West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories

UPDATE: Shots or not? Police investigating Admiral, North Delridge reports
December 21, 2015 8:45 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(Photo added 9:55 pm – by WSB’s Christopher Boffoli, who found police checking in Admiral)

8:45 PM: Thanks to everybody who’s texted/messaged about possible gunshots or fireworks heard in the Admiral area a short time ago. As we’ve replied to everyone, please call 911 when you hear something like this – it helps them zero in on what might, or might not, have happened. Once in a rare while, it might lead them to a shooting victim. One person who did call 911 says they were told some others have called and that police are heading that way to look around. The people we’ve heard from say they heard around half a dozen booms or pops. Unless they find something – shell casings, property damage – we might never know, but we’re mentioning it because so many people contacted us to ask about it.

9:35 PM: If you haven’t seen the comments – prevailing opinion seems to be, fireworks. No word of anything found so far suggesting otherwise. Meantime, we also have a couple reports of one “boom” heard, primarily in the North Delridge area. Police were dispatched on that, too, but this also hasn’t led to any discoveries so far as we can tell.

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FOLLOWUP: Student charged with unlawful possession of firearm in Chief Sealth IHS gun incident
December 21, 2015 6:21 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

The 15-year-old arrested for allegedly bringing a gun and bullets to Chief Sealth International High School last Wednesday is now charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. We obtained the charging papers late today from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. They include the probable-cause document written by Seattle Police, which we transcribed as follows, minus suspect and witness names:

On 12/16/15 prior to the start of school, at Chief Sealth High School, an ammo clip for a firearm was found on the floor of (teacher’s) classroom. The ammo clip was turned over to Ms. Hammer, the school Principal. A meeting was held by Ms. Hammer that was attended by the Vice Principals and school security, where a plan of action was discussed.

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West Seattle seasonal scene: Winter Solstice semi-sunset with Alice
December 21, 2015 5:14 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Skies Over West Seattle | West Seattle news

After a day of pelting rain, the clouds lifted and even parted enough to show some color just as our Skies Over West Seattle correspondent, NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen, led the Winter Solstice Sunset Watch at West Seattle’s Solstice Park a little over an hour ago.

The hardy souls who turned out got to hear, and see, what the solstice is all about. Here’s part of her demonstration:

Since the sunset itself wasn’t visible, the Solstice Park stones that line up with the solstice sunset couldn’t be “tested,” but the sun’s not moving that much in the next few days, so if we get some clearing around sunset time, you can still get to the park and have a look.

Bonus for today’s eventgoers: Alice mentioned a launch attempt planned tonight, the SpaceX ORBCOMM-2 mission, with a launch window at 5:29 pm – check out the live feed here, if you see this before then; Alice pointed out that a key feature of this launch will be an attempt to bring part of the rocket back down to solid ground. (5:40 pm note – It was a success!)

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TRAFFIC ALERTS: 35th/Avalon; southbound Highway 99
December 21, 2015 4:03 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

4:03 PM: Two traffic alerts right now:

35TH/AVALON: A Metro bus and Seattle Police car got into a “fender-bender,” no injuries, but the eastbound lanes have been intermittently blocked. And to compound matters, northbound 35th is blocked by construction work, so 35th is one lane each way south of Avalon, for now.

SOUTHBOUND 99: There’s a medic response for a crash near the stadium zone, according to the live 911 log.

4:50 PM: That 99 response is closed now, but SDOT tweeted that a vehicle is blocking the right lane of southbound 99 at the Battery Street Tunnel, so if you’re headed this way from north of there, take note. We can’t check back on 35th/Avalon for a while but it’s likely to have cleared by now, with no medic involvement or serious damage.

5:02 PM: Yet another crash response on southbound 99, this time at Seneca.

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Delridge-Highland Park Greenway and Natural Drainage Systems: What’s under construction now, and what’s next
December 21, 2015 1:43 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Highland Park | Transportation | West Seattle news

City crews continue working on West Seattle’s second neighborhood greenway, Delridge-Highland Park, and concurrently, on roadside raingardens and other “natural drainage” elements in part of the area. Some of this work will involve temporary water shutoffs, according to this update just sent by project managers:

Seattle Public Utilities began constructing the natural drainage system along 17th Ave SW from SW Cloverdale Street to SW Thistle Street.

Construction crews are installing curb ramps that are compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act standards in this area, and pedestrian detours are in effect. To perform water-service relocations, SPU water crews will shut down the water main two blocks at a time. If your water is going to be shut off, you will receive a door-hanger notification 48 hours in advance. Curbs and sidewalks that were removed for the water service relocations will then be re-installed.

The project webpage says some of that water work was expected to happen today and tomorrow, and includes a reminder that once the water’s back on, you might see discoloration for a while.

Meantime, the city’s update continues with information on the next round of road and sidewalk work:

Construction to build a pedestrian pathway connecting areas north and south of the cul-de-sac on 17th Ave SW between SW Myrtle and SW Webster streets has been delayed and will begin as early as January 4, 2016.

When construction begins, parking will be limited and pedestrian detours will be in place around the work area. This work is expected to take up to two weeks to complete.

Final work to be done at the intersection of 15th Ave SW and SW Holden St includes pouring curb ramps and sidewalk. We expect this work will be complete by Monday, December 28.

Crews began preparing the intersection at 16th Ave SW and SW Webster St for pedestrian safety improvements, including new crosswalks, new sidewalk, and new ADA-compliant curb ramps.

Crews began pouring sidewalk and curb ramps. Weather permitting, this work is expected to be complete by December 28.

Crews will return to the west side of 21st Ave SW, south of where 21st Ave SW and 22nd Ave SW merge, to rebuild the sidewalk. We expect this work will begin as early as January 4 and will include pouring concrete for sidewalk and asphalt for driveways. Both pours require dry days. Weather permitting, this work will take 2 weeks to complete. Residents will be notified in advance of driveway closures.

Construction is complete at 16th Ave SW and SW Kenyon St.

And the city notice includes the caveat that much of this is weather-dependent, so rain can change the schedule. More updates, and links to the full project plan, can be found here. The work’s been under way since late summer.

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VIDEO: As winter starts, a reminder of summer
December 21, 2015 12:17 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

GETS THE COMPANY OF (Andy Reynolds) from LetsMakeMedia on Vimeo.

Noontime and it’s so dark, we have the lights on. But – with the solstice tonight – just six more months until summer! And just for fun – moviemaker Justin Lapriore, a former West Seattleite, thought you might like to see his profile of local photographer Andy Reynolds, recorded during a midsummer day of passerby photography on Alki Beach.

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West Seattle Monday, ‘shortest day of the year’ edition: Solstice sunset & more
December 21, 2015 10:26 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Monday, ‘shortest day of the year’ edition: Solstice sunset & more
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(White-crowned sparrow photographed Sunday on Alki by Matt Olson)

Wondering what’s up today/tonight? Here’s what we have, mostly from our WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:

GIVE THE GIFT OF TURKEY: If you can donate a turkey to the West Seattle Food Bank to help someone in need have a hearty holiday dinner, WSFB tells us today’s the optimal day. Donation hours continue until 3 pm; you can use the garage off SW Morgan east of 35th.

‘KING TIDE’: Without a north wind, you won’t see waves and spray, but as shown here yesterday, it’s an interesting backdrop for a walk by the water, at the very least, especially on the Alki promenade west of the Bathhouse. 12.3 feet at 12:38 pm today, and waning in the ensuing days.

MUSIC WHILE YOU SHOP: Keith Terhune (piano) and We Three Carolers at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) – piano 2-5 pm, caroling 5-7 pm. (Fauntleroy/California/Morgan)

SOLSTICE SUNSET WITH ALICE: This is the best West Seattle way to observe the change of seasons – join your friendly neighborhood NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen at Solstice Park for sunset watch. Free, fun, educational. Be there around 3:45 pm; more info on Alice’s website. (Use her map to get there)

‘LONGEST NIGHT’ SERVICE: 7 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), which explains:

This is a service of prayer, reflection, music, remembering, and candle lighting. It is a time especially for people for whom this is not the most wonderful time of the year. It is hard when you have lost a loved one this year and this is the first Christmas without them. It is hard if you have lost a loved one around Christmas and this time of year brings back painful memories. It is hard if you have lost your job, have lost even your faith, and are feeling unmoored. This is a service where you can be yourself and receive a message of comfort and hope. If you are just not feeling the Christmas spirit; if the enforced jolliness is getting to you; whatever reason, this is the service for you.

This is part of our Holiday Guide‘s list of church services for this week. (3940 41st SW)

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From the West Seattle Holiday Guide: Christmas restaurant, grocery-store hours
December 21, 2015 9:24 am
|    Comments Off on From the West Seattle Holiday Guide: Christmas restaurant, grocery-store hours
 |   Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Three days before Christmas, and just in case you’re wondering, the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide now includes links to our list of restaurants open on Christmas Eve and/or Day, as well as our list of grocery-store hours for those two days. The restaurant list is here; it’s the result of dozens of phone calls, and we know businesses sometimes change their plans at the last minute, so if you have a change or addition, please let us know – editor@westseattleblog.com. Meantime, the supermarket list is here. (If you still haven’t browsed the guide, note that it also includes Christmas Eve/Day church services, as well as New Year’s Eve/Day info, and we’ll continue with daily updates until 2016 is here.)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday updates; holiday previews
December 21, 2015 6:21 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday updates; holiday previews
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Six WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
6:21 AM: Here’s what you need to know as the week begins in pre-holiday mode:

*No school – winter break is on

*Over the weekend, Metro added “announcements for all scheduled stops instead of intermittent announcements as has previously been the case” for 80 more routes, as part of adjustments to “meet or exceed Federal Transit Administration requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act.” The West Seattle-area routes on the list to be added as of this past Saturday include 21, 22, 37, 50, 60, 113, 120, RapidRide C.

TRANSIT CHANGES FOR CHRISTMAS EVE/DAY: Metro plans “reduced weekday” service on Thursday and Sunday service on Friday; the Water Taxi doesn’t run on Friday; Sound Transit Route 560 will be on a weekday schedule Friday.

8:53 AM: This major-incident-free morning commute is wrapping up; we continue to track traffic through the day, so if you see something, please let us know – 206-293=6302 (provided you can text/call safely/legally, as a passenger, or once you get to where you’re going) – thank you as always!

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VIDEO: Dozens join the fun for West Seattle Runner’s 2015 Christmas Lights Run
December 20, 2015 11:41 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

With lights twinkling and bells jingling, dozens headed out on the ultimate holiday-season fun run tonight – the annual Christmas Lights Run organized by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), whose proprietors Lori and Tim McConnell led the decked-out way (with Myrtle the greyhound):

This was the first Christmas Lights Run since they moved WSR north to 2743 California SW, but the route included its traditional highlight, the West Seattle Lights/Helmstetler Family Spectacular music-synched light show at 3908 SW Charlestown.

SIDE NOTE: For another on-your-feet holiday tradition, see the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide‘s New Year’s Eve/Day section for the walks organized by the Emerald City Wanderers.

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Inclusive play area for West Seattle? Former Explorer West Middle School classmates’ project synergizing with Lincoln Park plan
December 20, 2015 6:35 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

A play-area renovation in West Seattle may ultimately be even more inclusive than envisioned, thanks to advocacy by four local teenagers, based on work they did in their final year at Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor).

We told you about their “Change the World Project” work seven months ago. Their main goal was to raise awareness about West Seattle’s lack of an “inclusive” playground – one with features that can be enjoyed by children of all ability levels, including those with physical and/or developmental challenges. There’s only one such play area in the entire city (the Children’s PlayGarden).

With the four – Makenzie White, Cyrus Storlie, Tess Wassermann, and Ellen Applewhite – leaving Explorer West just after completing the project as part of their work with teacher Tim Owens, they weren’t sure about its fate, nor about what additional work they could do. When summer was over, the four former classmates were enrolled in four different high schools, further complicating any plans to collaborate.

Then the Lincoln Park North Play Area Renovation project came along, and now they are talking with Seattle Parks about ways to incorporate their proposals.

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West Seattle Christmas lights: One street to see
December 20, 2015 3:52 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

We’ve been looking, and asking, but haven’t come up with much of a list of must-see Christmas-lights displays this year. One theory: With so few breaks in the rain earlier this month, some people missed the usual windows for putting up lights. But we’re still looking – and last night we happened onto a stretch to add to the (short) list in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide: 30th SW between Roxbury and Barton has a lot of spirit, including the home in our photo above. If you have any recommendations – either a spirited street, or a particular house – please comment here or e-mail (editor@westseattleblog.com). Especially in the next few nights ahead before Christmas Eve, looking at lights is a long-held tradition, and we’re always happy to help, so we’ll add whatever turns up. Thanks!

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YOU CAN HELP! End the year with a few hours of volunteering
December 20, 2015 1:44 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP! End the year with a few hours of volunteering
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

One way to start the New Year off fresh – end the old year by doing a good deed. The White Center Food Bank is asking for help on New Year’s Eve:

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR INVENTORY HELP DECEMBER 31!

Are you available to help weigh and count the inventory of the White Center Food Bank? We start at 9 am and go until it’s done (usually before 2 pm). We will need 5-10 people who can lift 40 pounds. Other tasks that morning include counting and recording. If you can help with this important yearly task, contact Audrey Zemke at audrey@whitecenterfoodbank.org or 206-762-2848.

The WCFB is headquartered at 10829 8th SW.

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HAPPENING NOW: Santa & diaper-donation drive in The Junction
December 20, 2015 11:56 am
|    Comments Off on HAPPENING NOW: Santa & diaper-donation drive in The Junction
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

Junction Santa is in the house! It’s a festively decked tent – lots of holiday greenery – on the southwest corner of California and Alaska. Above, Elizabeth was visiting Santa when we stopped by. DIY photos are free but bring a diaper donation if you can for WestSide Baby – right outside the tent, helpful elves are waiting to collect what you bring.

This is all happening as part of Hometown Holidays, until 2 pm today.

P.S. If you miss Junction Santa and are looking for last-minute Santa photo ops in the next few days, keep an eye on the ongoing list in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.

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West Seattle weekend scenes: Tyvek & tide
December 20, 2015 11:29 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Two of the photos texted to our hotline (206-293-6302) this weekend are interesting sights you might have missed:

UNWRAPPED: Thanks to Charlie G. for the photo of wind-blown Tyvek peeled off the under-construction Rally project at Charlestown/California. (Lynda B. had texted us about it earlier but it was gone by the time we arrived.)

Meantime, today’s high-mark “king tide” is 20 minutes away, at 11:49 am. Today it’s 12.4 feet – just a bit down from Saturday morning, when Tim McMonigle shared this photo from the Alki seawall:

Certainly it’s more spectacular when north winds are blowing – but as Tim noted, even without them, seeing the Sound almost over the seawall is still impressive.

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Lights, music, Santa, scholarships: West Seattle Sunday events
December 20, 2015 8:23 am
|    Comments Off on Lights, music, Santa, scholarships: West Seattle Sunday events
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Townsend’s Warbler, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Here’s what’s up for this breezy Sunday, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:

JUNCTION SANTA: As part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB), come to Santa’s House, 10 am-2 pm. “Santa is coming to The Junction to listen to your children’s Christmas requests. At ‘Santa’s House,’ you’ll find a festive tent to drop in for a hug and a smile. Bring your camera and capture your own special moment. Live music too. Meet at Key Bank.” (California/Alaska)

FARMERS’ MARKET: Produce, beverages, cheese, meat, more – and food trucks – are all part of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm year-round on Sundays – see what’s available in advance of your Christmas dinner! (California SW between Oregon and Alaska)

HOLIDAY SERVICES: Some local churches are having their holiday services today – see the listings (including Christmas Eve and beyond) in the Holiday Guide.

THRIFTWAY SANTA: Find Santa Claus at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) – 11 am-3 pm. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

‘STAR WARS’ GAMES AT MEEPLES: Noon-4 pm today, second of two days for the weekend-long “Star Wars” event at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) – see the full updated schedule on the Meeples website. (3727 California SW)

LAST CHANCE TO VISIT THE MUSEUM BEFORE CHRISTMAS: The Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s Log House Museum is open today, noon-4 pm, and you can see its new arrival – the life and times of West Seattleite Ivar Haglund, on loan from the Nordic Heritage Museum. While you’re there, shop for unique holiday gifts in the museum gift-shop corner – including books, apparel, West Seattle tote bags. (61st SW & SW Stevens)

MUSIC TO SHOP BY: Gary Benson plays guitar at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), 2-5 pm. (Fauntleroy/California/Morgan)

OPERA PREVIEW LECTURE: Seattle Opera‘s preview lecture for “The Marriage of Figaro,” 2 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library – details in our calendar listing. (2306 42nd SW)

FROYO FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, AND JACKETS FOR KIDS: 4-7 pm at Admiral Menchie’s, come meet Miss Seattle Taryn Smith, who is collecting jackets for kids at Mary’s Place and raising money for the Miss Seattle Scholarship Organization via part of the froyo proceeds – details here. (2620 California SW)

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS RUN: Meet at 6 pm for the annual West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) Christmas Lights Run. “Social, festive group run” – details and route in our preview. (2743 California SW)

SEATTLE GIRLS CHOIR: 7:30 pm at Holy Rosary Church, Carmina Angelorum: songs for harp & treble voices. An evening concert of elegant music celebrating winter and the holiday season, featuring harpist Juliet Stratton and the young women of Prime Voci and Cantamus. Works by Benjamin Britten, Edward Elgar, and Paul Carey to be performed. Check for ticket availability – $12 and $8 for seniors/students – or at the door. (4210 SW Genesee)

TRIO PARDALOTE: 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall – details here, including ticket info. (7904 35th SW)

MORE MUSIC … on our year-round calendar.

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SUNDAY: West Seattle Runner’s annual Christmas Lights Run
December 19, 2015 8:46 pm
|    Comments Off on SUNDAY: West Seattle Runner’s annual Christmas Lights Run
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Get your shoes on, get your bells on, get your personal string of lights on, and join the annual Christmas Lights Run with West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor). Meet at the shop, 2743 California SW – remember, WSR has moved since last year! – at 6 pm Sunday. WSR co-proprietor Lori McConnell shared the route map (above), “in case any neighbors want to carol us as we run by, make sure they have their lights on, or leave cookies for our reindeer (me and Tim).” As further explained in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

We will run about a 3-mile loop of easy running and walking to view the lights in West Seattle. We do stop at the Helmstetler Light Show, so please bring a canned food item if you can for their food drive. We welcome elves, Santas, reindeer, and any costume you can think of!! Wear your battery-operated Christmas lights (or any other reflective gear or lamps you have to see and be seen). Post run, we will have cookies and cocoa and cider. This is simply a social, festive group run … not a good fit for those looking for a race. We can’t wait!

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West Seattle coyotes: Charlestown Hill, Admiral sightings
December 19, 2015 8:13 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle coyotes: Charlestown Hill, Admiral sightings
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

We publish reader reports about coyote sightings periodically, with educational intent as much as anything. Within the past half-hour, we received a text (on our 24/7 hotline, 206-293-6302) from someone saying there are “coyotes in the yards at 52nd/Charlestown.” Too dark for a photo, the texter says. Meantime, back on Monday, here’s what Rose saw:

First time I have seen a coyote traveling the open streets and sidewalks in broad daylight. This one looks like it has either completely shed all its fur or it has mange. Came up 39th and turned onto Lander Street cruising the neighborhood. I know for sure it was a coyote because my cat Manitou, who happened to be outside at the time, froze until he went by across the street, then ran like greased lightning for the back door and wanted IN with a very bushed tail. Wise cat, and something he never does about dog.

If you haven’t read this information about coexisting with coyotes before – it’s worth a look. Most important advice: If you see one, do what you can to scare it away, for its sake and yours – yell, wave your arms to look “big,” even throw rocks.

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Special Saturday Santa sighting #3: Cocoa Cris Cringle at Easy Street Records
December 19, 2015 6:53 pm
|    Comments Off on Special Saturday Santa sighting #3: Cocoa Cris Cringle at Easy Street Records
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Today’s final one-time Santa event is under way right now at Easy Street Records – as previewed here earlier this week, Cocoa Cris Cringle is making his seasonal appearance. He might just be the jolliest Santa you’ll see all season; as shown in the photo above, featuring Atticus and Mark, you can be a character too – with hats and props in CCC’s “Theatrical Holiday Photo Funomenon.” And it’s a benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank – good time for a good cause – ESR in The Junction at California/Alaska until 9 pm.

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Special Saturday Santa sighting #2: Cartooning at Luna Park Café
December 19, 2015 5:26 pm
|    Comments Off on Special Saturday Santa sighting #2: Cartooning at Luna Park Café
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Santa cartooning at Luna Park Cafe

A photo posted by West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) on

Until 7 pm, “Cartooning Santa” is making his annual appearance at Luna Park Café (2918 SW Avalon Way), not just listening to Christmas wishes but also drawing! With him in our photo above, that’s Mickey. Cartoons and DIY photos are free, by the way – your holiday gift from Luna Park.

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle Shock wins boys’ U16 championship at SYSA City Tournament
December 19, 2015 4:49 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Congratulation to the West Seattle Shock of the WS Soccer Club for their citywide soccer championship! Jenny Ancich sent the photo and report:

Whoo-hoo! West Seattle Shock Boys U16 just won the SYSA city tournament championship played in Shoreline.

Led by Coach Dan Day, Shock was down 3-0 at half. They fought their way back to take the lead; then the game ended up tied at 5-5 at end of regulation play. Shock then won on a penalty kick shootout. A very exciting game for all! Go, Shock!

According to the tournament schedule, the Shock’s opponent was Magnolia Fake Madrid.

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Special Saturday Santa sighting #1: At Emerald Water Anglers
December 19, 2015 2:29 pm
|    Comments Off on Special Saturday Santa sighting #1: At Emerald Water Anglers
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: Santa at Emerald Water Anglers, with Nessa and friend)
This afternoon brings multiple Santa Claus sightings in West Seattle – three of them one-time-only, starting with this one at Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor), 42nd SW & SW Oregon in The Junction. Santa’s at EWA until 4 pm, free DIY photos (note the shop’s cool mural as a backdrop!), but they are accepting donations to the Wild Steelhead Coalition if you’re so moved.

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West Seattle restaurants: Cassis closes on Alki
December 19, 2015 11:57 am
|      44 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

ORIGINAL REPORT, 11:57 AM: After almost 2 years, the bistro Cassis has suddenly closed on Alki. Thanks to those who messaged us with tips about this, learning of the closure while trying this morning to reach the restaurant for dinner reservations. Here’s the message on the front page of the restaurant’s website:

Cassis Closes For Now.

Dear beloved patrons, due to unexpected events – we have closed our doors after service, Friday, December 18. We will see you soon in a new location.

We just talked briefly to proprietor Jef Fike, who confirmed his restaurant is closed and will not be reopening in West Seattle.

Cassis’s opening at 2820 Alki SW in February 2014 generated much excitement, as the revival of a popular bistro Fike had operated on Capitol Hill almost a decade earlier. He had just sent a newsletter to patrons a few weeks ago, saying he planned to take a holiday vacation this year for the first time in eight years, but said in the newsletter that he would be leaving the restaurant in the hands of his staff. Then this morning, readers alerted us to the closure news they had discovered while seeking reservations.

Before Cassis, the space had been “temporary” home to the Alki Arts gallery/event space (now located downtown) for three years; for two years in 2007-2009, All The Best Pet Care preceded the gallery.

1:21 PM UPDATE: New twist: We received a call from a man identifying himself as Andy Dekle, Cassis’s chef, saying he’s a member of the ownership group and that this is a “temporary” closure resulting from a “disagreement” and that he plans to reopen in this space and is hoping to do so by New Year’s Eve. We pointed out that when we stopped by Cassis to confirm the closure with Fike this morning, things were being boxed up and moved out. He said he’s aware of that. Stay tuned.

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