West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
More announcements today, but not quite the deluge of each of the past two days. Here’s our nightly roundup:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From this afternoon’s Seattle-King County Public Health news release:
Public Health – Seattle & King County is reporting the following confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59 p.m. on 3/12/20
328 confirmed cases (up 58 from yesterday)
32 confirmed deaths (up 5 from yesterday)Deaths being reported today include:
A woman in her 90s, a resident of Life Care Center, who died on 3/6
A woman in her 90s, a resident of Life Care Center, who died on 3/6
A woman in her 80s, a resident of Life Care Center, who died on 3/4
A man in his 70s, who died at Overlake Medical Center on 3/9
A man in his 80s, who died at Swedish Issaquah on 3/11Of the 32 deaths reported, 25 are associated with Life Care Center of Kirkland.
BRIDGE PARK FOLLOWUP: Following our report last night on the High Point senior-living complex’s notice that a resident has tested positive for COVID-19, we heard back from its owners today, and added that to the story, as well as the letter sent to families. No public word on how the patient is doing.
QUARANTINE/ISOLATION SITE PLAN CHANGES: Even before a single patient has arrived at the Top Hat quarantine/isolation site, an incident at the one in Kent led to the county announcing a change in plans.
GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING: This afternoon, Gov. Jay Inslee and State Supt. of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal briefed the media again. The governor expanded the school closure order to all K-12s statwwide and also to higher-education institutions. Here’s the video:
In Q&A, Inslee also debunked that National Guard rumor that’s been circulating (as he had done earlier on Twitter).
FARMERS’ MARKETS CLOSED: A mayoral order announced this afternoon means the West Seattle Farmers’ Market and others like it are closed until mid-April. WSFM management says it’s working on “creative solutions” to make its farmers’ produce/products available – they’re surveying customers’ interest.
LUNCH SITES FOR SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENTS: Five West Seattle/South Park schools are among the 26 schools citywide where the district will start distributing sack lunches Monday. Here’s the story, with addresses and a map.
HELPING: Yesterday we told you about the Highland Park Elementary PTA marshaling volunteers and donors to help local students stay fed until the district operation fires up. Today, we found out about volunteers at Highland Park Improvement Club providing lunches to Sanislo Elementary students:
Among the volunteers who made/distributed more than 160 lunches, City Councilmember Lisa Herbold. (P.S. Here’s her latest newsletter, including lots of city info about the virus crisis.)
BUSINESSES: Lots of biznotes today – and more to come this weekend – as independent local businesses do their best to adapt to “social distancing” while still serving customers. Many are implementing strategies like delivery or pre-ordering for pickup (not just food businesses, which have long deployed those tactics). The West Seattle Junction Association has added two 15-minute parking spaces in each of its four free-parking lots to help make quick pickup possible. Look for signs like this:
Let us know what YOUR business is doing – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
WHAT’S CANCELED, POSTPONED, CHANGED LOCALLY: We’re continuing to update our West Seattle list – see it here (more updates tonight). If/when 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: All the stories published on WSB related to the COVID-19 situation are categorized so that you can find them anytime at westseattleblog.com/category/coronavirus. We’re also continuing to use Twitter (@westseattleblog) for instant bursts. Any local info you’re NOT finding, please let us know so we can improve how we serve you.
P.S. How about some “poems to lean on,” as suggested by state Poet Laureate Claudia Castro Luna (a West Seattleite)?
Multiple sources have sent us a letter posted in the Jefferson Square office building, on the north side of the center, saying the building is closed this weekend for cleaning, because “It has been reported that one of the tenants in the office building … has had direct contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.” Here’s the entire letter:
No information on which tenant or how the exposed person is doing. The office building’s access is largely separate from the retail businesses that ring the center.
8:06 PM FRIDAY: Announced today – a chance to help The Admiral District‘s beverage businesses stay afloat:
These last few weeks have been really tough for a lot of local businesses in the Admiral Junction. Here is your chance to help out. This Sunday, March 15th, join us for a bar crawl to support your favorite local businesses. Each of these businesses will be running drink specials and food specials.
5 pm – The Nook
5:30 pm – Yen Wor (in the bar in the back)
6 pm – Admiral Pub
6:30 pm – Arthur’s
7 pm – Mission Cantina
7:30 pm – Copper Coin
8 pm – Parliament Tavern
8:30 pm – CircaIf you can’t join us for the bar crawl, please try and stop by on Sunday to one of these businesses, and if you can’t stay, you can always buy gift cards. Any amount of support would be greatly appreciated from all your favorite bartenders, servers, cooks, dishwashers, and barbacks in the Admiral Junction.
Starting point The Nook is at 2206 California SW.
ADDED 11:15 AM SATURDAY: The proprietors have just told us this is off, after they discussed further and agreed the “social distancing” recommendations might be tough to meet.
Driving Alki this afternoon, we noticed a note on the door at Pacific Room (2808 Alki SW), so stopped to check it out. The restaurant/nightclub has suspended dining-room service and live music for at least the rest of March – but: “We will, however, be keeping our kitchen open and available for all takeout orders, 4 pm-9 pm, 7 days a week. Visit our website, check out our menu, give us a call, 206-829-9695, and let us make dinner easy for you!”
Because of the coronavirus outbreak, the state’s Healthplanfinder has a special open-enrollment period for those who need health insurance. Read about it here. The announcement mentions working with a local broker/navigator – here’s a message from West Seattleite Carol McClure:
In response to the Coronavirus, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange announced a limited time special enrollment for individuals currently without health insurance. Applications must be created and submitted by April 8 to be covered beginning April 1. If you have questions or need help enrolling, please contact Financial Designs, 425-392-7390
(WSB photo, this afternoon)
Need some diversion? West Seattle’s only movie theater is open. Here’s how the Admiral Theater‘s parent company Far Away Entertainment says things are being handled:
We are open and if you’re able to visit our movie theater, we thank you!
In order to promote social distancing, we’ll only be selling 50% of our seats to each show and scheduling shows further apart to allow for extra cleaning time. The 50% sales limit allows for more effective social distancing. Now there will be plenty of room to sit apart from others in all our auditoriums.
Employees have been asked to stay home if they’re feeling unwell and will also be screened upon coming to work. We will continue to take all extra cleaning precautions and measures.
We have some great shows on screen and hope you’re able to escape and enjoy a movie!
The Admiral is at 2343 California SW. Its lineup, showtimes, and ticket prices are here.
(WSB photo, 3/8/20 West Seattle Farmers’ Market)
ORIGINAL 2:42 PM REPORT: Just in from the nonprofit that manages the West Seattle Farmers’ Market and others, a cancellation notice but with word that they’re working on other ways to get fresh food to shoppers:
For 26 years, the Neighborhood Farmers Market has provided the link between hundreds of Washington farmers and food producers and you, our neighborhood shoppers. And that is what we will continue to do as we explore safe options to connect you with local food.
Yesterday evening, the Mayor’s Office notified us that all neighborhood farmers markets in the City of Seattle will be suspended through April 13 in an imperative attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. We are complying, and with support from the city and our stakeholders it is our goal to welcome you all safely back into the markets as soon as possible.
I want to assure you that our staff, board, and community partners are working around the clock to ensure the Neighborhood Farmers Markets leads an effort to find creative solutions during this time – especially our farmers, food producers, and shoppers who rely on the markets and programs like Fresh Bucks for access to healthy food.
You can do two things to help local growers:
First, if you are interested in deliveries or pick-ups at neighborhood drop points from our over 200 market farmers and vendors, we want to know! As we explore all options to support our local farms and feed the community, you are an essential part of the solution. Fill out the interest form here.
Second, please donate to the Good Farmer Fund. Since 2008, this fund has provided over $250,000 in relief to small farms, who operate on slim margins and face high degrees of uncertainty even during the best of times. We need to replenish the fund and explore alternate funding in order to keep these small businesses in business during this time. Donate today.
In the coming weeks, we will be in regular touch to keep you informed about how COVID-19 is impacting our markets, organization, neighborhood food supply, and the farmers and food producers who make up a thriving local food economy that is now under threat. Our goal is to ensure that farmers markets and vendors survive this unforeseen disruption in their businesses and are able to continue to bring healthy food and vitality into Seattle neighborhoods.
There is work to do, and in the spirit of community, our interconnectedness, and feeding neighbors during good times and bad, you are all needed.
The timeframe means there won’t be another WS Farmers’ Market before Sunday, April 19th.
3:37 PM: Another email from Farmers’ Market management: “Please stay tuned for a corrected announcement from our organization later today. We regret the mixed messages during a confusing time, and are working internally and with our stakeholders to get you an update as quickly as possible.” We’ll update when we get it.
5:11 PM: Still waiting for the Farmers’ Market update, but the mayor’s office has just announced that her order suspending events such as these markets takes effect Monday, so we’re waiting to hear if that means one last market on Sunday or not.
7:51 PM: The Farmers’ Market management’s updated announcement says the market is suspended immediately, so NO market Sunday or subsequent Sundays until at least April 19th.
Look for signs like that in each of the West Seattle Junction Association‘s four free parking lots (44th/Alaska, 44th/Oregon, 44th north of Edmunds, 42nd/Oregon) – they have just been set up to set aside two 15-minute parking spots in each lot, meant to facilitate going to a local business for something quick like picking up takeout food or an item you’ve ordered online or by phone.
Local businesses are doing everything they can to keep serving you as long as they can during the COVID-19 situation. So we’re publishing updates as we get them. These are from three Morgan Junction businesses:
THUNDER ROAD GUITARS & THE BASS SHOP: We stopped into the shop at 6400 California SW to check in. Here’s their message for you:
West Seattle! Thunder Road Guitars and The Bass Shop are open for business and will remain open. We have more inventory in the store than ever with new guitars arriving daily. To be safe, we are taking daily measures to disinfect and wipe down surfaces, doors, etc. We understand and respect people wanting to stay out of public places and therefore we are offering free local shipping and/or delivery to all of West Seattle. We have gift cards available as well. We would love to see you! Tues – Sat 10 am – 6p m, online 24/7 www.thunderroadguitars.com and www.thebassshopseattle.com
Both shops are WSB sponsors.
WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY: Ownership/management of this independent local grocery store at 4201 SW Morgan (also a WSB sponsor) have this message for you:
(The “no personal cups” change for coffee bars seems to be increasingly common – though we’ve proudly brought a reusable cup to coffee shops going back to the ’90s, we’re leaving ours at home TFN.)
(Bald Eagles, photographed Wednesday at Lincoln Park by Mark MacDonald)
First, what IS happening (always subject to last-minute change, though):
LAST DAY FOR LIBRARIES: Seattle Public Library branches are closing for at least a month after 6 pm tonight.
LAST DAY FOR COMMUNITY CENTERS/POOLS: As announced, they too are closing after today.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION @ HP ELEMENTARY: Again today until early evening, Highland Park Elementary PTA volunteers are distributing food at the school. Donations welcome too. (1012 SW Trenton)
FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR SANISLO STUDENTS: 11 am-2 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club. (1116 SW Holden)
LUNCHES AT THE JUNCTION CHURCH: The weekly lunch is now a distribution of sack lunches, all welcome, noon-12:30 pm. (4157 California SW)
(updated 5:15 pm, canceled) SONGWRITERS’ SHOWCASE: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor). No cover, all ages. (5612 California SW)
LIVE IN-STORE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 7 pm, Mr. Dinkles. Free, all ages. (California/Alaska)
(updated 7:27 pm, canceled)
(2:26 PM, show is canceled but tavern IS open) MUSIC AT PARLIAMENT TAVERN: 9 pm, The Mutineers, Michael Ray & the Plastic Sheets, Gravel Road. $8 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
What’s NOT happening, from our cancellations, postponements, changes page:
CANCELED – ArtsWest production “Saint Joan”
CANCELED – Seattle CYO Athletics games
CANCELED – CRS community meal at Our Lady of Guadalupe
CANCELED – VR Wine Happy Hour at Quail Park West Seattle
CANCELED – HPIC Art Lounge
CANCELED – Senior Center of West Seattle “non-essential” programs/events
POSTPONED – Arbor Heights Elementary auction (new date: May 8th)
POSTPONED – West Seattle High School Big Band Dinner Dance (no new date yet)
POSTPONED – West Side Presbyterian Garage Sale (new dates are June 5 & 6)
Please continue sending in not only cancellations/changes but also announcements of what IS happening – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – business info welcome too – thank you!
Seen in The Junction:
The Antique Mall of West Seattle is closed TFN.
We’ll continue to report on what businesses are doing to stay open as well as closures, so please keep the info coming – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!
With Port properties in West Seattle, you might wonder how the COVID-19 situation is affecting shipping. Here’s the latest update from the Northwest Seaport Alliance (the ports of Seattle and Tacoma):
During this COVID-19 pandemic, The Northwest Seaport Alliance remains committed to protecting the health of our community and employees. Working closely with the United States Coast Guard and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the NWSA continues to serve the needs of our customers as cargo-handling facilities remain operational. We are also following the CDC’s recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus.
“We are focused on maintaining the reliability of our gateway, reducing the potential of infections and positioning ourselves so that we can adjust in the event that further measures become necessary,” said NWSA CEO John Wolfe.
The CDC is the main federal response agency for maritime vessels. The U.S. Coast Guard has authority on commercial vessel traffic and crew members on board the vessels. Here’s the U.S. Coast Guard’s latest marine safety information update from March 9: https://bit.ly/2vgVEy9.
Vessels destined for a U.S. port are required to report to the CDC any sick or deceased crew/passengers during 15 days prior to arrival at the U.S. port.
Non-passenger commercial vessels that have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) or embarked crew members who have been in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) within the last 14 days, with no sick crew members, will be permitted to enter the U.S. and conduct normal operations, with restrictions. Crew members on these vessels will be required under captain of the port authority to remain aboard the vessel except to conduct specific activities directly related to vessel cargo or provisioning operations.
The NWSA and Washington state ports are in communication with each other and the United States Coast Guard through the USCG Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC), which was established to be prepared for events such as this.
We have implemented daily enhanced cleaning protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus at Port maritime and marine maintenance facilities including:
Providing hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes for self-cleaning of desks, equipment and NWSA vehicles.
Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces throughout facilities, including kitchens, handrails, doorknobs, offices, conference rooms and restrooms.The Annual Breakfast, scheduled for March 25, 2020 has been postponed to a later date.
All non-essential domestic and international business travel for employees through April 15, 2020 has been suspended.
To increase physical distance among employees, the NWSA has implemented a flexible worksite policy for employees who are able to telework.
As reported earlier this morning, Seattle Public Schools will have lunches available at five local sites starting Monday, but that’s three days away. In addition to the Highland Park PTA effort continuing today, we have word of a lunch distribution for Sanislo Elementary students, from volunteer Holli:
Lunches for Sanislo Students provided today at Highland Park Improvement Club, 11 am-2 pm.
Thanks to the community and neighbors for pitching in to provide, assemble and serve! And to the Board of the club for providing this hub.
Address: 1116 SW Holden St.
Also see our daily highlight lists (today’s coming up shortly) for an all-ages site. Any others, for kids and/or adults, as this goes on, please let us know.
Disruption in so many regular routines means disruption in pets’ lives too. So in case you weren’t already aware, a reminder of one of the resources we offer: For more than a decade, WSB has had the only all-West Seattle Lost/Found Pets page on the open web. The first thing to do if you lose/find one is of course, canvass the area – then (if you’ve found one), check our page in case s/he is already posted – if not (whether found OR lost), send us a pic/info: westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302. Here to help!
1:57 AM: Seattle Public Schools has announced the sites where it will offer free lunches during the extended closure. Starting Monday, those 5 sites in West Seattle/South Park, and 21 others around the city, “will provide lunches for all Seattle Public Schools students Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.” See the full list here; the local sites are:
Concord International Elementary School
723 S Concord StDenny International Middle School
2601 SW Kenyon StChief Sealth International High School
2600 SW Thistle StWest Seattle Elementary School
6760 34th Ave SWWest Seattle High School
3000 California Ave SW
The district says families will get more information later today about these meal pickup sites.
ADDED FRIDAY EVENING: That additional information points people to the cafeteria/galleria areas at the school and also clarifies that these are “grab and go” meals – sack lunches.
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