West Seattle, Washington
21 Friday
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:
(Photos by Ana Del Claro)
Right now in the Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall (9140 California SW), it’s opening night for the Fauntleroy Art Show – not just a show, but an opportunity to shop for locally created art and crafts – organizers sent photos. Below is one of the 19 local artists and artistic crafters (listed here) participating this year, Jessica Rasmusson of HandSlow Pottery:
Quilted creations by Betty Laughlin‘s Pieced Together Design are there too:
If you can’t make it before 8 pm tonight, the Fauntleroy Art Show continues Saturday 10 am-5 pm and Sunday 11 am-3 pm.
(WSB photo: Volunteers helping with 2024 turkey giveaway)
This year, some who have not previously faced food insecurity might be wondering how to put turkey on the table this Thanksgiving. In case you haven’t already seen it in our West Seattle Event Calendar, Eastridge Church is again giving away hundreds of turkeys and bags of groceries at its two campuses, including West Seattle, at 39th SW and SW Oregon (across 39th from West Seattle Bowl). The turkey giveaway is on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, as usual, so that’s one week from tomorrow – Saturday, November 22, starting at 9 am, continuing until 11:30 am or until supplies run out if that’s sooner. No proof of need required – just show up. Eastridge has been doing this each holiday season for more than 20 years.
Just in – a new date, one week later than originally planned, for the West Seattle Light Rail Visioning Forum.
It’s now set for 5:30 pm Monday, November 24, same location – Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – and same panelists, including County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, outgoing County Executive Shannon Braddock, Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine, and Kirk Hovenkotter of the Transportation Choices Coalition (which just launched the “Build the Damn Trains” campaign advocating for building all currently planned ST projects as planned). Councilmember Mosqueda has told us there will be time for Q&A/comments toward the end of the event.
Two food drives in West Seattle this weekend – one on Saturday, one on Sunday – if you are able to help, here’s how:
‘FILL THE TRUCK’ WITH FOOD @ LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY: The Lafayette Elementary PTA is organizing this:
On Saturday, November 15th from 9 am – noon, Lafayette Elementary School will be supporting the West Seattle Food Bank by collecting canned and non-perishable food for a “Fill the Truck” community food drive.
This food drive was initiated by Lafayette’s PTA in response to SNAP benefit access, government worker and military impacts during the long shutdown, and the upcoming holiday season. Help our school “Fill the Truck” and in turn assist the members of our community who are facing food insecurity.
A West Seattle Food Bank collection van will be parked out front of Lafayette Elementary (2645 California Ave SW) to collect donations from the surrounding WS community on November 15th from 9am – Noon. Any non-perishable donations from our community at-large (West Seattle neighbors, local businesses, other students and their families) are very welcome and appreciated!
These collections will be directly donated to the food bank, along with the Lafayette students’ collections from the two weeks leading up to the drive.
The WSFB’s current need list is in our calendar listing for this drive.
ALKI UCC FOOD DRIVE: Every month, Alki UCC has an in-person donation drive; here’s the list of food they’re hoping to collect this Sunday, 11 am-3 pm:
This Month’s Priority Need:
FOOD!! Feed the People!The Alki UCC Donations Drive helps stock the food pantry at “The Welcome Table,” Westside Interfaith Network’s weekly hot meal program.
Needed Pantry Items include Peanut Butter, Canned Meats/Tuna/Veggies/Fruit, Vegetable Soup, Beans, Low-Sugar Cereal (ie Cheerios or Chex), Rice, Powdered Milk, Applesauce, Snack Packs.
Pet Food in marked Ziploc bags is also welcome, as well as gift cards to local grocery stores.
Bring your donations anytime to Alki UCC’s front-porch barrel but especially this Sunday for our monthly in-person drive.
Alki UCC is at 6115 SW Hinds.
With Thanksgiving now less than two weeks away, we’re close to launching this year’s WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, a one-stop shop for info on all things holiday in West Seattle – events, sales, performances, light shows, holiday food ordering, much more – we have lots of entries already and will, as always, continue adding to the guide (and our Event Calendar) throughout the season, BUT it’s great to have listings in the guide from the start, so so, whatever you want the community to know, westseattleblog@gmail.com is the optimal way to send it so we can get it into the guide, with version 1.0 launching in the next day or so! Thank you!
(It’s still fall! Photo by Janelle Otterholt)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE INDOOR PLAY: Good day for indoor play! “Stay and Play” is open 10 am-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), with toys for the little ones and coffee for their chaperones.
‘TREASURES AND TREATS’ SALE: First of two days for the sale/bake sale at The Mount (4831 35th SW), as previewed here. 10 am-4 pm.
DISCOVERY SHOP ANNIVERSARY SALE: 35 years of raising money to fight cancer! 10 am-4:30 pm, sale at the shop (4535 California SW).
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER The center is open for plant-shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.
QI-GONG: Natalia‘s Friday sessions are 12:30-1 pm at La Choza (10401 47th SW).
MAKING THE MOST OF VETERANS’ BENEFITS: 2 pm presentation at Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton) – our calendar listing includes RSVP info.
WEST SEATTLE HS PTSA BENEFIT: 5 pm at the WSHS Commons (3000 California SW), fundraiser with entertainment, heavy appetizers, auctions, more, as previewed here.
FAUNTLEROY ART SHOW: First of three days for the show/sale at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) – participants are listed in our calendar listing.
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle.
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, Songwriters’ Showcase at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
FREE TEEN SWIM: 6-7 pm at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle), free swim session for ages 13=18.
LIVE MUSIC AT MR. B’S: 7 pm to 8 pm, Angelina Adams performs at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), no cover.
‘THE CRUCIBLE’ AT WSHS: Second night for new student production at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW), as previewed here, 7:30 pm curtain.
NOT DEAD YET AT THE SKYLARK: West Seattle faves Not Dead Yet play tonight, along with Hilltop Family Band, Call It Mango. Doors 7 pm, music 8 pm, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW).
SPINNING: DJ Peg at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING: Skating with live music – tonight, metal with Coven & Whythre – 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
7:30 AM: Avoid the Delridge onramp to the Eastbound bridge: serious flooding. (Note: See comments for photos)
8:28 AM: A nonfunctioning (spun-out) vehicle is blocking things too.
8:44 AM: See the cameras below – the blocking vehicle on the bridge is currently shown on the high-bridge camera, and the Delridge camera shows the backup from the onramp trouble.
8:54 AM: Commenter CJ reports, “There’s a white pickup spun out and stuck in the ditch below the Welcome to WS sign.”
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, November 14, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Rainy, breezy, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 7:13 am; sunset will be at 4:33 pm.
(Another look at Thursday’s sunset – this photo is from Eddie)
ROAD WORK
-Watchful reader reports most of the new Alki speed bumps are in.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is back on a three-boat schedule, with M/V Cathlamet, M/V Chimacum, 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!
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Hours after the vote count that all but guaranteed Katie Wilson’s mayoral win, one of the organizations that endorsed her gathered for its monthly meeting and holiday party.
At the 34th District Democrats‘ gathering, we talked with some attendees about the election results. The main focus of the gathering was to present the group’s annual awards; we’ll get to that after the results reaction.
“I’m very excited she won the election. One thing we saw nationally and locally is that voters want elected officials that deliver on promises. Katie is that person.” said Jordan Crawley, chair of the 34th.
“I’m excited. She might not have experience, but she has integrity.” said Virginia.
“I voted for her because we need a change. I thought why not; I wouldn’t be upset if Harrell won, but I’m excited for a new face in there.” said another attendee.
A consistent theme with those we talked to was the necessity of improving Seattle’s housing situation. According to Zillow‘s statistics, the current average listed rental price in the city is $2,713, and the average listed home price is at $840,957. Many said that this presents a two-fold issue: Not only is it becoming increasingly hard for young people to be able to afford to live within the city limits, it also prevents a clear path for those experiencing homelessness to find a way off the streets.
One attendee, Sharon, shared her thoughts. “It’s too expensive for the people who have money, and too expensive for people who don’t have money. I wish we had laws limiting the property any one individual or corporation could have.” Sharon also shared that she is helping her son pay for his rental in Redmond, a situation similar to what the Harrell campaign criticized Wilson on during the campaign. Others echoed her opinion. “[Wilson] wants more housing – and that’s a big problem we have to solve.” said Virginia. “Rich people, low income, [homelessness] – a lot is going on that is all intertwined.” said another attendee.
They also highlighted Wilson’s strengths as a coalition builder and grassroots activist.
“She’s very intentional on building a broad coalition that included multiple Democratic party organizations. She’s had lots of experience building coalitions, doing incredible things policy-wise. It’s great to have that experience in our city as mayor.” said Crawley. Sharon said she was inspired by Wilson’s appearance at October’s No Kings protest at Seattle Center. “She worked the crowd, she was really reaching out, not preaching. […] The way she was reaching out to people for their concerns – is a good way to start on [the issues facing our city].
In terms of issues specifically affecting the 34th District, and West Seattle in general, many pointed toward their optimism that Wilson’s work in transit would help the situation with transit here. “We are hoping for the 34th District that there will be Comprehensive Plan updates for the Sound Transit plan. We hope that bus service will be returned to pre-pandemic levels. The 34th and West Seattle have been neglected in general investment,” said Crawley. On that topic, the 34th Dems are co-sponsoring Monday’s Light Rail Visioning Forum, announced earlier this week.
(It should be noted that the 34th DDs did not endorse Bruce Harrell in 2021, either.)
Though Wilson was not in attendance, some other winners from the recent election made appearances at Wednesday night’s event, including citywide Position 9 Councilmember-elect Dionne Foster (above; she beat City Council President Sara Nelson), City Attorney-elect Erika Evans (below; she beat incumbent Ann Davison), and State Senator Emily Alvarado (who ran unopposed).
Crawley began the night’s program by voicing hope for the future, and concern about managing the political realities of the present. “People with progressive values are winning, but we cannot act like we are done. MAGA is not disappearing anytime soon, these battles won’t get easier, and we won’t be less tired next November. But we can be sure we have strong allies in the Legislature who will fight like our lives depend on it, because they do.” he said.
He also noted that, for the district, this November’s election cycle marked high turnout for an odd-year election. “The 34th turnout was 52%, outperforming the median [of other legislative districts]. We’re not just winning and turning out more voters – we’re winning by larger margins.” he said. He also highlighted that most of the endorsements the 34th made during the cycle enjoyed large margins of victory during the election. “Our endorsees are averaging 64% of the vote.” he said.
After his opening speech, the 34th District Democrats presented their annual awards. These were as follows:
Executive Board Member of the Year – Rachel Glass, for organizing programs such as the “Bend It Like Booker” event (WSB coverage here), as well as outreach to a diverse selection of communities and organizations:
Elected Official of the Year – Gina Topp (District 6 Seattle School Board director and current board president), lauded in the presentation as “a calm voice in the face of public dismay about the [once-proposed] closure of schools across the district. […] As SPS goes through the process of closing the funding gap, her work will be invaluable and keeps the public on board with the decisions they make.”
Cherisse Luxa Lifetime Achievement Award – Leslie Harris, Topp’s predecessor on the school board; her successor presented the award, saying that for eight years Harris was “a fierce advocate for our students, an advocate for transparency, and always asked the tough questions and put focus on our students. […] She’s smart, funny, and brave; she stood firm in her values, and never forgot who she’s fighting for”:
Rising Star of the Year – Whitney Moore-Adams, for her work as outreach and visibility chair:
Member of the Year – Jonathan Herman, for improving the internal systems for voting inside the organization:
Committee of the Year – Resolutions Committee, accepted by Ann Martin:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: After the awards, there were a few:
-Another “Bend It Like Booker” event is planned for next year. No date set yet.
-A member plans to form a new ad-hoc committee focused on researching opportunities for non-violent resistance and protest, particularly in the light of the Trump Administration’s threat to send armed forces to cities, possibly including Seattle. “What do we do if the National Guard is on our streets? Who do we call if ICE raids your neighbors’ home? What do we do if they try to interfere in our elections next year? […] Hoping for the best is not a plan, failing to plan is planning to fail, let’s take a lead.” he said.
-The 34th’s end of the year service project is planed for Food Lifeline], 1-3 pm December 13.
NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, January 14th. While that meeting and two others next year will be virtual, they also announced that there will be seven in-person meetings for 2026, and that thanks to funding for the organization, they will be moving back to The Hall at Fauntleroy.
The holiday season is about to accelerate. Lots of special events in the next few days, including the “Treasures and Treats” sale at Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW; WSB sponsor) – here’s their announcement:
Celebrate the season with your Mount neighbors supporting a good cause!
You’re invited to Providence Mount St. Vincent’s ‘Treasures and Treats Holiday Sale and Bake Sale’! Join the fun and discover unique gifts and delicious treats while supporting The Mount in their renovation of their cafeteria into a welcoming bistro for their residents.
November 14th and 15th
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: 4831 35th Ave SW — in The Mount’s Front LobbyThe Mount’s Emilie’s Treasures Thrift Shop will also be open extended hours this week, through November 15th, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily — perfect for finding gently used treasures for everyone on your Christmas list.
Calling All Bakers!
Want to help in a different way? Donate nut-free, individually wrapped baked goods ahead of the sale at the Volunteer Services office (1st floor). Your tasty treats will make the bake sale even better!
Bring your friends and family, shop for a great cause, and spread holiday cheer. Together, we’ll make the Bistro Campaign a success and kick off the season with joy.
(Photo from Penny in Upper Fauntleroy)
5:40 PM: That briefly beautiful sunset was the opening act for tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk! Now through 8 pm (or later at a few venues), artists are showing their work all over the peninsula. One of the artists showing tonight, Felipe Perez, is at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW):
(WSB photos from here by Jason Grotelueschen)
Next door, it’s a big night at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW):
Our preview explains why – a book talk and a showing of a miniature called “The Corner of California & Alaska” created by artist Rosetta Greek depicting ESR’s iconic corner.
Here’s a roundup of other places you can stop tonight, including the three Art of Music concert venues; more coverage later!
ADDED 7:15 PM: More sights – from the CAPERS Home group show, artists Gretchen Flickinger and Jimmy Ulvenes:
And back at Jet City, DJ Riz from KEXP:
From The Art of Music lineup, Carly Ann Calbero performed at Molly Moon’s Ice Cream:
ADDED 11:55 PM: More coverage from the festivities at Easy Street tonight, with two back-to-back events billed as a “living archive” celebrating the legacy and enduring power of the PNW music and art community.
First up was a double book-reading by two authors and friends, advertised as “Grief, Grits and the Gits,” in reference to the legendary local band The Gits and their iconic singer Mia Zapata, whose 1993 murder made national headlines. Melissa Meszaros, author of “Song Over the Bones” and Steve Moriarty, author of “Mia Zapata & The Gits” (and drummer for the band) shared memories and stories that offered two unique perspectives about the same topic and timeframe:
Moriarty was then joined onstage by Rachel Crick, founder of As Many Weirdos as Possible, described as a project created by a group of 7 photographers who took 300 photos with accompanying stories dedicated to the unique personalities and talents that made up the PNW music scene from 1985–1995. Moriarty (who himself is a proud “weirdo” group member) read aloud from a story he contributed to the project:
After a short break to reset the stage, the group debuted the short film “Easy, Weirdo” about the making of “The Corner of California & Alaska” miniature. The video captured a meeting between its artist Rosetta Greek and Easy Street’s Matt Vaughan, during which the artwork was unveiled to an emotional Vaughan for the first time:
After the film, the pair were joined by photographer and fellow “weirdo” Lance Mercer, who served as moderator for a nostalgic and lively discussion between the trio, featuring stories and memories from the PNW music scene:
Vaughan and Mercer talked about their longtime friendship, and Vaughan shared memories about the founding and history of Easy Street. Greek talked about the creative drive and process behind the diorama, which took more than 250 hours to meticulously craft. She embarked on the idea as part of a fundraising project, not knowing originally what she was going to make, and continually “talking herself out of” the Easy Street idea because of self-inflicted pressure to get everything exactly right. “I knew that I had to knock it out of the park” because everyone knows and loves Easy Street, she said. “It was all or nothing — but thankfully it ended up being ‘all’ when it was done.”
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