West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories


  • Closure

    LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE: Next weekend’s plan

  • Festival

    FESTIVAL MUSIC: Stage lineups revealed

  • Aurora

    AURORA: Possible second night tonight

HAPPENING NOW: Santa photo night, food drive @ Menashe Family Lights
December 17, 2016 8:10 pm
|    Comments Off on HAPPENING NOW: Santa photo night, food drive @ Menashe Family Lights
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

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It’s a cold but clear Saturday night, and nothing could be Christmas-ier for a big night of Santa photos at the Menashe Family Lights on Beach Drive. “Santa Al” is making his annual appearance there until 10 tonight, and a box marked with the West Seattle Food Bank logo awaits your donation of nonperishable food:

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Some of Santa’s visitors were dressed almost as festively as he is – check out the McFarlande family:

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You’ll find Santa under a canopy right along the sidewalk in front of the famous house, which is at 5605 Beach Drive SW.

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TOMORROW: Camp Long’s 75th anniversary spotlighted @ SouthWest Stories
December 17, 2016 5:44 pm
|    Comments Off on TOMORROW: Camp Long’s 75th anniversary spotlighted @ SouthWest Stories
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

One of West Seattle’s crown-jewel parks, Camp Long, celebrated its 75th anniversary this year (WSB coverage here). Even if you went to the party – there’s more to learn about its past, and its future. Above is Camp Long education supervisor Sheila Brown, inviting you to tomorrow afternoon’s SouthWest Stories presentation, co-sponsored by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society (which shared her video invitation) and Seattle Public Library. Come to Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW) at 2 pm Sunday to hear what she has to say about “The Diamond Anniversary of Camp Long: Rocking Outdoor Recreation for 75 Years.”

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SPORTS: West Seattle HS, Chief Sealth IHS scores from 4-home-game night
December 17, 2016 3:41 pm
|    Comments Off on SPORTS: West Seattle HS, Chief Sealth IHS scores from 4-home-game night
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

As mentioned in our daily highlights list, the West Seattle High School boys-varsity basketball team plays for the second night in a row tonight, again at home, hosting Rainier Beach at 7 pm. Last night, they beat Bishop Blanchet, 65-33. That was one of four home games on the peninsula – the WSHS girls also faced Blanchet last night, losing 64-60. The Chief Sealth International High School girls, meantime, beat Holy Names, 64-56, while the Sealth boys fell to O’Dea, 85-79.

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HAPPENING NOW: C & P, Sound & Fog, Hotwire events putting the ‘shop’ in ‘coffee shop’
December 17, 2016 11:33 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

11:33 AM: Local artists, crafters, and other vendors are showing and selling at two West Seattle coffee shops right now:

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C & P COFFEE COMPANY: Haven’t finished your holiday decorating yet? Above, Jen Largent from Village Mouse might have what you’re looking for. She’s at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) for the first day of this weekend’s Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair. So is Betty Laughlin from Pieced Together Design:

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Betty’s wares include felted-wool necklaces (she’s wearing one), bowls, and more, as well as photo art. And right next to her on the north side of the main room at C & P are crafters whose enterprise doesn’t even have a name yet – but their Seattle-themed items include a stocking-stuffer for Seahawks fans:

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Other vendors include Crossroads Trade. The C & P fair continues until 2:30 pm today and is also on 8 am-2 pm tomorrow BUT the vendors will be different, we’re told – stop by both days! (5612 California SW)

SOUND & FOG: First holiday season for Sound & Fog Coffee & Wine Bar, but not the first vendor event!

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Jewelry, men’s wear (Radley Raven, third pic above), adventure gear (Uphill Designs, pic above), candy (Edward and Darcy from Scarlata Chocolate, second pic above), and more are at the Sound & Fog event, continuing until 3 pm. (4735 40th SW)

12:41 PM: We also just got word that a third coffee shop has a pop-up sale today – Hotwire Online Coffeehouse. The photo is from Todd D. Martin:

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This is on until 4 pm and is also a benefit for the West Seattle Helpline. (4410 California SW)

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West Seattle Saturday: Christmas Light Run, Caspar Babypants, Cartooning Santa, choral concert, roller derby, more…
December 17, 2016 8:11 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Christmas Light Run, Caspar Babypants, Cartooning Santa, choral concert, roller derby, more…
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Good morning! So many special events ahead on your West Seattle Saturday, starting with events from our Holiday Guide:

HOLIDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR: See what local artists and craftspeople are showing and selling at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), Continuing until 2:30 pm. (5612 California SW)

SANTA AT CAPERS: 9 am-noon, it’s another early day to get your photo with CAPERS in The Junction, 9 am-noon, bring your own camera. Free, but a monetary donation to the West Seattle Food Bank is suggested. (4525 California SW)

SEATTLE-MADE POP-UP Meet the vendors and shop at Sound & Fog from 10 am-3 pm:

Featuring;
Erika Laureano Designs (silver and bronze jewelry)
Chef Ariella’s Vegan Donuts
Radley Raven (mens ties and pocket squares)
Scarlata Chocolates
Up Hill Designs (canvas and leather bags)

(4735 40th SW)

SANTA AT TRAM’S: “Santa Al” is at Tram’s Hair Salon, 10 am-1 pm. Bring your own camera! (4110 California SW)

FAMILY HOLIDAY CRAFT ACTIVITY: 1-5 pm at Tap Station, 1-5 pm. “We’ll be doing guided craft activities (ornaments, decorations, cards, etc) for kids, offering hot chocolate and soda for the youngsters and as always there will be beer, wine, and cider for grownups. We’ll be playing holiday movies all day long might even be doing some sing-along music favorites. This is also a clothing and food drive for WestSide Baby and the West Seattle Food Bank. We’ll have boxes set up to accept warm children’s clothes, non-perishable food and other holiday donations.” (7900 35th SW)

HOLIDAY WINE RELEASE: Second and final day at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor). Two new wines:

Ben Viscon says the wine release includes a 2014 Chardonnay called ‘The Betrayal’ and a 2013 Merlot called ‘Heart Box Red.’ and that “past vintages of these same wines have won several awards.” 2-7 pm. (5910 California SW)

CARTOONING SANTA: Today’s the day at Luna Park Café, 4-7 pm: “Cartooning Santa will be there to draw free cartoons for the kids. Drink Specials of Eggnog and Candy Cane lattes or shakes and Caramel Hot Apple Cider. And for the big kids (over 21), seasonal beers and hard ciders. (2918 SW Avalon Way)

WHITE CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING: 6 pm at the plaza next to Mac’s Triangle Pub. Details on our partner site White Center Now. (North side of 16th/Roxbury/Delridge)

SANTA AT MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: 6-10 pm, take a photo with “Santa Al” at West Seattle’s biggest and brightest holiday light display. Bring a nonperishable-food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. (5605 Beach Drive SW)

CHRISTMAS LIGHT RUN: 6:30 pm, you’re invited to join West Seattle Runner‘s annual Christmas Light Run:

Come and join us for our favorite annual tradition: running and Christmas Light viewing!! We will have a leisurely 2-3 mile run (or walk) to view the beautiful lights. Meet at West Seattle Runner and you will get the route. This fun group run is anything but competitive, so please, leave your racing heart at home. We hope you will wear your Santa hat, elf ears, and such, but insist you have on some reflective and lights so you can see and be seen. Kids, dogs, and cats are welcome. We will gather at the shop afterward for cookies and cocoa and cider. Of course we will be stopping at the famous Helmstetler Light Show, so if you care to bring food donations for them, we will collect at the shop or you can leave a donation at their house or online: westseattlelights.com

(2743 California SW)

CASPAR BABYPANTS: 6:30 pm at Easy Street Records, sponsored by the West Seattle YMCA. Music from CB’s new album “Winter Holiday!” Free, all ages. (California SW/SW Alaska)

CHORAL CONCERT: Free Christmas Concert at Fauntleroy Church, 7:30 pm. Peace Lutheran and Fauntleroy Church choirs will perform new arrangements of familiar Christmas songs with hand bells, percussion, violin, flute, and guitar:

That’s video from one of the rehearsals. (9140 California SW)

‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET’: Join Twelfth Night Productions this holiday season for “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play.” Tonight at 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall. Buy your ticket(s) online at this Brown Paper Tickets link or before the show at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)

And from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

PRESERVING THE DUWAMISH CULTURAL LANDSCAPE: 10 am-3 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle, “fun day exploring the relationship between Duwamish culture and native habitat restoration” – full details here. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WITH YOUR SCHOOL-BOARD REP: 1-3 pm at Delridge Library, drop in and talk with/hear from West Seattle/South Park school-board rep Leslie Harris, the board’s newly elected vice president. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY: 5:15 pm, doors open at Southgate Roller Rink for Southside Revolution‘s bout – details in our calendar listing. (9646 17th SW)

(added) HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Another home game tonight for the West Seattle High School men – varsity hosting Rainier Beach at 7 pm. (3000 California SW)

ROO FORREST AND FRIENDS: At C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

A VERY JERRY CHRISTMAS: Spotlighting the music of Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead, 9 pm at Parliament Tavern in The Admiral District. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

RAFAEL TRANQUILINO BAND: 9 pm at Whisky West in Morgan Junction. 21+. No cover. (6451 California SW)

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West Seattle scene: Wind and waves as 2016’s highest tide hits
December 16, 2016 11:42 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

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Thanks to Jason Bell for the Friday morning photos from Alki, less than an hour after the highest tide of the month, 13.0 feet at 7:07 am. A brisk wind brought spray as well as seawall slopover.

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Saturday morning’s tide will be almost as high, peaking at 12.9 feet just before 8 am. If you go out to watch, bundle up – the temperature (already into the mid-20s as we write this) will be even lower than it was this morning.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Plea bargain for Dale Hiller in gun/drugs case
December 16, 2016 9:33 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

One of those incidents in which someone fires a gun – not hitting anyone, but scaring nearby people who flood 911 with calls – is about to send someone to prison.

The repeat offender arrested in May after a gunfire incident in North Delridge is back in jail and awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to two of the three charges filed against him.

We reported May 11th on the gun and drug charges filed against 30-year-old Dale Hiller, days after his arrest. He was seen standing along Delridge near Genesee, firing a gun. Police heard the shots; neighbors called 911 to say they heard the shots; and a ride-share driver called 911 to report seeing the shots being fired. Officers subsequently found Hiller standing next to a backpack he claimed wasn’t his; inside it, police found a gun, drugs, and cash. They also found shell casings. They arrested Hiller – a convicted felon who couldn’t legally own a gun – and booked him into jail.

Less than two days later, he posted bond on $150,000 bail and got out. But before he pleaded guilty this past Wednesday to the gun charge and one drug charge, records show, Hiller was in and out of jail three more times.

The King County Jail Register shows Hiller was back in KCJ for a day in early July, related to an alleged drug offense; less than two weeks later, he was booked into jail again for DUI and for revocation of the bond from his May arrest. The incident number checks to an arrest on the Alaskan Way Viaduct; the jail register shows he remained in custody until October 5th. Less than two weeks after that, the jail register shows, he was back in for three days for a failure-to-appear warrant connected to the DUI case. He got out on October 18th and hasn’t shown up on the jail register since then.

As part of the plea agreement, he was taken back into custody after his guilty plea this past Wednesday, and is due to remain there until his sentencing on January 6th. Online documents show prosecutors plan to recommend a sentence of 7 years, 3 months.

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VIDEO: Fulbright award for Roxhill Elementary teacher Mike Popelka
December 16, 2016 7:17 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

That video produced by Seattle Public Schools features Mike Popelka, who’s been teaching at Roxhill Elementary in West Seattle for seven years. He’s being spotlighted on the district website right now for receiving a prestigious Fulbright Award, which will take him to The Netherlands:

… Popelka recently accepted a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching grant. The longtime kindergarten teacher is one of only 45 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad this year through Fulbright’s teaching program.

While in The Netherlands, Popelka will study the Dutch educational system – specifically how the system supports minority and immigrant students. Later, he plans to translate his study into practice both at Roxhill and across the district. His goal is to help find a way to help eliminate opportunity gaps for his students and all students.

Popelka officially received the award in June. See the full SPS writeup about it here.

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West Seattle’s Leslie Harris now serving as Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors vice president
December 16, 2016 6:01 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

After one year as the West Seattle/South Park representative on the Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors, Highland Park resident Leslie Harris has been elected vice president. Harris, a longtime advocate and activist before her election last year, has already spent a year on the board’s Executive Committee as member-at-large. The School Board chose its 2017 leaders as last week’s meeting, and the district sent an official announcement to media outlets this afternoon. Sue Peters is the new president, and Scott Pinkham is Executive Committee member-at-large.

P.S. Harris’s next community-conversation meeting is tomorrow (Saturday, December 17th), 1-3 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW)

Photo: Seattle Public Schools

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WEST SEATTLE HOLIDAYS: Double holiday fun at Easy Street Records this weekend – Caspar Babypants, Cocoa Cris Cringle
December 16, 2016 3:59 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE HOLIDAYS: Double holiday fun at Easy Street Records this weekend – Caspar Babypants, Cocoa Cris Cringle
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – Two helpings of holiday coolness at Easy Street Records this weekend:

SATURDAY – Caspar Babypants in-store, free, 6:30 pm! ESR says, “CB will perform songs from his new album ‘Winter Party!’, which features holiday standards like ‘Deck The Halls,’ ‘Joy To The World,’ and ‘Jingle Bells,’ as well as soon to be classics such as ‘Candy Cane’ and ‘Frozen Penguin.’ [And the song in the video above.] Free and all ages!

Then on Sunday, the Santa you’ve waited all year to see:

(WSB photo from December 2015)

SUNDAY – Holiday photos with Cocoa Cris Cringle, 4-9 pm, back again this year to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank: $20, or $15 with non-perishable food or toy donation, includes 3 photos sent to you and hard copy printed on the spot!”

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From Councilmember Herbold: In-district office hours today; recap of move-in-fee vote
December 16, 2016 12:46 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold has “in-district office hours” today – 3:30-7 pm at the SP Community Center (8319 8th Ave. S.), “walk-in friendly” as described in her newest online update, just published/e-mailed. Also in that update is her report on this week’s council vote on capping move-in fees for renters. Since we hadn’t made note of the vote previously, we’re republishing what she wrote today:

On Monday, the Seattle City Council voted unanimously to pass the Renters’ move-in fee cap legislation. This legislation will require property owners who rent to work with tenants needing an installment plan to help renters better afford the high upfront costs required to rent. Earlier this year, the Federal Reserve announced that 46% of adults could not cover an emergency expense costing $400 without selling something or borrowing money. Seattle’s high housing costs make it increasingly difficult to live in Seattle. Even middle-income households, especially families with children, struggle to meet the high prices of housing in most areas of the city.

I also understand property owners need to collect move-in fees to mitigate the risks arising from tenant damage to units and moving out without proper advanced notice. Some suggested an exemption from this legislation for property-owners who rent 4 or fewer units. In lieu of exempting small landlords, the Council did the following: (1) Exempted move-in fees that total 25% or less than one month’s full rent; (2) Exempted owner-occupied units; (3) Adopted language that allows the tenant and property owner to negotiate a different payment plan then the one required by legislation; and (4) Requires that reservation fees, also known as holding fees, be subtracted from the total move-in costs, thus reducing the total subject to an installment plan.

This legislation will be evaluated over the next 18 months and I have asked that the evaluation of this legislation include an analysis of how small and large landlords are impacted by the legislation.

The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections is charged with implementing the move-in fee legislation. If you have any questions, please contact Geoff Tallent by email at Geoff.Tallent@seattle.gov or by phone at 206-684-8452.

Councilmember Herbold’s full online update tackles a few other topics, too – read it in its entirety here.

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West Seattle Friday: Wine, poetry, bells, basketball, bazaar, Boychoir, more…
December 16, 2016 11:59 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: Wine, poetry, bells, basketball, bazaar, Boychoir, more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(The Olympics this morning, by James Bratsanos. As with almost all photos on WSB, you can click to open a larger view)

Happy Friday! Many highlights for the rest of today/tonight. First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

GIFT IDEAS @ HOMESTREET: HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction will host vendors for a mini-bazaar: “Just a couple of locals selling some things that might make nice Christmas presents. We have one artist selling some cute little paintings, and we have someone else who will be selling essential oils. The event starts at noon and will probably go until about 5 pm or so. We’ll have cocoa and cookies also to enjoy while browsing.” (41st SW/SW Alaska)

HOLIDAY WINE RELEASE: Happening today (and tomorrow!) at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor). Two new wines: “Our new Holiday wine release includes a 2014 Chardonnay called ‘The Betrayal’ and a 2013 Merlot called ‘Heart Box Red.’ Past vintages of these same wines have won several awards and these two new wines follow in their great heritage.” 5-9 pm tonight, 2-7 pm Saturday. (5910 California SW)

HOLIDAY MOVIES: Short at 6:15, main feature at 7 pm, at Highland Park Improvement Club. Free – bring $ for concessions. Full details, including movie hints, on the HPIC website. (12th SW/SW Holden)

BELLS OF THE SOUND: Sounds of the holiday! Bells of the Sound live at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor): This year’s holiday concert is “Holiday Special,” featuring songs from beloved holiday-season TV specials. Come see and hear Puget Sound’s premier handbell ensemble at 7:30 pm – “as we reminisce with songs from our favorite holiday television specials including ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’ ‘The Year Without Santa Claus,’ and ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’.” show and ticket details here – suggested donation $10/adults, $8/youth and seniors. (3940 41st SW)

FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS: Northwest Boychoir‘s annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church, 7:30 pm. Five singers are from West Seattle, the announcement says:

They include Jackson Cecil and Hayden Wainwright, both 15 and at Garfield HS and Northwest School respectively, and 14-year-old Washington MS students Claire Ellerwood and Livia Woelfle. 12-year-old Emilya Buck is at Madison MS. The talented boys worked their way over many years to the top Performing Choir, and graduated to Vocalpoint! Seattle, where they were joined by the girls. They perform these thrilling concerts alongside the Northwest Boychoir that have become a holiday tradition for thousands of families in the Puget Sound region and showcase the 90-member combined chorus.

More info, including ticketing, here. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: 7:30 pm performance tonight for the Twelfth Night Productions presentation of “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play” at Kenyon Hall. Buy your ticket(s) online at this Brown Paper Tickets link, or before the show at the box office. (7904 35th SW)

Lots more in the Holiday Guide, including ongoing light shows, donation drives, more …

Now, from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

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(Thursday sunset photo by Dan E)

YOUTH SPEAKS SEATTLE POETRY SLAM! Doors, food, signups at 6 pm; slam starts 6:30 pm. Part of “an annual poetry slam series to build community, showcase the next generation of Seattle’s poetic changemakers, and to decide the top 5 poets to rep Seattle at Brave New Voices.” Go slam, or go watch and listen! At Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. More info in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: All four of the West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School varsity teams are home tonight – WSHS girls and boys hosting Bishop Blanchet, 7 pm and 8:30 pm respectively (3000 California SW); CSIHS girls hosting Holy Names, 7 pm, boys hosting O’Dea at 8:30 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

SQUIRREL BUTTER: Live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘MELANCHOLIC POP’ with three bands at Parliament Tavern. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

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WSB HOLIDAY GUIDE: Continuing through New Year’s – got something to add?
December 16, 2016 10:50 am
|    Comments Off on WSB HOLIDAY GUIDE: Continuing through New Year’s – got something to add?
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

As we head into the final weeks of the holiday season, just a reminder that we are continuing to update, and add to, the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, which launched in mid-November with the annual goal of being the definitive list of holiday events in our area, through New Year’s. So if you have something coming up but haven’t sent it to us yet – not too late! Holiday hours for your business, Santa appearances, religious services, opportunity for holiday giving/volunteering … send the info as plain text in the body of your e-mail to editor@westseattleblog.com ASAP! We also use the guide (and our regular Event Calendar) as the main source for our daily-highlights lists here on the home page. And thanks to everyone who has already sent the many West Seattle/White Center events we’ve showcased so far this season!

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YOU CAN HELP: Big change @ West Seattle Food Bank to add hours, transform ‘model’
December 16, 2016 9:00 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

The West Seattle Food Bank is planning a big change that will enable it to be open for more hours, among other things, and if you’re thinking about how to help others this holiday season, here’s a way. It’s part of WSFB’s announcement:

This February, the West Seattle Food Bank will change its method of food distribution from a “distribution line” to a “shopping model.” It will feel more like a grocery store [example at right] and offer several advantages for the 9,300 individuals that rely on our services.

“We want to change the stereotype of what a food bank is,” said Executive Director Fran Yeatts. The Food Bank will provide more flexible hours for the 9,300 clients and offer a more dignified experience for those that rely on our services.

While we currently are open eight hours per week over three days, when we change to the shopping model we will be open 20 hours over four days. Instead of having staff or volunteers “hand out” the food, families will come in, grab a shopping cart, shop at their own pace, and make their own choices. With this model, “shoppers” will have greater access to more choices, and each household can choose the food that is nutritionally and culturally relevant for their members, leading to a much better experience.

How Can You Help Make It Happen?

The Food Bank has a goal of $40,000 — for upgraded lighting ($10,000) to save on electricity for years to come, a commercial freezer ($20,000), and a commercial cooler ($10,000) to set up our new model. The freezer and cooler will allow us to offer the neighbors we serve more choices for dairy, meat and other products.

If you would like to help make a difference for our clients, you can make a tax-deductible donation – big or small – by sending a check made out to the West Seattle Food Bank at 3419 SW Morgan Street, Seattle, WA 98126 or going to donatenow.networkforgood.org/wsfbshoppingmodel.

We are very excited about this change as it will provide more flexible “shopping time” and a much more empowering experience for the families we serve.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER TODAY: Friday watch
December 16, 2016 7:02 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   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! Winter break starts this afternoon for local students; it’s one-hour-early dismissal for Seattle Public Schools. No incidents in or from this area so far this morning.

7:32 AM: It’s below freezing but no snow concerns – the newest “forecast discussion” says there’s a possibilities of flurries or “light snow showers” tomorrow but otherwise precipitation and low temps aren’t expected to collide.

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Seen off West Seattle: Another passing submarine
December 15, 2016 10:47 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

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Thanks to those who sent us photos of another submarine sighting off Alki Point this afternoon – this photo is from Bruce Easter. Identifying a submarine is not as easy (for the non-expert, anyway) as identifying other types of Navy vessels, so we don’t know which one this was. Fewer submarines are homeported in Bremerton than in Bangor on Hood Canal, but passing subs aren’t necessarily homeported there – it’s also a base for maintenance and decommissioning.

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VIDEO: ‘Shop Late Thursday’ in The Junction
December 15, 2016 7:29 pm
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: ‘Shop Late Thursday’ in The Junction
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Tonight’s second-to-last Shop Late Thursday in The Junction kicked off with an extra-festive feature … Emerald City Voices, caroling along California. One of the stores open late tonight is Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW; WSB sponsor), with a pop-up in the loft, featuring two artists with cool gift possibilities – you have to see the eco-wearables by Shino Mikami of Uzura:

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And cards and wearables by Claire Jauregui of Orange Twist:

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Click’s open until 9 tonight – with treats in the loft, too – go shop! And while you’re in The Junction, you can also shop Thunder Road Guitars (4736 California SW: WSB sponsor) until 8 tonight. Lots of Hometown Holidays happenings in the days and nights ahead – highlights here!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Burglary attempts; Rudolph … recovered?
December 15, 2016 5:04 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two burglary attempts and a reindeer are in West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:

5400 BLOCK FAUNTLEROY: Rasmus sent the photo and report:

Early this morning, someone tried breaking into our home office via the alley on the 5400 block. They got as far as popping out our screen, but gave up when our window self-locked after about an inch. Still, they were brave enough to enter our apartment parking lot, to get to the window.

I’d encourage everyone in the area to be on the lookout for anyone suspicious, possibly casing and targeting apartments in the area. We did report it to the police, case number 16-449387.

Later, they learned their neighbor’s car had been broken into overnight.

39TH AND JUNEAU: Brandon reports a break-in attempt around 9:45 am: “They saw me in the window and turned around; I went out to the back deck and yelled ‘HEY’ and they took off running … hopefully people keep a look out and these kids get caught.” He did get a look at the would-be intruders, describing them as “young black males, probably around 16 years old, one of them had a Seahawks beanie, but they were all wearing beanies and jackets and all had backpacks on.” He was filing a police report.

And just in:

STOLEN DECORATION? Kelly e-mailed to report, “There is a lighted Rudolph reindeer with a Santa hat Christmas decoration that was thrown in my front yard — Admiral area — I have no idea where it came from but would love to reunite it with its owner!” She sent this photo:

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Know of anyone whose Rudolph got removed?

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HAPPENING NOW: Happy Bill of Rights Day!
December 15, 2016 2:31 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

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The photo and report are from Karen Chilcutt:

Today, December 15th, is Bill of Rights Day!! Members of the West Seattle Democratic Women are distributing copies of the Bill of Rights, bumper stickers, and buttons provided by the American Civil Liberties Union at both the White Center Food Bank and Samway Market in White Center. WSDW wants everyone to know that materials are also available at Cupcake Royale in the West Seattle Junction.

Rachel Glass, WSDW’s Vice Chair, said: “Given the concerns, confusion and fear expressed by many Americans as a result of the change in political climate, WSDW thought it especially important that people be aware of their rights.”

Other participating members of West Seattle Democratic Woman braving the freezing weather in support of this cause were Elizabeth Heath, Lynne Ingalls, Flora Belle Key, Theresa McCormick and Mike Wald. Peggy Abby, WSDW member and local artist crafted the signs used.

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West Seattle scene: Caroling for ‘Awesome Avery’ and family
December 15, 2016 1:03 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

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A beautiful sight in a West Seattle backyard brought holiday cheer to “Awesome Avery” Berg and her family. We have reported before – here and here – on Avery, who was diagnosed with brain cancer just as she prepared to start middle school this fall. The photo and update are from friend Kelly Malloy:

She begins her second round of chemo today – and the community surprised the family on Tuesday by showing up in their back yard with candles and holiday songs to sing. Her dear friends Liza and Rachel coordinated this and it was AWESOME. (like Awesome Avery)

Caroling at Avery’s and seeing (at least) 50 people in her back yard was mind blowing, inspiring, brilliant, sweet, and just another reflection of the fabulous community of West Seattle.

Avery’s mom Kristie has continued to post updates from time to time here.

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3039 SW Avalon Way joins 4220 SW 100th on January 5th agenda for Southwest Design Review Board
December 15, 2016 12:19 pm
|    Comments Off on 3039 SW Avalon Way joins 4220 SW 100th on January 5th agenda for Southwest Design Review Board
 |   Development | West Seattle news

The Southwest Design Review Board‘s next meeting on January 5th now has a second project.

We already reported a month ago that the Arbor Heights plan for 9 live-work units at 4220 SW 100th would go before the board that night (6:30 pm, Senior Center/Sisson Building). It’s an Early Design Guidance hearing but this concept rendering of the project is already in the file:

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The formal notice of that hearing finally appeared in the Land Use Information Bulletin today.

What’s not in the bulletin yet – but has just been added to the Design Review website – is an 8 pm hearing that same night (January 5th) for 3039 SW Avalon Way. This is the second and potentially final review for the six-story, 71-unit, 20-offstreet-parking-space project. Here’s our report on its first review back in February. The “packet” for this review is not in the system yet but will eventually be linked here.

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@ Southwest District Council: Request for rezoning-plan extension
December 15, 2016 10:44 am
|      61 COMMENTS
 |   Southwest District Council | West Seattle news

The Southwest District Council is asking the city for an extra half-year to deal with the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA) rezoning plans.

That’s part of what happened when the SWDC met Tuesday night – postponed from last week, when the city scheduled its rezoning-and-more “open house” (WSB coverage here) on the district council’s longstanding regular meeting night.

Here’s the text of the resolution passed by SWDC members:

The Southwest District Council requests a six-month extension to the HALA proposal, prior to the (Environmental Impact Statement) submittal, to accommodate necessary outreach, assimilation, and planning so that alternative draft zoning proposals can be developed, and in order to have design charrettes take place for the following urban villages: West Seattle Junction, Admiral Junction, and Morgan Junction.

As we’ve been reporting since October, four West Seattle “urban villages” are among the areas of the city where upzoning is planned as part of what the mayor calls Mandatory Housing Affordability – giving builders/developers additional capacity, while requiring them to build a percentage of their projects as “affordable” units, or else pay into a fund that will pay for it to be built somewhere else in the city.

One of those UVs, Westwood-Highland Park, has already had a “design charrette” organized by the city to talk about and look at specifics of its plan, but the city is currently not planning similar events for the three UVs mentioned in the SWDC resolution. And the overall concern is that most current residents potentially affected by this still don’t know about it, as there’s been no direct, clear messaging from the city about the proposed zoning changes.

Also at Tuesday’s SWDC meeting, three items that you might call operational.

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Music, shopping, more for your West Seattle Thursday
December 15, 2016 9:00 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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(Western Grebe, photographed by Mark Wangerin. Curious about its leg? Read this.)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

DINE OUT FOR LAFAYETTE: 3-10 pm at Chipotle in The Junction, part of the proceeds benefit Lafayette Elementary. (4730 California SW)

TINKERLAB: With the High Point Library temporarily closed, Southwest Library is the place to go for today’s Tinkerlab drop-in session, focused on Finch Robots. 3:30-5 pm. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

CIRCLE OF SINGLES: 5 pm at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor). Event for singles 60+. (1936 Harbor SW)

SHOP LATE THURSDAY AT CLICK! Many Junction shops are open later than usual tonight – among them, longtime WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits, with a special pop-up event in its loft – details here. (4540 California SW)

CAROLING IN THE JUNCTION: Join in holiday songs while you’re shopping The Junction tonight – meet up with Emerald City Voices at 6 pm at Junction Plaza Park “to join in a stroll around the Junction. You’ll be stopping at local businesses to sing the season with holiday cheer,” as part of Hometown Holidays. (42nd SW/SW Alaska)

DENNY CONCERT: Postponed last week because of weather, the Denny International Middle School winter band/orchestra concert is happening tonight, 6:30 pm at Chief Sealth International HS Auditorium. (2600 SW Thistle)

WSHS CONCERT: The West Seattle High School Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Orchestra are performing their Winter Concert tonight, 7 pm, in the WSHS Theater. (3000 California SW)

ORCA TALK: The Southern Resident Killer Whales’ situation is more precarious than ever. Tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), The Whale Trail‘s first Orca Talk of the season brings you Lynne Barre from NOAA Fisheries with the latest on their status. Our preview includes ticket info – check to see if there’s room. (5612 California SW)

SHAKE THINGS UP: The monthly Alauda bellydancing showcase at The Skylark is at 7:30 tonight. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

LOTS MORE … for today and tonight – just check our complete calendar here.

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