West Seattle, Washington
06 Thursday
WSHS senior LJ Moody (#3) catches a deep pass near the end zone on Senior Night vs O’Dea
Story and videos by Jason Grotelueschen
Photos by Oliver Hamlin
For West Seattle Blog
Seniors from the West Seattle High School football and cheer squads were honored Thursday night as the Wildcats took on O’Dea at West Seattle Stadium, in a special matchup of the season’s top two Metro League football teams.
After a hard-fought scoreless first quarter, followed by a very-not-scoreless second quarter (with 6 combined touchdowns!) made it 28-14 O’Dea at halftime, the Fighting Irish steadily pulled away in the second half and topped the Wildcats by a final score of 56-14, handing WSHS their first loss of the season.
WSHS came in undefeated at 6-0 and on top of the Metro League Sound Division football standings, while O’Dea (the defending 3A state champions, current top-ranked 3A team in WA, and tops in the Metro League Mountain Division) were 6-1 with their only defeat coming in a non-conference season-opening narrow loss to 4A powerhouse Graham-Kapowsin.
As we previewed yesterday, the Thursday game represented a change of plans due to the fact that both the schools’ opponents had to forfeit their respective games this week, opening the door for a last-minute opportunity to shuffle schedules and have WSHS and O’Dea square off in a marquee late-season contest (for WSHS, it’s their final game of the season before the playoffs).
It was Senior Night for both schools, and the game was moved from Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex to West Seattle Stadium (which is O’Dea’s home field). The rain held off and it was a nice night for football, with a good crowd on hand for both schools.
WSHS coach Anthony Stordahl (pictured below during Thursday’s game) told us that he couldn’t be prouder of how his team played against one of the best football programs in the state, under tough scheduling circumstances. “The kids on this team showed resilience and a lot of heart; we could have just taken a forfeit and moved on, but these kids love to compete.”
Now, Stordahl’s squad moves on to the playoffs, and after tonight’s area high school football action they’ll know who their next opponent will be.
Stordahl added that this game had extra-special significance for him personally, as he was able to share the field as a coach for the first time with Monte Kohler, who has coached O’Dea since the mid-1980s and last month reached 395 career wins to become the all-time winningest high school football coach in Washington state. Stordahl played for Kohler as part of O’Dea’s 1994 state championship team.
On Thursday night, the senior class was in the spotlight, and Stordahl told us that he’s “very thankful we got a chance to celebrate the seniors; they deserve a lot of credit in building the culture of this team.” He added that WSHS will be moving up next year to the Mountain Division of the Metro League, competing with programs like O’Dea and Seattle Prep, and that this is possible “because of the standard this senior class has set.”
An hour before the game, WSHS introduced and honored its senior football players and their families:
Here are photos of some of the football seniors and their families, including Rafi and Ari Fein-Wallace:
Sorin Smith:
Gabe Crawford:
Esayas Brigham:
Jack Freeborne:
And Ford Fitterer:
Here’s our full video of the ceremony:
WSHS cheer coach Nadine Nguyen told us that this senior class “has been the heart of our team, showing dedication, leadership and spirit every step of the way,” and that they truly have inspired the team with their hard work and unity, leaving a lasting legacy for the program.
Here are photos of some of the senior cheer members alongside their families, including Nayeli Martinez:
Ella McNamara (left) and sister Sophie:
Hannah Niguidula:
Ariana Trevino:
And Izzy McKamey:
Here’s our video of the cheer seniors (apologies for the audio quality; the organizers had to use a portable PA system and it was overpowered by the halftime crowd noise):
WSHS had also been planning to honor their senior band members on Thursday night, but the decision was made to recognize them at a future WSHS sporting event.
As for the big game itself, it began with a hard-fought scoreless first quarter, as both teams traded possessions but couldn’t convert points. WSHS missed a field goal with 8 minutes left in the 1st quarter, and the Wildcats played stout defense and recovered O’Dea fumbles on two consecutive possessions to stall drives by the Irish:
Early in the second quarter, O’Dea scored on a touchdown run, and with the extra point took a 7-0 lead with 11 minutes left in the quarter.
About 5 minutes later, the scoring flurry began as the two teams combined for 5 TDs in the last 7 minutes of the first half, starting with an O’Dea TD run to take a 14-0 lead with 6:24 left in the 2nd quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, WSHS senior LJ Moody (#3) took a long return to midfield to give the Wildcats great field position. Not long after, Moody struck again, hauling in a long pass from junior QB Desmond Parkinson (#12):
The Wildcats couldn’t convert in the red zone, and attempted a field goal, but it was blocked and returned by O’Dea all the way to the WSHS 20-yard-line. A couple of plays later, O’Dea scored on short run to extend their lead to 21-0 with just over 3 minutes left in the 2nd quarter.
After the kickoff, WSHS put together a nice drive and then cashed in on long TD pass from Parkinson to junior Justice Nguyen (#1). The extra point was blocked, and the score was 21-6 with 1:36 left before half.
O’Dea took the kickoff and wasted no time, hitting a long TD pass to make it 28-6 with 1:25 left in the 2nd quarter.
WSHS then put together a quick drive (featuring several pass connections between Parkinson and Moody), capped off by going for it in the red zone on 4th down in the final seconds of the 1st half, as Parkinson and Nguyen connected on another TD pass:
Then the Wildcats pulled off a successful 2-point conversion on a pass to junior Aidan Croppi, to make the score 28-14 in favor of O’Dea at the halftime break.
O’Dea struck quickly in the opening minutes of the 2nd half, scoring on a TD run to take a 35-14 lead. This was followed by another TD with 8:20 left in the 3rd quarter to make it 42-14, which was the score after three quarters.
In the final quarter, the Irish defense continued to bottle up the Wildcat offense, and O’Dea added two more TDs to make the final score 56-14.
Up next for the Wildcat squad: Playoffs! Details and opponent are TBD; we will post game information as soon as it’s confirmed, dependent on tonight’s area high school football results.
We start today’s highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar with Hallo-weekend #1’s first big event:
ADMIRAL DISTRICT TRICK-OR-TREATING: That’s the map – expanded this year! – of venues planning to participate in this year’s Admiral District Trick-or-Treating, 3-6 pm. Rain or shine!
(added) ALKI MAIL & DISPATCH TOO: They’re not officially on the map but Alki Mail & Dispatch (47th and Admiral) is just a few blocks west and as a major Halloween devotée, proprietor Bree invites trick-or-treaters to visit the “Haunted Dispatch” – not just today, but also on Halloween, when they’ll have goodie bags:
Now the rest of what’s up:
FREE 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.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Community creations are on display throughout Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), and you can visit any time during regular hours, 10 am-6 pm today.
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.
BABY STORY TIME: 11 am to 11:30 am at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), free.
PUMPKIN JUNCTION: The Beer Junction (4511 California SW) offers at least 15 pumpkin beers on tap to celebrate the season.
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).
SKI SWAP DROPOFF: Participating in this weekend’s Mountain to Sound Outfitters West Seattle Ski Swap? Drop off your items 2-5:30 pm at the VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska).
HALLOWEEN-THEMED KARAOKE AT THE SKYLARK: Live band Halloween-themed karaoke at The Skylark with Dylan Lost, sign up at 7, sing starting at 8. Song list here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
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 COMEDY: Midnight Mystery Theater at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm.
FREE TEEN SWIM: 6-7 pm at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle), free swim session for ages 13=18.
BRANDI CARLILE AT EASY STREET, SOLD OUT: Just in case you wonder about what’ll certainly be a big crowd at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) for tonight’s 7 pm show – advance album buyers will be filling the shop
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Supreme La Rock. (4547 California SW)
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING: Skating with live music – tonight, Earshot Jazz Brass Queens / DJ Big Peach – 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. Tickets here.
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!
One week until Halloween! Again this year, readers reminded us about the Teal Pumpkin Project, “a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for the one in 13 children living with food allergies, and many others impacted by intolerances and other conditions.” If you’re interested, you can use this map, and we’ll also have a calendar entry for local Teal Pumpkin homes we hear from – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, October 24, 2025 – start of this year’s first of two Hallo-weekends.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Rain, high in the upper 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:40 am; sunset, at 6:05 pm. (We “fall back” one hour in 9 days.)
HALLO-WEEKEND ALERTS
-Today (October 24), Admiral District trick-or-treating is set for 3-6 pm – no street closures .
-Saturday (October 25), Alki trick-or-treating is set for noon-2 pm – no street closures
-Sunday (October 26), the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival will take over an extra block (California south of Alaska) of the heart of The Junction, while the Farmers’ Market occupies its usual block. SW Alaska also will be closed from 42nd to 44th.
ROAD WORK
-The 60th, 61st, 62nd Alki speed-bump work hadn’t started by Thursday afternoon.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three boats on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, 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 – Now on 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!
Thanks for the report and photos shared with us for you, on behalf of the teams!
Congratulations to the Chief Sealth girls and boys cross country teams for sweeping the 2A Metro Championships this week at Lower Woodland!
On the girls’ side, the Seahawks took home the team title and Federica Dilley (Sr.) was the individual champion, with Casey Greger (Sr.), Elena Phillips (So.), Doe Doe (So.), Abby Peloza (So.), Satomi Giedeman (Sr.), and Mina West (Fr.) earning All-Metro honors.
The Seahawks also won the team title in the boys’ race, with Remy Wittman (Sr.) taking home the individual crown and teammates Forest Andrews-Wehling (Sr.), Cole Peloza (Sr.), Ziko Kraft (Fr.), and Theo Franzen (So.) earning All-Metro honors.
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Both teams will race next Friday at the Sea-King District Championships at Lake Sammamish State Park.
A reader told us about a new name on the landlocked boat at Don Armeni Boat Ramp, minus photo, so we went by to confirm:
(Apologies to younger readers!)
Tonight’s decoration-spotlight photo was sent by M., who explains, “At Genesee Hill. My son Jakob (11) decorated for Halloween.” The big night is just one week from tomorrow! You’re sstill welcome to send photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (And we’re continuing to add Halloween-season events to our calendar – go here for that specific list.)
You’ve seen them on Duwamish Head in Alki, and now they’re on the east edge of High Point too: Bollards atop a raised concrete median on Sylvan Way. After a reader tip about the installation, we asked SDOT for the official explanation, and finally got it today from spokesperson Amy Abdelsayed:
SDOT identified Sylvan Way SW between High Point Dr SW and SW Sylvan Heights Dr as a high collision location last year due to the frequency of crashes that occurred at the intersection involving drivers crossing the roadway centerline and running off road. To address these crashes, SDOT’s Vision Zero program recently added raised pavement markers and centerline curbing in areas along Sylvan Way SW to improve visibility of lane lines and approaching roadway curves.
The SDOT collision map is not particularly conclusive, but we searched our archives for and came up with 74 results mentioning Sylvan Way and crash.
Looking for something new and tasty to try? The South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Culinary & Pastry Arts program has just set the dates and cuisines for its Otter Pop-Up food truck, through the end of the year, and you’re invited to visit the campus to give it a try! Here’s the announcement, with dates starting next Tuesday:
As part of their training to become professional chefs and food-industry entrepreneurs, Culinary & Pastry Arts students at South Seattle College get to create a concept for a food truck, craft the menu, and run the show along with fellow students. The menus are often inspired by students’ background and family favorites.
The culinary program has a fully functional “Otter Pop-up” food truck (with recently renovated cooking equipment and a new external design) that students use to run their concepts. The truck was donated by Marination in 2023.
Everyone is welcome to visit South’s main campus in West Seattle to enjoy the food. All sales benefit the program. The truck is always parked in the centrally located Clock Tower Plaza, creating a fun gathering space for students, community members, and employees
Food trucks operate from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm on each date. Here’s the schedule for Fall Quarter 2025:
Oct 28 and 30 – “Long Pigs” (Bavarian)
Nov. 4,5.6 – “Pom Pom Plates” (Japanese)
Nov. 12,13 – “Juntos” (Japanese)
Nov. 18,19,20 – “Toona’i To You” (Polynesian)
Dec. 2,3,4 – “Pastry Playlist” (Pastries)
Dec. 9,10,11 – “Dal Giardino” (Italian)
If you’re not familiar with the location, here’s an SSC campus map.
Readers have been noticing for a while that the for-lease sign has vanished from the former Bank of America at 4323 SW Admiral Way, which closed last February. A commenter, and permit applications, suggested who’s moving in – and now they’ve confirmed it to us: Lévy Aesthetics. Founder Dr. Daniel Lévy tells WSB, “We are opening a new state of the art Dermatology and Wellness clinic at that location.” It’s an expansion of their Bellevue-based business.
Today we welcome Visiting Angels as one of our newest sponsors. New sponsors get the opportunity to tell you about themselves – so here’s what Visiting Angels would like you to know!
Life is better when people stay in the comfort of their own home! Since 2008, Visiting Angels has employed Caregiver Angels who serve all of West Seattle. They are certified with the State of WA, go through an extensive interview and background check, have access to health benefits, company matching retirement, and receive ongoing training. Our caregivers are experienced with a wide variety of specialized care needs including, but not limited to, Dementia, Parkinsons, Hospital Discharge, Hospice, Stroke recovery, Companion care, and mobility conditions. Our caregivers are superstars with a real heart for caregiving and they provide peace of mind for the client and their loved ones!
Visiting Angels‘ Home Care Services can help with daily activities intended to improve our client’s life. Services include everything from medication reminders, housekeeping, laundry, personal care, errands, shopping, meal planning and preparation, and doctors’ visits. We offer flexible hourly care with a 3.5-hour shift minimum up to 24 hours. Our services are paid for by long-term-care insurance, qualified veterans’ HHHA benefits, and private pay.
We come to your home, the hospital, or the rehabilitation center, and complete a complementary assessment to determine the recommended level of service. This is a conversation, and we answer a lot of the client and family member questions during this part of the process.
After we have gotten to know the client by going through the assessment and completing our safety walkthrough, the Care Manager will recommend a Care Plan with the client’s input on the services and the schedule. We collaborate with hospitals, skilled nursing, home health, and hospice to ease the transition back home for their patients. The discharge orders are incorporated into the care plan we create and by having a caregiver in the home, patient recovery and comfort increases and hospital and rehabilitation re-admission rates go down significantly. Our team of Caregivers follow the professional orders provided and are present to care for the patient when the doctors and nurses are not! Our homecare services supplement, not replace, any skilled nursing services.
Visiting Angels‘ goal is to promote dignity and independence for our clients to enable them to live in their home with assistance for as long as possible. Call 425-828-4500 for your complimentary home assessment.
We thank Visiting Angels for choosing to advertise their services by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com for information – thank you!
The 17-year-old arrested after last weekend’s Walgreens robbery in High Point is due in court today, after being charged with a felony. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged him with first-degree robbery/displaying a deadly weapon. The charging documents don’t reveal much additional information about what investigators believe happened, but described the “deadly weapon” in detail (photo is from SPD and also included in the charging documents):
At approximately 1920 hours [the day of the robbery], officers recovered a tan 9mm Glock bearing serial no: xxxxxxx. The firearm was holding a 31 round extended magazine, with 21 bullets inside. This firearm was recovered in a bush, approximately 40 feet from where S/Stewart was taken. into custody. A records check showed the firearm as clear and belonging to xxxxxx.
The documents also say the suspect was wearing a jacket that “contained two phones, a pair of gloves
similar in appearance to the gloves in the robbery” (according to security video) plus had “$763 cash in his pants pockets, as well as the … tracker that was inside of the till at Walgreens.”
We’ll update once we get information on today’s hearing and the custody status. Meantime, we’ve checked juvenile-court records and this appears to be the first case against this defendant.
ADDED: According to minutes filed from the hearing, the defendant pleaded not guilty and is on electronic home monitoring. He is due back in juvenile court in two weeks.
(Schmitz Preserve Park – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s what’s happening in West Seattle for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more for today/tonight/days and weeks ahead):
FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace two mornings a week, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)
DROP-IN COWORK HANGOUT AT THE VOID: Get out of the home office for a couple hours! New weekly casual coworking hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon. (5048 California SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Fall is a perfect time to plant! Explore the possibilities – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Art is on display throughout Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), and you can visit any time during regular hours, 10 am-6 pm today.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: 10:30 am at West Seattle Library (2306 42nd SW).
TODDLER STORY TIME IN WESTWOOD: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!)
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is back today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Paparepas, with Venezuelan cuisine.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!
WEST SEATTLE HS FOOTBALL & SENIOR NIGHT: As previewed yesterday, the original plan has changed and the West Seattle HS football team will play its Senior Night game tonight vs. O’Dea at West Seattle Stadium (4470 35th SW). Football ceremony at 6 pm, game at 7 pm, cheer and band seniors honored at halftime.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, now leaving from Future Primitive Beer Bar (2536 Alki SW), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Prefer to walk? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with Jenn Green, 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Before we get to what’s up for today, an early holiday alert – it’s a seasonal tradition to reserve a time at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor) to make your own holiday wreath, and reservations are open now. You can go here to choose your date and time, before all the slots are gone!
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, October 23, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Mostly cloudy, chance of rain, high in the low 60s, breezy. Sunrise will be at 7:40 am; sunset, at 6:05 pm. (We “fall back” one hour in 10 days.)
WEEKEND ALERT
-Sunday (October 26), the West Seattle Junction Harvest Fest will take over an extra block (California south of Alaska) of the heart of The Junction, while the Farmers’ Market occupies its usual block. SW Alaska also will be closed from 42nd to 44th.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three boats on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, 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 – Now on 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!
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB
As the regular fall-sports season approaches the end, it’s time to celebrate those for whom this is the final season – the seniors. Last night, Chief Sealth International High School‘s girls-soccer team paid tribute to the Class of 2026 – including team support (above) as well as players (below with head coach Mike Rillo) –
Leslie Nunez Castro:
Lucinda Leviton:
Kimberly Ramirez:
Harlee Wahl:
Mariah Rillo:
Nasra:
The match was at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex against Nathan Hale.
The Seahawks led 1-0 after Nunez Castro, #4, scored early in the second half on a shot outside the box that sailed over the keeper’s head.
Then Hale scored two goals in the final five minutes to get the win.
The team’s last regular-season match is tonight at Cleveland, 5 pm.
Earlier this fall, Seattle Parks noted an owl attack in Lincoln Park. We’ve had reader reports of several around the peninsula, Lincoln Park included, over the years. But we hadn’t heard from anyone directly this year until Kevin‘s report arrived a short time ago:
Our 8 year old daughter was scratched on her head by an owl in Lincoln Park during her cross country run practice. Her grandpa exclaimed “what a hoot!” She’s just fine, though, just a little scary. It seems like it’s happened before, and the internet suggests they’re territorial at dusk. We’re going to follow up with her primary care doctor tomorrow to see if there’s anything weird about owls and diseases.
You can learn more about this owl behavior by checking out this Department of Fish and Wildlife fact sheet, choosing “Preventing Conflicts,” and scrolling down to “Dive-Bombing Owls.” As noted there, these incidents are rare.
Thanks to Bethany for tonight’s spotlight Halloween-season decorations – she’s on the hunt for “sincere pumpkin patches” and has found three celebrating the “Great Pumpkin” of “Peanuts” fame!
I’m in search of the most sincere pumpkin patch. So far I have found:
Alaska & 50th: (above)
Belvedere between Hinds and Hanford: (below)
47th between Walker and Hill (with Charlie Brown ghost!): (below)
It is fun for the wonderful neighbors who worked hard on the decorations, fellow Great Pumpkin seekers, and maybe serve as a callout to others on the peninsula who have sincere pumpkin patches I could visit!
You might recognize the third house as one where “Peanuts” is celebrated at Christmastime too!
Got decorations? Seen decorations? We’re showing photos nightly – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photos)
Two days after the Mariners‘ postseason ended one win short of a World Series trip, their mascot was in West Seattle tonight spreading consolation cheer. The Mariner Moose visited Ounces, whose proprietor Laurel Trujillo explained, “I figured everyone needs that extra high-five and hug right now.” That’s Laurel, above, with son Asher, 7.
Much of the crowd there tonight for The Moose’s ~45-minute visit was from Asher’s school, Fairmount Park Elementary, whose PTA is getting part of the proceeds from tonight’s beverage/food sales.
By the way, the “pumpkin patch photo booth” in which Laurel, Asher, and The Moose are shown, above, is open for drop-in pics (sorry, no Moose) through month’s end. Ounces is in North Delridge at 3809 Delridge Way SW.
P.S. Mariners’ opening day next year: March 26, 2026.
(Photo by Dave Estep)
When the West Seattle High School Wildcats take the field Thursday night for the game that includes the Senior Night celebration for football, cheer, and band, it won’t be at their home field, Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. And it won’t be against the originally scheduled opponent, either. They’re now scheduled to play O’Dea at West Seattle Stadium (4470 35th SW) at 7 pm Thursday. Thanks to parent Allison for circulating word of the changes – which also include plans for the football seniors to be recognized with a pre-game ceremony, at 6 pm, and the cheer and band seniors to be recognized at halftime. It’s not only WSHS’s senior night, it’s a “huge game” because it’s also a matchup of the top two teams in the Metro League – West Seattle is undefeated; O’Dea has only one loss, against a non-conference opponent, and this is scheduled as their Senior Night too (WS Stadium is their home field). Allison says they’re hoping to fill the stands for the Wildcats – you can buy your ticket with cash at the stadium or online in advance.
(WSB photos)
Chely Smithgall wants you to know, her Fine Baking Company shop is back open for business and offering a variety of sweet treats.
Less than a year after opening, Chely was hit by one of those crises that can knock a small business down for the count, but she’s battling back. A leg injury made it impossible for her to stand long enough to get the baking done. “I had to close my business for a month,” she laments. But then she got back to three hours a day, and now she’s expanding to five hours a day, all but one weekday afternoon, perfect timing for families going to and from nearby Gatewood Elementary (and other businesses in lower Gatewood/south Morgan Junction).
Chely hopes you’ll pop in to try (or re-try!) her cake pops, cupcakes, cookies, and more (empanadas were also on the menu when we stopped in) – she’s at 6971 California SW, open noon-5 pm Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 am-3 pm Saturdays.
2:14 PM: This arrest was just announced via SPD Blotter:
Seattle police narcotics detectives and SPD’s SWAT team arrested a 51-year-old prolific drug trafficker in West Seattle last week following a monthslong narcotics investigation stemming from a previous arrest.
Detectives started their investigation looking for a suspected drug supplier after they arrested a man in the 2600 block of Southwest Cambridge Street on July 16, for selling Fentanyl and Methamphetamine from his RV.
Their investigation into the supplier identified the man, living in SeaTac, WA. Detectives found him to be a convicted felon with extensive criminal history, including violations for selling controlled substances and many other crimes.
While surveilling him, detectives found that he frequently traveled from SeaTac, spending several hours selling narcotics in the South Park, White Center, and Westwood Village neighborhoods. His actions contribute to drug overdoses, retail theft, car prowls, and car thefts in the area, according to detectives.
SPD investigators developed probable cause to arrest him for a Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act for Possession with Intent to Deliver Fentanyl.
On Oct. 15, at about 10:30 p.m., detectives surveilled the suspect as he drove with his wife and children to the shopping center in Westwood Village.
While his family shopped, he walked across the street into Roxhill Park, to sell narcotics. Almost immediately, suspected narcotic users, who appeared to be waiting for him for drugs, began approaching him.
Shortly thereafter, the SWAT team arrested the 51-year-old without incident.
Roxhill Park is less than a mile from Chief Sealth International High School. Its trails are an opportunistic location for drug users, drug dealing, and selling stolen items, providing a veil of protection from the public eye, according to narcotics detectives.
Oftentimes, the suspect would access an electric scooter from his vehicle and ride around on it, selling narcotics, making it easy for him to maneuver through the park.
During the arrest, detectives recovered:
•178.6g powdered Fentanyl
•42.2g Methamphetamine
•41.5g white powdery substance
•$291 Cash
• Drug paraphernalia, scale, packaging baggies
Police booked the suspect into the King County Jail for multiple drug crimes. His bail is set at $250,000.
Incident Number: 2025-200398
We are checking with prosecutors regarding the case’s status.
3:53 PM: The suspect, 51-year-old Antonio J. Kent, has been charged with two drug felonies and pleaded not guilty this morning. A judge rejected his request for reduced bail and he remains in the King County Jail, bail set at a quarter-million dollars. We’re reading the charging documents now and will add any additional information of note.
4 PM: Kent is described in the documents as having a record of 39 convictions, 11 of which were felonies, dating back into the ’90s and ending in 2019, for crimes including robbery, theft, assault, DUI, trespass, stolen-car possession. He also is reported to have had 54 warrants issued over the years and was labeled in a national database as a “career criminal.”
4:47 PM: We sent a photo request to the state Department of Corrections, which can provide photos to media if the person was ever in their system. The photo added above and to the right is the newest one they had, from 2016.
12:31 PM: Sent by Providence Mount St. Vincent:
A patient from Providence Mount St. Vincent’s Transitional Care Unit left the facility this morning and has not returned.
The police have been notified, and our team is on the streets doing a search – but we need your help!
His name is Kristian, 51 years old, 6’1” tall.
He is wearing hospital gown pants, a dark sweatshirt (with front zipper) and dark color beanie.
Last time he was seen, he was carrying a cane and a hospital plastic bag.
3:30 PM UPDATE: A Mount spokesperson says, “We have been recently informed that there is a warrant for his arrest. If someone sees him, they should call 911.”
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