month : 04/2020 332 results

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Helicopter helps police arrest suspect in Highland Park

9:45 PM: If you’re noticing the law-enforcement helicopter Guardian One over the Highland Park Way hill, here’s what’s going on: Police are searching for a “felony warrant suspect” last seen near HP Way and West Marginal Way SW, and asked if the helicopter could help. We don’t know the suspect’s name, description, or warrant details.

10:04 PM: Suspect in custody. We’ll follow up tomorrow to see if we can find out who he is and what the warrant’s for. (added) Officers just told the helicopter crew it was a warrant for robbery.

11:39 PM: Guardian One has published video of the search and arrest:

Medics were called for the suspect after he was in custody, and the video appears to show why.

ADDED FRIDAY: The suspect is 41 years old and wanted in Kansas.

CORONAVIRUS: Thursday 4/30 roundup

No announcements or pronouncements on the local front of the coronavirus crisis today, but of course we have notes for the nightly roundup:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Seattle-King County Public Health data dashboard:

*6,308 people have tested positive, up 126 from yesterday

*446 people have died, up 10 from yesterday

*1 of those deaths was in West Seattle – the 98126 zip code now has 7

One week ago, the countywide totals were 5,569 and 384.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: More than 3.2 million cases – a third of them in the U.S. See how that breaks out, nation by nation, here.

GOVERNOR SPEAKS TOMORROW: In his Wednesday briefing, Gov. Inslee promised more details Friday on the “phased” plan for getting to an end of the stay-home order at some unspecified time after May 4th. He’s set to speak at 2:30 pm tomorrow, joined by state health officials; you’ll be able to watch the livestream on TVW, and we’ll carry it too.

MANDATORY MASKS #1: The requirement is becoming a grocery-shopping trend.

MANDATORY MASKS #2: Labor and transit advocates are calling for them to be required when riding public transportation.

ARE PETS AT RISK OF COVID-19? Here’s a UW study that hopes to settle the issue.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS #3 6:30-7:30 pm Friday, SFD and SPD will be out cruising through neighborhoods, this time in the highlighted areas of this map. Even if you don’t see them, you might hear them – we heard the short siren/horn bursts last Friday night from miles away!

SIGNS TO SMILE BY: Thanks to Theresa for sending the photo of this fence display that no doubt brings smiles to those passing 46th SW/Glenn Way:

GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!

GROCERY STORES: West Seattle Thriftway to require masks

New trend in grocery shopping: Mandatory masks. You’ve probably heard that Costco will be requiring shoppers to wear them starting next Monday. Now we have a local grocery store adding the requirement: West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) announced today that it will require shoppers to cover their faces, also starting Monday. Checking other stores – Metropolitan Market says it’s “asking” shoppers to wear masks; PCC Community Markets (WSB sponsor) “strongly encourage” customers to do it.

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Stabilization contractor announced

6:49 PM: Just announced by SDOT:

Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is moving forward with West Seattle High-Rise Bridge stabilization. The City used emergency contracting authority to move with urgency in selecting a construction contractor to carry out Phase 1 stabilization work. Kraemer North America has been selected for Phase 1 construction and work is already underway.

There are three phases of repair for the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge:

Phase 1: Stabilization – The first step in stabilizing the bridge was to remove traffic from the High-Rise bridge on March 23. The second step is to repair lateral bearings on Pier 18.

Phase 2: Shoring – In Phase 2 we will add temporary external structures called shoring. Shoring is necessary to help support the bridge as we continue to assess repair feasibility, timeline, and costs.

Phase 3: Long-term repair – We do not yet know if repair of the bridge is feasible technically or financially. In the meantime, it’s critical that we carry out stabilization and shoring work to protect public safety.

Earlier this month we sent out a Request for Information (RFI) to determine who we would contract with to begin Phase 1 stabilization work on the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge, as quickly as possible.

Though this emergency situation authorized SDOT to waive all competitive bidding requirements (pursuant to RCW 39.04.280). On April 13, the City contacted six contractors and requested information on capacity, availability, resumes for key personnel, and approach. Four contractors provided the requested information by April 15, and our Capital Projects and Roadway Structures divisions evaluated and rated the submittals while also taking into consideration the City’s previous experience with the contractors and other factors.

This process selected Kraemer to fulfill the needs of the project.

Kraemer is a 109-year-old, engineering-minded, construction-focused contractor with a foundation in complicated structure work. The team’s construction experience directly relates to the High-Rise Bridge’s repairs.

Kraemer is an industry leader in segmental bridge repair and construction, as well as in concrete post-tensioning. This expertise will allow the team to carry out key stabilization activities, help in forensic investigation of the bridge, provide the engineering team with construction input to determine the best approach to stabilization, and confirm repair estimates.

With recent work on WSDOT’s Duwamish River Bridges Project, Kraemer also comes with a detailed understanding of the immediate vicinity, as well as knowledge of US Coast Guard permitting requirements. This is essential because obtaining these permits – or not – could add or subtract months to any stabilization, shoring, repair, or replacement efforts.

Kraemer’s northwest headquarters are located here in Seattle, with a committed, locally experienced team.

With a current contract to construct the new Northgate Bike and Pedestrian Bridge, which broke ground earlier this year, Kraemer understands the complexities of working in and around the City of Seattle. Finally, Kraemer has also worked closely with WSP, our bridge consultant. This relationship, which allows for a quick team integration and efficient approach to the work, will be essential as we move forward with stabilization work.

Kraemer is excited to help the people of West Seattle and others who rely on this critical infrastructure by delivering stabilization, shoring, and repairs quickly and safely.

Kraemer will provide the construction for Phase 1 stabilization work.  

They will conduct repairs designed to stop further cracking in the bridge’s most vulnerable sections.
They will then replace the lateral bearings on Pier 18 at the east end of the bridge. These bearings, when working correctly, allow the bridge to expand and contract with temperature change.

They will work with SDOT and the engineering consultant team to develop and finalize strengthening solutions for the bridge.
Kraemer’s first priority is to provide a constructability review of the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge stabilization designs.

A “constructability review” is critical to getting a construction project off the ground quickly and performing work safely. The contractor reviews the designs produced by the engineers to determine how easily it can be built and to provide input. In addition, the project leads at Kraemer are starting to develop plans for construction, health and safety, equipment and material procurement, work timelines and schedules, and permitting.

The bridge has been closed since March 23. We’ll be following up on questions not answered in the announcement such as projected cost/timeline.

9:55 PM: Here’s the work Kraemer is doing on the Duwamish River Bridges (the two spans that comprise what’s more commonly known as the 1st Avenue S. Bridge).

WHALES OFF WEST SEATTLE: Transient orcas

Up for some evening whale-watching? Kersti Muul sends word that transient orcas are in view off Constellation Park (south of Alki Point) right now – “on a kill,” so no particular direction. Let us know if you see them!

SWEET TOOTH? Two more West Seattle options soon

Many West Seattle options for sweet treats already, and the list is about to grow:

JET CITY BEIGNET: This new West Seattle business is kicking off sales of beignets and coffee with a pop-up this weekend:

We will be offering a limited number of beignet orders by the dozen and half-dozen for pick up this Sunday from 10 am-1 pm. We will also be selling our custom Jet City Blend coffee by Middle Fork Roasters and offering honey made by Seola Bees in West Seattle.

We are asking people to order and pre-pay directly from our website to reduce contact. We will be setting up a little table for pickup outside of the USI kitchen at 4611 36th Ave. SW.

THURSDAY NIGHT UPDATE: JCB tells us they are now sold out for this weekend.

GELATO RETURNS TO ALKI: If you haven’t already noticed this poster in the window at 2758 Alki SW …

… here’s the announcement explaining it:

Award-winning Medzo Gelato Bar, formerly Gelarto Italian Ice Cream, is returning to Alki for a summer pop-up on the beach. After departing their temporary Alki location in October of 2016, Gelarto relocated to Burien under the name Medzo, where they began producing hand-crafted Italian gelato and sorbet from scratch, one pan at a time. In Italy, owner-operators Fareed and Jennifer Al-Abboud were labeled fanatico for their insistence on the highest quality natural ingredients, and they proudly embraced that distinction. Their soft opening target date is May 5, five years to the day since they first opened on Alki. 1-9 pm daily.

Again, the new spot is NOT the same as their old location (now a preschool).

DUMPED, POSSIBLY STOLEN: Recognize this bicycle?

Shannon sent the photo and report:

Just wanted to let you know that this bike has been lying on the tree lawn on the SW corner of the intersection of Hudson and 47th Ave SW since at least Sunday. Thought it may be a stolen dumped bike.

DEVELOPMENT: Demolition at 5616 California SW

(WSB photo)

Thanks to Karl for the tip: Demolition is wrapping up at 5616 California SW, on the south side of C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor). We first reported in July 2018 that townhouses were proposed for the site, replacing a nearly century-old house. Recently finalized permit documents show the plan is still for eight townhouses with five off-street parking spaces (none required as the site’s on the RapidRide C Line).

NEED FOOD? KBM Commissary expanding free-meal offerings Saturday

The photo is from Keith Mathewson of Delridge’s KBM Commissary, whose resident food truck/catering chefs will continue their weekly free-meal distribution this weekend, and it’s expanding, as he explains:

The stay-home order has been extended and the strain on local families is becoming more acute. As a result the need for meals continues to increase. Last Sunday we produced 600 meals and ran out in under two hours. This week we will make 1000 meals and hand them out Saturday from 4 pm to 6 pm. Given the volume, two companies will be directing production; thankfully there are no shortage of volunteers in the kitchen.

*T’Juana Tacos will make 800 portions of Chicken Fajatias with Gallo Pinto

*Go Seattle Catering will produce 200 Bahn Mi Sandwiches.

We are asking people not to arrive too early as the cars are beginning to back up around the block and onto Delridge Way. There are now 3 people handling the distribution and are able to keep the line moving once we open.

I wish to thank all who are donated. The level of demand has become much greater than anticipated and without the communities support we would not have been able to meet a demand of this size.

KBM is at 5604 Delridge Way SW. Mathewson has been underwriting the project but help is welcome – here’s the crowdfunding page. Meantime, some of the KBM-based businesses are also selling from the window, as noted last month, and are part of our ongoing West Seattle list.

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE NOW: New coalition launched ‘to convey urgency’

(WSB photo from earlier this month)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

A new community “coalition to convey urgency” about the West Seattle Bridge closure has just launched.

We were invited to cover the first meeting last night of people participating in West Seattle Bridge Now.

The online meeting was coordinated by community advocate West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor) co-owner Kevin Broveleit, who opened with the declaration of what the group says tens of thousands of people know here, but others around the city and region need to realize too: “Losing the bridge is a catastrophic event.” So far, he said, most of what’s been heard from SDOT is “it’s not our fault” and “trust us, we’re doing everything we can … and nether resonate with us.”

So in the spirit of community groups that pushed for action to get the now-compromised bridge built in the first place, this one is determined to turn up the pressure and push for “action, not blame” by creating “as broad a coalition as possible” and focusing on “creativity in potential solutions.”

Those already involved who were part of last night’s meeting included a who’s-who of local community and business advocates. While there was spirited discussion about all three major needs created by the sudden shutdown of the bridge March 23rd, two of them – traffic mitigation and accountability – are not the central purpose for West Seattle Bridge Now, according to Broveleit. “The sooner we have a soluton with any sort of certainty,” the less painful it will be. Right now, he observed, his industry and others are grappling with people wracked by fear of the unknown – will West Seattle be bridgeless for more than the near-two-year minimum of which SDOT has already warned?

Read More

DEVELOPMENT: Comment time for 5051-5053 Fauntleroy Way

From today’s Land Use Information Bulletin, a proposal for seven townhouses on two adjacent Fauntleroy Way parcels has reached the official comment stage. We first reported almost a year ago on the proposal for 5051-5053 Fauntleroy Way SW, which is now listed as two separate projects: four units at 5051, three at 5053, with one offstreet-parking space for each unit. You have two weeks to comment; the notices (here’s the one for 5051; here’s the one for 5053) explain how to do that.

Remembering Lissa Stephens, 1958-2020

Family and friends are remembering Lissa Stephens, and sharing this remembrance with her community:

On April 19, 2020, Lissa Stephens passed away unexpectedly in her home at the age of 62.

She was born on February 1, 1958 and raised in Burien by her parents Norm and Nancy Kendig. Lissa graduated from Highline High School in 1976 and married her junior high school sweetheart, Bill Stephens, on June 14, 1980. Lissa and Bill made their home in West Seattle for over 40 years, sharing their home with many beloved cats.

After high school, Lissa pursued a career in the insurance field and then found a passion for the construction industry, where she worked on many big projects in the Seattle area, both as an Administrative Assistant and in Project Management.

Lissa cared very deeply for her family, friends, neighbors, and most of all, the children and godchildren in her life. Her generous spirit and compassion consistently made her the first to offer to help a friend, care for a family member, or assist a neighbor.

She was a world traveler, describing Paris as her “favorite place on Earth.” When in Seattle, you would find Lissa enjoying her arts and crafts, especially the jewelry she made and gave away for birthdays and holidays. Her favorite pastimes included being in a local book club and enjoying the camaraderie with those in her Fauntleroy YMCA Pilates class. She never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders.

Lissa was predeceased by her father, Norm. She is survived by her mother, Nancy, her brothers John and Paul, her nephew, Jeramy, her niece, Katelyn, as well as several cousins and extended family members.

Lissa’s amazing laugh and her infectious smile will be missed by all who knew her. A “Celebration of Life” will be planned when friends and family are able to gather after the Stay at Home/Stay Safe order has been lifted.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch, 6th week of West Seattle Bridge closure

5:58 AM: 38th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. Here are the cameras for the restricted-access low bridge (where police enforcement continues in various dayparts) and the 5-way intersection west of it:

For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map). To get to I-5, exit at Michigan. Here are cameras for the bridge and Michigan east of it:

You can also cross the Duwamish River via the South Park Bridge (map), which puts you on East Marginal Way. Here’s the South Park camera:

Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.

TRANSIT ALERTS: Metro buses continue on a reduced schedule – details here. Also, bus capacity is now restricted … The Water Taxi continues its reduced (and shuttle-less) schedule.

OTHER LINKS

SDOT’s traffic map, with cameras
Our traffic-cams page

Let us know what you’re seeing – comment or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.

CORONAVIRUS: Wednesday 4/29 roundup

It’s been a busy night, with a late-running community meeting, so our apologies for the lateness – here now, the nightly roundup:

STAY-HOME ORDER TO BE EXTENDED, BUT FOR HOW LONG? This afternoon Gov. Inslee announced two things. The biggest: The stay-home order will extend past May 4th. How much longer? He promised to talk more about “the next phase” on Friday. He also explained a stack of “data buckets” he and other state officials are monitoring. Here’s a new dashboard with that data; here’s our coverage, with video.

NON-URGENT MEDICAL PROCEDURES: The governor’s other announcement was about re-starting them – details here.

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Seattle-King County Public Health data dashboard:

*6,182 people have tested positive, up 128 from yesterday

*436 people have died, up 9 from yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 5,449 and 379.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.

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

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET REOPENING: Today’s biggest local story related to COVID-19 – the Farmers’ Market will reopen this Sunday, for the first time since early March, with big modifications – read about them, take the Shopper Oath, and do some pre-ordering before you go.

STILL NOT OPEN & MIGHT NEVER OPEN: Our partner site updates the status of the King County quarantine site in Top Hat (east of White Center).

LOCAL FACILITIES GET CITY-COLLECTED PPE: The city’s effort to collect and distribute donated PPE continues, and today it was announced they’ve collected 700,000+ pieces of PPE. Some of where it’s gone is listed in the city news release, including three local senior-living complexes – Bridge Park, Arrowhead Gardens, and Brookdale West Seattle.

MORE FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD ART FENCE: Last night we closed the roundup with a poem from this fence at 50th/Andover. Tonight, two photos of what else the fence features:

GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!

UTILITY ALERT: Emergency sewer repair

Seattle Public Utilities sent us a community notice late today about repair work that might already be under way, as it was scheduled to start as soon as this past Monday, but in case it hasn’t: The notice says at least six weeks of emergency work is ahead to fix a pipe in the alley “between 36th and 37th Ave SW and SW Stevens St and SW Hanford St.” Service interruptions are not expected, SPU says, but adjacennt residents “might be asked to limit water usage” at time. There’ll be noise, heavy equipment, and construction traffic in the area. The work is starting on the south side of the alley and will move to the north after two weeks or so. Here’s the official notice (PDF), which includes project-team contact info if you have questions/concerns.

CRIME WATCH: West Seattle teen jailed, charged with rape

6:05 PM:A West Seattle 18-year-old was booked into jail this afternoon, five days after being charged with second-degree rape in what prosecutors call a “tragic sexual assault.” Jackson U. Sullivan is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl “who was intoxicated to the point of loss of motor functions … (during) what should have been an enjoyable high school party” last November. Both were West Seattle High School students at the time, according to the charging documents, but did not have more than a passing acquaintance.

The party was at another student’s house. Prosecutors wrote, “The victim’s last memory at the party was playing beer pong with the defendant and two of (his) friends,” before he “escorted (her) out of the party” and to his nearby van. That’s where her friends later found the victim – partially clothed and unable to talk – with the suspect. The day after the incident, after telling a parent about it, the victim was taken to a hospital, and police were called. She told detectives that she had two drinks at the party before Sullivan gave her a drink that led to her “blacking out.” The charging documents are dated last Friday and say Sullivan was arrested April 9th, but the King County Jail Register says he was booked less than two hours ago. His bail is set at $350,000; prosecutors asked for that amount, noting that other allegations of sexual assault came to light during the investigation “that will likely result in future charges.”

(This charge was first reported by KIRO TV; thanks to the many readers who pointed this out to us so we could follow up and obtain the documents.)

LATE-NIGHT UPDATE: As noted in comments, Sullivan posted bond and left jail four hours after being booked, according to the KCJ Register.

From White Center Now: County says Top Hat quarantine center ‘on hold,’ might never open

It’s been almost two months since King County sparked an uproar by announcing a site in Top Hat, surrounded by apartment complexes, would be set up as a quarantine/isolation site for COVID-19 patients. More than 30 modular units have since been set up there. But now the county says the site is “on hold” and might never open. The latest update is on our partner site White Center Now.

ONLINE TONIGHT: PoetryBridge ‘Virtually Live’

April 29, 2020 4:38 pm
|    Comments Off on ONLINE TONIGHT: PoetryBridge ‘Virtually Live’
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle online | WS culture/arts

One of the many events regularly hosted by C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) pre-pandemic was the monthly PoetryBridge event, with guest readers and a community mic. C & P co-proprietor Cameron Moores tells us that PoetryBridge is now having online events – and the next one is tonight, 7 pm, featuring guest readers Koon Woon and Carrie Gilstrap-Nettle. If you want to check it out, email info@poetrybridge.net for info on how to join via Zoom.

UPDATE: Governor says stay-home order will be extended beyond May 4th, but doesn’t say how long

Just under way in Olympia – delayed from the originally announced start time – Gov. Inslee‘s media briefing. The preview says he will be joined by Vice Admiral Dr. Raquel Bono, director of Washington state COVID-19 health-care response; Kathy Lofy, state health officer; and Katherine Guest, deputy intelligence section chief for the Washington State Emergency Operations Center. Notes as it goes.

He opens by saying he’ll re-start non-urgent surgeries.

Then he says the stay-home order will be extended beyond May 4th and that he will have more details on Friday, about the “phases” of reopening. He says it’s important to not have to open, then close again – “let’s do this once.” He says they’re making decisions based on “5 buckets of metrics,” each of which in turn has “multiple buckets …beneath it. …There is no one number that is a magic number.”

First: Disease activity, including case count. It’s “showing some progress, but we’re not out of the woods yet.”

Next, death count, based on when the victim got sick.

Third, COVID-19 hospitalizations based on when the patient was admitted.

Fourth, COVID-19 hospitalizations based on when the patient got sick.

Fifth, the “R-0” number – how many more people get sick, from each person infected. They only have this number for King County, not statewide, but it’s dropped from 4 to 1. He says epidemiologists warn that if social distancing is removed, that will go back up.

He then shows projections (modeling), saying that removing distancing would result in many more deaths.

3:09 PM: Then he reiterates that more testing is needed, but “our testing capacity has been sorely taxed.” The labs around the state could run a total of 22,000+ tests a day – but only currently has supplies for 4,000+ per day.

Once there is a “vigorous” testing program, contact tracing is vital, and that “involves an army of people,” the governor said. 565 people are working on that now and they’re hoping to almost triple that to 1,500 within abaut two weeks; the National Guard is contributing about 700 people to the effort.

Yet more data they’re monitoring – long-term-care facilities, and demographic inequity.

Finally, the health-care system’s readiness is the “last bucket” he says there’s still a “healthy” capacity and that needs to be maintained “because this virus could explode.”

3:24 PM: First question – what’s a reasonable testing goal in the near term? The governor says he thinks the 20,000 “is necessary to give us high confidence” for moving to the “next phase” of reopening. He says the feds have assured him that enough swabs to do it are on the way, “though we’ve run into some glitches in the past.”

He’s also asked for specific numbers he’d like to see in some of those “buckets” of data. He mentions a combination of very low levels of multiple numbers – cases, hospitalizations – and health officer Lofy says combining some low numbers with a high number of tests would be a different story than those numbers without more testing.

So is it possible we’d never get to the preferred numbers? he’s asked. Inslee says he’s confident people are supportive of continuing to work toward it and acknowleddges “it’s a big challenge.”

3:38 PM: He’s asked about the value of the Western States Pact if other states in it are making different decisions. He says the pact is more for “communication.”

He’s also asked why he is allowing people to resume outdoor recreation showing “common sense” when he won’t allow businesses to reopen in that same spirit. He doesn’t really answer, saying it’s important to “reduce interactions.”

Last question – what kind of R-0 number is he looking for? Significantly below 1, he said.

He wraps at 3:54, reiterating that on Friday he will talk about how the decisionmaking will play iinto “the next phase of business reopening.” The video should be available for playback above shortly, and we’ll add links to the governor’s news release(s) on all of the above when available.

REOPENING: West Seattle Farmers’ Market, this Sunday, with new rules

(Photo by Sarah Schu, Neighborhood Farmers Markets, from recent U-District market)

For the first time since March 8th, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market will reopen this Sunday – in a modified format, as has been the case with the University District market these past two weekends. Hre’s the announcement we just received:

The Neighborhood Farmers Markets has worked closely with the City of Seattle and Seattle-King County Public Health and other stakeholders and partners in each neighborhood to re-open safe, permitted farmers markets. The West Seattle Farmers Market will re-open on Sunday, May 3, and they are asking West Seattle residents to observe new rules.

Agriculture is the most essential act, and the farmers markets serve as the essential link between farmers and eaters. This weekend, we need you to help protect public health and our community by following new guidelines.

· Please consider taking the Farmers Market Shopper Oath.

· Sign up for the Ripe & Ready Newsletter, which will announce the list of May 3 vendors accepting pre-orders.

Market Modifications Include:

· Modified layouts to ensure 10’ between vendor booths to allow for greater circulation and distance.

· Market entrance at Alaska & California to control the capacity and foot traffic. You can expect a line to enter the market.

· Hand sanitizer will be provided at Market Manager tents, with public hand washing stations available in the market.

· There is no sampling or prepared food until further notice.

· No music, entertainment, cooking demos, or public seating areas.

Staff and Vendor Responsibilities:

All vendors and staff must wear protective facemask and gloves, separate cash and product handling, and ensure regular and proper handwashing.
All vendors will select and serve your produce and products.
Vendors and staff will politely ask you to keep moving so we can serve as many shoppers as possible.
Vendors and Staff will limit the number of shoppers in front of booths at any given time.
Surfaces and ‘high touch’ items such as tables, POS terminals, cash boxes, etc. will be sanitized regularly.
Market staff will be dedicated to conduct regular and ongoing checks for handwashing stations, proper bleach solutions, and sanitizing supplies in addition to our regular food safety controls.

Shopper Expectations:

Before the market:

Make a list.
Designate one shopper per household.
Service dogs are permitted otherwise leave your pets at home.
Bring reusable bags – these are permitted, but you will be the only person touching them.
Check yourself – stay home if you are sick or if you’ve been in contact with someone who is sick.

During your market visit:

Be alert! The market has major modifications and there are new signs to help you move through the market.
Do not touch the products, the vendors will help you.
Maintain 6 feet of space at all times. This is crucial! Look for physical cues like tape, chalk, and signs all around you as a reminder.
Shop quickly and efficiently. This isn’t the time to chat. Big smiles welcome!
Wash hands often with soap & water for at least 20 seconds especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, with at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a face mask.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face in general.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then dispose of it.

It is vital that everyone act in these efforts together to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The safety and health of our shoppers, our farmers, and staff is critical – this is our primary concern. Please do not come out to the farmers market if you cannot observe the new guidelines.

The mayor ordered markets closed in mid-March, though the governor’s subsequent stay-home order decreed them “essential”; the market’s parent organization has been fighting for weeks to get permission to reopen with major modifications. It got clearance to open the U-District market the past two Saturdays.

Nos Nos Coffee House: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor

Today we welcome Nos Nos Coffee House as a new WSB sponsor. When local businesses join the WSB sponsor team, they get the opportunity to tell you about what they do – so here’s what Nos Nos would like you to know:

Nos Nos is a unique experience, from the moment you walk through our doors.. You’ll first notice the beautiful open space with shelves full of vibrant plants, the light and airy feel with an abundance of natural light, and the thoughtful Mediterranean decor with a touch of Moroccan flair.

With a coffee shop on every corner in Seattle, Nos Nos brings something different. We offer a variety of traditional coffee drinks but with a Moroccan twist, incorporating recipes and spices typical to Morocco. We have a full kitchen with highly trained chefs who proudly make to order unique sandwiches with ingredients and flavors that are also Moroccan-inspired.

The whole experience comes together with our talented and friendly staff, who love what they do and are committed to delivering exceptional customer service … creating a home away from home for everyone who walks through our doors.

We often hear from customers: Look at all those plants! It’s so pretty in here! The first impression of our space leads to the warm and welcoming nature of our baristas and the quality of our drinks and food. We support local and feature QED coffee, pastries from Patrick’s Bakery, Cascadia Chai, and Seola Bees honey. We are thoughtful about our ingredients and offer vegan and gluten-free options, including our signature Apricot Turmeric scone. The sandwiches (including the lamb meshwi and Itto’s khoudra) have quickly become lunch on repeat for many, and the handmade melwi (a traditional Moroccan flatbread) has found a cult following!

Nos Nos is the little sister to Itto’s Tapas in West Seattle. Anyone who knows Itto’s and the owner Khalid, knows the quality and uniqueness of the food, service, and atmosphere. We have many guests who visit us based on reputation alone. People are intrigued that we’re Moroccan-inspired and word of mouth got them to drive across town to check out what all the buzz is about. After their first Moroccan spice latte, kefta sandwich, or spinach feta melwi, they’re hooked and become a repeat guest!

We are also a neighborhood coffee shop in a location previously without a place where locals could find a perfect cup of coffee or high-quality lunch at a fair price. We’re very proud to be a part of bringing the community together and becoming more connected, one cup or sandwich at a time.

So many people are inspired by the culture and food of Morocco – they’ve previously had the opportunity to travel there or the desire to go. When they walk into our space, it triggers a memory of a past experience or the excitement of being there one day. Either way, it’s so gratifying to see someone’s reaction or hearing their stories, and to know we are brightening a person’s day by sharing a little piece of Morocco with our community.

Nos Nos Coffee House is at 6080 35th SW, open daily 6 am-3 pm.

P.S. FREE COFFEE! Mention you heard about this on WSB, and get a free cup of drip coffee.

We thank Nos Nos Coffee House for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

RESTAURANTS/BEVERAGE BUSINESSES: Another West Seattle reopening; also – what are you doing for Mother’s Day?

Two notes as we continue updating our West Seattle (etc.) list of restaurants/beverage businesses:

ANOTHER REOPENING: The Bridge in Morgan Junction (6301 California SW) has reopened for takeout/delivery, 4 pm to 9 pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays.

WHAT’S UP FOR MOTHER’S DAY? The special day for moms is a week and a half away (Sunday, May 10th), and we’re getting questions about whether anyone’s planning a special menu. If your venue is – or if you’ve seen an announcement – please let us know (westseattleblog@gmail.com, text 206-293-6302, or in comments) – thank you!

FYI: Governor’s next briefing @ 2:30 pm today

Less than a week left in the stay-home order as our state awaits formal word on whether it will be extended. Gov. Inslee‘s office has just announced his next media briefing for 2:30 pm today, and that he “will be joined by Vice Admiral Dr. Raquel Bono, director of Washington state COVID-19 health care response, Kathy Lofy, state health officer, and Katherine Guest, deputy intelligence section chief for the Washington State Emergency Operations Center.” It’ll be streamed via TVW, and we’ll carry it too.