West Seattle, Washington

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month : 03/2020 350 results

Are Farmers’ Markets ‘essential’? New campaign asks mayor to change her mind, while vendors try other ways to sell
March 22, 2020 12:07 pm
|      69 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, March 8th)

That photo is from March 8th, the last West Seattle Farmers’ Market before markets were shut down by order of Mayor Jenny Durkan, who grouped them with other “permtted events.” Today is the second Sunday without a WSFM; the order affected others around the city too. Market managers have launched a letter-signing campaign to get the mayor to change her mind. They’re asking for signatures. The letter begins:

To Mayor Durkan & City of Seattle Partners,

It is our firm conviction that farmers markets are an essential part of Seattle’s food supply and that they should remain open, along with grocery stores, during the COVID-19 outbreak. We are gravely concerned about the abrupt closure of farmers markets at a time when food supply chains and our economy are under threat.

The truth is, if we cannot support and strengthen our region’s farmers during this crisis, that many small farms will not recover from the market closures and that our local food supply and regional network of farmland will be forever changed. Moreover, farmers markets serve shoppers who rely on using their SNAP and SNAP-incentive benefits like Fresh Bucks to purchase fresh food. For those who have already withdrawn benefits at the markets, they cannot now use them at grocery stores.

We are calling on City of Seattle leaders in local government to:

1) Designate farmers markets as an essential business and exempt them from the blanket suspension of permitted events;

2) Work with market management organizations to approve operating plans that support public health orders and CDC guidance on distancing, sanitation, and employee health, and;

3) Commit to closing the policy loophole that lumps farmers markets in the City of Seattle with events, festivals, and other street-use events.

We urge leaders in Seattle to take the actions above, and ultimately to ensure that Washington’s small family farms can continue to provide a vital service in feeding the community during a time of increased need.

The letter goes on to mention other areas of the country in which farmers’ markets are designated as “essential” businesses – you can see for yourself in San Francisco’s shelter-in-place order, for example. The letter also notes that the markets also have not been part of any of our governor’s orders, just the city. If you are interested in signing, go here and scroll to the bottom.

Meantime, market managers have compiled a long list of vendors and how to get their wares while the markets remain closed, some with pickups and pop-ups in West Seattle – see it here.

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WEST SEATTLE ART: Joy at 54th/Andover
March 22, 2020 11:18 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thanks to the texter who sent the invitation to “find joy,” chalked at 54th/Andover. What’s YOUR neighborhood doing? Photos always welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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Online church services, WestSide Baby ‘brunch,’ & more for your West Seattle Sunday
March 22, 2020 6:03 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

Good morning. Thanks to Mark Wangerin for the photo of a (updated) Common Goldeneye in West Seattle waters! On to a Sunday list of what is/isn’t happening – first, our second Sunday with a list of churches that have taken their services online:

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

ALKI UCC: 10 am Town Hall-style worship with House Group Leaders, via Zoom – info and link on lower right of this page.

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

ARBOR HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CHURCH: Planning to livestrream here at 10 am.

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

EASTRIDGE CHURCH: Livestreamed and recorded services, here.

FAUNTLEROY UCC: Livestreaming here,10 am.

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

GRACE CHURCH: Livestreaming here, 10:30 am.

HALLOWS CHURCH: Livestream at 10 am via YouTube – link will be on this webpage.

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 will be here by 8 am.

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 am.

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

TRINITY CHURCH: Livestreaming here, 10 am.

WEST SEATTLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH: The video service for today is 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 happening:

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 11 am-4 pm – go check out something for that at-home project you suddenly have time to do. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

WESTSIDE BABY’S COMMUNITY IN BLOOM: At 1 pm, go here to be part of the “virtual brunch” supporting WestSide Baby‘s work

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 (announcement) Miss the market? Check out this list of how to get the vendors’ products even while it’s on hiatus. And watch for our story later today on an effort to bring the market back.

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CORONAVIRUS: Saturday 3/21 roundup
March 21, 2020 9:13 pm
|      66 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Here’s what happened today, 22 days after the first King County case of COVID-19 was announced:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From today’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 3/20/20.

934 confirmed cases (up 141 from yesterday)*
74 confirmed deaths (up 8 from yesterday)*

These additional deaths include:

A woman in her 80s, who died on 3/19
A woman in her 100s, who on died 3/15
A man in his 80s, who died on 3/20 at Swedish Ballard
A woman in her 70s, who died on 3/20 at Northwest Hospital
A man in his 70s, who died on 3/20 at Northwest Hospital
A woman in her 70s, who died on 3/20 at Highline Medical Center
A man in his 60s, who died on 3/20 at Swedish Issaquah
A man in his 80s, who died on 3/20 at Valley Medical Center

Of the 74 deaths reported, 35 are confirmed to be associated with Life Care Center of Kirkland.

*After case investigation, one previously reported death was confirmed to be a resident of a different jurisdiction. We have removed this person from our overall confirmed case and death counts.

For comparison – the totals one week ago were 388 King County cases, 35 deaths.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: 1,793 cases, 94 deaths; other state stats here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them – nation by nation – here.

WEST SEATTLE COVID-19 DEATH: One of the three diagnosed Bridge Park residents has died.

MASK SALES SCRAPPED: Given that just yesterday the mask (and other protective equipment) shortage was announced as so grave that people were being recruited to make them and/or donate them, some were shocked today to discover masks for sale at Westwood Village Target. Some who saw them offered to buy them all and donate them, but reported being rejected. The situation was solved by day’s end:

Meantime, as for the mask-sewing campaign, the organizers at Providence told volunteers via email, “Your response, and the response of so many others, actually served as a catalyst for a local business to step up and offer their equipment and facilities to produce large numbers of face masks.”

GOOD THING THE RAIN’S RETURNING: Despite Gov. Jay Inslee‘s Friday plea for more social distancing and less park crowding, Alki drew a big turnout again this afternoon. That in turn led to a summer-style traffic jam after sunset – Kersti Muul photographed it:

Seattle Parks said earlier in the day they would send employees to parks to reinforce the new rules about no playground/sport-court use; we also heard via scanner that at least one Seattle Police precinct was dispatching officers to “directed patrol” and issuing “dispersal orders” at parks. We didn’t see any sign of that when we drove past Alki just after 6 pm, though.

WIDE-OPEN SPACES: By contrast, the lack of a crowd early this afternoon in The Junction was a reminder of the dramatic hit most small independent local businesses are taking because of the health orders.

About that same time, city leaders were announcing that they’ve decided to roll back some types of parking enforcement.

SPEAKING OF GETTING AROUND – METRO UPDATE: Still awaiting full details on the Metro service cuts that take effect Monday, but we noticed something that’s changed since the Friday announcement of which routes will be affected – now Metro plans to temporarily ax TWO West Seattle routes, the 125 as previously announced, plus the 37. (added) And remember – Metro and the Water Taxi are free TFN.

RESTAURANT/BEVERAGE LIST REMINDER: Still updating and adding to our list of 110+ local restaurants and coffee/wine/beer/etc. establishments – see it here and if you can, help them keep their doors open!

GROCERY-STORE HOURS (ETC.) LIST: We’re continuing to update that list too, since things keep changing..

SIGN OF THE TIMES: Thanks to the two readers who’ve sent a pic of this sighting at West Seattle Nursery:

GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT: westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!

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COVID-19 DEATH: Bridge Park tells families a resident has died
March 21, 2020 8:16 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | High Point | West Seattle news

Another update provided to families of residents at High Point senior-living complex Bridge Park: One of the three residents with confirmed cases of COVID-19 has died. Thanks again to the people who have shared this news, including the person who sent this image of the notification letter:

The third case was reported three days ago. The residents have been asked to stay in isolation in their apartments since the first case was reported nine days ago. That has led to a community effort to show support from outside – like the chalk art we showed earlier today.

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STILL OPEN: West Seattle Tool Library
March 21, 2020 6:07 pm
|    Comments Off on STILL OPEN: West Seattle Tool Library
 |   Coronavirus | Delridge | West Seattle news

More at-home time = more repair/improvement/gardening time. You might need a tool you don’t have. Still open and ready to help: The West Seattle Tool Library, which is in North Delridge, on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. It’s a nonprofit that’s been serving the community for more than a decade. WSTL’s Christina Hahs tells WSB, “We are open regular hours and sterilizing all the tools going out and coming in.” Open tomorrow (Sunday) 11 am-4 pm – also 5-8 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and 11 am-4 pm Saturdays.

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RESTAURANTS/BEVERAGE BUSINESSES: New additions to our ongoing list – kitchen group in Delridge
March 21, 2020 4:54 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Another category of small food/beverage businesses hit hard by restrictions required to try to slow the COVID-19 outbreak – food trucks and other vendors who use commissaries in West Seattle. We heard from the owner of one, Keith Mathewson of the KBM Seattle Commissary at 5604 Delridge Way SW. He explains:

KBM Seattle Commissary members are suffering along with the rest of the food service industry from C-19. The majority of whom have lost most if not all of their income. There is a point of sale window which previously was used exclusively by West Of Chicago Pizza. We will be expanding the number of companies which will have access to that window.

Here is a list of the companies who, at present, will be vending in the very near future (using the window)-

9th & Hennepin Organic Donuts
Cheese Steak Madness
Exotic Wingz
Roll Pod Food Truck
Taqueria La Jarochita
T’Juana Tacos
Tummy Yummy Food Truck
West of Chicago Pizza

West of Chicago and T’Juana Tacos are both on our updated restaurant/beverage-business list already and we’ll add the others when we get word of their plans.

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COFFEE: Starbucks goes drive-through only; here are the places nearest shuttered stores to get your walk-up coffee instead
March 21, 2020 4:01 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

That’s the sign on the door at the West Seattle Junction Starbucks, one of the stores now closed because the company’s gone (mostly) drive-through for at least a few weeks, as explained here. The only two drive-throughs in our area are Fauntleroy/Avalon and White Center (16th/100th). But there are other walkup coffee shops near most of the shuttered stores, such as:

MORGAN JUNCTION – Youngstown Coffee Co. (north), Caffe Ladro (south)
ALKI – Top Pot (next door), Ampersand (east)
ADMIRAL – Freshy’s (southwest), West Seattle Grounds (northwest)
THE JUNCTION – Flying Apron (west), Easy Street Café (west), Lula (northwest), Hotwire (north)

Get links/addresses to most of those coffee shops (and others that are open in other WS areas!) via our frequently updated restaurants/beverage-businesses list. (Who’s missing but open? Let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com!)

NOTE: Again, the mentions above are ONLY THE COFFEE SHOPS CLOSEST TO SHUTTERED STARBUCKS STORES – West Seattle has MANY others still open and most of them are in our food/beverage-biz list. (If they’re not, tell them to send us info ASAP!)

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GRATITUDE: Bridge Park resident’s daughter says ‘thank you’
March 21, 2020 3:11 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | High Point | West Seattle news

Residents at senior-living complex Bridge Park in West Seattle’s High Point neighborhood have been in isolation because three were diagnosed with COVID-19. So one resident’s daughter asked us to publish her request for people to consider brightening the shut-in seniors’ lives – maybe with chalk art, or (solo) music … and people responded! She sent these photos and a note: “Such a bright and beautiful response to the blog post about Bridge Park! Thanks neighbors for spreading joy during this time. – Michele Nelson (and my mom Mary Lee)”

Bridge Park is at 3204 SW Morgan, with more than 100 residents.

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PARKING: City temporarily changes rules for 3 types of enforcement
March 21, 2020 1:58 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Transportation | West Seattle news

Not that parking is much of a problem right now, at least in business districts … we’re just back from a West Seattle Junction walkabout and the views above and below are part of what we saw.

But all the same, the city has just sent this announcement, which applies to residential areas too:

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced today that the Seattle Department of Transportation and Seattle Police Department are implementing temporary changes to parking enforcement in the City of Seattle. As parking and transportation needs have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SDOT is adjusting its parking rules to better support residents’ and businesses’ needs during this time.

…

Rule changes will be made to the following three areas:

72-Hour Parking Rule
Booting and Towing
Temporary Restaurant Loading Zones

The following three changes will be in effect until further notice:

72-Hour Parking Rule

The City will temporarily suspend enforcement of the 72-hour parking rule. People should still follow posted signs regarding other time restrictions. Vehicles without Residential Parking Zone permits must still obey time limits in those zones. This suspension will initially last for two weeks. During this time the City will actively monitor health and safety conditions and impacts to surrounding communities. The City may extend the suspension or make additional temporary adjustments to the enforcement procedures.

Booting and Towing

The City will limit towing to situations which create safety hazards, block access, or create other major issues. The City will suspend booting of vehicles with unpaid parking tickets for the duration of the Seattle Municipal Court closure.

Temporary Restaurant Loading Zones

SDOT is installing temporary loading zones at restaurants to support businesses and facilitate food pick-up. No payment is necessary for quick food pickups in the three-minute load zones. Residents can find all temporary loading zones on the COVID19 – Food Pick-Up Zone Map. Restaurants can request temporary load zones by contacting SDOT at 206-684-ROAD or 684-ROAD@seattle.gov.

All other standard parking rules will continue to be enforced, including unpermitted parking or blocking access to an existing or created zone at clinics and hospitals, fire hydrants, police precincts or other public health and safety locations, and illegal parking in a bicycle or transit lane. Payment will still be required for on-street parking at metered spaces and other parking time limits will continue to be enforced so that there will still be available parking spaces in front of businesses and other destinations. Time limits and use of special zones will still be enforced (e.g., transit zones, shuttle bus zones, taxi zones). SDOT and SPD will continue to evaluate potential additional changes to parking regulations and enforcement.

Information on changes to parking citations, fines, and adjudication can be found on SDOT’s COVID-19 parking page…..

See the full news release here.

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WEST SEATTLE ART: Seaview kids create ‘a bright spot’
March 21, 2020 12:25 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thanks to Josie for tweeting the photos and reporting, “Pop-up art walk happening in Seaview on 49th between Dawson and Hudson with kid art at several houses! Bringing a little bright spot to our days.”

What are YOU and your neighbors doing for each other? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 (or via Twitter, we’re at @westseattleblog) – thank you!

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FEEL LIKE RUNNING? West Seattle Runner’s advice on how to start safely
March 21, 2020 11:31 am
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

With gyms and other fitness facilities closed, many are staying fit by going out for a run – even if they weren’t regular runners before. You want to be safe so you don’t get hurt – especially considering non-emergency medical care is not a option. So West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) offered to write up some advice on safe running:

We see lots of runners out on the streets, tracks, and trails of West Seattle these days. We have heard many say that they are taking up running since they don’t have access to their typical workout routine at this time. We hope that you will enjoy running as much as we do! We also thought it might be helpful to share a few tips on how to get started running in a way that will reduce injury, increase enjoyment and keep you running for years to come. Our best tip is to start conservatively and gradually build. Here’s how:

1) Begin by setting out for a walk/run workout. If you have never run before (or it has been a long time) but you are consistently doing walks of 30 minutes now, you can start to add in two-minute intervals of running followed by walking for an interval of time that allows your heart rate to restore to normal. Then you can add in another two minutes of running. Continue to do this until you are soon running your entire 30 minutes. *If you have been walking for 20 minutes, you can use the same protocol, just start with a 20 minute segment. If you have not been doing any aerobic activity, start with building your endurance with 20-30-minute walks and then work into the protocol described earlier.

2) If you are already able to run for 30 minutes, you can gradually add to your time every other day. You can choose to run by time or miles. But the general rule of thumb is that you don’t increase your overall volume by more than 10 percent each week.

3) We don’t recommend that you run every day. Your body does need time to recover. At first, it might be best to go every other day and allow yourself to determine how you are adjusting to the new activity.

4) Be able to hold a conversation while running. While this is going to be more of a solo sport for right now due to COVID-19, a “conversational pace” is still a great way to gauge if your pacing is right. If you are gasping for air and unable to talk, you are simply running too fast and you need to slow down. That will sometimes mean slowing to a walk. That is okay, you won’t have to do that for long. Going at a conversational pace allows you to build your aerobic base, makes for a more enjoyable experience and reduces the risk of injury.

5) Join a community where you feel supported, connected, and get your questions answered. Join our West Seattle Runner Group Page on Facebook where we’ll do FB live kickoffs to virtual group runs each Wednesday night. Our runners are also posting pictures and reports on how their runs are going. They are an encouraging group and love to answer questions and share tips.

6) Enlisting the help of a running coach can be helpful to get a program that is tailored to your specific needs. P3|Running offers coaching that can all be done virtually via online calendars, phone calls, video chatting etc.

7) Have fun! We are in love with this sport for a reason and we hope it gives to you the way it gives to us at this time. It is our bias that running is good for physical and mental health.

Sincerely,
The West Seattle Runner Team

WSR is West Seattle’s only running store. They’re also still open, with “safe shopping” measures in place, as shown here – 2749 California SW.

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GROCERY SHOPPING: More local changes
March 21, 2020 6:30 am
|      45 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Going grocery shopping this weekend? We hope you have a successful trip. (The photo above shows the paper-products aisle of Roxbury Safeway, this past Thursday morning around 8:30 am – the only truly near-empty aisle.) Since we first published a list of local hours back on Wednesday, several stores have changed their hours, and more have added special times reserved for people 60+ and others at elevated risk. (At least one chain also is adding a layer of protection between checkers and shoppers – Safeway‘s putting in Plexiglas.) Anyway, before you shop – check our updated list of locations/hours! And thanks again to everyone who’s tipped us to changes.

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CORONAVIRUS: Friday 3/20 roundup
March 20, 2020 9:13 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

Three weeks after the first King County case of COVID-19 was announced, here are the toplines from a busy Friday:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From today’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 3/19/20.

793 confirmed cases (up 100 from yesterday)
67 confirmed deaths (up 7 from yesterday)

These additional deaths include:

A man in his 80s, who died on 3/19
A woman in her 90s, who died on 3/17
A man in his 70s, who died on 3/18
A woman in her 80s. who died on 3/18
A woman in her 70s, whose date of death has not been confirmed
A man in his 70s, who died on 3/19 at Valley Medical Center
A woman in her 60s, who died on 3/19 at Harborview Medical Center

Of the 67 deaths reported, 35 are confirmed to be associated with Life Care Center of Kirkland.

One week ago tonight, it was 328 cases and 32 deaths in King County.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: 1,524 cases, 83 deaths; other state stats here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: See them – nation by nation – here.

GOVERNOR SAYS BEHAVE OR ELSE: Gov. Inslee had an announcement to make this afternoon, but – as covered here – it was NOT an order to “shelter in place.” But he said that’s still in his toolbox if need be, so he pleaded with people who aren’t obeying existing health orders to please stop that because lives are at risk. (The actual announcement was new protection for elevated-risk workers to be able to stay home without losing their jobs.)

MAYOR AND COUNTY EXEC ANNOUNCE PARK RESTRICTIONS: This went public right after the governor’s plea – no more playground or sport court use, among other things, say Mayor Jenny Durkan and King County Executive Dow Constantine. (But taking a walk is OK. Here are some places to explore.)

METRO WON’T CHARGE YOU: Even before those service cuts kick in Monday, Metro will stop collecting fares tomorrow, while also having almost everyone board through the rear doors. Water Taxi will be free too. Here are the details.

SOUND TRANSIT TOO: It’s also suspending fare collection on its buses and trains.

HOW FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS ARE COPING: King County Executive Dow Constantine hosted a media briefing today at which representatves of several faith traditions/cultural organizations spoke. (Our favorite quote, “Surely after difficulty comes ease.”) Here’s the video:

This weekend we’ll have another roundup of churches’ Sunday plans – let us know what yours is doing!

WAYS TO HELP: For more than a week, many people have been yearning to help. More ways to do that emerged today. Be a pen pal! Donate protective equipment! There was also a request for help sewing masks – but that filled up fast. Also – here’s a new umbrella site to help coordinate assistance.

SAFE BEEF: Seen outside Meat the Live Butcher in South Delridge:

SPEAKING OF FOOD: Still adding to our restaurant/beverage business “open for takeout and/or delivery” list – lots of updates to do tonight right after we publish this roundup. (We’re still updating our grocery-store-hours list, too.)

GOT NEWS? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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HOW TO HELP: Got masks or other protective equipment to donate?
March 20, 2020 8:25 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | How to help | West Seattle news

If you have extra personal protection equipment to donate so those on the COVID-19 pandemic front lines can be adequately protected – coordinated collection events are under way. Thanks to the readers who were first to spot both of these sites where you can sign up !

CITY OF SEATTLE SURVEY: Sign up here if you have something to donate. The form asks about:

Basic Isolation Masks
N95 Masks
P100 Masks
Surgical Masks
Eye wear
Disposable Gowns
Gloves

As explained here, donors who sign up there will be contacted for coordination of pickup or dropoff. Questions? PPEdonations@seattle.gov

UNION-LED EFFORT: Unopened boxes of masks (preferably N95), gowns, eye protection, and gloves are sought by this drive (or other medical equipment that might be offered) – read more and sign up here.

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CLOSURES: Seattle, King County Parks close playgrounds, sports courts/fields
March 20, 2020 5:57 pm
|      53 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

While Governor Inslee is NOT issuing a “shelter in place” order, so far (as reported here earlier), there’s a brand-new city/county order to further restrict use of parks – just in:

To follow COVID-19 social distancing guidelines established by Public Health—Seattle & King County and the Washington Department of Health, King County Parks and Seattle Parks and Recreations are closing sports courts, playground equipment, and other active recreation areas where it could be difficult to maintain recommended social distancing guidelines.

Ballfields and playfields are open for walking and other non-team activities.

The closure includes picnic shelters, basketball and tennis courts, ballfields, and other active recreation locations. Parks, natural lands, regional trails, backcountry trails, and beaches where social distancing can be maintained remain open.

Pick-up games, picnics, and other large gatherings will not be permitted.

Restrooms within parks will continue to be open to the public, and will be cleaned and sanitized frequently.

Read the rest of the announcement, including reminders about social distancing on trails, by going here.

P.S. This means what we wrote about this morning – finding less-crowded local parks with lots of room to wander – still applies. The city and county are NOT closing the parks – just specific parts/uses, like playgrounds and sports.

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UPDATE: Governor Inslee announces ‘new protections for at-risk employees’ and tells everyone to ‘be serious’ about existing health orders
March 20, 2020 4:39 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

4:39 PM: In the live video above, Governor Inslee is briefing media on what was described in advance as an announcement “to lay out new protections for at-risk employees during the COVID-19 outbreak.” We’ll update as it goes; we’re also dialed into the media audio line in case the video falters.

He’s not issuing “legally binding orders,” he says, but could if people don’t act responsibly. “We remain concerned that some in our state” are not taking this seriously. “Everyone needs to change their behavior …. if we are to avoid significant loss of life. … And I mean EVERYONE. … If anyone is living a normal life today, we are not doing what we need to do to save lives in this state.” He is “pleading with you to stay home unless it is necessary for you to go out.” He says, “We have got to be serious about this virus. … We’ve got to change the way we do business and run our family life in this state.”

Inslee notes that workers over 65 and with other vulnerabilities should “have a legal right to leave the workplace to protect their life … and have the financial means to do that” and to be able to get their jobs back when it’s safe. So he’s working on a proclamation to make that possible. “Employers need to (be able to protect those workers) right now.” He says employers must make workplaces safe for ALL employees.

And if there’s “someone older” in your family, he continues, “call them tonight” and tell them not to go out any more unless they absolutely have to. “It’s just too dangerous right now.” He adds, “While it’s a time to minimize physical connectivity, it’s a time to maximize emotional connectivity.”

4:50 PM: He says it’s up to everyone in the state to be “a leader” in stopping the virus from spreading. He says what’s been done so far has “made some progress…. but we have not done enough.” He’s showing data/stats. First, traffic: The Highway 99 tunnel, for one, has steadily declined to 61 percent of normal, and “we need it to continue to go down.” But some other routes around Puget Sound, like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, are only down a quarter – or less.

He shows that 20,742 tests have been done – 7 percent positive, 93 percent negative, but he says “the risk of an enormous explosion of this virus remains real.”

Inslee also says the feds are sending masks, respirators, gowns, and gloves for health-care providers.

4:56 PM: Q&A – first question, will the April special election be postponed? The governor has not yet decided. Second – the governor has not ordered a statewide shelter in place, why not? He says, the closures already announced have accomplished a lot of what that would do, so they are evaluating day to day on whether more is necessary – he doesn’t want to completely shut down the supply chain, essential services, etc. “We are evaluating whether we think we can achieve the goal of avoiding massive loss of life” by doing what’s already been ordered. But it’s up to everyone to be “volunteers” in following existing orders. Those orders include the one he issued yesterday about postponing elective surgery and non-urgent procedures to help with the existing burden on the medical system.

But he gets back to the “behave or else” admonition: “If we’re not cutting the mustard, there could be further orders coming,” then specifically calling out “those folks at Alki Beach” (as we and others have shown, this week) and saying if they’re young people, their parents need to talk to them. What metrics would trigger a change of mind? he’asked. Reply: There’s not just one. Troubling stats include the aforementioned “mixed results” in traffic and an increase in ER admissions for people with respiratory symptoms. “This virus has thrown some curveballs,” he warns. What about Boeing and the workers who want the Everett plant to close? he is asked. His reply reiterates the protections for at-risk employees, but also an acknowledgment of the economic risk of doing something like that.

5:13 PM: It’s over. Again – ***NO*** shelter-in-place order … for now … the governor pleads with people to do what’s already been ordered. We’ll add the archived video above when it’s available.

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ON THE MOVE: The West Seattle Turkey heads south
March 20, 2020 4:21 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

4:21 PM: A quick interruption in the serious news … The West Seattle Turkey has headed south today! Above, David sent that photo from Gatewood, shortly after we got a call from Scott, in that same area, startled to find The Turkey outside his house. Earlier, a texter sent the next pic after TWST turned up outside Sound & Fog in The Junction:

When The Turkey first turned up in West Seattle eleven months ago, it headed north from Seola to Admiral, but most sightings since then have been on the east/south side of Admiral. Thanks as always for the sighting reports!

ADDED 6:07 PM: Ray sent this pic from Morgan Junction:

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen black Legacy; business burglary; 2 bicycles, dumped and likely stolen
March 20, 2020 3:42 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes this afternoon:

STOLEN CAR: From Will:

Earlier today I was leaving my apartment complex The Overlook At Westridge at 600 SW Kenyon st to go shopping for my parents when I realized someone had stolen my car from my apartments parking lot. I have contacted the police and was hoping to get any help I can spreading the word. I have attached a photo of the car; it is a black 1997 Subaru Legacy GT.

The license plate is BIU3459.

Call 911 if you see it.

VAPE STORE BURGLARY: Thanks to the texter who sent the photo and asked about the police response in the 9000 block of Delridge Way SW early today:

We followed up with SPD. The vape shop was broken into around 4 am. Witnesses saw four suspects, described only as wearing hoodies and backpacks, running away northbound on 21st SW. They dropped some items along the way and left a hammer inside the store, apparently after using it to break in. Officers searched the area but no one was found.

ABANDONED BICYCLES: The photo is from Neil in North Admiral, who says they were dumped in his yard overnight:

Yours? Let us know and we will connect you.

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METRO & WATER TAXI: No fare collection – in other words, free – starting Saturday; also, rear-door bus boarding
March 20, 2020 1:37 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Transportation | West Seattle news

1:37 PM: In addition to Metro schedule changes starting Saturday, another big change announced, starting tomorrow, for buses and the Water Taxi. Here’s the announcement:

Effective with the start of service Saturday, March 21, riders will not be required to pay fare when riding King County Metro services, including buses, water taxi and Access paratransit, until further notice.

Riders also will be directed to board and exit at the rear doors of buses, reserving front-door access for customers using mobility devices or who require use of the boarding ramp.

“As this crisis evolves, we are constantly reviewing all of our practices and policies to provide the best service while keeping people safe,” said Executive Constantine. “Changing how riders board and exit our bus fleet and also suspending all fares is part of that effort. It is essential to keep this community on the move, and I thank all the operators, mechanics, support staff, and riders who are helping us get through this, together.”

These moves acknowledge the direction of public health to take steps necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19 and we continue to call on riders to do all they can by avoiding traveling when sick, covering coughs and sneezes.

Metro is relaying these planned changes to our partners at Sound Transit and the City of Seattle as they consider changes to ST Express bus service, Link light rail and Streetcar.

Metro is communicating this upcoming change with transit operators today and working to develop and install signage directing customers to board and exit at the rear doors unless and that fare payment is not required starting March 21.

We’re on the media call about the schedule change right now – any updates on that (the actual schedules are due out tomorrow), we’ll add.

2:38 PM: Some notes from the call- we asked why the 125 was deemed disposable – Metro managers said that it’s certainly not disposable but it’s a route that connects to no others and some of it is replicated by the 120 – so they are going to watch the 120 closely. They don’t expect to be making day to day changes but will assess weekly to see about re-evaluation. They are not planning any layoffs, though this will reduce revenue (farebox and sales tax total are down about $6 million a week). They say the schedule cuts will reduce the need for drivers and coaches by about 25 percent – that means they will be OK even if more are out sick. So far, no COVID-19 cases at Metro, they said.

ADDED 6:22 PM: Sound Transit is going fare-free too.

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BUSINESS UPDATES: Kid Friendly Footwear @ Again & Again; Meeples Games; Bed Bath & Beyond
March 20, 2020 1:26 pm
|    Comments Off on BUSINESS UPDATES: Kid Friendly Footwear @ Again & Again; Meeples Games; Bed Bath & Beyond
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

More West Seattle business updates:

KID FRIENDLY FOOTWEAR @ AGAIN & AGAIN (4832 California SW; WSB sponsor): From proprietor Sarah:

Kid Friendly Footwear @ Again & Again is working hard to find ways in these trying times to continue our 25 year tradition of serving families in our West Seattle community & beyond.

Our commitment to provide best value new & used Gear For All Seasons for kids including sandals, shoes & boots, excellent customer service & expert fitting for quality footwear does not change.

Long time customers know that we are always Mean About Clean. In order to help slow Covid19 spread, some of the ways we operate will now be a little different.

· We are now offering shopping by appointment throughout the week at your convenience, plus- limited open hours on weekends only. It’s easy to email Hello@KidFriendlyFootwear.com 24/7, or call 206-933-2060 to let us know best days/times and number in your party. We can often accommodate immediate same day-within-the-hour requests.

· No more than 10 people including all ages will be allowed to gather inside our shop at once, so we ask you to avoid bringing extra friends & family with, and, limit time shopping as much as possible.

· We have a handy onsite hand washing station (aka restroom with baby changing table) for all to use- early and often!

· We will not be able to give hands on shoe measuring / foot fitting now, but, are happy to thoroughly guide that process from a distance of at least 6 feet away.

· We no longer require signature for credit card payments. The terminal & other surfaces that have been touched are disinfected per CDC guidelines.

· $4.99 flat rate shipping for online orders www.KidFriendlyFootwear.com or via phone.

· Free delivery can be arranged within a 5 mile radius of the shop in West Seattle

· Sorry no more play table toys for little fidgeters or outdoor ½ price rack for now ☹

We hope to see or hear from you soon and sincerely wish good health to all our families, friends & neighbors as well as for the Earth & all its creatures too. hello@kidfriendlyfootwear.com 206-933-2060

MEEPLES GAMES (California/Charlestown): From co-proprietor Brian:

Meeples Games is open for retail with reduced business hours of 11:30 am-7:00 pm weekdays, 10:00-7:00 this weekend. The café and play space is closed until further notice, and we are limiting the number of customers in the store. Curb-side pickup is available for orders and card payments taken over the phone (206.535.7896). We have great stay-at-home activities including games, books, puzzles, and painting supplies. We’ve posted a link to our inventory at www.meeplesgames.com so customers can see what is available.

BED BATH & BEYOND (Westwood Village): The store is closed as of today, at least temporarily:

Got West Seattle business info? Send it to westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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TRAFFIC ALERT: 16th/Roxbury crash
March 20, 2020 12:41 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts | WS breaking news

(WSB photo)

12:41 PM: A big response for a crash at 16th/Roxbury – reported as a vehicle into a building – roads are being blocked; avoid the area.

12:57 PM: This is on 16th a short distance north of Roxbury – we’ve added a photo. Firefighters tell us at the scene that one female victim has been taken to the hospital.

1:08 PM: Another angle above, this time a photo from SFD. They say the victim is in serious condition.

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HOW TO HELP: Can you sew 100 masks? – UPDATE: Signups maxed out
March 20, 2020 11:44 am
|      76 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | How to help | West Seattle news

11:44 AM: Multiple readers flagged us to this – the health-care organization Providence is asking for volunteers to agree to sew at least 100 masks each. They’re providing the materials, but you need your own machine. So far their only announced pickup location is in Renton, but you can sign up for notification when there’s something closer (considering that Providence does have facilities in West Seattle including The Mount). Interested? Sign up here.

2 PM: The list has since been filled up, readers report in comments below.

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