We usually stick to the local info, but there was a presidential pronouncement tonight of note, so it tops our roundup:

SOCIAL DISTANCING UNTIL APRIL 30: That’s what the White House is now recommending. That’s a guideline, not an order, so it’s up to Gov. Inslee to decide how long the statewide “stay-home order” will last, though as reported earlier this week, he has already strongly hinted he’ll extend it beyond the two-week period currently scheduled to end April 6th.

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From today’s Seattle-King County Public Health news release:

Cases reported today are an approximation. Case numbers draw from a Washington State Department of Health database that is in the process of being updated. We expect to have an official count tomorrow.

Public Health—Seattle & King County is reporting the following estimated cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59 p.m. on 3/28/20.

2,159 estimated positive cases (up 82 from yesterday)

141 estimated deaths (up 5 from yesterday)

13 people are currently staying in King County isolation and quarantine facilities

The King County numbers one week ago tonight were 1,040 confirmed cases/75 deaths.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

NO, YOU DON’T HAVE TO DISINFECT YOUR GROCERIES: The state Health Department published this to clear that up.

TRANSIT TOMORROW: With dropping ridership, Sound Transit extends reductions to West Seattle-serving Route 560 as of Monday. Meanwhile, Metro starts a second week of reduced service. (Have you seen the “safety strap”?)

BUSINESS UPDATES: Another closure of note … and more restaurant/beverage changes (some closing, some reopening).

‘PAY IT FORWARD’ POP-UP: As noted on the list, Shug’s Soda Fountain continues a pop-up at what will someday be their West Seattle “mini” location. Customers have embraced this sweet “pay it forward” deal:

View this post on Instagram

We want to say thank you to this incredible community for purchasing so many ice cream sandwiches for our healthcare heroes — we will be delivering almost TWO HUNDRED treats to local hospitals, and it’s all thanks to you. This is such a difficult time for all of us, but we will get through it together! 💓 #payitforward #ShugsSodaFountain

A post shared by Shug's Soda Fountain (@shugssodafountain) on Mar 29, 2020 at 2:42pm PDT

FINAL WORD: Seen by Lisa in Arbor Heights this week:

GOT A PHOTO? INFO? TIP? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice our hotline, 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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EDUCATION: Seattle Public Schools shifting to ‘remote learning’

March 29, 2020 8:16 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

When Seattle Public Schools closed 2+ weeks ago, district leadership said online learning was not an option because of inequity in technology access. Many taachers have been getting learning materials to their students anyway – like these we spotted recently at a Junction location, placed by an Alki Elementary teacher, for families to pick up:

The district has formalized a plan with its teachers, and it rolls out this week. While SPS families already have seen this message (sent Friday), other community members might be interested:

The district and Seattle Education Association have agreed to a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This joint MOA makes clear our collective support for continuous student learning during school closures and our commitment to staff during these difficult times. This agreement came on the heels of new guidance from OSPI, that shifts learning expectations from supplemental during the statewide school closures to providing continuity of learning, in grades PreK-12 through April 24, or beyond if necessary.

While ongoing, remote learning cannot fully replace students’ experiences in schools with their teachers, administrators, and support staff, this approach will help ensure our students are prepared for the next step in their educational journey.

What can families expect?

Remote learning will take place in a multitude of ways. While instruction or lessons online will likely be an option for many students and families in the coming weeks, teachers will also suggest activities that do not require technology, consider home language (25% of our students speak more than one language), specialized services, developmental readiness, and resource access. More details will be provided in next week’s emails, and will be posted to the COVID-19 FAQ.

All instruction will be aligned to academic standards and focus on key concepts, skills, and knowledge that students need to make growth.

Are educators ready for this shift?

Many teachers have already been providing remote learning and some teachers will be trying out new techniques and technology solutions for the very first time. There will be some initial bumps, but remote instruction and supports will improve over time. Please be patient and also remember that many teachers are parents of SPS students. Everyone is balancing a lot right now.

Today, educators received guiding documents to support their planning. In addition, Microsoft Teams, an online conferencing and collaboration tool, was integrated with Schoology and over 500 teachers participated in training yesterday.

What can my child expect?

The best learning happens as a result of the close relationship between teachers and their students. Teachers know their content, learning standards, and they know most precisely where individual students need support or acceleration. Students will be supported in growing academically, with a strong focus on individualized instruction and consistent communication and feedback.

How will my child’s teacher or teachers communicate with our family?

Family engagement is always important to student learning, but even more so with schools being closed. Educators will communicate directly with families and students at least twice a week throughout the school closure period. These conversations will help ensure that parents and students understand the learning goals and expected progress. Communication will be coordinated and provided on a regular schedule.

What about students without technology access at home?

Enhanced computer access has been prioritized for high school seniors to support on-time graduation. Computers originally purchased to support elementary state assessments have been repurposed and will be deployed to high school students who need them. More information will be provided in the coming days.

How is the class of 2020 going to be supported?

A separate communication will be provided to the class of 2020 and their families. High School counselors have been asked to conduct senior “check-ins” starting on Monday as the first step in developing individualized graduation plans. Additional information about high school student and senior supports will be added to the COVID-19 FAQ.

High-school students are even trying to keep up the school spirit while apart – we saw this on Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sealth ASB (@sealthasb) on Mar 27, 2020 at 8:30pm PDT

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ART: Brightening a boarded-up business

March 29, 2020 7:02 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news | White Center | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo)

While out checking on a few things a little while ago, we stopped in downtown White Center, where West Seattle muralist Sarah Robbins is working on the boards covering the windows at Beer Star and its (also closed) co-housed businesses. She told us she’s working on the next panel (to the south) after this.

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BUSINESS UPDATE: West Seattle Nursery closes

March 29, 2020 6:29 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | Gardening | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

West Seattle Nursery – the only business of its kind on the peninsula – has decided to close, though it wasn’t required to. Thanks to Marie and Nicole from WSN for sharing their message to customers:

We have made the difficult decision to close West Seattle Nursery until Thursday, April 9th. However, any curbside pick-up or delivery orders (that were) received by 5 pm today (Sunday, March 29th) will be fulfilled over the next few days.

We need to do our part to fight this thing and to not invite our customers to take unnecessary chances during this critical period.

The nursery may be closed, but we can’t wait to see you again and get back to gardening together.

Thank you so much for your patience, loyalty, and love!

Take care and stay safe.
The West Seattle Nursery Team

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West Seattle weekend scene: Little Free Library with more than books

March 29, 2020 4:24 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | Seen around town | West Seattle news

The montage was sent by Jim, who explains:

We thought people might find this interesting. Our neighborhood has an established collection of Little Free Libraries and some changes have emerged in this era of Covid-19. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer. It’s kind to donate a roll for those in dire need but it might be best to seal it in a bag before leaving it.

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West Seattle weekend scene: Unofficial mini-market

March 29, 2020 2:41 pm

| 95 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

We’ve mentioned in our Sunday morning lists that some vendors from the West Seattle Farmers’ Market – which is currently closed by order of the mayor – have been coming to The Junction on Sundays (or at other times) anyway, mostly for pickups of pre-orders. Today, Kate sent photos of what she described as more of an “informal farmers’ market.”

This is the third Sunday without the official market. Farmers’ markets are described as “essential businesses” in the governor’s order from last week (see page 4), but the mayor’s order issued two weeks ago categorized those in Seattle as “permitted events” (as in, events that require special permits).

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UPDATE: DUI suspected in vehicle-on-side crash on Alki Avenue, with 4 children in the car

March 29, 2020 12:18 pm

| 44 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts | WS breaking news

12:18 PM: Emergency responders are at the scene of what’s reported as a car-on-side crash in the 1500 block of Alki SW (map).

12:21 PM: Adding a texted photo (thank you!). Per crews’ reports from the scene, everyone in the vehicle got out OK but a medic unit is being sent for a woman who may need treatment.

12:33 PM: At least three people will be taken to the hospital, via SFD medic unit and AMR ambulances.

12:44 PM: Added two more texted photos above (thanks to that texter too!). Some of the SFD units are being dismissed.

UPDATE 12:20 PM MONDAY: This is being investigated as DUI, SPD confirms. As for the victims, here’s what SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells us:

5 of the occupants were able to self-extricate from the vehicle. Our crews were able to safely extricate the 1 year old female from their car seat.

29 year old female in stable condition.

26 year old male in stable condition.

5 year old male with no reported injuries.

9 year old male with no reported injuries.

7 year old male with minor injuries.

1 year old female with no reported injuries.

All were transported to HMC.

2:16 PM MONDAY: SPD’s update includes this:

At the hospital, the 26-year-old male driver was evaluated and showed signs of impairment. There was evidence of drug use by both the adult occupants. Officers obtained a search warrant for a blood sample from the driver. Following his release from the hospital, the driver was booked into the King County Jail for DUI.

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FOLLOWUP: Signal installation complete at Highland Park Way & Holden

March 29, 2020 12:11 pm

| 31 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | Transportation | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

12:11 PM: SDOT crews have continued to work through the weekend installing the “temporary signal” at Highland Park Way and SW Holden (map), announced Wednesday as one of the first traffic-tackling measures to deal with the detous forced by the West Seattle Bridge closure. The picture above is what we saw about an hour ago. SDOT told us on Friday they expect to be done sometime in the coming week. Until the bridge’s sudden shutdown, the city had been in the early stages of designing a “fully signalized intersection” after many years of community pleas (here’s the plan posted earlier this month). We should find out more about the bridge situation and traffic-mitigation plan when the City Council is briefed Monday morning at 9:30 am (here’s how to watch/listen).

5:38 PM: Just went through to confirm what a commenter reported – it’s now operational.

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HISTORY: Southwest Seattle Historical Society tells the story of the Alki voting-rights fighter

March 29, 2020 10:59 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

As noted here earlier this month, though the Log House Museum is closed for now, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society is producing videos and other online info you can access at home. Checking the SWSHS website this morning, we found this video, published this week – the story of Katherine Smith, the Alki woman who helped lead the fight for women’s right to vote. Our state approved it in 1910, a decade before the 19th Amendment. (Read more about Ms. Smith here.)

P.S. Remember that you too are making history right now, and the SWSHS has a special way for you to share it.

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Online church services and other notes for your West Seattle Sunday

March 29, 2020 6:07 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle religion | WS miscellaneous

Good morning. Thanks to Jim Borrow for the skyline photo from Tuesday. On to our Sunday list of what is/isn’t happening – our third Sunday spotlighting churches that have taken their services online:

ADMIRAL UCC: The video service for today is posted online here.

ALKI UCC: 10 am online service, via Zoom – info and link on lower right of this page.

ALL SOULS SEATTLE (WSB sponsor): Daily online worship here

ARBOR HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CHURCH: Livestreaming here at 10 am.

BETHANY COMMUNITY CHURCH: Livestreaming here, 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am, 7 pm.

EASTRIDGE CHURCH: Livestreaming here at 9 and 11 am.

FAUNTLEROY UCC: Livestreaming here at 10 am.

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OF WEST SEATTLE: Today’s online liturgy is here.

GRACE CHURCH: Livestreaming here, 10:30 am.

HALLOWS CHURCH: Livestreaming at 10 am here.

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH: Livestreaming in English at 8:30 am, en Español at 10 am, here.

HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH: Livestreaming Mass at 9:30 am here.

HOPE LUTHERAN: Today’s recorded service and children’s sstory are viewable here.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH: Livestreaming Mass here at 10 am.

PEACE LUTHERAN: Watch here for the pastor’s message for today.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Livestreaming here at 10:15 am, or view later on the church website.

TIBBETTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (WSB sponsor): The video service for today is viewable here.

TRINITY CHURCH: Livestreaming here, 10 am.

WEST SEATTLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH: The video service for today is viewable here.

WEST SEATTLE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE: Livestreaming here, 11 am.

WEST SIDE PRESBYTERIAN Plans are explained here, including livestreams at 8:30 and 10 am today.

WESTSIDE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION: Livestreaming via Zoom, 10:30 am.

Any other churches to add? Please email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Also today:

FERRY SCHEDULE CUTS: The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is among those affected, starting today, as previewed here.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 11 am-4 pm – need a tool to fix or improve something? (4408 Delridge Way SW)

FREE COMMUNITY DINNER TO GO: High Point Community Dinner Church will serve to-go meals at 5 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield, as previewed here. (34th/Myrtle)

What’s NOT happening:

CANCELED: West Seattle Farmers’ Market (as announced). Here’s this list of how to get the vendors’ products even while it’s on hiatus.

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