West Seattle, Washington
22 Friday
Two weather notes today:
SNOW-COATED OLYMPICS: The mountains across Puget Sound to our west put on a show today, as notable mountain snow arrived in The Olympics, after a longer-than-usual wait. The photo above is from Chris Frankovich; the photo below is from Brooke Gosztola:
The snow level in The Olympics is down to about 4,000 feet today, possibly falling to 3,000 feet tomorrow.
BLUSTERY MONDAY AHEAD: Here at (and near) sea level, tomorrow will be wet and windy. So far advisories and alerts are out for many parts of western Washington, but not our area yet; nonetheless, be ready for sustained winds to 20 mph, gusts past 30, out of the southwest.
Today's flyover features 2 EA-18G Growler Jets from the Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-140 Patriots out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.@USNavy | #AFFlyover pic.twitter.com/ifrmw7ceQb
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 3, 2024
Heard the military jets about half an hour ago? Confirmed via X/Twitter, that was a Seahawks flyover: “Today’s flyover features 2 EA-18G Growler Jets from the Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-140 Patriots out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.”
(Photos by Tom Trulin)
The salmon spawners have arrived in Fauntleroy Creek and right now, it’s your first big chance this season to try to see them firsthand. Creek stewards and volunteer salmon watchers are hosting an “open creek” along the stretch where you’re most likely to see them, which runs through private property, but you’ll be guided down to creekside if you go to the public overlook that’s right off the corner of upper Fauntleroy Way and SW Director [map].
This opportunity continues until 3 pm today. All ages welcome, but children should be with an adult and dogs should be leashed. Note that you might see dead fish as well as live ones – that’s the natural end of the spawning cycle.
Thanks to Mark Jaroslaw for the video! On Saturday, La Chingona Taqueria (2940 SW Avalon Way) celebrated Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) with performances including Aztec dancing and mariachi musicians, plus a procession to remember those who’ve gone before.
Family and friends have said goodbye to Donna McCallister and are sharing this remembrance:
Donna Lee McCallister peacefully passed away, surrounded by family and love, on October 23, 2024.
Born on August 17, 1946, in Seattle, Donna married her soulmate, Gary McCallister, on April 20, 1967, and together they built a life filled with warmth and laughter in West Seattle. Donna’s greatest joy was her family, and she cherished every moment spent with them. A gifted seamstress, she lovingly crafted clothes, quilts, and countless keepsakes, each stitch a testament to her care and artistry. Her love for sewing was matched only by her devotion to her family and loyal pets, all of whom she adored deeply.
Known affectionately as Mom, Mama Lee, and Nana, Donna’s presence was a constant source of comfort and joy, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she loved. Donna is survived by her beloved husband, Gary; her daughters, Heather (Edward) and Nina (Vince); and her cherished grandchildren, Bella, Lola, E.J., Avery, Olive, and Vinny. Her name and love are a legacy that will be carried forward by all who knew her. Donna will be dearly missed, her memory treasured by family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. A service celebrating her life was held on Friday at Forest Lawn Funeral Home.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
(Photo by Arlene Rubin, seen from Lincoln Park shore – note the faint rainbow)
Here are the highlights of what’s happening in our area today, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more listings). First, two traffic alerts:
DIA DE MUERTOS BRUNCH: Special weekend brunch at La Chingona Taqueria (2940 SW Avalon Way), 8 am-2 pm.
SWIM IN THE SOUND: At 9 am, dive into the weekly group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet for today’s run at 9 am at Uptown Espresso (Delridge/Andover).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: As usual, open 10 am-2 pm, with seasonal produce, plus beverages, baked goods, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
SMALL-BIZ POP-UP MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, see who’s selling what at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW).
DIA DE MUERTOS POP-UP: Milpa Masa (3416 SW Webster) hosts Rice, Beans, and Happiness, 10 am-2 pm.
(Work by Jenny Mandt, one of the participating artists – photo by Ana Cecilia Del Claro)
FAUNTLEROY FINE ART AND HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW FINALE: 11 am-2 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 18 artists and crafters want you to see what they’ve brought to the show for early holiday gift shopping, if you didn’t visit on Friday and/or Saturday.
‘OPEN CREEK’ TO SEE FAUNTLEROY SALMON: The spawners have started coming into Fauntleroy Creek, so volunteer salmon watchers are ready for you to visit in hopes of seeing them. 1-3 pm, go to the overlook at upper Fauntleroy/SW Director and wait to be called down to creekside.
MUSICIANS FOR THE WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: Carmaig and Geddon and A Band of Poets, welcoming donations of money/food for WSFB, 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
PRE-ELECTION PRAYER VIGIL: 5-6 pm “safe, contemplative space for people to gather” at Peace Lutheran Church (39th/Thistle), all welcome.
‘BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT’: Last in a series of Sunday night events at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW):
We are pleased to be able to offer this series to our community and invite all who are interested in learning more about the history and future of the Duwamish tribe and the effects of colonization on the Indigenous community to join us.
5 pm-6 pm, no RSVP required.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be listed on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Just email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
This time police are searching for a robber on Delridge Way, using a K-9 team. This holdup is reported to have happened in the 7100 block of Delridge – which would be the gas station on the northeast corner of Delridge/Orchard – at 11:11 pm. The robber is described as a white man, 20 to 30, 5’6″, blue face mask, white puffer jacket, and dark jeans. Call 911 if you have any info.
Two fish tales tonight:
ELLIOTT BAY LEAPING: We’ve been hearing about this for a while, and finally got some video from Brian. People ask why the fish are leaping; theories include trying to rid themselves of lice!
(added Sunday) Thanks to John Saalwaechter for video with a closer view of the jumping fish:
(back to original Saturday night report) FAUNTLEROY CREEK COHO: On the eve of Sunday’s “open creek” (go to the overlook at upper Fauntleroy/SW Director and wait to be called down), 1-3 pm, creek steward Judy Pickens tells us that volunteer watchers have counted 17 spawners in the creek so far. “Despite the rain and cold, our watchers are doing a great job documenting the fish and creek conditions.”
Passengers aboard a RapidRide C-Line bus are reporting possible injuries after a collision at 35th/Avalon, No visual so far but police say they’re blocking eastbound Avalon at the scene, and they’re looking for a hit-run driver who might have caused the crash, possibly after leaving an apartment/condo garage nearby.
8:03 PM: Police are investigating an armed robbery at the Admiral Way 7-11 less than half an hour ago. They say three teenage Black male robbers in black ski masks and dark clothing, with at least one gun, took the cash drawer. They left in what’s believed to have been a blue Hyundai Elantra.
ADDED TUESDAY: SPD has finally released the summary:
At 1940 hours, three suspects drove up to a convenience store located in the 4300 block of SW Admiral Wy. Three suspects entered the store, and one held the door open. The two suspects went to the back of the counter and showed the victim a gun. One of the suspects took the cash register, and they exited. The suspects left in a newer model blue vehicle.
Cross country continues to be a success story in fall sports for both of our area’s largest high schools. Today we have updates from Chief Sealth International High School:
Congratulations to Chief Sealth International High School’s girls’ cross country team for winning the 2A Sea-King District Championship this week at Lower Woodland! Runners Federica Dilley, Doe Doe, Elena Latterell, and Casey Greger also earned all-district honors in the race. The win advances the team to the WIAA State Cross Country Championships in Pasco on November 9th! It will mark the first return to State for the Chief Sealth girls XC team since their 1975 state championship-winning run.
(Pictured: Chief Sealth’s girls state XC qualifiers Federica Dilley, Doe Doe, Elena Latterell, Casey Greger, Paige Dempsey, Satomi Giedeman and Abby Peloza with Coaches Miguel Bautista and Charlie McDonald)
Additional congratulations to the Chief Sealth boys XC team, who finished fourth in the race (one spot out of team-qualifying) and had three runners advance to State as individuals: Remy Wittman (all-district), Cole Peloza, and Forest Andrews-Wehling. They will be the first boys XC runners from Chief Sealth to compete at State since 1987.
(Pictured: Chief Sealth’s boys state XC qualifiers Forest Andrews-Wehling, Remy Wittman and Cole Peloza)
See the full district championship race results here.
4:24 PM: Thanks for the tips. The West Seattle low bridge is malfunctioning again; one reader who’s been waiting says they were told it could be a “few minutes or few hours” – the gates aren’t working. So use an alternate route for now (we know, easier said than done if you’re using human-powered transportation).
6:14 PM: Still not fixed, after more than two hours.
8:43 PM: Just checked the camera for the first time in a while. The bridge is back in service. We’ll follow up with SDOT.
(WSB photo, November 2023)
With Thanksgiving less than four weeks away, it’s time for planning to heat up. One essential event on the peninsula is the annual Holiday Taste at West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor), and it’s now just days away – 4 to 7 pm this Thursday (November 7). The store offers samples of its own prepared holiday feasts, and they also host vendors who serve up samples of their own – breads, cheeses, desserts, beverages, more. No admission charge and no RSVP needed, but keep in mind, it can get crowded!
Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The Wildcats from West Seattle High School hosted Bishop Blanchet High School on Friday under the lights at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, with the visiting Bears coming out on top, 30-16.
With 3:08 left in the first quarter, Blanchet scored on a touchdown run and extra point to take a 7-0 lead.
The second quarter was a tradeoff of turnovers between both teams, and WSHS missed a field goal at the end of the quarter, with the score remaining 7-0 Blanchet at halftime.
With 6:53 left in the third quarter, the Wildcats scored on a touchdown run and 2-point conversion to take a slim 8-7 lead into the final quarter.
In that fourth quarter, though, Bears stormed back with 23 unanswered points (a safety, two touchdown passes, and a touchdown run) to go up 30-8. The Wildcats scored on a touchdown pass and 2-point conversion with 1:47 left in the game, to make it 30-16 at the final whistle.
Coach Anthony Stordahl‘s WSHS squad moves to 5-5 for the year, and finishes the regular season next week as they host Ballard on Thursday, November 7, at 4:30 PM at NCSWAC.
That’s the newest of West Seattle’s four King County Elections dropboxes, installed earlier this year on the west side of the 6400 block of California SW, by Morgan Junction Park. The dropboxes are open around the clock until 8 pm (sharp!) on Tuesday night – don’t roar up at 8:01 and expect a grace period. The other three, north to south, are:
South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) – 6000 16th SW, drive onto campus from south entrance on northbound 16th, If you’re driving or riding, this one brings your best chance of getting out of your car or off your bike to quickly deposit your ballot,
The Junction – South side of SW Alaska, east of 44th SW – the West Seattle Junction Association says traffic control is expected to be in place by 12:30 pm Tuesday
High Point Library – south side of SW Raymond just east of 35th SW
For those in southernmost West Seattle, the dropbox at White Center Library (1409 SW 107th) may be convenient. It’s on the east side of the building, off the parking lot. And of course, you can return your ballot via USPS mail – but ensure it’s postmarked Tuesday or sooner,
P.S. As of this morning, 48.7 percent of Seattle voters’ ballots had been received by KC Elections; here’s how to track the status of yours. … And our Election Night party list is up to five.
11:23 AM: If you have brown water in the Beach Drive or Seaview area this morning, this could be to blame. Water is still flowing – though not in a big way – this morning on and from the vicinity of 5966 Beach Drive SW [map], where a break was reported overnight (thanks to Peter for the tip). The Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map says almost 60 homes were affected.
2:16 PM: SPU spokesperson Brad Wong tells us repairs were completed and service restored just before 2 pm.
Thanks to James Bratsanos for the photos! This morning rainbow was visible from west-facing West Seattle:
The National Weather Service says rain is likely off and on through the weekend, with another round of heavy rain due Monday,
(Friday sunbreak before sunset – photo by Carol Ann Joyce)
The first weekend of November is here, and so are these highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
DIA DE MUERTOS BRUNCH: Special weekend brunch at La Chingona Taqueria (2940 SW Avalon Way), 8 am-2 pm.
THE DOWNTOWN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 9-11 am, this independent, urban-setting high school (WSB sponsor) invites prospective families to visit. (160 John St., downtown)
VACCINATION CLINIC: School clinic, but community’s welcome too – flu and COVID shots available, 9 am-3 pm at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle).
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: Bring your furry (or scaled, or …) animal companions to 6115 SW Hinds (front courtyard) for the Alki UCC/Kol HaNeshamah “Blessing of the Animals” service, 9:30 am.
WEST SEATTLE TAE KWON DO: First session of November, all levels welcome, 9:30 am at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW)
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others taking a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.
FAUNTLEROY FINE ART AND HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW, DAY 2: 18 artists and “artistic crafters” are showing and selling their creations, like these by Gretchen Curtis:
10 am-4 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW).
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Gardening season is year-round! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.
GRIEFSHARE 13-WEEK GROUP BEGINS: 10:30 am at Grace Church (10023 28th SW), a new series begins. Our calendar listing has signup info,
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
GET YOUR FLEE BAG IN 45 MINUTES: Preparedness has never been so fun and fast. Join Alice Kuder from Just in Case for this free 45-minute session at 11 am.
Alice will also reveal the two most important steps you can take to be ready for “the big one” or any other natural disaster, plus more essential tips for safeguarding your home and loved ones. Small group and time for Q & A. Register at bit.ly/49cAGNM or by email: Alice@JustInCasePlans.com
This will be at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW).
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
PUMPKIN JUNCTION: Last day for the annual celebration of pumpkin beers and ciders! At The Beer Junction (4511 California SW), open noon-midnight.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
TILDEN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Individualized K-5 education in West Seattle for almost 40 years! Come to Tilden School (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) today for an open house 1-3 pm and see for yourself.
MUSIC AND MYSTERY: Local musicians and writers discuss the connection, 1-2:30 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).
GRIEF WORKSHOP: Heart Tending Grief Workshop with Listening to Grief and Daish Wellness and Coaching, 1-6 pm, explained in our calendar listing, $82. (Bohemian Studios, 4801 Fauntleroy Way SW)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
’90S PARTY: Nostalgic for the ’90s? 5-10 pm, you’ll want to be at Whisky West (6451 California SW) – party details in our calendar listing.
SPARKLE AND SHINE GALA: Sold out, but in case you wonder what’s going on at The Hall at Fauntleroy tonight, it’s all about a foundation inspired by a little girl named Lucy, dedicated to ending childhood cancer.
LAST NIGHT FOR ‘NIGHTFALL’: One more chance to see this haunted experience at a private residence, 5:30-9:30 pm – location info on the “Nightfall” website.
LAAMB AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, free in-store concert, all ages. (4559 California SW)
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Circle of Songs, 7 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
AT THE SKYLARK: The Harper Conspiracy, The Thursday Collective, doors at 7, music at 8. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Topspin. (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
FALL BACK: Tonight we “fall back” into Pacific Standard Time – when 2 am Sunday arrives, it’ll become 1 am Sunday, and the sun will start setting before 5 pm.
West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
11:47 PM: Police are blocking Admiral at Olga because of what’s described as a one-car crash on the embankment. No visual, and no mention of serious injuries, but they’re trying to head off the eastbound/southbound traffic before the crash scene.
12:44 AM: One lane still closed on eastbound/southbound Admiral.
12:49 AM … and now Admiral’s fully open again.
Thanks to Barry White for the report and photos from a historic achievement for West Seattle High School‘s cross country runners:
It was a great day at the Sea-King 3A District Championships on Thursday for the West Seattle HS XC runners and Head Coach Shelley Neal. This was the first time in program history that a full boys’ and girls’ team qualified for Districts at the same time.
Congrats to Aran Connolly, Lukas Doig, Clara Peak, and Daisy Pierson, who qualified individually for the WIAA State XC Championship next weekend in Pasco. Doig, Peak, and Pierson all ran PRs on the tough Lower Woodland course. The boys’ and girls; teams both finished 10th overall.
Our two Unified team runners, Elliott Weinmann and Garrison Etheridge, also qualified for State. They and their running partners Liam Baier and Ryan Wade will compete in the first-ever State Unified XC race in Pasco on 11/9 at 2:00 PM.
7:20 PM: Thanks to Jamie Kinney for the video from today’s Southern Resident Killer Whales “superpod” visit! He explains, “Here is an initial video of J, K, and L pods passing by Alki Point. There were easily 40 or more orcas in total across the three groups. I recorded this from Constellation Park, where ~30+ people were enjoying the experience. As I was heading home, I saw more than 150 people watching the whales from the western end of Alki Beach.” Jamie promises more visuals later tonight; we’ll add when we get them.
9:36 PM: From Jamie’s gallery (which you can see here):
The Southern Residents come into the central Sound this time of year chasing their favorite food, salmon – so it’s all intertwined with other sightings, like the coho in Fauntleroy and Longfellow Creeks. (Check out Fauntleroy Creek’s coho during this Sunday’s “open creek.”)
Halloween is segueing right into the holiday season this year. The Fauntleroy Fine Art & Holiday Gift Show has opened its three-day run at Fauntleroy Church, and we have photos of some of the artists and their work – above, Diane Bellisario; below, Kristen Miller:
Judy Pickens provides the overview:
The 15th annual Fauntleroy Fine Art & Holiday Gift Show will be open this evening at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California Ave. SW) until 8 pm to showcase the creative talents of 18 local artists and artistic crafters. Our calendar listing includes the list of artists. Show hours Saturday will be 10 am-4 pm and Sunday hours will be 11 am-2 pm in Fellowship Hall.
Here’s the work of Yuchen Lin:
Thanks to Ana Cecilia Del Claro for the photos.
… what do you do with the pumpkins? Here’s one solution …
Mark sent the photo and explains, “Two pumpkins each weighing more than 400 pounds were trucked today from Metropolitan Market to a farm in Enumclaw. ‘Yeah, the pigs just love ’em,’ the crew said.”
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