West Seattle, Washington

19 Saturday

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month : 05/2020 346 results

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE CLOSURE: SDOT explains new monitoring system
May 13, 2020 12:22 pm
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

One week after SDOT went public with some details of its emergency plan in case of West Seattle Bridge failure or imminent failure (WSB coverage here), it’s just published a close-up look at the new monitoring system. The graphic above is from the new SDOT Blog update, which also includes photos of some of the monitoring equipment. Also explained – the monitoring is also key to the biggest decision yet to be made. Three main purposes are listed:

*Keep us informed on how the bridge reacts to environmental changes, bridge stabilization measures, temporary shoring, and potential future repairs.

*Give us a better indication of bridge distress that could warn of impending failure.

*Guide us to a decision about the technical feasibility of repair or replacement.

SDOT says the system includes cameras, movement sensors, and crack monitors, noting:

The new intelligent monitoring system is already ‘talking’ to us and telling us that there is some potential for failure. What we don’t yet know is how great that potential is. The new system will help us better determine that.

SDOT adds that “after we collect a few weeks’ worth of data”:

Analytic modeling will interpret the data to gain a baseline understanding of the bridge’s behavior. If we observe stable behavior, the bridge will continue to be monitored during and after the temporary crack arrest measure installation and the Pier 18 restrained lateral bearings’ release, to see how the bridge reacts.

See the entire update here.

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DEVELOPMENT: 1116 Alki Avenue SW project proposes 50 to 65 residential units
May 13, 2020 11:34 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(Image courtesy Google Maps/Street View)

A new early-stage redevelopment proposal for Alki will replace the last pocket of beach bungalows at the tip of Duwamish Head with one building containing 50 to 65 units. The project address is 1116 Alki SW [map]; the site also includes five lots to the west, according to the site plan filed last week. Another document in the online file says the building would be six stories with one partly underground level of parking, which would include 77 to 103 spaces (as per the Alki Parking Overlay, which requires 1 1/2 spaces per unit). Property records show the three westernmost parcels were sold together in 2014 for $3.6 million; the three easternmost parcels were sold in 2017 transactions that totaled more than $4.5 million. Four of the six houses to be demolished are more than a century old. This is an early-stage proposal, so no public-comment opportunities/reviews are set yet.

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CORONAVIRUS TESTING: Two updates on when and how to get it
May 13, 2020 9:58 am
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

We start today with two notes about COVID-19 testing. First: Public-health authorities say it’s increasingly available, and urge people to get it ASAP if they start showing symptoms. That info is here. Meantime, people who need testing may be eligible for a drive-through event happening today and tomorrow in SODO. Registration is required. From the announcement:

QFC and Fred Meyer announced a partnership with the City of Seattle and the Seattle Mariners for free COVID-19 drive-thru testing. The first testing will be at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, May 13-14.

Testing Site Information:

● Dates: Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14

● Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

● Location: T-Mobile Park Parking Garage at 1250 1st Ave S. Seattle – south entrance (Massachusetts and Occidental)

● Registration is required. Register at krogerhealth.com/covidtesting or call 1-888-852-2567 (select option 1, then option 3).

Those eligible will next select a testing location and appointment time. Then, registrants will receive an email confirmation with pre-appointment paperwork to complete. When a person arrives for their test, they should have their photo ID ready and should leave their window rolled up for check-in, until a health-care practitioner comes to the car to administer the test.

For the testing, patients remain in their cars throughout the process, which is completed in just a few minutes using self-administered test kits. The test uses self-administered nasal swabs, which are less painful and designed to increase safety. This onsite testing is supported with laboratory services provided by eTrueNorth, a contractor of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Test results are expected within approximately 48 hours. The Seattle testing site is estimated to have capacity for 250 vehicles per day.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch, 8th week of West Seattle Bridge closure
May 13, 2020 5:58 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:58 AM: Good morning – the 51st morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. If you are heading out – here are the cameras for the 5-way intersection and the restricted-access low bridge (where SPD enforcement continues):

Since the main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map), we check it next, including the Michigan exit that takes you across Georgetown to I-5:

The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map) – this camera shows you the approach:

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:

16th/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

ROAD WORK

As noted here, the 35th/Avalon/Alaska project was expected to see some more finishing touches this week, so watch for possible “no parking” signs.

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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CORONAVIRUS: Tuesday 5/12 roundup
May 12, 2020 9:40 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

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!

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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!)

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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!

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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.

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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.

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‘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.

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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.”

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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!)

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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)

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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:

Read More

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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.

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CORONAVIRUS: Monday 5/11 roundup
May 11, 2020 9:36 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Another stay-home week begins, and our nightly roundup hits the local COVID-19-related toplines:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From today’s data-dashboard update:

*7,115 people have tested positive, up 69 from yesterday

*505 people have died, up 7 from yesterday

One week ago, those numbers were 6,582 and 463.

MOURNING A WEST SEATTLE VICTIM: We learned today that longtime music educator and former West Seattle Big Band leader Donn Weaver lost his fight against COVID-19.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

SFD, SPD UPDATES: Seattle’s public-safety agencies have been publishing weekly updates on how COVID-19 is affecting their staffs. One positive note in SFD’s report – no one currently in isolation or quarantine. SPD, though, has 17 employees with that status.

GOT YOUR MASK YET? The mayor and county executive held a media briefing today with Public Health Director Dr. Jeff Duchin, “strongly urging” everyone in King County to wear face coverings in public. Here’s Dr. Duchin’s directive. Note Part F:

Violation of this Directive does not create grounds for residents or law enforcement to stop, detain, issue a citation, arrest, intimidate, or harass individuals who do not comply with it. This Directive may and should be used to educate, encourage, and persuade individuals to wear face coverings.

But a business is totally within its rights, it was noted, to require customers to wear face coverings – that’s Part G.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN RESTAURANTS FIRST REOPEN? The governor’s office issued Phase 2 guidance today. The list of rules is here – it includes these:

1. Hand sanitizer should be available at entry for all staff and patrons (assuming supply
availability).

2. No bar seating is permitted during Phase 2. If an establishment has bar seating it must be closed
off to prohibit use.

3. If the establishment does not offer table service, they must have protocols in place to ensure
adequate social distancing at food and drink pick-up stations, and seating within their dining
area.

4. All parties and tables must be 5 guests or less.

5. Guest occupancy must be 50% of maximum building occupancy or lower as determined by the
fire code. Outdoor seating is permitted but must also be at 50% capacity. Outdoor seating does
not count toward the building occupancy limit. Outdoor seating must follow all other
requirements in this document.

6. Tables must be placed far enough apart when measured from occupied chair to occupied chair,
to ensure dine-in guests seated at a table are a minimum of 6 feet away from guests at adjacent
table, or there must be a physical barrier or wall separating booths or tables.

7. It is strongly suggested customers wear a cloth face covering anytime they are not seated at the
table (while being seated or leaving, or while going to the restroom).

8. Buffets and salad bars are not permitted at this time but may be addressed through subsequent
interpretive guidance.

9. If the establishment offers table service, create a daily log of all customers and maintain that
daily log for 30 days, including telephone/email contact information, and time in. This will
facilitate any contact tracing that might need to occur.

10. Single use menus are required for in-person dining.

11. Any condiments typically left on the table (ketchup, soy sauce, etc.) must be single-use or
sanitized after each use.

12. Restaurants must have implemented a plan to ensure proper physical distancing in
lobby/waiting areas/payment counters.

13. Minimize the number of staff serving any given table. It is strongly recommended that one staff
person take a table’s order, bring all of their beverages/food/utensils, take their payment, etc

No date yet for Phase 2 in our area, but some smaller counties are making the transition, so that’s why the guidance is out now.

SCHOOL PARADES: Two months ago today, Seattle Public Schools announced it would close its campuses – and within days, all schools were shutting down in-person learning. Some schools have been having “parades” so students and staff can see each other at a distance; today, Sanislo Elementary had one, and we also featured a video of the recent parade at Hope Lutheran.

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

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VIDEO: Sanislo Elementary’s parade
May 11, 2020 8:01 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB video and photos unless otherwise credited)

Sanislo Elementary is the latest school in West Seattle to “reunite” students and staff, at a distance, via a parade! Our video above shows participants just after they left the school on Puget Ridge early this afternoon. Some of the sights:

Even a classic fire truck!

And along the route, Chris got this video of some of the students on the roadside:

It was two months ago today that Seattle Public Schools announced its campuses would close for at least two weeks, which as everyone knows then became the rest of the school year.

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West Seattle music legend Donn Weaver lost to COVID-19
May 11, 2020 5:15 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Photo courtesy Jim Edwards: Donn Weaver, with son Doug in the background)

Opening this afternoon’s media briefing about mask-wearing, King County Executive Dow Constantine expressed condolences for those lost to COVID-19 – saying a West Seattle music legend was among them, Donn Weaver. Mr. Weaver, 87, was a longtime music teacher – including 12 years at West Seattle High School – and spent 19 years as leader of the West Seattle Big Band. The band’s current leader, Jim Edwards, says, “Donn made music a passion for many here in West Seattle,” Jim included. “For the West Seattle Big Band, in his 19 years as musical director, he set the foundation for what has become a highly respected group that continues to give back to the community the joy and the love of music. And we in turn continue to share that with the student musicians at all the schools we collaborate with. His passion for music, and his love of teaching, have made all of us better people because of it. He will be missed.” We featured Mr. Weaver in 2015, when he was honored with the West Seattle Grand Parade‘s Orville Rummel Trophy. We hope to have a longer tribute to him soon.

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UPDATE: County, city leaders ‘strongly urging’ mask-wearing when you’re in public; on transit, it’ll be required
May 11, 2020 2:48 pm
|      120 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

(Added: Seattle-King County Public Health graphic)

2:48 PM: We’re monitoring an online media briefing with Mayor Jenny Durkan, County Executive Dow Constantine, and city/county Public Health Director Dr. Jeff Duchin. They’ve just announced they are urging everyone to wear a mask (face covering) in public. Why now? It’s a “precarious” time, said Constantine. It’s a new public-health “directive.” Durkan, meantime, says advice and directives keep evolving because “there is no playbook” for “this virus.” Dr. Duchin says the fight against the virus is likely to last “many months.” He says his directive re-emphasizes the CDC’s recommendation. He also notes that it’s not a matter of protecting yourself, but protecting others. PHSKC’s Matias Valenzuela stresses that there won’t be penalties or law enforcement of this, and that they are working on mask availability for those who are having trouble getting them.

3 PM: In Q&A, Constantine is asked, why issue this directive if it won’t be enforced? He says he believes that as with other directives, people will comply. Dr. Duchin reiterated that people can be contagious without symptoms, and so – again – wearing a face covering is “an important strategy” to protect others, just in case. … Durkan and Constantine says the city and county will be distributing masks/face coverings to community groups – 45,000 and 115,000, respectively. … “Wearing a mask is a sign that together, we care about one another,” adds Dr. Duchin, while reiterating that his directive is “strongly urging,” not requiring masks. But: Businesses CAN require customers to wear face coverings, the mayor notes, if they choose to have that requirement. … What works best, in fabric face coverings? Snug, multiple layers, Dr. Duchin elaborates. … He’s also asked to elaborate on current trends. The number of cases/deaths has “stabilized,” he says, but they’d like to see fewer. “We’re continuing to see too many cases. … We haven’t suppressed transmission as much as we should.”

3:17 PM: The briefing is over. Video is expected soon via Seattle Channel (added below); we’ll add that and official links when available.

4:13 PM: Here’s the official news release. It also notes that while the directive is a request, face-coverings will be required on public transit – though compliance is “voluntary.”

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TUESDAY: Fauntleroy Community Association’s annual membership meeting, online
May 11, 2020 2:15 pm
|    Comments Off on TUESDAY: Fauntleroy Community Association’s annual membership meeting, online
 |   Fauntleroy | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | West Seattle online

In pre-pandemic times, the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s annual membership meeting was held in conjunction with a big community gathering, the Fauntleroy Food Fest. This year’s FFF was set for March 17th – and then, like so many other events this spring, had to be canceled. But FCA is still having an annual meeting, 7 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, May 12th), via Zoom, and community members are invited. Details and the registration link are here.

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UPDATE: 19th/Roxbury rollover crash
May 11, 2020 12:36 pm
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

12:36 PM: SPD and SFD are being dispatched to a crash reported as a rollover blocking westbound lanes at 19th/Roxbury. Updates to come.

(Added: Texted photo)

12:40 PM: Two vehicles are reported to be involved, with one person trapped, so the SFD response is upgraded to a rescue response. Tipster Aaron says this is by Holy Family.

12:51 PM: As commenter Matt notes, the new 35th/Roxbury camera has captured the response . the screenshot is from a few moments ago. Avoid the area TFN.

(Added: Photo sent by L)

1:12 PM: SFD reports that the person has been “safely extricated and is in stable condition,” and will be taken to a hospital. (added) Also – Route 120 is currently re-routed, according to a Metro text, between 16th and 26th – use stops on 15th or on 26th.

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DEVELOPMENT: Another change for 9201 Delridge Way SW
May 11, 2020 11:00 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Development | West Seattle news

Another change in plan for the ex-auto-shop site at 9201 Delridge Way SW. Originally it was planned for redevelopment as a self-storage facility; then the plan changed to a mixed-use building. Now, city records show it’s changed again – a new developer, new architect, and new plan. The developer is now an LLC with the same ownership as STS Construction Services (WSB sponsor), whose headquarters and other recent projects are nearby; online records show the site was sold for $2.1 million in March. The new architect is Atelier Drome. The previous plan, which was about to go to the Southwest Design Review Board before public meetings were suspended in March, included 46 apartments and 3 live-work units The new early-stage site plan proposes ~67 residential units. As for public comment, the process has changed because of the pandemic but we’re continuing to watch city files.

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VIDEO: Teacher Appreciation Week event @ Hope Lutheran
May 11, 2020 9:58 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

We’re continuing to showcase teacher/staff appreciation events organized by local schools. This video was sent by Hope Lutheran School:

Sally Heit from Hope explains:

Hope PTH (Parents and Teachers of Hope) did to honor Teacher Appreciation week. We organized a Thank You Teachers’ parade May 7th. A parent had suggested it while only a few weeks into the ‘stay at home’ order, in hope that students could reconnect with their teachers.

We are over a month and a half into quarantining and morale of students and teachers is low, so we decided we had to do something! I organized shifts, preschool families first, then K5-5th, and then middle school. All staff were 8 ft apart, most with masks.

I can’t even tell you how uplifting it was for teachers to see their students! Not sure what to expect, we were shocked to see car after car drive through a tunnel of teachers to say hi, honk, shout, and show their thanks! Kids made signs, cars were decorated. It was a special morning for sure; tears were shed, but most importantly students and staff reconnected in person and knew they could make it the rest of the year. The feeling from the staff was palpable; they missed and loved their students

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