West Seattle, Washington

23 Friday

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day : 08/05/2020 14 results

BIZNOTE: What was The Shack is now The Spot
May 8, 2020 11:29 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

Another West Seattle food-and-beverage business has launched in defiance of the coronavirus crunch.

Philip Sudore has opened The Spot West Seattle at 2920 SW Avalon Way, where Shack Coffeehouse closed six months ago.

You might know him already for his music, with the band Mercy Parker. Eventually, he hopes you’ll know him for a restaurant with a full bar, once COVID-19 is past – a tapas-style menu with craft cocktails and craft beer. But for now, “We have an amazing, dynamic, and fun waffle menu, plus great coffee and espresso.” (Scroll down this page to see that menu.)

The coffee is from K&F Roasters out of Portland – the award-winning Café Jondo, an organic fair-trade blend of African and South American coffees.

Current hours at The Spot are 6:30 am-4 pm weekdays, 7 am-4 pm Saturdays, 8 am-4 pm Sundays. (Post-pandemic, they’ll have evening hours too.)

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CORONAVIRUS: Friday 5/8 roundup
May 8, 2020 9:31 pm
|      39 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Don’t throw caution to the wind – well, the sun – this weekend. That’s the big message as we present the Friday edition of the nightly roundup, exactly 10 weeks after King County’s first confirmed COVID-19 case was announced:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the county’s data dashboard:

*6,940 people have tested positive, up 77 from yesterday

*485 people have died, up 5 from yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 6,407 and 449.

ONE MORE LOCAL DEATH: The county’s by-zip-code-breakdown map shows 98126 now has lost 10 people, one more than the Thursday update.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

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

ONE STAT OF CONCERN: Today’s Seattle-King County Public Health spotlight noted that a key metric – how many additional infections can be expected for each case – may be on the rise again in Western Washington.

SO DON’T STOP NOW: Keep up the distancing so things don’t get worse – that was a key message from the governor at his media briefing this afternoon.

He said this is a dangerous time because people may feel more and more like they can let their guard down, when they absolutely shouldn’t. “With COVID-19 lurking,” he said, you need to protect yourself and loved ones.

REOPENING UPDATE: Meantime, the governor has released safety/health rules for a variety of reopening businesses. The releases include:

Curbside Retail & E-commerce Memo
Curbside Retail Requirements
Pet Walking Memo
Pet Walking Guidance
Landscaping Memo
Landscaping Guidance

Those are all linked here.

TESTING UPDATE: The governor also said the feds have sent 37,000 test swabs, with 60,000 more due next week, and a promise of 100,000 a week after that.

8 PM PARK CLOSURES: Alki Beach, Lincoln Park, and other “major parks” citywide are supposed to be closed by now – we’ll be going out shortly for a look.

We saw that sign on the north gate of Lincoln Park’s north lot; there was one on the west side of the south lot too (which now has spaces open for disabled visitors, and a Parks employee was stationed to watch the lot by the time we went by late in the day).

‘STAY HEALTHY STREETS,’ 3RD ROUND: The signs went up this morning to block off Beach Drive between 63rd and Alki to through traffic, as announced Thursday. That didn’t keep all drivers away, it appeared from our early-evening spot check as well as police-radio dispatches.

On Twitter tonight, a local resident suggested signage belongs at 63rd and Alki, and city traffic engineer Dongho Chang said that’s under consideration:

DE-INTENSIFYING SHELTER SPACE OPENING: A month and a half after the plan was announced, Southwest Teen Life Center in Westwood is now hosting young adults who need shelter, the city announced today.

DON’T GO HUNGRY: This week, KBM Seattle Commissary‘s free-meal distribution is on Sunday – details here.

MORALE FLYOVER: Some West Seattleites got to see the flyover this afternoon:

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

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ROAD WORK: Roxbury paving plan; 35th/Avalon wrapup
May 8, 2020 7:41 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Two road-work notes tonight:

TWO BLOCKS OF ROXBURY PAVING: From this week’s West Seattle Bridge-related update in City Councilmember Lisa Herbold‘s weekly newsletter:

SDOT is planning to repave the westbound lanes of Roxbury between 16th and 18th Ave SW as early as mid-May, depending on weather. SDOT indicates they are coordinating with King County, which has jurisdiction over the eastbound lanes. SDOT will be doing outreach in advance.

We’ll be following up on Monday.

35TH/AVALON WRAPUP: From SDOT this afternoon:

• We will begin work to make safety improvements to the northbound bus stop at SW Genesee St as soon as May 11. Please expect:

o No parking signs and traffic control in the work area
o Loud noise and increased truck traffic
o Bike lane shifts as we work at the bus stop
o A temporary closure of the nearby sidewalk with a posted detour route
o A temporary closure of this bus stop

• Next, we will continue installing pavement markings on 35th Ave SW and SW Avalon Way as well as install flex posts for the protected bike lane and complete miscellaneous minor activities
o Please follow any posted no-parking signs on SW Avalon Way

We will take down our no-parking signs where and when they are no longer needed.

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE CLOSURE: 6 new traffic cameras
May 8, 2020 5:09 pm
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Just got word from SDOT today – they’ve added six new publicly viewable traffic cameras, on SW Roxbury and on 35th SW. We’ll be adding them to our traffic-cams page and weekday-morning traffic watch. From east to west and south to north, they are:

15th/Roxbury:

16th/Roxbury:

35th/Roxbury:

35th/Barton:

35th/Holden:

35th/Morgan:

Any more on the way? We’ve asked, and we’ll add the reply when we get it.

P.S. You also can find these cameras, and others around the city, via SDOT’s traffic-info map.

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE CLOSURE: Extra SFD truck, medic unit on the way
May 8, 2020 4:07 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | South Park | Sunrise Heights | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(Seattle Fire Department photo of Ladder 13 in 2010)

Not long after the West Seattle Bridge‘s sudden shutdown, we and others started asking whether West Seattle would get additional SFD resources, as happened during the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project (east half of the bridge) in 2011-2012. The early answer was: It’s being discussed. New answer today: Yes. In addition to West Seattle-based Medic 32, SFD will station Medic 26, staffed with two paramedics, at Station 26 in South Park. And joining WS-based Ladder 11 will be an extra truck, Ladder 13, to be based at Station 37 in Sunrise Heights. The announcement says, “Beginning in June, these units will be in-service for responding to emergencies 24-hours per day, seven days a week.” (Ladder 13 was based at Station 11 in Highland Park during the SSV project.) The SFD announcement adds, “The new medic unit and ladder truck are coming from SFD’s reserve apparatus located at the City’s Fire Garage. The department will continue to have other apparatus on reserve to support scheduled maintenance and for any unforeseen mechanical issues. The funding required for staffing the two new units, apparatus maintenance and fuel, and room accommodations at the fire stations is approximately $2.5 million for the remainder of 2020 and will be covered from existing resources.”

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WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: Help from police union today; your turn with Instruments of Change tomorrow
May 8, 2020 3:44 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Two updates from the West Seattle Food Bank today: First, WSFB sent photos of a special event today:

The Seattle Police Officers’ Guild is doing “Food Bank Fridays.” This Friday they dropped off over 1,500 pounds of food to the West Seattle Food Bank.

City Councilmember Lisa Herbold volunteers there on Fridays, too – she’s at right in this photo:.

Tomorrow, it’s your turn to help – register today (free!) for the live online edition of Instruments of Change, the annual celebration of WSFB, which this year in turn is celebrating its merger with West Seattle Helpline. The live online event will start at 5:30 pm Saturday, on YouTube; the online auction has already begun.

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FIGHTING CRIME: Southwest Precinct giving away ‘clubs’ (Update: All gone!)
May 8, 2020 3:15 pm
|    Comments Off on FIGHTING CRIME: Southwest Precinct giving away ‘clubs’ (Update: All gone!)
 |   Crime | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

3:15 PM: From Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner:

In an effort to decrease auto theft incidents, the SW Precinct once again has free steering wheel clubs to give away to our West Seattle and South Park residents!

We have 81 clubs at this time, and we will be giving them out on a first come, first serve basis.

You must email me to reserve your club- I am unfortunately not able to take requests via phone or social media! Please email me at Jennifer.Danner@seattle.gov.

If you are selected to receive a free club- you will get a detailed email from me with instruction for when, where and how to pick up your club.

If you are not selected- you will receive an email from me with an apology and a link for where to purchase a club.

Please be understanding, as we have a limited amount to give away.

4:47 PM: All gone already!

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FOLLOWUP: Southwest Teen Life Center to ‘temporarily shelter up to 30 young adults’
May 8, 2020 2:27 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | Westwood

(WSB file photo, Southwest Teen Life Center)

Back in March, the city announced the Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle) had been identified as a site for expanded shelter space. It wasn’t put into use, though – until now. Just received from city spokesperson Will Lemke:

Beginning (today) the City’s Southwest Teen Life Center (SWTLC) will temporarily shelter up to 30 young adults from YouthCare’s Jackson Street overnight shelter. The move provides 24/7 shelter space, supportive services, and more space for social distancing per public health guidance. The program supports youth between the ages of 18 to 24. Youth will be provided access to showers and three meals per day.

This new de-intensifying shelter builds on the City and King County’s effort to reduce density in large, high capacity shelters to slow the spread of COVID-19. While de-intensification efforts have focused on improving health conditions for existing shelter clients, these de-intensifying shelters also offer expanded services for many clients including the provision of meals, hygiene and cleaning services, and 24/7 access to a safe space that they are not required to leave every morning.

Here’s more information on the YouthCare shelter he mentioned. This was one of nine “de-intensiifying” sites announced around the city and county in late March.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! A milestone
May 8, 2020 2:13 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The photo is from Kim Mickelson west of The Junction: “Making the best of our son’s 21st birthday in quarantine.” Happy birthday, Tristen!

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Sorry about the interruption!
May 8, 2020 2:09 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online

Our server-management company has been having some trouble today, and WSB was among many websites worldwide briefly out of service as a result. Remember that the first alternate place we post updates if and when that happens is Twitter – twitter.com/westseattleblog. Now, back to what else is up today …

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Circa: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor!
May 8, 2020 11:58 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Today we welcome Admiral District restaurant Circa as a new WSB sponsor. When a local business joins the WSB sponsor team, they get the opportunity to let you know what they offer – here’s what Circa wants you to know:

Circa (2605 California SW) has been open for more than 20 years. They’re offering take-out breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 7 days a week – the first time in the restaurant’s history that they’ve offered breakfast! They explain that instead of offering a more-limited menu for this challenging time, they decided to just go for it – rolling up their sleeves and doing everything they can. And of course they’re offering the favorites that Circa has been serving for years.

Co-proprietors Gretchen and Bill Evans also want to thank everyone for the tremendous support!

If you see this before Mother’s Day, here’s what’s on the brunch menu:

*House-made bagels with lox, herbed cream cheese, capers, red onions, and 2 eggs – $17
*Dungeness crab cakes with dressed greens, fruit, and 2 eggs – $19
*Fruit and yogurt platter with mint and honey – $13
*Regular menu available as well, along with mimosa and Bloody Mary kits

And for dinner:

*Red wine and thyme-braised lamb shank with rainbow carrots and mashers – $40
*Fresh, wild-caught halibut poached with basil lemon butter sauce, rice and veggies – $32
*Regular menu available as well, along with wine, beer, and cocktail kits

For dessert –

*Lemon pudding cake
*Guittard chocolate double-layer cake

Calling ahead is suggested, but not required – 206-923-1102. Hours are on their website.

We thank Circa 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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NEED FOOD? 3 ways/places to get it – school bus, Food Lifeline, KBM Commissary
May 8, 2020 10:51 am
|    Comments Off on NEED FOOD? 3 ways/places to get it – school bus, Food Lifeline, KBM Commissary
 |   Coronavirus | Delridge | South Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

A variety of efforts to keep people from going hungry during the economic crunch continue. Here are three local reminders/updates:

TODAY & WEEKDAYS, DELIVERY BY SCHOOL BUS: For students/families who can’t get to the Seattle Public Schools locations that are distributing meals 11 am-1 pm on weekdays, there are now school-bus deliveries to set routes. If you are in south West Seattle, here’s the stop list/map/schedule; the one for north and west West Seattle is here.

TODAY, FOOD LIFELINE: As previewed yesterday, you can go to FL’s HQ on the south side of South Park 2-5 pm toaay as they distribute 20+-pound boxes of emergency, shelf-stable food. The only information you’ll be asked to provide is your zip code.

SUNDAY, KBM COMMISSARY: Again this weekend, the kitchen in Delridge is offering free meals to anyone in need. Here’s the weekly update from Keith Mathewson:

I am happy to announce that last week we were able to distribute nearly 1200 meals. Even with that amount demand still exceeded what we were able to provide. As nearly everyone is aware of the supply of meat is scarce as a result this week will be baked vegetarian Ziti with rosemary focaccia. We were fortunate to have Merlino’s Foods partner with us to provide high quality ingredients.

This week, meals were made by West Of Chicago Pizza and Los Panes Bakery with the help of the staff at KBM and will be handed out on Sunday from 4 pm to 6 pm; all who are in need are welcome to come.

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

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FLYOVER: Air Force’s local plan for today
May 8, 2020 9:50 am
|      84 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Thanks to our area’s County Councilmember Joe McDermott for forwarding information about a U.S. Air Force flyover plan around Puget Sound today. The 62nd Airlift Wing plans a “morale flyover” of health-care facilities and “places of interest” around the region – a “C-17 Globemaster III two-ship formation flyover.” They’re starting in the South Sound around 12:30 pm, heading over the west Sound and up to Port Townsend at 1:11 pm, then headed back south, likely visible from here during a Space Needle flyby at 1:37 pm and/or while passing the VA Hospital on Beacon Hill at 1:46 pm.

The 62nd Airlift Wing is from Joint Base Lewis-McChord south of Tacoma.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday watch, 7th week of West Seattle Bridge closure
May 8, 2020 5:44 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:44 AM: 46th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. If you are headed out this morning – here are the cameras for the restricted-access low bridge (where SPD enforcement continues) and the 5-way intersection west of it:

The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map). To get to I-5, exit onto Michigan at the bridge’s north end. Here are cameras for the bridge and Michigan east of it:

The South Park Bridge (map) can also take you across the river. Here’s the South Park camera:

Both bridges open for marine traffic; check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info about openings.

TRANSIT

Metro – Reduced schedule; reduced capacity; check here for next departure

Water Taxi – Reduced schedule continues

STREET REMINDERS

West Seattle has two sets of “Stay Healthy Streets,” closed to through traffic (but open to residents and delivery drivers) 24/7. See the maps here (Puget Ridge/Highland Park) and here (High Point), and heed the “STREET CLOSED” signs. Also note that Beach Drive between Alki Avenue and 63rd SW will be added, as soon as today.

OTHER LINKS

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

During the stay-home order, we’re not live-monitoring traffic, so please let us know what you’re seeing – comment or text (but not if you’re drivingl!) 206-293-6302.

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