Here’s our nightly roundup of local info:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From today’s official Seattle-King County Public Health announcement:

13 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported to Public Health – Seattle & King County through 11:59 p.m. on 3/6/20, bringing the total number of reported King County cases to 71.

Of the 13 new cases reported today, two are deaths. In addition, two cases previously reported last week are people who have now died. The total number of deaths reported to Public Health is now 15. The four deaths being reported today include:

A man in his 70s, a Life Care Center resident, was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth, and who died on 3/2/20. This case is included in the 13 new cases being reported today.

A woman in her 80s, a Life Care Center resident, was hospitalized at Harborview Medical Center, and who died 3/5/20. This case is included in the 13 new cases being reported today.

A woman in her 70s, a Life Care Center resident, was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth, and who died on 3/6/20. This case was previously reported on 3/5/20.

A woman in her 80s, a Life Care Center resident, was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth, and who died on 3/6/20. This case was previously reported on 3/2/20.
Of the 15 deaths reported, 14 are associated with Life Care Center.

If you are interested in statewide numbers/info, see the Washington Department of Health COVID-19 page. (Added: The DOH announced tonight that the time and format of its daily statewide reports will change starting tomorrow.)

‘ALTERNATIVE MODES OF INSTRUCTION’ AT SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE: The Seattle Colleges, including South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), whose main campus is on Puget Ridge, announced this morning that they are moving to “alternative modes of instruuction” for the rest of the winter quarter. “Classroom and instructional staff will make local decisions about which modes to employ for each particular course,” says the announcment, so wait to hear from faculty.

CHANGES FOR CHURCHES: Some are canceling services. Some are going online. Some are already there. Here’s our roundup.

FARMERS’ MARKET IS ON TOMORROW: Here’s the story we published Friday with market managers explaining why they ARE going ahead with West Seattle and other markets.

REVIEW THE RECOMMENDATIONS: SKCPH’s guidance on how to protect yourself and others is here.

WHAT’S BEING CANCELED, POSTPONED, CHANGED: Our West Seattle list continues growing – see it here. If your organization, business, church, school, group, etc. has cancellations, postponements, changes, please let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302.

WSB CONTINUING COVERAGE: Everything we publish related to all this is categorized so that you can find it anytime at westseattleblog.com/category/coronavirus. We’re also using Twitter (@westseattleblog) for instant bursts.

Share This

CHURCHES: Some in West Seattle cancel Sunday worship, some go online, and other changes

March 7, 2020 8:25 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

This is the first weekend since Seattle-King County Public Health recommended avoiding “large gatherings” to try to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). So that’s forced a difficult decision for churches and other faith-based groups/institutions – houses of worship are not just gathering places, they’re also high-touch environments, from handshakes to Holy Communion. We’ve heard from some directly, and those with changes/cancellations are on our ongoing list, but here’s a closer look at what some are doing:

Back on Thursday, West Seattle’s three UCC churches – Admiral, Alki, and Fauntleroy – issued a joint announcement that they would cancel services for the next three weeks. “As part of the wider community, we have the opportunity to potentially make a positive impact upon the spread of this coronavirus through our actions, our influence and our care,” said Fauntleroy UCC pastor Rev. Leah Atkinson Bilinski. (A reader tipped us while we were writing this that Fauntleroy UCC has decided to stream on 2 platforms including Twitch tomorrow morning.)

Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) is cancelling tomorrow’s service. “We will reassess next week on what to do for the following Sunday. … Please pray for one another and our neighbors as we navigate this uncharted territory together,” said pastor Rev. Sarah Casey.

Hope Lutheran Church also announced it’s canceling tomorrow’s service, but promising that its website will feature “an online worship experience … including worship music, a message from Pastor Peter, and an opportunity to pray for the people of our congregation and community.”

The churches that are planning to go live online include Westside Unitarian Universalist, planning a “virtual service” via the platform Zoom. The announcement notes, “We are practicing a new way of worshipping together, responding to public health concerns. We give thanks for the gifts of an emergent faith tradition that can sustain us in times of mystery.”

Others already stream as a supplement to their in-person services, and Arbor Heights Community Church is one that plans to do both tomorrow as usual. For those attending in person, they’re making a few changes such as suspending snack service.

Trinity West Seattle is also going ahead with in-person worship while also offering a live stream. No communion, no baked goods and coffee, and they’re not even passing the offering basket, according to this update.

At West Seattle Christian Church, they’re using “k-cup individual sealed communion cups (wafer & juice),” and their snack bar will either focus on individually wrapped snacks on food and coffee “served by a volunteer wearing gloves.” WSCC adds in its message, “We are prepared, if necessary, to go to an online worship service only …”

The communion challenge is one that Catholic churches are dealing with too. The specifics are on pages like this one for Our Lady of Guadalupe, which not only notes changes to Mass practices, but also points out that the holy-water font has been drained.

For more church changes, see our ongoing list of West Seattle cancellations/postponements/changes – and if/when you have something to add, please email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or use our hotline, text/voice, 206-293-6302.

Share This

BIZNOTE: Box Bar now open

March 7, 2020 4:50 pm

| 50 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

(WSB photos)

Thanks for the tip! Three months after we reported what was on the way to the ex-OutWest space (5401 California SW), Box Bar is now open.

Box Bar is a 21 and over venue. Along with drinks, they’re serving “plant-based” food – see the food menu here and here, the beverage menu here.

Caveat from the Box Bar team – that’s just the menu they’re starting with – still a work in progress. Hours are 4 pm to midnight, Tuesdays through Sundays, closed Mondays.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Might get loud later

March 7, 2020 4:24 pm

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Might get loud later

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Photo by Victoria Gnatoka)

Sunbreaks and even a rainbow this afternoon – but, heads up, the updated forecast says “scattered thunderstorms” are a possibility this evening. But – partly sunny tomorrow, sunny Monday! (Helpful if you are working from home and need a break – maybe a walk along Alki or Lincoln Park shores …)

Share This

BIZNOTE: New owners, new name for longtime West Seattle coffeehouse

March 7, 2020 2:36 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

(WSB photos)

That’s a look inside what was Bird on a Wire and is now The Birdhouse (3507 SW Henderson) – a new name and new owners, after longtime proprietor Heidi Herr sold the coffeehouse to Amber Heinemann (below left) and Todd Fregin.

Todd and Amber (who’s with team member Ellie in the photo) own Fremann Foods, known for catering and “grab and go” food like sandwiches. You can enjoy sitdown or takeout at The Birdhouse:

We photographed their breakfast menu (here) and lunch menu (here). No changes in hours (7 am-4 pm). As for the shop’s founder and now former owner Heidi, her social-media announcement of the sale said she wasn’t sure where she was headed next but, “I feel very proud of what I have built and it has truly been an honor to live/thrive in this neighborhood since 2002.” The shop originally was in a different space on the 35th/Henderson corner, facing 35th.

Share This

SCHOOLS: South Seattle College ‘moving to alternative modes of instruction’ for rest of winter quarter

March 7, 2020 11:23 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Coronavirus | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just announced by Seattle Colleges, the system that includes South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) – the system is “moving to alternative modes of instruction” immediately. From the announcement posted online:

To date, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at any Seattle Colleges locations.

Beginning Monday, March 9, Seattle Colleges is moving from in-person classroom instruction to the appropriate alternative modality for each class, when and where possible. This includes satellite locations and will continue through the end of the Winter Quarter (March 25). The move is in accordance with the COVID-19 recommendations from Public Health — Seattle and King County to reduce large numbers of people coming together at the same time.

Classroom and instructional staff will make local decisions about which modes to employ for each particular course. Colleges and instructors will send more detailed information soon.

No Classes Monday, March 9, for Faculty Prep; Instructional Resources, Business and Student Services Remain Open

There will be no classes on Monday, March 9. Instead, faculty and staff will use the day to adapt their coursework to the alternative formats and communicate with students. Classes will resume Tuesday, March 10, reflecting the instructional changes.

All student and business services will remain open and maintain regular business hours and students are welcome on campus to use the services as necessary.

Students should contact their instructors with any course-related questions or concerns about having access to appropriate technology.

Moving instruction to alternative modes will help minimize the number of people physically on campus and help maintain the “social distancing” prescribed by health officials.

If a member of the Seattle Colleges community tests positive for COVID-19, district operations will be reassessed.

We’ll update this story if/when we see/receive SSC-specific information. The move away from in-person classes already has been announced by many other area colleges/universities.

Share This

YOUTH SPORTS: How to get ready today for West Seattle Baseball Cleat Exchange tomorrow

March 7, 2020 9:40 am

| Comments Off on YOUTH SPORTS: How to get ready today for West Seattle Baseball Cleat Exchange tomorrow

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

This is still set for tomorrow … and today’s the day to drop off your swappable cleats, if you haven’t already. The 4th annual West Seattle Baseball Cleat Exchange – hosted by and at Second Gear Sports in partnership with West Seattle Baseball, West Seattle Little League, and West Seattle Girls Softball – is set for 10 am-noon Sunday.

-Bring in your clean used cleats (and any other related gear you’d like to consign) BEFORE March 8th. Then come in on during the cleat exchange and pick up a new pair.
-There will be snacks, drinks, and tons of new and used gear.
-Also don’t forget to bring in a food donation for West Seattle Food Bank!!!

SGS is at 6529 California SW in Morgan Junction – if you need to drop off cleats/gear, it’s open 10 am-6 pm today

Share This

West Seattle Saturday: What’s happening, and not happening

March 7, 2020 6:07 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Dark-eyed Junco, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Again today, we have a two-part list – what’s happening and what’s NOT happening. Highlights of the former:

ANNIVERSARY: New releases at Best of Hands Barrelhouse (WSB sponsor) as they celebrate 1 year in business! Open noon-10 pm. (7500 35th SW)

WINE! The Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room is open the regular 2-7 pm schedule. (5910 California SW)

HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL AUCTION: 4:30-9 pm auction/dinner at Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School. Ticket info here. (9615 20th SW)

CHORANDO NA CHUVA: Brazilian music at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. All ages. No cover. (5612 California SW)

MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: Wings and Things: Brianna Skye and the Dark Clouds, The Kelsey Sprague Band, Julia Francis, Aline and Wes. 7 pm. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘THE BOOK CLUB PLAY’: Second weekend for the Twelfth Night Productions play at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. 7:30 pm curtain. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

MUSIC AT PARLIAMENT TAVERN: ‘Music is the Best Fest,’ night 2. 8 pm. $8 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

Then overnight tonight:

(Friday night sunset, photographed by James Bratsanos)

SPRING FORWARD: Daylight Saving Time will arrive at 2 am Sunday – “spring forward” one hour to 3 am.

****CANCELED/POSTPONED****

CYO SPORTS: All events for this weekend are canceled.

LIBRARY EVENTS: Both the Seattle Public Library and King County Library System have canceled events/programs BUT otherwise are open.

FAMILY READING TIME: Paper Boat Booksellers has canceled today’s session.

HISTORIANS’ PRESENTATIONS: “People, Politics, and Place” conference (not in West Seattle, but 3 local historians were slated to speak) canceled.

KENYON HALL: Live music/silent film postponed, new date April 24th.

MADISON MS FUNDRAISER: Rescheduled for May 1st.

206-293-5302 text/voice, or westseattleblog@gmail.com, for any and all info on cancellations/:changes – or if you want to tell us about something that IS still on – thank you!

Share This