day : 12/05/2020 11 results

Testing was the topic when the governor held a media briefing this afternoon. But before we get to that, we start the nightly virus-crisis local roundup with the updated numbers:

KING COUNTY: From the Public Health Seattle-King County data dashboard:

*7,179 people have tested positive, up 64 from yesterday

*511 people have died, up 6 from yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 6,653 and 467.

ANOTHER LOCAL DEATH: Also from the data dashboard, the West Seattle zip code with the highest COVID-19 death toll, 98126, is now up to 11.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

CONTACT TRACING: That’s what the governor spoke about during his afternoon media briefing. Here’s the news release; here’s the video; and here’s a graphic:

HOW PHASE 2 WILL AFFECT RETAILERS: Also from the governor’s office today – here are the rules under which retail stores will be expected to operate under Phase 2 of the reopening.

SPEAKING OF RETAILERS … the city Office of Economic Development published the story of the West Seattle Junction boutique Carmilia’s and how its proprietor Linda Sabee has adapted her business to the current challenges.

ALSO IN THE JUNCTION: A restaurant reopening, after 2 months!

NEED FOOD? Another Junction restaurant is offering a free meal to anyone in need. Want to help fund that program? Sign up for a live online experience with the chef Saturday.

‘FLY-BY’ ON THE GROUND, AT THE MOUNT: The photo and report are from Providence Mount St. Vincent:

A flight team flew by Providence Mount St. Vincent today to thank nurses and caregivers for their “NONSTOP EFFORTS” to serve the residents and patients at The Mount.

Thanks to Flight Officer Blake Reynolds, Flight Attendants Jessica Eller and Drew Minzghor and Captain Chris Philbrook (all West Seattleites!) for delivering 100 fruit and cheese boxes! We are so grateful for their generosity and we hope to see them in the air soon!

(Photo L-R from Providence – Tanisha Mojica: Director of Clinical Services; Charlene Boyd: Administrator; Colleen Farrell: Annual Giving and Public Relations Manager; Molly Swain: Foundation and Public Relations Director; and from Alaska Airlines — Flight Officer Blake Reynolds, Flight Attendant Drew Minzghor, Flight Attendant Jessica Eller, Captain Chris Philbrook)

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

Share This

VIDEO: West Seattle High School students’ tribute to teachers

May 12, 2020 7:55 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle schools

Though students and school staff are apart, they’ve been finding ways to stay together in spirit, including the videos we’ve been sharing. Tonight – a video made by West Seattle High School students to show appreciation for teachers. (Thanks to Breanna for telling us about it!)

Share This

RESTAURANTS: Talarico’s reopening

May 12, 2020 6:27 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Talarico’s Pizza in The Junction – whose fans were alarmed by the papered-over windows during its current closure – is reopening. Ami at Talarico’s confirms that this Thursday (May 14th) is the day, and thereafter it will be open 7 days a week, noon-9 pm, offering beer, wine, and cocktails as well as food. You’ll be able to order online at talaricospizza.com or via the Heartland Guest app. Ami adds, “We look forward to seeing our community.”

P.S. We’ll be adding this to the 140+-venue “who’s open” list of restaurants/beverage businesses that we’ve been keeping for almost two months now. Got change(s)? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!

Share This

GRATITUDE: Here’s how West Seattle Food Bank’s virtual ‘Instruments of Change’ turned out

May 12, 2020 4:18 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | How to help | West Seattle news

Last Saturday night, the West Seattle Food Bank‘s annual “Instruments of Change” happened online because of COVID-19 … but one thing didn’t change: Major community support. With that video, and this message, WSFB is expressing its gratitude:

Thank you for supporting your neighbors!

We are so grateful to the guests, donors, volunteers, supporters, and sponsors who made Saturday night’s first ever virtual Instruments of Change such an incredible success!

In the midst of so much uncertainty, it warmed our heart to see so many of you join us to help strengthen our community. Together, you raised over $95,000 to stop hunger and homelessness before it starts!

Despite the fact that we could not meet in person, you all really showed up for us and our neighbors. In case you missed the event, you can see some highlights in our short thank you recap video.

Your support for our neighbors and dedication to uplifting our community continues to inspire us. Thank you for showing the power of neighbors helping neighbors!

If you missed the event but would still like to support your neighbors, you can make a gift here.

WSB was one of the event’s community co-sponsors.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: About last night’s police response outside PCC

May 12, 2020 2:21 pm

| 21 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Last night many people asked about a large police response outside the PCC West Seattle store at California/Stevens, coupled with an SFD medical response, in the 8 pm hour. We weren’t able to find out what was going on at the time, but we followed up today with SPD, and just got the info: “This was an arrest and use of force (tasing) after the suspect, pulled over for reckless driving, resisted arrest and assaulted officers. Officers were uninjured, but they did deploy a taser. SFD responded for that. Officers saw loaded handguns inside the vehicle and were able to recover them. The 36-year-old man was later booked into King County Jail.” Online records show the suspect is being released on personal recognizance but faces potential charges including assault, resisting arrest, and unlawful gun possession.

Share This

‘STAY HEALTHY STREETS’: Pedestrian Advisory Board discussion Wednesday

May 12, 2020 1:57 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | Transportation | West Seattle news

With a lot of discussion sparked by the city’s most-recent “Stay Healthy Streets” announcements, you might be interested in this (online) meeting Wednesday: The program is scheduled to be discussed when the Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board meets tomorrow (Wednesday, May 13th). This isn’t a vote or review, but rather, it’s on the agenda of the SPAB as “Stay Healthy Streets and Social Distancing Q&A,” with guests from SDOT. The meeting also includes two public-comment periods. You can “attend” the meeting either online or by calling in (206-686-8357, conference ID 150 994 262). The meeting is set to start at 6 pm Wednesday, with public comment at 6:15 and 7:40, bracketing the SHS/Social Distancing discussion.

Share This

FOLLOWUP: Fallen Morgan Junction utility pole was ‘identified for replacement’

May 12, 2020 11:56 am

| 25 COMMENTS

| Safety | Utilities | West Seattle news

(Sunday night photo, sent by Beth)

11:56 PM: As promised, we followed up on the utility pole that spontaneously fell onto California SW between SW Graham and SW Raymond on Sunday night. As reported here, no one was hurt, but a car was damaged. Seattle City Light spokesperson Julie Moore tells WSB that pole had been “identified for replacement”; it was last inspected three years ago. “We are continuously inspecting poles, inspecting about 10% of our 92,000+ wooden poles per year,” Moore said. “This means we inspect each pole about every 10 years. Pole longevity can vary widely based on the wood species, treatment, and the environment where it is placed. A typical modern pole should last 40-60 years.” She also says that City Light has since checked 10 adjacent poles “as a precautionary measure” and “they all appear to be in good condition.”

P.S. If you see a pole with a clearly visible problem (leaning, etc.), info on how to report it is in this WSB story from a year ago.

1:41 PM: We asked for a bit more info on this pole’s history: “That pole was placed in 1953. Prior to 2017, it was inspected in 2010 and given a P5 rating, which is the top in our 1-5 rating system. Following the 2017 inspection, it was given a P2 rating, which is why it was identified for replacement.”

Share This

FREE CLASSES: Killer Whale Tales adds 2 more

May 12, 2020 10:53 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle online | Whales | Wildlife

(WSB file photo of Jeff Hogan presenting Killer Whale Tales at a local school)

Learning can be fun … and free … AND focused on fascinating wildlife. Here’s an update from Jeff Hogan of West Seattle-based educational nonprofit Killer Whale Tales:

I have added two additional classes to our weekly lineup: Fish and Chips (what are whales eating and where it is coming from) and the Orca Acoustic Game Show (Learn individual whale calls and win prizes!) .

Classes are open to students of all ages and are designed to meet Washington State Science Standards. A full description and registration information is available here. All classes are being offered, as always, at no cost to the participant!

(Still time to get in on “Game Show” at 12:30 pm today!)

Share This

YOU CAN HELP! Support local chef’s free-meal program by having him coach you through Saturday night dinner

May 12, 2020 9:54 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Despite pandemic-related health and business challenges, many local restaurateurs are giving generously to the community – with your partnership, when possible. Here’s an upcoming opportunity to support one such effort – while you get a cooking lesson AND gourmet dinner. The announcement:

Brian Clevenger, owner of General Harvest Restaurants, is partnering with local startup Zeacon to welcome people into his home kitchen for a virtual cooking experience on Saturday, May 16th at 7 pm.

Participants will learn how to make one of his signature pasta dishes and get exclusive access to the tips and tricks that make his cooking exceptional. Proceeds go toward providing free meals served out of Brian Clevenger’s West Seattle restaurant, Haymaker. Anyone in need of a meal who’s been affected by the current crisis can call ahead at 206-946-6994 for pickup, no questions asked. Haymaker’s daily menu can be found (here).

Brian Clevenger’s Zeacon LIVE experience is available for purchase here:

As explained at that link, the price includes the ingredients for the pasta dish. Clevenger, who lives in West Seattle, also operates Raccolto on the north side of The Junction. (2019 photo courtesy Haymaker)

Share This

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE CLOSURE: Many needs, one voice? District 1 Community Network discussion

May 12, 2020 8:50 am

| 49 COMMENTS

| Neighborhoods | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

As city leaders make decisions about the West Seattle Bridge‘s future and the impacts of its long-term closure, who can/should speak for the peninsula?

That was a major topic at the May meeting of the District 1 Community Network, a coalition of West Seattle and South Park community advocates, with 30 people in attendance via videoconferencing/phone.

D1CN members weren’t suggesting their coalition should or could take on that role. But in the course of two hours’ discussion, an idea took shape:

Share This

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday watch, 8th week of West Seattle Bridge closure

May 12, 2020 5:53 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:53 AM: 50th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. If you are headed out this morning – here are the cameras for the 5-way intersection and the restricted-access low bridge (where SPD enforcement continues):

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.

NEW CAMERAS: SDOT has added 6 new cameras, along 35th and Roxbury. Here are two:

35th/Roxbury:

35th/Morgan:

You can see any and all of the local traffic cams, including the new ones in West Seattle, here.

TRANSIT

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

Water Taxi – Reduced schedule continues

STREET REMINDERS

West Seattle now has three sets of “Stay Healthy Streets,” closed to through traffic (but open to residents and delivery drivers) 24/7. The first two are here (Puget Ridge/Highland Park) and here (High Point). The third, added Friday, has already been expanded – it now spans Beach Drive from 63rd to Alki Avenue, then Alki Ave to 63rd.

ROAD WORK

As noted Friday, the 35th/Avalon/Alaska project is expected to see some more finishing touches this week, weather permitting.

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.

Share This