month : 06/2020 331 results

ROAD WORK/TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday notes; 12th week of West Seattle Bridge closure

6:12 AM: Good morning – the 79th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. A road-work reminder – the Delridge Way repaving-and-more project has begun, with miscellaneous early tasks like tree protection; here’s our preview.

Now on to the cameras for the 5-way intersection, and the restricted-access low bridge just east of it:

The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – which has up to 14 overnight closures coming up next month, as announced Tuesday. Meanwhile, here’s that camera:

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

Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info about any of those bridges opening for marine traffic.

You can see all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

TRANSIT

Metro – Check the Twitter feed for any breaking service changes. Otherwise – still on the reduced schedule and reduced capacity; check here for next departure

Water TaxiReduced schedule continues

Trouble on the roads/paths? Let us know – comment or text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

CORONAVIRUS: Tuesday 6/9 roundup

Three months ago, we reported the first publicly disclosed West Seattle case of COVID-19. Tonight – here are the toplines:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: We’re going to start including all four of the stats now highlighted on the Public Health daily-summary dashboard:

*8,536 people have tested positive, 29 more than yesterday

*570 people have died, 3 more than yesterday

*1,499 people have been hospitalized, 10 more than yesterday

*109,813 people have been tested, 1,182 more than yesterday

One week ago, the positive-test count was 8,235; the death toll was 560.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

HOUSE CLEANING AND NANNY RULES: The governor issued several new “guidance” documents today, including Phase 2 rules for domestic services. It’s all linked here.

SCAM ALERT: Scam callers are still trying to convince people to give them money to “prevent shutoffs’ – even though Seattle City Light and Public Utilities are still NOT cutting off service while the coronavirus crisis continues.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: From King County:

New COVID-19 funding for Community Orgs now available:

On May 5, the King County Council approved a second emergency supplemental budget proposed by Executive Dow Constantine to provide additional resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in the legislation is $1 million for the Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ) to expand funding for the COVID-19 Community Response Fund. As the pandemic has progressed, we understand more about its effects and the disproportionate impact it inflicts on communities of color. OESJ will continue to prioritize funding to partners working with communities at the highest risk of immediate and long-term negative health, social and economic impacts. Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded to organizations and the application closes at 5 pm on June 23rd. Visit this link for more information on how to apply.

NEIGHBORHOOD BRIGHTNESS: Most people are still working/learning at home, so we appreciate the chance to keep sharing scenes like these when photos come in! Noodle spotted a flamingo flock:

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

PROTESTS: Rally, marches, bike ride coming up

Thanks to Nancy for the photo of the “small but mighty” gathering at Delridge Playfield during “Take a Knee for Justice” around this time last night. For those looking to show their opposition to racism and support for justice and equity, here are three upcoming events:

WEDNESDAY: At noon tomorrow, a family rally is planned outside Louisa Boren STEM K-8 (5950 Delridge Way SW), “to proclaim that Black Lives Matter.” You’re asked to wear masks and spread out along the sidewalk.

Also tomorrow, White Center’s Community March for Black Lives is planned, starting at Greenbridge Plaza:

People of White Center, we stand together in solidarity to fight for justice for our black brothers and sisters.

-We will gather at Greenbridge Plaza at 4 pm
-Hear from community members and leaders
-Begin Peaceful March toward 16th Avenue at 5 pm .

Please bring your face mask.

The plaza is on 8th SW just south of SW Roxbury.

(ADDED WED.) Per image in comments, there’s also a 3 pm march from Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle) to White Center.

SATURDAY: The organizers of last weekend’s Peace Peloton ride from Alki have organized another ride – not in West Seattle but not far:

2nd PEACE PELOTON demonstration and bike ride to support black-owned businesses
Saturday, June 13, 2020

Starting point is Tougo Coffee at Yesler Terrace. Riders gather from 10:00 am onward. Ride starts at 12 Noon and ends at Ezell’s Chicken/Garfield Playfield. Additional details and route map are in this link.

Anything else ahead? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!

REOPENING THURSDAY: Carmilia’s

Another retailer’s getting ready to open as enabled by “modified Phase 1” – that’s Linda Sabee of Carmilia’s (4528 California SW), cleaning up! Her annuncement:

We’re ready for you!

Thanks to our fabulous customers, we made it through and are ready to reopen our doors!

Thursday, June 11, Carmilia’s will be open 1:00 ~ 7:00 with new arrivals and lots of hand sanitizer!

Our schedule {for now} will be

Thursday ~ Saturday
11:00 ~ 6:00

Sunday
10:00 ~ 4:00

And for those of you hesitant to shop in person, you can still support Carmilia’s.

Here’s how!

Visit us online 24/7
•Schedule an individual in-person or virtual shopping appointment here

We have a stack of other announcements and will publish more this evening!

CLOSURE ALERT: Dates set for northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge work

(UPDATE: WSDOT announced on June 11th that this work is now set to start July 12th)

WSDOT has announced the dates for overnight closures required for major work on the northbound side of the 1st Avenue South Bridge – starting four weeks from tonight. But the West Seattle “low bridge” will be open to all on the closure nights. Here’s the announcement:

Beginning July 6, people crossing the northbound State Route 99 Duwamish River Bridge, also known as the First Avenue South bridge, after dark will have to plan for up to 14 nights of detours. Southbound SR 99 will not be affected.

Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will replace 14 sections of steel bridge decking on what has become the main link between West Seattle and downtown Seattle since the closure of the West Seattle Bridge.

During northbound full closures, crews will detour vehicles and pedestrians beginning at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday nights. For each day of these closures, the bridge will reopen at 5 a.m. the following morning. No work will take place Friday or Saturday nights.

In addition to the full closures, people using the bridge should plan for overnight lane reductions and additional travel time during June.

Scheduling the bridge closures

The Duwamish River Bridge spans the Duwamish Waterway, a busy marine highway. When crews are working on the bridge, it cannot open for boat traffic. Keeping the bridge closed requires permission from the U.S. Coast Guard, which manages the waterway.

“This is important work to preserve the bridge. If we don’t do it now, we’ll have to wait until fall at the earliest,” said WSDOT Assistant Regional Administrator Messay Shiferaw.

Partnering with SDOT

WSDOT and the Seattle Department of Transportation are working closely to keep traffic moving during the northbound bridge closures. SDOT announced it will allow traffic to use the lower Spokane Street Bridge on nights the northbound Duwamish River/First Avenue South bridge is closed. This could change based on access needs for emergency vehicles. Other detours include the 14th Avenue South Park Bridge, Tukwila International Boulevard, East Marginal Way and Interstate 5.

“This is critical work that WSDOT must prioritize, but it comes at a time when many depend on the First Avenue South bridge more than ever. That is why we’ve worked with WSDOT and others to enable displaced traffic from the First Avenue South Bridge to use the Spokane Street Bridge as an alternative route across the Duwamish every night this work is being done,” said SDOT Director of Downtown Mobility Heather Marx, who also is the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge response lead.

Preserving the Duwamish River Bridge

The Duwamish River Bridge is an important transportation link between Seattle, West Seattle, Burien and points south. Fourteen of the 26.5-foot-long, 6-foot-wide steel deck grids need to be replaced. It takes a few hours to replace each one. During this work, all lanes must be closed for the safety of the people working on the bridge and the traveling public.

Replacing the decking during scheduled closures at times when there is less traffic will keep the bridge in good condition and avoid emergency repairs.

If all 14 nights are needed, that would be Monday night, July 6th through Thursday night, July 9th, plus Sunday night, July 12th, through Thursday night, July 16th, and Sunday night, July 19th, through Thursday night, July 23rd.

VIDEO: Helicopter drill at Walt Hundley Playfield

2:25 PM: We are at Walt Hundley Playfield in High Point, where an Airlift Northwest medical helicopter has just landed for the second day of West Seattle drills with SFD.

It’s the same thing they did at Alki yesterday – but the weather’s worse. Updates to come.

2:50 PM: Helicopter has departed. 2 more drills – 2 pm tomorrow at Alki, Thursday at Walt Hundley. Spectators welcome, around the edges of the field.

ADDED 8:41 PM: More photos/video, with a closer look at the helicopter:

Firefighters had a training class before they came to the field for the drill.

SFD has said, air transfers are likely to be very rare if they happen at all- but in case of, say, a total transportation logjam at peak hour, without the West Seattle Bridge, the option needs to be available, and they need to be ready to assist.

Airlift Northwest offers memberships; we asked spokesperson Stephen LeMay about them. “Airlift Northwest membership works with insurance carriers to offset any remaining balance on an aeromedical bill, which can be very expensive. Patients with a membership will *not* receive a bill for their transport, or any services provided during the transport. Membership is *not* required to be eligible for transport. We will fly any patient in need to any hospital regardless of membership or payor status. Airlift Northwest provides over $2 million in charity care every year.”

UPDATE: Myers/Olson crash

June 9, 2020 2:21 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Myers/Olson crash
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Texted photo)

2:21 PM: Thanks for the tip – now a crash is blocking lanes at the east end of the Roxbury corridor.

3:03 PM: Just went through the area. All clear.

‘Reconnect West Seattle’ and other bridge-related updates @ Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council

While SDOT decides whether/how to replace the closed-since-March West Seattle Bridge, it’s also working on how to move people off/onto the peninsula in the meantime. Last night’s Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council meeting revealed that effort now has a name.

“Reconnect West Seattle” debuted as PPNC got a bridge briefing from SDOT’s project leader Heather Marx (who repeated her commitment to brief anyone any time anywhere). Some of it recapped what’s been reported to date:

.

Marx noted again that the big decision – is the bridge fixable or not? – is getting closer. But in the meantime, with the “stay-home order” over and gradual “reopening” under way, it’s time to shine the spotlight on traffic “mitigation.” So that’s where “Reconnect West Seattle” comes in, both as a peninsula-wide plan “with ambitious mode-split targets” and as a collection of neighborhood-specific strategies – which, as we’ve reported before, will focus on four areas:

“Community priorities are going to need to inform all those plans” – in other words, the prioritization process that we’ve also noted previously:

Your chance to weigh in should happen before long – here’s the timeline:

In subsequent discussion, Marx mentioned one other timeline point: We should hear by the end of the month about some changes in low-bridge access, as has been hinted.

Q&A: Are the cracks still growing? Yes, but “the bridge is not in imminent risk of failure.” That said, it’s not stable enough to, for example, carry emergency traffic. (Yes, vehicles are on it – the SDOT crews doing work such as inspections.)

Is the low bridge compromised? No – the recent closures were to repair and upgrade its communication technology, not for mechanical/structural problems.

Is SDOT going to take a serious look at the “immersed-tube tunnel” proposal? Yes, said Marx, the tunnel idea is “very much in play,” and n fact the Request for Qualifications for a potential bridge-replacement design team has been amended to reflect that. “We will absolutely investigate the tunnel as an option.”

So what’s next?

West Marginal Way improvements will largely be for freight, she said. The signal work is to continue expanding what can be adjusted in real time, remotely, from SDOT HQ. And the two advisory groups are beginning their work – the Technical Advisory Panel has its first meeting today, and the Community Task Force has its first meeting tomorrow.

(PPNC also got an update on Terminal 5, with Port of Seattle reps – we’ll write that up separately.)

UPDATE: Tree down on West Marginal Way SW

11:03 AM: Multiple reports of a big backup as crews work to remove a downed tree/limb across West Marginal Way SW north of Highland Park Way. Avoid the area for a while.

3:19 PM: Finally got a chance to go through the area. All clear.

It’s back: Noctiluca bloom turns water orange-red off West Seattle

June 9, 2020 10:42 am
|    Comments Off on It’s back: Noctiluca bloom turns water orange-red off West Seattle
 |   Environment | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to Lura (who sent the photo above) and Peter for the tips – the seasonal bloom of Noctiluca is back. Our archives have sightings going back a decade; the state Ecology Department says sightings were reported as far back as the mid-1940s. Sometimes (like last year) it’s been seen by mid-May, sometimes not until mid-July, sometimes not at all. The state has a simple explanation here – it’s NOT toxic, and it’s NOT a spill, though it’s also NOT a good thing – and more research details here.

REOPENING TODAY: Rick’s Barber Shop

Another business reopening today: Rick’s Barber Shop (whose neon signage has led to Rick’s alterego The Psychic Barber), at 4845 California SW. Rick emailed us to say, “Regular hours Tuesdays-Fridays 9-6, Saturdays 9-4, with appointments strongly recommended.” You can call for one at 206-933-8733.

ROAD WORK/TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday notes; 12th week of West Seattle Bridge closure

June 9, 2020 6:07 am
|    Comments Off on ROAD WORK/TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Tuesday notes; 12th week of West Seattle Bridge closure
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

6:07 AM: Good morning – the 78th morning without the high-rise West Seattle Bridge. Again today, we start with a road-work reminder – the Delridge Way repaving-and-more work is scheduled to continue, depending on how the weather goes; here’s our preview.

Now on to the cameras for the 5-way intersection, and the restricted-access low bridge just east of it:

The main detour route across the Duwamish River is the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) – here’s that camera:

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

Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed for info about any of those bridges opening for marine traffic.

You can see all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.

TRANSIT

Metro – Check the Twitter feed for any breaking service changes. Otherwise – still on the reduced schedule and reduced capacity; check here for next departure

Water TaxiReduced schedule continues

Trouble on the roads/paths? Let us know – comment or text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.

It was all about the West Seattle Bridge @ District 1 Community Network’s June meeting

The District 1 Community Network‘s June meeting was, like many local meetings this spring, mostly about the West Seattle Bridge. Here are our toplines from the meeting held by videoconference and phone last week:

SDOT’S BRIDGE UPDATE: The department’s new communications director Michael Harold, a Morgan Junction resident, recapped his first day on the job – arriving at work March 23rd to learn his new place of employment was about to announce the West Seattle Bridge would be shut down TFN. Now, the department remains in extensive data-gathering mode: “This is not a thing where you can make guesses,” he said, in explaining why that’s necessary before a decision on what’s next. They’re pursuing multiple paths in the meantime – stabilization among them, and as we reported the day before the D1CN meeting, the search for a team to “design a potential replacement.” Harold again stressed that the potential 10-year contract is because “there is a scenario in which” they might fix the bridge but only get 10 more years out of it so they’d have to be working on replacement. He added that “we are considering many options … the goal is to get people back across the water as quickly and efficiently as we can do it.”

NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MITIGATION: Danielle Friedman from the Department of Neighborhoods talked about the neighborhoods affected by the detour traffic, and said four would be engaged in prioritization plans:

Read More

CORONAVIRUS: Monday 6/8 roundup

Tonight’s headlines in the virus crisis:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard:

*8,507 people have tested positive, up 42 from yesterday (out of 2,427 more tests)

*567 people have died, up 1 since yesterday (and the previous day)

One week ago, those totals were 8,192 and 557.

ONE MORE LOCAL DEATH … in the 98106 zip code. The local zip-code totals are now:

98106 – 3
98116 – 2
98126 – 13
98136 – 1
98146 – 6

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

WEAR YOUR MASK AT WORK: A reminder from the state Health Department:

Beginning today, all employees in the state are required to wear a cloth facial covering, except when working alone in an office, vehicle, or at a job site, or when the job has no in-person interaction. Employers must provide cloth facial coverings to employees, unless their exposure dictates a higher level of protection under the Department of Labor and Industries’ safety and health rules and guidance. Employees may choose to wear their own facial coverings at work, provided it meets the minimum requirements. Which Mask for Which Task guidance was issued today by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

PROTESTED? GET TESTED: The message was re-stated today by state Secretary of Health John Wiesman, during the governor’s afternoon media briefing. Don’t wait for symptoms, as that could take up to two weeks. (Reminder – anyone can access testing at the drive-up site in West Seattle, 10 am-3 pm Fridays at South Seattle College [WSB sponsor] – info here.)

MORE BUSINESSES REOPEN: We’re continuing to post announcements, archived in this coverage category.

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

FRIDAY: Rainbow Truth or Dare with the Senior Center of West Seattle

This Friday, you’re invited! From the Senior Center of West Seattle:

Rainbow Truth or Dare Pajama Party with the Senior Center

Join the Senior Center in your pajamas from the comfort of your living room couch for a live streamed game of Truth or Dare with Sylvia O’Stayformore on Friday, June 12, from 7-8 p.m. There will be prizes for the teams that raise the most money, plus fun options for food and drinks, including the Senior Center’s wildly popular rainbow Jell-O shots!

Every dollar raised will support the Senior Center’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, which is providing meals, groceries, social worker outreach and other essential services to West Seattle seniors.

Friday, June 12
7-8 p.m.
Virtual (link will be sent to registered participants)

$20 suggested donation to participate. Sign up here.

PROTEST: Student-organized rally at West Seattle High School

Protests and rallies continue, keeping the spotlight – and pressure – on, in hopes of inspiring true change. Today, West Seattle High School student Deija Lewis (above) rallied some of her schoolmates to call for “a better future,” including “restorative justice at every school.”

The students listened to speakers. And they drew support from educators:

In opening remarks, Deija embraced the goal of working toward a future “without discrimination and hatred.”

REOPENING: Wyatt’s Jewelers; Curious Kidstuff; Northwest Art and Frame

As we’ve been reporting, the “modified Phase 1” approval last Friday has meant more businesses can reopen for in-person service. Here are announcements we’ve received from three West Seattle retailers:

WYATT’S JEWELERS (Westwood Village): This longtime WSB sponsor plans to reopen tomorrow (Tuesday, June 9th) and proprietor Lauren says the shop will be open “normal business hours Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10-6. We’ve done all of our sanitizing and installed everything we need to for COVID guidelines as well as the safety and well-being of our staff and customers. For the first week we are open, we will be donating 10% of everything purchased to the food bank as a way of helping the community. Can’t wait!”

CURIOUS KIDSTUFF (4740 California SW): West Seattle’s only toy store has reopened. Proprietor Elisabeth says, “Curious Kidstuff reopened (over the weekend) with limited hours and observing all the state regulations. We will be open 7 days a week from 10 am-4 pm. We also have curbside pickup or you can order on our website for those who would prefer not to come in at this time.”

NORTHWEST ART AND FRAME (4733 California SW): Manager Jason says the Junction shop reopened Sunday “with reduced hours starting out. We’ll be open Mon-Sat: 9:30 am-6:00 pm and Sun 11:00 am-6:00. We’ll see how the first week or two goes and then probably adjust back to our normal Mon-Fri: 9:30 am-9 pm.”

VIDEO: Seattle Fire, Airlift Northwest’s first helicopter drill at Alki Playfield

2:32 PM: As previewed – the Seattle Fire/Airlift NW drill is under way at Alki Playfield, first of 4 drills in West Seattle this week.

2:41 PM: The helicopter has lifted off. Next drill, 2 pm tomorrow at Walt Hundley Playfield in High Point. Viewing was OK today *around the edges of the field* so it should be tomorrow too.

ADDED 5:31 PM: More details, photos, and video:

Airlift Northwest (corrected) has a base in Bremerton – its helicopter can get here in as little as six minutes and carries trauma nurses as well as blood and plasma.

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

SFD plans to use the four drills – continuing 2 pm Tuesday and Thursday at Walt Hundley, back at Alki 2 pm Wednesday – for different local SFD crews to practice a helicopter transfer. Deputy Chief Ron Mondragon talked about it after today’s drill:

The helicopter was on the ground less than half an hour (longer, though, than it would have taken for an actual patient transfer).

SFD stresses that this kind of transport is expected to be rare – if it’s required at all – but they need to be ready just in case.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Hit-run rampage trashes neighborhood

1:33 PM: The images are from William, one of several people who have emailed about this early-morning hit-run rampage:

At 3:30am today someone driving a Hummer H3 decided it would be a good idea to turn off Hinds onto 37TH AVE SW, and take out just about every single recycling/trash/yard bin with his vehicle between HINDS and HANFORD (just the one block). Scared the heck out of many of my sleeping neighbors. The person purposefully missed all cars, and any bins surrounded by cars were skipped.

Here’s some of the aftermath:

Lenora said the driver appeared to be a woman, and included these details:

It’s clear that one waste can must have been caught under the car’s bumper as it was flattened. It was the noise of it being dragged up the pavement that awakened us all. We saw the driver get out of her car, on Hanford, and assess the damage about three blocks west of here. She drove away before we could get close enough to get license plate info.

I understand that there were reports that some neighbors on 37th had cans that were hit as well. Our Hanford neighbors reported this information to the police.

We don’t have the report # yet but expect to add a bit more to this later.

ADDED 3:26 PM: The report # is 20-183602. You can hear – and see the end of – the driver’s rampage at the end of this clip forwarded by Lenora:

MONDAY NIGHT NOTE: Neighbors discussing this further and comparing notes tell us the woman who got out of her car to “assess the damage” was NOT the driver who DID the damage.

TUESDAY MORNING NOTE: We’ve heard from a West Seattleite who happens to drive a black H3 with front-end damage inflicted in a crash last week (see photo in our comment below) and is NOT the driver in this crash, which he heard about when a buddy called him yesterday about this story.

MYSTERY: Box of lost or stolen laptops found in Westwood

That photo is courtesy of Daystar Retirement Village (WSB sponsor), whose maintenance director found “a box hidden on our property with about ten laptops with cords and all of the same brand (Dell). A few appear to have kids’ names and some have stickers on them.” They’ve tried contacting police but in the meantime, if you know of anyone missing something like this, through theft or other circumstances, please contact Daystar (which is just east of Roxhill Park, across Barton from Westwood Village).

LOCAL PROTESTS, UPDATED: ‘Take a Knee’ at multiple locations tonight; family rally on Delridge & White Center march Wednesday

(WSB photo from Saturday)

12:07 PM: Two days after Saturday’s huge demonstration in the West Seattle Junction, protests against racism, for justice and equity, continue around the city, region, and nation. For everyone asking what else s ahead, we have word of two more this week.

TONIGHT: ‘Take a Knee for Justice’ is something you are invited to do at 8 pm outside yuur own home – or, outside Alki UCC, which just sent this announcement:

Alki United Church of Christ invites you to a vigil tonight, June 8, to “Take a Knee for Justice,” part of the worldwide peaceful demonstration of support for people of color who have sustained systemic injustice for far too long.

At 7:50 pm, we gather at outside at 6115 SW Hinds in West Seattle; the church bells will be rung promptly at 8:00 and 8:08 pm.

For those who choose not to kneel, bring a lawn chair to sit on, or stand by/sit in your vehicle. Please maintain social distancing and wear face masks. Questions/information: office@alkiucc.org

ADDED 3:45 PM: Two more churches have let us know they are participating: Tibbetts UMC (3940 41st SW; WSB sponsor) is gathering outside at 7:45, kneeling at 8. Also Fauntleroy UCC Church (9140 California SW): “Park in the church lot and be sure to wear a mask. We’ll social distance along the sidewalk. Bring a folding chair if you cannot kneel or simply stand in support of a bias-free society.” (One more addition: Per comments, Admiral Church, 4320 SW Hill.)

UPDATED 4:04 PM – 2 ON WEDNESDAY: At noon, a family rally outside Louisa Boren STEM K-8 (5950 Delridge Way SW), “to proclaim that Black Lives Matter.” You’re asked to wear masks and spread out along the sidewalk.

Also Wednesday, the Community March for Black Lives is planned, starting at Greenbridge Plaza:

People of White Center, we stand together in solidarity to fight for justice for our black brothers and sisters.

-We will gather at Greenbridge Plaza at 4 pm
-Hear from community members and leaders
-Begin Peaceful March towards 16th AVE at 5 pm .

Please bring your face mask.

The plaza is on 8th SW just south of SW Roxbury.

Anything else coming up in West Seattle, White Center, South Park this week? Please let us know so we can add it to the list – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!

HAPPENING ONLINE: Bidding begins for Fauntleroy Children’s Center auction

In these past few pandemic months, many local school fundraisers have gone online, since their usual in-person events couldn’t be held. The season’s not over yet – here’s an invitation from supporters of the nonprofit Fauntleroy Children’s Center:

The Fauntleroy Children’s Center 33rd Annual Auction is going on now online! Now until midnight on Sunday, June 14th we are excited to extend to our Greater West Seattle Community the opportunity to bid on over 200 fun items and experiences all while supporting FCC. Click on our online auction link to sign-up, browse the catalogue, and bid high (and often!).

The goal of our fundraiser is to fill FCC’s annual budget gap which funds: tuition assistance for families in need; continuing education classes for staff members to stay up-to-date on new research and practices in early childhood development; as well as classroom materials, field trips and toys for outside play. We are also putting out a call for direct donations (tax deductible) which will all go towards supporting teacher pay during the COVID-19 crisis.

For additional information, please visit the Fauntleroy Children’s Center website or email the FCC auction committee at auction@fauntleroychildrenscenter.org.

Fauntleroy Children’s Center is a nationally accredited nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community and families of the greater West Seattle area since 1977 by offering high quality childcare in an educational environment.

OPEN AGAIN: Fitness Together-West Seattle

Continuing to announce business reopenings: The “modified Phase 1” approval includes indoor one-on-one fitness instruction. So longtime WSB sponsor Fitness Together-West Seattle is open again for personal training, starting today. Owner Bonnie Katz Sailors tells WSB, “We have safety protocols in place for in-person training and we are still offering virtual training for those who prefer that.” The FT studio is in The Junction, at 4546 California SW.