West Seattle, Washington
04 Friday
(SEA photo of members at West Seattle Farmers Market yesterday)
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
You may have wondered about all the people in red shirts. Yesterday it was leafleting at the West Seattle and Capitol Hill farmers’ markets, and tomorrow it’s back to the bargaining table for members of the Seattle Education Association (SEA), as the teachers’ union continues negotiations with Seattle Public Schools ahead of their contract expiration on August 31st.
SEA and SPS started the bargaining process in late June. Just a couple of weeks later, the SPS board had a public hearing on the proposed 2026-27 district budget. At $1.34 billion, it includes cuts that aim to both balance the budget and shore up the district’s reserve funds, which had been projected to be depleted next year. Even though the budget is not yet approved, it is top of mind. “More than anything, we’re bargaining against SPS’ budget challenges and against the calendar,” said SEA Lead Bargainer Davina Diaz in a community update on SEA’s website last week. “SEA has put on the table all 18 of our “small” issues, called that because we believe they’re less expensive and easier to reach agreement on. So far we have reached agreement on two of those.”
(SEA photo)
The teachers’ union has been working under a 3-year contract negotiated in 2022, which was extended for 1 year. The 2022 contract was only reached after a strike that delayed the start of school for the district’s 50,000 students for one week. SEA and SPS have met 14 times already, with another 6 dates set, but SEA has asked for more dates to be added. They have a list of 57 issues to resolve, from class sizes and compensation to professional development and supports for students. “We’re committed to winning more time for supporting students in our days, safer schools, and respectful pay,” said Diaz. SEA’s bargaining team includes two dozen educators, including 3 from West Seattle schools—one each from Sanislo Elementary, Lafayette Elementary and West Seattle High School.
This all comes as SPS’s new Superintendent Ben Shuldiner is finishing his first 6 months on the job. SPS has not yet replied to a request for comment on the negotiations, but Shuldiner’s introduction to the new budget is clearly focused on the bottom line, including maintaining an adequate reserve. “A negative fund balance means the district enters binding conditions, potentially losing local control over how we spend money and make decisions for our students. We cannot let that happen, and that is what compels us to make difficult choices now, in the year ahead, and every following year until we have turned this around,” he wrote. “We have many hard choices ahead. We will address those head on, and we will do it together.”
“We’re doing everything we can to reach an agreement,” SEA spokesperson Julie Popper told WSB this afternoon. They’re also ready for anything, as evidenced by Picket Captain training listed on their website schedule for SEA members later this month. “We’re preparing just in case, but nobody wants to go on strike.”
Would creating a permit program for RV dwellers – with policies and rules to follow to get/keep one – help reduce their prevalence on Seattle streets and get them into shelter/housing? That’s at the heart of a proposal that will be presented to the City Council Public Safety Committee tomorrow (9:30 am Tuesday, August 11). It’s titled the Vehicle Resident Assistance Program. It would have six components – a major one deals with parking rules, and what a special permit would enable eligible RV residents to do:
The proposal is from northwest Seattle Councilmember Dan Strauss, who focused on the “pathway to housing” aspects of the package in this announcement.If you’re wondering who would enforce the rules:
See the full slide deck for tomorrow’s meeting here. This won’t be voted on – it’s just a briefing/discussion; the committee might vote next month. Tomorrow’s agenda, meantime, explains how to watch and/or comment; it also includes links to the draft legislation that would comprise this package of proposals.
If you’re interested in evening whale-watching, here’s your opportunity – Kersti Muul says transient orcas that have been behaving unusually today, even going up toward the Ballard Locks, are currently southbound, passing Constellation Park.
Whether you call it a People Street or a Pedestrian Street, the little section of 18th SW east of Delridge, between two city-owned parcels destined for parkhood, is the site of an SDOT “community design charrette” right now. We stopped by to verify it’s a drop-in event, and indeed it is – no speeches or presentations, just a chance to get creative:
Kids are welcome to be creative too:
Here’s the timeline:
As for this event’s timeline – SDOT reps will be there until 6:30.
This is the fourth year that the nonprofit 1World1Sky is giving away hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies to local kids who need them – and it’s happening during a free celebration. This year, it’s in South Park – here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
1World1Sky is excited to host its 4th annual “Backpack for Kids: Summer Bash” on Friday, August 14, from 3:00–6:00 PM at South Park Community Center.
(2023 photo courtesy 1World1Sky)
The Back-to-School celebration will feature a giveaway of more than 400 backpacks filled with essential school supplies, including supplies for middle and high school students. Families can also enjoy an afternoon of BBQ provided by the Seattle Police Department, games, inflatables, a live DJ, a snow-cone truck, and more!
The event is made possible through the generous support of the Seattle Police Department (SPD), GHB Windows, Operation Engage, and other valued community partners and donors.
Students and families from kindergarten through high school are invited to join us as we celebrate the end of summer and kick off a new school year with fun, community, and support!
The South Park Community Center is at 8319 8th Ave. S.
In addition to the upcoming West Seattle “low bridge” repair closure, WSDOT has just announced the northbound First Avenue South Bridge will close the next two weekends:
All northbound State Route 99 lanes will close across the First Avenue South Bridge in Seattle from 5 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, and again from 5 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, for maintenance.
The following ramps will also close for the duration of the closure:
-The First Avenue South on-ramp to northbound State Route 509.
-The Occidental Avenue South on-ramp to northbound SR 509.
-The South Holden Street on-ramp to northbound SR 99.
-Northbound SR 99 off-ramp to South Michigan Street.
-Northbound SR 509/SR 99 traffic will exit at South Cloverdale Street and follow a signed detour during the weekend closures.Washington State Department of Transportation bridge maintenance crews will make bridge deck repairs during the weekend closure.
The second weekend will overlap with SDOT’s closure of the West Seattle “low bridge” Saturday, August 22, to early Monday, August 24. WSDOT has been repairing and replacing panels on the NB bridge deck since cracks were found back in February.
As reported here early this morning, our area’s first homicide victim in more than a year ad a half was a 28-year-old man shot in High Point; our area’s previous homicide victim was a 15-year-old boy shot in High Point. Between those two deadly shootings, there have been not only shootings with physical injuries, but also incidents with damage and/or close calls that have terrified residents. Even before today’s murder, a community event was planned in High Point next week to address gun violence, “It Takes a Village,” hosted by DNDA in collaboration with other organizations – here’s the announcement they sent us today:
It Takes a Village will occur August 18th, 5:00-7:30 pm, at Neighborhood House in High Point.
It Takes a Village is a community seminar presented in collaboration with the Seattle Housing Authority, Seattle Police Department, and Seattle Public Schools. The event will feature a presentation by Fahima Mohamed, DNDA’s High Point Youth Coordinator, highlighting findings from surveys of local youth and parents/caregivers about the impact of gun violence in the neighborhood.
Following the presentation, representatives from participating organizations will take part in a panel discussion, providing an opportunity for community members to ask questions, share concerns, and learn about available resources and support services.
To conclude the evening on a positive note, attendees will be invited to enjoy ice cream and participate in a basketball dunk competition, helping bring the community together after a conversation on an important and challenging topic.
Neighborhood House is at 6400 Sylvan Way SW. To RSVP for this event, go here.
P.S. This is separate from the SPD-hosted “Our City, Our Safety” meeting this Wednesday (August 12), 6 pm at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW), but some of the same issues will likely be discussed there too.
Thanks to Pam Roth for the dahlia photo! Here’s what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE GLASS FLOAT HUNT, DAY 4: As noted here pre-hunt, no daily clues this year unless a float remains stubbornly unfound (and there HAVE been some clues as a result) – watch for the hand-blown floats all over West Seattle. As of midmorning today, 49 floats have been released and 30 have been found, according to the official website, which shows status when floats are found (provided the finder has used the special QR code).
SUMMER FOOD DRIVE: If you can help, the food is continuing at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor) – our story has the list of what is most needed.
SPRAYPARK OPEN: Daily splashing continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), whatever the weather, 11 am-8 pm.
WADING POOLS OPEN: With sunshine and a mid-70s high temperature expected, West Seattle’s regular Monday wading-pool lineup will be open – noon to 7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way, upper park near the north lot) and at EC Hughes (2805 SW Holden).
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, daily operation continues at the outdoor saltwater swimming pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: The weekly 2 pm meeting for previews and briefings is happening today – here’s the agenda.
DELRIDGE TRIANGLE ‘PEDESTRIAN STREET’: 4:30-6:30 at 18th SW and Delridge Way SW, SDOT plans a “community design charrette” for concepts of how a section of 18th might work if and when converted to a “pedestrian street.”
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUPS: 6:30 pm, weekly group gatherings for people going through grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee. Before you go, RSVP/register here. (4034 California SW)
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too! $5.
PRACTICE SPEAKING SPANISH: 6:30-8:30 pm, this informal group gathers at Future Primitive Brewing in White Center (9832 14th SW), all welcome – just be ready to speak Spanish while participating!
ALKI MEDITATION: Two places to get centered on Monday nights – there’s meditation at Alki UCC, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: Also, free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
THE MOUNTAIN GOATS AT EASY STREET: 7 pm in-store performance and signing – to get in, you have to pre-order theornew album. (4559 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 2: Two venues on our list with trivia tonight- 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), $2 cash to enter … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
POOL TOURNAMENT: The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament, 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska, entrance on California)
PINBALL TOURNAMENT: Register at 7, play at 7:30, at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night listening with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Monday night singing – karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Huge thanks to everybody who sends info for our calendar, which we update daily; if you have something to add or cancel (or update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather Thursday as a Funeral Mass is held for Virginia Kord, and they’re sharing this remembrance now:
Virginia Ann Kord
Jan 27, 1935 — Jul 13, 2026
West SeattleVirginia Ann Kord, 91, of Seattle, passed away on July 13, 2026, a sunny day made a lot darker for her family, who cherished her presence in their lives – and every visit in her final weeks.
Virginia was born on Jan. 27, 1935, in Blackduck, Minn., the eighth of John and Elsie Trautmann’s 10 kids. In the 1940s, her family moved to Seattle, where she graduated from Franklin High School in 1953. Five years later, Virginia married Gene Kord, beginning a new life around the Northwest, including Tacoma, Federal Way, Spokane, and Oregon City before settling down with their five kids in West Seattle.
Virginia was a strong, independent woman with a voracious appetite for learning, great sense of humor, inspiring resilience – and quite a sweet tooth right up to her final hours of life. She was a hard-working mom who cared for all five kids and baked the most delicious birthday cakes. She also took up an impressive array of hobbies: oil painting, creative writing, genealogy, sewing, upholstery and – you guessed it – cake decorating.
In another era, Virginia may very well have been a CEO. Instead, she ran a tight ship around the house with the precision of a Swiss watch and the uncanny ability to find anything: socks, wallets, homework, T-shirts. Few things were ever lost for long.
There were certainly rough days, too. But she never showed it, providing strength and stability to the entire family – and dinner served at 6 p.m. sharp without fail.
When the kids grew up, Virginia accepted a job as an administrative assistant at Holy Rosary Church, where she and Gene were active members. She worked there for over a decade, adding bookkeeping and tech duties along the way, and was regaled with a retirement party that filled the hall with well-wishers.
Never one to take her foot off the gas, Virginia enjoyed traveling with Gene to places like Europe and Wyoming’s Grand Tetons, but she loved nothing more than seeing her siblings and their families in California and Minnesota – except for spending time with her grandkids, be it for ballgames, graduations, or an extra scoop of ice cream.
Her beloved Gene passed away in 2016, a pivotal point in Virginia’s life, but she embraced her new-found independence with an open mind. Virginia regularly visited The Center for Active Living, where her lifelong craving to learn was stoked once again. She participated in a current-affairs group that discussed social and political hot topics, practiced tai chi, and got her steps in while line dancing.
Volunteering also played an important role in Virginia’s life. She served as the treasurer of Holy Rosary’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul and a lector at the Pigott Chapel at Mount St. Vincent assisted living facility. Virginia was also a member of the women’s spiritual group at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, where she was appreciated or her insights during discussions about scripture.
Virginia loved meeting new people and making friends but valued her alone time, too, engrossing herself in elaborate puzzles for days, staying up to speed on technology, and reading a wide range of books to keep her mind sharp. Among her favorite reads were “Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life” by Marshall B. Rosenberg and “The Good Rain” by Timothy Egan. She also embraced mindful meditation during the pandemic, which gave her a sense of calm through a tumultuous time.
Virginia spent her last two years in assisted living facilities, endearing herself to her fellow residents and presenting a final show of strength to her family by living out her life with grace and a smile – and one last treat for her sweet tooth.
In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her devoted husband Gene, beloved great-grandson Aiden Stubblebine, and cherished siblings John Trautmann, Jim Trautmann, Dorothy Anderson, Rita Trautmann, Rod Trautmann, Mary Margaret Stern, and Tom Trautmann. She is survived by dear siblings: Laura Jean Jacoby and Bob Trautmann; treasured children Cathy Peda (Jeff), Lori Kord Clark (Chris), Mary Ballanger (Barry), Margie McGillis (Bill), Mike Kord (Elaine Abiera); 12 wonderful grandchildren: Jordan McGillis (Cynthia Bell McGillis), Amanda Stubblebine (Andrew), Kristen Behrends (Brian), Taylor McGillis (Krissy), Kelsey Clark (Phil Samuelson), Megan Antush (Alex), Alex Ballanger (Kailey Silverstein), Marissa McGilllis, Molly Ballanger, Will McGillis (Sarah Lane), Ben Kord and Gabby McGillis; and 7 adorable great-grandchildren: Brooklyn and Addison Behrends, Reggie, Blair and George McGillis, Piper McGillis and Jesse Ballanger.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 7100 35th Ave. SW, Seattle. If you can’t attend, log on to www.olgseattle.org/livestreaming-at-olg for the livestream. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (www.holyrosaryseattle.org/stvincent) or the Center for Active Living (www.wscenter.org/get-involved/donate).
Please share your condolences and memories of Virginia in her guestbook at: www.emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/virginia-kord
Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, August 10, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast projects sunshine and a high around 75. Sunrise was at 5:58 am today; sunset will be at 8:29 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule, but a stop closure downtown continuing today affects 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.
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!
ORIGINAL REPORT, 12:26 AM: Police are investigating a report that a person was shot in High Point – and was driven away before authorities arrived. The victim’s friend(s) are reported to have driven them across the eastbound bridge and stopped in SODO, where Seattle Fire is now sending a “scenes of violence” response. Dispatch says the victim’s friend said it was a “drive-by” at High Point Commons Park.
12:30 AM: The victim is reported to be getting CPR. … SFD medics are transporting the victim to Harborview.
12:48 AM: Now police are investigating a report that the victim was shot near his home.
3:06 AM: No further info so far. We hope to have an update from SPD within a few hours.
6 AM UPDATE: Police say the victim did not survive … which means this is the first Southwest Precinct-area homicide in more than a year and a half. Here’s what they just posted to SPD Blotter:
Homicide detectives are investigating a shooting that left a 28-year-old man deceased early Monday morning in the High Point neighborhood.
At 12:17 a.m., dispatch received reports of a gunshot victim being driven to the 2700 block of 1st Avenue South. Officers arrived and found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.
Officers provided aid until Seattle Fire Department medics arrived. The victim was transported to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition. Despite lifesaving efforts, he died at the hospital.
Witnesses told police the shooting occurred in the 3100 block of Southwest Graham Street. A friend then drove the victim to the 2700 block of 1st Avenue South where officers contacted him.
Detectives from the Homicide Unit will work to determine the circumstances that led up to the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.
The last SW Precinct-area homicide before this one was also in High Point, where a 15-year-old was shot dead in December 2024.
3:59 PM: The King County Medical Examiner’s Office identifies the victim as 28-year-old Omar Z. Tebad and says he died of a gunshot wound “to the torso” suffered in a vehicle.
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