West Seattle, Washington
14 Thursday
Be on the lookout for Megan‘s stolen car: A 2005 silver 4-door Nissan Altima, California plates 6BFE480, taken from the 6000 block of 42nd Avenue SW. It has a small VR (in yellow auto chalk) on the driver’s-side door. Call 911 if you see it.
Not quite walking weather yet today – so enjoy some of these West Seattle bird photos! (Each species name links to more info.)
We start with two waterfowl images by Mark from Nature’s Eye Photos, above, a Bufflehead, and below, Harlequin Ducks:
Next – by Mark Wangerin, a Red-breasted Sapsucker:
From David Hutchinson, a juvenile Bald Eagle:
And from Susan Romanenghi, an Anna’s Hummingbird on the lookout:
Thanks as always to everyone who contributes (we have more in queue, too!) – westseattleblog@gmail.com.
It’s time to talk about grocery shopping for the fifth consecutive Saturday morning. Checking around, we’re not seeing any changes in hours this week. Safety seems to be the week’s big watchword. PCC (WSB sponsor) says it’s provided masks for its entire staff. So has Trader Joe’s. And Whole Foods (WSB sponsor), too. QFC says staffers “are permitted” to wear them. Meantime, we can vouch for everybody wearing masks at Thriftway (WSB sponsor) during our shopping trip this past week. That’s also where the one-way aisle signs were fleshed out recently:
Here is our ongoing list of hours, senior/at-risk shopping times, etc., for the standalone grocery stores in West Seattle. How are YOUR shopping trips going?
Seven weeks ago tonight, our state’s first COVID-19 case was announced. Here’s the latest, in our nightly roundup:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Seattle-King County Public Health data dashboard:
*4,902 people have positive test results, up 93 from yesterday
*331 people have died, up 11 from yesterday
One week ago, those totals were 4,117 and 277.
ANOTHER LOCAL DEATH: The data dashboard also shows that West Seattle zip code 98126 now has four deaths; 98106 and 98146 have two each, 98136 has one, and 98116 still has none.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: 11,445 cases and 603 deaths (up from 9,887/475 a week ago); see the full iist of state stats here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them – nation by nation – here.
WEEKEND REMINDERS: Parks are open as long as you “keep it moving’; one neighborhood greenway in West Seattle, meantime, is mostly closed to vehicles:
That’s the sign we saw on 34th SW at Webster tonight; the “Stay Healthy Streets” experiment is explained here.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Did you see a fire engine/truck in YOUR neighborhood? Here’s what SFD tweeted afterward:
We had SO much fun tonight seeing the community members we serve at our first FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS! Thank you to everyone who came to their doorsteps or waved from windows. Next week we will hit the SOUTH end of each of our 33 fire districts. We are #SeattleTogether. pic.twitter.com/SlUuMvtfzj
— Seattle Fire Dept. (@SeattleFire) April 18, 2020
As noted in today’s announcement, tonight they drove in the north areas of each station’s “district”; next Friday night, 7-8 pm, it’ll be the south.
WHAT’S NOT HAPPENING: The canceled-by-coronavirus-concern list adds West Seattle Summer Fest.
WHAT IS HAPPENING: Lots of helping! Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (WSB sponsor) collected booties – got any?
NEED FOOD? More helping – the free meals offered by rotating food businesses operating from Delridge’s KBM Commissary are launching – here’s an update:
This week we are preparing 100 four-person meals. The menu is selected and co-ordinated by Jemil’s Big Easy Catering. The menu is chicken in a marinara sauce over penne pasta with zucchini. While we are preparing for 100 people, the number of people who have requested meals is in the single digits.
Could your household use a free meal? Email kbmcovidrelief@gmail.com.
ART WITH HEART: Marta saw this near Jack Block Park:
GOT INFO? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Among the groups that have found a way to carry on in the coronavirus crisis: Scout troops! Above are Scouts from West Seattle’s Troop 284, during an online class. We asked for the image after hearing from Chance Mason, who emailed us this report:
I am 12 years old and a Scout in Troop 284. I thought you might be interested in reporting on how Scouts are continuing o operate during self-isolation. Although we are not able to go on campouts or meet to work on projects together, we are meeting over Zoom. We just held our troop and patrol elections. We are also working at home on merit badges such as Family Life, Cooking, and Radio.
Chance’s merit-badge counselor Eric Linxweiler adds, “We’re trying to take advantage of this time to continue scouting journeys while we can’t do it outside in the environments we like so much. We really can’t wait to get back to our community service also, especially our annual Scouting for Food, which has been suspended for now.”
P.S. This story from the WSB archives reminds us, Troop 284 has a century-plus o history!
Four West Seattle Bridge-related notes this afternoon:
LOW-BRIDGE WORK THIS WEEKEND: SDOT has mentioned some maintenance ahead for the low bridge. We asked for details:
This weekend, we plan to replace the Spokane Street Pedestrian Gate, which has not been operating properly and causing some unintended vehicle-traffic interruptions. We are also going to be testing the live-load capacity on the bridge. This work will require us to intermittently close portions of the bridge for brief intervals (under 10 minutes) over the weekend. We do not expect this to be more disruptive than a typical bridge opening for maritime traffic, and many of the brief closures will be to the sidewalk or a single lane at a time (in which case a police officer will alternate traffic in the remaining lane).
Added: Just after we published this, Joseph Laubach sent a photo of low-bridge testing already under way:
5-WAY INTERSECTION WORK AHEAD: Also mentioned in this past Wednesday’s announcement, some work ahead to improve the suddenly more-critical-than-ever 5-way intersection at Spokane/Chelan/Delridge/West Marginal, so we asked for the timeline on that:
We recently upgraded the signals at this intersection so that we can remotely monitor and make real-time adjustments from our Traffic Operations Center in response to changing circumstances. We plan to continue making improvements to this location in the coming weeks, including more significant signal upgrades that will likely include bus prioritization. We are also planning to do road work to improve the pavement condition at this intersection. If weather allows, both sets of work will likely occur over the weekend of April 24 – 26 and will have traffic impacts. We are working to finalize the details and will let you know more soon.
COUNCIL BRIEFING: As for the high bridge itself, the next public discussion is Monday morning, as we first reported early Tuesday. That’s at 9:30 am Monday (April 20th), live via Seattle Channel (cable 21 or online). The slide deck is now online (PDF); it’s almost identical to the one included in our Wednesday report, except for an extra graphic explaining “lateral bearing,” addition of the likely 5-way intersection paving date mentioned above, and addition of a slide about transit.
COUNCILMEMBER HERBOLD’S UPDATE: Just as we finished writing this, Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s weekly update appeared online. Along with a recap of recent developments, she includes a summary of constituent suggestions, plus information on “what SDOT has done in recent weeks to adjust signals and monitor traffic.”
(WSB photo, some of the new Avalon markings, photographed Thursday)
After a week of paving and striping in the Avalon/35th/Alaska project zone, here’s what SDOT says is next:
We have completed most striping on SW Avalon Way from 35th Ave SW to SW Manning St, and over the next few weeks we will continue striping along 35th Ave SW and SW Alaska St. Currently, we are installing the flex posts for the protected bike lanes. In May, We will return to stripe SW Avalon Way at SW Genesee St and from 35th Ave SW to Fauntleroy Way SW after the new asphalt has cured.
Upcoming work:
We plan to continue painting final striping on the project corridor for the next two weeks. Please follow posted no-parking signs. We anticipate striping at:
*35th Ave SW from Fauntleroy Way SW to just south of SW Alaska St this week and next week.
Alaska St from 36th Ave SW to 35th Ave SW the week of April 20*SW Avalon Way from Fauntleroy Way to 35th Ave SW as soon as May 4
We will be making safety improvements to the northbound bus stop at SW Genesee St as soon as the week of April 27.
No Parking signs on the corridor are still in effect. We anticipate completing final striping on 35th Ave SW and SW Alaska St this month, weather depending. Additionally, please anticipate temporary and intermittent driveway impacts as we stripe. If you have questions or need assistance, please call 206-900-8734 or email avalonpaving@seattle.gov.
A woman was robbed and assaulted in her car in High Point late last night. Thanks to the person who tipped us about this incident; we found the SPD incident number and requested the report. Police found the victim, 49, in a parking lot in the 3200 block of SW Graham after a report of a woman screaming for help and honking a car horn. She had blood on her face and told police she had parked there to visit her mother in the 6000 block of Lanham. As she finished parking, a man opened her door, grabbed her around the neck, pushed her further into the car, and threatened to kill her if she fought back. She began screaming and honking the car horn, and he hit her in the face multiple times before grabbing her purse and fleeing. Police searched with K9 units but didn’t find her attacker, described only as male, black, slender, with braided hair, wearing a Tommy Hilfiger-type striped sweatshirt. The victim was treated by SFD medics.
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The peninsula’s biggest party of the year is the latest big event canceled by coronavirus concerns. This announcement is just in from the West Seattle Junction Association:
For 38 years, the biggest festival in West Seattle has continued to evolve, starting out as the Sidewalk Sale, then the Street Fair, and now Summer Fest – a three-day celebration in the West Seattle streets.
The festival has been a July tradition in West Seattle since 1982, the same year Seattle became the Emerald City. Even prior to the West Seattle bridge being built (but that’s another story…).
After much discussion, the Junction has made the safest decision for the community – to cancel the 2020 Summer Fest – July 10-12th.
We are saddened but hopeful we will rise like a Westside phoenix to bring back Summer Fest stronger than ever July 2021.
In the meantime, we’re developing a plan for a block-party-style community gathering that will be announced as soon as we’re confident it’s safe to bring people together. Current events and info from King Co Public Health give us hope for a late August date.
We’ll continue to monitor all health regulations, and sincerely hope the Junction merchants can show appreciation of the outpouring of community support by bringing you one day that celebrates all the West Seattle goodness we’ve stored up through this pandemic.
Stay tuned, stay healthy.
With a U.S. Coast Guard base close by, toward the south end of the downtown waterfront, USCG vessels are often seen off West Seattle, but we don’t always get photos – so thanks for these! Above, Marc Milrod photographed the 378-foot high-endurance cutter USCGC Mellon this morning; below, James Tilley‘s view last week of the U.S.’s only heavy icebreaker, USCGC Polar Star:
Both vessels are homeported here.
(BHHSNWRE photo: Tay Krull and Rebecca King)
PPE goes from head to toe. Closer to the latter end are shoe-covering “booties,” recently collected and donated by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (WSB sponsor), which has also launched another community-service drive, as they explain:
The brokers from both West Seattle and Burien Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate offices pulled together their on-hand inventory of foot coverings commonly used at open houses and in homes for sale.
The booties were dropped off to an offsite location and one broker then delivered them to their destination. The shoe coverings were distributed at various locations within the Multicare Health System; the Ambulatory Pharmacy teams were the primary recipients of the booties. This was something that came together fast to help fill an urgent need. We learned of the need on a Wednesday and by Friday we had all the booties collected.
We are still able to collect and deliver donations, so if people would like to donate their unused foot coverings they can contact Tay Krull at TayKrull@BHHSNWRE.com.
They’re supporting WestSide Baby, too, with an awareness campaign:
We started our awareness campaign with the intent to support WestSide Baby and the incredible service they provide for children in need. It’s so important in times like these that our amazing charities that provide necessary services are still supported and not forgotten. Through awareness we are hoping to help fill the diaper needs for WestSide Baby.
WestSide Baby has a button on the front page of their website right now – “Give a Gift Today” – and we are encouraging our Realtors and our community to donate directly through their website to make the best and fastest impact. You can donate at WestSideBaby.org. We plan to continue to draw attention and make donations through the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order.
Before the pandemic, Seattle Public Library events were a staple of our Event Calendar (which hasn’t yet fully morphed to reflect the new online reality). Though the closure of libraries canceled all in-person events, SPL has ramped up a schedule of online events, including its popular Story Times. So we’re mentioning that in case you haven’t already heard. SPL has other events, too, including a financial-literacy presentation at 11 am tomorrow. Its event calendar include online toddler and preschooler story times on Monday, and continues with other daily events, including arts for elders. You can browse the SPL calendar by going here.
Take a look at this map (PDF). If you’re in one of those areas, you might see a Seattle Fire engine or truck drive through your neighborhood 7-8 pm tonight as part of “Friday Night Lights.” You’re invited to “come to the window or doorstep and make some noise” if/when you see them. The map, by the way, shows the north section of the fire stations’ service areas (in West Seattle, that’s 29, 36, 32, 11, and 37); the south ends would get a visit next Friday night.
5:53 AM: The high-rise West Seattle Bridge is empty for the 25th consecutive morning, and now we know the closure will span hundreds of days. So will restrictions on the low bridge, which SPD s enforcing daily.
For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – that’s also the main way to get to I-5, exiting at Michigan.
Your other option is the South Park Bridge (map), which drops you onto East Marginal Way a mile south of the north end of the 1st Ave. South Bridge.
Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if a bridge is opening for marine traffic.
ROAD WORK ALERT: The last stretch of Avalon paving west of 35th is complete. Crews have been continuing to install permanent striping and marking throughout the full project zone.
TRANSIT ALERTS:
Metro is launching a third round of service cuts this weekend – details here.
OTHER LINKS
SDOT’s traffic map
Our traffic-cams page
Let us know what you’re seeing – comment, or text (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.
Quyen emailed tonight to say, “The world is in chaos right now but West Seattle is more peaceful and breathtaking than I have ever seen,” sharing this photo:
… which reminded us that others have sent some beautiful photos lately and we needed to stop down for a few minutes to share them with you.
That’s last night’s sunset, photographed by Victoria Gnatoka. Below, Tuesday afternoon at Alki, by James Tilley:
Tuesday’s sunset, by Fatiha:
The Tuesday sunrise, by Stephanie:
And “The Mountain,” by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor:
Thanks to all!
9:38 PM: A flipped-car crash is reported near Sylvan Way/Sylvan Heights Drive. Everyone’s reported to have gotten out of the car OK.
9:48 PM: SFD reports that no one was seriously hurt. By the way, if you noticed the Guardian One helicopter in the area for a bit, they just happened to be nearby and offered to help check whether anyone was trapped in the vehicle, but ground crews quickly determined everyone was out.
ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: The driver is being investigated for DUI.
It’s now the fourth week of the stay-home order, and here’s tonight’s roundup:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the SKC Public Health data dashboard:
*4,809 people have tested positive, up 112 from yesterday
*320 people have died, up 8 from yesterday
One week ago, those totals were 3,886 and 258.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: More than 2 million cases. See how that breaks out, nation by nation, here.
MORE CASES AT THE MOUNT: Providence confirmed to WSB tonight that 15 residents/patients and 10 staff members at The Mount have tested positive for COVID-19, and explained what’s being done as a result.
‘KEEP IT MOVING’: That’s the new slogan from Seattle Parks as they put up signage like this at Alki and other parks:
(Photo by David Hutchinson)
While no new park closures are planned, the city warns sternly that unless you “Keep It Moving,” they’ll shut things down on the spot.
WALKING IN THE STREET: The city is also launching “Stay Healthy Streets,” with one in West Seattle.
FEWER BUSES: Metro is slashing service further starting Saturday.
GOING BACK TO WORK: Boeing announced today that it’ll resume production next week.
NOT GOING BACK TO WORK? Unemployment insurance was a major topic when Gov. Inslee hosted another news conference today, joined by Employment Security Commissioner Suzi LeVine, who talked about how fast they’re working to catch up with an avalanche of claims. See the video here.
WORDS OF WISDOM: To keep your spirits up, an artist’s reminder along SW Rose Street:
YOUR TURN TO GET ARTISTIC: Here’s an Earth Day suggestion.
GOT INFO? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com or phone us, text or voice, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!
After multiple tips about more coronavirus cases at Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle – 2 1/2 weeks after the first case was reported – we asked Providence for comment today. We received this confirmation in response this evening:
On March 30, we reported a single confirmed case of COVID-19 at Providence Mount St. Vincent. Thanks to Providence ExpressCare, we recently conducted rapid-testing of our entire community of caregivers, residents, patients, and active volunteers for COVID-19.
Through previous onsite testing and the additional rapid testing, we have confirmed a total of 15 of our residents/patients and 10 of our caregivers have tested positive for COVID-19. All residents/patients who tested positive have been cohorted together in a separate area of the building with dedicated staff providing care. The caregivers who tested positive are quarantined at home. The Intergenerational Learning Center (ILC) continues to operate safely to support our caregivers and the community. None of the teachers nor caregiver parents tested positive.
The safety and well-being of our residents, patients, their families and our caregivers remains our top priority, especially during this time. We are committed to stopping the spread of this infectious disease. Our highly-trained caregivers are following all of our heightened infection control protocols, including the use of appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE), in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines, while providing our residents/patients expert and compassionate care.
Out of an abundance of caution, and to ensure accurate testing, we will conduct a second round of rapid testing next week for our entire community.
“Knowledge is power at a time like this,” said Charlene Boyd, Providence Mount St. Vincent Administrator. “A second round of testing will confirm an accurate count of cases at The Mount. It will also inform us of any additional spread of the virus by people not showing any symptoms. That information is critical and will enable our most fervent and directed response possible.”
We know how quickly this virus can spread. We continue daily monitoring of all residents, patients and caregivers for any signs of illness, especially a fever or cough. We are closed to visitors with the exception of end-of-life visits which are accommodated on a person-by-person basis, and we screen everyone that enters the building. In addition to our heightened disinfecting and cleaning procedures, we are wiping down high touch areas several times throughout the day.
We are working closely with state and local health authorities, as well as the CDC, to ensure we continue delivering safe, high quality care to all of our residents and patients. We have notified the families of all of our residents and patients, and the ILC families, about the situation and are sharing updates with the community as needed.
Providence Mount St. Vincent, also known as The Mount, is at 4831 35th SW and is home to more than 400 people who need either assistance or round-the-clock care.
7:52 PM: Thanks to J for the photo. Police report that westbound Admiral Way is blocked at 49th SW because of this crash. No serious injuries reported – one SFD engine was dispatched but has already been canceled.
8:32 PM: They’re still awaiting at least one of the tow trucks and an SDOT crew to clean up the scene.
9:26 PM: Police have radioed that “all lanes are open.”
The city news release that explains the signage we covered earlier also includes something new: “Stay Healthy Streets,” stretches of neighborhood greenway that will be “closed to through traffic – but not residents or deliveries – 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the duration of the emergency or until otherwise noted by the City of Seattle,” as explained in SDOT’s subsequent announcement, which adds, “People with destinations along Stay Healthy Streets – like residents, essential workers, emergency service providers, delivery providers, and garbage and recycling collectors will continue to have vehicle access.” One of the first two is in High Point (and a bit south), as shown on the map above, starting Saturday. The announcement says signage will go out starting tomorrow, and that these will likely be followed by other stretches of greenway – unspecified for now (West Seattle also has greenways in Highland Park and North Delridge).
As noted in last night’s roundup, auto theft is up 24 percent citywide in the past month. The Southwest Precinct is launching an emphasis on it, says crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Danner, who sent this tipsheet:
You can also read it here in PDF.
No gatherings has meant no ceremonies, in many cases, but we just got this texted photo/report of one that happened at home:
Even though we all have to stay home, it made it easier for family from TX, AZ, MA, CO, and all over Washington state to celebrate our daughter, Evan Smith, signing with Texas Southern University in Houston! GO TIGERS!
Evan is a senior at WSHS. She is a bowler. Parents are Andy and Bri’Anna Smith
Since we are out of school, we still tried to make this day special.
A third round of bus cuts has just been announced by Metro. Here’s the full news release, including non-West Seattle routes, in case it’s helpful:
As the region continues to respond to COVID-19, King County Metro will reduce weekend bus service beginning Saturday April 18, and further reduce weekday bus service starting Monday, April 20. Water Taxi and First Hill Streetcar will continue to operate on previously reduced schedules.
This revised Reduced Schedule provides a core network of public transportation services to maintain access to critical supplies, services, and worksites across the region. Details about weekend changes will be posted online Thursday; canceled trip details weekday service will be revised and updated online Saturday.
Overall, Metro will operate with approximately 42% fewer buses, 36% fewer transit operators, and 27% fewer service trips than typical weekday service. Weekend trips will be reduced by 15% on Saturdays and 4% on Sundays.
“To reserve transit for those who need it most, we’re calling on riders to travel only if absolutely necessary and to wear a face covering to help limit the spread of COVID-19,” said King County Metro General Manager Rob Gannon. “Adjusting our weekend and weekday service allows us to continue to operate a reliable network of service for essential travel needs – for food, medicine, and work – while responding to decreased ridership demands and to the overall availability of Metro’s workforce. Our goal is to continue to serve the community, and we’re grateful for and commend our frontline staff.”
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