To mask or not to mask? The new recommendation from health authorities tops our nightly roundup:

‘ADDITIONAL LEVEL OF PROTECTION’: Tonight, the state Health Department sent this statement about mask-wearing:

Washington state is currently experiencing significant community-based transmission of COVID-19. Recent information suggests that a significant portion of persons with COVID-19 may not have any symptoms, and even those who do have symptoms can transmit the infection before showing signs of illness.

The Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend that people wear cloth face coverings when they are in public settings where they cannot maintain 6 feet of distance from others. This might include trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, hardware store, health clinic or similar places.

This recommendation is not a substitute for existing guidance to maintain 6-feet of physical distance from non-household members and performing frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wearing cloth face coverings will not prevent spread of COVID-19 without these other protective measures.

This is not a mandate that you must wear a face covering. It is considered an additional layer of protection.

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the daily Seattle-King County Public Health news release:

2,787 confirmed positive cases (up 131 from yesterday)

186 confirmed deaths (up 11 from yesterday)

One week ago, King County’s totals were 1,828 cases, 125 deaths.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: 6,966 cases, 284 deaths, up from 3,723/175 one week ago; see the full iist of state stats here.

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

MORE TRANSIT CUTS: On Monday, more bus and Water Taxi trips will be cut, since the continuing stay-home order has ridership down to about 30 percent (10% for the WT) of what it would normally be. Here’s our West Seattle-focused update. (Also note that Sound Transit is making more cuts too.)

PARKING CHANGES: The city is suspending more street-parking rules. But not all of them.

EXPEDITING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS: More rules suspended – this time for public participation in some development reviews. The city has decided they can’t figure out an alternative way for boards to meet for Design Review and Historic Preservation, so they’re changing the rules for six months.

TONIGHT’S SPIRITED SIGHTING: Thanks to the texter who spotted this physical version of the “We’ve Got This” hashtag in Admiral:

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

Share This

WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: From the bridge to the sidewalk

April 3, 2020 8:15 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

Friday night birding …

GREAT BLUE ON THE BRIDGE: In case you missed that photo posted by James Riley in a comment on Thursday morning, it remains our favorite photo so far this week. The Great Blue Heron was taking advantage of the traffic-free West Seattle Bridge

THE WEST SEATTLE TURKEY HEADS NORTH: Not to be outdone, TWST also posed with a street sign today. Kat sent that photo from Admiral. The Turkey ranged into North Admiral during the day:

Jesse and Dawson Rogers sent that photo after a sighting at 44th/Seattle. Betty saw TWST one block west of there:

PLEASANT PHEASANT: Seen on Genesee Hill again, the Golden Pheasant:

Thanks to Eddie for the photo. westseattleblog@gmail.com if YOU have a sighting to share!

Share This

UPDATE: Short-lived police search in North Delridge

April 3, 2020 6:49 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Crime | Delridge | Helicopter

6:49 PM: Police are searching for two suspects in a reported street robbery near the Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), and the Guardian One helicopter is on the way to join them. The victim told police his phone was stolen and that the suspects are male – possbly armed – and female. No other details so far.

6:54 PM: The search is ending, per radio exchange, because the person who reported their phone was taken does not want to pursue it as a criminal case after all.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Construction underway for West Seattle Junction fast-charging station

April 3, 2020 6:42 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Environment | Transportation | West Seattle news

Construction has begun at the site of West Seattle’s future city-installed electric-vehicle “fast-charging” station, on 39th SW in front of the south end of West Seattle Bowl. Here’s the announcement from Seattle City Light:

This week, Seattle City Light contracted crews began construction on two electric vehicle (EV) fast charger installations on 39th Avenue SW, between SW Oregon Street and Fauntleroy Way SW. The project is part of a program to install public EV-charging infrastructure in the utility’s service area

Project History & Feedback

In May 2019, City Light hosted a survey to collect feedback from West Seattle residents about the proposed EV charging site. Click here to read a summary of the survey results,

Project Details

Two EV chargers will be installed on the west side of 39th Ave. SW, between SW Oregon St. and Fauntleroy Way SW.

Crews will be trenching along the sidewalk on 39th Ave. SW to install underground electrical infrastructure.

Customers can expect parking and sidewalk restrictions during this project.

Noise is expected during construction due to heavy equipment.

Temporary power outages may be required to do the work safely. Affected customers will be notified in advance of any planned outage.

EV Charging Details

Only EVs can park in the designated charging spaces. EV parking will be enforced and limited to one hour. Vehicles that violate the parking restrictions will be issued a $124 fine or towed away at the owner’s expense.

Each charger will be equipped with CHAdeMo and SAE Combo connectors, which are compatible with all fast charge-capable EVs.

The cost to charge your EV at City Light’s fast chargers will vary depending on the time of day. A 30-minute charge may cost between $3 to $8.

Timing & Coordination

This project is estimated for completion in two to three months. Daily work hours are from Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Here’s our December report on the installation of similar chargers in SODO.

Share This

TRANSIT: More West Seattle Metro routes cut, including shuttles for Water Taxi, which also will reduce service

April 3, 2020 4:34 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | King County Water Taxi | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

Metro says ridership is now 30 percent of normal so as of Monday, it’s reducing service further. The routes to be entirely (temporarlly) cut as of Monday go beyond the 37 and 125 that were already axed – now the list of eliminated-for-now routes includes West Seattle-serving 21X, 55, 56, 57, 113, 116, and the Water Taxi shuttles 773, 775, Most other routes have reductions; a handful of West Seattle-serving routes including the 22, 60, 128, and 131 are keeping most if not all trips. As for the Water Taxi itself, its schedule also will be slashed. Here’s the full announcement (which includes the new WT schedule).

Share This

WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Instantly iconic cake

April 3, 2020 4:14 pm

| 19 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

In case you haven’t already seen this at Bakery Nouveau … the photo and report are from Vlad:

I just got back from a takeout at Bakery Nouveau, and they had this funny toilet paper roll themed cake in the display case. A bit of levity during the strange period we are living through. The store has a good system for physical distancing and the food is still as tasty as ever, even when taken home to consume.

BN is of course on our ongoing West Seattle (etc.) food/beverage takeout-and/or-delivery list.

Share This

PARKING: City suspends more rules, including more time limits

April 3, 2020 2:49 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Reader photo, March 25th)

Even after the “stay-home order” took effect, the city continued enforcing parking rules such as time limits in residential areas near business districts. One reader sent the photo above a week ago, after a parking-enforcement officer made another sweep through streets on the east side of The Junction, issuing -by the reader’s count – more than a dozen tickets. We sent a question to the city about whether they were considering relaxing the rules. No reply – but today, an announcement. From this SDOT Blog post:

… Beginning tomorrow, April 4, we will implement the following changes:

-No payment will be required on streets with paid parking.
-Hourly time limits will not be enforced outside of Restricted Parking Zones (RPZ).
-Loading zones up to 30-minutes, including new food pick-up zones, will continue to be enforced.
-All signs that indicate no parking, including no parking during a specified time, will still be enforced.
-Special zones will still be in effect, including new zones for Hospital and Human Services staff as well as existing zones for freight, food trucks, charter buses, etc.

Time limits in RPZs will continue to be enforced so that people who live in these neighborhoods can still find parking in their neighborhoods. So, if you park in an RPZ and do not have a permit, you need to follow the posted time-limits. Additionally, payment suspension doesn’t apply to private, off-street lots and garages.

We encourage people, if they are able, to check their cars from time-to-time, as we continue to adjust on-street parking regulations to respond to the pandemic.

All street parking meters in Seattle will display No Payment Required screen.

Reinstating paid parking will be phased in after the stay-home order is lifted.

After the stay-home order is lifted, on-street parking activity is anticipated to gradually increase as employees return to work and businesses reopen. Businesses downtown and in neighborhood business districts will again need parking turnover to provide access for customers and visitors. At that time, we will reinstate parking fees at a reduced rate of $0.50 per hour, the minimum we are able to charge.

After three weeks at the $0.50/hour rate, we will then begin to adjust rates based on demand as customers return to business districts and need reliable access at the curb.

West Seattle has no on-street public paid parking, but we do have two RPZs – one in Fauntleroy, one in The Junction – so pay close attention to the signage wherever you park. Parking rules suspended two weeks ago included the move-every-72-hours rule.

Share This

BUSINESS UPDATES: Illusions Hair Design; Canna West Culture Shop; Pegasus Book Exchange

April 3, 2020 2:11 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Shop local! Three West Seattle business updates:

ILLUSIONS HAIR DESIGN: Though there’s no way to do styling right now, Illusions Hair Design (longtime WSB sponsor) is selling items for pickup tomorrow, if you get your order in by 4 pm today:

SATURDAY APRIL 4, from 11 am-3 pm, we will be available to have you pick up retail/hair items you may need (based on availability). **CREDIT CARD ORDERS ONLY, no cash/checks. Simply email with your product requests – contactillusionshairdesign@gmail.com – (if you’re unsure of what the item is called, we can look it up in your file here at the salon.) What do you need? Shampoo, conditioner, styling aid, umbrella, hat, scarf, etc…? We will call you, give you a total for your items. When you arrive at the salon SATURDAY between 11-3 pm, we will have your bag of items ready. Simply call us from your car, we will take your credit card information at that time and process it. We will then print you a receipt (no signature required!), add it to your bag and we will run it all out to you! (Illusions DRIVE-THRU style!)

PLEASE UNDERSTAND: Our doors will remain locked, we will not be open to the public. You will not be allowed to come into the salon. ALL orders MUST be received via email, or you can leave us a message on our 24hr phone line. We will try to fulfill all of your requests on a first come, first served basis. (Many of our suppliers are not shipping, so we are limited to stock on hand.)

ALL requests must be received by FRIDAY APRIL 3 by 4 pm. If this is a success, we may do it again in a few weeks!

**PLEASE DO NOT ATTACH your credit card info to your item request inquiry. PLEASE DO NOT CALL and leave your credit card info our our message service. We are trying to be as diligent as we can, and respect your privacy as well as your well being. We will take your credit card info by phone when you arrive for pick-up. 206-938-3675

If you don’t see this until it’s too late … Illusions tells us it DOES look like they’ll do it again in 2 weeks. Join the Illusions email list via the website so you get first word on that.

CANNA WEST CULTURE SHOP: Here’s how to get CBD products delivered:

To help its customers, friends and neighbors receive their Essential CBD Products without leaving their homes, Canna West Culture Shop is now offering delivery service.

At checkout enter your contact information, select “Shipping” > Local Delivery > Payment Method “Schedule a Delivery.”

Deliveries are scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment only. Once you place your order a salesperson will contact you to confirm location and schedule your delivery.

There is a $5 delivery fee and $2 fuel charge for all deliveries regardless of location. Deliveries are limited within Seattle only. If delivery is not available in your area, we are happy to ship your products to you.

Pre-payment by credit card is required. An invoice will be sent via email for payment.

You will have the option to add gratuity. All gratuities will be donated to the local charities. During the month of April for Autism Awareness month, we will be donating to the WAAA, Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy organization.

A person 21+ must be present to sign for the order at the time of delivery. ID required.
Discounts are only available in-store.

If you have any questions or concerns about delivery service, please call 206-743-8003 or email nina@cannaws.com. All CBD products delivered are hemp derived and contain ZERO to less than .3% THC and are Federally legal. Delivery service is not available from our dispensary.

(The dispensary is Canna West Seattle, a WSB sponsor, which remains open at 5440 California SW.)

PEGASUS BOOK EXCHANGE: Eric sent this update:

Just an update for the shop, we will be starting delivery only to WS residents on 4/4. People can email us to place delivery orders. And (soon) we will have pictures of genres posted, so customers can still browse the shelves. Delivery fee of $5 is waived if the customer spends $20 or more. We will be keeping our customers updated via FB, Instagram, our website, and with window signs.

(Send business updates to westseattleblog@gmail.com – we’re catching up on more this weekend.)

Share This

TERMINAL 5: New round of pile-driving

April 3, 2020 12:26 pm

| 22 COMMENTS

| Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

(Port of Seattle photo from February, before in-water work ended for the season)

12:26 PM: The extended in-water pile driving for the Terminal 5 modernization project is over, but now it’s time for a different round of pile driving. The announcement is from the Port of Seattle:

As the Port of Seattle and The Northwest Seaport Alliance Terminal 5 project continues, we expect impact pile driving of steel piles on the uplands of Terminal 5 as early as today, April 3, and will continue intermittently into mid- or late May.

Pile driving is restricted to the following days and times:

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays;
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays;
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays and legal holidays for vibratory pile driving only;

No impact pile driving is allowed on Sundays or federal holidays (there will be no pile driving on Saturdays outside the fish window [Aug. 15 to Feb. 15]).

We also want to communicate some of the health and safety measures undertaken at the terminal due to COVID19. The contractor has notified us that these steps are being taken to maintain workplace safety:

-All workers are receiving health screening by a private contractor each morning before beginning work.

-Workers are driving to the job-site in their personal vehicles and have been asked not to carpool there.

-They also are encouraged to take breaks in their own cars rather than the break room.

-Extra cleaning protocols have been established for break rooms, sani-cans and construction equipment.

-Social distancing is monitored and enforced.

-Signage about best health practices has been placed throughout the terminal.

-If folks have any comments, questions, or concerns, please contact us through any of these channels:

Terminal 5 community phone line: 206-787-6886.

Email: Terminal5_Outreach@portseattle.org

Find out more via the project website: t5construction.participate.online/

ADDED 5:43 PM: Many commenters wondered if the pile-driving posed any risk to the closed-for-cracks West Seattle Bridge. We asked SDOT. The agency’s reply:

We have been working with the Port of Seattle regarding their Terminal 5 construction work. The vibrations and energy from the marine pile driver diminishes exponentially the further it travels from the construction site, and is negligible by the time it reaches the nearest bridge foundation a third-of-a-mile away. Put another way, if this construction equipment posed a risk for the bridge it would be causing much greater damage to the buildings closer by.

In the ongoing analysis, SDOT adds that “we have partnered with an international team of engineering experts to conduct a comprehensive safety analysis which takes into account many external variables, including vibrations from nearby traffic, construction, and maritime activity.”

Share This