West Seattle, Washington
24 Friday
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, October 24, 2025 – start of this year’s first of two Hallo-weekends.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Rain, high in the upper 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:40 am; sunset, at 6:05 pm. (We “fall back” one hour in 9 days.)
HALLO-WEEKEND ALERTS
-Today (October 24), Admiral District trick-or-treating is set for 3-6 pm – no street closures .
-Saturday (October 25), Alki trick-or-treating is set for noon-2 pm – no street closures
-Sunday (October 26), the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival will take over an extra block (California south of Alaska) of the heart of The Junction, while the Farmers’ Market occupies its usual block. SW Alaska also will be closed from 42nd to 44th.
ROAD WORK
-The 60th, 61st, 62nd Alki speed-bump work hadn’t started by Thursday afternoon.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three boats on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any changes.
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes.
Water Taxi – Now on regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, maritime-opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Thanks for the report and photos shared with us for you, on behalf of the teams!
Congratulations to the Chief Sealth girls and boys cross country teams for sweeping the 2A Metro Championships this week at Lower Woodland!
On the girls’ side, the Seahawks took home the team title and Federica Dilley (Sr.) was the individual champion, with Casey Greger (Sr.), Elena Phillips (So.), Doe Doe (So.), Abby Peloza (So.), Satomi Giedeman (Sr.), and Mina West (Fr.) earning All-Metro honors.
The Seahawks also won the team title in the boys’ race, with Remy Wittman (Sr.) taking home the individual crown and teammates Forest Andrews-Wehling (Sr.), Cole Peloza (Sr.), Ziko Kraft (Fr.), and Theo Franzen (So.) earning All-Metro honors.
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Both teams will race next Friday at the Sea-King District Championships at Lake Sammamish State Park.
A reader told us about a new name on the landlocked boat at Don Armeni Boat Ramp, minus photo, so we went by to confirm:
(Apologies to younger readers!)
Tonight’s decoration-spotlight photo was sent by M., who explains, “At Genesee Hill. My son Jakob (11) decorated for Halloween.” The big night is just one week from tomorrow! You’re sstill welcome to send photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (And we’re continuing to add Halloween-season events to our calendar – go here for that specific list.)
You’ve seen them on Duwamish Head in Alki, and now they’re on the east edge of High Point too: Bollards atop a raised concrete median on Sylvan Way. After a reader tip about the installation, we asked SDOT for the official explanation, and finally got it today from spokesperson Amy Abdelsayed:
SDOT identified Sylvan Way SW between High Point Dr SW and SW Sylvan Heights Dr as a high collision location last year due to the frequency of crashes that occurred at the intersection involving drivers crossing the roadway centerline and running off road. To address these crashes, SDOT’s Vision Zero program recently added raised pavement markers and centerline curbing in areas along Sylvan Way SW to improve visibility of lane lines and approaching roadway curves.
The SDOT collision map is not particularly conclusive, but we searched our archives for and came up with 74 results mentioning Sylvan Way and crash.
Looking for something new and tasty to try? The South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Culinary & Pastry Arts program has just set the dates and cuisines for its Otter Pop-Up food truck, through the end of the year, and you’re invited to visit the campus to give it a try! Here’s the announcement, with dates starting next Tuesday:
As part of their training to become professional chefs and food-industry entrepreneurs, Culinary & Pastry Arts students at South Seattle College get to create a concept for a food truck, craft the menu, and run the show along with fellow students. The menus are often inspired by students’ background and family favorites.
The culinary program has a fully functional “Otter Pop-up” food truck (with recently renovated cooking equipment and a new external design) that students use to run their concepts. The truck was donated by Marination in 2023.
Everyone is welcome to visit South’s main campus in West Seattle to enjoy the food. All sales benefit the program. The truck is always parked in the centrally located Clock Tower Plaza, creating a fun gathering space for students, community members, and employees
Food trucks operate from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm on each date. Here’s the schedule for Fall Quarter 2025:
Oct 28 and 30 – “Long Pigs” (Bavarian)
Nov. 4,5.6 – “Pom Pom Plates” (Japanese)
Nov. 12,13 – “Juntos” (Japanese)
Nov. 18,19,20 – “Toona’i To You” (Polynesian)
Dec. 2,3,4 – “Pastry Playlist” (Pastries)
Dec. 9,10,11 – “Dal Giardino” (Italian)
If you’re not familiar with the location, here’s an SSC campus map.
Readers have been noticing for a while that the for-lease sign has vanished from the former Bank of America at 4323 SW Admiral Way, which closed last February. A commenter, and permit applications, suggested who’s moving in – and now they’ve confirmed it to us: Lévy Aesthetics. Founder Dr. Daniel Lévy tells WSB, “We are opening a new state of the art Dermatology and Wellness clinic at that location.” It’s an expansion of their Bellevue-based business.
Today we welcome Visiting Angels as one of our newest sponsors. New sponsors get the opportunity to tell you about themselves – so here’s what Visiting Angels would like you to know!
Life is better when people stay in the comfort of their own home! Since 2008, Visiting Angels has employed Caregiver Angels who serve all of West Seattle. They are certified with the State of WA, go through an extensive interview and background check, have access to health benefits, company matching retirement, and receive ongoing training. Our caregivers are experienced with a wide variety of specialized care needs including, but not limited to, Dementia, Parkinsons, Hospital Discharge, Hospice, Stroke recovery, Companion care, and mobility conditions. Our caregivers are superstars with a real heart for caregiving and they provide peace of mind for the client and their loved ones!
Visiting Angels‘ Home Care Services can help with daily activities intended to improve our client’s life. Services include everything from medication reminders, housekeeping, laundry, personal care, errands, shopping, meal planning and preparation, and doctors’ visits. We offer flexible hourly care with a 3.5-hour shift minimum up to 24 hours. Our services are paid for by long-term-care insurance, qualified veterans’ HHHA benefits, and private pay.
We come to your home, the hospital, or the rehabilitation center, and complete a complementary assessment to determine the recommended level of service. This is a conversation, and we answer a lot of the client and family member questions during this part of the process.
After we have gotten to know the client by going through the assessment and completing our safety walkthrough, the Care Manager will recommend a Care Plan with the client’s input on the services and the schedule. We collaborate with hospitals, skilled nursing, home health, and hospice to ease the transition back home for their patients. The discharge orders are incorporated into the care plan we create and by having a caregiver in the home, patient recovery and comfort increases and hospital and rehabilitation re-admission rates go down significantly. Our team of Caregivers follow the professional orders provided and are present to care for the patient when the doctors and nurses are not! Our homecare services supplement, not replace, any skilled nursing services.
Visiting Angels‘ goal is to promote dignity and independence for our clients to enable them to live in their home with assistance for as long as possible. Call 425-828-4500 for your complimentary home assessment.
We thank Visiting Angels for choosing to advertise their services by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com for information – thank you!
The 17-year-old arrested after last weekend’s Walgreens robbery in High Point is due in court today, after being charged with a felony. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged him with first-degree robbery/displaying a deadly weapon. The charging documents don’t reveal much additional information about what investigators believe happened, but described the “deadly weapon” in detail (photo is from SPD and also included in the charging documents):
At approximately 1920 hours [the day of the robbery], officers recovered a tan 9mm Glock bearing serial no: xxxxxxx. The firearm was holding a 31 round extended magazine, with 21 bullets inside. This firearm was recovered in a bush, approximately 40 feet from where S/Stewart was taken. into custody. A records check showed the firearm as clear and belonging to xxxxxx.
The documents also say the suspect was wearing a jacket that “contained two phones, a pair of gloves
similar in appearance to the gloves in the robbery” (according to security video) plus had “$763 cash in his pants pockets, as well as the … tracker that was inside of the till at Walgreens.”
We’ll update once we get information on today’s hearing and the custody status. Meantime, we’ve checked juvenile-court records and this appears to be the first case against this defendant.
ADDED: According to minutes filed from the hearing, the defendant pleaded not guilty and is on electronic home monitoring. He is due back in juvenile court in two weeks.
(Schmitz Preserve Park – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s what’s happening in West Seattle for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more for today/tonight/days and weeks ahead):
FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace two mornings a week, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)
DROP-IN COWORK HANGOUT AT THE VOID: Get out of the home office for a couple hours! New weekly casual coworking hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon. (5048 California SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Fall is a perfect time to plant! Explore the possibilities – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Art is on display throughout Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), and you can visit any time during regular hours, 10 am-6 pm today.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: 10:30 am at West Seattle Library (2306 42nd SW).
TODDLER STORY TIME IN WESTWOOD: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!)
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is back today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Paparepas, with Venezuelan cuisine.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!
WEST SEATTLE HS FOOTBALL & SENIOR NIGHT: As previewed yesterday, the original plan has changed and the West Seattle HS football team will play its Senior Night game tonight vs. O’Dea at West Seattle Stadium (4470 35th SW). Football ceremony at 6 pm, game at 7 pm, cheer and band seniors honored at halftime.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, now leaving from Future Primitive Beer Bar (2536 Alki SW), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Prefer to walk? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with Jenn Green, 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Before we get to what’s up for today, an early holiday alert – it’s a seasonal tradition to reserve a time at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor) to make your own holiday wreath, and reservations are open now. You can go here to choose your date and time, before all the slots are gone!
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, October 23, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Mostly cloudy, chance of rain, high in the low 60s, breezy. Sunrise will be at 7:40 am; sunset, at 6:05 pm. (We “fall back” one hour in 10 days.)
WEEKEND ALERT
-Sunday (October 26), the West Seattle Junction Harvest Fest will take over an extra block (California south of Alaska) of the heart of The Junction, while the Farmers’ Market occupies its usual block. SW Alaska also will be closed from 42nd to 44th.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three boats on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any changes.
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes.
Water Taxi – Now on regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, maritime-opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB
As the regular fall-sports season approaches the end, it’s time to celebrate those for whom this is the final season – the seniors. Last night, Chief Sealth International High School‘s girls-soccer team paid tribute to the Class of 2026 – including team support (above) as well as players (below with head coach Mike Rillo) –
Leslie Nunez Castro:
Lucinda Leviton:
Kimberly Ramirez:
Harlee Wahl:
Mariah Rillo:
Nasra:
The match was at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex against Nathan Hale.
The Seahawks led 1-0 after Nunez Castro, #4, scored early in the second half on a shot outside the box that sailed over the keeper’s head.
Then Hale scored two goals in the final five minutes to get the win.
The team’s last regular-season match is tonight at Cleveland, 5 pm.
Earlier this fall, Seattle Parks noted an owl attack in Lincoln Park. We’ve had reader reports of several around the peninsula, Lincoln Park included, over the years. But we hadn’t heard from anyone directly this year until Kevin‘s report arrived a short time ago:
Our 8 year old daughter was scratched on her head by an owl in Lincoln Park during her cross country run practice. Her grandpa exclaimed “what a hoot!” She’s just fine, though, just a little scary. It seems like it’s happened before, and the internet suggests they’re territorial at dusk. We’re going to follow up with her primary care doctor tomorrow to see if there’s anything weird about owls and diseases.
You can learn more about this owl behavior by checking out this Department of Fish and Wildlife fact sheet, choosing “Preventing Conflicts,” and scrolling down to “Dive-Bombing Owls.” As noted there, these incidents are rare.
Thanks to Bethany for tonight’s spotlight Halloween-season decorations – she’s on the hunt for “sincere pumpkin patches” and has found three celebrating the “Great Pumpkin” of “Peanuts” fame!
I’m in search of the most sincere pumpkin patch. So far I have found:
Alaska & 50th: (above)
Belvedere between Hinds and Hanford: (below)
47th between Walker and Hill (with Charlie Brown ghost!): (below)
It is fun for the wonderful neighbors who worked hard on the decorations, fellow Great Pumpkin seekers, and maybe serve as a callout to others on the peninsula who have sincere pumpkin patches I could visit!
You might recognize the third house as one where “Peanuts” is celebrated at Christmastime too!
Got decorations? Seen decorations? We’re showing photos nightly – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photos)
Two days after the Mariners‘ postseason ended one win short of a World Series trip, their mascot was in West Seattle tonight spreading consolation cheer. The Mariner Moose visited Ounces, whose proprietor Laurel Trujillo explained, “I figured everyone needs that extra high-five and hug right now.” That’s Laurel, above, with son Asher, 7.
Much of the crowd there tonight for The Moose’s ~45-minute visit was from Asher’s school, Fairmount Park Elementary, whose PTA is getting part of the proceeds from tonight’s beverage/food sales.
By the way, the “pumpkin patch photo booth” in which Laurel, Asher, and The Moose are shown, above, is open for drop-in pics (sorry, no Moose) through month’s end. Ounces is in North Delridge at 3809 Delridge Way SW.
P.S. Mariners’ opening day next year: March 26, 2026.
(Photo by Dave Estep)
When the West Seattle High School Wildcats take the field Thursday night for the game that includes the Senior Night celebration for football, cheer, and band, it won’t be at their home field, Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. And it won’t be against the originally scheduled opponent, either. They’re now scheduled to play O’Dea at West Seattle Stadium (4470 35th SW) at 7 pm Thursday. Thanks to parent Allison for circulating word of the changes – which also include plans for the football seniors to be recognized with a pre-game ceremony, at 6 pm, and the cheer and band seniors to be recognized at halftime. It’s not only WSHS’s senior night, it’s a “huge game” because it’s also a matchup of the top two teams in the Metro League – West Seattle is undefeated; O’Dea has only one loss, against a non-conference opponent, and this is scheduled as their Senior Night too (WS Stadium is their home field). Allison says they’re hoping to fill the stands for the Wildcats – you can buy your ticket with cash at the stadium or online in advance.
(WSB photos)
Chely Smithgall wants you to know, her Fine Baking Company shop is back open for business and offering a variety of sweet treats.
Less than a year after opening, Chely was hit by one of those crises that can knock a small business down for the count, but she’s battling back. A leg injury made it impossible for her to stand long enough to get the baking done. “I had to close my business for a month,” she laments. But then she got back to three hours a day, and now she’s expanding to five hours a day, all but one weekday afternoon, perfect timing for families going to and from nearby Gatewood Elementary (and other businesses in lower Gatewood/south Morgan Junction).
Chely hopes you’ll pop in to try (or re-try!) her cake pops, cupcakes, cookies, and more (empanadas were also on the menu when we stopped in) – she’s at 6971 California SW, open noon-5 pm Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 am-3 pm Saturdays.
2:14 PM: This arrest was just announced via SPD Blotter:
Seattle police narcotics detectives and SPD’s SWAT team arrested a 51-year-old prolific drug trafficker in West Seattle last week following a monthslong narcotics investigation stemming from a previous arrest.
Detectives started their investigation looking for a suspected drug supplier after they arrested a man in the 2600 block of Southwest Cambridge Street on July 16, for selling Fentanyl and Methamphetamine from his RV.
Their investigation into the supplier identified the man, living in SeaTac, WA. Detectives found him to be a convicted felon with extensive criminal history, including violations for selling controlled substances and many other crimes.
While surveilling him, detectives found that he frequently traveled from SeaTac, spending several hours selling narcotics in the South Park, White Center, and Westwood Village neighborhoods. His actions contribute to drug overdoses, retail theft, car prowls, and car thefts in the area, according to detectives.
SPD investigators developed probable cause to arrest him for a Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act for Possession with Intent to Deliver Fentanyl.
On Oct. 15, at about 10:30 p.m., detectives surveilled the suspect as he drove with his wife and children to the shopping center in Westwood Village.
While his family shopped, he walked across the street into Roxhill Park, to sell narcotics. Almost immediately, suspected narcotic users, who appeared to be waiting for him for drugs, began approaching him.
Shortly thereafter, the SWAT team arrested the 51-year-old without incident.
Roxhill Park is less than a mile from Chief Sealth International High School. Its trails are an opportunistic location for drug users, drug dealing, and selling stolen items, providing a veil of protection from the public eye, according to narcotics detectives.
Oftentimes, the suspect would access an electric scooter from his vehicle and ride around on it, selling narcotics, making it easy for him to maneuver through the park.
During the arrest, detectives recovered:
•178.6g powdered Fentanyl
•42.2g Methamphetamine
•41.5g white powdery substance
•$291 Cash
• Drug paraphernalia, scale, packaging baggies
Police booked the suspect into the King County Jail for multiple drug crimes. His bail is set at $250,000.
Incident Number: 2025-200398
We are checking with prosecutors regarding the case’s status.
3:53 PM: The suspect, 51-year-old Antonio J. Kent, has been charged with two drug felonies and pleaded not guilty this morning. A judge rejected his request for reduced bail and he remains in the King County Jail, bail set at a quarter-million dollars. We’re reading the charging documents now and will add any additional information of note.
4 PM: Kent is described in the documents as having a record of 39 convictions, 11 of which were felonies, dating back into the ’90s and ending in 2019, for crimes including robbery, theft, assault, DUI, trespass, stolen-car possession. He also is reported to have had 54 warrants issued over the years and was labeled in a national database as a “career criminal.”
4:47 PM: We sent a photo request to the state Department of Corrections, which can provide photos to media if the person was ever in their system. The photo added above and to the right is the newest one they had, from 2016.
12:31 PM: Sent by Providence Mount St. Vincent:
A patient from Providence Mount St. Vincent’s Transitional Care Unit left the facility this morning and has not returned.
The police have been notified, and our team is on the streets doing a search – but we need your help!
His name is Kristian, 51 years old, 6’1” tall.
He is wearing hospital gown pants, a dark sweatshirt (with front zipper) and dark color beanie.
Last time he was seen, he was carrying a cane and a hospital plastic bag.
3:30 PM UPDATE: A Mount spokesperson says, “We have been recently informed that there is a warrant for his arrest. If someone sees him, they should call 911.”
(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.
(Photo by Robin Sinner)
Here’s what’s on our Wednesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (and if we’re missing something – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!):
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (this is our weekly last-minute reminder, so would-be walkers can set their calendars for next Wednesday morning!).
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW)
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: The show continues, with art on display all around Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), so you can visit any time during regular hours, 12 pm-8 pm today.
PUMPKIN JUNCTION: Open at noon today for first day of The Beer Junction‘s annual pumpkin-beer celebration. (4511 California SW)
FREE KIDS’ ART WORKSHOP: With Rec’N The Streets at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 3 pm.
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Volunteers are ready to help K-12 students 4-7:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, new weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix your broken item instead of throwing it out! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
MARINER MOOSE AT OUNCES: Just got word this am, two days after the Mariners’ Game 7 loss in the American League Championship Series:
Mariner Moose at Ounces tonight 5:45-6:30 pm
For those still reeling from the M’s loss, come give a hug to the Mariner Moose! The Moose will be at Ounces tonight, 10/22 from 5:45-6:30 pm for a special appearance benefiting Fairmount Park Elementary. Grab a drink and some dinner while you’re there –– a percentage of all sales will be donated back to the school! Plus, special activities for kids all night! All ages welcome!
POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm, drop in and create! If you want some inspiration, this month’s spotlight project is a seasonal pumpkin luminary. (3400 Harbor SW)
PLAY CRIBBAGE: 6 pm at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), membership not required.
FREE ART CLASS: 6-8 pm, pay what you can, all levels invited to explore watercolors at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).
EARLY HALLOWEEN PARTY: Seaside Grill (2820 Alki SW) is hosting early Halloween fun 6-9 pm.
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly happy-hour meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Get moving in the middle of the week – the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) is tonight – all welcome, regardless of pace!
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Both of these are at 7 pm: In volleyball, Chief Sealth IHS hosts Cleveland (2600 SW Thistle) and West Seattle HS hosts Eastside Catholic (3000 California SW) …
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
KUNDALINI YOGA: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.
TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia spots on our Wednesday list: 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), free to play … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 8 pm … Quiz Night also starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and it’s an 8:30 pm start for trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: West Seattle’s longest-running open mic! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: You can sing at the pub starting at 8:45 pm. (2306 California SW)
Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The West Seattle Junior Wildcats organization wants families to know that it’s registration time for winter skills training – and they’re looking for volunteers too. Here’s their announcement:
Winter Football Skills Training is here!
We’re building a strong foundation for our athletes with year-round football and athletic training. This winter program is designed for our future 7v7 two-hand touch Jr Wildcats competition team, launching in the Spring under Coach Brooks.
Who can join?
5th–8th graders
With or without football experience — everyone is welcome!Led by an Experienced Coach:
Coach Brooks is a staff member and coach at Kennedy Catholic High School, bringing proven expertise and a passion for developing young athletes in both high school and collegiate environments.Why join? Benefits for your kids:
Skill Development: Learn advanced football techniques and improve athletic performance.
Teamwork & Leadership: Build confidence and strong social connections through team play.
Year-Round Fitness: Stay active and healthy during the off-season.
Path to Competition: Prepare for the exciting Spring 7v7 two-hand touch Jr Wildcats team and/or our Fall tackle season.
Positive Coaching: Focused on growth, sportsmanship, and fun.
💰 Register now for discounted pricing through October 31!We need YOU!
To make this program a success, we need 10+ more athletes to add to our roster. This is a pure volunteer effort, and your support matters.✅ Register today
✅ Reach out with any questions
✅ Volunteer to help us growLet’s give our boys the training they deserve and build something amazing together!
📩 Contact us now to get involved or if you have any questions!
Alison Mitchell (acavenee@yahoo.com) or Laura Close (laura.close@gmail.com)
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