October 2025

New Washington sales tax expansion Increases costs for non-profits

A new state sales tax expansion that went into effect on October 1, 2025, is creating significant financial and administrative challenges for nonprofit organizations across Washington, including those in King County and the South Sound. The new law subjects many previously exempt services to sales tax, directly impacting fundraising efforts and operational budgets.

The new measure expands the state sales tax of up to 10% to cover a wide range of services crucial to nonprofit operations. Services now taxable include advertising, IT support, auctioneers, and live presentations. This change means that nonprofits that depend on fundraising events and campaigns are facing higher costs. For instance, hiring an auctioneer for a charity gala or launching a digital ad campaign for a fundraising drive now includes sales tax, which ultimately reduces the net funds raised for their causes.

Category

The boat abandoned at Don Armeni set to be removed
Vandals have damaged it further

Seattle Parks and Recreation has posted a notice on the boat that was the subject of so much speculation following its sinking at the Don Armeni boat launch a few weeks ago. Westside Seattle has followed the story from the beginning. The trailer was recovered by its owner after seeing our story re-posted on a boating blog, but that left the boat on its own, in the parking lot. Subsequently it became an attraction for vandals who entered the boat and damaged it further.

inside the boat
Vandals smashed the instrument panel in the abandoned boat. Photo by Greg Haapla

 

Category

Sports Watch 10-3-25
Sporting events worth keeping an eye on

By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

 

High schools

Football

West Seattle hosts Franklin for a 7 p.m. Friday game at the Southwest Athletic Complex as Evergreen entertains Cedarcrest at Highline Memorial and Foster gets a visit from Lindbergh.

Highline visits North Creek at the same time as Ballard travels to Eastside Catholic.

West Seattle goes to Lakeside at 7 p.m. next Thursday.

 

Pros

Mariners

Seattle opens American League Divisional Series action with a 5:38 p.m. Saturday game against the Detroit Tigers at T-Mobile Park.

The second game of the best of five series is scheduled there at 5:03 p.m. Sunday.

The action switches to Detroit for the third game Tuesday and for any fourth game Wednesday at times to be announced.

Category

Mark your calendars: Fauntleroy Fall Festival needs community support
Oct. 19 from 2 to 5pm

The Fauntleroy Fall Festival, a cornerstone of the Fauntleroy neighborhood for 20 years, is already generating excitement with a vital call for community support. This annual event, which brings the community together to celebrate all things autumn, is scheduled for October 19, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.

Known for its commitment to being free to the community, the festival is a cherished tradition, hosting family-friendly activities like salmon hats, pumpkin painting, and birdhouse building. These legacy activities are a testament to the festival's enduring spirit and its dedication to providing a safe and fun experience for neighbors and families.

Category

Crafting Kindness: A community weaves a web of warmth

In an increasingly disconnected world, one local event is using the timeless crafts of knitting and crocheting to tie a community together and offer warmth to those who need it most. On October 18th, 2025, from 3 PM to 7 PM, the Future Primitive's White Center location will host "Crafting Kindness," a gathering aimed at spreading warmth to Seattle's unhoused neighbors, one stitch at a time.

The event is a call to action for all knitters, crocheters, and crafters, inviting them to a "cozy, creative gathering". The primary goal is to create essential warm items like hats, scarves, and gloves for people experiencing homelessness. However, the organizers emphasize a welcoming, pressure-free environment. As the event flyer cheekily notes, attendees are also free to work on their own projects—"no strings attached (pun intended!)".

Category