This success was further acknowledged by the league this week as they released their All-League Teams , and the Wildcats and Seahawks players and coaches were well represented.
Here are the schools’ lists of honorees as provided to us by head football coaches Daron Camacho (Sealth) and Anthony Stordahl (WSHS):
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL
League MVP: LJ Moody
League Offensive MVP: Desmond Parkinson
League Coach of the Year: Anthony Stordahl
League Co-Assistant Coach of the Year: Andrew McDonough
First Team:
Wide Receiver: Breck Estep, Miles Guidry
Tight End: Grady Scheff
Offensive Line: Jack Freeborne
Inside Linebacker: Daniel Waters
Outside Linebacker: Ford Fitterer, Miles Guidry
Free Safety: Esayas Brigham
Cornerback: Justice Nguyen
Defensive Tackle: Jack Freeborne
Long Snapper: Ford Fitterer
Second Team:
Running Back: Jesse Hansen-Wilson
Offensive Line: Gabe Crawford, Reilly Boyer
Outside Linebacker: Carlos Patino
Strong Safety : Sorin Smith
Defensive Tackle: Nolan Polaski
Defensive End: Jakel Warwick, Rafi Fein-Wallace
Kicker: Jonah Pelander
Punter: Jonah Pelander
Kick Returner: Justice Nguyen
Honorable Mention:
Wide Receiver: Aidan Croppi
Offensive Line: Nolan Polaski
Inside Linebacker: Cohen Cicero
Defensive End: Ari Fein-Wallace
CHIEF SEALTH INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
League Defensive MVP: Marshawn Tovia-Ford
League Special Teams MVP: Ogi Petronijevic
League Co-Assistant Coach of the Year: Joseph Espinoza
First Team:
Quarterback: Mason Filitaula Jr.
Running Back: Marshawn Tovia-Ford
Wide Receiver: Marquis Tovia
Offensive Line: Yakouba Maga
Offensive Line: Shane-Alan Tino
Linebacker: Jessie Gilmore II
Safety: Kingston Cappiello
Holder: Xander Gomez
Second Team:
Wide Receiver: Xander Gomez
Linebacker: Loto Amituanai
Safety: Graham Hull
Cornerback: Marquis Tovia
Defensive Tackle: Xaivius Chu-Eneliko
Long Snapper: Cade Lacey
Honorable Mention:
Running Back: Jessie Gilmore II
Tight End: Eli Policarpio
Offensive Line: Yusuf Donzo
Safety: Kaeson Filitaula
Defensive Tackle: Calvin Washington
As noted in the list above, the two schools dominated the top awards in the league, including the overall/offensive/defensive/special-teams MVPs (Moody, Parkinson, Tovia-Ford, Petronijevic) coach of the year (Stordahl), and co-assistant coaches of the year (Espinoza, McDonough).
West Seattle finished the season with a final record of 8-2, and 1st in the league’s “Sound” division with an undefeated 6-0 campaign. Sealth was 2nd in the league with a record of 6-4 overall and 4-2 in the division. The two teams faced off in September for the annual Huling Bowl matchup at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, with the Wildcats winning a tight 17-10 game over the Seahawks.
Here are some WSB photos (by our photographer Oliver Hamlin) of the MVPs in action this season:
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:
(WSB photo: Volunteers helping with 2024 turkey giveaway)
This year, some who have not previously faced food insecurity might be wondering how to put turkey on the table this Thanksgiving. In case you haven’t already seen it in our West Seattle Event Calendar, Eastridge Church is again giving away hundreds of turkeys and bags of groceries at its two campuses, including West Seattle, at 39th SW and SW Oregon (across 39th from West Seattle Bowl). The turkey giveaway is on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, as usual, so that’s one week from tomorrow – Saturday, November 22, starting at 9 am, continuing until 11:30 am or until supplies run out if that’s sooner. No proof of need required – just show up. Eastridge has been doing this each holiday season for more than 20 years.
It’s now set for 5:30 pm Monday, November 24, same location – Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – and same panelists, including County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, outgoing County Executive Shannon Braddock, Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine, and Kirk Hovenkotter of the Transportation Choices Coalition (which just launched the “Build the Damn Trains” campaign advocating for building all currently planned ST projects as planned). Councilmember Mosqueda has told us there will be time for Q&A/comments toward the end of the event.
Two food drives in West Seattle this weekend – one on Saturday, one on Sunday – if you are able to help, here’s how:
‘FILL THE TRUCK’ WITH FOOD @ LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY: The Lafayette Elementary PTA is organizing this:
On Saturday, November 15th from 9 am – noon, Lafayette Elementary School will be supporting the West Seattle Food Bank by collecting canned and non-perishable food for a “Fill the Truck” community food drive.
This food drive was initiated by Lafayette’s PTA in response to SNAP benefit access, government worker and military impacts during the long shutdown, and the upcoming holiday season. Help our school “Fill the Truck” and in turn assist the members of our community who are facing food insecurity.
A West Seattle Food Bank collection van will be parked out front of Lafayette Elementary (2645 California Ave SW) to collect donations from the surrounding WS community on November 15th from 9am – Noon. Any non-perishable donations from our community at-large (West Seattle neighbors, local businesses, other students and their families) are very welcome and appreciated!
These collections will be directly donated to the food bank, along with the Lafayette students’ collections from the two weeks leading up to the drive.
With Thanksgiving now less than two weeks away, we’re close to launching this year’s WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, a one-stop shop for info on all things holiday in West Seattle – events, sales, performances, light shows, holiday food ordering, much more – we have lots of entries already and will, as always, continue adding to the guide (and our Event Calendar) throughout the season, BUT it’s great to have listings in the guide from the start, so so, whatever you want the community to know, westseattleblog@gmail.com is the optimal way to send it so we can get it into the guide, with version 1.0 launching in the next day or so! Thank you!
‘TREASURES AND TREATS’ SALE: First of two days for the sale/bake sale at The Mount (4831 35th SW), as previewed here. 10 am-4 pm.
DISCOVERY SHOP ANNIVERSARY SALE: 35 years of raising money to fight cancer! 10 am-4:30 pm, sale at the shop (4535 California SW).
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER The center is open for plant-shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.
WEST SEATTLE HS PTSA BENEFIT: 5 pm at the WSHS Commons (3000 California SW), fundraiser with entertainment, heavy appetizers, auctions, more, as previewed here.
FAUNTLEROY ART SHOW: First of three days for the show/sale at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) – participants are listed in our calendar listing.
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING: Skating with live music – tonight, metal with Coven & Whythre – 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
7:30 AM: Avoid the Delridge onramp to the Eastbound bridge: serious flooding. (Note: See comments for photos)
8:28 AM: A nonfunctioning (spun-out) vehicle is blocking things too.
8:44 AM: See the cameras below – the blocking vehicle on the bridge is currently shown on the high-bridge camera, and the Delridge camera shows the backup from the onramp trouble.
8:54 AM: Commenter CJ reports, “There’s a white pickup spun out and stuck in the ditch below the Welcome to WS sign.”
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, November 14, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Rainy, breezy, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 7:13 am; sunset will be at 4:33 pm.
(Another look at Thursday’s sunset – this photo is from Eddie)
ROAD WORK
-Watchful reader reports most of the new Alki speed bumps are in.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is back on a three-boat schedule, with M/V Cathlamet, M/V Chimacum, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any changes.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Hours after the vote count that all but guaranteed Katie Wilson’s mayoral win, one of the organizations that endorsed her gathered for its monthly meeting and holiday party.
At the 34th District Democrats‘ gathering, we talked with some attendees about the election results. The main focus of the gathering was to present the group’s annual awards; we’ll get to that after the results reaction.
“I’m very excited she won the election. One thing we saw nationally and locally is that voters want elected officials that deliver on promises. Katie is that person.” said Jordan Crawley, chair of the 34th.
“I’m excited. She might not have experience, but she has integrity.” said Virginia.
“I voted for her because we need a change. I thought why not; I wouldn’t be upset if Harrell won, but I’m excited for a new face in there.” said another attendee.
A consistent theme with those we talked to was the necessity of improving Seattle’s housing situation. According to Zillow‘s statistics, the current average listed rental price in the city is $2,713, and the average listed home price is at $840,957. Many said that this presents a two-fold issue: Not only is it becoming increasingly hard for young people to be able to afford to live within the city limits, it also prevents a clear path for those experiencing homelessness to find a way off the streets.
One attendee, Sharon, shared her thoughts. “It’s too expensive for the people who have money, and too expensive for people who don’t have money. I wish we had laws limiting the property any one individual or corporation could have.” Sharon also shared that she is helping her son pay for his rental in Redmond, a situation similar to what the Harrell campaign criticized Wilson on during the campaign. Others echoed her opinion. “[Wilson] wants more housing – and that’s a big problem we have to solve.” said Virginia. “Rich people, low income, [homelessness] – a lot is going on that is all intertwined.” said another attendee.
They also highlighted Wilson’s strengths as a coalition builder and grassroots activist.
“She’s very intentional on building a broad coalition that included multiple Democratic party organizations. She’s had lots of experience building coalitions, doing incredible things policy-wise. It’s great to have that experience in our city as mayor.” said Crawley. Sharon said she was inspired by Wilson’s appearance at October’s No Kings protest at Seattle Center. “She worked the crowd, she was really reaching out, not preaching. […] The way she was reaching out to people for their concerns – is a good way to start on [the issues facing our city].
In terms of issues specifically affecting the 34th District, and West Seattle in general, many pointed toward their optimism that Wilson’s work in transit would help the situation with transit here. “We are hoping for the 34th District that there will be Comprehensive Plan updates for the Sound Transit plan. We hope that bus service will be returned to pre-pandemic levels. The 34th and West Seattle have been neglected in general investment,” said Crawley. On that topic, the 34th Dems are co-sponsoring Monday’s Light Rail Visioning Forum, announced earlier this week.
Though Wilson was not in attendance, some other winners from the recent election made appearances at Wednesday night’s event, including citywide Position 9 Councilmember-elect Dionne Foster (above; she beat City Council President Sara Nelson), City Attorney-elect Erika Evans (below; she beat incumbent Ann Davison), and State Senator Emily Alvarado (who ran unopposed).
Crawley began the night’s program by voicing hope for the future, and concern about managing the political realities of the present. “People with progressive values are winning, but we cannot act like we are done. MAGA is not disappearing anytime soon, these battles won’t get easier, and we won’t be less tired next November. But we can be sure we have strong allies in the Legislature who will fight like our lives depend on it, because they do.” he said.
He also noted that, for the district, this November’s election cycle marked high turnout for an odd-year election. “The 34th turnout was 52%, outperforming the median [of other legislative districts]. We’re not just winning and turning out more voters – we’re winning by larger margins.” he said. He also highlighted that most of the endorsements the 34th made during the cycle enjoyed large margins of victory during the election. “Our endorsees are averaging 64% of the vote.” he said.
After his opening speech, the 34th District Democrats presented their annual awards. These were as follows:
Executive Board Member of the Year – Rachel Glass, for organizing programs such as the “Bend It Like Booker” event (WSB coverage here), as well as outreach to a diverse selection of communities and organizations:
Elected Official of the Year – Gina Topp (District 6 Seattle School Board director and current board president), lauded in the presentation as “a calm voice in the face of public dismay about the [once-proposed] closure of schools across the district. […] As SPS goes through the process of closing the funding gap, her work will be invaluable and keeps the public on board with the decisions they make.”
Cherisse Luxa Lifetime Achievement Award – Leslie Harris, Topp’s predecessor on the school board; her successor presented the award, saying that for eight years Harris was “a fierce advocate for our students, an advocate for transparency, and always asked the tough questions and put focus on our students. […] She’s smart, funny, and brave; she stood firm in her values, and never forgot who she’s fighting for”:
Rising Star of the Year – Whitney Moore-Adams, for her work as outreach and visibility chair:
Member of the Year – Jonathan Herman, for improving the internal systems for voting inside the organization:
Committee of the Year – Resolutions Committee, accepted by Ann Martin:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: After the awards, there were a few:
-Another “Bend It Like Booker” event is planned for next year. No date set yet.
-A member plans to form a new ad-hoc committee focused on researching opportunities for non-violent resistance and protest, particularly in the light of the Trump Administration’s threat to send armed forces to cities, possibly including Seattle. “What do we do if the National Guard is on our streets? Who do we call if ICE raids your neighbors’ home? What do we do if they try to interfere in our elections next year? […] Hoping for the best is not a plan, failing to plan is planning to fail, let’s take a lead.” he said.
-The 34th’s end of the year service project is planed for Food Lifeline], 1-3 pm December 13.
NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, January 14th. While that meeting and two others next year will be virtual, they also announced that there will be seven in-person meetings for 2026, and that thanks to funding for the organization, they will be moving back to The Hall at Fauntleroy.
The holiday season is about to accelerate. Lots of special events in the next few days, including the “Treasures and Treats” sale at Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW; WSB sponsor) – here’s their announcement:
Celebrate the season with your Mount neighbors supporting a good cause!
You’re invited to Providence Mount St. Vincent’s ‘Treasures and Treats Holiday Sale and Bake Sale’! Join the fun and discover unique gifts and delicious treats while supporting The Mount in their renovation of their cafeteria into a welcoming bistro for their residents.
November 14th and 15th
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: 4831 35th Ave SW — in The Mount’s Front Lobby
The Mount’s Emilie’s Treasures Thrift Shop will also be open extended hours this week, through November 15th, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily — perfect for finding gently used treasures for everyone on your Christmas list.
Calling All Bakers!
Want to help in a different way? Donate nut-free, individually wrapped baked goods ahead of the sale at the Volunteer Services office (1st floor). Your tasty treats will make the bake sale even better!
Bring your friends and family, shop for a great cause, and spread holiday cheer. Together, we’ll make the Bistro Campaign a success and kick off the season with joy.
5:40 PM: That briefly beautiful sunset was the opening act for tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk! Now through 8 pm (or later at a few venues), artists are showing their work all over the peninsula. One of the artists showing tonight, Felipe Perez, is at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW):
From The Art of Music lineup, Carly Ann Calbero performed at Molly Moon’s Ice Cream:
ADDED 11:55 PM: More coverage from the festivities at Easy Street tonight, with two back-to-back events billed as a “living archive” celebrating the legacy and enduring power of the PNW music and art community.
First up was a double book-reading by two authors and friends, advertised as “Grief, Grits and the Gits,” in reference to the legendary local band The Gits and their iconic singer Mia Zapata, whose 1993 murder made national headlines. Melissa Meszaros, author of “Song Over the Bones” and Steve Moriarty, author of “Mia Zapata & The Gits” (and drummer for the band) shared memories and stories that offered two unique perspectives about the same topic and timeframe:
Moriarty was then joined onstage by Rachel Crick, founder of As Many Weirdos as Possible, described as a project created by a group of 7 photographers who took 300 photos with accompanying stories dedicated to the unique personalities and talents that made up the PNW music scene from 1985–1995. Moriarty (who himself is a proud “weirdo” group member) read aloud from a story he contributed to the project:
After a short break to reset the stage, the group debuted the short film “Easy, Weirdo” about the making of “The Corner of California & Alaska” miniature. The video captured a meeting between its artist Rosetta Greek and Easy Street’s Matt Vaughan, during which the artwork was unveiled to an emotional Vaughan for the first time:
After the film, the pair were joined by photographer and fellow “weirdo” Lance Mercer, who served as moderator for a nostalgic and lively discussion between the trio, featuring stories and memories from the PNW music scene:
Vaughan and Mercer talked about their longtime friendship, and Vaughan shared memories about the founding and history of Easy Street. Greek talked about the creative drive and process behind the diorama, which took more than 250 hours to meticulously craft. She embarked on the idea as part of a fundraising project, not knowing originally what she was going to make, and continually “talking herself out of” the Easy Street idea because of self-inflicted pressure to get everything exactly right. “I knew that I had to knock it out of the park” because everyone knows and loves Easy Street, she said. “It was all or nothing — but thankfully it ended up being ‘all’ when it was done.”
(WSB photo by Torin Record-Sand, substituted for originally published phone photo)
2:31 PM: We are at the Labor Temple in Georgetown, where Mayor-elect Katie Wilson has just delivered her victory speech and answered a few media questions. No audience, just reporters and photographers.
She promised to be “a mayor for everyone,” including those who did not support her. She had warm words for outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell despite the “bruising campaign” against her. How she won, she said, was the result of thousands of volunteers: “No one saw us coming!” We video-recorded the entire speech and will add it when back at HQ. (Added: Here it is:)
4:09 PM: While she offered words of gratitude and reflection, she did not offer specifics about her transition plan, saying those would be forthcoming next week. In Q&A, she was asked about how she plans to deal with the city’s budget deficit, whether she would propose new taxes, and she did say she would have city staff study the “progressive revenue” proposals that were “in (her) platform.” … She opened the speech by reiterating her campaign slogan, “This is YOUR city,” and saying she was “beyond delighted” to be speaking to Seattleites as their mayor-elect. She called Seattle “a spectacular city” and said she would lead it as the “community organizer” she’s long been.
She said what she wants to accomplish/facilitate as mayor includes “everyone in this great city of ours to have a roof over their head, universal child care, free K-8 summer care … world-class mass transit … great, safe public spaces where kids can run around with abandon … stable, affordable housing for renters … social housing … much more land and wealth to be stewarded by communities instead of corporations … a robust economy with thriving small businesses, great living-wage jobs and rights for workers … a city where everyone has the basics of a dignified life, including healthy food, access to health care … a city where your health or your life expectancy or your children’s future doesn’t depend on your zip code or your race … I believe that I will be stepping into office with a strong mandate to pursue this vision.”
P.S. A few more ballots were counted today – current results:
SEATTLE MAYOR Katie Wilson – 138,673 – 50.20% Bruce Harrell* – 136,655 – 49.47%
12:09 PM: Mayor Bruce Harrell has just started his promised “address to the people of Seattle.” You can watch live via Seattle Channel above; we’ll be writing about it as he speaks. Katie Wilson, meantime, who holds the mayoral-election lead with most ballots counted, is scheduled to speak to media at 2 pm.
(Added: Seattle Channel video of Mayor Harrell’s speech)
12:10 PM: He says he just spoke to Mayor-elect Katie Wilson to “congratulate her on a hard-fought victory,” saying his team “is standing by to start the transition work.” He says it’s been the “honor of a lifetime” to serve as mayor. His wife Joanne is standing with him in the Bertha Knight Landes Room at City Hall. He offers thanks to his cabinet/department leaders and starts to list accomplishments, starting with, “We hired 150 police officers this year. .., We built from scratch the CARE Department,” saying it’s part of a “paradigm shift in public safety.” He also mentions the housing levy – “we should be proud of that work” – and sweeping encampments in parks and on other public property, while increasing the number of people getting shelter. Also: “We brought back downtown from life support,” overhauled the waterfront, changed the tax code. He also mentions the upcoming FIFA World Cup games and the Mariners’ playoff run. “That’s the work you did,” he says to the gathered city. “… That’s work we’ve done, and work that’s in the future.”
He urges people to honor that the Wilson Administration will have new ideas and has “earned the right” to pursue them. He suggests that her victory is the result of “young voters” who must be listened to. “I believe in our hearts that they want the same thing – justice, equity, peace, safety …. environmental sustainability …” He says he hopes they “lead with love” and says that’s what he’s tried to do.
12:20 PM: Explaining his liberal humor, he suggests it’s important even “through pain … you’ve got to smile through it … We’re going to be fine, the city’s going to be fine, because of all of you,” he adds, before thanking various people, saying he’s going to “embarrass them … but I can do that, this is my swan song!” He first thanks political consultant Christian Sinderman and his spokesperson Jamie Housen before adding others including deputy mayor Tiffany Washington, public-safety chief Natalie Walton-Anderson (a West Seattleite), and Adiam Emery (interim SDOT chief) and goes on to lit others … He says he always tells people that as a rule, he advises, “In a workplace, be delightful.” … He also acknowledges, briefly, that work remains, such as finalizing next year’s city budget. … “I’ve said this before and I believe with all my heart that the answers to the nation’s problems will be found here in Seattle.” He also reiterates that he believes his, and Wilson’s, “core values are the same,” saying that’s what his “One Seattle” concept was about – “above all else we will focus on what we have in common.” Though “my opponent and I may have had differences, over the next few years I will focus on what we have in common,” and he reiterates, “Seattle will be fine.”
12:31 PM: As for what he’s going to do next, he jokes he’ll pursue an entertainment career. “In all seriousness,” he goes on to say, he hasn’t figured out what he’ll do next. But he says his granddaughter is happy “because (she’ll) get ‘my Poppa’ back.” … He wraps up and says he’ll take a few questions. First: “Is there anything he would have done differently?” He suggests he’ll “go crazy” if he thinks about that too hard. He believes the decisionmaking process was sound and if it didn’t have the desired outcome, that’s just the way it went … “Any plans for a recount?” Harrell replies that “many are saying I shouldn’t concede … but I looked at the numbers and thought it was appropriate to concede … I wanted to give my staff some closure.” Will he stay in politics? He says he hasn’t ruled anything out, noting he made a “retirement speech” in 2019 – and yet returned. He then name-checks more people from years earlier when he first sought a job at City Hall (including two West Seattleites, former mayor Greg Nickels and former Councilmember Tom Rasmussen). … He’s asked about his achievement in having a diverse cabinet and says that’s important with diversity under siege nationally, but notes that his cabinet members were hired not because of their race etc. but because they are “the best. … I am very hopeful that we set a standard, a bar … Trump has this all wrong … People who identify as diverse, they do not want special treatment, they do not want handouts, they want (equal opportunity).” As a biracial person, he says, he knows what it’s like “to be othered.” … What advice would he give Mayor-elect Wilson and what one thing does he hope she continued? He starts with education and the just-passed expanded FEPP levy … “they have to double and triple down in education.” Then he mentions economic development, “jobs for everybody,” which he says will help alleviate the housing crisis. He says he’s been accused, “He likes business,” while as he sees it, “I like jobs!” Plus: “Public safety is the equalizer … I want everyone to feel safe … I want them to continue emphasizing keeping people safe.” … Did he adequately understand how much people in Seattle are struggling with affordability? He said that’s “almost an offensive question” because the reporter who asked “doesn’t know the scars we have” from growing up in challenging circumstances. “So the pain people feel right now is nothing I have to read about” – he understands it firsthand.
12:54 PM: He concludes with the parting words: “One Seattle.” We’ll add the archived video above later.
MORGAN JUNCTION RESTAURANT: Readers noticed posters up in the window of what had been Little Prague Bakery‘s space in Morgan Junction at 6045 California SW. The posters are for The Home Skillit, whose Chef Gino Williamson has been a fixture on the local street-food scene. He sent us this announcement looking ahead to his soft open tomorrow:
Hello West Seattle. Chef Smoke here with The Home Skillit – NEW RESTAURANT on the West Side.
Please come out and Support Local Great BBQ sandwiches and Tacos. I finally got a spot to myself back here in West Seattle. After years of Pop Ups, Catering, Booth in Lumen Field, Festivals and Street Vending, I am opening a Breakfast/ Brunch/ Lunch spot. Just In time for the Holidays. This Friday, November 14th, I will be having a soft opening between 11 am and 7pm. I will be serving up some of my favorite Sandwiches and Taco’s. Just to give a little taste of Smoke in ya lives. Please come by and tell a friend that you had the best from the best Chef in the West. For a special treat I will be sampling some Creole Smoked COHO Salmon fresh from the Muckleshoot Tribe. Right here off the Duwamish Waters.
We have a message out inquiring about the days/hours after tomorrow’s soft open.
SEE’S CANDIES POP-UP OPEN: Since reporting four weeks ago that See’s would be back at Jefferson Square with a temp holiday-season shop, we’ve watched for signs of opening (since the company never answered our inquiries) and just got word a short time ago from Bryan: “I was customer #2 in See’s this morning!! Hooray!!!” He says they told him they’ll be open through Christmas Eve.
It’s West Seattle Art Walk night – and that’s not all that’s happening 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, perfect for drippy days like today. (42nd/Juneau)
GATHERING AT THE VOID: Get out of the home office for a couple hours! “Work, Game, Craft or Chat! At The Void ” hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon. (5048 California SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Fall is the 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.
SSC FOOD TRUCK: Also at the college today – 10:30 am-12:30 pm at campus clock tower (6000 16th SW), serving community members as well as students, Japanese-inspired menu again today.
MAYORAL SPEECH: Mayor Bruce Harrell plans a noon “address to the people of Seattle.” So far it appears Seattle Channel will post it later, rather than carrying it live.
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!)
SOUND TRANSIT BOARD RETREAT: 2-5 pm. The agenda explains how to watch.
On Thursday, November 13 from 4 pm-9 pm, Proletariat Pizza in White Center is partnering with the Community School of West Seattle for a delicious fundraiser. When you place your order — online, by phone, or in person — simply mention “Community School of West Seattle Fundraising,” and 20% of your purchase will be donated back to the school!
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events at HPCS – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Delfino’s Chicago-Style Pizza.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK, WITH THE ART OF MUSIC: From Alki to Morgan Junction, enjoy art and music tonight – most venues with artist receptions are open 5-8; scroll through this list for those highlights. (Including, as previewed here, the Easy Street Records “double feature”!) And three Art of Music mini-concerts are set for 6 to 7:45 pm; scroll through this list to see who’s where and find out about their music.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: This one’s for walkers! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: 6 pm online, writer Hanna Brooks Olsen tells the story of “Seattle’s most notorious madam,” Lou Graham, and others “who built Seattle.” Our calendar listing includes the link for registering to watch/listen.
Chances are that you haven’t answered this year’s Seattle Public Safety Survey yet, since researchers say they’ve received replies from only about a third of one percent of the people who live in the Southwest Precinct jurisdiction (West Seattle and South Park). We first told you about it a month ago; it’s only open for another two weeks. Seattle University researchers oversee it, and, they explain, “A report on the survey results will be provided to the Seattle Police Department to help them better understand your neighborhood’s safety and security concerns, and community-police dialogues will be held in May-August 2026 to provide opportunities for police-community engagement about the results.” The survey is available until November 30, in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Korean, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese, all linked here.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, November 13, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Rainy, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 7:12 am; sunset will be at 4:34 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is back on a three-boat schedule, with M/V Cathlamet, M/V Chimacum, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any changes.
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!
Will is hoping someone might have seen his stolen bicycle:
I had a bike stolen from my garage last night, on an alleyway between 37th and 38th SW, north of SW Morgan – a 2009 black Trek SoHo single-speed with bull-horn handlebars.
5:29 PM: Police are investigating an incident in Morgan Junction this afternoon which has led to the principal of Gatewood Elementary sending an FYI to families. First, here’s principal Kyna Hogg‘s note, forwarded to us by multiple Gatewood parents:
Dear Gatewood Families and Staff,
I wanted to let you know about an incident that occurred near Gatewood this afternoon and to remind everyone about safety when walking home from school.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., the Seattle Police Department received a report that a man was following two girls walking along California Ave. Community members who witnessed the situation intervened and told the girls to run, which they did. Police responded quickly and took the man into custody.
At this time, the police have not identified the two girls involved, and there is no ongoing threat to our school community. If you believe your child may have been one of the students involved, please contact me so I can connect you with the investigating officers.
While this appears to have been an isolated incident, it’s a good opportunity to remind our students and families about safety when walking to and from school. Please take a few moments to review the following tips with your child:
-Walk with a friend or in a group whenever possible.
-Stay on main roads and sidewalks; avoid alleys or shortcuts.
-Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions such as phones or headphones.
-If someone makes you uncomfortable or follows you, run to a safe place (such as a nearby business or home) and ask for help.
-Report anything suspicious to a trusted adult or directly to the police.
The district offers resources for students who walk or bike to school. If you are interested in having your student join a walking group, you can learn more on the district website.
We are grateful to the community members who acted quickly today and to the Seattle Police for their swift response. If you have any questions, please contact me directly.
A few more details from the police-radio exchanges about this: It was originally reported near California and Fauntleroy, The person who reported it to police was then apparently following the man in their car; police were told the man then stopped at 40th and Morgan and got out of his car, possibly to confront the follower. Police arrived and detained the man. They were also trying to find the girls who had run from him (they were described as white, blonde, slender, maybe around 12 years old). We have an inquiry out to find out if the man was actually arrested or just questioned. If you have any information on the incident, the SPD # is 2025-332513.
7:04 PM: We’ve just heard back from SPD, which says the man was not arrested, and provided the report narrative explaining why:
SUBJECT said that at 1455, he dropped his wife XXXX off at McDonalds for her shift. He dropped her off across the street from the McDonalds, turned around, and was about to go home when XXXX started yelling at him from her vehicle. SUBJECT was very confused, and thought this was a road rage incident.
SUBJECT said that he has no idea what XXXX is talking about with the two teenage girls, and said he was simply dropping his wife off at work.
Officers confirmed with XXXX that SUBJECT was only dropping her off for her shift at work.
I do not believe that SUBJECT was trying to abduct anybody. I believe this may [have] been XXXX believing that she saw suspicious behavior, and having an overly reactive emotional response.
SDOT has just announced the timeline for previously promised changes/additions on the Alki Point “Healthy Street” – Beach Drive and Alki Avenue’s stretches west of 63rd SW – and vicinity. These are basically what it announced early this year would be the “next steps.”
That SDOT graphic summarizes what’s ahead:
We’re excited to announce that we’ll soon begin making upgrades to the Alki Point Healthy Street at 63rd Ave SW and Beach Drive SW. These upgrades will enhance safety, accessibility, and make it easier for people to cross the street. They include:
-New accessible curb ramps, crosswalk, a flashing pedestrian / bike crossing sign at the intersection of 63rd Ave SW and Beach Dr SW.
-Two new accessible parking spaces and two new passenger loading zones near the intersection of Beach Dr SW and 63rd Ave SW. These will be on the north side of Beach Dr SW just west of the intersection at 63rd Ave SW and on the west side of Beach Dr SW just south of the intersection at 63rd Ave SW.
-An extension of the walking and rolling path on Beach Dr SW to 63rd Ave SW that will include wheel stops and a painted edge to match the existing path.
We expect to begin installing these upgrades as soon as later this year. During installation you can expect some temporary parking restrictions, sidewalk and travel lane closures, and construction equipment staged in the work area. We expect work to occur during daytime hours. Design details are subject to change as we finalize design and prepare for construction. We’ll share more information about what you can expect once the work is scheduled.
As also mentioned in the previous update, a painted mural will be installed in the walking/rolling lane – here’s the design concept:
As previously announced, the artist will be Angelina Villalobos, who’s created other murals in the area, including this one.
P.S. One thing mentioned early this year but not mentioned in either today’s announcement or on the project webpage – consideration of possibly making the Beach Drive stretch one way. We’ll follow up to see if that idea is still under review or permanently scrapped.
Story and photos by Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
In 2022, when the conflict between Ukraine and Russia finally boiled over into an invasion, longtime West Seattle resident and entrepreneur Peter Gelpi traded the comfort of an office for a bomb shelter on the front lines of the largest war in Europe since World War II. And, Gelpi says if given the chance, he’d do it all over again.
On Monday night at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Gelpi, who’s back in West Seattle after another trip to Ukraine, spoke on behalf of Impact Partners Ukraine, a nonprofit organization he helped found with longtime friend-turned colleague and fellow West Seattle resident Jennifer Gouge. The event was hosted by the West Seattle Hatters, a knitting club who have turned their talents toward making cold-weather hats for displaced Ukrainians. Since Gelpi met them as a presenter for another group’s meeting, he’s taken more than 800 hats to children and families forced out of their homes by the invasion.
Gelpi, formerly the Vice President of Programs and Operations at FIRST Washington, a program aimed toward inspiring and preparing students for careers in STEM, says there wasn’t one single moment that motivated him to volunteer in Ukraine. When the war started in 2022, as he put it, he simply felt compelled to go. “I swore to my wife I wouldn’t start another company,” Gelpi joked, “and look where we are.”
Since touching down in Ukraine for the first time three years ago, Gelpi has seen the conflict evolve, and he’s been forced to adapt alongside it. This adaptability, he says, is a strength of Impact Partners Ukraine. Instead of operating as a large, bureaucratic NGO (non-government organization), they’ve managed to stay nimble. Gelpi and Gouge opt to partner with other small, local organizations and individuals across Ukraine, acting quickly as boots on the ground to help coordinate, fund, and assist with whatever needs their partners have.
While they’ve been successful so far, establishing multiple operational kitchens and contributing to shelters across the country, it hasn’t been without hardship. Gelpi recalled a particularly difficult moment, when they were forced to evacuate a shelter they had set up in Toretsk, a city in Eastern Ukraine next to the frontlines.
“Even a few months before,” Gelpi said, “it became increasingly apparent that we were being surrounded. Slowly, the roads I was used to taking were being occupied by the Russians.” Evacuation itself was difficult, as they tried to convince residents to leave the only home they’d ever known for an uncertain future, against the imminent threat of occupation- or even death. “They kept saying no, our army will be there for us, our God will be there for us, and I had to say no.” Gelpi said, “We’re not going to be saved by anyone; we need to get out.”
A filmmaker following Gelpi’s efforts at the time recorded the process of evacuation, which he presented on Monday Night. Here’s the video:
Camera shots through the stained windows of a truck show Gelpi and his partners driving past burning buildings. Residents tearfully pack their belongings. Some carry elderly loved ones, no longer able to walk. The sound of bullets crack in the distance as everyone instinctively ducks. They drive past empty neighborhoods and the shells of buildings as they evacuate the city proper, all to the steady rhythm of shells on the horizon.
On those days, and there have been many, Peter says, it’s hard to keep going. But, through this work, he’s met so many dedicated, brave people, which he says helps him continue on. “Meeting Jennifer and the other organizers, being able to share stories and experiences, those connections sustain me.”
Jennifer Gouge has been Gelpi’s colleague for less than a year, but in that time, she’s gotten a clearer look at the conflict than many ever will. Her story started at the beginning of 2025, in January. “I felt myself spinning with anxiety with all the chaos, and the emotional upheaval going on in our country and our world,” she said. “I needed a focal point, Something I was passionate about. So, I made my decision to focus on one thing: to keep democracy alive and to support Ukraine.” Gouge had been following Peter’s efforts as a friend, but two months after deciding what she wanted to do, she was touching down in Ukraine as a volunteer.
“I went to witness the situation on the ground firsthand,” said Gouge. “I wanted to meet these Ukrainian partners and peers and see the impact they were having on their communities. I wanted to see who they were.”
As a civilian, Gouge said she wanted to be as prepared as possible headed into the conflict. “I went through all the thoughts of what could possibly happen,” remarked Gouge. “We practiced self-tourniquets. Whenever we went to a hotel, I always knew exactly where a shelter was. When we were walking around, I would always take note of nearby shelters. I was incredibly aware, the last thing I wanted to do was freak out.”
She and Gelpi both had their share of stories from their time in Ukraine. In fact, with the way both of them talked about it, you’d never have guessed that their lives were in danger. Gouge talked casually about looking out the passenger-side window of their car a handful of days in, only to be faced with a low-flying drone, keeping pace with them. Gelpi joked about watching a ballistic missile hit the street near a hostel and feeling asphalt rain down around him.
“Someone, an old woman, stepped outside and asked, ‘What should we do?’ and I said, ‘Well, they shelled once, they probably won’t shell again’,” he said, smiling. “The scariest sound I’ve ever heard was that second missile streaking overhead. In that moment, we could’ve been gone.”
“Our first night in Kyiv,” Gouge interjected, “we got bombarded, and Peter slept through the whole thing,” a remark that drew laughter from both of them.
But beyond the war stories, Peter and Jennifer both agree that what sticks with them the most is the encounters they’ve had with partners on the ground. People who were regular citizens before the war, often displaced from their own homes, have worked ceaselessly to help others and keep hope alive as the war continues into its third year.
Their presentation on Monday wasn’t just about Impact Partners Ukraine and what people can do to help; it was about sharing the stories of people like Sveta, a woman displaced from her home who’s built multiple shelters since the outset of the war. When a shelter closer to the frontlines was destroyed, instead of giving up, she buckled down and kept working. Today, she plans to start a shelter north of Odessa, in Bohhunove, a quieter community with a focus on agriculture. As Gelpi put it, they’re tired of things getting blown up.
Keeping evacuation efforts active is Philip, a longtime friend and partner whom Gelpi met early on during his time in Ukraine. He receives a text from an unknown phone number, usually just a set of rough coordinates, and as missiles and drones close in, he and his team drive straight into the fire to save the lives of people they’ve never met, a routine Gouge says he’s kept up daily for the last three years.
Then, there’s Rise of Ukraine, a group founded by young adults in Dnipro, a city eight miles southeast of the capital of Kyiv. Working together with the community, Rise of Ukraine seeks to give children who have been forced to learn remotely since the COVID-19 pandemic the chance to develop socially and academically. This Christmas, they’ll be hosting a party for the children in Dnipro, which Impact Partners is currently helping fundraise for.
Gouge and Gelpi have friends everywhere, and these connections have continually been inspired to work against all odds to help the cause in Ukraine. “The people I met showed incredible resilience,” said Gouge. “I saw their strength, I saw their compassion, I saw their commitment to rebuild. These are people who didn’t flee. Some of them could, but they chose not to. They chose to stay and make a difference in their communities.”
Peter and Jennifer have taken the compassion they saw in Dnipro, Toretsk, Kyiv, and so many more places in Ukraine to the United States, and so far, while the reception has been overwhelmingly positive, they both expressed frustration that the war has, in their words, faded into the background. “I think people care a lot about Ukraine,” said Gouge, “and frankly, a lot is going on, but they aren’t getting the right news. I feel like we can be a vehicle, people can hear about what’s going on in Ukraine through us.”
Throughout their presentation, they shared countless stories. Quietly sharing a cup of coffee in a basement with Ukrainian soldiers who’d nearly shot them before they identified themselves as Americans. Watching their wi-fi go out, something they quickly learned was an early warning of a drone strike. All of the countless hours spent working with Philip, Sveta, and Rise of Ukraine. Each story held the same throughline, a thread that pulls Peter and Jennifer through impossible odds, and sometimes unbearable tragedy: these stories need to be shared.
There’s one in particular that stands out in Jennifer’s mind, from a day she spent in Kyiv. She saw people sitting in a corner shop, having coffee. People jogged down the street next to her, and others were playing with their dogs, taking advantage of their moments outside before curfew. “And everywhere I looked,” she said, “I would see Tulips in bloom.”
To help support Impact Partners Ukraine and the Christmas for the Children of Dnipro project, you can donate through their website here. Currently, Gelpi and Gouge are focused on spreading awareness. If you have questions or know other organizations that would be interested in hosting them for an event, you can contact them at 206-465-0033 or info@impactpartnersua.org.
On Saturday, November 15th from 9 am – noon, Lafayette Elementary School will be supporting the 
With Thanksgiving now less than two weeks away, we’re close to launching this year’s WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, a one-stop shop for info on all things holiday in West Seattle – events, sales, performances, light shows, holiday food ordering, much more – we have lots of entries already and will, as always, continue adding to the guide (and our 
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