West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
(File photo of M/V Kaleetan, by Gary Jones)
In Washington State Ferries‘ latest weekly update, WSF recapped that the Triangle Route, in its second week of 2-boat service, won’t be back to three boats “until another vessel is available.” That’s likely going to be a while, as one of its oldest boats, M/V Kaleetan (assigned currently to the San Juans), is undergoing emergency repairs that the weekly update says are likely to take until “late December.” As WSF boss Steve Nevey said in his own weekly update, “We need new boats.” The first of its next round of new boats isn’t expected to be ready until 2030. Meantime, WSF has set the date for its next online systemwide community meetings, which usually start with a variety of updates and then spend a significant amount of time on Q&A. They’ll have afternoon and evening versions of the same meeting on Wednesday, January 21: “WSF leaders will recap 2025, share updates on new boats and construction projects, and take questions from the public.” You can register for the noon meeting here, or the 6 pm meeting here. (Here’s our coverage of the most-recent one, back in October.)
A 29-year-old man is in the King County Jail this afternoon on suspicion of DUI, negligent driving, and interlock violation after an incident in Fauntleroy late last night. The pickup above ended up in a yard near 45th SW and SW Director, Its driver got out and walked away; police made the arrest a short time later near Lincoln Park. The neighbor who sent us the photo says the driver:
… came down 45th headed north from Wildwood Market area, sideswiped multiple cars and hit a moving car and then turned abruptly over the turtle and onto SW. Director St. headed toward the ferry terminal. He clipped a house right after the turn in their driveway ran over their rocks and landed in the yard of the next-door neighbor. His truck got stuck there and while he was revving to try to get it going again everybody came outside to try to stop him from leaving the scene. He was noticeably impaired.
According to the jail register, the suspect’s bail has been set at $10,000 after a Municipal Court hearing this morning. But we couldn’t find out from court files/documents any information on prior case(s) which led to the existing interlock order. If you think your car might have been damaged by the sideswiping the neighbor mentions above, you can contact SPD and refer to incident number 2025-362980.
One week from Friday, you’re invited to support the Active Older Adult community at the Fauntleroy YMCA at the “Noche de Gala” event. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
This is an event celebrating our Active Older Adult community for a night of dressing up, good eats, and remembering the year we had together:
Friday 12/19, 5:30-7:30 pm
Fauntleroy YMCA Chapel Hall
9140 California Ave SW$25/person. Registration link is here.
Many holiday happenings are scheduled for nights and weekends. Here’s one you can visit on a weekend morning, if you’re free at this time of day … the Fauntleroy Church Festival of Trees is open for drop-in visits, 9 am to noon Mondays through Thursdays, all month long, plus two weekend windows we’ll mention at the end of this story.16 trees are placed around the Fellowship Hall, and no two are alike.
The Peanut Butter Tree, by the church’s Caring Ministry, is in the spirit of the event, which is also a food drive – bring a can or jar or package and place it under your favorite to “vote”! Then there’s the tree that fuses two holidays:
“Boos and Sparkles” was created by the Fulford Family. Another tree offers a quiz of sorts:
Students of Low Tide Arts (in the same building as the church and Y) ask whether you recognize any of these famous artworks! On the other side of the room, the theme is Seattle sports:
“A Fellowship Group” created the sports tree. At another tree, you can learn “The Legend of the Christmas Spider“:
That was entered by the Tucker/Dwyer Family. Sixteen trees in all (thanks to Judy Pickens for this list) are set up, so we’ve barely shown you a third – go stop by the Fellowship Hall at the church (9140 California SW) and bring a food donation if you can. If you can’t get there on a weekday morning, you can also visit the trees during a 6 pm reception before the church’s 7 pm Christmas concert on Saturday, December 20, and during the reception after the 4 pm concert on Sunday, December 21.
Early tomorrow, Washington State Ferries‘ M/V Chelan “will go out of service for maintenance, repairs, and inspections,” WSF says. They don’t have a boat to replace it on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run, so the Triangle Route will be down to two boats for a week or so. (The two-boat schedules are linked from the WSF Alerts page.)
12:59 PM: If you don’t already have plans for Thanksgiving, you have two more hours to get to The Hall at Fauntleroy to enjoy the free community dinner that DSquared/Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering has served for more than 20 years. It’s on the south end of the historic schoolhouse at 9131 California SW and all are warmly welcomed, until 3 pm. More photos soon!
1:44 PM: Above, the kitchen crew; below, today’s menu!
Some of the donated desserts:
And donated warm clothing for anyone who needs some:
Seen on a tabletop:
And a plate on its way to a guest:
If you don’t see this in time to get there, our Holiday Guide features info on two other free community dinners in West Seattle today – the Eagles (no membership required) 2-5 pm, Admiral Pub (21+) starting at 6.
(This photo and next by Dave Gershgorn. Above, spawning pair that chose a spot just above the fish ladder)
By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog
With great enthusiasm, 130 people kicked off Salmon Watch 2025 on Fauntleroy Creek with the Fauntleroy Watershed Council’s annual drumming to call in coho spawners. Dozens of vigorous fish had been sighted schooling in Fauntleroy Cove, and nearly three dozen volunteers made sure their route along the beach stayed open.
Watchers checked the spawning reach daily, school groups came on field trips, and 100 members of the general public came to the council’s “open creek” in the spawning reach on November 9. Everyone’s reward was slim, however. From October 26 through November 21, watchers documented only nine fish and one spawning pair.
(Full of eggs, the last spawner pushed ahead through the fish ladder November 10 without a mate)
While disappointing, such a low count is not unusual for small Seattle creeks. Since Fauntleroy Creek’s first documented pair, in 1994, the count has fluctuated between zero and last year’s record 347.
“These fish need high tides and ample rainfall to flush impurities out of the creek and give them easy entry at the mouth,” said veteran watcher Dennis Hinton. “This year, those conditions did not align, and predation in the cove were especially heavy.”
(Photo by Tom Trulin: Volunteers hosted students of all ages, including this group from the Urban Nature Preschool)
Volunteers will check the lower creek in February for home-hatch fry, then turn their attention to school releases in the spring. Next year, releases will happen in Longfellow Creek because of the culvert-replacement project. In order to replace the creek culvert under 45th Ave. SW, the contractor will need to dewater the site by pumping creek flow into a bypass pipe, which fish heading to saltwater from the upper creek would not survive.
Four reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
ARBOR HEIGHTS GUNFIRE: Right around the end of the Seahawks game, as usual, some set off fireworks to commemorate the victory, so 911 was dealing with some callers who thought they heard gunfire. In one case, apparently they did. Police reported finding at least one shell casing in the 10700 block of 35th SW. No reports of injuries or property damage.
STOLEN BLACK TACOMA TRUCK: The photo and report are from Christina:
Our 2017 black Toyota Tacoma was stolen overnight from 9000 block of 39th Ave SW near SW Barton between 12:00 AM-7:00 AM on 11/23. Plate: C53336H. VIN: ——-3136. Stickers: Seahawks (rear window) West Seattle Eagle, Teamsters. Broken glass on scene likely smashed rear window. SPD case # 25-343674
Call 911 if you find it.
HOME BURGLARY ATTEMPT: From Richard in Westwood:
Shortly before 400 am I heard noises that I thought were that of a raccoon. I went downstairs to investigate and heard someone trying to break through my high-end security door. I called 911 and the police came and did an area check and found nothing.
Shortly after 700 am I went outside and found extensive damage to the security door. Not only did they break metal parts of the latch, but they used fire to try and melt parts of the door and lock mechanism. I called the police again and the officer said it looked like a very professional job and that he had not seen one like it before. The lock held but the door may need to be replaced. Case number 25-343575.
GARAGE BREAK-IN: This report was sent by Brian:
Our home was also targeted in Seaview on Friday night. Someone broke our car window in the driveway and stole / used garage door remote to gain access to the garage. Nothing apparently stolen other than the remote (maybe intent on coming back? Who knows).
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Fauntleroy Community Association‘s board met this past week, for a meeting mostly featuring short updates, no guest presenters:
CROSSING FLAGS: FCA has long been placing these at various crossings in the area, and they’re depleted, president Frank Immel said, particularly by the ferry dock; board member Bill Wellington said he’d noticed one flag basket was on the ground rather than on the pole (he has 50 that can be used for replenishment) – Immel said he has fasteners. So the problem will be addressed
CROSSING AT SW ROSE: The FCA is still concerned about its design (as shown earlier this year) – some wondered if it’s “overdesigned” – though pleased it does contain a pushbutton-activated signal for crossers. Vice president Catherine Bailey also said she’s glad this will calm/slow traffic. Immel said he’d had a few questions out to SDOT for a while but no reply yet. They’re hoping project-team reps will come to a future meeting.
CULVERT UPDATE: With Seattle Public Utilities‘ 45th SW Fauntleroy Creek culvert-replacement project looming, board members wanted to talk about where they and the community are at with readiness for it. One attendee who recently moved from the project zone said his former neighbors are worried about the logistics of the work, which is expected to close 45th SW to through traffic for two years. Board member Alan Grainger noted that the bottom line remains, “we’re going to have a much-improved environment for the salmon.” There’s still concern, however, that not enough people know this is coming, and more people who live in the area need to come to a meeting and see how it’s going to work and ask questions.” (SPU had a meeting last month; here’s our coverage.) FCA thinks the community should be getting more, and more-frequent, messages about it, and plans to suggest that to the city.
FERRY DOCK: Immel, long the FCA’s point person on ferry issues, recapped the final Community Advisory Group meeting held recently (WSB coverage here) and the general outline with which WSF is going into environmental studies. The project is not yet fully funded, and that’s a big issue, Immel observed.
COVE PARK: Some of the art in the small beach park north of the ferry dock has been damaged, board member Mardi Clements said, and is working on what can be done about it – the raven’s “sun” was stolen (not the first time that sculpture’s been damaged), and there’s a chunk smashed out of the canoe. They’re talking to the county, which now controls the site, about repairs.
$ UPDATE: Grainger, who serves as treasurer, said the Fauntleroy Fall Festival was within about $600 of breaking even, so FCA is contributing to cover that gap.
SURVEY THIS YEAR? FCA is the only community council that regularly surveys residents and businesses. (See the 2023 results here.) Before the next one, they want to focus on building up their email address database. They talked about ways to simplify it, maybe asking people to rank community issues, adding their own priority if it’s not on the list. Board members thought it might be best to develop a “mini-survey” this time.
DIGITAL PROFILE: The group is still grappling with maximizing its online channels – in brainstorming, some wondered, could they find a volunteer? Or maybe send email to its subscriber list more than the current once a quarter – provided there’s good information that’s worth readers’ while.
WHAT’S NEXT: No December meeting, so they’re reconvening in January (6 pm Tuesday, January 13).
(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, Thanksgiving 2024)
Just in, the official invitation to this year’s free Thanksgiving feast at The Hall at Fauntleroy, presented by its operators for more than 20 years as a gift to the community:
All are welcome on Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, Nov. 27th from 12 pm-3 pm – for this year’s annual Free Community Thanksgiving Meal! The delicious meal, created by Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes Catering Sous Chef Zach Mosely, will include a traditional turkey dinner and all the trimmings, with desserts donated by the community. No need to RSVP, just show up at Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California Ave SW) on Thanksgiving Day between 12-3pm.
This event happens with the help of many wonderful volunteers, and we are blessed that all volunteer spots are just about filled. Here is the link for more information and to see where help is still needed
Gently used warm clothing, new blankets and socks, and dessert donations can be dropped off at our SODO office at 4105 Airport Way S, 98108 on Wednesday, November 26th from 10 AM to 3 PM or can be dropped off at The Hall at Fauntleroy on Thanksgiving Day from 10 AM to 1 PM.
This isn’t just intended for people in need – anybody and everybody is welcome, as has been the case every year.
1 PM: Until 3 pm today, you’re invited to go to upper Fauntleroy Way and SW Director [map] – near the public overlook – and volunteers will invite you down to the banks of Fauntleroy Creek, to see if any coho spawners are in view. We have a team member there and will update as soon as we hear from him!
1:14 PM: WSB’s Torin Record-Sand reports that so far today, salmon watchers have seen two carcasses, no live fish.
Longtime creek volunteer Dennis Hinton says the two were pulled out by a raccoon – but they had spawned before that,
So far, the count this year of coho making it to the spawning area is eight, but they’ve seen about 200 near the creek mouth not far from the ferry dock, where hungry seals have had a heyday, so, of these two and the six others seen: “They’ve made it through a lot of predators to get up here.”
1:55 PM: As of about 15 minutes ago, creek volunteers have counted 54 visitors today.
Many families with little kids, and even though no live fish have shown up yet today, the carcasses have inspired many questions!
2:56 PM: Shoutout to volunteer Elena for the salmon cookies:
Visitors are receiving information on how to volunteer and donate to support the Fauntleroy Watershed Council‘s work supporting and advocating for the creek and its wildlife – all that info is linked here.
MONDAY UPDATE: Creek steward Judy Pickens tells us they counted 100 visitors in all during the two-hour window. And today, two more coho made it into the creek – after somehow surviving a gauntlet of predators, mostly harbor seals, but even a river otter joining the buffet line.
(Monday photo by Dave Gershgorn)
That’s one of the coho salmon seen by volunteers earlier this week near the mouth of Fauntleroy Creek. We don’t know the fate of that particular one – hungry seals have been hanging out there too – but Judy Pickens from the Fauntleroy Watershed Council tells WSB tonight that salmon watchers have seen “eight coho spawners make landfall so far,” so they’re going to welcome visitors this Sunday:
Given the forecast of dry and mild weather, we’ve decided to host our open creek this coming Sunday (11/9) from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Salmon watchers will be on duty to talk with visitors and, we hope, give them a view of live fish. People should come to the fish-ladder viewpoint at SW Director and upper Fauntleroy Way SW to catch the eye of a watcher, who will invite them down to creek level. Children aged 15 and younger should come with an adult, and dogs should be on leash.
7:35 PM: You might experience delays on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth Washington State Ferries route. The VesselWatch tracker shows M/V Chimacum off course, in Colvos Passage just south of Southworth; a texter whose wife is on one of the boats says the crew told her there’s a rescue operation under way. Nothing in WSF alerts yet but we’re trying to find out more.
7:46 PM: A WSF spokesperson looked into it for us and reports that indeed, the Triangle Route boats were involved in a rescue: A man was taken off an “adrift” 35-foot cabin cruiser. He’s OK. No other details so far. The ferries are now getting back to their usual routes.
(Fauntleroy Creek photo by Dave Gershgorn)
While we await election results, here’s a small but very important count: One! Coho-salmon spawners have been seen off the mouth of Fauntleroy Creek off and on for more than a week, and today, Judy Pickens of the Fauntleroy Watershed Council tells us, this one made it to the spawning reach. That meant it was visible from the public overlook across Fauntleroy Way (and upslope) from the ferry dock, but don’t go looking for a closer view – volunteers will figure out the right time for a potential “open creek” window when you’ll have a chance for an up-close look.
(Photo from last week by Tom Trulin)
Emergency repairs continue on the culvert that takes Fauntleroy Creek beneath the short stretch of California SW between the schoolhouse and church, and today they’re digging in the street, so a flagger is helping traffic get through; if you have to travel through there, allot extra time. When last we checked in with Seattle Public Utilities, spokesperson Brad Wong told us work was not expected to conclude before November 7; the no-parking signage in the area has just been updated to potentially run through November 15. This is separate from the culvert-replacement projects that will start next year on 45th SW.
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand unless otherwise credited)
After all that rain, dozens of salmon spawners are approaching the entrance to Fauntleroy Creek. That’s what longtime salmon-watch volunteer Dennis Hinton told the 100+ people who gathered to ceremonially welcome them home this afternoon: “They’re out there, and they’re coming!”
(This photo and next by Dave Gershgorn)
It’s a fall tradition, inviting community members to gather near the creek, to sing and drum during a short gathering that also includes writing messages for the returnees.
(Judy Pickens and Dennis Hinton)
The gathering was emceed by Judy Pickens, who – along with husband Phil Sweetland – also has long volunteered for Salmon in the Schools, which will be different for local participants this year as culvert work in Fauntleroy Creek will prevent the release of campus-raised fry, which Judy says will be taken instead to West Seattle’s other major salmon-bearing stream, Longfellow Creek.
But the springtime releases are just part of the circle of life – there’s “home hatch” too, thanks to some of the returnees (347 spawners counted last year). The songs led again this year by Jamie Shilling (above) told the story, as did the drumming – which, as Judy recounted, is meant to mimic the female salmon’s tail slapping the creek bed, making a redd for her eggs.
Participants were discouraged today from going to creekside because – like so many other areas of West Seattle – trees lost limbs last night. But as an afternoon sunbreak peeked through the still-standing trees, a creek-reminiscent blue banner was held over tiny dancers:
Those in attendance ranged from infants to seniors – including 93-year-old volunteer Dick Paynter, honored as the eldermost volunteer in the Watershed Council’s ranks:
(Dennis Hinton and Dick Paynter)
Dick declared himself “overwhelmed” by the honor and explained how much the creek work has meant to him, with his interest dating back to his college years as a fisheries major.
And the singing went on, softly: “Hey, hey, coho … return, return, return.”
Once they do start returning, Judy promises updates, as always, and watch for word of a potential “open creek” event if and when weather, safety, and salmon permit.
Going into the busy Friday afternoon commute period, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry route remains down to two boats. M/V Sealth went out of service this morning, in need of repairs, and it’s at the WSF Eagle Harbor facility (Bainbridge Island) to get worked on, so M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet are on the 2-boat schedule (timetables are linked here). Compounding matters, the South Vashon route (Tahlequah-Point Defiance) had some cancellations this morning too.
(WSB photo, 2023 salmon welcome)
After watching the forecast for days, Fauntleroy Watershed volunteers have decided to go ahead with what might be an abbreviated – yet spirited as always – community salmon-welcoming gathering on Sunday. From Judy Pickens:
With an atmospheric river poised to flush pollutants out of Fauntleroy Creek this weekend, the annual drumming on Sunday afternoon will sweeten the invitation for spawners to come in from the cove.
Salmon lovers are a hearty bunch, willing to put up with a little or a lot of rain to give our coho a spirited welcome. Those with drums or other instruments can be under cover for what may be an abbreviated program starting at 4 pm Sunday near the fish-ladder viewpoint (SW Director & upper Fauntleroy Way SW). The sound of drumming will draw you down to creek level.
The drumming will kick off Salmon Watch 2025. Two dozen volunteers will be checking the lower creek daily to document the number and condition of the coho that come in (last year they counted a record 347).
I
(WSB video of Rep. Jayapal’s Town Hall)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal wanted to know who was in the audience at her West Seattle town-hall meeting last night, so she began with a few questions for the full-house crowd at The Hall at Fauntleroy.
Any federal employees furloughed or fearing furloughs, or fired since the White House changed occupants? About a half dozen people stood up.
Any researchers, health care workers, others affected by cuts and policy changes? “Stand and let us give you some love.” Even more people stood up.
Any immigrants, or people who know an immigrant affected by “this administration’s horrific anti-immigrant policies?” Several stood.
Finally, she invited anyone who considered themselves “a concerned citizen … ready to do whatever it takes to take back our democracy” to rise – and the whole room stood.
Jayapal, in her fifth two-year term as U.S. House Representative for Washington’s 7th District, which includes our area, is a West Seattle resident. She noted, however, that while she’s held 125 town halls, she hasn’t had one in her home neighborhood in a while, so they arranged it: “We are in community together and we will get through this.”
Her primary topic was the federal-government shutdown, now entering its fourth week, though she added that it was “Day 32 of (House Speaker) Mike Johnson sending us home instead of taking votes.” She insisted the Democratic members of Congress are holding their ground on their primary demand for breaking the impasse, restoration of health-insurance tax credits. She also threw in a big dig at what she called the “Big Bad Betrayal Bill … that stripped (money) from Medicaid and supercharged ICE … since that bill we have only been in session for 20 days … while the country is suffering, instead of doing the work of Congress, we are not in session.”
While each party blames the other for the impasse, Jayapal insisted that if one party controls the government, it’s their job to negotiate with the other party to reach an agreement. And she said people in Republican-controlled states will be hurt by the loss of the tax credits too: “80 percent of (people who use them) are in states Donald Trump won … 60 percent of births in (Speaker Johnson’s) state are covered by Medicaid … it’s difficult to understand how Republicans continue to vote for things that are going to deeply hurt their constituents.” Although, she added, there’s the occasional outlier – currently U.S. House Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia).
For the Republicans who are trying to say they don’t have to address the health-insurance situation now, they’ll fix it later, too late, Jayapal declared – people are getting notices right now about the rising premiums. She also took on what she says is another lie that Republicans are telling, that Democrats are seeking funding for health care for undocumented immigrants: “Let me be clear, that is not on the table, it’s never been a proposal that’s on the table.”
Then there’s the faction contending they just have to approve a “clean continuing resolution.” Jayapal said that means “non-partisan” and that what’s on the table right now “is a continuation of the partisan budget” approved earlier. She ticked through a list of other concerns, from nutrition-program cuts – “this is the richest country in the world and people are going hungry” – to energy-grant cancellations – to Project 2025 (“this is what we’re seeing in action .. the people he installed are all the people who wrote it”) – to the U.S. Supreme Court (“MAGA-corrupted justices”) – to Speaker Johnson’s refusal to swear in Arizona’s recently elected U.S. House member, a Democrat.
Moving on to address the president sending troops and/or National Guardsmen into cities such as Portland, she noted that some judges have ruled against it, and cited what she said were quotes from rulings, such as:
-Judge in Portland: “This is a nation of constitutional law, not martial law.”
-Judge in Chicago: “Oolitical opposition is not rebellion”
The recent rappeling raid of a Chicago apartment complex is “beyond anything I ever could have imagined,” she said, especially as “one of only two dozen naturalized citizens to serve in the US Congress … this is not the couhtry that America is supposed to be … not the country that we are.” She said a majority of those detained do not have criminal records, adding, “in the US, it is not a crime to be undocumented,” it’s a civil violation.
Jayapal said that “if we take back the House” she will chair the committee dealing with immigration, and she is having “shadow hearings” in Illinois in a few days.
Ultimately, she said, “The most important check and balance the founders built in (when setting up the nation) is you… (the first check) Congress failed … (the second check) the courts are teetering … the only remaining check is the people. What you do matters.”
After speaking for 36 minutes, Jayapal moved on to Q&A, getting through 16 open-mic questions/comments in the ensuing hour:
-A federal employee worried about potential furlough
-Someone overwhelmed by daily “outrageous proposals” emanating from the White House (“pick a few things to work on,” Jayapal advised)
-Are our electeds really ready for possible federal troops? Yes, said Jayapal
-A DACA recipient brought here as a baby, worried about removal
-A mental-health counselor who can’t afford health insurance for their own employees
-Someone wondering why no nationwide protests against corporations “who folded”? (Jayapal said she thought “Tesla Takedowns” were “effective)
-Why is president cutting education, nutrition $? (Jayapal said education should be seen as “an investment.”)
-Concern about treaties with indigenous nations being at risk
-Renters’ rights (Jayapal said one solution is for more federal investment in building housing)
-Frustration with “how ineffective the Democratic Party has been … we are where we are because the Republican Party is horrendous but also because the Democratic Party has been so ineffective” … Jayapal said she didn’t disagree but that it’s time to work for change, not to just “throw up our hands.”
-Concern that staffing cuts in programs helping disadvantaged people are rendering those programs impossible to administer
-Medication is too expensive
-Ongoing concern about Gaza (Jayapal said “the genocide is continuing” because not enough aid trucks can get in)
-Gratitude for Jayapal’s “Resistance Lab” program
-Medicare Advantage shouldn’t be allowed to have “Medicare” in its name (Jayapal, a longtime MA critic, said she agreed)
-For the Democrats to hold the line is “defense” when “we need offense” – how can local organizations be better partners? (Jayapal said she agrees and that “structural changes” are necessary “when we take back the House and Senate and White House,” such as Supreme Court expansion and getting rid of the filibuster).
She ended by telling the crowd, “Don’t give up, we can do this!” and then stayed a while for photo ops with attendees.
It’s salmon season in West Seattle creeks!
LONGFELLOW CREEK: Thanks to Manuel Valdes for sending that video of a Monday sighting: “Saw about a half dozen (Monday) afternoon just south of the health club, already trying to get over the first beaver dams.”
FAUNTLEROY CREEK: No official word of sightings here yet but this Sunday (October 26) is the day you’re invited to join in the annual singing and drumming gathering to welcome the coho. 4 pm, show up where SW Director meets upper Fauntleroy Way, across the street and upslope from the ferry dock. Bring something to drum with if you want, but not required. All ages!
2:12 PM: The rain stopped and the sun appeared just in time for this afternoon’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival (indoor/outdoor, both sides of the 9100 block of California SW). We’re here for as-it-happens coverage as usual. First, here’s the schedule:
Cake-judging is one of the first things you can do, inside the lower room at The Hall at Fauntleroy (south side of the schoolhouse) – three dozen cakes are entered, including these:
(WSB photos, video by Anne Higuera and Tracy Record)
The second hand on the clock ticks, by the way. Meantime, be sure to explore before you settle in on a plan – because of the weather as well as the culvert repairs, what’s in the church lot is somewhat less than usual – pumpkin painting, for example, is on the west side of the schoolhouse. … Also inside The Hall, lots of live music. We’re front and center right now for The Jump Ensemble:
(The trombone soloist is Ed Spangenberg.)
2:51 PM: More photos and video! Here’s an unusual feature – a fossil exhibit with the Blevins Natural History Gallery, on the main floor of the north end of the schoolhouse:
Outside the schoolhouse’s southwet side, you’ll find John Prucich, The Falconer, again this year, and his raptors:
John is with Benedict the Saker Falcon in that photo; below is Ladybird, a Eurasian Eagle Owl:
The bunny-petting tent is perennially popular:
Back inside The Hall, Dance! West Seattle has been performing in the upstairs room (first one by the California SW entrance):
3:13 PM: Things are now jumping in the church parking lot, for reasons including the Seattle Fire Department’s arrival with Engine 37.
The rock-climbing wall is in that area too.
Also in the parking lot, B Sharp Studio was the afternoon’s first band (ukulele players are coming up at 3:30 pm):
And it’s not the Fauntleroy Fall Festival without birdhouse-building:
3:36 PM: The “cake trot” is on, after the contest winners were announced (1st place in advanced was taken by the Tucker Family for the pumpkin patch cake above – they also got second place for the spider-web cake). Participants are walking when the music starts, landing on a numbered spot, and if that number is called, they win a cake:
Also happening right now, the West Seattle Big Band is playing in The Hall, as well as Across 35 in the church!
3:58 PM: The last cake’s been won, so the cake trot has concluded. Also, Engine 37 has departed. In the upper parking lot by the church, you’ll find arts and crafts including another tradition, salmon-hat-making:
(They’re great to wear to the annual “call the coho home” singing/drumming, which is next Sunday!)
4:14 PM: We caught up with three more musical acts – here’s Across 35:
The West Seattle Ukulele Band:
And last but by no means least, the West Seattle Big Band, directed by Jim Edwards:
One final photo for now – pumpkin decorating, happening behind the schoolhouse:
The festival continues until 5 pm!
Rain or shine, the Fauntleroy Fall Festival is happening Sunday, 2-5 pm. There are indoor activities as well as outdoor activities, as always. We have the map and schedule for your planning – but first, a reminder that the festival includes a cake contest, so if you want to enter a cake, drop it off on festival day by noon at The Hall at Fauntleroy (south end of the schoolhouse, 9131 California SW) – more info here. Here’s the map:
And here’s the schedule (PDF version here if you can read that more easily):
It’s all free except food/drink concessions, supported by donations and volunteers.
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