West Seattle, Washington
23 Sunday
(WSB file photo)
West Seattle’s Puget Ridge Edible Park is one of a kind – community created, community maintained, community supported. It’s a place not only to grow food – but also to grow growers. Now a key component needs replacement, and PREP’s Stu Hennessey shares the call for support in making that happen:
Over the last decade of the volunteer run Puget Ridge Edible Park (PREP) we have met so many people from all over West Seattle that are interested in learning more about growing and harvesting locally grown vegetables.
The PREP seed money campaign has just started and will go on through December 15th.
This year we would like to raise $2800 to replace our aging polytunnel. The polytunnel makes a big difference in how much food we can produce for our open to the public food garden.
When you donate early it will go toward getting more funding awarded to the fastest starters in their campaigns.
Please consider donating to this, as it is our biggest fundraiser.
Never been there? Puget Ridge Edible Park is at 18th SW and SW Brandon.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Mostly cloudy, more rain possible, high in the upper 40s. Sunrise will be at 7:19 am; sunset will be at 4:29 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!
(Seattle Public Schools photo)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Seattle Public Schools‘ likely new superintendent is a fan of K-8 schools.
That’ll be welcome news for the West Seattleites involved with the two on the peninsula, Pathfinder K-8 on Pigeon Point and Louisa Boren STEM K-8 in Delridge, both of which have dealt with near-existential threats in recent years.
The district offered us a chance to talk with superintendent finalist Ben Shuldiner a few days after the board revealed that the current Lansing, MI, superintendent was their choice to lead SPS into the future. In our 25-minute online chat, we asked about a variety of issues with which SPS has grappled – some of which he faced in his current district, too.
INCREASING ENROLLMENT
He says public-school districts have to come to terms with the fact that while “30 or 40 years ago, they had a monopoly … now, there’s so much more choice.” But he says the ultimate way to solve the problem is “just do better at our jobs” – provide a better education. To increase enrollment in Lansing, Shuldiner says, “we made our schools better.”
And he says they noticed a trend – parents loved the elementary schools, but were “fearful about the junior highs.” So, he says, “we created a bunch of K-8s” – and that led to less loss between elementary and middle school, because the students would be staying on in schools with which they and their families were already familiar.
But overall, he repeats, “You increase enrollment because people want to come to our schools.”
SPS has been criticized for not marketing itself much if at all. What’s his view on that? He says promotion is important, from talking to the media to advertising such as billboards. “Everybody else is doing it, so you have to.” And that promotion should surface the “great stories” that he believes are already happening, waiting to be told. Then, he said, you tout the results – “in Lansing, we raised grades (and a board member told the community) ‘send your kids back’ (to the district).”
SCHOOL SIZES?
We brought up the shot-down-not-long-ago proposal to close schools so that the district would focus on larger, “well-resourced” schools. Shuldiner says he appreciates the concept of schools having full support staff, but “each community and neighborhood is different,” and that has to be considered when evaluating a school. The focus has to be on “let’s do right by the children,” he emphasized.
WHAT’S IN HIS FIRST-100-DAYS PLAN?
Shuldiner created one during the interview process, so we asked what it starts with. First, he said, “gotta be in the community.” Rebuilding trust between the district and community is paramount, he indicated. He hopes to “visit every single school in the first 100 days … walk the halls with the principals, with the kids.” (We were curious how many layers of bureaucracy his district had between the principals and superintendent; apparently as many as there are in Seattle.) Also, “make some decisions quickly,” with a deep dig into the budget. He also mentioned he might even move to “take down some walls (in the administration) building” (he meant that literally).
TOO MUCH BUREAUCRACY?
Knowing that principals report to a middle-management layer rather than directly to the superintendent, we wondered what the structure is in Lansing. Similar, he replied, but that doesn’t stop the superintendent from getting out and talking directly to school staff (as mentioned above). Shuldiner says he enjoys those visits since “I’m a teacher first and foremost,” and was a principal too, considering those roles and his current one all to fall under the umbrella label “educator.”
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
The Seattle board halved its regular meeting schedule to monthly not long ago, so we asked him about the frequency of board meetings in Lansing: He said they met two or three times a month, and that the Lansing board had more members than the Seattle board. He said the board periodically has “informational study sessions,” something he’d like to bring to Seattle.
GIFTED PROGRAMS
SPS’s philosophy toward serving “highly capable” students hasn’t been consistent in recent years. So we asked Shuldiner about his views. He didn’t say much – voicing general support for “differentiating based on the needs of each child” – except to note that Lansing dramatically increased the rate of students passing AP exams. That, he said, was largely the result of “more AP classes, and we didn’t gatekeep who got into them.” That quickly segued into a topic we had planned to ask about anyway …
CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION
This is back in vogue, we noted, with “the trades” in some cases desperate for workers. Just outside Seattle, we noted, there are now public high schools dedicated to maritime and aviation. Shuldiner said his current district “created Lansing Technical High School,” and noted that Lansing had been “the home of trades” for so long. But counter to concerns that teaching the trades somehow diminished academics, he said he sees it as an “and” rather than an “or,” and also observed that basic subjects like math can be taught through hands-on learning as well as via abstract textbook problems. “Truth is, kids love learning hands-on.”
HOW TO EVALUATE HIM IN THE EARLY GOING?
Obviously, he said, results won’t be immediate – in terms of stats, at least – so what he hopes is that people will be able to evaluate him for transparency, for building trust, for listening, for staff feeling more supported, for “more vision and direction.”
That’s where we wrapped up. So what’s next? Assuming Shuldiner reaches a contract/salary agreement with the district, the board will vote on finalizing the hire. They said they’re hoping he’ll start “early next year.”
Thanks to David for sending the photo and tip. He says that truck’s been stuck since about 4:30 pm at 52nd SW and SW Hughes, which he describes as a “switchback turn.” (Here’s a map.) Radio exchanges indicate police have just gotten to it a short time ago.
Once again this year, John Moore‘s insurance agency is collecting Toys for Tots, and you’re invited to donate. John, a longtime WSB sponsor, sent word of this year’s drive along with a big change for his agency:
(2024 photo)
Each year our agency participates in the Toys for Tots donation drive. Each year I am amazed by the generosity of our clients and our community. This year I know we can do it again, but we need your help. While we may have officially changed our name – Northwest Insurance Group is now Highstreet Insurance – we remain the same great team, providing the same level of service and protection our clients have come to know and expect. Three years ago, I joined Highstreet Insurance, part of a national brokerage, to provide something bigger to my team and our clients. Now, with partners across the country, access to the entire insurance marketplace, and the ability to offer more benefits to our clients, we are stronger than ever. We are excited for the future; we are excited to be part of a bigger team while we remain committed to protecting where we live and work. You will still find us in the same location on California Ave, we still have the same great team in place, and we still know how important it is to support our local community. We are thrilled to serve as a drop-off location for the Toys for Tots toy drive this year and we encourage everyone who can help spread some joy and holiday cheer to local kids in need this season.
John and the rest of his Highstreet Insurance West Seattle team are at 5431 California SW, and open for dropoffs weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Thanks to Stewart L. for the photo! Hours after the Mariners signed Josh Naylor to a five-year dea; – after his three months with the team this season – the T-Mobile Park roof is displaying his initials in celebration, as seen looking across the bay from West Seattle shores. Naylor, a 28-year-old first baseman who hit .295 last year, will get more than $92 million from the deal, according to MLB.com.
(WSB photos, Saturday night)
This past Saturday night wasn’t just another busy weekend night at West Seattle Bowl – it was a holiday-season fun-way-to-give event that’s been happening for more than 25 years – the Beer Church Turkey Bowl, benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank!
Our group shot of the crew running the show this year includes, third and fourth from left, founders Kendall Jones (publisher of Washington Beer Blog) and Kim Sharpe Jones. Besides bowling – with lanes booked by participants including local brewers and brew-pub proprietors – the night included raffles with prizes donated by businesses and other supporters:
This year, the Joneses expected it to be the biggest yet, encouraging financial donations to WSFB as well as the food donations that stack up every year. We got the totals today from WSFB’s Robbin Peterson (at left in our photo below, helping out during the Turkey Bowl):
What an incredible evening! This year’s Beer Church Turkey Bowl brought out an enthusiastic, joyful crowd – and the community’s generosity truly showed. While we’re still waiting for final numbers as Georgetown Brewing continues to sell this year’s custom-brewed Beer Church IPA at their SODO taproom, we’re thrilled to share that Turkey Bowl has already surpassed $15,000 raised for West Seattle Food Bank. Additionally, nearly 1,000 pounds of food and diapers were collected Saturday night. We are deeply grateful to Beer Church, Georgetown Brewing, West Seattle Bowl, every bowler, every attendee, and everyone who lifted up their neighbors by supporting West Seattle Food Bank.
You can read more about this year’s Beer Church IPA in this Turkey Bowl preview on the Washington Beer Blog – and it’s on today’s fresh sheet at Georgetown Brewing, open daily 10 am-8 pm at 5200 Denver Ave. S. (And if you’d rather just give WSFB some $, go here any time.)
Starting right after an SDOT crew left California SW and SW Alaska on Saturday morning, people started asking us about the then-covered-up pushbuttons they installed on all corners. Some worried these were “beg buttons” meaning the intersection would stop being automatically cycled “Walk All Ways.” An explanation wasn’t available over the weekend, but we just got this reply from SDOT spokesperson Mariam Ali:
What you’re seeing are new Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) push buttons being installed to meet ADA standards. These provide audio and tactile cues to help people who are blind or low-vision know when it’s safe to cross. The cardboard covers are just temporary — crews keep them in place until all APS units are ready to be activated at the same time.
We’re also replacing some vehicle signal heads and overhead signs while crews are onsite, but none of this changes how the intersection operates. The California/Alaska all-walk “scramble” will continue to activate automatically. We are not switching to push-button (“beg button”) operation or making any other timing or operational changes.
Our crews will also be doing this same type of work at California Ave SW & SW Oregon St — upgrading APS push buttons and replacing vehicle signal heads and overhead signage. That work may begin once the Alaska intersection is complete, possibly early next year, weather depending.
Some other intersections already have the APS buttons – just a block east, 42nd SW and SW Alaska, for example.
11:58 AM: Some have lost power and a car crash is likely to blame – a driver is reported to have hit a utility pole by the Southwest Precinct at Delridge and Webster.
12:01 PM: More than 4,400 customers are out per the Seattle City Light outage map.
12:12 PM: Some traffic signals are in the outage zone, so remember that when those go dark, it’s an all-ways stop. Meantime, a commenter says Chief Sealth IHS and Denny MS are aut of power because of this. … Police say they’re blocking SW Webster between Delridge and the precinct gate; at one point they described the car as having ended up “almost vertical” against the pole (we’re on our way to look).
(Added: Photo uploaded in comments below by ‘WS Resident’)
12:21 PM: A texter says West Seattle Elementary is out too.
12:56 PM: Just got back and the map – and texters – say the outage is over. City Light and a tow truck had already arrived at the crash site on the northwest corner of Delridge/Webster when we went by.
As we’ve been reporting, fall sports season is wrapping up for local high-school teams, with winter sports starting soon. Todat we have an update to share from the West Seattle High School girls’ swimming/diving coaching staff:
(Not pictured: Simone Dylla, Matty Ogle, Lucy Oprinski, Dacey Tanaka)The West Seattle High School Girls Swimming and Diving team celebrated the end of an amazing season by participating in the Metro, District, and State swimming and diving championships.
At the Metro Championships, WSHS was represented by seniors Izzy Baber, Frances Bugala, Lilly DuPuis, Lucia Stemm-Calderon, juniors Anna Tova Baekkelund, Iris Christian, Keara Kinch, Sally Klem, Eden O’Donnell, Matty Ogle, Lisa Willis, sophomore Brin Darnell, and freshman Leia Al-Jawad. We’re happy to report eleven swimmers advanced to finals!
Though not at the Metro Championships this year, Simone Dylla, Alina Luff, Miya McGlamery, Lucy Oprinski, Autumn Schrader, Ella Stockfish, Dacey Tanaka, and Lucy Valentine were very important members of the team this season who made outstanding progress and contributions. We’re so proud of everything they accomplished.
Following the Metros meet, Baber, Baekkelund, Bugala, Christian, Klem, O’Donnell, and Ogle advanced to the District Championships where the 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle relays reached finals. Individually, O’Donnell reached finals in the 200 freestyle.
The season culminated at the Washington Girls High School State Championships, where O’Donnell captured 7th place in the 200 freestyle and 4th place in the 500 freestyle. This builds on the success of the 2024 season that saw the 200 freestyle relay team of Eve Legge, Lucille Rysemus, Lucy Stahl, and Avery Zimmer selected for the state meet and placing 16th.
Over the course of the season, every WSHS swimmer posted at least one personal best time. Way to go, Wildcats!
(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.
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