ELECTION 2025: West Seattle Chamber of Commerce to host mayoral candidates at Thursday forum

checkbox.jpg1:43 PM: Voting in the November election starts in less than two weeks – King County Elections will mail ballots next week. Four citywide races will be on your ballot, and this Thursday, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is presenting a candidates’ forum during its monthly lunch meeting, described as follows:

The 2025 Candidate Forum brings together candidates for Mayor of Seattle, Seattle City Council, and City Attorney in a nonpartisan program hosted by the West Seattle Chamber. Attendees will hear clear positions on public safety, transportation, housing, small business health, climate readiness, and neighborhood priorities. The format features timed moderator questions, equal speaking time, and a focused small business lightning round.

Moderator will be longtime local journalist/broadcaster Brian Callanan, who is also a chamber board member as part of his volunteer work organizing Loop the ‘Lupe every summer. The lunch/forum is at 11:30 am Thursday (October 9) at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), open to non-members as well as members (there’s an attendance fee for both); here’s the registration link. Once your ballot arrives, the deadline for voting and returning it is Tuesday, November 4.

1:58 PM: Just heard from chamber executive director Rachel Porter, who says her organization has *just* decided to focus only on the mayoral race at the forum – they’re expecting both incumbent Bruce Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson.

How should the city spend your money? Tuesday brings first big public hearing on budget

If you have something to say about next year’s city budget, as City Councilmembers review and revise the mayor’s proposal, tomorrow is your first major chance to tell them what you think. The council will spend Tuesday afternoon and evening presiding over their first big public hearing on the budget. They’ll take online/phone comments starting at 1 pm, in-person comments starting at 5 pm. The agenda document explains how and when to register for the sessions. Here are a few notes we published when the mayor presented his proposal two weeks ago; since then, the council has held multiple meetings at which individual departments gave overviews of their budget proposals (for short quick ways to review those, see the slide decks linked in the agendas – find them labeled Select Budget Committee, starting September 25th. You can also find the entire budget document, and individual departments’ plans, linked here.

BIZNOTE: Lake Washington Physical Therapy – West Seattle offering training for snow-sports season, and other updates

Lots of updates from Lake Washington Physical Therapy – West Seattle (WSB sponsor, now with two locations):

Lake Washington Physical Therapy is excited to share some updates and events happening this fall and winter as we continue to expand services and grow to serve the West Seattle community!

Alpine Training Project Starts October 15th – Space is limited

(Reminder – it’ll be snow season soon!)

Are you ready for ski season? Sign up for the Alpine Training Project hosted at West Seattle Lake Washington Physical Therapy. Classes will cover a progressive multi-modal approach to training and injury prevention for skiers and snowboarders. In-person classes are for 6 weeks every Wednesday, 7:00 – 8:00 pm, beginning October 15th, 2025. Cost is $230/person which includes 6 in-person classes, and 6 months of access to online workouts.

Classes at LWPT–West Seattle will be led by our ski and snowboard expert, Amanda Ford, PT DPT FDNS. Only 12 spots available! If the class is full, please use the email in the link to add your name to the waitlist. Another class may be added based on demand. Here’s the signup link.

Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging–October 20th

On October 20, 2025, we’re hosting a special day of Real-Time Musculoskeletal US Imaging with Expert Insight at our West Seattle clinic.

Led by Greg Fritz, PT DPT RMSK, a nationally recognized expert with over 25 years of experience, and Maxwell Ngo, PT DPT. Each 30-minute session includes real-time imaging and results, a written/digital report, and communication with your medical provider. Cost: $200 (HSA/FSA eligible).

Points of Interest Include: tendon pain, rotator cuff tears and shoulder pain, bursitis of the shoulder/elbow/hip, golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, hand/wrist injuries, plantar fasciitis, muscle strains/tears
Spots are limited – email MaxwellNgo@lakewashingtonpt.com (If October 20 doesn’t work, later in the year, Maxwell Ngo, PT DPT will be offering this service on a daily basis at our Alki clinic.)

Now TWO locations to serve you – Alki and Fauntleroy!

In addition to our Alki clinic, did you know that we have added a second clinic location in West Seattle to better serve our community? The LWPT Fauntleroy clinic is located inside The Kenney, supporting the West Seattle neighborhood and the residents living in this beautiful retirement community. Alison Read, PT DPT CEEAA Cert-MOA FSOAE, brings a strong background in outpatient orthopedics and diverse clinical experiences, specializing in treating older adults by passionately empowering this population to maintain strength and independence. Click HERE to watch a video and learn more about Alison! We offer 1:1 care and 55-minute appointments at our Fauntleroy clinic. Medicare and most insurances accepted. Book an appointment by calling us at 206-906-9207.

New Specialized Services

We are proud to introduce new specialized treatments at our clinics, including:
Dry Needling with Amanda Ford, PT DPT FDNS to improve functionality and relieve pain and tension.
Professional Bike Fitting with Erin Heald, PT DPT, ensuring optimal cycling performance.
Running Evaluations using Runeasi Technology and Video Running Analysis

Early Morning and Weekend Appointments

To better serve the West Seattle community, we have expanded our hours and added two new clinicians at our Alki location. Need an early morning or weekend appointment? We’ve got you covered! Join us in welcoming Jordan Samford, PT DPT MS and Olivia Dominguez, PT DPT to our Alki team!

The main LWPTWS clinic is at 1309 Harbor Avenue SW; the Fauntleroy clinic is at 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW.

Our list for your West Seattle Monday

(Full moon setting early this morning – photo by James Bratsanos)

Here’s our list of what’s happening and NOT happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (got something to add? please let us know!):

SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: The artwork on display are viewable all around Southwest Library (9010 California SW) during regular hours, 10 am-6 pm today.

HOMEWORK HELP: Free drop-in homework help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4 pm to 5:45 pm.

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Here’s who’s playing at home: At 4:30 pm, Chief Sealth IHS‘s slowpitch-softball team hosts Ballard (3000 California SW).

CRAFTING & CREATIVITY NIGHT HIATUS: Still on hold until The Missing Piece finishes moving to new Junction location (no date yet as of our most-recent check).

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)

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play tonight! Easy Street‘s every-other-week Music Quiz, 6:30 and 7:30 pm (4559 California SW) … 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: Play in The Corner Pocket‘s weekly pool tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)

FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: South-end Monday night meditating – 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; if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Monday info

9:05 AM: Police have just beenn dispatched to a crash at 35th/Holden, reported to be blocking the east side of the intersection.

9:09 AM: There’s also a crash reported at 17th/Roxbury.

Earlier:

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, October 6, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The forecast for today is mostly sunny, high in the mid-to-upper 60s. Sunrise will be at 7:16 am; sunset, at 6:37 pm.

(Sunday sunset photo by James Bratsanos)

PARKING ETC. ALERT

Parts of Harbor and Alki Avenues are off-limits to parking again today, primarily from Don Armeni to Luna/Anchor Park, because of commercial filming. Here’s reader video of what the crew was shooting Saturday.

ROAD WORK

-The South Park Bridge is scheduled to close overnight again tonight and tomorrow – 7 pm Monday to 6 am Tuesday, and 7 pm Tuesday to 6 am Wednesday.

59th SW in Alki may still close intermittently, we’re told, so be prepared for possible detours.

-“Natural drainage” construction closing the east end of Sylvan Way is under way.

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – WSF continues two-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Issaquah, because of a boat breakdown on another route, and has added M/V Salish as an unscheduled third boat. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update when the situation changes.

Water Taxi – Today, regular West Seattle service; summer/early fall schedule; Friday night (October 10) is the last night this season of planned later-night service.

Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.

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!

ROAD WORK: Barriers added to Yancy/Andover/28th bike lane

Thanks to Manuel for the photos! A reader asked us what SDOT workers were doing this weekend near 28th/Yancy, and his photos provide the answer – adding wheel-stop barriers to the bike lane installed three years ago.

The bike lane was installed not long after the city swept a six-year, multi-block RV encampment along Andover and 28th.

Two West Seattle women. One big desert. Meet your neighbors who are about to compete in Rebelle Rally

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

What are the odds?

Somehow two West Seattle women are part of a major offroad endurance rally competition that starts in a few days, covering 1,700 miles of Southwestern U.S. desert – though not only are they on different teams, they didn’t even know each other before discovering they’re both on this year’s participant list for the 10th anniversary running of the Rebelle Rally.

We sat down with both of them this week to find out more about the women-only rally and how they got involved with it.

More than 60 teams will participate in Rebelle this year, an 11-day event featuring 8 days of competition starting October 9 from the Mammoth Mountain area – each team consisting of a driver and navigator. Angela Rickerson (above left) drives her 2017 Jeep Wrangler for her team, in her second year competing; Kelli Diann Gordon (above right) navigates for her team (in a 2022 Toyota Tundra), and this will be her first year. And “navigating” is far more than you’d think – they are not allowed to use phones, GPS, other technology – they start each day with coordinates on a paper map. Angela insists the driver is just a team member supporting the navigator. (And the vehicle, which is the “third member of the team.”) Some teams are sponsored by car companies; some – like Angela’s (Team 102, Double A Rally) and Kelli’s (Team 185, Hoot ‘n’ Holler) – are “privateers,” though various kinds of sponsorships and support remain vital, as Rebelle has a five-digit entry fee (which among other things supports traveling “base camps” and meals for the teams during the rally – more on that later).

This is Angela’s second year in Rebelle, Kelli’s first. They stress that it’s a competition but not a race – it’s a competition for staying accurately on course, for getting to certain checkpoints “with the clock ticking” – these aren’t physical checkpoints with someone sitting there keeping track, but rather spots at which a satellite tracker makes note of the vehicle’s presence via its tracker. They are truly out in the middle of nowhere, though – here’s a photo from last year’s course:

(2024 photo by Richard Giordano)

Though the teams can’t use anything fancier than a compass, Rebelle overall makes use of tech for communication as well as tracking. Live streams during the rally follow the teams’ trackers, so family, friends, and fans can follow along. And video is recorded via “tons of drones following all day,” Angela explains – plus human videographers on the course too “although you may not see them.” And it’s not completely a case of “roughing it” – here’s a photo Angela shared of one of the base camps:

So how did they discover Rebelle and decide to pursue participation?

Angela said her feed algorithm served up info about Rebelle, and she “started watching it and just became obsessed with it.” That includes a docuseries about it called “Dead Reckoning,” a reference to the skill that leads you to success in the sport. She also met her teammate online.

After posting a question on Instagram about how to get involved, she received “so many messages” including her now-teammate Adriana, whose previous teammate couldn’t repeat with her. (Adriana lives in L.A.)

As for Kelli, her teammate is a cousin and had immersed herself in offroading culture, in no small part because of the Toyota Tundra she’s driven for many years. But ultimately, she says, the algorithm got her too – her cousin “kept seeing all these ads for Rebelle, then called me in late February, said, ‘I want to do this, would you want to do this with me?’ I said ‘yes, but my wife is pregnant’.”

Eight months pregnant now, in fact, just as Kelli prepares to head out for her first Rebelle. Nonetheless, they decided to go for it, “got a website together, got a team name together.”

So how did Kelli and Angela discover each other, competing on different teams but both living in West Seattle, hardly a hotbed of offroad culture? Angela explains that she reached out online to people in the area, in the spirit of mentoring, passing on knowledge, talking about what it’s like. She says that although the Rebelle rally is a “super-fierce competition,” people “want to share information … that’s very different from other motorsports.”

Kelli says the entire event itself is unique: “The design is very thoughtful, designed by women for women. The design of the scoring is thoughtful and helps teams support each other – (for example) there’s a rule to stop and check if you see someone in distress, or else you can get penalized.”

(Angela driving last year, photo by Nicole Dreon)

The Rebelle Rally’s founder Emily Miller “wanted women to have … a chance to compete on a national stage,” Angela adds. Even aside from the women-only aspect, “this is one of the few big national rallies.” (They note there’s one from Kirkland to Alaska – the Alcan 5000.)

With both women living far apart from their teammates, and in an area that’s not exactly rich in the type of terrain they’ll face in the Rebelle Rally, how do they prepare?

It’s “super-challenging,” acknowledges Angela, but far from impossible. She flies to California a few times a year to work with her teammate, who makes some trips up here too. And “you can practice finding checkpoints,” with the help of a mapping app, wherever you are. Kelli says navigators can practice “several different skills . instead of using GPS, my wife and I will use atlases.” And they practice communication – if you’re telling a driver where to go, how far in advance do they need that direction, for example? With a work history in the hospitality industry, she says, they often work in “kitchen shorthand.”

Speaking of kitchen, the Rebelle Rally doesn’t just provide subsistence-level meals for teams. It has a Michelin-starred Chef, Drew Deckman. The base camps also bring in support mechanics, fuel, water, and power – “huge semi-trucks with solar panels.” Angela observes, “It’s cool to see how the organizers have thought through everything.” That even includes a “crash course” on how to help endangered desert tortoises if they’re seen along the route. And the number of Rebelle staffers, they add, is roughly a “one staff member per participant” ratio.

All that costs money, a major reason for the entry fee, but the West Seattle competitors have found ways to cover it. Kelli and her teammate cousin even have been running fundraising “sweepstakes” online (the cousin has been donating items from her spice shop as well as Airbnb’s, while Kelli’s donations have included a classic West Seattle item, an Easy Street Records gift certificate). She appreciates the Rebelle organization even more because of her work as an event manager for the City of Issaquah.

Angela’s “day job” is bar manager for Ballard restaurant Copine (which supported her by donating proceeds from a menu item). She’s also mom to a 10-year-old son and says competing in Rebelle is further proof that “motherhood doesn’t end everything – you’re not ‘just’ a caregiver; I drag him to everything with me and he loves it.” That includes his visit to the starting line last year, to cheer on his mom.

Kelli takes inspiration from that, as her motherhood journey will begin shortly after the rally; when she returns, her wife will be 36 1/2 weeks pregnant.

The investment of money and time, both agree, is “worth it.” Angela points out that competitors get to meet “all these amazing women.” And it inspires each to transcend any limitations they thought they have. Kelli says even mistakes can be growth opportunities, that Rebelle “challenges you to face yourself when you’ve made a decision (that didn’t work out), to own what you’ve done, and that’s where your power comes from.”

“Physically, mentally, emotionally, every day is challenging,” agrees Angela. “You’re in it with one other person, there’s no option other than moving forward.”

And their journey starts this week. They’ll find themselves at the starting line, Angela says, as “just normal people from West Seattle who decided to say yes to this crazy thing.” And that’s the biggest lesson she’s learned: “Just say ‘yes’ to things – it might change your life. Challenge yourself! I don’t think you know what you are capable of until you put yourself in extreme situations.”

You can track this year’s Rebelle Rally through streams on this YouTube page.

WEST SEATTLE ART: Southwest Artist Showcase’s opening day

For the next month, Southwest Library is alive with art! Today brought the opening reception for this year’s Southwest Artist Showcase, which the library has been hosting for more than 30 years, displaying art brought in by any and all community members interested in participating. Art of all sizes and by all ages!

That’s a crocheted robot by Ely Thomas; this is Scotti Smith‘s acrylic “Street Kitty”:

We talked with some of the artists, too; Sam Day, a founder of the Notorious Alki Swimmers, brought paintings envisioning two of his fellow swimmers as mermaids:

Gordon Miller‘s lightbox “Group Chat” started with a drawing and then was made using a laser cutter the West Seattle Tool Library used to have on hand, he told us:

Charlie Harris is showing work he made from what he describes as “scraps” – even part of an old coffee card:

There’s so much more to see, all around the library shelves, and you have all month (actually, through Nov. 2) to visit. Library days/hours are here. (Thanks to Southwest Library’s Bean Yogi for introducing us to some of the artists during our brief visit today – we hope to return later in the month to admire more of the art!)

WEEKEND SCENE: Kiwanis Club of West Seattle back at Farmers’ Market for fall

At the south end of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, just inside the road-blocking signs at California/Alaska, Kiwanis Club of West Seattle members are back for fall. At their booth, you’ll find free coffee and other features – crafts for kids this week, including pinwheels that worked nicely in the morning breeze. Later in the season they’ll also be assisting with donation drives, and they’ll be selling tickets to their holiday-season pancake breakfast. Stop by and say hi, any Sunday during market hours, 10 am-2 pm.

BIZNOTE: Driftwood proprietors plan Seaglass in ex-Alki Café space

Permits have shown for a while that the ex-Alki Café space was likely being taken over by the proprietors of Driftwood next door. Today, they’re finally ready to announce their plan for it: A “coffeehouse and bakeshop” called Seaglass. Here are the details they provided:

Driftwood, the acclaimed Alki Beach restaurant founded by Dan and Jackie Mallahan, is expanding its imprint in West Seattle with the addition of a neighborhood bakeshop and coffee house: Seaglass. The new project will be led by Seattle coffee entrepreneur Seth Allen alongside Chef and Pastry Chef Gerald Hawkins Jr., blending curated specialty coffee with bold, ingredient-driven pastry in a warm and intentional community space.

Seth Allen, founder of Numa Coffee, has established himself as a leader in Seattle’s specialty coffee scene, building a brand known for its community-driven hospitality and collaborations with celebrated roasters including Passenger, Dak, KWC, Moxie, Rush Rush, Calendar, Little Wolf, and Valor. Numa has partnered with brands such as Filson, Driftwood, Amazon Galaxy Studios, Snapchat, Nordstrom, Sézane, Arc’teryx, and Seattle Bouldering Project.

Chef Gerald Hawkins Jr. brings more than a decade of experience spanning the Carolinas, from small-town bakeries to acclaimed restaurants such as Leah & Louise in Charlotte, a four-time James Beard Award nominee. Born in Durham and raised in Norlina, North Carolina, Hawkins draws inspiration from family traditions, Southern foodways, and local agriculture. His eclectic pastry style reflects both nostalgia and modern culinary techniques, with an emphasis on sustainability, creativity, and storytelling through ingredients.

Together, Allen and Hawkins will bring a new energy to Alki, creating a neighborhood and destination bakeshop that celebrates both Pacific Northwest ingredients and Gerald’s Southern roots. Guests can expect inventive pastries, breads, and seasonal offerings paired with world-class coffee—designed to be both approachable and exceptional.

“Driftwood has always been about telling the story of time and place through food,” said Dan Mallahan, Chef and Co-Founder of Driftwood. “This next chapter with Seth and Gerald allows us to expand that vision—bringing together coffee, pastry, and community in a space that feels like home for West Seattle.”

The bakeshop is slated to open in Spring 2026 on Alki Beach, at the old Alki Beach Cafe Space, adding to Driftwood’s commitment to building meaningful connections through food, drink, and hospitality.

The Mallahans opened Driftwood almost three years ago.

READER REPORT: ‘Large noise complaint’ on Alki

At 5 am, we received video from a reader on Alki, an example of a situation often brought up at community meetings – loud music long after the beach closed and that eventually drew a police response last night after dozens of people called it in. The music was audible through the residence’s windows whether closed or open. Here’s part of the clip, and what the sender told us via text:

Just trying to share awareness as we are at our wits end and not able to rely on the police to respond to calls and take action. (And share with people who are hopefully civicly engaged, to help call for assistance long term). If anyone else is complaining about music this morning, it’s going on between 57th and 58th Ave on Alki Ave. We’ve had calls in for over 90 minutes with no response. Audio shows inside with all windows and doors closed, vs how far it carries outside. Not to mention the public intoxication and smashed beer bottles and dangerous-for-pedestrian racing.

Not THIS bad typically, but this has been a reoccurring Friday-Sunday night issue since mid-summer now. We figured it would die down with the cool weather. We can get an officer response quickly if it’s before 10 pm, then maybe 30% of the time after, during the “third shift”. I will be highlighting at the next Alki community council meeting. Wasn’t able to make the one in September.

At some point after 5:30 am, we heard police dispatched; the dispatcher described it as a “large noise complaint, with more than 40 callers.” The texter confirmed “three squad cars arrived”; we asked what happened:

The allied security night watchman that U of W hired to guard the sand volleyball equipment for the weekend tournament they’re hosting said it was going for six hours before officers arrived. 2 hrs since we called.

They got what little remained, about 10, to disperse. Just flashing lights and intercoms on them telling them to go. About 5 cars drove off. All intoxicated, I’m sure. No arrests made. Originally it was 60+ people in front of Blue Moon inbetween 57th and 58th with the very loud car audio setup in the video, but that car left and most of the people left before officers arrived.

Seattle noise rules are summarized on this SPD page. P.S. If you have a question or concern for SPD, wherever you live, the next Southwest Precinct Advisory Council meeting, open to all community members, is this Tuesday, October 7, 6:30 pm, at the Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds).

READER REPORT: Abandoned, possibly stolen items including gaming system

Sent by Matt:

I saw this PS4 and some other items on a wall next to the alley on the north side of Genesee just east of 44th. Thought it might be stolen and abandoned.

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 24 notes!

(This morning’s moonset, photographed by Carol Ann Joyce)

Good morning – here’s what’s up for your Sunday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more listings!) and inbox:

EXTRA WATER TAXI RUNS: On this day/night with big games downtown (1:05 pm Seahawks, 5:03 pm Mariners), the West Seattle Water Taxi is following its summer-Saturday schedule tonight – last run from downtown leaves at 10:45 pm.

GARAGE/YARD SALES: Check for listings in the WSB Community Forums. (If you have a sale to add, but don’t have a WSB Forums login, go to westseattleblog/log-in – thanks!)

FLU/COVID VACCINE CLINIC: 9 am-3 pm at Chief Sealth IHS (2600 SW Thistle), open to all, but follow that link to get an appointment first.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: This week’s 9 am Sunday Funday run starts at Moonshot Coffee (9622 16th SW, White Center).

UW BEACH-VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT: The Huskies are back at Alki Beach today for the second day of a two-day tournament, starting at 9 am.

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: The Sunday games are on hiatus until The Missing Piece reopens in its new Junction location (no date yet, as of our followup this week).

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Find the year-round market on California between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in early-fall produce season (stone fruit, berries, tomatoes, peppers, greens, roots, bulbs), plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, flowers, more.

WEST SEATTLE BEE GARDEN: You’re invited to help work in the Bee Garden today as fall begins. 10 am-noon. (Graham/Lanham)

FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).

SOUTHWEST ART SHOWCASE OPENING RECEPTION: 11 am-12:30 pm, come see the entries in this year’s community art showcase at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) and meet some of the artists.

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)

WEST SEATTLE RESISTS: Sunday signholding in The Junction (California/Alaska), 11:30 am-1:30 pm.

OKTOBERFEST AT OUNCES: Third and final day at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), open noon-7 pm today. That includes Kids’ Day activities. See today’s full schedule on the Ounces website.

COMMUNITY CLOG DANCING LESSONS: 1 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), all welcome at this introductory session.

WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Kick back 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)

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: Theo Mcgaughey Jazz Trio performs 3-5 pm – come early to get your beverage – at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

MODERN CLASSIC BOOK CLUB: Discussing Ira Levin‘s “Rosemary’s Babyat 3 pm at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW).

‘THE ROOMMATE’ AT ARTSWEST: 3 pm matinee performance of the newest play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW).

LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 4 pm listening party for Taylor Swift‘s album ‘Life of a Showgirl,’ free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-8 pm, live music with PëtrichØr & Trashasaurus Rex, free, all-ages. (9444 Delridge Way SW)

SCREAM CLUB SEATTLE: 7 pm at Lincoln Park Picnic Shelter 4 (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), second monthly gathering to, yes, have a communal scream.

UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: 7:30 pm, free to play. (4302 SW Alaska)

JET CITY AT ARTSWEST: Improvised comedy musical at 7:30 pm; our calendar listing has the ticket link. (4711 California SW)

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!

‘We share the Earth with them’: Blessing of the Animals in West Seattle

Story and photos by Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

“God’s animals inhabit the skies, the land, and the sea; we share the Earth with them, and like them rely on God’s blessing to sustain and preserve us.”

Those were the words spoken by Rev. Elise Johnstone marking today’s “Blessing of the Animals” at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Admiral, where a wide menagerie gathered. Around 35 people came together with their families and their pets to receive the blessing, which customarily occurs around the day marking the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and ecology. This year, the blessing coincided exactly with the date of the feast, which occurs every year on October 4th.
Rev. Johnstone and Fr. Robert Stevens presided, delivering a small sermon. We recorded her reading Psalm 104 along with the crowd:

After the readings, the presiders then blessed a basket of St. Francis medals meant to confer the blessing onto the animals as the annual blessing is in honor of the patron saint of animals’ feast day. They then went out into the crowd to hand out the medals.

The event drew a variety of animals with their people. Many brought their canine companions:

We also saw someone who had brought their cat along:

Robbie, age 7)

A guinea pig was in attendance too:

(Boba)

One person even brought their stuffed dog Ginger, which they said had kept them company through many difficult times for more than 40 years.

Reverend Johnstone wanted to emphasize that the event is for all animals, no matter the size or species. She said unique highlights of past years have included people bringing stick bugs, and even a multiple-feet-long python.

The event ended with a fairly traditional and formal recitation, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord … Thanks be to God.” Before ending, Reverend Johnstone added: “But let’s go out with a good bark as well.” And as soon as she finished speaking, the chorus of dogs started up.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Outside lane blocked by westbound West Seattle Bridge pullout

Thanks to Sage K. for the tip. They saw a “stalled Jeep” blocking the outside lane just before the westbound Walking on Logs pullout, “making things a bit dangerous.” We’ve also just heard a dispatch for what was described as a possible two-vehicle collision in that area. Bottom line, if you know of anyone about to head that way, tell them heads-up at that last curve.

VIDEO: See today’s commercial filming on Harbor/Alki

Thanks to Erin for the video! We’ve been telling you for a few days about the parking restrictions today along part of Harbor/Alki Avenues, attributed to a production company with a lot of car commercials among its credits. The neighbor who originally tipped us said a Toyota logo was seen during some advance work, and indeed, that’s what it seems to be – we screengrabbed Erin’s video, tried an online image search, and it came back as the Toyota b74X electric SUV. The parking restrictions also are supposed to be in effect Monday (October 6), but not tomorrow.

YOU CAN HELP: First Lutheran Church fills ‘Cup of Blessing’ for West Seattle Food Bank – featuring WS trivia!

Just two weeks until this fun fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank! From First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (WSB sponsor):

Cup of Blessing Dinner Returns October 18, 2025 with West Seattle Trivia

The First Lutheran Church of West Seattle is delighted to host the annual Cup of Blessing Dinner on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM. This beloved community event raises vital funds for the West Seattle Food Bank and provides a warm evening of fellowship, fun, and outstanding food.

This year’s theme, “West Seattle Trivia,” will bring a local twist to the evening. Guests are encouraged to brush up on their neighborhood knowledge as trivia questions are woven into the program, making for an interactive and lively atmosphere.

Attendees will enjoy a delicious buffet style dinner from Ivar’s Acres of Clams, featuring entrées such as salmon and chicken with delicious sides.

Robbin Peterson and Serena Streitman will be representing the West Seattle Food Bank, and will be the evening’s guest speakers, sharing updates on the organization’s work in addressing food insecurity across the neighborhood. With rising demand for assistance, every ticket sold makes a direct impact.

In addition to the dinner and trivia, guests can participate in a Dessert Dash, a spirited race to bid on and claim delectable desserts, as well as a raffle offering fantastic prizes. Every aspect of the evening is designed to bring people together while raising money for an essential cause.

The Cup of Blessing Dinner is about more than just a meal, it’s about building community, sharing fellowship, and making a tangible difference for our neighbors in need.

You are Invited! Tickets are available now at bit.ly/CupofBlessings2025. Seating is limited, and 100 percent of proceeds — including ticket costs — go directly to the West Seattle Food Bank.

READER REPORT: Abandoned green bicycle

The report and photo are from Kristy:

I saw this bike on a run this morning around 10:30. Someone may be looking for it.

She saw it where 24th meets 25th in Delridge.

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Fauntleroy’s Great Pumpkin Search 2025

The Great Pumpkin Search is on in Fauntleroy! Volunteers hid 175 pumpkins similar to that one around the Endolyne business district, and organizers with the Fauntleroy Community Association are now presiding over the search from a tent at the corner of 45th SW and Brace Point, across from Endolyne Joe’s:

Some of the pumpkins are redeemable for prizes – one per searcher. The search is on until 3 pm, or until all the pumpkins are found – just a few searchers in the early going, so you have time to get there!

FOLLOWUP: Here’s how the West Seattle Alzheimer’s Support Group Walk went

As previewed here, an informal walk was scheduled in West Seattle again this year on the same day as the big citywide Walk to End Alzheimer’s. It happened this morning; we just got this report, from Connie:

The West Seattle Alzheimer’s Support Group rallied to the cause Saturday for the annual Walk To End Alzheimer’s. Upward of three dozen, men, women, children, and dogs from West Seattle walked a stretch of 35th Ave SW near the water tower, to coincide with the larger event at Seattle Center.

The annual walk is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the many forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and to provide support for families living with disease – through resources, advocacy, and research to find a cure. The West Seattle walk was organized by support group facilitator Martha Smith.

If you’re interested in the group, here’s more info.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Do you know who hit this car?

Linda is seeking help figuring out who hit her car in Upper Morgan Junction:

Our car was hit last night right about midnight. There were pieces of the vehicle which hit our car left behind so we know the car is a metallic blue-gray. It will have front-end damage likely mostly on the passenger side and the side mirror will be missing its cover. The driver was going southbound on 40th Avenue toward Morgan. We’re hoping someone may have captured a picture of the car or license plate on a security cam or may see the car around their neighborhood. Any help would be much appreciated.

If you have any information, l_c_turner (at) hotmail (dot) com is the best way to contact Linda. The SPD report number is 25-290106.

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 41 notes!

(Photo by Tom Trulin)

Welcome to the first weekend of October! Here’s our big West Seattle list for Saturday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:

TRAFFIC/TRANSPORTATION/PARKING ALERTS: Many parking spaces are off-limits today (and Monday) between Don Armeni Boat Ramp and Luna/Anchor Park because of a film shoot … South Park Bridge is closed again 7 pm tonight to 6 am Sunday because of Duwamish River cleanup work … The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry route remains on a two-boat-plus-unscheduled-third-boat schedule (as linked here).

FREE SAUNA: As previewed here Friday, Metro is bringing a mobile sauna to Seacrest (Cove 2) so you can sweat and then plunge into Elliott Bay (or vice versa), 8 am-10 am. (1660 Harbor SW)

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Kick-start your weekend with a run? West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) leads Saturday 8 am free group runs!

GARAGE/YARD SALES: Anyone having a yard/garage sale today? Check listings in the WSB Community Forums. (If you have a sale to add, but don’t have a login for that section, go to westseattleblog/log-in – thanks!)

VACCINE CLINIC: 9 am-3 pm at Louisa Boren STEM K-8 (5950 Delridge Way SW), open to all, but follow that link to get an appointment first.

URBAN FARMING WORKSHOP: 9 am at Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon), the second workshop in a series that will teach you about growing food in an urban community garden, as previewed here. Today’s topic: “Winter gardening. You can grow a variety of vegetables year-round.”

HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am community meditation at Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska) – register here.

UW BEACH-VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT: The Huskies are back at Alki Beach today (and tomorrow) starting at 9 am.

WEST SEATTLE ALZHEIMER’S WALK: Don’t want to, or can’t, go to the big walk downtown? A local support group has again organized a smaller West Seattle walk on the same day. Meet up at 9:30 am at 35th/Myrtle, by the water tower.

INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed by this 10 am walk, which you can join even if you didn’t go on the introductory walk. Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: The Garden Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW, north end of campus), is open 10 am-3 pm.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: Just a few more weeks to shop at this weekly market! Open 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, in and around the courtyard at Hope Academy in South Delridge (9421 18th SW). Fresh produce, cooked-on-site food, sweet treats, body-care products, more!

WHITE CENTER HEIGHTS TREE PLANTING: Big planting event 10 am-1 pm – sign up here ASAP! (10208 7th 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: On hiatus; no gathering until mid-October

ALKI HISTORY WALK: 11 am – openings remain as of early this morning. Meet at the Log House Museum. (61st/Stevens)

FREE ECO-TOUR: Starting at the Duwamish Longhouse (4705 West Marginal Way SW), 11 am-noon.

FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)

OKTOBERFEST AT HIGHLAND PARK CORNER STORE: Beer, brats, pretzels, games, more, noon-7 pm celebration at Highland Park Corner Store. (7789 Highland Park Way SW)

OKTOBERFEST AT OUNCES: More Oktoberfest! Second day of festivities at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), open noon-9 pm today.

POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Bonus monthly Saturday morning session of long-distance handwritten advocacy, noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open noon-4 pm on Saturdays. (61st SW/SW Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

FAUNTLEROY PUMPKIN SEARCH: Come to the Endolyne business district 1-3 pm for the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s Pumpkin Search. (9200 block 45th SW)

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).

SUPER SMASH SATURDAYS: Three Saturdays a month at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW), open 1 pn-10 pm.

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.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: Bring your furry, scaly, feathered, etc. friend(s) to the St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church parking lot (3050 California SW) for the annual blessings in honor of St. Francis, 2 pm.

WESTSIDE NEIGHBORS SHELTER OPEN HOUSE: 2-4 pm, the shelter in The Triangle opens its doors for a Q&A and presentation. (3618 SW Alaska)

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MEDICAL HARM: Learn how in this free presentation at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 3 pm. (2306 42nd SW)

FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)

LITTLE FREE ART GALLERY: Grand reopening, 4-5 pm, as previewed here. (38th SW between Morgan and Graham)

EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Monthly unplugged event Circle of Songs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, no cover, all ages.

LIVE AT EASY STREET: 7 pm at Morpho performs live in-store (4559 California SW), free, all ages.

‘THE ROOMMATE’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm curtain, second weekend for the curret play at the Junction playhouuse; ticket link in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm (doors at 7) tonight it’s Full Life Crisis, The Cheap Cassettes, Memphis Radio Kings, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ King Coko at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).

SATURDAY NIGHT SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight, with rotating DJ Josh and DJ NightMere, 21+, at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Our Saturday list concludes 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!

PHOTOS/VIDEO: WSHS football wins big over Franklin

Story by Jason Grotelueschen
Photos by Oliver Hamlin
For West Seattle Blog

In a strong showing on Friday night, the West Seattle High School football squad dominated Franklin by a score of 41-6 under the lights at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, to remain unbeaten at 4-0.

This one was all Wildcats from the opening whistle, scoring 5 touchdowns in the first half to take a 34-0 lead, and the visitors from Franklin not scoring a point until getting a touchdown as time expired at the end of the game.  The referees did a “run clock” for most of the 2nd half, with minimal stoppages, due to WSHS having a comfortable 34-point lead at the time, which meant that the game was finished before 9 pm (in just 1 hour and 55 minutes).

There was a sizable home crowd on hand for the game, and the fans had a lot to cheer about.

Here’s our video of the opening kickoff:

WSHS wasted no time making a big play, with senior Sorin Smith (#6) grabbing an interception just 1:30 into the game. A minute later, junior QB Desmond Parkinson (#12) found senior Miles Guidry (#5) for a TD pass:

The extra point by senior Jonah Pelander (#7) gave the Wildcats an early 7-0 lead.

With 5:24 left in the first quarter, WSHS got another interception, this one from senior Ford Fitterer (#40), and the Wildcats offense moved down the field, with Parkinson doing work through the air:

…and on the ground, capping off the drive with a QB run:

The extra point made it 14-0, which remained the score at the end of the first quarter.

Just one minute into the 2nd quarter, the Wildcats kept the momentum going:

…with a long TD pass from Parkinson to sophomore Grady Scheff (#10):

…and the kick put WSHS in front 21-0.

The visiting Quakers couldn’t get anything going on offense in the first half, with the stout Wildcat defense keeping Franklin in check and getting the ball back quickly and repeatedly.

WSHS continued moving the ball, including work by senior Jesse Hansen-Wilson (#43):

With five minutes left in the quarter, WSHS scored again on a short TD pass from Parkinson to senior LJ Moody (#3):

…which put the Wildcats on top 28-0 after the extra point.

With 1:53 remaining in the quarter, Parkinson again connected with Moody, this time for a long TD pass:

…but the extra point was blocked, making the score 34-0 at the half.

Here’s our video of the WSHS marching band entertaining the crowd with their halftime performance:

And here are some halftime photos:

The 3rd quarter was scoreless, with both teams trading possessions. A WSHS drive stalled with 8:02 left in the quarter after losing a fumble that was recovered by Franklin, but the Wildcat defense stepped up and forced a punt.

The 4th quarter had more of the same until WSHS freshman Lennox Parkinson (#22) broke free and scored on a TD run, and the extra point put the Wildcats up 41-0.

It wasn’t until the final minute of the contest that the Quakers made a serious threat to score, moving into the red zone and then ultimately getting a TD catch from senior Deurian McNeil (#0) as time expired, to make the final score 41-6 in favor of WSHS.

Head coach Anthony Stordahl‘s Wildcats remain undefeated at 4-0 for the season:

Throughout the game, the WSHS cheer squad and band were also hard at work:

Up next for the Wildcats: On the road against Lakeside on Thursday, October 9, at 7 pm.  (Lakeside lost 28-0 to Chief Sealth on Thursday night. Sealth had also defeated Franklin earlier in the season, 20-0).