West Seattle, Washington
04 Friday
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Dogged progress continued this evening as Seattle Public Schools and its teachers’ union bargain to reach a contract agreement before the start of school. Tomorrow marks 1 week until classes start, and it is also when Seattle Education Association (SEA) members will have their general membership meeting to vote on a tentative agreement, if one is reached by then, or to strike.
As we reported earlier this month, bargaining started in June, with barely a handful of agreements reached by a week ago, and 57 issues total to resolve. “Right now, the biggest sticking points are Special Education supports, respectful pay, and class size,” SEA spokesperson Julie Popper told WSB this afternoon. She says SEA is committed to be at the table 12 hours a day every day until an agreement is reached. As of this week, there were still 50 issues remaining, which makes it difficult to imagine how nearly all of those could be resolved by this time tomorrow. Popper says there was progress today, but nothing monumental. “We hope to reach a few issue tentative agreements by the end of the day, but we haven’t made headway today on our biggest issues.”
(SEA graphic showing bargaining progress)
SEA members have been working under a contract negotiated in 2022, when a strike delayed the start of school by a week. It was a 3-year contract, and last year, SEA voted to continue under that same contract. SPS has had limited comment on bargaining, but just this evening released a statement from District Superintendent Ben Shuldiner on progress so far:
Bargaining continues in good faith and with respect for our labor partners. The opportunity for conversation and progress remains.
I want to recognize the extraordinary efforts of the Seattle Public Schools bargaining team. Our team members have been working diligently to move negotiations forward, meeting throughout the weekend and continuing their round-the-clock efforts every day this week. Their dedication reflects a shared commitment to finding mutual agreement.
SPS is working to open the school year successfully with an agreement that centers our students, supports our educators, and keeps our school district fiscally viable into the future.
Assuring that viability is contingent on the outcome of a scheduled school board meeting, which includes a vote on whether to approve the $1.3 billion 2026-2027 school year budget, along with budget plan summaries and enrollment projections for the next 4 years. The SEA membership and SPS board meetings will happen simultaneously.
If a tentative agreement is not reached and approved and SEA votes to strike tomorrow evening, Popper says to expect the bargaining team back at the table the very next morning. “Bargaining will continue until we reach an agreement.”
Two notes in West Seattle Crime Watch:
CAR PROWLER: The security video and report were sent by Luckie:
Our car was rifled through just after 2 am, near Madison Middle School. Young man wearing a hoodie and green and white Air Jordans, driving a black Hyundai Tucson with what I can only assume is a Very Good black and white dog in the back seat waiting for him to return. We keep nothing of value in the car, so he left empty-handed, but I’m sure his dog is very disappointed in him nonetheless.
BUSINESS DOOR SMASHED: Thanks to Creighton for the photo of what he saw at Jefferson Square this morning – this is the former Supercuts:
We weren’t able to obtain the police-report narrative but the SPD data map says the eventual classification was damage/vandalism rather than burglary.
8:30 PM: Avoid Delridge Way in the Findlay vicinity for a while – a crash on the southbound side is blocking traffic from getting through; some vehicles, including a bus we saw on the live traffic camera, are being diverted to the northbound side. (Added: Traffic cam image – wreck scene blocked by median trees.)
9:21 PM: Police report the road is cleared. We’re checking with SFD re: injuries.
Mayor Katie Wilson has announced her plan for finding a new Seattle Police chief, less than a month after getting the last one to leave. The first community task: A survey – you can answer it here. Public forums are promised this fall, too. Findings from all that will go to the Police Chief Search Advisory Committee, which will be co-chaired by a West Seattleite, retired State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu. You can read the full mayoral announcement here; the survey is open until September 15. Other dates on the search timeline are listed as:
August: Job posting and announcement
September-October: Community outreach and engagement
October-November: Candidate review with advisory committee
November-December: Candidate Examination and finalists interviews with the mayorIt is anticipated that Mayor Wilson will announce her selection by the beginning of 2027. …
The chief of police search process is set by the City Charter. The advisory committee of community leaders and public safety experts will assess candidates based on law enforcement executive qualifications and experience as well as the community input gathered by public survey and listening sessions and to recommend up to five individuals to proceed to a competitive examination.
After last week’s shooting at Roxhill Park, we asked a city spokesperson whether the park’s encampment was slated for clearance. The answer, as reported here, was noncommittal. The park has continued to have incidents, particularly fires – four calls in one day alone, and a report by the cleanup group A Cleaner Alki that fire had intruded into the park’s peat bog. Now, there’s proof the city does plan to sweep the park’s encampment: That notice shown in the top photo, seen today and photographed by a reader, warns people camping in the park to have their belongings out by Friday morning (August 28).
3:30 PM: Lots of questions about Guardian One overhead and King County Sheriff’s Office units on the ground south of Roxbury. All we know so far is they’re looking for two people who might be in a house near 30th and Roxbury, Updates when we get them.
(Reader photo)
3:35 PM: It was originally called in as a burglary. Guardian One has left the area so we’re checking to see how it was resolved.
3:38 PM: They detained someone who turned out to be a “prior tenant” and determined no crime was committed, according to radio exchanges.
Alki Elementary is not the only West Seattle school having a dedication ceremony before school starts.
(Photo courtesy Our Lady of Guadalupe)
Back in June, with the photo above, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School announced its “summer of construction,” and the celebration is next week:
Join us Wednesday, September 2nd at 5:00 PM for a special Ribbon Cutting and Blessing!
Let’s gather as a community to celebrate the transformation of our school campus and give heartfelt thanks to those who made it happen!
Our deepest gratitude goes to the Fulcrum Foundation, Shea Homes, Knipp Contracting, the Archdiocese of Seattle Office for Catholic Schools and the dedicated construction team at KNIPP Construction. Thanks to their extraordinary generosity of time, talent, and treasure, our students now have an updated space designed to inspire learning, leadership, service, and prayer for years to come. We also want to thank our parish and school staff, parishioners, and neighbors for your patience and positivity throughout this process.
OLG School is on the southwest corner of 34th and Myrtle. The June announcement details the work that was done, including a new roof and windows.
Off the east side of Blake Island, headed northbound, a lone transient orca known as “Jack” has just been spotted, according to Kersti Muul. Let us know if you see him!
You might have noticed the utility crews at the greenspace along SW Webster, south of the Southwest Precinct and The Home Depot. Thanks to Daniel for sending this notice of the work that’s getting under way – Seattle Public Utilities is dredging Webster Pond, to “remove sediment” so it’ll function better to hold stormwater during the coming rains. We’re asking SPU for a clearer copy of the notice; they say the work’ll last two to three weeks.
(WSB photo, July)
As we first told you in June, tomorrow’s the dedication day for the new Alki Elementary School (3010 59th SW). The community is invited to the 10:30 am ribboncutting – here’s the official reminder sent today by the district:
On Wednesday, Aug. 26, 10:30 a.m., Seattle Public Schools (SPS) will celebrate completion of the new Alki Elementary School building and modernization of the gymnasium.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Alki Elementary School, 3010 59th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
Superintendent Ben Shuldiner will join School Board President Gina Topp and Alki Principal Mason Skeffington will speak before cutting the ribbon to officially open the school for the 2026-27 school year. Additional confirmed speakers include Andy Sheffer of Seattle Parks and Recreation, Monty Anderson of Seattle Building and Construction Trades Council, and Evan Smith of Schools First.
There will be an opportunity to tour the school following the ceremony.
As noted in our story last month with a look inside the building, more than 400 students are enrolled at the newly rebuilt and expanded school for the 2026-2027 school year – a 50 percent increase from last year’s 260, the third year at temporary quarters at the former Schmitz Park Elementary.
(Weather Watch Park – photo by Bob Burns)
Here’s our list of highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUMMER FOOD DRIVE: The food drive is continuing at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor) – our story has the list of what is most needed.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
SPRAYPARK SEASON: Daily operations continue at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) – free, scheduled 11 am-8 pm daily.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch meeting at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW) – today’s featured speaker, Transitional Resources‘ new executive director.
WADING POOL OPEN: Just one West Seattle wading pool still open today – noon to 7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way, upper park near the north lot).
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, daily sessions continue at the outdoor saltwater pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
CHESS CLUB: All levels! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
OTHER EVENTS AT THE CENTER: Dozens every week! Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.
NO CITY COUNCIL MEETING: The council’s end-of-summer recess continues.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases. “Wine wars” in the spotlight tonight – Northwest vs. Italy.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.
TUESDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB: Alki Kayak Tours and Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) are presenting this weekly event for stand-up paddleboarders – details here – 5:30 pm. (1660 Harbor SW)
NO INTERFAITH FREEDOM VIGIL THIS WEEK: But organizers say they’ll be back after a few weeks off.
STORY TIME IN THE GARDEN: 6 pm at Delridge P-Patch (5078 25th SW), weekly story time for kids, followed by a garden activity.
OPEN MIC: 6:30 pm signups, 7 pm music – weekly open mic hosted by Levi Said at Tim’s (16th SW and SW 98th) in White Center.
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
PASS THE AUX: “New interactive music game” at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 7 pm.
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM BOOK CLUB: 7 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW).Go here to see this month
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, early-listening party for new music by Billy Strings, no cover, all ages. (4559 California SW)
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 7 pm – lots of info in our ongoing calendar listing.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group meditation at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.
BINGO! Play free weekly Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 4: Four Tuesday trivia venues – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free, hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia … 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink … 7 pm at Admiral Pub, free to play, prizes. (2306 California SW).
KARAOKE AT POGGIE TAVERN: 9 pm until 1:30 am, your turn to sing! (4717 California SW)
Organizing an event, fundraiser, class, performance, gathering, etc.? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
With summer break ending soon, we have word of another school’s playdate for incoming kindergarteners and their families – Highland Park Elementary, 4:30-6 pm next Monday (August 31):
Highland Park Elementary will be hosting a Popsicle Playdate for incoming kindergarteners and their families. It will be at the Highland Park playfield (1100 SW Cloverdale St.). We will have current HP families and students on hand to answer questions, as well as the kindergarten team.
And popsicles are promised!
P.S. Reminder as the new school year approaches, we appreciate getting info on school events for our community calendar – just email the basics, including any relevant weblink, to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
7:34 AM: The onramp to the bridge from Avalon (etc.) is currently blocked for an emergency response, A texter says SFD and SPD are tending to a woman lying on the ground. Circumstances otherwise unknown.
8:02 AM: Police just told dispatch the scene is open again to traffic. We’re checking with SFD re: the person who was treated. Thanks to everyone who texted about this.
9:25 AM: SFD’s Kaila Lafferty tells WSB the woman, in her early 30s, was in stable condition and taken to the ORCA Center (a crisis-care center) downtown.
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast is for sunshine, high in the low 80s. Sunrise will be at 6:18 am today; sunset will be at 8:03 pm.
(Photo by Hana Alishio)
TRAFFIC ALERTS
NB 1st Ave. S. Bridge – Work tonight will reduce it to two northbound lanes at 10 pm, until 5 am Wednesday.
Junction project: Be prepared for potential delays on California north of Oregon because of road work.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule today – any reroute/stop advisories will be 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:
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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