West Seattle, Washington
22 Saturday
(Seen on the Sound – photo by Mike Burns)
Here’s what’s happening in West Seattle today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and newly launched Holiday Guide (got something to add? please send info!):
WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE: Drop donations of warm clothing in the bin at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3435 California SW; WSB sponsor), 9 am-5 pm weekdays.
BABY STORY TIME: Also at Southwest Library, 12 pm-12:30 pm.
HOMEWORK HELP: Free drop-in homework help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4 pm to 5:45 pm.
REMINDER – LIGHT RAIL FORUM POSTPONED: Originally announced for tonight but happening next Monday instead.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players included!
LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group for people experiencing grief – participate once, occasionally, or every week. Fee; book a spot here. (4034 California SW)
COMEDY AT OTTER ON THE ROCKS! Monthly chance to laugh, 7 pm, presented by West Seattle’s own Cozy Comedy. Ticket link is in our calendar listing. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
LIVE IN-STORE AT EASY STREET: The Happy Fits, 7 pm, all ages, free. But you have to buy their new album to participate in the signing/meet-greet part of the night. (4559 California SW)
MOVIE MONDAY AT BENBOW ROOM: Two classic movies every Monday at 7 pm – tonight “Good Will Hunting” and “The Fisher King.” (4210 SW Admiral Way)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 3: Three places to play tonight! 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ALKI MEDITATION: Doors open at 6:45 for 7 pm meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players are invited to The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: South-end Monday night meditation – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Mondays, sing karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks to EVERYONE who sends info for our calendar and Holiday Guide; if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather next Saturday to celebrate the life of Denise Liftin. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now:
In Loving Memory of Denise Liftin
August 6, 1960 – November 13, 2025Denise Liftin, 65, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Manhasset, New York, Denise’s vibrant spirit and sense of adventure carried her through a life full of love, creativity, and laughter.
A proud graduate of Dobbs Ferry High School, the University of Michigan, and the University of Washington, Denise brought curiosity and compassion to everything she did. She built a warm and loving family with her husband Marc and their children Daniel and Annie, who were the center of her world. She is also survived by her mother Phyllis Liftin and her sister Amy Vitale, and was preceded in death by her father Shelly Liftin.
Denise had a gift for finding beauty in everyday life. An avid walker, gardener, and cyclist, she once biked all the way from Michigan to New York. She loved being outdoors with her camera, always noticing the small things most people would walk right past. Her photography was recognized by The Seattle Times, where she placed in one of their photo competitions. She also found joy in the simple pleasures: a scoop (or two) of ice cream, a great album, a fierce game of pickleball, and the discovery of a new Trader Joe’s snack. She was known to embark on “troll adventures,” exploring hidden corners of the Pacific Northwest with her signature curiosity and humor.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Denise’s life on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, from 1-4 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy in West Seattle. All who knew and loved her are welcome to join in honoring her memory.
Denise will be remembered for her warmth, creativity and the way she made the world brighter one walk, one photo, and one laugh at a time.
We welcome you to share memories, photos, and condolences on the guestbook, located at:
emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/denise-liftinArrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
(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)
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, November 17, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: More rain expected, high in the low 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:18 am; sunset will be at 4:30 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is on a three-boat schedule, with M/V Cathlamet, M/V Kittitas (back from maintenance), and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any changes.
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes.
Water Taxi – regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, maritime-opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes:
(November 6 SPD photo)
STOLEN-TRUCK CRASH DRIVER CHARGED: The 31-year-old man arrested after crashing a stolen Ford Ranger into a tree at Fauntleroy/Juneau a week and a half ago is now charged. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed felony charges of stolen-vehicle possession and DUI against David Rivera-Frausto of Bellevue. The charging documents say he has an extensive criminal history including a prior auto-theft-related charge, burglary, and car prowling. He tried to run after the crash, police say, but an officer happened to be nearby, recovering an unrelated stolen car, and saw the Ranger going “50 to 60 mph” just before hitting the tree. Rivera-Frausto allegely claimed a friend had been driving the Ranger, which had been stolen from a Tukwila register, but police say they found no evidence of another person in the driver’s seat. Rivera-Frausto remains in jail, in lieu of $75,000 bail.
GUNFIRE INVESTIGATION: A brief report summary released by police tonight says they found evidence of gunfire last night in the 9400 block of 27th SW after a 911 caller reported one possible shot. According to police-radio recordings, the call around 6:38 pm came from the unit they confirmed was hit by a bullet. No injuries and no suspect description.
ACCUSED BUSINESS HARASSER ARRESTED: Via SPD Blotter, police reported a November 5th arrest of a man who allegedly violated a court order requiring him to stay at least 1,000 feet away from a business in The Triangle. When they found him that morning, officers say he was only 350 feet away. SPD says “the suspect has repeatedly been seen harassing, laughing at, mocking, flipping off, and threatening the employees of the business,” and that he’s been trespassed from other businesses in the area; this business tried that first and then had to escalate to obtaining a court order. The SPD post adds that he “has previous felony convictions for Assault, Harassment-threats to kill, and narcotics violations.” After this arrest, the 42-year-old suspect, Dawit Y. Gebre, was booked into jail, and subsequently charged with two city-code crimes, court-order violation and drug possession, Jail and Municipal Court records show he spent eight days in jail, originally in lieu of $2,500 bail, then was released this past Thursday after a judge granted his request for personal recognizance; the docket says the city “did not object.” Gebre is due back in Municipal Court early next year.
The Admiral Neighborhood Association usually holds its every-other-month gatherings on second Tuesdays, but this time it’s on the third Tuesday – two nights away. Different location this time, too – West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor), whose spacious headquarters double as a venue for performances, art receptions, and as in this case, community meetings. As previewed on the ANA website, the meeting is expected to include an update from SPD (bring crime/safety questions if you have them), the latest on plans for the Admiral Winter Wonderland holiday celebration, and a vote on next year’s officers. All are welcome, 7 pm Tuesday.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Fauntleroy Community Association‘s board met this past week, for a meeting mostly featuring short updates, no guest presenters:
CROSSING FLAGS: FCA has long been placing these at various crossings in the area, and they’re depleted, president Frank Immel said, particularly by the ferry dock; board member Bill Wellington said he’d noticed one flag basket was on the ground rather than on the pole (he has 50 that can be used for replenishment) – Immel said he has fasteners. So the problem will be addressed
CROSSING AT SW ROSE: The FCA is still concerned about its design (as shown earlier this year) – some wondered if it’s “overdesigned” – though pleased it does contain a pushbutton-activated signal for crossers. Vice president Catherine Bailey also said she’s glad this will calm/slow traffic. Immel said he’d had a few questions out to SDOT for a while but no reply yet. They’re hoping project-team reps will come to a future meeting.
CULVERT UPDATE: With Seattle Public Utilities‘ 45th SW Fauntleroy Creek culvert-replacement project looming, board members wanted to talk about where they and the community are at with readiness for it. One attendee who recently moved from the project zone said his former neighbors are worried about the logistics of the work, which is expected to close 45th SW to through traffic for two years. Board member Alan Grainger noted that the bottom line remains, “we’re going to have a much-improved environment for the salmon.” There’s still concern, however, that not enough people know this is coming, and more people who live in the area need to come to a meeting and see how it’s going to work and ask questions.” (SPU had a meeting last month; here’s our coverage.) FCA thinks the community should be getting more, and more-frequent, messages about it, and plans to suggest that to the city.
FERRY DOCK: Immel, long the FCA’s point person on ferry issues, recapped the final Community Advisory Group meeting held recently (WSB coverage here) and the general outline with which WSF is going into environmental studies. The project is not yet fully funded, and that’s a big issue, Immel observed.
COVE PARK: Some of the art in the small beach park north of the ferry dock has been damaged, board member Mardi Clements said, and is working on what can be done about it – the raven’s “sun” was stolen (not the first time that sculpture’s been damaged), and there’s a chunk smashed out of the canoe. They’re talking to the county, which now controls the site, about repairs.
$ UPDATE: Grainger, who serves as treasurer, said the Fauntleroy Fall Festival was within about $600 of breaking even, so FCA is contributing to cover that gap.
SURVEY THIS YEAR? FCA is the only community council that regularly surveys residents and businesses. (See the 2023 results here.) Before the next one, they want to focus on building up their email address database. They talked about ways to simplify it, maybe asking people to rank community issues, adding their own priority if it’s not on the list. Board members thought it might be best to develop a “mini-survey” this time.
DIGITAL PROFILE: The group is still grappling with maximizing its online channels – in brainstorming, some wondered, could they find a volunteer? Or maybe send email to its subscriber list more than the current once a quarter – provided there’s good information that’s worth readers’ while.
WHAT’S NEXT: No December meeting, so they’re reconvening in January (6 pm Tuesday, January 13).
With high-school basketball season starting soon, Chief Sealth International High School Basketball is not only practicing, but also launching “Play It Forward” – supporters sent this explanation of what it’s all about and how the wider community will benefit too:
Chief Sealth Basketball Launches “Play It Forward,” A Community Effort to Boost Students and Spirit
Something special is taking shape at Chief Sealth International High School this fall.
The school’s basketball teams have united to launch a new initiative called Play It Forward, a community-based campaign that blends basketball, service, and hope. The goal is to raise $8,000 by November 30, to equip student-athletes with needed gear while also inspiring them to give back through community service.
For every $100 raised, players will complete one hour of service, tutoring younger students, volunteering at local events, or helping neighbors in need. The idea is simple but powerful: when the community invests in its youth, those same young people invest right back
.
Like many of our local public schools, Chief Sealth has faced some difficult years, yet the students continue to demonstrate remarkable talent, heart, and leadership on and off the court.“Our kids show up every day with heart and purpose, and they hear all the things about being the ‘other’ school in West Seattle,” says Boys Head Coach Ja’Lyn Combs. “As someone who works in the building and preaches community to our students and staff, what better way to invite the community to be more involved in some of the great things happening with our student-athletes.”
Play It Forward is designed to give these students visible reminders of that pride. From warm-ups, backpacks, and uniforms to transportation to games outside of the Metro League, these things remind them that they belong, that they matter, and that they represent something bigger than themselves.
“Basketball is just the starting point,” said Combs. “We’re building young men and women who understand discipline, service, and pride in where they come from. Every hour of community work our players do matters. It’s how we change the story for Sealth because there is nothing like giving back to the community that shows up to support you.”
Both the Boys and Girls coaches are deeply invested in mentoring student-athletes beyond basketball, helping them build confidence, character, and community awareness.
Meet the Coaches Leading the Charge
Girls’ Head Coach Wilfredo Pablo is a Chief Sealth graduate who returned to give back to the school that shaped him. He also runs Trill Drills and Skills, a local youth basketball academy focused on fundamentals, fun, and personal growth.
Boys’ Head Coach Ja’Lyn Combs, now in his second year, brings championship experience from the Garfield High School basketball program and works as the Restorative Practice Coordinator for Chief Sealth’s Restorative Practice Program.
“This is more than a fundraiser,” added Girls Head Coach Will Pablo. “It’s about keeping the community spirit going and helping these young people build pride, unity, and a sense of belonging, reminding everyone that Chief Sealth’s story is one of growth, resilience, and strength.”
How to Get Involved
Community members are invited to donate, attend games, and follow the students’ progress as they “play it forward” through service projects and team milestones.
To contribute or learn more, visit our fundraising page here!
Chief Sealth Girls Basketball | Metro League
Chief Sealth Boys Basketball | Metro LeagueBecause a win for our students is a win for the Community, and a win for our future.
Both varsity teams’ first games of the season are set for December 1st.
(Photo courtesy Puget Soundkeeper)
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Nearly 60 volunteers gathered Saturday at Dragonfly Pavilion for a salmon-season Longfellow Creek cleanup event hosted by Puget Soundkeeper and Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association. The event was a way for community members to become stewards of their environment, said Tanya Balaji, a Stewardship and Education Manager with Puget Soundkeeper.
Balaji, who has a background in oceanography and biology, has been working with Puget Soundkeeper for just over a year, and says it’s been a great experience. Volunteers were signing up through Friday night, even during the downpour, and according to Balaji, there were surprisingly few cancellations.
(WSB photos from here down)
The cleanup had two goals. First, to help clean up the waterway and surrounding area ahead of winter. “Restoration work helps nurture a better habitat,” Balaji said. It is also a chance to highlight the yearly Salmon Survey, involving a rotating group of volunteers who check on Longfellow Creek every day of spawning season, counting live and dead salmon. (We’re expecting the total seasonal count to be made public on Monday.)
During the event, volunteers were encouraged to stop by and chat with the survey teams, to learn more about vital conservation efforts. In addition to keeping track of the population, the survey teams are on the lookout for Urban Runoff Mortality Syndrome (URMS), a sometimes devastating condition caused by chemical runoff from car tires. URMS is specifically dangerous to coho salmon, and Puget Soundkeeper’s teams are monitoring it as a key step toward protecting waterways.
A team of four survey members, including Puget Soundkeeper volunteer Tallie, found two salmon, a male and a female, just before noon Saturday. After wading into the creek and retrieving the fish, survey members perform a quick necropsy on the salmon.
Tallie said they’re searching for three key features. First, whether or not the tail is still present. Because survey teams work on different days, they mark salmon they’ve already recorded by severing the end of the tail. If the salmon still has a tail, they check for an adipose fin, a small fin located on the back of the fish. Salmon grown in hatcheries have this fin removed, which allows the team to determine which salmon are wild, and which trace to hatcheries.
Finally, and in a show that drew a crowd of volunteers, they check each salmon to see if it’s spawned. Here’s Tallie, holding up a small female salmon to cheering from the crowd, as she revealed that it did manage to spawn.
“I didn’t think I would like it at first,” said Tallie, who’s been volunteering for two years, “but it’s kinda cool to see.” Overall, she says the season has been good, though Saturday was an outlier, with no living salmon spotted by noon.
Beyond keeping the environment clean, events at Longfellow Creek also help keep younger people active in their communities, said Mark Dorsey, who attended Saturday with a group of students from Unleash the Brilliance. Founded in 2008 by Mark’s brother Terrell, Unleash the Brilliance is a nonprofit that aims to help youth stay engaged with their education, especially youth facing challenges that may result in reckless behavior, said Dorsey.
He says it’s been incredibly rewarding to see younger people get involved in stewarding their environment. “Before, you’d see kids just standing around on their phones,” Dorsey said, “But now they’re competing to see who can pick up the most trash, or plant the most trees. They’re all competing to see who can do better.”
For more information, to donate, or to volunteer with Puget Soundkeeper, check their website here. For more information about Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, go here.
3:08 PM: Police are closing Alki Avenue between 61st and 62nd after a hit-run crash that is reported to have injured a 2-year-old child. The victim is reported to be ‘awake and alert’ so the initially large SFD response is being reduced. Police are looking for a gray Toyota RAV-4 with a dent on the passenger side, plate possibly starting with CDX.
(Added: Photo by Cami MacNamara)
3:27 PM: Police just told dispatch that they’re reopening Alki Avenue. Medics were taking the child to a hospital; we’ll be following up with SFD for an update.
4:25 PM: SFD tells us the victim was a 5-year-old boy who was in stable condition when taken to Harborview Medical Center. We’ll follow up with SPD to find out whether they found/find the driver.
WEDNESDAY UPDATE: The missing man has been found; we’ve removed his photo.
Previously:
Every year we put together – and frequently update – a mega-list of local holiday events and info, the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide. We’ve just published the first 2025 version, featuring everything we’ve received (or found) info about, so far. The Holiday Guide covers pre-Thanksgiving through New Year’s and breaks down the contents into lists including Thanksgiving (starting with holiday-food ordering deadlines), holiday bazaars/sales/business open houses, concerts, other performances, Santa photo ops, Christmas Ship visits, Christmas tree sales, donation drives/fundraisers, holiday decorations, public Hanukkah celebrations, local shopping spotlights, more … We also spotlight practical information as each holiday gets closer – which grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops are open, for example.
As always when we launch the guide, some of this info isn’t available yet (like “which restaurants are open on Thanksgiving?”) but we’re continuing to research and gather, so as more info and announcements arrive, we’ll continue updating the guide. This year and every year, your help is VERY important – you might see something we haven’t seen/received yet, or you might be planning something for your organization/school/church. Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com and we’ll get it listed. We’ll include White Center and South Park events if the info is sent to us, but West Seattle is the focus. We’re here to help make sure you know about all your options all season long! You can find the guide any time at westseattleblog.com/holiday, as well as on our menu/navigation bar, whichever device you’re using. Check back often because we’ll be updating at least once a day!
(Photographer Jerry Simmons captioned this, ‘Hanging On’)
Here are today’s highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more listings!) and inbox:
VACCINE CLINIC: Last of the community clinics for flu and COVID shots at local schoold, 9 am-3 pm at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW), info in our calendar listing,
WESTIES RUN CLUB: This week’s 9 am Sunday Funday run starts at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Weekly games are back at the new location of The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
SUNDAY MORNING MEDITATION: Small-group class at 9:30 am at Mama Be Well (4034-A California SW); preregistration info is in our calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open as usual in its regular spot on California between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in late-fall produce season – roots, greens, peppers, mushrooms, garlic, more – plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, more.
KNEIGHBORHOOD KNIVES: The knife-sharpening pop-up is back at Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW), 10 am-5 pm.
FREE NIA CLASS: New start time – 10:15 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
FOOD DRIVE AT ALKI UCC: 11 am-3 pm, this month’s drop-off donation drive outside the church focuses on food – details including the wish list are in our preview. (6115 SW Hinds)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
(Photo by Ana Del Claro from this year’s Fauntleroy Art Show)
FAUNTLEROY ART SHOW: Last of three days for the show/sale at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) – participants are listed in our calendar listing. Open 11 am-3 pm today.
FOOD DRIVE & SIGN-HOLDING: West Seattle Resist‘s Sunday 11:30 am-1:30 pm sign-holding events also include a drop-off food drive through the rest of the year. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)
SAUNA AND BEER: Noon-5 pm, the portable sauna from Good Day Sauna will be at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) for $25 sessions.
HOLIDAY PHOTOS AT THE ELVES’ COTTAGE: Noon-4:30 pm again today, preregistration required. (2332 California SW)
EXPLORER WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 1-2:30 pm, Explorer West Middle School (10015 28th SW; WSB sponsor) opens the doors: “Families exploring middle school options are invited to visit Explorer West (grades 6–8) for a brief program, self-guided tours, and classroom activities. All are welcome.”
DISASTER PREP FOR THE MOBILITY IMPAIRED: How can you prepare for the unthinkable if you’re mobility-impaired? Preparedness coach Alice Kuder will show you, 1 pm at High Point Library. (3411 SW Raymond)
SUNDAY SCIENCE PARTY: 2 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW):
Why do people have allergies? Could getting dirty actually be good for you? Should you feed your baby all sorts of food? What does it take to be a scientist these days? At the Sunday Science Party, you can get answers to all of these questions and more, grab some free snacks, and join real scientists for fun activities. Thanks to our partners Solving for Science and the University of Washington School of Medicine Immunology Department.
Free.
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Relax and enjoy your Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
MUSIC NORTHWEST CONCERT: Live chamber music, themed “Music for the Hopeful Soul,” at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) – 3 pm concert, program notes in our calendar listing. Donation suggested.
LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: Greensleeves student showcase 3-5 pm, harp and Irish flute, free, all ages. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
JON GUERRA IN CONCERT: 5:45 pm, doors open for Jon Guerra and Friends at Trinity Church, co-presented by All Souls, details in our calendar listing. (7551 35th SW)
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: 7:30 pm, free to play. (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, Sunday nights are live-music nights with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could add to the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photos)
12 years ago, we interviewed Linda Walsh and Linda Sabee about the joys and challenges of being boutique owners in the West Seattle Junction. At the time, they warned that they weren’t sure small businesses would survive. A year after our chat, Walsh moved her shop – Clementine’s – to Pioneer Square, where it has since closed. But she now owns the shop Sabee founded, Carmilia’s, and Sabee has stayed involved as a buyer. Tonight, they hosted customers and other friends for a party to celebrate Carmilia’s 23rd anniversary.
The shop at 4528 California SW has continued to evolve, carrying some lines it’s always carried, adding new ones, and featuring some footwear (which was a focus at Clementine’s). The anniversary celebration concludes tomorrow (Sunday, November 16) – visit the store 10 am-4 pm for special deals.
(WSB photos(
Lights and messages lined the path tonight to the gathering hall at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, where Admiral Church now worships while awaiting its future new home on its old site, and where church members and other friends gathered to wish longtime Pastor Andrew Conley-Holcom farewell.
We wrote about his impending departure – for a youth-family ministry role at a church much closer to his home in Tacoma – last weekend. Even if you didn’t already know him, that story would give you a sense of his down-to-earthiness. And that was reflected in the simplicity of tonight’s party – pizza and a singalong (Admiral Church’s Anita Shaffer wrote new lyrics for two songs including “Leavin’ on a Jet Plane,” reworked to “Leavin’ West Seattle”).
It’s not a goodbye party without a cake, and this one paid homage to the pastor’s propensity for swearing:
The minister known peninsula-wide as simply “Pastor Andrew” will lead Admiral Church worship for two more Sundays – his last one will be November 23rd, one week from tomorrow.
(WSB photos)
Eight dollars for a fresh-cooked pancake breakfast – including ham, orange juice, coffee, and tea. If you buy an advance ticket to this year’s Kiwanis Club of West Seattle pancake breakfast, that’s all you’ll pay! It’s a deal at the door, too, $10. And kids under 10 who are accompanied by adults get breakfast for free. This is part of a fun event that also includes Santa photos, Toys for Tots donations, raffles, and wreath sales. It’s all happening 7 am-11 am Saturday, December 6 (a tradition for starting the big day that later includes the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays tree lighting). The Kiwanis Club raises money for projects to help youth. You can buy your ticket(s) now online here, or stop by the Kiwanis tent at the south end of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market tomorrow, 10 am-2 pm, just a few steps east of the Easy Street Records corner. (WSB is among the community co-sponsors of the breakfast event.)
As featured in our Event Calendar the past two days, the Discovery Shop of West Seattle – which raises money for the American Cancer Society – is having a sale to celebrate its 35th anniversary at 4535 California SW.
The store stocks mostly clothing and home decor, with a lot of holiday items right now:
There’s also a special free item in stock: Mastectomy bras donated by Victoria’s Secret, which will be available for survivors who need them, until the supply of about 30 is gone.
The store is open until 4:30 this afternoon. It accepts donations of items in good condition for resale, too.
(WSB photos by Dave Gershgorn)
Volunteers and donors teamed up for a successful “Fill the Truck” donation drive at Lafayette Elementary this morning. Even the Lafayette Leopard showed up to provide support:
The Lafayette PTA organized this to help the West Seattle Food Bank and the increasing number of people relying on it – not just for food.
Lizzy from the PTA gave us some preliminary estimates of results from the three-hour drive:
21 crates of canned and boxed food
1500+ diapers
100+ grocery bags and packaged boxes of food
96 packs of ramen
11 bags of coats and winter clothes
She also wanted to stress “how grateful Lafayette is for everyone who showed up today! We had donations arrive by scooter, wagon, bike, and car.”
P.S. If you couldn’t make it to this donation drive, as noted previously, there’s a food drive tomorrow at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 11 am-3 pm Sunday, and of course you can contribute financially to WSFB at any time here.
(WSB photos)
Now until 2 pm, the holiday season is in full bloom at West Seattle Nursery (California SW and SW Brandon; WSB sponsor) for its annual Holiday Open House. The full event schedule is here; above, free pet portraits with Element 79 Photography are continuing until 1 pm. (That’s Henry, posing.) This is the second year that pet photos have been part of the open house – they were so popular last year, the nursery decided on an encore. Lots of patient pups and people waiting today, too:
And if you want to take a photo with one of the most famous dogs of all time, check out Snoopy, with his decorated doghouse and Charlie Brown (plus Woodstock!), outside the nursery’s shop:
They’ll be there for DIY photos throughout the season. Inside, lots of holiday decor, including ornaments on themed Christmas trees – the “apothecary” tree is new this year, with lots of old-fashioned items:
And don’t miss the “celebrity” tree:
If you’re ready at this early date to decorate your own tree, West Seattle Nursery already has some in!
A big load, we’re told, is expected Tuesday. Today’s open house only continues until 2 but the nursery is open until 5.
Transient killer whales are northbound off west-facing southwest West Seattle, headed toward the Fauntleroy ferry lanes, reports Kersti Muul. She says they’re closer to this side than Vashon/Kitsap. Let us know if you see them!
(Photo by James Bratsanos)
Here’s our West Seattle list for Saturday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Start your weekend with a run! West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) leads Saturday 8 am free group runs!
‘FILL THE TRUCK’ FOOD DRIVE: 9 am-noon, bring nonperishable food for the West Seattle Food Bank to the truck at Lafayette Elementary (California SW and SW Lander), as previewed here.
(added) CRAFT SHOW: Show and sale with multiple vendors at The Missing Piece‘s new Junction location, 9 am-4 pm. (4707 California SW)
FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am community meditation at Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska) – register here.
FREE! GUIDED HIKE IN WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT: Last scheduled monthly hike until next year! 9:30 am, meet by South Seattle College Arboretum, north end of campus (6000 16th SW)
INTRODUCTORY WALK: and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile as a prelude to the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fauntleroy Way SW.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: The Garden Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW, north end of campus), is open 10 am-3 pm.
(Courtney Smith of Gray Sky Creative with embroidery at Fauntleroy Art Show. Photo by Ana Del Claro)
FAUNTLEROY ART SHOW: Second of three days for the show/sale at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) – participants are listed in our calendar listing. Open 10 am-5 pm today.
(Photo courtesy Providence Mount St. Vincent)
‘TREASURES AND TREATS’ SALE: Second of two days for the sale/bake sale at The Mount (4831 35th SW), as previewed here. 10 am-4 pm.
LONGFELLOW CREEK CLEANUP: Puget Soundkeeper welcomes volunteers, 10 am-noon, plus a chance to learn about the salmon survey under way on the creek. Meet at Dragonfly Pavilion (4111 26th SW).
KNEIGHBORHOOD KNIVES: The knife-sharpening pop-up is back at Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW), 10 am-5 pm.
DISCOVERY SHOP ANNIVERSARY SALE: 35 years of raising money to fight cancer! 10 am-4:30 pm, sale at the shop – 25% off! (4535 California SW).
SOUTHWEST SEATTLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING: 10 am at the Log House Museum (61st SW and SW Stevens), members are invited to come hear about the year past and what’s ahead.
THE BRIDGE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon, the cooperative elementary welcomes visitors. (10300 28th SW)
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 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.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
FREE WRITING GROUP: Back in session again this week, 10:30 am, info in our calendar listing.
GRIEFSHARE: New session continues, 10:30 am at Grace Church, no charge (10323 28th SW)
WEST SEATTLE NURSERY HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: 11 am-2 pm, the season begins with the festive annual open house at West Seattle Nursery, including free dog portraits, wreathmaking demonstrations, beverages, and more.(5275 California SW; WSB sponsor)
ARTIST POP-UP AT CAPERS HOME: 11 am-4 pm, you’ll find Gretchen Flickinger at CAPERS Home (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor) with hand-painted note cards.
INTERNATIONAL GAMES MONTH: Every Saturday this month, drop in to play at the South Park Library (8604 8th Ave. S.), 11 am-4 pm – today, STEM and strategy games!
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open noon-4 pm on Saturdays. (61st SW and SW Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open for you to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar, and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area.
HOLIDAY PHOTOS AT THE ELVES’ COTTAGE: Noon-4:30 pm, preregistration required. (2332 California SW)
SUPER SMASH SATURDAYS: 1-10 pm at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs).
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
SAUNA MEDITATION: On the shore at Lincoln Park, 4 pm, check to see if spaces remain. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
DISASTER PREP FOR THE MOBILITY IMPAIRED: How can you prepare for the unthinkable if you’re mobility-impaired? Preparedness coach Alice Kuder will show you, 4:30 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW)
CARMILIA’S 23RD ANNIVERSARY: Party at the Junction boutique in honor of 23 years in business, 5-8 pm. Special guest, founder Linda Sabee. (4528 California SW)
BEER CHURCH TURKEY BOWL: Come to West Seattle Bowl (39th SW and SW Oregon) to cheer the bowlers/brewers supporting the West Seattle Food Bank! 5:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Roo Forrest and Friends play a mix of originals and covers. All ages, no charge.
PASTOR ANDREW’S FAREWELL PARTY: As reported here, Admiral Church’s Pastor Andrew Conley-Holcom has a new calling, and 6-9 pm tonight is when all are invited to bid him a fond – but not sentimental! – farewell. St. John the Baptist Parish Hall (3050 California SW).
EVERGREEN AQUATIC CENTER BINGO BASH: 6 pm fundraiser to support the White Center community pool – details in our calendar listing. (14700 6th SW, Burien)
‘THE CRUCIBLE’ AT WSHS: Third night for new student production at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW), as previewed here, 7:30 pm curtain.
BANDS AT THE SKYLARK: At 8 pm tonight (doors at 7) it’s Apology Wars and The Belly Cats: A Birthday Celebration for Isaac, $15 cover for the club’s moving fund. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ Larry Mizell Jr. at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Our Saturday list concludes as always with 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photo: WSBLI foyer display)
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The Washington State Black Legacy Institute opened in the Admiral District early this year with an ambitious set of goals around community engagement and making information about local Black history easily accessible. With a fundraiser scheduled next week, we checked in with WSBLI’s historian and vice president, Roger Evans, to find out how 2025 has gone and what’s new in the coming year.
This year started with plans to keep the institute exhibits, at 2656 42nd Ave SW, open to the public for the full month of February, Black History Month. Evans says that month went well, and yielded valuable information about the high cost of staffing and heating the building (a city landmark that originally was a church) when open regularly. With a limited budget, they decided to open the building to tours only when asked, with some larger groups visiting through the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum. Regular hours are a goal for the future, and until then, “If someone calls us, we’ll do a tour,” he says, adding it will be “by appointment only until we can afford to do something more.”
In addition to welcoming visitors, WSBLI has been doing outreach to schools, community centers, and other locations, bringing informational banners and videotaped interviews. For visitors and school kids, they’ve printed trading-card-style postcards, with photos on one side and a short history on the other.
Each card features Black Washingtonians from the late 1800s and early 1900s, among them, pioneers, entrepreneurs, and newspaper publishers. Evans says there are 11 cards, so students in a classroom can swap them to learn about each of the featured people.
One of the primary goals of the institute is to gather information, digitize it, and make it available to the public, whether it be through tours, virtual reality exhibits, or videos and stories viewed online. Evans is most excited about a new internship program planned for 2026 that will move that goal forward: the Black Cultural Archivist and Storytellers Fellowship. Drawing on students from Seattle and nearby cities, the Fellowship will offer a 3-part educational program, covering skills in audio, video, and journalism. Participants will earn a stipend for ompletion of each 16-week after-school program, which will take place at WSBLI.
Evans says the Fellowship is designed to run for at least 3 years. “It kind of evolved from what we do daily, things that we do in fragments. We turned it into something that was tangible for journalists or ones who want to do preservation … and it will really engage the young folks.” Interns will learn the basics of journalism, podcasting and audio editing, and how to shoot and edit video. “We don’t really want them to write the story, we want them to pull the story out of the interviewee, the person who lived it.” Look for more information about the fellowship program on the WSBLI website in the coming months.
Of course, all of these efforts require funding in the form of grants or donations. WSBLI is planning to transition to nonprofit status in 2026. To date, they’ve accepted donations through their parent organization, The Seattle Griot Project, which in turn is fiscally sponsored by the nonprofit Shunpike, which is able to accept tax-deductible donations on their behalf.
In order to introduce donors to the fellowship program and other efforts, the Institute is opening its doors this Thursday, November 20, for an evening event, the “Legacy of Learning: Building Futures Together Fundraiser.” In between dinner and drinks, they’ll be sharing their achievements and asking for support for new projects. The event takes place from 6-8 pm at WSBLI (check here for ticket availability). For more information, call 206-730-8065 or email wsblacklegacyinstitute@gmail.com
Congratulations to the Chief Sealth International High School volleyball team on a season that took them all the way to the state tournament in Yakima. Their season ended tonight after two losses – 3-0 to top seed Lynden, followed by 3-1 to Bainbridge. Head coach Lori Toilolo‘s team earned the trip by taking second place in the district tournament a week ago.
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The 2025 high school football season was a strong one here on the peninsula, with West Seattle HS and Chief Sealth IHS both having great seasons and finishing 1st/2nd respectively in the Metro League Sound Division.
This success was further acknowledged by the league this week as they released their All-League Teams , and the Wildcats and Seahawks players and coaches were well represented.
Here are the schools’ lists of honorees as provided to us by head football coaches Daron Camacho (Sealth) and Anthony Stordahl (WSHS):
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL
League MVP: LJ MoodyLeague Offensive MVP: Desmond Parkinson
League Coach of the Year: Anthony Stordahl
League Co-Assistant Coach of the Year: Andrew McDonough
First Team:Wide Receiver: Breck Estep, Miles Guidry
Tight End: Grady Scheff
Offensive Line: Jack Freeborne
Inside Linebacker: Daniel Waters
Outside Linebacker: Ford Fitterer, Miles Guidry
Free Safety: Esayas Brigham
Cornerback: Justice Nguyen
Defensive Tackle: Jack Freeborne
Long Snapper: Ford Fitterer
Second Team:Running Back: Jesse Hansen-Wilson
Offensive Line: Gabe Crawford, Reilly Boyer
Outside Linebacker: Carlos Patino
Strong Safety : Sorin Smith
Defensive Tackle: Nolan Polaski
Defensive End: Jakel Warwick, Rafi Fein-Wallace
Kicker: Jonah Pelander
Punter: Jonah Pelander
Kick Returner: Justice Nguyen
Honorable Mention:
Wide Receiver: Aidan Croppi
Offensive Line: Nolan Polaski
Inside Linebacker: Cohen Cicero
Defensive End: Ari Fein-Wallace
CHIEF SEALTH INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
League Defensive MVP: Marshawn Tovia-FordLeague Special Teams MVP: Ogi Petronijevic
League Co-Assistant Coach of the Year: Joseph Espinoza
First Team:Quarterback: Mason Filitaula Jr.
Running Back: Marshawn Tovia-Ford
Wide Receiver: Marquis Tovia
Offensive Line: Yakouba Maga
Offensive Line: Shane-Alan Tino
Linebacker: Jessie Gilmore II
Safety: Kingston Cappiello
Holder: Xander Gomez
Second Team:Wide Receiver: Xander Gomez
Linebacker: Loto Amituanai
Safety: Graham Hull
Cornerback: Marquis Tovia
Defensive Tackle: Xaivius Chu-Eneliko
Long Snapper: Cade Lacey
Honorable Mention:Running Back: Jessie Gilmore II
Tight End: Eli Policarpio
Offensive Line: Yusuf Donzo
Safety: Kaeson Filitaula
Defensive Tackle: Calvin Washington
As noted in the list above, the two schools dominated the top awards in the league, including the overall/offensive/defensive/special-teams MVPs (Moody, Parkinson, Tovia-Ford, Petronijevic) coach of the year (Stordahl), and co-assistant coaches of the year (Espinoza, McDonough).
West Seattle finished the season with a final record of 8-2, and 1st in the league’s “Sound” division with an undefeated 6-0 campaign. Sealth was 2nd in the league with a record of 6-4 overall and 4-2 in the division. The two teams faced off in September for the annual Huling Bowl matchup at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, with the Wildcats winning a tight 17-10 game over the Seahawks.
Here are some WSB photos (by our photographer Oliver Hamlin) of the MVPs in action this season:
LJ Moody, overall league MVP:
League Defensive MVP Marshawn Tovia-Ford:
League Offensive MVP Desmond Parkinson:
League Special Teams MVP Ogi Petronijevic:
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