West Seattle, Washington
08 Saturday
Through 2 pm today, the Rotary Club of West Seattle has volunteers at KeyBank Plaza – southwest corner of California/Alaska – to accept and acknowledge musical instruments donated for Music4Life, to get new lives with students. Band and orchestra type instruments, and guitars, are what they’re most interested in. Details are in our preview. We stopped by a few minutes ago and learned that more than half a dozen donations already had been dropped off. And every one has a story, which they love hearing!
10:54 AM: In view from west-facing West Seattle shoreline: Kersti Muul tells us “at least one humpback” is northbound from Brace Point.
11:18 AM: Update from Kersti – passing Lowman, close in.
After several tips this morning mentioned a second boat beached at Constellation Park, we found that so hard to believe, we had to come look first. And yes, there it is, and a fair amount of gawkers too. We’re on our way to time-sensitive events but will return later for a closer look.
(Backyard sunflower photographed by Tom Trulin)
Lots of options for our Saturday – here are highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE GLASS FLOAT HUNT, DAY 2: As previewed here, no daily clues this time unless a float remains unfound – so just keep a look out all over West Seattle. 12 released on Day 1 ad 5 were found, according to the official website, which shows status when floats are found (provided the finder has used the special QR code).
RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: 8:15 am, get your weekend going with an at-your-pace run. (2743 California SW).
FREE MEDITATION: For a calm start to your Saturday, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am, free – details in our calendar listing.
LIBRARY’S LAST DAY, FOR NOW: Today’s the last day the West Seattle (Admiral) Library is open before its three-month closure for HVAC installation. Open 10 am-6 pm. (2306 42nd SW)
DONATE A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: Musical instrument – band, orchestra, guitar – you don’t need any more? Give it a new life with a student who could use it! Take it to the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation volunteers who you’ll find from 10 am to 2 pm at the KeyBank corner in The Junction (southwest corner of California/Alaska).
SAVE THE TREES: 10 am-noon, help Schmitz Park Restore pull ivy off the park’s trees! Details in our calendar listing.
WESTCREST PARK SOUTH RESTROOM UPDATE: Stop by 10 am-noon at the entrance to the park’s south parking lot to get an update on the restroom-replacement project.
PREVIEW NEW LOG HOUSE MUSEUM EXHIBIT: As part of Washington Museum Day, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s museum (61st/Stevens)is open 10 am-4 pm today, and you can preview the new “Beyond Alki” exhibit, which officially debuts later this month.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: New location this season! 10 am-2 pm, shop for fruit and vegetables, prepared food and beverages, artisan body care, more … (9th SW and SW Henderson)
ALSO AT THE MARKET: SDOT will be tabling to talk with shoppers about the Delridge Triangle Pedestrian Street proposal, 10 am-2 pm
DACHSHUND WALK: 10 am Saturdays, bring your dachshund to Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki) for a group walk.
MASTER GARDENERS AT DELRIDGE HOME DEPOT: Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm – take them your toughest garden questions and get free expert answers! (Delridge/Orchard)
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am, free, in-person, active writing group – see our calendar listing for info on how to participate.
ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: 11 am, meet at Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) after registering here.
SPRAYPARK SEASON: The season continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
DUWAMISH RIVER FESTIVAL + SOPASUPA: Starting at noon, South Park’s two big summer events are happening concurrently this year.
The Duwamish River Festival starts at noon and is at Duwamish River People’s Park (8700 Dallas Ave. S.), wrapping up by 6 pm, while SOPASUPA (South Park Summer Party) is centered at 14th Ave. S./S. Cloverdale with events at River City Skatepark (736 S. Cloverdale) too and continues until about 9 pm. Entertainment schedules are in our preview as well as on this website
COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, swim in the outdoor saltwater pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW); here’s the session schedule.
WADING POOLS: Warm weather is expected, so the two West Seattle wading pools usually open Saturdays should be in operation – Hiawatha (2700 California SW) noon-5:30 pm and Lincoln Park noon-7 pm. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
ELECTIONS UNDER FIRE – FACT VS. FICTION: 1:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), public forum presented by the League of Women Voters.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY ALUMNI CELEBRATION: 2-5 pm ticketed event on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
FREE MASSAGE CLINIC: The walk-in clinic is back at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.
NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY: On 22nd SW north of SW Roxbury, hosted by Community School of West Seattle, 4-8 pm, “arts & crafts, games, music, food & drinks, and kids’ bike and scooter decorating.”
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Cam Elise, Radon Radar, Tobi Kunkel at The Skylark, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm, $10, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
OUTDOOR SHAKESPEARE AT CAMP LONG: GreenStage presents “Coriolanus,” 7 pm at Camp Long (5200 35th SW), free.
REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: 9 pm with Soul Focus FM. (4547 California SW)
SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING: 9 pm to midnight, skate at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 (plus $5 skate rental).
KARAOKE AT TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm Megastar Karaoke with KDJ Mythikal at Max’s Triangle Pub. (9454 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday night karaoke with Rone, 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Planning a West Seattle event that’s open to the community? Tell us about it; it’s free to list something in our Event Calendar, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(2025 photo by Dave Gershgorn for WSB)
Tomorrow is Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen’s birthday, and three cities including Seattle are marking the occasion with a special tribute – proclaiming August 8 to be “Cecile Hansen Day.” A tribe spokesperson sent us copies of the proclamations – Seattle here, Tukwila here, Renton here Here’s the text of the Seattle proclamation:
WHEREAS, Cecile Hansen has devoted more than five decades of her life to advancing awareness, justice, and dignity for the Duwamish people; the Indigenous inhabitants of the land that includes present-day Seattle, Renton, Tukwila, and surrounding areas and has served continuously as Chair of the Duwamish Tribal Council since 1975, leading with deep commitment, resilience, and clarity of purpose; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Hansen, a great-great-grandniece of Chief Sealth (Chief Seattle), has worked tirelessly to ensure that the history, treaty rights, cultural heritage, and ongoing presence of the Duwamish Tribe are known, respected, and honored by local, state, and national communities; and
WHEREAS, she has championed the restoration of federal acknowledgement and the rights guaranteed to her people in historic treaties, pursuing justice through legal, legislative, and civic avenues with unwavering dedication and moral clarity; and
WHEREAS, under her leadership the Duwamish Tribal Council helped establish Duwamish Tribal Services, a nonprofit organization that has provided cultural, social, and community support to tribal members and the broader public for more than three decades; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Hansen’s advocacy extends beyond tribal affairs into community engagement throughout the region, from educational outreach and heritage stewardship to environmental justice and public dialogues to- uplifting the voices and rights of Indigenous peoples in every context in which she participates; and
WHEREAS, it is resolved that we shall honor Cecile Hansen for her lifetime of service, leadership, spirit, and perseverance on behalf of the Duwamish people and all who seek equity, recognition, and cultural preservation. Her work enriches the fabric of our regional history, reminds us of the deep roots of Indigenous communities here, and inspires future generations to carry forward the work of justice and remembrance …
The spokesperson tells us that Chair Hansen’s family and Tribal Councilmembers will present her with the proclamations at a Saturday celebration.
She has led the tribe since 1975. Its headquarters are at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse and Cultural Center in West Seattle (4705 West Marginal Way SW).
(WSB photos and video by Torin Record-Sand)
Highland Park Improvement Club‘s First Fridays are truly all-ages parties, and the one under way right now at HPIC’s past-and-future HQ (northeast corner of 12th/Holden) is yet another example – this time, grownups are encouraged to get playful too:
As always, there’s live music – this time, Birch Pereira and The Gin Joints:
And while admission is free, you can buy beverages and/or food:
The Levantine Cuisine food truck is there tonight. And lots more fun to be had:
Well-behaved dogs welcome too.
This all continues until 8:30 pm.
(Wednesday photo by Bob Burns)
Thanks to everyone who’s sent updated photos of the boat on the beach at Constellation Park, now tethered so it won’t drift out. We have been trying to find out from both the State Department of Natural Resources, which oversees the Derelict Vessel Program, and Seattle Parks, whose beach the boat is on, what’ll be done. Parks spokesperson Christina Hirsch told us today. “Washington State Department of Natural Resources has asked Seattle Parks and Recreation Park Rangers to post a ‘notice of intent to obtain custody’ on the vessel, and unless action is taken, Washington State Department of Natural Recourses will plan to move forward with removing it.” It’s been checked out by the SPD, SFD, and U.S. Coast Guard since it turned up here, and they haven’t found anyone aboard. It appears to have recent registration, according to one reader who’s taken a closeup look, but we don’t know if anyone has been able to trace an owner, current or previous, through that.
Just got word of this, but it’s continuing until 4 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – the mutual-aid group Washmasks is holding a dropoff donation drive for immigrants and farmworkers affected by the fires in Spokane and vicinity. Here’s what they’re collecting:
The longrunning Spokane Pump Station project in east Admiral may bring some “brown water” next week. Here’s the alert we received from Seattle Public Utilities, explaining why.
On Tuesday 8/11 and Wednesday 8/12, Seattle Public Utilities is testing two pumps at the Spokane Street pump station as a part of the commissioning package for the Spokane Pump Station Capital Project. Testing the pumps will require moving approximately 100,000 gallons of water over the course of several hours. Impacted pipes have been flushed and drained to minimize sediment, but there could be some discolored water moving through the system during the testing. The affected areas are the 400, 498, and the 550 zones in the provided map with the north boundary at SW Lander Street, the south boundary at SW Andover Street, the east boundary at Harbor Avenue, and the west boundary at California Avenue.
If customers in the impacted areas see discolored water, SPU recommends waiting until it clears before drinking it. For more information about discolored water is here on our website.
We’ve asked SPU a followup question about how soon the entire project will be finished.
The weekend is in sight, and you can get an early start with some of what’s on our highlight list for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
(Not an actual hiding place – example photo provided by West Seattle Chamber)
WEST SEATTLE GLASS FLOAT HUNT, DAY 1: As previewed here, no daily clues this time unless a float remains unfound – so just keep a look out all over West Seattle. 13 released so far, according to the official website, which will show status when floats are found (provided the finder has used the special QR code).
PRICING PROPOSAL AT COUNCIL COMMITTEE: 9:30 am, the City Council’s Human Services, Labor, and Economic Development Committee started its meeting with agenda items including the pricing proposal we reported on Thursday – here’s the agenda; watch live via Seattle Channel.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Open 10 am-3 pm on the north end of the main campus of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
BABY STORY TIME: 11 am at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily-splashing season continues at Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
WADING POOLS: Hiawatha (2700 California SW) and Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) are open noon-5:30 pm today, Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open noon-7 pm.
COLMAN POOL: Noon to 7 pm today, swim in the outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) – here’s the session schedule.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: 12:30-2 pm, practice with other adult learners at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, and/or buy a bottle.
FIRST FRIDAYS AT HPIC: 5:30-8:30 pm, at the past-and-future site of Highland Park Improvement Club (12th/Holden), it’s the monthly neighborhood party with music, food, beverages, fun, all welcome, all ages.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) hosts Open Mic, all genres. No cover, all ages. (5612 California SW)
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Jessey Adams, 7 pm doors, 7:30 pm music (7904 35th SW), all ages, tickets here.
OK BUCKO AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Ok Bucko performs in-store, 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7, music at 8, for Far Far Far, James Carr Band, Vision Request. $10 cover, 21+. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
SPINNING: Revelry Room (4547 California SW) regular Friday night spinning – check here to see who’s DJing, starting at 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to the music of LEEHI & Mountain Holler, 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.
MEGASTAR KARAOKE: 9 pm at Max’s Triangle Pub (9454 Delridge Way SW).
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or ongoing calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends wil gather in October to celebrate the life of Alan Grainger, and are sharing this remembrance with his community now:
Alan Grainger was born in County Durham, England, on June 21, 1949, to Jean and Charles Grainger. He joined his older sister, Barbara, and was followed six years later by his younger brother, David. Alan attended Grangefield Grammar School in Stockton-on-Tees, and went on to the University of Nottingham, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Environmental Design. With the help of a Rotary International Graduate Fellowship, he pursued a Master’s degree in Architecture at the University of Washington, where he met his wife of 52 years, Kathy Welch.
Alan began his professional career as an architect at the offices of Dennis Taylor Bell in London. In 1975, Alan and Kathy returned to Seattle, and Alan began work at the Bumgardner Architects. It was at Bumgardner that he met Bill Gaylord, Chris Libby, and Clayton (O’Brien) Smith. In 1986, the four friends left Bumgardner and started their own firm, Gaylord Grainger Libby O’Brien Smith Architects, becoming known as GGLO. They were soon joined in their partnership by Carol Deal Schaefer.
In his 31 years at GGLO, Alan was responsible for numerous mixed-use, affordable, low-income, and market-rate housing projects with the City of Seattle and King County, including master plans for High Point, GreenBridge, and Yesler Terrace. He also helped design several small luxury hotels and inns throughout the Puget Sound and along the West Coast. Over the span of his career, Alan always contributed to community efforts through Citizen Advisory, Design Review, and other Boards for the City of Seattle, University of Washington, Bainbridge Island School District, City of Bainbridge Island, Plymouth Housing, and the Fauntleroy Community Association.
In addition to tending to the health and wellbeing of our community, Alan was devoted to his immediate and extended family. He especially loved being Dad to daughter Lily and Papa “Pops” to his granddaughter Jo. Lily and Jo were truly the joy and light of his life. Alan never missed a parent-teacher conference, piano recital, symphony concert, or other special event for Lily, and then, with Kathy, served as a primary caregiver for Jo. During retirement, as during his career, Alan maintained a passion for gardening, cooking, following politics and current events, helping with design projects for friends and family, and the fellowship of his longstanding book group.
Alan passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, at his home in West Seattle. He leaves behind his wife, Kathy, daughter, Lily, granddaughter, Jo, brother, David, and a large and loving family of nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, his book group “brothers,” and the best and most loyal friends in the whole wide world.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Alan’s memory may be made to The Marfan Foundation, DESC, or Plymouth Housing, with our gratitude.
A Celebration of Life is planned for October 24, 2026, 2:00 – 5:00 PM, The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98136. Please let us know if you’re able to be with us: october24rsvp@gmail.com.
(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)
8:37 AM: Two-car crash reported at 34th/Graham.
Earlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, August 7, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The Air Quality Alert for smoke expires at 8 am (check the current pollution level here), while the Heat Advisory continues through tonight. The forecast projects another high in the 80s (it was 88 yesterday). Sunrise was at 5:54 am today; sunset will be at 8:34 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 (tonight!) 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
6:45 pm game for the Mariners today, starting a series vs. the Rays.
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!
Tonight just might have been the last red sunset, for now. The Air Quality Alert, originally set to expire this evening, was extended to 8 am, but the air quality is already improving.
(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!
Thanks to Joan (above) and Michael (below) for sending tonight’s sunset photos, as smoke reddens the setting sun and its reflection on Puget Sound for a third night.
The smoke and heat alerts continue through tomorrow, and then, the National Weather Service says tonight: “The thermal trough along the coast is expected to push inland tomorrow and east of the area late Thursday. Onshore flow should help improve smoke conditions as early as late Thursday along the coast and Friday for the interior.”
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