(Photos by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand, Educare Seattle Head Start site)

By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

As the federal-government shutdown enters its second month – now the second longest in U.S. history – it’s not just food programs that are running out of money. Head Start early-childhood programs in our state are among the services facing the mounting pressure of losing federal funding too.

Head Start programs serve children between the ages of 3 and 5, providing resources and child care, primarily to families whose income is below the poverty line. Without the reimbursement of federal funding as of today, families across the state are at risk of losing the early learning services Head Start programs provide, including literacy and math programs, nutritional and health services, and special support for students with disabilities.

For Seattle families – as shown on this map – these cuts will affect more than 350 students at Seattle Public Schools sites, including three local elementary schools – Roxhill at E.C. Hughes, West Seattle, and Concord International elementaries. For now, Seattle Public Schools‘ Head Start sites are expected to stay open using district contingency funds.

Facing even more of an impact in this area is Educare Seattle, a key Head Start program site in White Center that serves more than 150 kids from birth to age 5 and their families. Educare and other Head Start programs like it are supported by the Puget Sound Educational Services District, or PSESD, which supports early learning services to 35 school districts across King and Pierce counties, and Bainbridge island, as well as supporting other levels of education.

Without the renewal of vital grants, PSESD will be forced to fall back on an emergency loan to keep the doors open this month for more than 1,100 children and families for whom they provide services.

“We’re still under a lot of pressure, but it’s not an immediate shutdown,” said Lori Pittman, the PSESD’s Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations lead. The loan, which was taken out of an emergency fund, will be enough to keep the program open through the next month, but Pittman says this won’t come without challenges.

“We’ll put off non-essential things,” she said. “If a dishwasher breaks at a center, we won’t be focused on that; we’ll be focused on supporting families at a time when we are their safety net, and keeping our staff employed.”

Currently, PSESD says they’re not in a position where they can continue to borrow money past November, Pittman said, which could lead to staff cuts, and/or closure of their programs, leaving families without the safety net Head Start provides.

So as the shutdown continues, Pittman and the rest of the PSESD staff are doing everything they can to keep the doors open, including reaching out to the community for support. This includes partnering with nonprofits such as WestSide Baby to get formula and working with food banks to keep kids fed.

To anyone able, Pittman stresses the value of donating during this crucial time, especially donations through local food banks and churches, and reaching out to local legislators and representatives, to emphasize the benefits of the Head Start program.

“We are caught up in a place where we shouldn’t be,” Pittman said. “This is about children receiving quality education, and families receiving services that help them move into self-sufficiency and off government services. This really hurts the folks who are enrolled in our programs, and our staff who come into work every day. We love these children, we love these families, and we want them to succeed. Head Start is worth the investment.”

As the shutdown continues, more programs that families, especially those at or near the poverty line, may depend on, such as SNAP benefits, are also becoming increasingly tenuous. To help support families, the Learning Communities Foundation, an organization partnered with PSESD, has started a fundraiser to support families impacted by the lack of federal support. For more information and to donate, follow the link here.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: First Day of the Dead celebration in ‘Lower Junction’

November 1, 2025 10:20 pm

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| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB video and photos)
Marachi Estrellas de México played outside All the Best Pet Care during today’s first-ever West Seattle Junction Association-organized Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebration in the “Lower Junction,” the business block mostly along Fauntleroy Way between Alaska and Edmunds. A centerpiece of Dia de los Muertos observances is an “ofrenda” to honor loved ones who’ve passed to the world beyond, and All the Best hosted a pet ofrenda:

Another tradition is “calaveras” face painting, to transform your face into a skull, and that was happening at Orangetheory Fitness:

Jayda modeled hers for our photographer:

Our area has two more Dia de los Muertos events tomorrow – a 10 am-3 pm festival at Holy Family, and a 5 pm candlelight service at Our Lady of Guadalupe.

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FOOTBALL: Postseason win for Chief Sealth IHS

November 1, 2025 9:09 pm

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| West Seattle news

(Photo by Oliver Hamlin for WSB)

That’s #3 Marquis Tovia, running toward the end zone for a Chief Sealth IHS touchdown in the second quarter of today’s Seahawk win over Lindbergh at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. Final score: Chief Sealth 56, Lindbergh 7. Next for the 6-3 Seahawks: District playoffs next weekend. We’ll add more of our photos from today’s win a bit later tonight.

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ELECTION 2025: Three more days to vote. 82 percent of Seattle ballots aren’t in yet.

November 1, 2025 7:35 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Seattle voters still aren’t stampeding to the ballot drop boxes. As of 6 pm tonight, the percentage of ballots received by King County Elections was only up to 18 percent. (And that beats the countywide percentage, just a hair over 16 percent.) But tomorrow’s a great day to get to the drop boxes. Forecast looks dry. Going to the West Seattle Farmers’ Market? Bringing a donation for the food drive? There’s a box right on the south side of SW Alaska, half a block west of California. Going to the library? There’s one on the east side of High Point Library. Shopping and/or dining in Morgan Junction? The drop box is on the sidewalk in front of Morgan Junction Park, on the west side of California half a block north of Fauntleroy. You can pull right up to that one if you’re driving and hop out for a quick deposit, or do the same at the box in front of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) main administration building, or the new location of the White Center box on SW 102nd in front of Steve Cox Memorial Park. They’re all open 24/7 until 8 pm Tuesday (here’s the countywide list/map). And if you get yours in tomorrow, it’ll likely be part of the first vote count released after voting ends Tuesday night.

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SOCCER: Chief Sealth IHS girls’ soccer wins 2-0 in postseason match

November 1, 2025 5:00 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news

Sealth senior Leslie Nunez Castro (#4)

Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

In their first match of the postseason, the Chief Sealth IHS girls’ soccer team prevailed 2-0 against Evergreen in a rainy and windy 9am home game at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex.

After a scoreless first half, the Seahawks scored two goals in the 2nd half (by Harper Gilbert and Leslie Nunez Castro) to secure the win and move on in the playoffs. Sealth is led by head coach Mike Rillo:

Some photos from first-half action, including #5 Stella Weiss:

#11 Nathalie Latterell:

#4 Leslie Nunez Castro (senior):

…and #10 Iona Judy:

Next up for Sealth, as their postseason run continues: A road match at Nathan Hale at 5 pm on Tuesday, November 4th.

Saturday was a big day at SWAC for the Seahawks, as the girls’ soccer match was followed by the football team’s playoff game vs Lindbergh at noon (it’s the first time Sealth has ever hosted a football playoff game at home, according to athletic director Ernest Policarpio aka “Coach P”).

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ORCAS: In Elliott Bay

November 1, 2025 3:29 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

Up for Saturday afternoon whale-watching? Kersti Muul tells us Southern Resident Killer Whales from J and K pods are in Elliott Bay – “lots and lots of whales.”

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Need clothing or food?

November 1, 2025 1:34 pm

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| How to help | Triangle | West Seattle news

From the WSB inbox:

Westside Fitness is hosting a food and clothing swap between 1 pm-5 pm today. If folks need food and clothing or want to donate, please come by. Bring the kids if they aren’t quite done trick or treating just yet — we have candy as well.

Address is 4617 36th SW. Walk through the parking lot to the right side of the building and you’ll find our crew, food, clothing in the tent in the back left. And while you’re at it check out the gym!

Hosts are Brian and Luna. Still giving their Halloween best as Alison and Dale from Tucker and Dale vs the Forces of Evil.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Hit-run; prowler/peeper

November 1, 2025 11:50 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

HIT-RUN: Sent by Maggie late last night:

At 9:40 pm on SW Oregon St., between 41st & 42nd Ave SW, a silver, late-model truck with a canopy, possibly a Toyota Tundra, heading east on Oregon, was responsible for a hit and run, with damage to three parked cars, two with severe damage.

Police tell us he went on to hit another car and again, fled the scene.

He was last seen near the 7-11 on California, driving south. If you have any information about this vehicle or have video of the incidents, please contact SPD Officer Hernandez 8022 / 206-733-9800. Incident # 2025-319777. We would appreciate the public’s help with this. He hit our cars with such force, two likely are totaled.

PROWLER/PEEPER: This report with two videos were sent by SB:

I thought it would benefit the community to post about an incident that happened in an apartment building to hopefully keep others safe and possibly identify the culprit. There was a prowler/peeping tom that trespassed onto the property and was looking into windows and did so for a good 10-15 minutes. Please see the attachments for some video footage. I have a couple more of him doing this back and forth during that time frame. This happened on October 27th around 9 pm about 3 blocks north of the Admiral Junction in West Seattle. The police were called and responded quickly but just missed him.

We don’t have an incident number for this yet.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Chief Sealth IHS cross country teams to state

November 1, 2025 10:48 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

10:48 AM: Tournament time for most fall high-school sports – and we have a reader report this morning that both Chief Sealth International High School cross country teams are off to state competition:

The Chief Sealth girls and boys cross country teams each placed 2nd overall in the 2A district championship meet today at Lake Sammamish! Here’s a picture of the girls team celebrating, They will be traveling to the state championship meet in Pasco next week. Several Chief Seatlh athletes finished in the top 14 individually as well, although I’m sorry I don’t have details on those kids names and places. It was a soggy mess, but the kids all ran their hearts out and did us proud!

The results of the meet races are here, and if you click through to each race, you’ll see individual runners and their schools.

2:34 PM: We’ve since received a photo of the boys and more info:

The CSIHS girls cross country team’s finish at Districts sends them to the State Championship for the second year in a row and just the third time in school history! The team was led by Federica Dilley (Sr.), Doe Doe (So.) and Elena Phillips (So.), who each finished in the top-14 to earn All-District honors.

The boys cross country team’s second place finish will send them to State for the first time since 1982! The team was led by All-District performances from Remy Wittman (Sr.), Forest Andrews Wehling (Sr.) and Cole Peloza (Sr.).

The CSIHS boys and girls cross country teams’ next race will be at the 2A State Championships on November 8th at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco.

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Wind alert this morning, time change tonight, and what’s happening inbetween on your West Seattle Saturday

November 1, 2025 6:21 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

We start the day under a Wind Advisory alert, but pending any problems, we have another busy West Seattle list for Saturday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:

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!

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

HIGH-SCHOOL SOCCER: Postseason match for the Chief Sealth IHS girls’ soccer team, 9 am at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) vs. Evergreen.

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

TAE KWON DO: This month’s lessons at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW) start with a 9:30 am session – info in our calendar listing.

INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th SW and Fauntleroy Way, 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 SW and Fauntleroy Way.

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 CLOSED FOR SEASON: Just a reminder that last week was the final Delridge Farmers’ Market of the year.

MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

FREE WRITING GROUP: Back in session again this week, 10:30 am, info in our calendar listing.

GRIEFSHARE: New session begins, 10:30 am at Grace Church, no charge (10323 28th SW)

WEST SEATTLE ‘LOWER JUNCTION’ DIA DE MUERTOS: New celebration, 11 am-2 pm, coordinated by the West Seattle Junction Association, mostly along Fauntleroy Way between SW Alaska and SW Edmunds:

Join us for a vibrant Day of the Dead celebration as we transform Fauntleroy (Way) into a colorful block filled with papel picado, marigolds, and community spirit. Come honor loved ones, enjoy live music, and explore festive activities from your favorite local merchants.

–Live Mariachi band
–Calaveras face painting (skeleton art)
–Community Ofrenda at Maris – Bring a photo of a loved one to add to the altar, honoring their life and spirit. The ofrenda will remain up through Nov 2.
–Pet Ofrenda at All the Best Pets with cards to write down memories, and the option to print out a photo of your beloved pet you lost.

Merchant Activities:

–Orangetheory Fitness – “Afterlife Burn” 30-second rowing challenge, giveaways, swag, class vouchers + photo area
–Sound & Fog – offering Mexican hot chocolate + Day of the Dead–themed treats
–Maris – Create your own skull keychains + Day of the Dead magnets
–Club Pilates – Color your own calaveras, try the “Deadly Plank Challenge,” join the magic circle fun
–Spa Phoebe – Create your own skull scratch masks, make your own bath salts with essential oils and grab a free temporary Day of the Dead tattoo
–City Sweats – Add to our Gratitude bowl: share memories or notes of thanks; entries entered in a raffle for complimentary wellness services
–Bohemian Studios – Participate in Day of the Dead themed morning Barre classes at 8:30A & 10A plus Vinyasa Yoga at 11:30A

Come walk the block, sip, shop, move, and celebrate life and remembrance together in true West Seattle style.

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

CONNECT WITH WHALES … without being in the water; our calendar listing explains how. 11 am at Inner Alchemy Studio and Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Both varsity teams play postseason games today – noon at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), Chief Sealth IHS hosts Lindbergh; 7 pm on the road, West Seattle HS plays at Bishop Blanchet.

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

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

POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Monthly Saturday afternoon gathering for long-distance advocacy, new time – 12:30 to 2:30 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open for you to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:

The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar, and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area.

SUPER SMASH SATURDAYS: 1-10 pm at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs).

UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE: 2 pm presentation/discussion at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).

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

‘NIGHTFALL’: One last night to see this “charity haunt,” 5:30-9:30 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (4544 51st Place SW)

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Circle of Songs, live and acoustic. All ages, no charge.

BOOK RELEASE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: “Making It” by Bootsy Holler, 7 pm event for book about Seattle music scene 1992-2008 (4559 California SW), free, all ages.

THREE BANDS AT THE SKYLARK: At 8 pm tonight it’s Sister Swimmer, Spyglass, Sit Pretty, $10, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Our Saturday list concludes as usual with 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

FALL BACK ONE HOUR: Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 am Sunday – when we “fall back” an hour to 1 am. (Timekeeping trivia: You can call to hear WWV’s time signal.)

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!

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