza Park
December 22, 2019 8:32 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photos/video)

On this first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, West Seattle synagogue Kol HaNeshamah took their celebration outdoors to Junction Plaza Park. Rabbi Zari Weiss and assistant Abe lit the menorah’s first candle, and she explained the traditional blessings:

…and then it was time for singalongs:

Rabbi Weiss also spoke of the spirit of Hanukkah, inspiring all those who have sought freedom from persecution.’

Despite the return of the rain, the celebration drew a good-sized crowd, and everyone was offered Hanukkah treats – jelly donuts. Hanukkah continues for eight nights, with the menorah’s last candle to be lit one week from tonight.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Church prowler; package thief…
December 22, 2019 7:42 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Church prowler; package thief…
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

CHURCH PROWLER: From Holy Rosary pastor Fr. Matthew Oakland:

Today after our last Mass at Holy Rosary, while decorating the church for Christmas, an unknown man was in the church standing behind columns, shifting his position so as to be less visible as the decorating crew were moving about. He was later found by one of the staff in the sacristy going through all of the cabinets, after making an unsuccessful walkthrough earlier as there were still people there. When confronted, he asked if an unknown person was there, was upset at being suspected of theft when asked what exactly he was looking for, and then made a hasty exit toward the Junction.

During this season of such great generosity, this is a reminder especially to our neighboring houses of worship of the unfortunate need to always be mindful and on alert.

Description: About 5’10”, slim to medium build, about 50 years old, African American, wearing a gray close fitting hat and gray jacket with dark pants.

PACKAGE THIEF: Mary says the area around 30th/Holden had multiple reports of a package thief/prowler today.

See a closer-up framegrab here

PROWLER: No visual but we also received a text of a prowler active in Fauntleroy, near 45th/Austin.

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VIDEO: No rainout for West Seattle Runner’s Christmas Light Run
December 22, 2019 7:07 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB photos and video)

It’s a holiday tradition, so the return of the rain didn’t deter dozens from being part of the annual Christmas Light Run this evening, taking off from West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) shortly after 6 pm.

This year’s biggest challenge, as proprietors Lori and Tim McConnell explained pre-run, was redesigning the route a bit, since the highlight of previous years, West Seattle Lights, is no more:

One of the sights they added is the revived Gai Family display. Post-run, the McConnells were hosting everyone for cookies and hot chocolate at the shop. Besides free weekly runs – featured in our West Seattle Event Calendar – they also have a special event the day after Christmas, the next Info Night for their free couch-to-half-marathon Get Fit West Seattle training program – be at the shop 7(2743 California SW) pm December 26th to find out more.

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SEEN OVER WEST SEATTLE: The military jet for Seahawks pre-game flyby
December 22, 2019 4:47 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Thanks to Jamie Kinney for the photo! That’s the C-17 Globemaster seen over West Seattle this afternoon on its way to a Seahawks pre-game fly-by. It was from the 62nd Airlift Wing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the South Sound.

P.S. One non-aviation-related Seahawks note – next Sunday’s home game vs. the 49ers has been moved from an afternoon start to evening start – 5:20 pm kickoff.

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West Seattle weekend scene: Candle-lighting, days before a milestone birthday
December 22, 2019 4:08 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

(Photo by Monika Lidman)

One week before a milestone birthday, a special candle – the report is from Judy Pickens:

This season, elders have been lighting one candle on each of the four Sundays of Advent at Fauntleroy Church, United Church of Christ, and today’s candle lighter was the eldest of all. Aided by son Brian, about-to-be-centenarian Bettie Porter Dunbar lit the candle of compassion to open the worship service. She was born on December 29, 1919, in Puyallup and she and her late husband, Horace, joined the church 70 years ago this month, shortly after he finished building their home in Fauntleroy.

P.S. If you’re looking for Christmas Eve church services, our list is in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.

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SIGNUP TIME: New West Seattle ways to get your little one(s) moving!
December 22, 2019 3:10 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

The new year will bring new movement classes for babies/toddlers at local Seattle Parks facilities. Here’s the announcement:

Hiawatha Community Center is so excited to broaden its dance offerings this winter! Beginning in January, we’ll have Parent and Me creative movement classes, baby ballet, and toddler dance jam. Anyone who has had their little one in class with Miss Marika knows how energetic and wonderful she is at ushering the kiddos into their first dance education experience. In addition to our Wednesday morning classes, we’ll be expanding into Monday afternoons at Dakota Place Park. Give us a call at 206.684.7441 or visit us online to sign up and make sure we’ve got enough spots filled to run all these amazing classes! Questions? E-mail Assistant Coordinator Andrea Sisco at andrea.sisco@seattle.gov

P.S. Looking for programs for other age groups? Here’s the winter brochure (PDF) for all the local city-run community centers!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car break-in, theft attempt
December 22, 2019 12:49 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

This happened to Laura overnight:

I wanted to pass along Incident #19-471877. My car was parked on Harbor Ave SW [2400 block]. Someone broke into to my 15-year-old car. They attempted to steal it as well, but were unsuccessful. They stole emergency cash, emergency car kit, emergency survival kit, and a bag or two full of donations.

Please remind folks to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity. My car doors were locked and I did not have anything out in view. Bad people suck.

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HOLIDAYS: Free Christmas trees, while they last
December 22, 2019 11:00 am
|    Comments Off on HOLIDAYS: Free Christmas trees, while they last
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Know someone who needs a Christmas tree but can’t afford one? Holy Rosary School‘s lot is giving away what they have left – a few dozen as of 9 am. The lot is just north of the school, off 42nd SW between Genesee and Dakota. Self-serve, while they last.

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Pop-Up Hanukkah, Christmas Light Run, more for your West Seattle Sunday
December 22, 2019 6:07 am
|    Comments Off on Pop-Up Hanukkah, Christmas Light Run, more for your West Seattle Sunday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Don Brubeck, shared via the WSB Flickr group)

From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar:

LAST SANTA MORNING AT CAPERS: Santa photos at CAPERS, 9 am-noon, DIY photos with $20 suggested donation benefiting West Seattle Food Bank. (4525 California SW)

TWO TOY GIVEAWAYS: 10 am, Victory Outreach Church (10851 1st Ave. S.); noon, Duwamish Tribe Longhouse. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Last one before Christmas! 10 am-2 pm, in the street, in the heart of The Junction. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

SANTA AT MET MARKET: Santa photos, 11 am-2 pm at Metropolitan Market. (41st/42nd/Admiral)

BONUS SHOPPING DAY: Two WSB sponsors that are usually closed Sundays are OPEN today, noon-5 pm, for your holiday shopping! Wyatt’s Jewelers at Westwood Village (2600 SW Barton) and Thunder Road Guitars. (6400 California SW)

HOLIDAY MUSIC AT THRIFTWAY: We 3 Carolers noon-2 pm, Gary Benson 2:30 pm-4:30, performing inside West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) for shoppers. (4201 SW Morgan)

CORREO AEREO: Live music 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). No cover. All ages. (5612 California SW)

SANTA AT THRIFTWAY: 4=7 pm at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), it’s Ol’ St.Nick. (4201 SW Morgan)

POP-UP HANUKKAH: The first of eight nights of the Festival of Light begins at sundown, and West Seattle synagogue Kol HaNeshamah invites everyone to celebrate at its Pop-Up Hanukkah in Junction Plaza Park, 5-6 pm. Candle-lighting, songs, and donuts. (42nd/Alaska)

CHRISTMAS LIGHT RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) at 6 pm for the annual leisurely run (or walk) past brightly lit homes, as previewed here. Festivities at the shop afterward. Bring a nonperishable food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank if you can. (2743 California SW)

THE COCOA CRIS CRINGLE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE: 7 pm at Parliament Tavern – this time for a performance, not photos! $8 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

CONCERT: Northwest Boychoir‘s annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church, 7 pm. Tickets here. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)

‘CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS’ MUSIC, LIVE: 8 pm at Pacific Room (WSB sponsor) on Alki. Online tickets are sold out, so check with the restaurant to see if there’s any room left. (2808 Alki SW)

MORE! in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar.

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UPDATE: Police search after stabbing in Admiral
December 21, 2019 10:52 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(SFD response at Safeway; photo by Christopher Boffoli)

10:52 PM: Police are searching for a suspect after a stabbing was reported in the Admiral area. The victim, a 19-year-old reported to have a stab wound in the back, is at Admiral Safeway – so that’s where Seattle Fire is responding to – but the attack – possibly a robbery attempt – was reported near 46th/Stevens. More as we get it.

10:58 PM: No clear description of a suspect. Police are now saying via emergency radio that it appears to have been an assault, not a robbery attempt. They’re still trying to get more information on exactly where it happened; the initial 46th/Stevens report was from one passerby.

11:07 PM: Police are searching with a K-9 in the 45th/46th area. Meantime, the victim has been taken to Harborview Medical Center.

11:16 PM: Christopher Boffoli is at Safeway covering this for WSB and learned that a second male victim is being treated for a “small puncture wound to the back.” He will be transported by private ambulance.

(Photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)

11:31 PM: Christopher talked with SPD at the scene. Both victims are teenagers; neither has life-threatening wounds. Police are still trying to sort out the circumstances and location, but have now cleared the Safeway vicinity, which is where the victims went to call for help..

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TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: Southwest of The Junction
December 21, 2019 9:24 pm
|    Comments Off on TONIGHT’S LIGHTS: Southwest of The Junction
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Thanks for the texted tip and photo! Tonight’s featured lights are in the 5400 block of 49th SW, southwest of The Junction. Got a tip, with or without photo? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text to 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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VIDEO: Sunset surprise at Alice Enevoldsen’s 2019 Winter Solstice welcome
December 21, 2019 6:40 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

(WSB photos/video unless otherwise credited)

At the end of a gray day that was part of 49 consecutive hours of rain, suddenly and quickly, a splash of pink spread across the southwest sky. And that’s how Alice Enevoldsen‘s Winter Solstice sunset watch concluded, with the ~20 in attendance admiring the surprise show.

Until then, it was a gathering much like the dozens of others over which Alice (above with her 8- and 3-year-old daughters) has presided over her decade as a volunteer NASA Solar System Ambassador. As always, she explained what the solstice and equinox are – specific points in the Earth’s annual orbit around the sun. Here’s how part of it went:

But no two sunset watches are exactly alike, depending on who shows up and what they ask about; this one morphed into a discussion of systems of timekeeping.

This gathering, like Alice’s others, was at Solstice Park, just northeast of Lincoln Park, highlighted by stone markers and paths lining up with where the sun sets on the solstices and equinoxes, when you can see it:

The actual winter-solstice moment is at 8:19 pm our time this evening. From here, the days start getting longer -a whole second more tomorrow between sunrise and sunset! P.S. The sunset was so beautiful (see our Instagram video recorded as the color deepened), here’s a bonus photo courtesy of Kanit Cottrell in Gatewood:

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HOLIDAY GIVING: Time to bake cookies to donate!
December 21, 2019 6:02 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Feel like baking cookies, but don’t have anyone to bake for, and/or can’t eat them yourself? Or … baking cookies and have the bandwidth for an extra batch you could donate? Now’s the time to bake for The Christmas People, who again are putting out the call for thousands of homemade cookies that they can include with holiday meals to be delivered to people in need. You can drop off cookies 9 am-5 pm Monday or Tuesday, and starting at 9 am on Christmas Day, at Alki Masonic Center (4736 40th SW). They’re also asking for volunteers to help prepare meal trays those days – and if you know someone in need of a no-cost holiday dinner, they’ll offer a full buffet, same location, noon-4 pm on Christmas Day. (Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay)

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Rain’s stopped! Here’s some of what it left behind
December 21, 2019 3:38 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The rain has stopped – for a while. For the first time in two days, the National Weather Service has recorded an hour in Seattle with no more than a trace of rain. Despite 3+ inches Friday alone, no major problems in our area – but it’s definitely left its mark. Above, a reader just texted that photo of trees down across the bluff trail at Lincoln Park that leads to/from Colman Pool. (Slide risk is high because of the rain, so be watchful if you’re near a slide-prone slope.) Below, what Longfellow Creek looked like from the SW Yancy footbridge at midday:

Here’s how the creek looked Friday, as tweeted by Mark from a point a short distance south:

We’re off now to enjoy the break in the train by covering Alice‘s winter-solstice sunset watch (a quarterly tradition even when the sun doesn’ show up).

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UPDATE: Crash on westbound West Seattle Bridge
December 21, 2019 2:27 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Crash on westbound West Seattle Bridge
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

2:27 PM: Thanks for the tip: SPD and SFD are arriving at a crash toward the west end of the West Seattle Bridge. At least one vehicle is reported to have hit the jersey barrier. Injuries are said to be minor.

3:01 PM: SDOT reports the scene has cleared.

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West Seattle weekend scene: Shopping, with music
December 21, 2019 2:17 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle weekend scene: Shopping, with music
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

As The Junction bustled with shoppers today, there was a musical surprise outside Carmilia’s Boutique at midday – caroling by the Byrd Ensemble. They’re a chamber vocal group whose artistic director Markdavin Obenza is a West Seattleite. The ensemble was out “Caroling for a Cause,” collecting donations to support Seattle Music Partners’ musical education for kids; if you missed them in The Junction, you can still donate by scrolling down the group’s home page.

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