West Seattle, Washington
04 Friday
(Schmitz Park, in the center of pilot/photographer Long Bach Nguyen‘s 2012 image)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
This Saturday, you have a chance to help “save the giants” – joining Schmitz Park Restore leaders and volunteers as they work to remove more of the ivy that’s trying to choke the life out of the park’s old-growth trees.
More on that later. Ahead of the ivy-pulling event, we have an update on the longrunning restoration project publicly unveiled more than two years ago (WSB coverage here). Backstory and future plans were in the talk that Daniel Nye from Schmitz Park Restore gave to the Rotary Club of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) at this week’s lunch meeting. We recorded it all on video:
Hearing about Schmitz Park Restore’s intensive effort to help the park’s ecosystem dovetailed with the West Seattle Rotary’s launch of a sustainability committee, noted new president Stefanie Felix in introducing Nye. If you don’t have time to listen to his presentation, here are the highlights.
He began with backstory, detailing the effort’s founding with Brian Barilleaux (who was in attendance as were several supporters of note, including Vicki Schmitz Block on behalf of the family that donated the parkland long ago – she told the Rotarians that restoring the park “was a dream of the whole Schmitz family”). Schmitz Park Restore is now in its third year and has captivated people peninsula-wide (another introduced lunch guest was “freelance beaver detective” Pamela Adams, who expressed hope that restoring the park’s creek could bring back aquatic wildlife).
The vision, explained Nye, is for Schmitz Park to be held in hearts peninsula-wide as “a gem” – starting with the “native forest that was never logged,” gifted to the city in 1910, and continuing on to restoration of its creek, which currently unceremoniously dumps into a city outfall pipe that runs under Alki and empties, underwater, into Elliott Bay. The question of why it doesn’t flow openly all the way to Puget Sound inspired them to what became a “community-driven partnership with the city of Seattle … to revitalize Schmitz Preserve Park.” Though the original name of the effort focused on the creek, Nye said they realized that before restoring it, “we’ve got work to do” involving more of the park.
(Photo provided by Schmitz Park Restore)
That work has involved an increasing number of volunteers; the monthly ivy pulls, Nye said, lead them to “come together as a community … you never know who’s going to show up.” They’ve done their first planting of native species – 300 plants in the ground.
(2009 Schmitz Park sightings by the late photojournalist Matt Durham, trillium at upper left)
And under some of the ivy they’ve removed, he said, they’ve found plant species like trilliums, “waiting to come back.”
Nye also recounted the UW students’ design proposals shown off in December 2024 (WSB coverage here) – “that got a lot of attention.” And since then, they’ve secured grant funding to help advance studies. As they work on a true “private-public partnership,” he explained, they’re raising $150,000 in matching funds to pay for hydrology studies and other work needed to further advance the work toward envisioning “what route the creek might take” to get from the park to the sea.
He added that they’re talking with Seattle Public Schools about whether the former Schmitz Park Elementary campus could become part of the park and fit into environmental education – at least with “a dedicated trail.”
So many dreams and ideas – right now, all rooted in hands-on help for Schmitz Preserve Park. So if you want to get involved, you can join in this Saturday’s ivy pull, 10 am-noon, meet at Admiral Way and SW Stevens – also, watch for their monthly free guided tours; dates and RSVP links are here.
(SDOT traffic camera image in aftermath of Sept. 14, 2024 crash)
In our coverage last week of three consecutive evenings’ low-bridge breakdowns, we noted that SDOT expected to have to close that bridge for repairs. They’ve just announced the dates – but note that only the driving lanes will be closed:
We will close the Spokane Swing Bridge (also known as the Low Bridge) to replace the barrier gate at the bridge’s west side. During this time, people will not be able to drive across the bridge. However, people will still be able to walk, bike, or roll across as we do our work.
When?
Between 7 am Saturday (August 22) and 4 am Monday (August 24)
Why?
As a result of the September 2024 vehicle collision, the entire barrier gate system has been having issues. We will be replacing the barrier gate at the west side of the bridge. We hope to replace the east side barrier gate in the coming months, as we work with the railroad companies to coordinate a time for the work. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks.
This bridge is a crucial link across the West Duwamish Waterway, especially for people walking, rolling, and biking. Thanks to the entire West Seattle community and Low Bridge travelers for being patient.
(SDOT photo)
4:31 PM THURSDAY: As we noted yesterday, Metro‘s next “service change” is coming up in late August – a time when adjustments are made to bus routes. But even though the SW Barton repaving work is done – early – in the bus layover zone by Roxhill Park, SDOT says buses won’t be using it for another seven months, longer than it was under construction. From the latest SDOT update:
Because construction finished earlier than planned, King County Metro (KCM) was not able to approve the bus service switch in time for the Fall Bus Service Change (which begins August 29). Metro plans to resume permanent bus service and reopen the layover zone in March 2027, restoring the previous stops on SW Barton.
We’re doublechecking that with Metro, which had told us earlier this week that no date was set for restoring bus service to Barton, yet.
ADDED 2:15 PM FRIDAY: We asked Metro spokesperson Al Sanders to explain. Here’s his reply:
King County Metro is very pleased the construction project on SW Barton St was completed in such a timely manner.
While SDOT has finished the project ahead of schedule, Metro’s preparation for the August 29 service change was underway as the work at the location was taking place.
Metro prepares its printed timetables and signage well in advance of each service change period. At the time these materials were finalized for the upcoming service change, the completion date for road construction on SW Barton St was not yet known.
The routes impacted by the construction project were kept on their current locations and stops to avoid the risk of planning service on a roadway that was not yet complete and to ensure customer-facing information remained accurate.
Returning now to the routes used prior to the construction project would require numerous rider alerts to explain detour information. This type of temporary signage could potentially create more confusion and is difficult to maintain during fall and winter weather.
Right now, riders know what to expect. Significant changes right before the service change would be disruptive and confusing. Making the change in March allows the best and most consistent customer information. Metro will send notification well in advance of the service change next March to our riders.
Tomorrow morning, a City Council committee gets the first look at a new proposal from Mayor Katie Wilson and citywide Councilmembers Alexis Mercedes Rinck and Dionne Foster, seeking to ban grocery pricing by algorithm. See the draft legislation here. From the slide deck prepared for the council meeting, an explanation:
Here’s what they say is the problem:
Here’s what they’re looking to do:
The proposal would only cover large stores and chains:
A news release just sent by the city elaborates, in part:
The Fair and Transparent Pricing policy will bar large online and brick-and-mortar grocery retailers from using sensitive personal information such as employment status, race, gender, social media posts, browsing history, chatbot conversations, or other similar data to set different prices for different customers.
Prices must be clearly posted and publicly available. Conventional coupons and discounts for seniors, veterans, and other similar groups are protected, as are other types of open and transparent discounts which were identified through conversations with advocates and local grocery business owners.
The policy was inspired by a growing body of evidence that shows personal information is used to price-max customers by squeezing prices as high as they’re willing to pay.
Here’s more on discounts that would be allowed:
And these types of pricing practices:
The full presentation says they’ve already been talking with industry groups as well as potential constituent groups. If this moves ahead, here’s the envisioned timeline:
Friday morning’s discussion is in the Human Services, Labor, and Economic Development Committee (of which District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka is a member), 9:30 am – the agenda explains how to watch, attend, and/or comment. This afternoon’s news release says the committee meeting will be preceded by a rally to kick off the proposal, 8:45 am at City Hall.
The Duwamish River Festival is back this year, and it’s joined forces with SOPASUPA – the South Park Summer Party – to give you a multitude of reasons to visit South Park this Saturday (August 8) afternoon and evening. We asked organizers of both for specifics so you can plan. The festival is presented by the Duwamish River Community Coalition, noon-6 pm at Duwamish River People’s Park (8700 Dallas Ave. S.) – here are festival highlights:
For SOPASUPA, at multiple venues, noon-9 pm, here are highlights – first, the main stage at 14th Avenue South and South Cloverdale:
And at River City Skatepark (736 S. Cloverdale):
There’s even more info – including a map, Kids Zone details, and transportation info (where to catch a shuttle to People’s Park, for example) – on the South Park Business District website. All of what you see above is free!
(Photo courtesy West Seattle Chamber of Commerce)
One of the newer West Seattle traditions that livens up late summer is about to begin! Tomorrow is the first day of the 2026 West Seattle Glass Float Hunt, with 100 glass floats like the one seen above hidden around the peninsula, indoors and outdoors, over the course of a week (August 7-14). It’s a collaboration between the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and West Seattle Junction Association, with businesses sponsoring and participating, as well as city matching-funds support. As explained on the official website, if/when you find a float, it’s yours to keep – the only request is that you use its unique QR code to report you found it, so that can be noted on what will be an ongoing online list. And the official announcement notes a change:
This year, daily clues are taking a back seat. Clues will only be released if a float hasn’t been found, giving participants a chance to explore West Seattle, stop into and discover local businesses, as well as experience the neighborhoods that make this community so unique.
“The Glass Float Hunt has never just been about finding a glass float,” said Rachel Porter, Executive Director of the West Seattle Chamber. “It’s about supporting the small businesses that make West Seattle so distinct. We hope people will grab a coffee, browse a shop they’ve never walked into, stay to eat, and spend time supporting the businesses that invest in this community every day.”
Thanks to William Wittman for sending today’s featured image: “Picnic table at Don Armeni sketch from 6:30 AM photo in the smoke.” It accompanies our daily list of what’s up around West Seattle, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks to everyone who sends events for us to share!):
SUMMER FOOD FOR KIDS: Local sites are open – see our story for locations and other information.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, plant sales featuring and supporting students’ work. North end of SSC campus (6000 16th SW).
NAVIGATING MEDICARE: Informational presentation at The Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), 11 am.
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily splashing season continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
WADING POOLS: The regular three Thursday pools will be open today – Lincoln Park (noon-7 pm, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) and Hiawatha (noon-5:30 pm, 2700 California SW).
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, 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!)
NOURISHING MINDS: 1 pm service-learning opportunity at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
DROP-IN CHESS: The regular High Point Library Thursday event is sheduled today – players under 18 can drop in 4-5:30 pm to play. (3411 SW Raymond)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS – this week and every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) hosts a food truck. Tonight it’s Soul Fusion.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
FIRST ‘NEEDLE DROP SPIN’ AT THE SKYLARK: BYO vinyl! 5-11 pm, new event at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), explained here, with the signup link for a time slot to hear your vinyl.
HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) needs volunteers to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks – you can take some home too. Just be there 5-7 pm!
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle.
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run.
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by The Betsy Olson Band, outdoors, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
LIVE AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, live in-store performance by Gon Zovi, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm trivia at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW)
TRIVIA AT THE VOID: 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight, at Revelry Room (4547 California SW) featuring Nathan Womack starting at 8 pm.
KARAOKE AT MAX’S TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm to closing time, time tosing! (9454 Delridge Way SW)
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview list? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The report and photo were sent by Kilana, who says this happened between (updated) 1:30-5:30 this morning:
My burgundy Chevy Silverado was stolen from the Trenton & Fauntleroy area. It was last seen heading toward 45th, possibly near 46th.
License Plate: C77519Z
If you live near Trenton & Fauntleroy, Trenton & 45th, or 46th, and have security cameras, please check your footage for any sightings of this truck. Even a small piece of information could help.
A police report has already been filed.
We’ll add that number when we get it. Call 911 if you find the truck.
6:02 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, August 6, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The Air Quality Alert continues until 5 pm for smoke (check the current pollution level here), and the Heat Advisory continues through 10 pm. But the forecast only suggests a high around 80 (it was 87 yesterday). Sunrise was at 5:53 am today; sunset will be at 8:36 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule, but a stop closure downtown starting today and continuing for the next week will affect multiple West Seattle-bound buses – the southbound 3rd/Columbia stop, for Routes 21 56, 57, and 125, plus RapidRide C and H. Details here.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedule Fridays and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule; check the alert page for last-minute changes.
STADIUM ZONE
Day game for the Mariners today, 1:10 pm vs. Detroit.
BRIDGE TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Here are four bridge views from the SDOT map:
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
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!
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