Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why West Seattle’s only overnight shelter may soon go dark

Also, don't miss Weekend First Sphere Course - Learn the Art of Ascension on the Seattle Patch calendar

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Sunday December 21st Patch AM
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Hello again Seattle! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why West Seattle’s only overnight shelter may soon go dark
  • Could a rat really come up your Seattle toilet?
  • How cameras helped SPD track a suspect after a downtown bus assault

Also on today's calendar: Weekend First Sphere Course - Learn the Art of Ascension and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in Seattlefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Seattlefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: Cloudy with showers, with a high of 48 and low of 40 degrees.
  • Monday: Afternoon rain, temps: high: 48, low: 41.
  • Tuesday: An a.m. shower; mostly cloudy, with a high of 48 and low of 41 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Westside Neighbors Shelter reducing overnight operations due to lack of funding (westseattleblog.com) — West Seattle’s only overnight shelter, Westside Neighbors Shelter in the Triangle, plans to scale back to cold-weather-only nights after December 31 unless it can quickly raise about $26,000 a month to cover costs. Leaders describe how security, administration support from a Burien church, and community concerns have strained finances, though the daytime warming center and coordination with Seattle Police will continue.
   

2. Health Officials Warn of ‘Toilet Rats' Following Washington Flooding (newsweek.com) — Seattle and King County health officials are warning residents that recent historic flooding and aging combined sewers could very rarely push rats up through toilets, especially in older neighborhoods. They outline step-by-step instructions for safely flushing the animals away, disinfecting surfaces, and reporting incidents, while Seattle Public Utilities tracks multiple sewer overflows tied to the December storms.
   

3. Man arrested for punching Sound Transit bus driver in the face (kiro7.com) — Seattle police arrested a 25-year-old man after a Sound Transit bus driver was punched in the face late Monday night near 3rd Avenue and Stewart Street downtown. Officers used Real Time Crime Center camera footage to identify the suspect, who was later booked into King County Jail for third-degree assault after multiple witnesses reported the attack.
   

4. Fran's Chocolates, LTD. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Hazelnuts in Fran's Pure Bar AlmondMilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based Product (fda.gov) — If you bought Fran’s Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based from any of Fran’s four Seattle shops or online this fall, check your cupboards now. The company is recalling 112 bars because they may contain undeclared hazelnuts, posing a serious risk to people with nut allergies, and is offering full refunds for affected products.
   

5. $1M in disaster cash assistance available to WA residents impacted by flooding – KIRO 7 News Seattle (kiro7.com) — Seattle-area residents affected by recent flooding, along with others across King County and much of Washington, can now apply for up to $1,662 in emergency cash assistance. The state’s Disaster Cash Assistance Program runs through Jan. 15, 2026, is open regardless of citizenship status, and applications can be completed by phone, online, or at local DSHS offices.
   

📸 Around Seattle

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Seattle

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📣 Seattle Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Sunday December 21
  • Storytime at the Garden for K-2
    Sharp Cabin , 12001 Main St. , Bellevue
    1:00 pm
  • Garden d'Lights
    Garden Grounds , 12001 Main Street , Bellevue
    4:30 pm
    • Tuesday December 23
  • Bellevue Community Resource Center
    Bellevue Library , 1111 110th Avenue NE , Bellevue
    1:30 pm
    • Friday December 26
  • Teen Dungeons & Dragons Meet-Up
    Bellevue Library , 1111 110th Avenue NE , Bellevue
    4:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Sam Kottlowski
    1:23 pm Because our policies have recently changed, we ask that you carefully follow the provided guidelines to ensure all actions are completed… (Nextdoor North Beacon Hill)
  • LOLA HAS BEEN REUNITED WITH HER OWNER!!
    Found dog, all black with white toes, female, found at 16th and Henderson. Leash and collar attached, no tags or microchip. Currently at emergency… (Nextdoor South Delridge)
  • American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. posted a job opening for Aerie - Stock Associate - Evening (Off-Hours) in Seattle. Apply here.
  • Worldwide Flight Services posted a job opening for Ramp Service Clerk in Seattle. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Seattle here.

Ok Seattle! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
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