West Seattle, Washington
18 Monday
1:44 PM: The latest stolen vehicle to watch for: A U-Haul truck full of equipment from a Morgan Junction business. The report is from Ian, who with wife Elise owns Chill Massage Therapy:
We are currently remodeling and had all the contents of the shop in a U-Haul parked out front. That truck was stolen last night. Police reports filed, but we were hoping maybe you could post something with the truck license plate number so people can keep an eye out for us, please?It’s an Arizona plate, number DC1721K, and 14-foot truck.
“Out front” would be in the 6900 block of California SW. As the @getyourcarback tweet about this says, call 911 if you see the truck.
ADDED 1:57 PM: We asked Ian if there are any particular items in the truck that readers could watch for (in classified listings or wherever else): “a Large white mirrored wardrobe, front desk, two massage tables (1 blue, 1 brown), two corner glass door cabinets, large brown electric fireplace, small 2 drawer black filing cabinet, small refrigerator, boxes of marketing materials, brown 5-foot storage bench with drawers, bottles of massage oils and aromatherapy etc. These were the larger items that people may try and move on.”
11:25 AM: A deadly shooting on Sunday in Columbia City has touched the lives of hundreds here because of the victim. She was a 14-year-old freshman at Chief Sealth International High School. We just confirmed with Sealth principal Aida Fraser-Hammer that grief counselors are available today for students, many of whom learned about this via social media starting late last night (thanks to the Sealth parents who let us know about this), and that she plans to send e-mail to Sealth families today. Meantime, Seattle Police say this morning that the suspect they are seeking, 24-year-old Si Phu, is a relative of the victim. Here is the photo they have released publicly:
The circumstances of the shooting have not been disclosed; so far, police have only said that they got a call just after 3 pm Sunday about a shooting in the 3500 block of S. Brandon in Columbia City, and that the victim died at the scene. Later in the day, SPD circulated the photo shown above, and this morning, they say Phu is still being sought. If you have any information about his whereabouts, please call 911. We will update this report with anything additional that we find out today.
12:04 PM: Here’s the letter sent to Sealth families by principal Fraser-Hammer:
Dear Sealth Families,
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I share the tragic news that one of our students was the victim of a fatal shooting yesterday in Columbia City. Seattle Police are investigating, and we are in communication with her family.
As a community, I know we will come together to not only support our student’s family members, but work to ensure our larger community is a safe place for us to live, learn and work.
We have counselors at school today and will continue to have counselors and mental health support available in the days ahead for students, staff and families, as needed. When someone dies, particularly in an act of violence, it is normal for children and teens to have different kinds of feelings and reactions. Parents and guardians have important roles in helping students understand about death.
We understand that each culture has its own way of dealing with death, and we encourage children to talk with their families about their ideas, thoughts and beliefs. Additionally, talking about the incident can be a healthy way for families to process their feelings and reactions to an event of this nature.
Here are some suggestions for how to help students cope:
• Maintain a normal routine.
• Stick to facts. Answer questions factually.
• Remain calm and reassuring. Students take their cues from their parents and adults.
• Be a good listener and observer. Pay attention to changes in behavior.
• Notice when children have questions and want to talk.
• Be especially loving and supportive; children and teens need you even more at this time.
• Take care of yourself. You are better able to help your students if you are coping well. If you are anxious or upset, children are more likely to be so as well.We recognize that even if your student may not have known or been close to this family, he/she may still feel a strong reaction. We also realize this may be your student’s first experience with death or it may trigger feelings about other deaths your child may have experienced.
A candlelight vigil is planned and details will be shared as information becomes available. This is an opportunity for students and families to acknowledge their grief and express their feelings about a sudden loss for which they have no control over.
If you have any questions, please let me know. We will keep you updated on how we as a community can move forward, and how we can support the family.
(WSB photo)
ORIGINAL REPORT, 9:44 AM: A few minutes after sending a sizable response to The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor), Seattle Fire has just canceled all but five of the units. That’s still enough for traffic effects in the area, so keep that in mind for a while. We are on our way to find out what’s happening.
10:02 AM UPDATE: Our crew learned at the scene that this involved an electrical problem. No fire – an outlet shortcircuited. No injuries; everyone’s OK.
(Pigeon guillemot, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Semi-quiet Monday following a busy weekend (scroll through our coverage – and when you get to the bottom of the top page, click “next” to go to page two – to see all that’s happened!) – but we do have a few previews to share. From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and regular year-round Event Calendar:
OFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS: As reported here on Friday, the ballot recounting in the District 1 City Council race is over and unofficially did not change the ultimate result, victory for Lisa Herbold. The official announcement is due after 1 pm this afternoon.
SECOND NIGHT OF HANUKKAH: The “Festival of Lights” continues at sundown. No public events announced for West Seattle tonight (but here’s our coverage of last night’s candle-lighting and singing with Kol HaNeshamah in The Junction).
FAMILY STORY TIME: Tonight’s 6:30 pm story time is at High Point Library. (35th/Raymond)
CAGE THE ELEPHANT, LIVE: 7 pm free all-ages in-store performance at Easy Street Records in The Junction. (California/Alaska)
HI-YU JUNIOR COURT CROWNED: During tonight’s regular monthly 7 pm meeting of West Seattle Hi-Yu at Admiral Congregational Church, the new Junior Court will be crowned. All welcome. (California/Hill)
NIGHTLIFE: Trivia/quiz and karaoke – see the listings in our calendar.
Event to share? E-mail us the info – plain text in the body of your e-mail – as early as possible – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!
(Six WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
8:32 AM: The rain has been the major factor in an overall slow commute so far this morning; no major incidents in the area.
9:53 AM: Important note from “Trickycoolj” in the comments:
There are MASSIVE potholes on Sylvan Way next to Home Depot. The rain is hiding them. They are longer than a car tire and yesterday you could see the dirt underneath the roadway they were so deep. It appears that someone (maybe SPD) put some very beat up orange cones in them this morning and they are half submerged the holes are so deep. Be careful or you’ll be buying new tires for Christmas!!
Potholes can be reported either through the city’s Find It Fix It app or this online form.
West Seattle’s Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network hopes you can help them find and help this injured pup. From Robin Lindsey:
I wanted to let you know that Seal Sitters’ first responders are on high alert for a harbor seal pup with a serious neck wound, most likely from a fishing net or line. Today, we received a call that a pup was on the inaccessible beach at Jack Block Park. The pup was positioned such that a rescue would have been difficult and most likely would have resulted him escaping into the water, but he was able to get some much-needed rest on the beach.
We would like to ask your readers to please be on the lookout for any seal pup on the beach and call our hotline @ 206-905-SEAL (7325) immediately if you see one. It is our fervent hope that we will be able to capture this pup and take him for treatment. Please note that only members of NOAA’s Marine Mammal Stranding Network are authorized to handle marine mammals. Please keep a distance (and dogs leashed) and call Seal Sitters.
Marine debris and other toxic trash pose grave dangers to marine wildlife. We have expanded a section of our website that offers more details about the dangers marine mammals face – and ways to help.
This is the third positively identified pup that Seal Sitters has responded to in the past week along Elliott Bay’s shoreline, after a strangely quiet pupping season.
Thanks so much – we appreciate the extra eyes on the beach!
At this past Thursday’s Orca Talk event, presented by The Whale Trail, Robin detailed just how “quiet,” and unusual, this season has been. That’ll be part of our upcoming report on the event.
For the second consecutive evening, a lighting ceremony in The Junction. Tonight, it was in celebration of the first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, as Rabbi Zari Weiss and members from West Seattle synagogue Kol HaNeshamah sang songs and blessings and lit the menorah’s first candle.
Passers-by were invited to join the festivities, with song sheets handed out:
Hanukkah traditions were on display too – the spinning tops called dreidels, and gelt, gold-foil-wrapped chocolate coins:
Kol HaNeshamah has even-bigger Hanukkah celebrations coming up at their place of worship, which is co-housed with Alki UCC at 6115 SW Hinds – candlelighting on Tuesday and a party on Saturday (more info on the KHN website), followed by an event you might already have seen in our West Seattle Holiday Guide – a “FRED Talk” at 8 pm with storyteller Merna Hecht.
Imagine buying one-of-a-kind holiday gift baskets for family and friends and knowing the entire purchase price would benefit local nonprofits. That’s what’s at the heart of the annual St. Nicholas Faire, happening right now at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) just north of The Junction. The baskets are assembled and donated by church members, each with a theme:
We noticed baskets with Seahawks or Mariners gear, books, toys, cooking, gardening, beer, the list goes on. You can either bid on them or get them for the “guaranteed” price. Your host is FLCWS pastor Rev. Ron Marshall:
Wine-tasting and homemade baked goods are also available during the St. Nicholas Faire, on until 7 pm – as noted in our daily preview for today, there’s a suggested donation for admission, lower if you bring a donated item for the West Seattle Food Bank, which benefits from everything at the Faire along with the West Seattle Helpline. The church is at 4105 California SW; enter off California, just south of the sanctuary door.
P.S. This has been spotlighted in our WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, still full of fun, giving, and informational listings for the rest of the holiday season (and if we’re missing something, let us know!)
(WSB photos)
If you walked into Westwood Village Target at a certain point this morning, you might have been startled to see half a dozen Seattle Police officers in a huddle. Nothing to worry about, though – they were there to help local kids get ready for the holidays. This is what was once upon a time called “Shop with a Cop,” and now goes by the name “Heroes and Helpers.” That’s why the young participants had reindeer-antler hats inscribed “Holiday Helpers”:
It was more than a title – the $100 each kid had to spend was supposed to go in part for somebody in their family, so they could give as well as receive. Each teamed up with an officer:
… and after a quick chat, it was off to shop:
The police participants are from community-outreach programs – from left, below, with Target team members, are Det. Kim Bogucki, Sgt. Adrian Diaz, Officer Kevin McDaniel, Officer John O’Neil, Officer Jon Flores, and Officer Erin Rodriguez:
They worked with community organizations to choose kids to participate – Neighborhood House, among others.
If you have a coat you don’t need … or if you can afford to buy one to donate … a coat drive is on right now for students at Interagency Academy, a network of small alternative public high schools in Seattle, with two West Seattle businesses as the dropoff points. Interagency’s assistant principal Melissa Rysemus, a West Seattle resident, explains:
Are you looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in our city this winter? Consider donating a new or gently used warm coat for a student at Interagency Academy! Interagency is a public alternative high school serving students from all neighborhoods in Seattle. Over 30% of the students enrolled at Interagency are homeless, some are young parents, and most live in poverty.
All sizes are welcome, especially adult sizes from small to XXXL as students can be up to age 21. Hats, scarves, gloves and other warm clothes are also welcome. Some of the students have kids or siblings they take care of, so small kids sizes are needed too.
And West Seattleite Stephanie Gerding adds:
Some of these students live in tents and attendance at schools serving disadvantaged children is down right now —it is simply too cold to make their way to school! Many of these kids don’t have the clothing to stay warm in these cold days. Some teachers are literally giving the coat off their own back when they see these students in need of a little warmth. … There are lots of West Seattle kids that attend this school.
Husky Deli in The Junction (4721 California SW) is a dropoff spot, open Sundays 10-7, Mondays-Saturdays 9-9. Also, Lika Love in north Morgan Junction (6031 California SW) is accepting donations too (and giving $10 off purchases today if you bring something in to donate – open until 5 pm).
P.S. We’re adding this to the “Giving Opportunities” section of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN CAR: Emily‘s silver 2010 Nissan Altima, plate AXL5242, was stolen sometime between 2 am and 11 am Saturday in Delridge. As the @getyourcarback tweet says, call 911 if you see it.
PACKAGE THEFT ON VIDEO: Two clips from an Admiral resident’s security cameras, plus the backstory:
Here are the pertinent details.
1. We live in North Admiral near 41st and Holgate.
2. We found an empty box on our porch (Saturday) morning with a note from a neighbor saying, “We found this on our lawn.”
3. The box had been addressed to us, but was ripped open, the items removed and then the packaging was discarded in our neighbors yard.
4. We used the tracking number to find out it had been delivered to us Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, we didn’t see the box and take it inside when we got home Friday night.
5. We have video cameras installed, so we reviewed the video and found that at 3:39 AM (early Saturday morning), a car drove by our house, the turned around and returned. A young woman got out, came through our gate, walked up to our doorstep and took the box.We reported the incident to the police and have the entire event on video, so wanted to share it with you. If anyone can identify the thief or the car, please let us know. It would be great if we can stop these criminals before they steal from other people during this holiday season.
Some alternative tips for delivery are among the police recommendations for deterring package theft.
This weekend marks 20 years in business for salon ef-fekts’ (5409 California SW). We found this out from staff member Brooke Wood, who e-mailed to say that proprietor Missy Wheat deserves a congratulatory shout-out. Here’s the item and photo Brooke shared:
She and her husband John have run and owned salon ef-fekts’ since 1995.
Missy graduated cosmetology school from South Seattle Community College in 1989 and has been doing hair and working in West Seattle ever since. She opened the salon in ’95 with just her behind the chair; with her hard work and dedication, she has built her salon into the still-thriving salon it is today. She loved educating and pushes everyone to do their best and try their hardest in business and everyday life.
Besides being a kick-butt boss, hairdresser, educator, and caregiver, she also does so much for the community, from collecting food for the West Seattle Food Bank, toys, and back-to-school stuff for Treehouse, to local school auctions all year long.
Thanks to everybody who shares updates about business anniversaries, whether it’s your own or someone else’s – as a small local independent business ourselves, we know how much work it takes to keep going – editor@westseattleblog.com is our all-purpose mailbox for tips and info; thanks!
Just found out about this, which is why it wasn’t in the daily preview (we’ll add it there shortly): You’re invited to join Rabbi Zari Weiss and members of West Seattle synagogue community Kol HaNeshamah for a public celebration of the first night of Hanukkah. They’ll be in The Junction for candle-lighting and singing at 4:30 pm, on the southwest corner of California/Alaska. All welcome!
Good morning! Today’s highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
(WSB photo from last Sunday)
BENEFIT WREATH SALES: Pathfinder K-8 will be back in The Junction selling their famous handmade wreaths, 10 am-2 pm. (California/Alaska)
HOLIDAY ART SHOW/SALE: Final day of Brace Point Pottery‘s 18th annual Holiday Art Show and Sale, 10 am to 5 pm. Joining Loren Lukens, four additional artists in an exhibition of pottery, wearables, jewelry and prints. A Seattle Sampling event – follow that link to see other WS studios that are participating. (4208 SW 100th)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Year-round, 10 am-2 pm. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
HOLIDAY BAZAAR: “Come join us from 12 pm-5 pm at the Community School of West Seattle holiday bazaar! We have everything from bath fizzes, handmade pens, jars of treats, fingerless gloves, tasty baked goods, art photography, and more.” (9450 22nd SW)
DECK THE LOG HOUSE MUSEUM & LEARN ABOUT VOLUNTEERING: Noon today, come to the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum on Alki and learn about volunteer opportunities (no, you don’t have to be a West Seattle history expert!) – and while you’re there, help decorate the museum for the holidays! More info here. (61st SW & SW Stevens)
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A LIVE RADIO PLAY”: Twelfth Night Productions‘s production has a matinee today at 3 pm at Kenyon Hall. Buy your ticket(s) online at this Brown Paper Tickets link or an hour before showtime at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)
ADMIRAL SINGS CHRISTMAS! “West Seattle’s favorite family Christmas sing-along. Join the fun to sing everything from White Christmas to Silent Night to Frosty the Snowman!” 4 pm, Admiral Church; Come at 3:30 for a sumptuous chocolate buffet, yum! It’s FREE! See you there!” (4320 SW Hill)
HANUKKAH BEGINS – UPDATED WITH JUNCTION CELEBRATION: At sundown, the first of eight nights. ADDED: Candle-lighting and singing at 4:30 pm in The Junction, at California/Alaska. (back to original) Local Hanukkah events later in the week are in the Holiday Guide.
ST. NICHOLAS FAIRE: 4 pm-7 pm, the 7th annual St. Nicholas Faire at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) is being held to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank and the West Seattle Helpline.
(WSB photo from 2014 St. Nicholas Faire)
“We offer appetizers and spiced cider or mulled wine; silent auction of gift baskets featuring beer, wine, coffee, cocoa, kitchen items, games, puzzles, art activities, Seahawks & Mariners gear, baked goods, children’s books, etc, and gift cards from local merchants and restaurants. Plus a ring-toss game and wine tasting.” Lower level of the church. Donation: $5 per person with non-perishable food item or $15 per family with food donation for each member. If no food donation, then $10 per person or $25 per family. (4105 California SW)
COMMUNITY + LOVE: An acoustic-music benefit to support John and Frances Smersh, 6-9 pm. Note: Online tickets have sold out. (204 1st Ave. S.)
‘WINTERSONG’: South Seattle College Community Choir in concert at 7 pm, Fauntleroy Church UCC, Bronwyn Edwards, Music Director with John Lehrack, Pianist/Conductor. Free admission. All welcome. (9140 California SW)
LOOKING FOR SANTA? CHRISTMAS TREES? LIGHT SHOWS? WHAT’S COMING UP? All in the Holiday Guide.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: More video from the event is here.)
Story/photos/video by Tracy Record and Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers
As community Christmas trees go, the official West Seattle Junction tree is humble – subtle, even. It’s a warm glow of pinpoint lights rather than a brilliantly blazing bush. But it’s not really the main event at the annual Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting, presented by the West Seattle Junction Association – the main event is a sampler of community. And with hundreds of new residents within walking distance of Junction Plaza Park, tonight’s event served as a primer of sorts for them as much as a traditional community celebration.
The spotlight speaker, Menashe & Sons Jewelers proprietor Jack Menashe (above), mentioned that a majority of recent visitors to his store are new arrivals. That might be why emcee Josh Sutton from the West Seattle YMCA felt the need to point out to the crowd – surprisingly sizable for a rainy night – that the Menashes are the family who decorates their Beach Drive home with West Seattle’s brightest Christmas lights; if you knew this, it was especially charming to hear Jack Menashe talk about driving around West Seattle himself to look at others’ displays and expressing appreciation for them.
If you’re new here, you might not know that Lori Hinton (photo below) literally wrote the book on West Seattle – “West Seattle 101” – in the ’00s. (Some of its more-timeless features were republished here on WSB.)
At tonight’s Tree Lighting, she read a customized version of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” name-checking Junction stores and restaurants.
Another Junction entrepreneur featured tonight was Lora Swift (with Josh Sutton in the photo above), proprietor of Hotwire Online Coffeehouse, who told a few holiday jokes and reminded everyone about the big summertime series she organizes, West Seattle Outdoor Movies, a six-week series in the courtyard next to her coffee shop (watch in the spring for the annual round of movie suggestions).
A deep-rooted West Seattle tradition had a role in the event too – the West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival, more than 80 years strong, with leaders Jay and Joanne Murray speaking before bringing up some of Hi-Yu’s young representatives, including the first-ever Ambassadors. As they mentioned, Hi-Yu’s next Junior Court will be crowned during the monthly meeting Monday night at Admiral UCC (7 pm).
Then, there was a taste of the West Seattle arts. The young singers of Endolyne Children’s Choir sang holiday traditions under the direction of Amy Stagno Bokanev, as they do each year:
ArtsWest brought Frederick Hagreen, who’ll be in an upcoming After-Hours holiday cabaret show:
Jay Cates and the Big Boss Band played jazzy versions of holiday favorites, featuring Kate Voss (with a few jokes as well as a cameo). A high-school marching band as an opening act has become a fixture, and this year it was the West Seattle High School Band:
Finally, minus celebrity guests or gimmicks, the tree was lit, with Josh Sutton leading everybody in a big spirited countdown (here’s our alternate version, from mid-crowd):
The Junction tree, just lighted! pic.twitter.com/Btcr57Me1f
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) December 6, 2015
The lights twinkled on cue, and the crowd began to shift, many posing for photos with the tree:
(Thanks to Jeff Long for that photo of Schmitz Park Elementary students with the newly lit tree.)
As Jack Menashe described it, West Seattle can be like a small town in a big city … even as it grows. Next year, look for more new neighbors in Junction Plaza Park enjoying the old-fashioned fun of a tree lighting. Extra-Christmasy with “Santa Al” on hand – umbrella and all:
P.S. The Junction’s Hometown Holidays celebration continues next week, when Shop Late Thursday coincides with the holiday edition of the West Seattle Art Walk – featuring carolers! – 6-9 pm December 10th.
(As always, we disclose when we mention WSB sponsors. Three are mentioned in the story above – West Seattle YMCA, Hotwire Online Coffeehouse, and Menashe and Sons Jewelers. And WSB is a sponsor of Hometown Holidays.)
On this cold, wet night, about 100 West Seattle kids are keeping warm thanks to the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s annual Holiday Shopping Spree. Local Rotarians and hundreds of volunteers take over Southcenter Sears before dawn to get the kids in for warm clothing including coats and shoes.
And there’s always fun along the way – including a round of high-fives:
The high-fives accompanied a loud round of cheers for each group of kids to arrive – see for yourself in our video!
Each child was accompanied by volunteers as they shopped for what they needed.
The young participants also got a meal and a visit with Santa Claus before they headed back this way – and smiles invariably result, for the volunteers as well as the kids:
West Seattle Rotarians have been doing this since 1972 – it’s the club’s signature event. The students participating this year were from Concord, Gatewood, Lafayette, Pathfinder, and Roxhill.
(L123, spyhopping with L103; photo by Mark Malleson)
The Center for Whale Research has announced that Puget Sound’s orcas – the Southern Resident Killer Whales – have had their seventh baby in a year, and it was first spotted off West Seattle! Here’s the CWR announcement:
The seventh calf born into the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population in the last 12 months was confirmed yesterday. Photographs taken by CWR associate Mark Malleson confirmed the existence of a new calf born to L pod. The new calf will be designated L123.
This is the first documented calf of 12-year old L103 of the L4 matriline. L123 was first photo-documented on November 10th, 2015 by Alisa Lemire-Brooks and Sarah Hisong-Shimazu from Alki Point, West Seattle. CWR research assistants, Melisa Pinnow and Jane Cogan, later captured some distant shots on November 22nd near the Jordan River in B.C.
Due to poor visibility and unfavorable sea conditions, it took several weeks to confirm that there is indeed a new calf in L pod. We frequently use eye patches to positively identify new calves which can easily be obscured by poor conditions and surface waves.
While a new calf born to this struggling population is certainly cause to celebrate, it is important to remember that another SRKW also means another mouth to feed. With each new calf that is born, we continue to emphasize the need to focus on wild Chinook salmon restoration efforts. Especially the removal of obsolete dams that block wild salmon from their natal spawning habitat, such as those on the lower Snake River. We will continue to monitor the new calf in the next several weeks and provide updates whenever possible.
The November 10th orca visit was a popular one, our archives remind us – maybe you saw the calf and didn’t realize it at the time! The orca baby boom was a big topic at this past Thursday’s Orca Talk, presented by The Whale Trail; we will be publishing a story about it tomorrow – but even the researcher who presented the talk, Brad Hanson, didn’t have word of the calf then.
What has long been the home of Brace Point Pottery is actually “downtown Arbor Heights,” as Loren Lukens explained when we visited his studio/shop last night, the first night of its annual holiday show and sale, which is continuing right now (until 6 pm) and again 10-6 tomorrow. Downtown, because the commercial buildings there at and near 4208 SW 100th used to include a market and a drugstore, he explains. But for almost 20 years, he and wife Beth Kirchhoff have made art and music there.
Looking for light on this gray day? The brightly lit studio/storefront shows some of the creations:
Brace Point Pottery is hosting four other artists in the space for this weekend’s special occasion:
It’s part of the Seattle Sampling studio tour this weekend, which has four other West Seattle stops – see the full tour map here.
More November election aftermath: King County’s “Best Starts for Kids,” funded by a levy that won 56 percent voter approval, now has an advisory board. And at least one West Seattleite is on the list: WestSide Baby executive director Nancy Woodland. The full list of appointees chosen by another West Seattleite, County Executive Dow Constantine, is in this news release, which also recaps what BS4K is all about:
Best Starts for Kids is the most comprehensive approach to childhood development in the nation, with a framework based on the latest neuroscience. It will focus investments on birth through age 5 when 92 percent of brain growth occurs. It will sustain the gain by providing intervention services as problems such as serious depression and addiction emerge during teenage years. It will also invest in healthier, safer communities that reinforce progress.
Read more about “Best Starts for Kids” here.
Whole lot of flapjack-flipping going on at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s annual holiday-season Pancake Breakfast right now, and if you see this before 10:45 or so, you might still have time to get there. It’s a fundraiser as well as a Toys for Tots toy drive and an opportunity for volunteers of all ages to help out:
Key Club members (below) and Scouts are among the youth volunteers working the tables.
Those are also two of the programs that the Kiwanis supports, in part with money raised at this event. Santa Claus is there for photo ops with kids under 10 – and with the West Seattle Hi-Yu:
From left, Princess Audrey and two of the first-ever Hi-Yu Ambassadors, Lily and Alyssa.
The Kiwanis Club of White Center has reps there too, selling candy and mixed nuts:
That’s Angelika and Audrey. It’s all happening at the Alki Masonic Center, which is on the east side of The Junction, at 40th SW and SW Edmunds.
P.S. The Kiwanis offers breakfast sponsorships to community businesses and organizations – we signed on again this year, as did everybody else on this list:
(WSB photo: Endolyne Children’s Choir @ 2012 tree lighting)
It’s here – one of the biggest days/nights of the holiday season in West Seattle! We start today’s preview with the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
PANCAKES WITH THE KIWANIS: Get your day going by letting somebody else fix breakfast in the most festive of ways. The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s 68th annual benefit pancake breakfast is on, NOW (it started at 7) until 11 am, at the Alki Masonic Center in The Junction. Kids under 10 eat free with a paid adult, and get free Santa photos too. Bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots if you can. Big fun all morning long. (40th SW & SW Edmunds)
OTHER PLACES TO FIND SANTA TODAY/TONIGHT: Santa Brunch at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor); CAPERS in The Junction (4525 California SW); Westwood Village (info here); “Santa Al” at tonight’s tree lighting (scroll down).
JOE’S ART AND BOOK SALE: To benefit White Center Food Bank & First Place Scholars (K-5 school for homeless and at-risk kids), 9:30-5:30 at Joe Aprile & Julia’s home For Sale: framed & matted original art/photography, photo & art cards, original books of fiction, non-fiction & poetry. (8145 29th SW)
CLICK! TRUNK SALE AND BABY-CARRIER DONATION EVENT: Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) is hosting its second annual Sarah Loertscher Jewelry sample sale this Saturday Dec. 5 from 10am-5pm. Sarah will be selling samples and seconds at discounted prices and stocking us with a refreshed selection of Click! favorites. Sarah has been struck by the heartbreaking story of the Syrian refugee crisis and asked, “what can I do?” She found a nonprofit called Carry The Future, which collects baby carriers for Syrian parents to help safely carry their babies and toddlers on their journey. Do you have gently used baby carriers you’d like to donate? We’ll be collecting them on Saturday during the trunk show, and Click! will ship them to a collection point in California next week. Please read the FAQs first – they can only accept “soft structured carriers;” no slings or wraps, please. Sarah and Click! will also be donating 10% of sample sale proceeds to PSKS, a non profit that helps fight homelessness in Seattle. (4540 California SW)
HOLIDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW: 6th annual show/sale in the Social Hall at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 10 am-4 pm. “You’ll find original and one-of a kind gifts: jewelry, knits felted hats, paintings (watercolor and other media), designer bags and accessories, greeting cards and stocking stuffers, edible holiday goodies, glass art, fiber art and more. Plus free refreshments, and the event is free. Cash and checks only.” (7141 California SW)
HOLIDAY ART SHOW/SALE: Brace Point Pottery‘s 18th annual Holiday Art Show and Sale. Second day today, from 10 am to 5 pm. Joining Loren Lukens: Four additional artists in an exhibition of pottery, wearables, jewelry and prints. A Seattle Sampling event. (4208 SW 100th)
‘HOT CHOCOLATE SATURDAY’: Duwamish Longhouse Open House, 11 am-4 pm. “We will be playing holiday music all day. Enjoy hot chocolate or tea while sitting around our beautifully decorated tree. Still shopping? We have lots of choices under $25 & $15. Artist John Romero is featured in the Art Gallery. Enjoy a walk along the Duwamish River and amble thru a variety of NW native evergreen trees at Herrings House Park across the street from the Longhouse. Lots of holiday selfie opportunities.” (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
ART STUDIO SHOW/SALE & BENEFIT: Artist Carolyn Autenrieth is selling watercolor illustrations and pieces from a “unique spiky ceramic series,” and donating 20 percent of total sales to support the Smershes (backstory here). Noon-4 pm at her home studio. (6406 49th SW)
CHRISTMAS TEA : “Fresh brewed teas, sweets, savories, entertainment, door prizes, silent auction, and raffle,” 2-5 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church – follow the link to contact the church to see if tickets will be available at the door. (3050 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS PARTY: 4-8 pm – before and after the tree lighting (see next item) – many Junction stores have specials, treats, and other reasons for you to spend your Saturday afternoon/evening shopping. See the list here.
WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS TREE LIGHTING: Bigger than ever, with SW Alaska closed to increase the space for people to gather around the tree, which is on the south side of Junction Plaza Park. 5 pm is the official start time, but come early and enjoy treats. See the lineup/schedule here. (42nd SW/SW Alaska)
12 BARS OF CHRISTMAS: Third annual event in West Seattle. Starting in The Junction – latest venue/time details here.
And the non-holiday highlights from our ongoing coverage and the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WESTSIDE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon open house for prospective families at preK-8th grade Westside School (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing. (10404 34th SW)
DELRIDGE GROCERY’S ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: 11 am-2:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, Delridge Grocery Cooperative members are invited to find out about topics ranging from “funding, feasibility, and next steps” to a sneak peek of the DGC’s new logo. Lunch will be served. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE MUSIC: 9 pm, be at Parliament Tavern in The Admiral District to groove to Maurice and His Thing. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
High-school basketball season is now fully under way, and the West Seattle HS teams had a big night against Roosevelt on Friday:
In the WSHS gym, the Wildcat girls’ varsity team won, 61-36, followed by the boys taking their game against the Rough Riders, 52-40.
More photos from both games, ahead:
Four reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:
GUNFIRE IN UPPER MORGAN: Thanks to those who texted to report hearing possible gunshots around 7:30 tonight in Upper Morgan. Police did respond and search for evidence; we couldn’t get there in time to talk with them, and we haven’t been able to reach SPD for confirmation, but one neighbor said officers told her they did find evidence of gunfire, and Tweets by Beat now shows the call was classified that way too, with 37th SW/SW Morgan as the general location.
HOME BURGLARIES: From Erin:
FYI- our home, and our neighbor’s home, in the 8000 block of 5th Ave SW were broken into this afternoon between 2 and 3 pm. Both doors were kicked in, and the perps took financial documents, electronics, and jewelry. Unfortunately, they also stole my engagement ring and wedding ring which I forgot to put on this morning – Merry Christmas to me!. A neighbor caught video of the vehicle entering and exiting our dead-end street. It looks like it was a purple Scion. Please warn neighbors to be extra vigilant – we have a great block watch system in place, but this was the perfect storm situation where it didn’t protect us.
GARAGE BURGLARY: From Jane:
Sadly we were the victims of property theft sometime last night. Someone came up our driveway, entered our gated backyard and then entered our garage through an unlocked side door (which is now locked) and stole my husband’s chop saw and blades worth about $1800. Normally, our work trailer and both cars are in the driveway, but last night my husband unloaded his trailer and moved it into the street along with my car because we are having tree work done today and I suspect that someone saw him unloading his tools and came back later to take advantage. We live on 55th between Dakota and Andover and I just wanted to get the word out to our neighbors to be aware this is happening. We have lived here 30 years and have had cars prowled and tools stolen from our vehicles a couple of times but this seems very brazen to walk into a private backyard and enter the garage.
SUSPICIOUS VISITOR: Another reader report:
We are near the intersection of 41st and Oregon. We had a man wearing a very dirty dark brown hoodie ring our doorbell at around 1 am. We looked out our windows and saw he had a very nice bicycle that seemed out of place given his appearance. He continued to ring the doorbell and knock for a couple minutes before leaving. About 10 minutes later, someone we think was the same person tried to open our back door and then left through a vacant lot next door. This incident freaked out our cats and our neighbor’s dog and we’re pretty sure he went to their door as well.
We did call 911 and spoke to a couple officers that responded and checked out the surrounding area and patrolled a few times. That seemed to scare off whoever was snooping around. We live near the vacant house that was cleared by police earlier this week, they suspected it might be related. We’ve had other issues with squatters in some of the other vacant properties nearby that our neighbors have called in.
| 4 COMMENTS