Santa always draws a crowd at Ace Hardware…

Nothing says “holiday spirit” like free sushi…

No lie, free pie from Seattle Pie Company…

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints present a beautiful, traditional display…

The wine was flowing at Magnolia Physical Therapy…

The chestnuts were roasting at Magnolia’s Bookstore…

Kids were lining up at Windermere for a photo with the big man…

Thanks to all the Village merchants for making this a fun and festive night!

The suspects got into a black sedan and left north on Thorndyke Avenue. While police were searching the area, they spotted a car matching the description given to 911 operators and followed it. Officers watched as the driver of the vehicle became erratic while trying to park his vehicle in the 2500 block of Thorndyke.

Police contacted the driver, who told officers he did not have a license. Officers pulled the man out of his car and patted him down, and found several iPods on him. Inside the car, officers also found several more iPods, GPS equipment, and expensive graphing calculators laying on the driver’s seat. All told, police recovered three calculators, four iPods, 2 GPS systems, a Nintendo DS, a Zune, and a checkbook, as well as a pair of two backpacks, latex gloves, and a box cutter. The man was booked into King County Jail for investigation of theft and posession of stolen property. Police were able to identify the owners of the two iPods, Nintendo DS, GPS units, and checkbook found in the man’s car.

The police report comes from SeattleCrime.com.  This was also reported in the Magnolia Voice forum last week by DLiv. 

MAG has written a letter to the city Department of Development, claiming that Lexington is trying to gain maximum height – an extra 5 to 10 feet – on the homes so that most can be view homes.  They claim that this is completely out of character with the neighborhood.

The concern, as stated in the letter, is that soil appears to have been built up significantly outside the streets. 

MAG believes that the homes will loom over the neighborhood, with the look and feel of an isolated development incompatible in scale and design.

Lexington Fine Homes president John Cochenour said the grade may currently look higher due to the grading for the street, alleys and Briarcliff Lane.  He says the actual elevation of the house lots is very similar to the site elevation when the school was located on the site.

Buying a tree at the Lawton sale helps fund programs provided by the Lawton PTA that benefit all the children at the school. If you have questions you can email info@lawtonschool.org.  

In a letter sent to customers, Bank of America does not give a reason for the branch closure. Current customers are being directed to the branch in Ballard.  There is also a Bank of America in the Magnolia Village.

The biggest controversy was the dividing line between Ballard High School to the south with Ingraham High School to the north.  “Many families would’ve liked to have seen the boundary for Ballard to be further north than 85th St., especially those communities, North Beach, Blue Ridge, Olympic Manor, which now largely attend Ballard High School,” explained Seattle Schools Director Peter Maier. “I wish it would’ve been possible… but there simply isn’t the capacity at Ballard High School to do that while we’re serving the entire city.” 

They are collecting the used books, CDs, DVDs and software at 27 locations in Seattle, including the Magnolia Community Center.  The goal is to collect 2,000 pounds, by Monday, November 30.  They are asking anyone who doesn’t want to see their unwanted or outdated media to end up in a landfill to donate. 

Its a holiday tradition that takes place the Friday before Thanksgiving.  McGraw Street will be closed to traffic and shops and restaurants will have special treats for everyone. 

This is a great way to spend an evening with lots of good food and support our local merchants who usually go all out for this event. 

The Open House is open to all ages and it starts with the Christmas tree lighting at the Magnolia Garden Center.

This morning our sister site myballard had the opportunity to climb 55 feet down the scaffolding to the bottom of the large Lock and see the structure from a rare point of view.

 Here are the volunteers who are busy scraping barnacles off the walls. We are appreciative that myballard took on this assignment for us because they report the sound of the scraping is deafening and the smell is eye-watering.  Click here for the entire story. 

Located in the heart of the Magnolia Village across from Bartells, the townhomes range in size from 2,500 to 3,000 square feet.

Greg Walker from Windermere says that with the lower price, activity on the weekends is now brisk and they are getting more showings.  He says one agent expects to write an offer this week and he is confident that the new price will produce additional sales in the next few months. 

Walker says that developer and Magnolia resident Tim McHugh is actually losing money at the new price which is why they only reduced the price on four of the units.  He says McHugh will retain the other units, if necessary, until the market rebounds. 

The homes have high end finishes and each includes a private elevator.  There is a den/office space on the entry level, a main floor with kitchen and living room, guest room, bath and bonus room on the mid level and a top level master suite.

The grand opening event last February drew a big crowd but no buyers. 

Lexi has had a dramatic first two years of life. She was dropped off at the shelter a year ago because her people didn’t have time for her. Another family adopted her and found out that she is an excited, exuberant dog. 

The staff at the shelter realized that she was extremely smart and she was accepted into a working dog program that sniffs out animals in the wilderness. Lexi made it through the training and was sent to track grizzly bears in the Montana wilderness. She did great for four hours and then she wanted to go home. Unfortunately, she was supposed to work an eight hour shift. (I can relate to that!)

Lexi needs a forever home, ideally with adults who can work her body and mind. She excels at dog sports and has a ton of training. Lexi is great with other dogs and has lived with dog-savvy cats. She is crate-trained, potty-trained and clicker-trained.  In a home environment, Lexi can be intense, but with consistent guidance and training she is a fun dog to have around. If are looking for an athletic dog who loves the tennis ball and can accompany you to agility classes or on scent-tracking missions, Lexi is your girl.  She is in a foster home now. Click here for an application. 

Originally from New York, Wortis has traveled around the world to find inspiration for her work. She has exhibited at galleries and museums across the country and internationally.  

Swirl Wine Bar is located on McGraw Street in the Magnolia Village. 

Here is what one of the participants surveyed had this to say about the program:  ”I joined Magnolia in Motion because I liked the idea of being supported with bus tickets and alternative travel options. My truck died on Labor Day, and my 2-person family has decided to not replace the vehicle. We are traveling with our one car, as well as utilizing public transportation when and where available. Just wanted you to know that your program influenced my habits, and has led me to the decision to become a 1-car family!”

Sustainable Magnolia’s Transportation Team received two grants totaling nearly $30,000 for the ten week program that started in late July.

On Wednesday, a Magnolia Voice reader spotted a coyote in the 5400 block of 40th Ave West. 

Alaska Airlines representative received a round of applause after outlining the airline’s investment in Required Navigation Performance (RNP) technology that saves fuel and reduces noise.  Half of the flight operations at SeaTac come from Alaska and Horizon and using RNP enables their aircraft to fly safe, predictable and more efficient paths.  That means less noise for Magnolia and surrounding areas.

The audience said that airplane noise has gotten worse lately and people living near the water tower say it is loudest in that area.  One woman says she can’t even talk on the phone during the day when the planes fly by her home.  Others said the noise is at its worst in the early morning between 4a.m. and 6a.m.

Robert Burke, Airport Director, said there are up to eight cargo flights per day coming into Boeing Field.   Three of those are from UPS and Burke says they are working with UPS on an alternative approach that would reduce noise over Magnolia.  He encouraged residents to call the Boeing Field hotline at 206-205-5242 or email noise@kingcounty.gov. with any noise issues.  It is helpful to give the plane id if possible.  You can also call the SeaTac noise number at 206-433-5393.

One person said that as much as he appreciates the information, having a phone line to call is fruitless.  He said there should be a hotline for the FAA since they are the ones who control the aircraft movement and the airspace and its a waste of time to call the airports.

A representative from the FAA attended the meeting but when asked to speak said initially said he was only there to listen.

However, David Suomi, FAA Regional Administrator did eventually address the crowd, explaining that while the implementation of new technology is very complex, there is no doubt that the FAA is committed to reducing noise.  A number of people thanked Suomi for attending the meeting and listening to their concerns.

Girls Night Out in Magnolia Village runs from 6p.m. to 9p.m.  Shops and restaurants will be open with lots of special for the ladies. Dish it up! will have a mini cocktail class with Author AJ Rathbun featuring his new book. AJ will demonstrate and sample two cocktails.  Call to register at 281-7800.  At Vixen Day Spa & Boutique  you can check out the free Skin Bar event and sample Dermalogica products. Call 281-9399 to register.

Whole Foods is starting the holiday season with a fundraiser “Taste of Thanksgiving” sampling party tonight, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Interbay store.  For a $10 donation you get access to an array of the grocer’s finest holiday treats. All proceeds will go to the Pike Place Market Senior Center and Food Bank.

And the Magnolia Community Club holds a meeting tonight to deal with airplane noise in Magnolia.  Reps from SeaTac, Boeing Field and Alaska Airlines will be on hand.  The meeting starts at 7p.m. at the Blaine School cafeteria.

I was outside my house this morning at 5:00 a.m. and as I was cleaning the street drain across from my property I noticed a Coyote walking down 40th Av. W. at the 5400 block.  The Coyote continue to walk down the middle of the street headed north on 40th and then disappeared on to the hillside (Discovery Park) above the street.  The Coyote did not seem frightened by my presence and it may be something that needs to be reported to your readers, especially ones with pets.

If anyone else sees the coyote, let us know in comments below.

You can help the herons by installing new native trees & shrubs. The event is sponsored by Heron Habitat Helpers in partnership with EarthCorps, Green Seattle Partnership and Seattle Parks and Recreation Dept.  Parking is located in the lot of nearby Commodore Park at 3330 W Commodore Way.  You can register here.   

On July 30, Lighthart flagged down a bus driver outside Discovery Park in Seattle. He was dehydrated and had no identification, but was carrying $600 in his sock. He was admitted to Swedish Medical Center’s Cherry Hill campus, where he tried to organize the snippets of memories into clues.  His true identity was discovered when his picture was published and a reader in China recognized him as Lighthart, an educated business consultant who had taught English in Shanghai.  Rest of the story here.

This seems like a good time to remind you that there is a meeting tomorrow (11/12) regarding plane noise in Magnolia.  Representatives from SeaTac, Boeing Field and Alaska airlines will be on hand.  It starts at 7pm at the Blaine cafeteria.

Nutcracker blends lavish sets and costumes along with Tchaikovsky’s famous score performed by the PNB Orchestra to create a storybook world.   (Photo courtesy of Louisa Alvarez)

Because of their quick rise in popularity, they’re already expanding into a larger space next door to their café. The new location will also be used for upcoming gourmet baking classes and special events, so stay tuned.

Today a long line of parents formed at Ballard Pediatric as people waited to get the vaccine for their children at Ballard Pediatric.  My Ballard has the coverage here. 

Oreo loves to play. He has a personal stash of toys in his cage at the shelter and enjoys having visitors entertain him with his “feathers-on-a-fishing- pole” toy. His paperwork says that he tolerates other cats and his confident personality is a strong indicator that he would likely do fine with dogs as well.

Oreo’s owner dropped him off at the shelter in early August, so as you can imagine he is getting very tired of life in a cage. Please come visit Oreo and consider taking him home for the holidays. You will find him right up front in the shelter lobby.

Adoption information here.

The clinic is set for November 19 from 6 to 8p.m. at the Magnolia Community Center.

Police are still searching for a white or light-beige 1980 to 1983 Datsun 210 coupe (similar car shown above) that might have rear-window louvers and a defective right taillight. If you have any information regarding this case you can contact Seattle Police at 206-233-5000, anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 206-343-2020 or through a text message by texting TIP486 with a message, then sending that to 274637 (CRIMES).

This will be a chance to share concerns and ask questions about flight patterns over Magnolia.

Earlier: It’s a windy and rainy evening in Magnolia. Power is out in parts of the neighborhood and Silver posted in the forum about wires down at 3254 31st Ave. Writes My Ballard reader Brian:

“Did anybody see 3 giant blue flashes of light coming from Magnolia around 7:30 pm. It was the strangest thing I’ve ever seen. Somebody in front of us drove in to a tree on 15th after it lit up the sky. I think he was really hurt.”

There are also reports of house alarms going off, presumably because of the wind. Over on Queen Anne, much of the neighborhood is without power. What do you see? Share your weather stories in comments.