West Seattle, Washington
11 Sunday
(Photo courtesy Trileigh Tucker)
“Dancin’, Drummin’, Singin’!” is the title of tonight’s holiday concert by the West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Debut and Intermediate Orchestras, with the latter courtesy of the Endolyne Children’s Choir and director Amy Stagno Bokanev (above). The concert is tonight’s musical highlight from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, and it starts at 6:30 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium (2600 SW Thistle). The program includes Christmas classics such as “Little Drummer Boy,” “White Christmas,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” (Added – Trileigh’s video of “Little Drummer Boy” being rehearsed):
More program details are on the official poster (see it here as a PDF).
(Live view from the only WS Bridge camera currently in operation; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:59 AM: Nothing out of the ordinary so far this morning.
9:27 AM: JL reports in comments that the 35th/Avalon traffic light is malfunctioning – flashing red all ways. We’ll check in later to see if it’s fixed.
As of January 6th, all Seattle Public Library branches will be open on Sundays – thanks to the library-funding measure approved by voters this past August. SPL sent around a reminder that also includes an announcement of dates for special “Sundays are special” parties. High Point is set for January 13th and Delridge on May 5th – those are the two branches that have been closed Sundays.
Congratulations to the West Seattle High School ProStart students for their star turn at this past Saturday’s annual CookieFest – here’s how the school announced their achievement (sharing photos too):
For the second year in a row, the West Seattle High School ProStart students have amazed crowds at the Seattle Macy’s annual CookieFest celebration. In this event, consumers pay a set fee for a cookie box, and then the “mad” dash begins to get their choice dozen cookies from the banquet room full of cookie vendors.
ProStart was selected as one of only three schools in Washington to participate in this event alongside numerous bakeries around the Seattle area. Not only do the proceeds for CookieFest support the Seattle Milk Fund, but the event also gives our students the opportunity to work next to prestigious bakeries in a catering role, work toward planning and creating beautiful and consistent bakery products, and earn well-deserved community service hours.
The West Seattle High School students chose the theme this year as “Mad Hatter Holiday Tea Party.”
Thank you to those of you who supported our students as well as the Seattle Milk Fund. We hope to participate again next year!
No, there’s no trick with the perspective there – the 34-car Washington State Ferry M/V Hiyu really is small, in comparison to M/V Issaquah (able to carry almost 4 times as many vehicles). As mentioned here in the past few days, Hiyu is making unscheduled runs to supplement Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth’s two-boat schedule. And West Seattle photographer Doug Branch “couldn’t resist photographing it when it showed up:
Thanks to Doug for sharing the Hiyu views! Though it’s not following a schedule, you can monitor the Hiyu while it’s on the run by checking out the live Vessel Watch page.
Topping this afternoon’s West Seattle Crime Watch roundup – a followup on last Friday’s package/mail-theft arrests:
If you missed our Friday coverage – four men were booked into King County Jail Friday night, hours after their arrests at 16th and Roxbury, where the van reported by a package-theft witness in West Seattle was pulled over by police. Early Saturday afternoon, three of them (ages 32, 25, and 22) got out of jail; the fourth, 31, is still in, because of unrelated warrants. This case went through Seattle Municipal Court, and that means the City Attorney’s Office would prosecute; spokesperson Kimberly Mills says the office’s Criminal Division will do an “extended review” of the case, which is why no one has been charged/cited yet. We’ll keep watch on the case.
Also this afternoon, this photo and report from Georgia:
I wanted to report a hit & run on 42nd Avenue SW just south of Edmunds early this morning. I heard a loud crash around 2:30 am this morning and woke to find that our parked 2002 Jeep Wrangler was hit & pushed into a silver Mazda M6. Both were parked on the west side of 42nd Avenue SW and it appears the suspect vehicle was going southbound on 42nd when it struck the Jeep and pushed it into the Mazda. The suspect vehicle’s bumper – from a Honda – was left behind too. If anybody has any information, please contact Officer F. Oshinski, 206-733-9800, or Jason Choate at 206-930-1327. The incident # is 12-421233.
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
Not all the holiday house-decorating has to happen out in the mist on a ladder … last night at West Seattle Christian Church‘s Activity Center in The Junction, it was a gingerbread-house-decorating (and building) frenzy (above, Shauna Jacobs and daughter Lillian; below, the overview):
30 teams built and decorated houses, all for a good cause – raising $1,200 for a new well to bring clean water to people in Guatemala. See how it unfolded, and find out about the winners, ahead:
What a weekend it’s been: History and holidays! Tonight is the third night of Hanukkah and exactly two weeks till Christmas Eve … already. A few highlights for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and our regular calendar:
WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB TAKES ON HANUKKAH: The weekly meeting – 3 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) – will feature participants’ Hanukkah recipes. More info on the club website.
NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: NDNC provides tonight’s lone community meeting, which will be at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – NOT the group’s usual location. The agenda includes not only Youngstown’s new management but also the City Council’s proposed medical-marijuana zoning (still a proposal in circulation despite I-502’s passage – we videotaped Council President Sally Clark‘s presentation on this topic at last month’s Southwest District Council meeting).
BOOK GROUP: “Half Broke Horses” is this month’s book, and you’re welcome to discuss it at the West Seattle (Admiral) branch of the Seattle Public Library, 6:45 tonight.
TREE SHOPPING? Find the list of lot locations and hours in the Holiday Guide.
DISCOUNT TICKETS – CALL FAST! Wednesday is Fauntleroy Night at ArtsWest for “The Winter Wonderettes,” and if you mention the Fauntleroy Community Association when you call the box office at 206-938-0339, discount tickets for that night are available.
(12/3/12 photo from Richey Viewpoint, by Don Brubeck, shared via WSB Flickr group)
Heads up for beach-walking fans – the next week-plus will bring extremely high tides and very low tides. Given the season, the most dramatic extremes will be in the late-night and early-morning hours – though the afternoon high tides are notable too. As detailed on our favorite tide chart, each of the next four afternoons will bring a high tide of at least 12 feet (1:09 pm today); the nighttime low tide is -1.6 at 8:23 pm tonight and bottoms out at -3.6 feet at 10:41 pm Thursday. The morning high tides will surpass the afternoon levels starting on Thursday, reaching 13 feet at 6:50 am Saturday and 7:34 am Sunday. These are the “king tides,” and the state is again asking for help with photo documentation – explained on this page, along with a link for adding to their Flickr gallery (and please consider adding West Seattle photos to the WSB Flickr group too – thank you).
(Live view from the only WS Bridge camera currently in operation; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
We start off with a transit-alert reminder from Metro:
Beginning (today) from the start of service until Friday, December 21 at the end of service, Routes 22 & 120 will be rerouted off of 26th Av SW between SW Barton St and SW Roxbury St, due to construction. During this time, route 22 and route 120 will travel instead via 30th Av SW in both directions to their regular routes.
And a ferry-alert reminder from Washington State Ferries, which has three boats out for repair:
Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth: This route will be on a two boat schedule with the 124-car Issaquah and the 87-car Tillikum. This service will be supplemented with unscheduled sailings by the 34-car Hiyu.
5:15 PM: Two traffic alerts in via e-mail – one, a mattress on the left side of the eastbound West Seattle Bridge (thanks to Damiana for that tip); two, East Marginal Way southbound blocked by truck trouble just before the 1st Avenue South Bridge (thanks to Jamie).
(Photo by Bettina Hansen/The Seattle Times, republished with permission)
A day of history-making marrying has just wrapped up in our state. Sunday evening brought the highest-profile wedding of the day: West Seattleites Pete-e Petersen and Jane Abbott Lighty wed onstage at Benaroya Hall downtown, with another West Seattleite, Anne Levinson, officiating. (Another couple wed onstage too – see a wider view via this Facebook photo.) Levinson was also there as Jane and Pete-e went through the licensing process early Thursday, obtaining King County’s first-ever same-sex marriage license (WSB coverage here).
Hours earlier, we reported on two other West Seattle couples’ Sunday morning weddings – Julie Fein and Cynthia Wallace marrying at the King County Courthouse in the wee hours (coverage here), and then Keith Bacon and Corianton Hale celebrating their wedding during the marriage marathon at Seattle City Hall (coverage here). Since then, we’ve heard from another local couple:
Jessica Lynn and Joyce Allen of West Seattle were married by Judge Mary Yu this morning at 5:30 am (hours after Judge Yu officiated for Cynthia and Julie). Jessica and Joyce also shared this photo:
Jessica explains, “We’ve been together 20 years and had a traditional ‘wedding’/commitment ceremony in 1994, so we aren’t planning a big fancy wedding now, but we were thrilled to officially and legally marry on this historic day. We’ll have a big party with cake in July on the anniversary of the 1994 ceremony! The support of the people of Washington State, Seattle, and West Seattle has been overwhelming to experience, and we thank everyone who helped make this day possible.”
And we have a followup from another longtime couple, now married; Amy and Jennifer Hallmon (included in our Thursday followup on the first day of licensing):
Amy reports:
We had a great time! We got in early for our 12:30 time slot, and the folks at City Hall were very welcoming and accomodating of our big crew (5 kids). My wonderful sister Carrie Goodnight (also a West Seattle resident) came as our witness and also as a child wrangler and gear hauler. We had a really touching, brief ceremony. I especially liked the part where the judge said, “by the power vested in me by the state of Washington.” It has been a long time coming! The nice people managing the event brought two cupcakes from the reception area for our 2 and 3-year-old to eat from the stroller during the ceremony. Then we all got cupcakes (the 8 and 11-year-olds were thrilled to go back for seconds. And thirds). The announcement of our family as we left the building was exciting, and then we processed down the grand staircase at the pace of a 2-year-old on wet steps. Lots of time to hear the congratulations of the crowd, as well as to be showered by flower petals, bubbles, and rice. It sure was nice of all those people to come share our moment. We came home to a party for friends and family. It was a really nice day, and the kids are all in bed now so we can enjoy the evening.
… Fifteen years ago I really didn’t think we’d have legal marriage in our lifetimes, even at the state level. Not only have we achieved that milestone as a family, but we have felt the warmth of what seems like the entire city’s embrace as we celebrated. We will absolutely cherish the memories of this week.
There was a big Sunday night party at West Seattle’s OutWest Bar – with partiers including newlyweds Marley Blonsky and Whitney Young (who were among the first two dozen couples to get licenses Thursday morning) – they tweeted photos while celebrating:
@westseattleblog OutWest celebrating Marriage Equality! We are legally married!!!! @marleyblonsky #MEdayWA twitter.com/wchristiney/st…
— Whitney Young (@wchristiney) December 10, 2012
Also from our Thursday licensing coverage, and tweeting Sunday night, Shannon and Jason Mullett-Bowlsby, who got married at City Hall:
Just Married! #MEDayWA twitter.com/Shibaguyz/stat…
— Shibaguyz (@Shibaguyz) December 10, 2012
Congratulations again to everyone involved in history – and to those “making it legal” in the days, weeks, months, years ahead. Speaking of which: For future engaged/newlywed couples, of any gender/s, WSB is always happy to publish engagement/wedding announcements free – just e-mail the info and a photo to editor@westseattleblog.com.
SIDE NOTE: Wondering how this unfolded outside Seattle? Here are Sunday stories from:
*Spokane
*Vancouver
*Snohomish County
*Kitsap County
*Whatcom County
School auctions happen often – a necessity these days, to help pay for needs large and small that aren’t handled by regular budgets. Most of the time they are organized by groups such as PTSAs – but the most recent school auction in West Seattle was in large part a teacher and student production. Thursday night in the Chief Sealth International High School Galleria, the Sealth Academy of Business hosted a fundraising auction, led by Sealth teacher DeAira Handugan. We first heard about it earlier this fall from student Tia Collins:
She had explained via e-mail, “The Academy is a series of specialized classes that aim to teach students about real-world circumstances such as finances and marketing. These classes also offer the aid of scholarships, internships, and free college classes to the students who wish to further their education, and get experience outside of the classroom.” Business is the umbrella for two Academies at Sealth – Finance and Hospitality/Tourism. Students sold tickets and served a dinner menu featuring Chicken Milano and Caesar Salad – prepared on campus. The centerpieces were student-created:
The students also had to round up donations for the silent auction – with proceeds going toward the Academy of Business class trip to New York. In addition to a variety of auction items, they had a dessert auction too:
The Academies at Chief Sealth largely involve classes taken in junior/senior years, along with internships, to provide skills to help with career pathways and other goals. This year’s courses are listed in the school catalog online.
Love is not only in the air – it’s in the water. Just received that photo from Seaview resident and diver/underwater photographer Jim Bodoia, who says, “You’ve had some great photos of local nature and I couldn’t resist these two newlyweds that were hanging out about 50 feet under where the Christmas Ships sailed near the Alki Statue of Liberty. They are Saddleback Gunnels (Pholis Ornata) all paired up and nested for the holidays.”
This reminds us of two other wildlife sightings mentioned to us – no photos yet, but you should know so you can keep an eye out in case they come back around:
First – Marcia e-mailed this morning to report a snowy-owl sighting:
Big surprise this morning to look out the window and see a Snowy Owl in a fir tree nearby! It’s in the stand of tall firs in the middle of the small “greenbelt” between Juneau/Raymond and 36th/37th. Not sure how long it has been since one has been spotted in West Seattle. The crows are working hard to displace it, but it’s standing its ground.
She tried to photograph it but it just didn’t work out; here’s a community-contributed snowy-owl photo published here a year ago.
And WSB Forums member Mtrancourt reports a brown pelican off Alki Point, confirming it via e-mail: “… I thought it was an eagle at first, the seagulls were chasing it like an eagle. We live on the beach at Alki and it flew out a ways and then came in about 100 yards from the house before going around the corner toward (downtown).”
By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog
As always, the WSBeat summaries are from reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers, incidents that (usually) have not already appeared here in breaking-news coverage or West Seattle Crime Watch reports, but that might at least answer the question “what WERE all those police doing on my block?”:
*The Major Crimes Task Force has taken over the investigation of a motor home parked in front of a residence in the 8800 block of 20th SW. The rig’s owner is currently in jail on a felony warrant for possession of a stolen vehicle, while some of the people staying in it are associated with a stolen Oregon car found nearby. Inside the motor home was a variety of unopened mail, debit cards, IDs and driver’s licenses which were likely stolen. The stolen car contained numerous blank credit cards and software associated with customizing them. The man seen driving the stolen vehicle was booked into King County Jail for investigation of possession of stolen property.
*Friday evening of last week, in the 9600 block of 41st SW, a woman heard an insistent “tap tap tap” coming from a door that leads to an outdoor deck. She opened it, and what to her wondering eyes should appear but an unclothed white male in his 20s (but no tiny reindeer). Startled, she shut the door and called 911. (The man made no effort to enter the residence.) Though the door had been open for only a moment, the 84-year-old assured officers that she would be able to recognize the suspect if she saw him again.
Five more summaries ahead:Read More
Another change for Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth schedule this week – they had warned of a reduced-capacity third boat on the route; now, because three vessels need repairs, WSF says, there will be only an intermittent, tiny third boat:
Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth: This route will be on a two-boat schedule with the 124 car Issaquah and the 87-car Tillikum. This service will be supplemented with unscheduled sailings by the 34-car Hiyu.
There are changes to Seattle-Bremerton, too; read about those here.
Even before Donna Ryan (above) opened the doors of her City Mouse Studio for West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Santa photos this morning, some excited families were waiting, we’re told. The line wasn’t too long when we went by before noon – some very patient little ones peeked through the festively decorated window:
Today is the first of two Sundays that Donna’s taking Santa photos – with proceeds benefiting WestSide Baby, continuing till 3 pm. You can also stop by the Hometown Holidays Headquarters kitty-corner from there, at California/Alaska by KeyBank.
About a mile south on California, the “Gifted” bazaar has begun at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor):
You might not need a fan now – but look ahead to summer, and Lisa Jones‘ playing-card fans might come in handy. Her business card says she’s “putting the FUN into FUNction.” Among the other art/craft creators there, microphotographer extraordinaire Machel Spence, RobRoy Chalmers, and Christin Schaefer with photos including the one that reminds us of the “grumpy cat” meme:
“Gifted” at Feedback (6451 California SW) continues till 5 pm.
FIRST REPORT, 9:49 AM: At or around 10 am (and afterward till about 5 pm), if you click “play” in the video box above, you should see streaming video from Seattle City Hall, which is about to host more than 100 of our state’s first same-sex weddings. It’s right across the street from the King County Courthouse, where couples would have had to have obtained their marriage licenses on Thursday (WSB coverage here) to be eligible to participate. Volunteer judges will officiate at five “stations” decorated by local artists. The first 10 weddings are open to the media; among the couples are Corianton Hale and Keith Bacon of West Seattle, who checked in a few minutes ago:
We’ll be reporting on their ceremony. Any other West Seattleites marrying here today – let us know! (editor@westseattleblog.com) The city is also providing its own coverage – as did the county during the first licensings – online, including social media; it’s all being aggregated and updated at married.seattle.gov.
10:20 AM: In a ceremony by Kent Municipal Court Judge Karli Kristine Jorgensen, concluding “I now pronounce you husband and husband,” Keith and Corianton were married minutes ago (and then mobbed by media). Here’s the iPhone photo we tweeted:
We have video of the ceremony and other scenes from this half-hour of history, to add when we’re back at HQ.
12:43 PM UPDATE: Just added the entire wedding clip – about five minutes. Event photos next. (added) The other angle during the wedding – the media half-circle they faced (with another half-circle alongside and above where our photographer was while taking this):
(Photo by Nick Adams for WSB)
A chat with the mayor:
(This and next 2 photos by Patrick Sand)
Three City Councilmembers there to congratulate newlyweds, too – from left, Council President Sally Clark, Councilmember Tim Burgess, and Councilmember Richard Conlin:
Outside the west side of City Hall – the receiving line kept growing:
The city has switched what was to be its “booth cam” inside to a live feed from the receiving line – see it here.
Holiday happenings abound again today! Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and regular Event Calendar:
SANTA PHOTOS AT HOLY ROSARY: 9:30-11 am in the school hall during Coffee & Donuts time (42nd and Genesee) – then visit the Tree Lot (41st and Dakota)- more details there.
PATHFINDER K-8’S FAMOUS HANDMADE WREATHS: On sale 9:30 am-2 pm at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market.
SPEAKING OF THE FARMERS’ MARKET … it’s open as always, 10 am-2 pm at 44th/Alaska.
WSHS CHEERLEADERS BENEFIT: The West Seattle High School cheer squad is selling hot cocoa 10 am-8 pm at Son In Law Tree Farm (Charlestown/California), and part of the weekend’s tree-sales proceeds will benefit them too. More details here.
VILLAGE GREEN PERENNIAL NURSERY HOLIDAY SALE: 10-3:30 at Village Green Perennial Nursery (WSB sponsor) (10223 26th SW): Find gifts for gardeners in your life!
PROFESSIONAL SANTA PHOTO DURING ‘HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS SUNDAY’: 11 am-3 pm, Santa will be here to listen to your children’s Christmas requests at City Mouse Studio and Store (4218 SW Alaska). 100% of your donation of $15 or more goes to West Seattle charities, and today there’s professional Santa photos and printing.
GRETCHEN’S GRAINS DEMO: West Seattleite Gretchen will show how to make yummy recipes with her Gretchen’s Grains products 11 am-3 pm at PCC Natural Markets-West Seattle (WSB sponsor; California/Stevens).
FEEDBACK LOUNGE HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Noon-5 pm, the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) presents “Gifted,” the 4th annual holiday bazaar (more info here)
NEWLYWED AND ENGAGED COUPLES’ PHOTO SHOOT: Celebrate marriage equality with a professional photo at Marination ma kai (WSB sponsor) at Seacrest – noon-3 pm, bring donation for the West Seattle Food bank. Full details here.
COMMUNITY MOVIE SHOWING: “Where God Left His Shoes“: When Frank, Angela, and their two children are evicted from their New York City apartment, they have no choice but to move into a homeless shelter. After a few difficult months, good news comes their way on Christmas Eve: a nearby housing project has an apartment available immediately–however, Frank needs a job on the books in order to qualify. While the rest of the city prepares for Christmas, Frank and his ten-year-old stepson, Justin, roam the cold streets of New York trying to find a job by day’s end … Alki United Church of Christ, 6115 SW Hinds. Hot lunch served 11:45 am. Movie starts 12:15 pm. Discussion about issues of family homelessness immediately following, led by Alida Rothgeb, professional caseworker for families in need. Child care provided.
CHEESE TASTING AT PCC WEST SEATTLE: 1-5 pm – details here – free tasting at PCC Natural Markets (California/Stevens; WSB sponsor).
‘SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE: THE MUSICAL’: 2 pm matinee of brand-new locally written/produced Christmas musical (which is sponsoring WSB to help get the word out), Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 2 pm matinee and evening performance at 7 pm; tickets available online.
CHRISTMAS TEA AND SILENT AUCTION: 2-5 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 3050 California SW. Please come to an elegant and festive afternoon tea with a silent auction. Tickets are $15 per person, ($10 under 10), for reservations, call Kate McCormick @ 206-932-2973, or email: rasadeh@quidnunc.net
ALL-AGES HANUKKAH PARTY: 3-5:30 pm. Join the West Seattle Torah Learning Center for its annual Hanukkah Happening. Hang with friends new and old, bedazzle, decorate… and enjoy some latkes and great food. High Point Community Center, 6920 34th SW. Please RSVP if you see this in time: shevigreer@gmail.com or 732.503.0795. For more info, see Facebook event page here.
‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE RADIO PLAY’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show continues with its first 3 pm matinee at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW); tickets available online. A Children’s Hospital toy drive is being held during the show’s run.
ADMIRAL SINGS CHRISTMAS! All of West Seattle – and beyond! – invited to “Admiral Sings Christmas,” at 4 and 7 pm. (The entire family’s welcome, and there’s child care for babies.) “A Festive Community Sing-Along of all of your Favorite Christmas Songs and Carols! Featuring the fine music master: Keith Terhune & Jazz Legend: Overton Berry & the Admiral Choir … Come early for refreshments 30 min. before each performance.” Free admission; free-will contribution and non-perishable food donations encouraged. At Admiral Church (California and Hill)
SEATTLE MARINERS WOMEN’S CLUB PARTY: Seattle Mariners Women’s Club hosts their holiday banquet and party at The Sanctuary (2656 42nd SW), 4 pm, including dinner, raffles, auction, and Mariner-style traditional carols led by Rick Rizzs. More info (including how to purchase tickets) here.
SEE GINGERBREAD HISTORY IN THE MAKING: “Extreme Makeover Gingerbread Challenge” – the teams are all lined up but public viewing of gingerbread-homebuilding is invited starting at 6 pm in the WSCC Activity Center (4400 42nd Ave SW)… Admission free but donations accepted for this year’s fundraiser to benefit a village in Guatemala.
KATE ENDLE AT ALKI ARTS: At Alki Arts, 6-9 pm: Kate Endle Collage Holiday Art Show with live music by Chris Ballew: Collage artist Kate Endle & her husband singer/songwriter Chris Ballew live in West Seattle & Vashon, where they collaborate on music and books for little children. Kate’s illustration and collage work can be found in stores and galleries all over the world. This event is a great opportunity for locals to pick up some gifts (magnets, children’s books, Caspar Babypants albums, prints, holiday notecards, calendars and more) as well as view & purchase Kate’s original art. Chris is best known as the lead singer for the band Presidents of the United States of America and more recently as children’s musician Caspar Babypants. We will be selling Caspar cds, but we want to remind people that this is not a Caspar Babypants event – only Chris Ballew instrumental music. (So please leave the kiddos at home and enjoy a glass of wine & a night out for the grownups!)
‘MOSTLY MESSIAH’ CONCERT: At 7 pm, the South Seattle Community College Community Choir will present “Mostly Messiah,” a choral concert featuring excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, seasonal numbers and a holiday sing-along. The concert will be held at SSCC’s Olympic Hall in Room 120. This concert is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact paula.herd@seattlecolleges.edu.
The Holy Rosary School Tree Lot (WSB sponsor) has decked Walking On Logs at the end of the bridge, and has an invitation for you this morning – combine tree shopping with a Santa photo:
Santa will visit Holy Rosary’s “Coffee & Donuts” in the school hall this morning from 9:30 am until 12:00 noon. Children of all ages are welcome to come take a picture with Santa inside the school hall. Please bring your own camera and your Christmas wishes! Then, step outside to carefully choose your Christmas tree or lovely wreath to take home & decorate, completing the jolly outing!
The school is on 42nd SW, just north of Genesee; the tree lot is on its north side, at 41st and Dakota, and donates 15 percent of its proceeds to local nonprofits – the West Seattle Helpline, West Seattle Food Bank, and the Salvation Army’s Hickman House transitional shelter for domestic-violence survivors and their children.
(Photo by Nick Adams for WSB)
3:25 AM: Now that three days have elapsed since licenses were issued, the first same-sex couples to get them are eligible to marry – and right after midnight at the King County Courthouse, some couples became the first to say “I do.” WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams was there as the weddings began, and reports that the earlybirds included West Seattleites Julie Fein and Cynthia Wallace (above), who have been together more than a quarter-century. Later this morning, City Hall will open for pre-booked weddings, with the first 10 open to media coverage (including at least one West Seattle couple); the city itself plans to stream via this link. More coverage here later.
ADDED 8:14 AM: The newlyweds tell WSB of another reason their wedding, performed by Judge Mary Yu, was special – they shared two more photos that explain:
Cynthia explains, “Judge Yu presided over the adoptions of our sons four years ago. Now tonight she pronounced us married! With our sons in attendance. Such a joy!”
With Cynthia and Julie for their wedding were their sons Ari and Rafael‘s godfather Jason Plourde and their friend Shayna.
10:21 PM: Another traffic alert – one-car crash at east end of eastbound West Seattle Bridge has police closing the Columbian Way and northbound I-5 exits. Might be a while – scanner traffic also has mentioned some damage at the “gore point” as well as a small oil spill from the crash.
10:56 PM: Scanner traffic says everything’s open again.
9:35 PM: Seattle Police are blocking southbound Delridge at Findlay because of a crash at Delridge/Juneau. According to scanner traffic, a car hit a parked car – and the driver is reported to have left the scene. No word of any injuries, so far – a Seattle Fire engine was responding but has just been canceled since “the patient fled on foot” – possibly into a nearby apartment complex.
10:57 PM UPDATE: Adding a photo. We saw three damaged vehicles at the scene – one being towed, two parked along the street. We will check back soon to verify whether the southbound side of Delridge has reopened.
Big response to a “fire in building” call a few minutes ago in the 2700 block of Alki SW, but according to the scanner, firefighters say it was a “food on stove” situation and have canceled most of the units.
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