West Seattle, Washington

27 Friday

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month : 05/2020 346 results

NEED FOOD? Emergency boxes available for all on Friday at Food Lifeline
May 7, 2020 11:51 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Coronavirus | South Park | West Seattle news

Food Lifeline in South Park is usually a place where food is stored and distributed for organizations such as food banks – but tomorrow, anyone in need of food is invited to a special direct distribution that has just announced:

Free Food Distribution for Everyone

Friday, May 8th
2:00 pm. – 5:00 pm

Food Lifeline
815 South 96th Street

Come by Food Lifeline to pick up an emergency food box for yourself and/or your family. Food Lifeline will be distributing 2,000 boxes of shelf-stable food items to help you and your family during this difficult time. This is for ANYONE in the community that needs help. Your zip code is the only personal information required.

Each box will include up to 25 pounds of food such as canned fruit/vegetables, canned meats, non-meat protein items, and breads/grains. Here’s a map. This will be primarily a no-contact drive-up distribution between FL’s two warehouse buildings, while supplies last.

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DEVELOPMENT: West Seattle Junction mixed-use project gets land-use OK, but will it be built?
May 7, 2020 10:47 am
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(Rendering from November 2019 Design Review packet, by Caron Architecture)

Today’s city-circulated Land Use Information Bulletin includes word of a final land-use approval for 4508 California SW, a mixed-use project described as “a 7-story building with 38 apartment units, 20 small efficiency dwelling units, lodging and retail,” with 14 offstreet parking spaces. Much has changed since we covered the project’s final Design Review meeting six months ago – a pandemic and a closed, possibly unfixable bridge. So before publishing word of the approval (here’s the decision), we called the site’s owner/developer, longtime West Seattle entrepreneur Leon Capelouto, to ask if the project is still on. He noted that “the process” started a relatively long time ago (we first reported on it in March 2018) and they’re certainly going to go ahead and get the permits, but it could be “a long time” before construction. So – provided they survive the COVID-19 economic trouble – the three restaurants in the project’s future space (Lee’s Asian, Kamei, Naked Crepe) won’t be moving any time soon. Meantime, as part of the official process, today’s notice triggers a two-week appeal period (the notice explains how).

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Summer-like temperatures on the way
May 7, 2020 9:48 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Summer-like temperatures on the way
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Wednesday’s sunset at Alki, photographed by Eugene Lee)

For the first time this spring, truly summer-like weather is on the way. The forecast is for sunshine through Sunday; while today’s high is expected to be seasonal – in the 60s – the next three days could get near or past 80. Sunday in particular – possibly the mid-80s. Then on Monday, clouds are expected to return.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch, 7th week of West Seattle Bridge closure
May 7, 2020 6:07 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:07 AM: 45th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. If you have to commute 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

As of this week, 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.

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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FOLLOWUP: SDOT’s reply to HPAC’s 13 West Seattle Bridge closure-related requests, and more
May 6, 2020 11:13 pm
|      54 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Highland Park | Transportation | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from April, new signal at Highland Park Way/Holden)

HPAC – the community council for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge – got a fast reply from SDOT on its letter centered on 13 requests related to the West Seattle Bridge closure and its effects on those neighborhoods. We spotlighted the letter here on Tuesday; HPAC circulated the response tonight. It’s signed by Heather Marx, who’s leading the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge Safety Project. The letter, which you can see in its entirety on HPAC’s website, also incorporates topics from HPAC’s April meeting (WSB coverage here). From the response, here are HPAC’s points, and SDOT’s replies:

… Below are the specific requests we heard from HPAC – at both your meeting and in your letter – with the status of each request:

Highland Park Way SW and SW Holden St Intersection

*Request for a left-hand turn signal for turning onto SW Holden St from northbound lane on Highland Park Way SW
Status/update: We installed a temporary traffic signal at this intersection and it’s not currently possible to add a left-hand turn signal to it. We are, however, sharing this feedback with the team designing the permanent traffic signal scheduled to be installed in 2021.

*Request for extra traction on uphill southbound lane on Highland Park Way SW
Status/update: The Highland Park Way SW and SW Holden St Safety project team will evaluate high friction surface treatment. This treatment has typically been done where crashes have occurred when roadway conditions were slippery.

*Request for separate green signals for pedestrians and drivers in the northwest corner of the intersection
Status/update: We installed a temporary traffic signal at this intersection and it’s not currently possible to add these features to it. We are, however, sharing this feedback with the team designing the permanent traffic signal scheduled to be installed in 2021.

Turning from arterial streets onto SW Holden St

*Request to see painting and/or signage to prohibit blocking of the intersections
Status/update: Because these treatments have limited effectiveness and high maintenance costs, SDOT is focusing on more effective tools, many of which are below and will also be reflected in the neighborhood traffic plans we are preparing.

Traffic calming in the neighborhood

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CORONAVIRUS: Wednesday 5/6 roundup
May 6, 2020 9:40 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Time for tonight’s roundup of local pandemic-related news:

NEWEST COUNTYWIDE NUMBERS: From the Seattle-King County Public Health data dashboard:

*6,770 people have tested positive, 117 more than yesterday

*474 people have died, 7 more than yesterday

One week ago, those totals were 6,182 and 436.

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

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

LOCAL MAN BEATS COVID-19: Though it’s not mentioned in the story, we’ve learned the 70-year-old coronavirus survivor spotlighted in this Seattle Times story is a West Seattle man.

‘RISK ASSESSMENT DASHBOARD’ UPDATE: If you’ve been following Gov. Inslee‘s recent announcements, you know he’s talked a lot about tracking various metrics. Today, his office went public with an update of the “risk-assessment dashboard”:

ANOTHER STAT: The number of people in King County isolation/quarantine centers keeps dropping – down now to 47, far below the capacity of the ones already open, and of local note since the county said last week that the Top Hat site east of White Center wont open until and unless others are maxed out.

SCHOOL PARADES: Though buildings are closed, hearts are open. Today we featured Highland Park Elementary‘s plan for a parade tomorrow, and photos from one outside Holy Family yesterday.

SFD/SPD PARADE: One more go for Friday Night Lights.

BUT NO 4TH OF JULY PARADE: Latest COVID-19 cancellation, announced tonight.

CHALK JOKE: Lots and lots of chalk messages and art during these pandemic days of neighborhood wandering. Often it’s inspirational – but this one went for a laugh:

Scott photographed it along Fauntleroy Way near Dawson.

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

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CANCELED: 2020 West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade
May 6, 2020 8:48 pm
|    Comments Off on CANCELED: 2020 West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade
 |   Coronavirus | Holidays | West Seattle news

Announced tonight by organizers:

It is with heavy hearts we announce that the 2020 West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade is CANCELLED due to COVID-19.

We have been honored to carry on this 25-year-long tradition these past few years and look forward to 2021, when we can all celebrate together again.

In support of all the small businesses in West Seattle that normally sponsor this parade and ensure the tradition continues, we will be donating $250, the amount we would normally be spending on our permit application fee right now, to the West Seattle Small Business Relief fund. If you are able, please considering making a donation here rather than the parade this year.

If you’re new to the area – the parade fills several streets in North Admiral wth walking, riding, and rolling kids and their families on Independence Day morning, and is followed by sack races and other activities at Hamilton Viewpoint Park – here’s our coverage from last year.

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FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: One more time!
May 6, 2020 7:47 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

(April 24th photo tweeted by @josieliming)

If your neighborhood hasn’t been visited by Seattle Fire and/or Police during one of the past three Friday nights – maybe this week! SFD and SPD will be out this Friday (May 8th), 6:30-7:30 pm, for what has just been announced as one last round of “Friday Night Lights,” with vehicles from both departments traveling through neighborhoods around the city as a show of support/solidarity. The plan is to visit areas in the highlighted sections of this map.

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RESTAURANTS/BEVERAGE BUSINESSES: 2 more West Seattle reopenings. Plus, a change in cocktail rules
May 6, 2020 5:51 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

More updates to our ongoing list of West Seattle restaurants and beverage businesses open for your food/drink pickup and/or delivery needs: Two more coffee shops. This past Monday, C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) reopened, and today we heard from two more coffee shops – Olympia Coffee (3840 California SW) also reopened on Monday, we learned today, 7 am-5 pm daily. And we got word that Uptown Espresso in The Junction (California/Edmunds) plans to reopen next Monday (May 11th), with hours 8 am-3 pm.

Also, if your favorite restaurant has a full liquor license, you might soon be able to get a takeout pre-mixed cocktail with your food, if they choose to take advantage of this newly announced state rule change.

Updates for our list? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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MOTHER’S DAY: More benefit bouquets
May 6, 2020 4:21 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Haven’t lined up your Mother’s Day flowers yet? From the Lafayette Elementary PTA, another opportunity to buy them and help both the growers and students:

Treat the special someone in your life to a beautiful Mother’s Day flower bouquet from local farmer Chao Chang Gardens in Snohomish. In addition to helping a local flower grower, a portion of your purchase will support Lafeyette Elementary PTA. For every bouquet sold, $5 will be donated back to school.

Your flower bouquets will be ready for pickup Saturday evening (May 9, 5-7 pm) thru Sunday morning (May 10, 8:30-9:30 am). Pick up location: 4224 Beach Drive SW, Seattle.

NO-CONTACT PICKUP. PLACE YOUR ORDER BY THURSDAY, MAY 7, 4:30 PM.

Place orders here.

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SCHOOL PARADES: Thursday’s route for Highland Park Elementary students; photos from Holy Family’s event
May 6, 2020 2:26 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

As we approach two months since the shutdown of schools, some are finding new ways for staff to show support for families, and vice versa. This week, two schools planned parades. First, Highland Park Elementary asked us to share the news of the one they’re having tomorrow night:

On Thursday May 7th at 5:30 the staff at HP will be coming around for a parade to see you and share joy and smiles. Not seeing you and your families for the last 6 weeks has been extremely difficult and we miss you so much. We will only be in the car and will ask that social distancing be respected but we can wave, shout, dance and celebrate how awesome we ALL are right from the car and the yard.

(Here’s the parade route) so you can plan to be in your yard, those of you out of the route area are welcome to drive and park somewhere so you can be a part! If you would like help figuring out where to park/sit so you and your family can be safe please contact Ms. S. We want to make sure EVERYONE can be a part whether you are on the route or not. We cannot wait to see you!

Meantime, Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School had a Teacher Appreciation Day parade on Tuesday afternoon, with staff standing outside the school and families driving past. We were about to photograph it when breaking news took us away, but Seth shared photos:

Anything cool going on related to your school in these most unusual times? Info/photos/tips always appreciated – westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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From West Seattle Bridge mini-update to ‘distracted-driving cameras’ @ Move Seattle Levy Oversight Commttee meeting
May 6, 2020 12:39 pm
|      79 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Since a brief West Seattle Bridge update was on the agenda, we listened in on last night’s monthly meeting of the Levy to Move Seattle Oversight Committee.

That wasn’t the only item of interest, though – the meeting also touched on two curiosity-piquing potential future tools in the ongoing Vision Zero safety program, and an unsurprisingly dour budget update.

First, the bridge. While its emergency needs obviously aren’t part of the original plan for the levy that voters passed in 2015, which is what this all-volunteer advisory group monitors, SDOT put it on the group’s radar last month. So deputy director Lorelei Williams presented a short update last night.

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FERRY ALERT UPDATE: Fauntleroy dock back in service after repairs
May 6, 2020 10:58 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

10:58 AM: Thanks for the tip. Washington State Ferries has just confirmed there’s a problem at the Fauntleroy dock – the transfer span is currently “out of service,” with an electrician on the way. That means a scheduled departure is on hold, and the Cathlamet, which was on its way to land, is waiting offshore. Updates as we get them.

11:09 AM: Vessel Watch shows both ferries now headed to Vashon, and the WSF cam (screengrab above) shows vehicles waiting on the Fauntleroy dock are being turned around.

12:01 PM: The Fauntleroy dock is still out of service.

1:36 PM: WSF just announced that repairs are complete and service is resuming with the 1:40 pm Vashon departure to Fauntleroy.

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BUSINESS UPDATE: Illusions Hair Design’s next ‘drive-through’ retail event
May 6, 2020 9:55 am
|    Comments Off on BUSINESS UPDATE: Illusions Hair Design’s next ‘drive-through’ retail event
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Personal-care businesses are still one “phase” away from being able to resume services, but longtime WSB sponsor Illusions Hair Design has been having periodic “drive-through” retail events, and has another one coming up:

With the extended “stay-at-home”, and the date we can re-open the salon still some weeks away, (end of May, first part of June?), we are offering another special “DRIVE-THRU” for products event Saturday, May 9, from 12-2 pm!

This Saturday, we will be available to have you pick up retail/hair items you may need (based on availability). **CREDIT CARD ORDERS ONLY, no cash/checks. Simply email your product requests – contactillusionshairdesign@gmail.com – (if you’re unsure of what the item is called, we can look it up in your file here at the salon.) What do you need? Shampoo, conditioner, styling aid, umbrella, hat, scarf, etc…? We will call you on Friday to confirm your order(s), and give you a total for your items. When you arrive at the salon SATURDAY between 12-2 pm, we will have your bag of items ready. Simply call us from your car, we will take your credit card information at that time and process it. We will then print you a receipt (no signature required!), add it to your bag and we will run it all out to you! (Illusions DRIVE-THRU style!)

PLEASE UNDERSTAND: Our doors will remain locked, we will not be open to the public. You will not be allowed to come into the salon. ALL orders MUST be received via email, or you can leave us a message on our 24hr phone line. We will try to fulfill all of your requests on a first-come, first-served basis. (Many of our suppliers are not shipping, so we are limited to stock on hand.)

For a special “MOTHER’S DAY” treat, we are offering ANY ONE of our TIGI BOOSTERS for only $5 with ANY of your drive-thru purchase! ($14.95 value). These can be added to any conditioner to give your hair a BOOST of “Shine”, “Smooth”, or “Repair”. Just add it to your product request, and we will discount it at checkout.

ALL requests must be received by FRIDAY, MAY 8th by 2 pm.

FOR BEST SELECTION…GET YOUR ORDERS IN ASAP!

Don’t put your credit-card info in yoor email or phone message – they’ll take it by phone when you show up for pickup. 206-938-3675.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch, 7th week of West Seattle Bridge closure
May 6, 2020 6:03 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: 44th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. If you have to commute this morning – here are the cameras for the restricted-access low bridge (where SPD enforcement continues) and the 5-way intersection west of it:

For general traffic, the main route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map). To get to I-5, exit 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.

TRANSIT

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

Water Taxi – Reduced schedule continues

STREET REMINDERS

As of this week, 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.

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 (not if you’re at the wheel!) 206-293-6302.

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UPDATE: Fire call at Madison Middle School
May 6, 2020 12:02 am
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Added: Photo sent by Derek)

12:02 AM: What started as a fire-alarm call at Madison Middle School has been upgraded to a “full response.” Updates to come.

12:06 AM: Firefighters are describing this as a “dumpster fire” and dismissing some of the units.

12:11 AM: Fire is reported “tapped” (out); next job, to turn off the automatic sprinklers.

12:40 AM: The cause is under investigation. We’ll follow up with SFD and the district later today.

3:09 PM: From SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo: “Crews confirmed it was a dumpster fire next to the school building. The building’s sprinklers were able to contain the fire while our firefighters fully extinguished it. No injuries reported. Our fire investigators were not dispatched to this scene as they responded to another fire that occurred at the same time” (in North Seattle).

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

Phase 1 has begun, and now all eyes look toward what it’ll take to get to Phase 2. But first – the newest numbers top tonight’s roundup:

KING COUNTY’S DAILY UPDATE: From the countywide data dashboard:

*6,653 people have tested positive, up 71 from yesterday

*467 people have died, up 4 from yesterday

One week ago, the totals were 6,054 and 427.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES GROUPS: As Phase 1 of his Safe Start plan got off the ground, Gov. Inslee led a media briefing to introduce leaders of three advisory groups that’ll help get the state through all four phases. Video’s in our coverage; the groups’ members are listed here.

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST: As foreshadowed last week after big concrete blocks turned up in Lincoln Park‘s south lot, the city will make some parking spaces available for disabled parkgoers – more than a month after completely closing the park’s lot.

ALSO FROM SEATTLE PARKS – OFF-LEASH AREA REMINDERS: You and the pup both need to behave yourselves.

KING COUNTY PARKS REOPENING: This Friday, as announced today.

‘YOUR VOICE, YOUR CHOICE’ ON HOLD: Among today’s city announcements – budget and personnel effects of the COVID-19 response have suspended this “participatory budgeting” program until next year.

WATER, SEWER, AND … MASKS: Seattle Public Utilities sent photos of an extra task its workers have been helping with:

Washington State water and wastewater utilities are getting tens of thousands of cloth masks from FEMA to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This critical personal protection equipment (PPE) is earmarked for front line staff at water systems across the state. More than 30,000 masks were sent to Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) for distribution to other utilities across the state.

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

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WEDNESDAY: District 1 Community Network talks about the bridge and more
May 5, 2020 8:20 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Neighborhoods | South Park | West Seattle news

The West Seattle Bridge is on the District 1 Community Network‘s monthly agenda, tomorrow night at 7 pm, online – not an SDOT presentation, but rather a community discussion. D1CN is a coalition of community members from a variety of groups and organizations, but anyone from West Seattle or South Park is welcome. Here’s the agenda:

Introductions and Approval of Minutes 7:05

Announcements 7:15

WS Bridge (7:30 – 8:00)

*WS Bridge Update – WSTC, Deb Barker & Larry Wymer

*WS Bridge Alternative Routing – SPNA Aley Thompson

*WS Bridge Discussion – Brainstorming

West Seattle Bike Connections – Bob Winship (8:00 – 8:15)

Racial & Social Justice Tool Kit – Randy Wiger (8:15 – 8:30)

Call for New Proposals (8:30)
New projects or activities that we want to launch

You are welcome to join the meeting via Zoom or by phone (call 669-900-6833; meeting ID: 222 985 415; password: 625318).

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MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS: The Junction invites you to ‘Virtual Shopping Spree’ on Thursday
May 5, 2020 6:11 pm
|    Comments Off on MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS: The Junction invites you to ‘Virtual Shopping Spree’ on Thursday
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photo taken earlier this spring at Click! Design That Fits, part of Thursday’s ‘spree’)

The next phase of in-person retail won’t be open in time for this Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10th) but the West Seattle Junction Association has a shopping solution for you: A “Virtual Shopping Spree” this Thursday (May 7th). Every half hour, starting at 4 pm and continuing through 7:30 pm, The Junction will take you live to another local shop – eight in all. Plus, every shopper gets a chance to win a $150 gift card to each store – they’ll pick a random winner for each “spree” visit, from among those who comment either with an order or by saying “Pick me!” (You’ll be able to shop via Facebook or through the store’s Instagram Live page; the business will then contact you for delivery and payment.) See the schedule/lineup, and find the link to participate, by going here.

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FOLLOWUP: Some parking spaces to reopen at Lincoln Park for accessibility
May 5, 2020 4:39 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Photo sent last week by Mindi)

As first reported here last Friday – after numerous WSB readers noticed those blocks in the south lot of Lincoln Park – the city is planning to reopen some parking spaces there and elsewhere for accessibility. Here’s the official announcement:

On Friday, May 8, Seattle Parks and Recreation will reopen limited accessible (ADA) parking at four major parks: Lincoln Park, Seward Park, Green Lake Park, and Magnuson Park.

In March, Seattle Parks and Recreation closed parking lots at the most popular parks in order to reduce usage of these parks. As the stay-at-home order has been extended, these parking lot closures are still in effect.

Accessible parking for people with Disabled Parking Permits will be made available at four parks, to provide access those who need parking to be able to access these parks:

*Lincoln Park — nine accessible parking spaces (four at lower beach lot, and five at the southern upper lot)
*Green Lake Park – eight accessible parking spaces at the Bathhouse Theater Lot
*Magnuson Park — ten accessible parking spaces (seven at the W6 play area lot, and three at the Off Leash Area)
*Seward Park — eight accessible parking spaces at the tennis court lot

Seattle Parks and Recreation has started with these four lots as a way to give equitable access to these parks and hopes to add additional spaces at other closed lots if possible. General use parking is still prohibited at these sites.

All spots will be designated with “State Disabled Parking Permit Required” signs. No other parking is permitted in these lots, and violators will be ticketed. Lots are still closed to discourage crowding at our most popular parks, and community is encouraged to recreate closer to home.

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VIDEO: Governor’s briefing, as ‘Phase 1’ begins
May 5, 2020 3:40 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

3:40 PM: Gov. Inslee‘s first media briefing of the week has just begun, on the day that the first part of his four-phase reopening plan is under way. So what’s next? We’ll add notes as it goes.

“We still have a long way to go … but our recovery is moving forward,” he said, noting that guidance is being drafted for more businesses/activities to resume. He says he’s announcing “three advisory groups (with) a really diverse group of voices (to) help inform our decision-making.” He says each group will be a “forum” for his office to “consult with.” One is a health-care/health-systems group. Another will focus on “safe work and economic recovery.” And there’ll be a “social supports group” focusing on the need for food, shelter, etc.

3:48 PM: The governor introduces Jessyn Farrell, who will be a lead on the “safe work and economic recovery” group. She is a former state legislator who ran for Seattle mayor three years ago. She notes that some parts of the workforce were already “fragile” even pre-pandemic. She’s followed by other reps of the new groups, who each make a few remarks before giving the mic back to the governor – who is taking a two-minute break “to give one decision to someone.”

3:54 PM: He’s back and it’s reporter Q&A time. First one – has he decided on reconvening the Legislature to deal with the coming budget crisis? No decision yet but it’s likely, he says, to deal with an “enormous hole.”

Next, he’s asked about the lawsuit saying COVID-19 is no longer a crisis. He says that viewpoint is “biologically ignorant.” He says his decisions have been made “to preserve health, and life itself.”

How formal will the new advisory groups’ recommendations be? It’ll be “an organic process,” he says, later adding that the groups themselves will work out the best way to circulate/distribute them.

Next: What about the other activities/businesses listed for Phase 1 (landscaping, curbside retail, dog walking, etc.)? They’ll have “protocols” by week’s end, “just a few days,” the governor says.

4 PM: He’s asked about officials who are speaking out against the stay-home order. He says that if they saw “the tears” of the families who’ve lost loved ones, they might feel differently. He stresses that the “vast majority” of people “get this.” Asked about a potential second wave of COVID-19 infections, he says vigilance is vital. Also, he reiterates that the state is still short on supplies for testing, which is “absolutely vital” to moving on. He says they’re also hopeful that antibody testing will be usable soon but “it’s very important to realize that (they are no guarantee) of immunity.” He also says you can’t read a lot into the number of new positive tests, because as they test more people, they’re inevitably going to get more positive results, so there are other metrics they’re watching closely.

4:10 PM: The briefing is over; we’ll add any links that follow with details.

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UPDATE: Construction-debris fire at South Seattle College campus
May 5, 2020 2:30 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(Texted photo)

2:30 PM: A big Seattle Fire dispatch is arriving at the South Seattle College campus. It’s being described as “roofing materials on fire.” Updates to come.

2:37 PM: The fire is “knocked down,” crews on scene have radioed. The response is being downsized. We don’t yet know exactly what part of the campus this is happening at.

(WSB photo)

2:48 PM: The fire is mostly out but firefighters are dealing with some smoldering debris. This is in the automotive area of the college (which like other schools is currently closed to in-person instruction).

3:11 PM: Now the fire’s declared “tapped.” No word of injuries.

3:28 PM: Adding more photos. Meantime, we checked with SSC spokesperson Ty Swenson, who tells WSB, “From what we’ve gathered, the fire started with construction debris in the Automotive Technology construction zone. It sounds like that debris was at ground level, not on the roof.” More info later.

WEDNESDAY UPDATE: SFD says the fire was “accidentally caused while construction crews were working at the site of a demolition and renovation project for the college. Estimated loss is $10,000.”

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SURVEY: Use park-and-ride lots? This is for you
May 5, 2020 1:37 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Even the few park-and-rides in West Seattle aren’t busy now – but that’ll eventually change. If you’re a park-and-ride user, here’s a survey you’re invited to take. It’s about whether it would be helpful to know how many spaces are available at your park-and-ride before you leave home.

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