West Seattle, Washington

08 Sunday

66℉

month : 04/2020 332 results

CANCELED: 16th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day
April 9, 2020 6:32 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Dating back to 2005, the second Saturday in May has always been West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, which in recent years has involved hundreds of sales and thousands of shoppers. It’s the only event that WSB coordinates and presents every year; we took it over in 2008. This year, WSCGSD was scheduled for May 9th, one month from today, and if not for a certain virus, we would have been registering sales by now. But even if the stay-home order does get lifted in early May as currently scheduled, we can’t imagine it being a good idea to invite people from all over the region to come visit so soon, as we do every year (some shoppers come all the way from Eastern Washington). Not to mention, our area has a bit of a transportation challenge right now. So, we’re canceling this year’s WSCGSD, and holding out healthy thoughts for next year.

P.S. If/when you have your own yard sale later this year – you are welcome to list it free in the Freebies/Deals/Sales section of the WSB Community Forums. (If you don’t have a login, get one via this link.)

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Don’t wait for the weekend closures – stay home, police plead
April 9, 2020 5:46 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Before the mayor’s weekend-park-closure announcement, we got this from Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis:

To our West Seattle and South Park Community,

Please keep in mind, especially during the warmer weather where the urge to congregate in City parks and other public spaces is at its zenith, we still are on a mission to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Health and Government officials recommend avoiding large gatherings and maintaining at least a 6 feet distance from other people. This reduces the chance of contact with those knowingly or unknowingly carrying the infection. The CDC also recommends wearing some type of personal protective equipment while in public settings where social distancing is difficult and or to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Also, remember that the risk of severe Illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread COVID-19 and everyone has an important role to play in slowing the spread and protecting themselves, their family, and their community. Your West Seattle officers will continue to address our area’s crime issues but will also take the opportunity to remind our community members of the current social distancing mandates and its importance. That said, please stay healthy and safe as we continue our fight against this invisible enemy.

As noted here earlier this week, here’s how the virus is affecting SPD.

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CLOSURES: Mayor closing major parks this weekend, including Alki Beach, Lincoln Park, West Seattle Stadium
April 9, 2020 3:34 pm
|      145 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Added: WSB photo, Alki Beach Park, 4:30 pm)

Just in from the mayor’s office:

Because of continued gatherings in major parks and crowded public places, the City of Seattle announced today the full closure of major regional parks this weekend where social distancing guidelines have not been followed by patrons. Seattle is joining major cities like Austin and Los Angeles across the country in closing major parks for the weekend. The change is effective Friday, April 10th at 11pm and will parks reopen on Monday, April 12 at 4:30 am. Data shows that social distancing measures are effectively reducing the transmission rate, but any easing of those measures could lead to a resurgence in transmission. Moreover, all city departments are having to adjust to the impacts that COVID-19 has had on employees, their families and the city workforce.

“These are the beautiful weather days we crave all winter, but we are living in unprecedented times and the Governor’s order isn’t stay out – it’s stay home. Seattle’s frontline medical workers, vulnerable residents, and displaced workers need you to stay home. While Seattle is expecting near perfect weather, friends and families should not have family or friend outings, picnics or gatherings in parks. Stay home unless you need to go to an essential job or business. If you need to take a walk in your neighborhood, be smart and don’t help create a crowded place. Too many friends, residents and families are continuing to gathering for picnics, BBQs, basketball games, and group walks. Because we still are in danger of a spike in infections, hospitalizations and deaths we have to keep doing out part. Easing up on social distancing too early will put more people at risk, could overwhelm our health care system, and could delay the reopening of businesses. Stay home, and if you must leave your home, be smart, follow social distancing guidelines by stay at lease six feet from everyone and wear a mask” said Mayor Jenny Durkan. “Our collective effort has made an impact flattening the curve, but we must continue or face even greater and longer term consequences.”

Closing these parks temporarily will help ensure more people are keeping the distancing they need to from other people. While our neighborhood parks will remain open, the city will consider closing them or making temporary closures longer term if visitors can’t follow safety guidelines. While the City of Seattle has closed parking lots at the largest regional parks, significant gatherings and disregard for social distancing have continued.

Seattle Parks and Recreation’s eight destination parks Green Lake, Lincoln, Golden Gardens, Seward Park, Magnuson Park, Gas Works, Alki Beach, and Discovery, as well as Cal Anderson, Carkeek, Woodland Park, Volunteer Park, Kubota Garden, West Seattle Stadium, and the Washington Park Arboretum will close on Friday, April 10th at 11pm and will reopen Monday, April 12 at 4:30 am.. Stan Sayres, Magnuson, Don Armeni, and Atlantic St boat launches are also closed. Trails at Lake Washington Boulevard will remain open, but group gatherings will be prohibited. Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area and Rattlesnake Ledge Trail will remain closed. Next week, the City will is evaluating and implementing a park by park plan to ensure residents can safely utilize larger regional parks when they reopen.

“The Police Department is asking community members to continue to follow the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Seattle has worked so hard to flatten the COVID curve in our region, now is not the time for our community to become complacent,” said Chief Carmen Best. “The Police Department supports the Mayor’s decision to close the parks, and we will work with the Parks Department to carry out this order. However, the Seattle Police Department cannot police us out this pandemic. Please stay at home for the health and safety of your family, friends, and loved ones.”

“As the weather has warmed up over the past few days, we’ve seen more and more people heading out to our regional parks, this has created a significant threat to the health and safety of our community. We are closing these parks to more firmly support the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, and to keep our most vulnerable neighbors safe,” said Jesus Aguirre, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent.

Previous orders closed parking lots at those same West Seattle parks.

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Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor: Dr. Elizabeth MacKenzie
April 9, 2020 3:05 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news

WSB is able to provide news/information 24/7/365 thanks to the local businesses and service providers who sponsor our site. When a new sponsor joins the team, they have the opportunity to tell you what they offer – and today, we are welcoming Dr. Elizabeth MacKenzie as our newest sponsor. Here’s what she wants you to know:

Dr. MacKenzie is celebrating the 17th anniversary of her private psychology practice in West Seattle. She is excited to announce an expansion in her parenting services! Dr. MacKenzie provides behavioral therapy to parents of 3-9-year-old children, teaching discipline strategies that promote strong parent-child relationships and loving limits.

She is also enrolling small-group stress management/mindful classes for parents of preschool and elementary-aged children, with an emphasis on the challenges posed by COVID-19. Each 5-parent class will meet weekly via Zoom and the first class to fill will be offered free of charge! Dr. MacKenzie also provides assessments for children, youth, and young adults for ADHD/ADD, learning disorders, and associated social-emotional difficulties.

She is complimented on her laugh, problem-solving skills, high skill level, and love for her work. Dr. MacKenzie provides evidence-based services, drawing on many years of experience conducting parenting and clinical trials research, most recently as a Research Scientist at the University of Washington.

Dr. MacKenzie is providing services via telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. For treatment and evaluation services, she submits insurance claims on your behalf. Dr. MacKenzie can be contacted via email (emackenzie@west-seattle-psych.com), phone (206.932.2590, x. 2), or via her website at www.west-seattle-psych.com.

We thank Dr. Elizabeth MacKenzie 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.

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FERRY ALERT: Early end to Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth service tonight
April 9, 2020 1:55 pm
|    Comments Off on FERRY ALERT: Early end to Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth service tonight
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Fauntleroy WSF terminal, last month)

From Washington State Ferries:

The last sailing from Fauntleroy to Vashon and Southworth will be cancelled tonight due to needed terminal maintenance. Cancelling the 1 a.m. sailing out of Fauntleroy will allow crews to complete necessary repairs to the terminal’s transfer span.

Listed below are the final sailings for the day for each destination:

Fauntleroy

The 11:45 p.m. sailing to Vashon/Southworth will be final departure for the day.

Vashon

The 10:50 p.m. to Fauntleroy will be the last sailing to West Seattle.
The 1:25 a.m. sailing will be the last trip from Vashon to Southworth.

Southworth

The 11:10 p.m. sailing to Fauntleroy will be the last sailing to West Seattle.
The 12:30 a.m. departure from Southworth to Vashon/Fauntleroy will only go to Vashon.

The Triangle Route is already operating on a reduced schedule,

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ALSO ONLINE TONIGHT: Words, Writers, Southwest Stories talks Seattle sports history
April 9, 2020 1:23 pm
|    Comments Off on ALSO ONLINE TONIGHT: Words, Writers, Southwest Stories talks Seattle sports history
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Another second-Thursday event that’s happening online tonight since in-person is not possible – the Southwest Seattle Historical Society–presented author/speaker series Words, Writers, & Southwest Stories. The SWSHS is re-releasing a video presentation by award-winning sports journalist Dan Raley – its announcement continues:

Raley’s presentation, titled “How Seattle Became a Big-League Sports Town,” was originally delivered as part of the Words, Writers, & West Seattle series on March 4, 2016. The presentation will be made available at loghousemuseum.org and on Facebook at 6:00 PM (tonight). We hope you’ll join us from the comfort of your home! The Historical Society will also be sharing an interesting sports-related item from our collection to celebrate the re-release of this presentation.

Raley is an award-winning sports journalist, author, and former aerospace writer. He worked as a journalist at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer for 29 years. His previously published books include The Brandon Roy Story, published by Old Seattle Press, 2013; Pitchers of Beer: The Story of the Seattle Rainiers, published by the University of Nebraska Press, 2011; and Tideflats to Tomorrow: The History of Seattle’s Sodo, published by Fairgreens Publishing, 2010.

‘Words, Writers, & SouthWest Stories’ presentations are scheduled regularly for the Second Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Southwest Branch of the Seattle Public Library. The presentation for next month (scheduled for May 14th) will be announced at a later date, depending on our community’s ongoing efforts to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

P.S. The SWSHS has an extensive video gallery here.

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VIDEO: First-ever virtual West Seattle Art Walk
April 9, 2020 11:47 am
|    Comments Off on VIDEO: First-ever virtual West Seattle Art Walk
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

11:47 AM: Tonight is the second Thursday of the month, and that would usually mean West Seattle Art Walk night, at venues all over the peninsula. Though in-person events are still out of the question, the Art Walk team has put together a virtual version for you to enjoy! Here’s the lineup, via the Art Walk website. Organizers explain:

We are excited to feature 40 (!!!) artists, double our regular number, and many of whom haven’t yet had the chance to exhibit at Art Walk. The post is set up like a virtual gallery space, with each artist providing up to 10 images, whether they are hosted by a business or “freelance” / artist-led.

All art is for sale, as for any other Art Walk. If you are interested, just contact the business if listed, or the artist if not.

At 5 pm, we will drop a video playlist of a selection of artists on our Facebook page, so it will be a little bit more like a real walk around!

Thank you for your support of the arts, even in a time of discomfit!

ADDED 5:55 PM: Here’s the video playlists!

WSB is an Art Walk co-sponsor.

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AVALON PROJECT: Striping resumes next week; parking-restriction reminder
April 9, 2020 11:16 am
|    Comments Off on AVALON PROJECT: Striping resumes next week; parking-restriction reminder
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Wednesday evening)

As mentioned briefly in our morning traffic watch, the last phase of the Avalon/35th/Alaska repaving-and-more project won’t resume until next week because of the mayor-mandated two-day public-works stopdown. After the towing debacle earlier this week, that means the city wants to be sure people are aware of the parking restrictions. Here’s the SDOT update:

We will not be working this Thursday, April 9 or Friday, April 10 as directed by Mayor Durkan. We will be using this time to will allow contractors and staff to implement rigorous social distancing requirements and update health and safety plans.

On Monday, we will continue to install final striping on 35th Ave SW and SW Avalon Way as well as look to schedule another paving date soon. We anticipate also installing flex posts for the protected bike lanes at this time. Please follow posted no-parking signs on SW Avalon Way starting first thing on Monday morning at 12:00 AM. We highly recommend moving your car to a new location on Sunday evening.
Important!

No Parking on SW Avalon Way starting Monday at 12:00 AM. We anticipate completing final striping next week on SW Avalon Way, weather depending. We need all cars to be off of the corridor next week and recommend you move your cars Sunday night. If you have questions or need assistance, please call 206-900-8734 or email avalonpaving@seattle.gov.

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BUSINESS UPDATES: West Seattle Runner; WS Landscape and Stone Supply
April 9, 2020 10:33 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Two more business updates this morning. First, from longtime WSB sponsor West Seattle Runner‘s proprietors Tim and Lori McConnell:

We will be here in the store M-F from 10-4, taking orders via phone, text, email and Facebook messenger. We need to be here those hours to accept deliveries and set up shipping. We are going to be taking Sat and Sun off, and we may answer some emails, but we are trying to set up some routine where we don’t work every day.

We will be doing no-contact deliveries of all IN-STOCK ORDERS M-F between 4:30 and 6:00. We will also set up vendor direct shipping of any item we do not have in stock.

Email: lori@westseattlerunner.com
Text: 206-228-0019
Message: facebook.com/wsrunner
Call: 206-938-0545

We do not currently have a web-store (under construction), but we hope to have one up very soon. As this operation is currently just Lori and I, we appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we try to figure out the best way to navigate this business challenge.

For those that have already purchased from us since “Stay Home, Stay Safe,” we really appreciate it, everything helps. For those looking to purchase now, know we will do our best to make shoe suggestions over the phone, and are extending our return policy to 45 days. And any order size is welcome, we are not limiting it to shoes or more, if you need 4 gels, we’ll get you 4 gels. We want to continue to service our community through this ordeal – we were here before all this, and we will be here after this, doing our best for our customers and friends.

And from West Seattle Landscape and Stone Supply proprietor Jeff Detweiler:

A lot of people are looking for garden soils right now, and we are one of the only places delivering it in West Seattle. I do everything by email and phone, so there’s no in-person contact with customers, and I am still charging the same delivery rates and soil prices as normal.

Best way to contact is by email as I’m kind of swamped, wslandscapesupply@gmail.com. Our Super veggie soil, compost, two-way soil, medium bark, and NW Mulch (bark/compost mix) are all available for delivery Monday through Friday. Phone is still 206-763-7625, but again, email’s best right now. There’s no pickup of materials available, as we are delivery-only.

Got a business update? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT: Thursday watch, third week of West Seattle Bridge closure
April 9, 2020 5:35 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:35 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge remains closed for the 17th consecutive morning.

SDOT clarified Wednesday that the low bridge is reserved for transit, freight, and emergency response; SPD presence continued, and there’s more new signage.

REMINDER: For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also how to get to I-5, cutting across Georgetown.

Or you can use the South Park Bridge (map).

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

TRANSIT ALERTS FOR TODAY:

As first reported here, Metro‘s schedule shrunk again at the start of the week . Use the lookup to see which trips are canceled.

The Water Taxi’s schedule is also reduced – 2 morning departures and 2 evening returns – and its shuttles are no longer operating.

ROAD WORK UPDATE:

Work on the last section of Avalon to be paved, west of 35th SW, is now on pause until Monday because of the mayor’s orders for a two-day citywide public-works construction stopdown – striping will resume Monday; full update later today.

OTHER LINKS

SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page

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

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE CLOSURE: Still ‘more questions than answers,’ levy committee told
April 8, 2020 10:53 pm
|      82 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Two weeks and two days after the sudden safety shutdown of the West Seattle Bridge, its repair plan is still a work in progress.

That’s what we heard at the latest public briefing on the situation – more of a mini-briefing, with a small slot at the Move Seattle Levy Oversight Committee‘s monthly meeting Tuesday night. The committee’s members are volunteers appointed to keep watch on what’s done with the money raised by the levy, passed by voters in 2015, meant to raise $930 million over its nine years.

The briefing was led by deputy SDOT director Lorelei Williams, with roadway-structures director Matt Donahue and department director Sam Zimbabwe also participating.

Read More

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CORONAVIRUS: Wednesday 4/8 roundup
April 8, 2020 9:22 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Here’s our nightly roundup of pandemic-related local news:

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

Public Health reported 202 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the official case count in King County to 3,688. 14 new deaths were reported, bringing the total of COVID-19 deaths in King County to 244.

One week ago, the county reported 2,496 cases and 164 deaths.

ONE MORE LOCAL VICTIM: Checking the county data dashboard – 98146 now has two deaths, as do 98106 and 98126; 98136 is still at one, 98116 at zero.

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

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Almost 1.5 million cases. See how that breaks out, nation by nation, here.

NEVER MIND: Remember the Army field hospital being set up at CenturyLink Field? It’s being broken down – the governor says it looks like we won’t need the hospital-overflow space after all. But he also warns we haven’t won the war against the coronavirus yet.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE: David Hutchinson spotted this sign on the Alki Trail:

WHY DISTANCE MATTERS WHEN YOU’RE WALKING/RUNNING/ETC.: Researchers explain. (Thanks to Trileigh Tucker for the link.)

ALSO FOR SAFETY’S SAKE … the city announced today that it’s closing more parks’ parking lots, including West Seattle Stadium:

It wasn’t closed when we went by just after 5 pm; we’ll look again tomorrow.

NEED HELP? OFFERING HELP? Another reminder that West Seattle Support is up and running at westseattlecovid.recovers.org – matching requests for assistance with people who can help.

TONIGHT’S INSPIRATION: Sent by J, as seen in North Admiral:

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

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THE WEST SEATTLE TURKEY: Bird on the hill
April 8, 2020 7:15 pm
|      38 COMMENTS
 |   Genesee Hill | West Seattle news | Wildlife

The West Seattle Turkey is on the move again …

After hanging out a while in North Admiral, today we got three sighting reports from Genesee Hill. The photo above is from Larry; below, from Wendy, who explained, “Pleasantly perched in the upper right of the cherry tree, the famous West Seattle turkey! It’s the most exciting thing to happen to us in a month… ”

And via Twitter:

Thanks as always for the photos!

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CLARIFICATION: Here’s who can use the low bridge and who can’t – right now
April 8, 2020 4:34 pm
|      49 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(SDOT camera image, this afternoon)

4:34 PM: With SPD enforcement starting on the low bridge this week, there’s been some confusion over who’s allowed to use that bridge and who isn’t. SDOT had said right after the March 23 high-bridge closure that the low bridge was available for “Harbor Island access.” But that has changed, with one exception. We asked SDOT today to spell out the current official policy; spokesperson Ethan Bergerson responded with this:

At this time, the Low Bridge remains closed to people driving general purpose vehicles to keep essential and life-safety services moving. Considering the current public health emergency, our top priority is emergency access to hospitals and protecting the supply chain, so we are reserving access to emergency vehicles, freight, and transit, and working with our partners at the Seattle Police Department, the Seattle Fire Department, the Port of Seattle, and Metro to determine the extent of the access limitations.   

There is one exception for freight community employees. Longshore Workers Union employees who are driving westbound from the Union hall at the start of their shift to Terminal 5 may use the Low Bridge. This is for westbound trips only.

We understand the inconvenience the closure of the High Bridge poses to the community. SDOT did not make this decision lightly, but ultimately, we prioritize safety above all else. We are monitoring traffic on the Low Bridge and as new traffic patterns develop, we may be able to adjust access.

Our next report on what’s up with the high bridge, meantime, is coming up this evening.

6:51 PM: We checked out the eastbound approach to the low bridge around 5 pm. Overhead signage has now been altered:

And two officers were in the lanes directing/monitoring traffic:

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PARK PARKING: City adds West Seattle Stadium to parking-lot-closure list
April 8, 2020 4:26 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Announced today by Seattle Parks:

In addition to the 8 major parks already closed to parking, the City of Seattle is closing parking lots at 8 other parks to further encourage social distancing and lessen crowds. Closures are effective immediately at all parking lots along Lake Washington Boulevard; in Washington Park Arboretum, at Stan Sayers Boat Ramp (boat ramp also closed); AT Carkeek, Kubota, Woodland Park, and Volunteer parks; and at the West Seattle Stadium.

These parking lot closures are in addition to the closures at Green Lake, Lincoln, Golden Gardens, Seward, Magnuson (including the boat launch), Gas Works, Alki Beach (including Don Armeni boat launch), and Discovery parks.

Residents are encouraged to visit any of other 450 local neighborhood parks, or to bike or walk to the larger destination parks, which will remain open for public use.

“Many of us have been doing a great job at enjoying the outdoors while also practicing social distancing, but we are still observing crowds at some of our larger parks, and pick-up games on fields and courts. We urge you to visit parks closer to home or take walks in your neighborhood. Continuing our social distancing practices is critical to the health of those most vulnerable in our community,” said Jesus Aguirre, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent.

SPR and SPD will continue to deploy staff to encourage social distancing at highly frequented parks.

As a reminder, all Seattle beaches are also closed to gatherings, and Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area and Rattlesnake Ledge Trail are closed.

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ONLINE TONIGHT: Passover, Holy Week
April 8, 2020 3:33 pm
|    Comments Off on ONLINE TONIGHT: Passover, Holy Week
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

These past few weeks, on Sunday mornings, we’ve been featuring a list with links to local churches that are offering worship online, whether livestreamed, recorded, or in text. Today, two midweek faith notes:

PASSOVER BEGINS: The Jewish holiday starts at sundown, and West Seattle’s Kol HaNeshamah synagogue is prepared to celebrate virtually. Tonight, for Night 1, Rabbi Zari Weiss has shared this downloadable Haggadah – used for Seders on the first two nights of the holiday. Tomorrow night, starting around 5 pm, KHN plans a livestreamed Seder.

HOLY WEEK: Many extra services this week for Christians, leading up to Easter this Sunday. We have word of Wednesday evening prayer online from St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church:

You are invited to join us on Wednesday nights for online Evening Prayer at 6:30 p.m.

To follow along with the service, click on this link: Wednesday Evening Prayer Bulletin

You can watch Evening Prayer on Facebook Live.

Any other West Seattle churches with services leading up to Easter? Email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! If we get announcements, we’ll list them as a preview each day.

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FOLLOWUP: SDOT apologizes for Avalon project contractor’s towing
April 8, 2020 1:48 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

On Tuesday, we reported on Avalon residents whose vehicles were towed from the SDOT project zone because of no-parking signage they said they hadn’t even had time to see because of the stay-home order. We asked SDOT and the mayor’s office for comment. Just in from SDOT:

Yesterday we learned that the contractor working on the 35th/Avalon project had 12 vehicles towed of 98 total parking spots from SW Avalon Way in West Seattle. While our contractor followed our normal notification procedures of sending construction notices to property managers, residents, neighbors, and businesses about this work, and placing no-parking signs 72 hours in advance, we have since heard from several residents that they did not see the signs because they were following the COVID-19 “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order.

Typically, contractors will notify our project teams prior to towing cars. That did not happen in this case, and prevented us from having the opportunity to notify residents once more, given the challenges we’re all facing in the midst of the COVID-19 public health crisis and “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” best practices.

We are sorry for this inconvenience. We have confirmed, however, that 4 of the 12 cars will be returned to the corridor as soon as possible at no cost to the owners. The remaining 8 cars have already been picked up by their respective owners and will be reimbursed for charges related to towing.

Crews are continuing to work on this project today, and will pause work on Thursday in order to implement new Health and Safety Plans for this job site. The contractor plans to resume work on Monday. No-parking signs will be enforced on Avalon Way starting Monday morning through Friday evening.

We are in the final stages of this project that started last year, including installing the permanent pavement markings. We know this project has been disruptive to the corridor while we have done major upgrades to the street and installed new protected bike lanes and transit-only lanes.

For all questions, please call 206-900-8734 or email Avalonpaving@Seattle.gov. We encourage everyone to review our website highlighting all COVID-19 related parking changes.

The year-long Avalon repaving-and-more project is in its final phase, with permanent striping and markers being installed, as well as one final block of repaving involving asphalt work on Avalon west of 35th.

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SCHOOLS: South Seattle College’s spring-quarter updates
April 8, 2020 1:06 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Coronavirus | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Just because campuses are closed doesn’t mean learning has stopped. That goes for South Seattle College (longtime WSB sponsor), where spring quarter is about to start, and there’s still time to enroll. Updates from SSC (which has its main campus in West Seattle’s Puget Ridge neighborhood):

Spring Quarter 2020 Starts Next Monday, April 13

So that everyone can stay healthy and stay on track with their education, spring quarter at South Seattle College will look quite different this year. All classes offered from our West Seattle campus will be happening either online or through other remote means to comply with State of Washington executive orders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Student Services staff are helping students remotely to prepare for the upcoming quarter, and eLearning staff are providing resources to help everyone prepare for online learning.

Students who are enduring financial hardships as a result of COVID-19’s far-reaching impacts are encouraged to apply for emergency funds and financial aid support. Additionally, the college is working with students on an individual basis to support their at-home technology needs for successful online learning.

The college is still enrolling new students for spring. Classes start April 13, and the last day to add/register is April 17. Visit southseattle.edu/steps-enroll/admissions-application to get started.

Remote Operations & Restricted Campus Access Through at Least May 4

South Seattle College is operating fully remotely through at least May 4 in compliance with Gov. Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order. During this time campuses are effectively closed (including Georgetown campus), although services are still available remotely and classes will be offered online and through other remote means.

On-campus food services and event space rentals will not be available to the community during remote operations.

Seattle Colleges Foundation Mobilizes to Help Students

The Seattle Colleges Foundation has launched a COVID-19 Emergency Fund to help students of the Seattle Colleges by providing grants to cover essential needs including groceries, rent, childcare and educational technology. To learn more and consider supporting the cause, please visit foundation.seattlecolleges.edu/covid-19-emergency-fund.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen maroon Legacy; vandalism x 3
April 8, 2020 11:57 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Four reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN CAR: The most-recent citywide crime overview shows auto theft is up 32% this year, and here’s the latest: Lindsey‘s maroon 1998 Subaru Legacy was stolen overnight, near 39th/Thistle. Plate: AWA3157. If you see it, please call 911.

The next three reports all involve vandalism:

ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY: Jim, who lives near the school, reports damage to the parking lot:

First – last week a car and perhaps a motorcycle did burnouts in the parking lot. So much so…that it totally ruined the look of the new black-topped parking lot. Secondly, within the last few days …..someone dumped a 1-gallon bucket of white paint all over the parking. Totally ruining the parking and defacing the beautiful brand-new school. Paint bucket was left in the lot and is still there. … No school leaves time for mischief unfortunately….and it is sad to see a brand new school get defaced.

ALSO IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Egging vandalism, reported by Jay, who wonders if anyone else was hit:

Around 10:30 pm Tuesday, I heard noises on my windows. When I went outside to check, it appears someone had thrown eggs at the apartment building and they were falling/oozing down the windows. This was near 35th and Barton.

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SCHMITZ PARK: Ali sent photos (which we’re not showing, no time right now to stop down and blur) of trees in Schmitz Preserve Park defaced by spray paint. At least one looks like an anti-COVID-19 message – great sentiment but NOT on trees (might we suggest, chalk art).

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FYI: Ferry-line parking enforcement
April 8, 2020 11:03 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Transportation | West Seattle news

James Tilley‘s beautiful photo from this morning is a reminder – Washington State Ferries ARE still running. And the parking restrictions for where Vashon/Southwrth-bound traffic would queue up alongside Lincoln Park ARE still being enforced, multiple readers have emailed to point this out, saying citations were being issued on recent afternoons, suggesting that others might appreciate the reminder, since the closure of Lincoln Park’s lots have led some to park on the street instead. While the city has relaxed some parking rules, this type of parking restriction is NOT on the list,

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BUSINESS UPDATES: Rambo Total Pest Control; Second Gear Sports
April 8, 2020 10:08 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Two more business updates:

RAMBO TOTAL PEST CONTROL: This longtime WSB sponsor is still operating, as this is considered an “essential” service, and they’re offering a discount:

We are offering a special discount to all clients (25%), as well as an extra special discount (50%) to all front-line healthcare workers and first responders. Here is more information on that.

Maybe some folks in West Seattle who are stuck at home with their ants could use a 25% savings to help out right now? ‘Tis the season for Odorous House Ants!

SECOND GEAR SPORTS: The Morgan Junction sports consignment shop is among the retail outlets that have gone online:

In light of the mandatory order, Second Gear Sports is closed, but pivoted to a new webstore. Not everything is online, but the store phone is forwarded to Mark’s cell so he will answer and can check inventory if you are looking for something you don’t see. Sporting goods are great to add to your Easter basket, such as team gear (baseball, soccer, etc.) or bikes (Striders, many sizes of new/used 20”, new 24”), bike accessories (baskets, bells, water cages), etc. Mark is doing no-contact delivery for free. If you need something and you don’t see it, call him.

Whether on the phone or via Facetime/Zoom, Mark provides expert consultation on helmet fittings, deciding on the right bike, right gear… anything you need. And he’s glad to explain why a price is what it is—all records of fair used and new pricing go along with each item. Appreciate you reading, and all of your support always.

Got a business update? Email is the best way to get it to us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT: Wednesday watch, third week of West Seattle Bridge closure
April 8, 2020 7:29 am
|      58 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:29 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge remains closed for the 16th consecutive morning.

The low bridge is reserved for transit, freight, emergency response, and Harbor Island access – spot enforcement started Monday, and there’s new signage and lane striping to reinforce the restrictions.

For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also how to get to I-5, cutting across Georgetown.

Or you can use the South Park Bridge (map).

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

TRANSIT ALERTS FOR TODAY:

As first reported here, Metro‘s schedule is reduced . Use the lookup to see which trips are canceled.

The Water Taxi’s schedule is reduced too – 2 morning departures and 2 evening returns – and its shuttles are no longer operating.

ROAD WORK REMINDER:

Work on the last section of Avalon to be paved, west of 35th SW, is happening this week – striping in the full project zone, too.

OTHER LINKS

SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page

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

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Camp Second Chance doing OK in virus crisis
April 7, 2020 11:56 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Myers Way | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

No cases of COVID-19 are reported at southeast West Seattle’s tiny-house encampment Camp Second Chance, but the pandemic has affected life at CSC in a few ways.

That was part of the discussion as the Camp Second Chance Community Advisory Committee met by videoconferencing and phone on Sunday afternoon.

The camp’s status was presented during the 40-minute meeting by site coordinator Eric Pattin.

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