West Seattle, Washington
03 Sunday
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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!
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.
5:58 AM: 37th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. Here are the cameras for the restricted-access low bridge (where police enforcement continues) 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 about a mile south of where the other bridge does. 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 contine 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.
Several people emailed us Tuesday to point out this story – a construction milestone for a new bridge in Genoa, Italy, replacing one that collapsed 20 months ago (as shown in this video, which also shows the demolition of what remained of the old bridge):
Wrote Elisabetta Povoledo in the New York Times story on the bridge nearing completion and the disaster that brought down its predecessor:
When it was built, in the 1960s, the Morandi bridge was widely celebrated for its artistry and innovative engineering. Its collapse 20 months ago, when a section of roadway fell 150 feet onto a riverbed, became a source of national embarrassment.
An investigation into the causes of the collapse revealed shortcomings in the day-to-day maintenance and in public oversight of Italy’s aging infrastructure. The disaster left Genoa effectively split into two, throwing the lives of its residents into disarray.
The new bridge is being paid for by the private company that operated the failed bridge and many such road facilities in Italy; the project was overseen by the mayor of Genoa. This short video report says the main part of the construction took just 7 months:
There are undoubtedly many differences between the situation there and here; the most important one is that our bridge’s damage was caught before catastrophe, while the collapse in Genoa killed more than 40 people. Also, we don’t even know yet if our bridge will or will not need immediate replacement. But what attracted the attention of those who emailed us was more the Genoa timeframe. Wrote one, “If Italy can do it, why can’t we?”
P.S. If you can’t see the New York Times link, try this paywall-free story from The Guardian,
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