West Seattle, Washington
31 Monday
We’re at Seattle Public Schools HQ in SODO, where district superintendent Ben Shuldiner‘s media briefing is starting, two days before the scheduled start of school, which is in question because the district and its educators’ union haven’t yet reached a contract agreement. We’ll update with toplines as this continues.
Shuldiner says he’s glad that educators are in schools today, getting ready for the start of school, which he says “is the only thing I care about.” He says the talks are difficult because “We’re broke.” He says he’d love to “give money …to everyone,” if he had one. He says both sides are meeting right now, with the mediator present.
If a strike is called, though, “we are prepared,” and there will be meals available for kids, nonprofits that operate in schools will be able to operate, and they might have some “programming” for kids. But he say his “hope” is that school will still start on Wednesday.
On specific issues, he starts with special education, and says that it’s become a “place, not a service,” and he says that has to change. He said it’s “OK” that “folks didn’t like” the district’s first version of special education changes, and says they’ve made changes since then. They want to “try different ideas,” he said, and to “negotiat(e)” them.
He says things have “gotten better” since the the mediation began. “We are working, we are working on negotiation, we are working on getting schools open on time. “Please know that negotiations are going on.”
First question: When did the talks resume, with the mediator? On Sunday, he said.
Second: Is the district opening childcare options if there’s a strike? “We are working on partners we already have to see what we can do about that.”
Third: Elaborate on the special-education proposal. He says it was intended as “rebalancing” so that students who need more support have more staff to provide it. He says they’re on “version 4” of the special education proposal.
Fourth: When was the first special education proposal made? A few weeks ago. Is changing special education a must? Yes, because it’s “so important for our children.” But it doesn’t necessarily have to happen immediately, he said. So now they’re trying to figure out if they can “create something now with a larger road map.” He said they “talked a lot about it” last night.
Fifth: What’s your confidence level that school will start Wednesday? He’s hopeful. He’s meeting with principals tonight. He suggests families take questions to their schools.
Sixth: We asked when tomorrow they’d make a call about whether there’ll be school on Wednesday. He said that’s up to the union – whether they decide to call a strike, and he suggested they wouldn’t announce there’s no school Wednesday unless the union says they’re striking. (So right now, there’s no particular deadline for making that call.)
Seventh question is about money, and he repeated “We’re broke” and that they don’t want to have to cut some other place to move money to an area.
Eighth question was about the stated hope of offering special education as a neighborhood-school model so that “students don’t have to move from school to school to school.”
Ninth question was different interpretations of the potential special education changes – staff cuts or not? He says it’s “complicated,” and there certainly is a way to view it that would make it look like cuts. “We’re not trying to balance the books on the backs of our children.” He says “version 4” … “changes the ratios, changes the model.”
Tenth question, what kind of pay increase? Shuldiner says the district has 8.8 percent over three years on the table, and isn’t going to say where the union is countering on that – “I think they’re working on that upstairs right now.” What’s the median teacher salary? He offers to get the reporter who asked the question info on that.
Eleventh question is about how inflation is affecting the wage offer – he elaborates that the offer is a “minimum” of 8.8 percent over three years. “This is not a pass-through,” he says, regarding state funding and the formulas. “We get about two-thirds of what the state gives us,” he explains, because Seattle is “super-expensive.”
Twelfth question was why SPS finally went public with its proposals – definitely because of the union’s public discussion, he said. Would he want negotiation to be that way? Maybe if it’s collaborative, going “super-public” could be a good thing.
Thirteenth question – is there an updated budget deficit number? Depends on what’s in the contract they work out. But next year, if changes aren’t made, “we’re insolvent.”
Fourteenth question – what does the mediator do? Goes from one side to next to “move the needle forward.”
Fifteenth question was a request to explain the salary “steps.”
Sixteenth question – how will athletics work if there’s a strike? Probably “won’t be able to do it” if union-member employees don’t show up, though he’s heard some may have ways around that.
3:04 PM NOTE: We recorded this all on video – it ran a bit longer than half an hour) and will add that when back at HQ. The district YouTube channel should have it too. Bottom line: Mediated talks are continuing right now.
You see them everywhere out on the ocean coast – signage warning you you’re in a tsunami-danger zone, and where to go to get away if one is expected. Now Seattle’s shores are getting signage too, and you’re invited to a city-hosted event with what you need to know to be safe:
Join the Seattle Office of Emergency Management for a tsunami preparedness discussion! You’ll learn about local tsunami hazards, the new evacuation signs being installed across Seattle, how to spot warning signals, when to evacuate, and how to prepare at home. Workshops will be offered at library locations throughout the month, and OEM staff can also attend community meetings by request. RSVP is not required but encouraged.
The one in West Seattle, as shown in the image, is at 6 pm Thursday, September 17, at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), and you can RSVP here.
Quail Park of West Seattle (4515 41st SW) is celebrating two milestones – 100 percent occupancy, and eight years of operation:
When West Seattle Blog first reported on Quail Park, tracking our progress from initial announcement and groundbreaking to our very first move-ins, it was documenting more than just construction; it was covering a commitment to West Seattle’s fiercely loyal, civically minded community. This month, as Quail Park of West Seattle celebrates its 8th anniversary, that commitment has deepened into a permanent neighborhood pillar. Over the past year, our assisted living and memory care community has operated at or near 100% capacity. In a peninsula where civic pride runs deep, this milestone is far more than an occupancy figure. It is a reflection of mutual trust and a shared dedication to keeping our senior neighbors rooted in the place they helped build.
As we mark eight years in West Seattle, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the neighbors and readers who have cheered us on since before the first shovel hit the dirt. Reaching and sustaining a full house confirms what makes this peninsula so extraordinary: a collective belief in community, continuity, and looking out for one another. We look forward to many more years of shared neighborhood traditions, strong civic partnerships, and serving as a welcoming home where West Seattle’s seniors truly belong.Brian Anderson, executive director; Denis Bryant, president & CEO; and Ramses Colindres, community relations director.
(Added: Photo sent by Ethan)
Thanks for the tips on this! Washington State Ferries confirms that one of its Triangle Route crews rescued a kayaker this morning. One reader with a view of the water saw it, and another one traveling the route on a different boat at the time said theirs had to wait offshore while the rescued kayaker was brought to the dock. No SFD “water rescue” medical response, though, so we had to check with WSF to get info. Spokesperson Brian Vail responded:
Just after 9 am today, the Cathlamet responded to two kayakers in distress between Vashon Island and Fauntleroy. The crew launched the vessel’s rescue boat and assisted a kayaker, who was uninjured and showed no signs of hypothermia. A second kayaker did not require assistance and continued toward Fauntleroy under their own power. The rescued kayaker and their kayak were brought aboard the Cathlamet and later disembarked at Fauntleroy.
The sunset photo is from Stewart L. – who also found a large group of spectators at Don Armeni Boat Ramp:
He says they were incoming seniors from Cleveland HS, carrying on the “senior sunrise” tradition preceding their momentous final year of high school. Now, here’s what’s happening (and not) for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUMMER FOOD DRIVE: Summer’s not over and neither is the food drive at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor) – our story has the list of most-needed items.
SPRAYPARK OPEN: Daily splashing continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), whatever the weather, 11 am-8 pm daily through Labor Day.
ONE WADING POOL STILL OPEN: Mostcity-operated wading pools are now closed for the season – with one in our area open daily through Labor Day (when a 70+ high is forecast), noon to 7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way, upper park near the north lot).
COLMAN POOL CLOSED: Meantime, daily operation has ended for this year at the outdoor saltwater swimming pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – but it’ll open Saturday for the first of three post-season weekends. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
NO CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: The weekly 2 pm meeting for previews and briefings is canceled today as the council continues its end-of-summer recess.
HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY POPSICLE PLAYDATE: 4:30 to 6 pm at Highland Park Playground (1100 SW Cloverdale), incoming kindergarteners and their families are invited to this before-school-starts gathering.
‘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.
ALKI MEDITATION: Two places to meditate on Monday nights – in north West Seattle, there’s meditation at Alki UCC, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: In south West Seattle, free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
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).
MONDAY NIGHT SALSA LESSONS: Series continues, 7 pm with BALORICO at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW).
POOL TOURNAMENT: The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament, 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska, entrance on California)
PINBALL TOURNAMENT: Sign up at 7, play at 7:30, at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Monday night 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!
Thanks to Gregg for the tip! The West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) branches are closed until Tuesday, September 8, for maintenance and upgrades, described as follows:
We’re making a series of improvements throughout the facility to enhance your experience—from pool and locker room upgrades to refreshed workout spaces and a deep clean across the entire Y. These projects are designed to ensure everything feels welcoming, well-maintained, and ready for you to enjoy.
Our Projects
West Seattle Family YMCA
Gym and Studio Floor Maintenance
We’re completing maintenance on the gym floor and Studio 1 floor to keep these spaces in great condition for classes, sports, and other activities.Locker Room Improvements
We’re upgrading the locker room drain system, replacing shower fixtures, and deep cleaning the locker rooms to improve comfort and functionality.Pool Area Deep Cleaning
We’re deep cleaning the pool tiles and hot tub to help keep these spaces clean and ready for your next visit.Facility Refreshes
We’re completing a variety of improvements throughout the branch, including repairing the hot water boiler, carpet and floor cleaning, window cleaning, paint touch-ups, Kids Zone deep cleaning, irrigation repairs, and the installation of a new bike rack to enhance your overall experience.Fauntleroy YMCA
Gym Floor Refinishing
We’re refinishing the gym floor to improve its appearance, performance, and durability, helping ensure it’s ready for classes, sports, and community activities.Lighting Upgrades
We’re upgrading lighting in the gym to create a brighter, more enjoyable experience for members and participants.Fresh Paint
We’re refreshing paint throughout the facility to create a brighter, more welcoming environment.Facility Deep Cleaning
While these improvements are underway, we’re deep cleaning equipment and shared spaces throughout the facility so everything feels fresh and ready when you return.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, August 31, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast is for some sunshine today, high in the low 70s. Sunrise will be at 6:26 am today; sunset will be at 7:51 pm.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Today is the first day of classes for Holy Rosary Catholic School and for the Vashon Island School District (which serves some West Seattle students who get to and from school by ferry).
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule today – any reroute/stop advisories will be here. Note that this is the first weekday after Metro’s “service change” = no notable West Seattle changes, but if you ride elsewhere, check here to see if your route(s) are affected.
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!
No deal yet for Seattle Public Schools and its teachers (etc.) union Seattle Education Association. As we reported early today, talks broke down Saturday night. But tonight, in a lengthy message to families detailing the district’s side of the story, first-year superintendent Ben Shuldiner said a federal mediator’s been called in, at the district’s request. He says that’s because the union made an offer that the district felt met the definition of “regressive bargaining,” which is why the district left the table and called for a mediator.”We are very hopeful that with mediation now, we will be able to get to a deal before the start of school,” Shuldiner writes, though neither side has said when/if negotiations will resume. We mentioned in the update early today that the district plans daily media updates starting Monday, and the first one is set for 3 pm at district HQ in SODO.
We’ve been checking the calendars for local independent and parochial schools, as well as the adjacent districts that draw some students from West Seattle.
Starting tomorrow (Monday, August 31):
Holy Rosary Catholic School
Vashon Island School District
Starting Wednesday, September 2
Westside School (WSB sponsor)
Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor)
Tilden School (WSB sponsor)
Hope Lutheran School
Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School
Starting Thursday, September 3
Highline Public Schools
Starting Tuesday, September 8
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School
Starting Wednesday, September 9
West Seattle Montessori (White Center)
Already started
Summit Atlas Middle/High School
Kennedy Catholic High School (Burien)
As for the Seattle Public Schools situation, we’ll have an update a bit later tonight
7:07 PM: Police are investigating a reported shooting at 12th/Holden. Initial call was from someone who said their boyfriend had been shot. Radio communication indicates this may have been a drive-by shooting. No suspect description so far.
(Added: Reader photos)
7:12 PM: This is now reported to have happened in an alley. The victim was described as ‘alert and conscious.’
7:35 PM: Police have cleared from the scene. We’re following up with them and SFD.
8:04 PM: SFD says the victim is a 21-year-old man, assessed as being in serious condition and taken to Harborview Medical Center.
9:10 AM MONDAY: Here’s the SPD summary we received in response to our followup inquiry:
On 8/30/26 at 6:42 p.m., dispatch received reports of a shooing in the 1200 block of Southwest Holden Street. Officers arrived and found a 21-year-ol man suffering from gunshot wounds to the arm and leg. Officers provided aid until Seattle Fire Department medics arrived. The victim was transported to Harborview Medical Center in serious but stable condition. The investigation revealed that the man was walking through an alley with a relative when a light-color car drove by and an unknown suspect fired shots, striking the victim. Detectives from the Gun Violence Reduction Unit will work to determine the circumstances that led up to the shooting.
(WSB photo from February’s Sweet Stroll – Top Pot Doughnuts is participating this time too)
Last winter, the West Seattle Junction Association presented its first-ever “Sweet Stroll” – one ticket to visit four local dessert purveyors for tasty treats. WSJA is doing it again on Thursday, September 10, in conjunction with the next West Seattle Art Walk – same hours, 5 pm to 8 pm – and tickets are available online right now. Go here to see the list of participating venues and what they’ll be serving up that night!
From Kersti Muul: “Orcas are visible from Constellation, Alki. East side of container ship anchored in Manchester, west side of channel. Trending east towards West Seattle.”
Josh wonders if somebody out there is looking for the scooter he found:
Just want to see if we can help reunite someone with their scooter.
It’s an adult “fun” scooter, not for medical or accessibility. It was abandoned last Saturday (Aug 22nd), early in the morning. The front wheel is severely damaged and the tire is flat. There were a lot of parts and accessories scattered all over the road. Seems like a joyride gone wrong.
I filed a police report with SPD and they “concluded” their investigation.
I don’t want to give too much detail, as it seems to be expensive and it looks like the person who had it put a lot of consideration into what they put on it.
It’s a motorized, electric scooter. Large, heavy duty and just heavy (took a handcart to move it). There’s a sticker on the body.
If this might be yours, email westseattleblog@gmail.com and we’ll connect you.
Big day for students to be out with street-corner sales – here’s another one just in via text:
“Student-crafted crochet creatures, 48th and Charlestown until 4:30 today,” reports the texter. Part of the proceeds to monprofits.
(NASA image of Earth)
Tuesday is the World Day of Prayer for Creation, and to mark the occasion, Pope Leo‘s new “Mass for the Care of Creation” to be celebrated in West Seattle. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
The West Seattle Catholic Community will celebrate a new Mass setting, written by Pope Leo to celebrate all of God’s creation, on Tuesday, Sept. 1, the World Day of Prayer for Creation and the first day of the Season of Creation.
The “Mass For the Care of Creation” was written in Latin and introduced in 2025. The English translation was approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Aug. 4.
The first celebration of the Mass in West Seattle will be at 6 p.m. on Sept. 1 at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 7000 35th Ave. SW. Fr. Marc Powell, parochial vicar for the West Seattle Catholic Community, will preside. All are invited to join in the celebration.
Sept. 1 was proclaimed as the World Day of Prayer for Creation by the Orthodox Church in 1989 and has been adopted by many denominations worldwide. The World Council of Churches was instrumental in extending the full Season of Creation to Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a great champion of all creation.
Just sent by Kate:
These kids are on the corner of 34th and Barton selling beautiful bouquets for $10 each to raise money for their 8th grade trip to NY/DC! Come get some flowers…..
(Osprey and prey, photographed by Rainer Klett)
Here’s what to know for August’s final Sunday – a relatively short list for today/tonight, mostly regular weekly or monthly events from our West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE RUNNING CLUB: 8:30 am, meet at Alki Statue of Liberty (61st/Alki) to run with friends old and new.
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club is running from The Junction today – meet at 9 am at Dough Joy Donuts (4310 SW Oregon).
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Now in late-summer produce-and-products season, open for shopping and eating, 10 am-2 pm, California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska.
MASTER GARDENERS CLINIC: Also in The Junction – one of this season’s last few chances to get your gardening questions answered at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm.
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
LIBRARY CLOSURE: Today starts the fourth week of the West Seattle (Admiral) Library‘s three-month closure for HVAC work. For alternatives, see all other locations and their days/hours here.
SPRAYPARK SEASON: Daily splashing through Labor Day, whatever the weather, at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open today! Need a tool but don’t need/want to, or can’t, buy it? Look for it at, and borrow it from, the West Seattle Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESIST: 11:30 am-1:30 pm, weekly action in The Junction.
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, daily public sessions at the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WADING POOL: Forecast is for a mostly cloudy day and sub-70 high, so the still-operating city-run wading pools might not be open today – if it is, it’s noon-7 pm at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and you can check the hotline after 9 am, 206-684-7796.
FOR YOU, FOR ME, FOR US: Third day of this performance at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) is geared toward youth, 1 pm, details (including ticket info) in our calendar listing.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL CLOTHING SWAP: 2-5 pm at Hoste (2332 California SW), explained in our calendar listing.
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: You’re welcome Sunday afternoons (among other times) at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) – open 2-5 pm today, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: Monthly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW), 2:30 pm to get your beverage and chat, 3 pm discussion of this month’s title, “The Good Earth.” (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL: All welcome, 5:30 pm at Bethany West Seattle (8600 9th SW).
BLACK TEA AT REVELRY ROOM: 7 pm-midnight, nighttime tea service with host Jack Sanders, info and RSVP here. (4547 California SW)
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: Trivia starts at 7:30 pm – free to play, with prizes. (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm jazz with the D-Lux Jazz Trio at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Organizing, or assisting with, an event that should be on the WSB community Event Calendar – whether one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
“SPS walked away from the table tonight.” So begins an update posted by the Seattle Education Association, saying contract talks have broken down with three days left until the scheduled start of classes at Seattle Public Schools. The two sides have been talking since June; the union says special-education staffing is a huge sticking point. As for why, the union has praised this unofficial website purporting to detail what the district has proposed; the district, meantime, has posted its own summary, date-stamped Saturday, here, addressing other issues too. That same page on the district website also promises daily media briefings starting Monday.
(Reader photos)
6:59 PM: Thanks for the texted photos. SPD and SFD have responded to a crash at Admiral/Olga.
One person is reported hurt and a private ambulance was called rather than an SFD medic unit, so injuries are apparently not major; we’re following up with SFD. An SDOT incident-response team was also summoned, to clean up a fluid spill. Avoid the area for a while.
7:48 PM: SFD’s David Cuerpo tells WSB, “Crews responded to reports of a collision involving two vehicles. They treated a 51-year-old man who was in stable condition. He did not require transportation to a hospital and was left on scene with Seattle Police.”
Thanks to those who sent photos this week of the Lincoln Park “Love Rock” with a tribute to Dolly Parton. We haven’t had much time till now to truly contemplate the magnitude of the loss created by the musician/philanthropist’s departure from this plane of existence; we were in a coffee-shop meeting with three other people on Tuesday when something one person said led two of us to pick up our phones to look something up – and there was the sad news. Ms. Parton is reported to have had a simple burial ceremony yesterday.
(WSB photos)
One more event, not on our daily highlight list because we just happened onto it: The Eazy Duz It Car Club‘s annual family gathering is happening at Alki right now, and you can admire many members’ low-rider cars parked along Alki Avenue west of the Bathhouse.
Eazy Duz It is active around the area, including a summer car show in White Center, and partnerships with local students.
Some of the cars are artistically decorated as well as sporting bright paint and gleaming chrome.
It’s not an official car show but we saw many admirers milling around.
Some asked about a multi-unit SFD response at/near Delridge Home Depot just before 11 am. The call closed shortly after the questions came in, so we couldn’t check it out in real time, but followed up with SFD. According to SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo, “Firefighters extinguished a small brushfire up the hill from the business. No injuries were reported.”
Just got stuck in this delay, with no advance alert of the work. Utility contractors are working on the southbound side of Delridge Way south of Holden – blocking the bike lane as well as the driving lane – and flaggers are alternating traffic, with considerable delays. So if you’re heading north-south in the area, we’d advise an alternative, like 16th or 35th.
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