West Seattle, Washington

16 Saturday

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month : 07/2020 314 results

BIZNOTE: Local Bank of America closures
July 29, 2020 7:32 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tips. After being closed for at least two days, the Bank of America branch at Westwood Village will reopen tomorrow, but the B of A in The Junction will be closed. That’s according to B of A spokesperson Britney Sheehan, who says it’s the same type of situation that closed the Junction branch for multiple days a month ago – ” We continue to take several steps to support our clients and employees during the health crisis, including some temporary financial center closures. Our temporary financial center closures have occurred in areas where foot traffic is low, or when our staffing is not sufficient for all to remain open. When a center closes we work to reopen it as soon as possible.” She says they’re not sure yet how long the Junction branch will be closed this time.

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BIZNOTE: The Tug has indeed sailed away
July 29, 2020 5:00 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Lots of questions recently about the fence up at the long-closed Tug Inn (2216 SW Orchard), known as Tug Tavern until 2008. Its owners confirm they’ve closed permanently. The site was sold back in February – its new owner is Bee’s Plumbing and Heating, whose co-proprietor Melissa tells us they’ve grown so much in three years, they had to get out of their home-based digs in Gatewood. For now they’ll use the ex-tavern building for storage, and they have an office trailer on the site, but eventually they plan to build their own office/warehouse. As for the Tug’s operators, we reached out via email and got this response:

Regrettably we will be closing the Tug at this time. We lost our lease at its current location and will be taking a pause as our family decides next steps. We have appreciated the support and community love over the years. We don’t know what the future holds but hope the best for the West Seattle community in these difficult times.

Cheers!
Hal and Gloria

By the way – one Tug fixture, we learned, has found a new home in The Junction:

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white Honda Pilot
July 29, 2020 3:41 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Kelly is hoping for help looking for her stolen car. It’s a white 2020 Honda Pilot LX, Washington plates BTN0935, stolen in Admiral last Friday morning. If you see it, call 911.

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UPDATE: Truck crash followed by fuel leak on Harbor Island; low bridge affected
July 29, 2020 2:26 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Added: SDOT camera image)

2:26 PM: A big Seattle Fire response was just dispatched to handle a fuel leak on Harbor Island, and radio communication indicates low-bridge access will be closed, at the 5-way intersection on the west side, East Marginal/Spokane on the east side. Updates to come.

2:32 PM: SFD reports the leak “is contained.” Whatever leaked, it was onto the roadway; responders are checking to see if any got into the river.

3 PM: Still closed. We’re heering from some bus riders who are stuck waiting to get across.

3:08 PM: Per radio communication, they’re getting ready to let some westbound traffic through.

3:30 PM: SDOT says eastbound traffic is also now being allowed through.

7:06 PM: We followed up with SFD on the incident’s cause.Spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB, “Crews initially responded to the scene to treat the driver of a semi-truck from an earlier single-vehicle collision near the 1000 and 1100 block of SW Spokane St. The driver was treated for minor injuries and did not require transportation to a hospital. As the semi was moving away from the area, firefighters on scene noticed a fuel leak from the semi and upgraded the response to request the Seattle Fire HAZMAT team. Crews secured the diesel leak and requested SDOT to the scene for clean-up of fuel.”

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FOLLOWUP: Six days after ring removal, illegal beach fires persist at Alki
July 29, 2020 1:40 pm
|      100 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

That beach-cleaning machine had to be dispatched to Alki this morning, with people continuing to ignore the beach-fire ban, less than a week after Seattle Parks removed the long-locked fire rings people had been damaging. Seattle Fire has been dispatched to Alki five of the six nights since then – three times on Thursday, once on Friday, once on Saturday, three times on Sunday, once last night. We asked Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin if anything else is planned. She replied, “I think the next move would be to close the beaches. We are grateful to SFD for their support and grateful that you are covering this and reminding folks that beach fires are not permitted this summer. In case folks wonder why, it’s because beach fires are more often than not used as a place for larger groups to gather. As we are still in Phase 2 and gatherings must be 5 people or less, beach fires are not permitted.”

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FOLLOWUP: What SDOT and PSE learned about those two gas leaks in Delridge road-work zone
July 29, 2020 11:56 am
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: What SDOT and PSE learned about those two gas leaks in Delridge road-work zone
 |   Delridge | Utilities | West Seattle news

(Reader photo by Erica, July 10th)

Talking to the SDOT team on the Delridge repaving-and-more project for an upcoming update, we got followup information about those two gas leaks/breaks in four days in the northern work zone. Both, SDOT says, were unmapped lines. The first one, at Delridge/Andover on July 10th, was an abandoned/capped half-inch line that was for private property but protruded into the public right of way and incurred a “saddle break” because of the weight of machinery over it. The second, on July 13th at Delridge/Oregon, was an unmarked line broken during excavation. SDOT sat down with PSE to figure out how to prevent any additional problems, so they’ve been “potholing” to check for other shallow surprise utilities, and relocating anything they find. They also changed the design for one project section to increase the distance from one line. Bottom line, SDOT says PSE will be paying for the repairs since the unmapped lines were their responsibility.

SIDE NOTE: If you suspect a gas leak – since natural gas is odorized to prevent it going undetected – call 888-225-5773, or 911.

P.S. The general project update from the rest of our conversation is coming up later.

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BIZNOTE: Fleurt’s fun fundraiser
July 29, 2020 10:41 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Love plants? Imagine this one in your home:

That’s a rare Begonia Maculata, and Fleurt in The Junction is auctioning it as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank, which will get 50 percent of the proceeds. The auction is happening on Fleurt’s Instagram page – you have to bid as a comment on this post. Opening bid $45; highest bid at 5 pm Friday gets the plant – pickup or delivery available.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH; Stolen boat recovered; dumped bag of tools (and more)
July 29, 2020 9:36 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes today:

STOLEN BOAT RECOVERED: Alyssa emailed us this morning to report her 13-foot aluminum boat and trailer “stolen in the middle of the night from in front of our house in Highland Park.” But just as we were preparing to post about it, she sent word that police have found it – missing its motor. (Added: She says it was dumped blocks away, left in the middle of the road by Riverview Playfield.)

DUMPED-LIKELY-STOLEN BAG OF STUFF: From Marc:

Someone dumped a bag of tools with a i-phone in it and a small space heater still in it’s box. I plugged the i-phone in and looks like the owner has tracking on it??? Anyway, I am hoping to return this stuff to the rightful owner. Found off of Delridge, Willow st. and 24th.

If that might be yours, let us know and we’ll connect you.

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ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch, 19th week of West Seattle Bridge closure
July 29, 2020 6:21 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:21 AM: It’s Wednesday, the 128th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

ROAD WORK/CLOSURES

*The Delridge RapidRide H Line project continues major work along Delridge Way – here’s what is happening this week. (Any questions about this project? We will be talking with SDOT today.)

*Another 1st Ave. S. Bridge northbound closure is scheduled tonight, 10 pm-5 am.

CHECK THE TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO

Here’s the 5-way intersection camera (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Here’s the restricted-daytime-access (open to all 9 pm-5 am) low bridge:

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). The camera is back:

Going through South Park? Don’t speed.

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 – Still reduced service and distancing – details here.

Water Taxi – Back to its “winter” schedule, with the 773 and 775 shuttles – see the schedule here.

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

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CORONAVIRUS: Tuesday 7/28 roundup
July 28, 2020 10:35 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Five months ago tonight, King County announced its first confirmed COVID-19 case. So, into month 6 we go …

UPDATED GUIDANCE: The changes the governor announced last week are now in writing, as explained: “The memo outlines the updates to gatherings, live entertainment, restaurants and taverns, entertainment and recreational centers, card rooms, movie theaters, and weddings and funerals.”

KING COUNTY’S NUMBERS, WITH A CAVEAT: The Public Health daily-summary dashboard warns, “Negative lab results may be delayed and counts may not be representative of the actual count of tests.” That said, here’s what the page shows tonight:

*14,729 people have tested positive, up 110 from yesterday’s total

*644 people have died, up 1 from yesterday’s total

*1,900 people have been hospitalized, up 4 from yesterday’s total

*280,150* people have been tested, up 388* from yesterday’s total

One week ago, those totals were 13,486/635/1,818/252,090.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: Find them here.

TELEWORKING EXTENDED: Many public-sector employers in the Metro area have decided to extend teleworking through the end of the year.

NOT-SO-SWIFT RECOVERY: Younger COVID-19 patients don’t necessarily get over it fast. King County’s newsletter shares this alert:

CDC report emphasizes COVID-19 can cause prolonged illness, including in younger people: Unlike early in the pandemic, most of the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases in King County have been in young people. In the last two weeks, over 65% of the positive cases were in people under the age of 40. People in this age group have lower likelihood of underlying health conditions and hospitalizations. However, the CDC released findings of a recent telephone survey that indicates more than one-third of people diagnosed with COVID-19 but did not have to be hospitalized had not returned to their usual state of health within 2-3 weeks of being tested. Among those between the age of 18-34 with no chronic medical conditions, one in five had not returned to their usual state of health. The CDC’s takeaway message? “Recovery from COVID-19 can take a long time, even in young adults.” Please share this message widely, especially if you communicate in networks that include young adults. You can refer to the entire CDC report here.

HELP SFD WITH PPE: Received today from the Seattle Fire Foundation:

Roughly 80 percent of the calls Seattle firefighters respond to are non-fire related, some of which are increasingly dangerous. In 2019, the Seattle Fire Foundation, the official non-profit organization of the Seattle Fire Department, was formed to help bridge the gap between the city budget and the changing needs of our city’s first responders. The initial ask of the community was to help raise funds to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the form of ballistic vests and helmets to respond to scenes of violence.

Last year, 70 sets of PPE were purchased to assist in providing Seattle firefighters additional safety. The Seattle Fire Foundation is asking for the community’s help to raise the funds to purchase an additional 88 sets by Labor Day. …

The foundation has laid out a goal of raising $135,000 by Labor Day in an effort to equip each Seattle firefighter with an appropriate set of PPE. It is critical that firefighters have the right resource for the right response.

Seattle Fire is not alone in adopting the use of this critical PPE. In 2018, the National Fire Protection Association adopted NFPA 3000, providing guidance and best practices for firefighters responding to active shooter and hostile events. The use of this PPE is an NFPA safety standard.

“Our heroes need heroes, and with the significant number of scenes of violence taking place, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to help ensure our first responders are properly equipped,” said Founder and President Debbie Steinhauer. “We are proud to help support the men and women who make up the Seattle Fire Department that risk their lives each day to serve our community. We are asking members of the community to consider making a donation at Seattlefirefoundation.org.”

STATE HEALTH LEADERS’ BRIEFING TOMORROW: 2 pm, you can get first word of the newest trends if you watch here as officials from the Washington Coronavirus Response Joint Information Center present their weekly media briefing.

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

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BIZNOTE: i5 Pho on the way to West Seattle
July 28, 2020 8:43 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thanks for the tip! Pho fans – and chicken-wing lovers – will have a new West Seattle option in a few weeks. i5 Pho is coming to West Seattle. It’s takeout and delivery, no dine-in; pho and wings are the entire menu. i5 Pho will be based out of the commercial kitchen at 4611 36th SW (already home to WSB sponsors West Seattle Local Foods and Jet City Beignet). i5 Pho plans to open there on August 8th. If you want a preview, they’re already doing the same thing in White Center, from the commercial kitchen at 10256 16th SW (the former DQ), as well as Queen Anne and Tacoma. They offer online ordering (or by phone).

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE CLOSURE: 3 days to ‘Reconnect’ deadline
July 28, 2020 6:50 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, this morning)

While stabilization work continues under the West Seattle Bridge, there’s something you can do here on the ground right now – tell the city how you can, and can’t, get around without it. The Reconnect West Seattle mobility survey is open until Friday (July 31st), as are the “prioritization” lists of potential projects in four areas affected by detour traffic. The main survey is here; the neighborhood-prioritization surveys are here (Highland Park/Riverview/South Delridge/Roxhill), here (South Park), here (Georgetown), and here (SODO). Prefer a paper ballot? Call 206-400-7511 or email westseattlebridge@seattle.gov.

P.S. Questions? SDOT’s “virtual office hours” noon-1 pm tomorrow and 6:30-7:30 pm Thursday might be able to help – details for connecting are on this page.

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Port of Seattle cancels plan for cruise terminal at Terminal 46
July 28, 2020 4:12 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

(Port of Seattle image. 2019: Yellow-shaded area is where a new cruise terminal was envisioned)

Thanks for the tips! The Port of Seattle announced today that it’s officially canceling its plan to seek a partner to build out a new cruise-ship terminal at T-46 on the downtown waterfrpnt. As the announcement notes, the plan already was on hold:

In April 2020, the Port of Seattle suspended its planning for a new cruise terminal to serve the Alaska market, citing a need to better understand the short and long-term cruise industry market impacts from COVID-19 before continuing its project investment in additional cruise facilities. As a result of this current analysis, the Port will cancel its request for industry proposals for a joint investment to build and operate a proposed new cruise terminal at the preferred location of Terminal 46. …

Cruise has become an integral leading business line for the Port of Seattle and an important part of the region’s maritime and regional economies. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Port of Seattle was forecasting a record year for 2020 with 233 cruise vessels scheduled to sail from Seattle. With an estimated 1.3 million revenue passengers expected to travel to and from our terminals this season, cruise supports 5,500 jobs, and provides nearly $900 million in economic activity for the region. …

Prior analysis of the cruise market and cruise ship deployment supported the need for a fourth berth to meet the demand for Port of Seattle cruise services. A cruise terminal requires a deep-water berth, a building to process passengers, a ground transportation area, long-term parking for cruise passengers, associated utilities, and connection to the local transportation system.

The Port of Seattle and Northwest Seaport Alliance will continue with prior projects to make Terminal 46 more sustainable and durable for long-term general maritime use, including installing stormwater treatment infrastructure and rehabilitating the dock. Vessel berthing and maritime support will continue on the terminal. The Port will prepare a recommendation for the Cruise Terminal Project when there is greater certainty about demand for Port of Seattle cruise services.

Read the full announcement here. Last fall, the port had projected the now-canceled project for completion in 2023.

The Terminal 5 modernization project in West Seattle, meantime, continues full-speed ahead, confirms port spokesperson Peter McGraw, with its north cargo berth expected to be ready next spring,

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FOLLOWUP: See part of the restored West Seattle Junction mural that’s going back up
July 28, 2020 2:55 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photos)

It’s almost as if Bob Henry has an audience! As we reported Monday, the muralist is at work this week on the north side of 4727 44th SW in The Junction, re-hanging the restored panels that comprise the “Press Day” mural. Today, we got a look at part of the restoration:

It’s been more than two years since the restoration project began.

This is one of nine surviving murals of the original 11 created in the late ’80s/early ’90s – one, “Midnight Call,” was removed four years ago; another was re-created at a new location near the demolished building that originally held it. Crowdfunding is supplementing the philanthropy and grants to pay for the restoration.

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DEVELOPMENT: 4 notes, including another project site for sale
July 28, 2020 12:32 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

4 development-related notes today:

REMINDER – CONCRETE POUR AT 1250 ALKI: As previewed here, traffic is down to one lane, alternating, past the 1250 Alki SW condo project today.

Thanks to Lynn Hall (top photo) and Stewart L. (second photo) for sending pics of the big pouring operation that’s under way.

Meantime – another redevelopment site has gone up for sale:

MICROAPARTMENT PROJECT SITE FOR SALE: The 22-microapartment plan for 4807 41st SW – just south of Jefferson Square – got key approvals last year. Now, though, it’s on the market as a “planned/permitted” development site, listed for just under $1.5 million.

TOWNHOUSE PROPOSAL: From the most-recent city Public Notices Summary, eight townhouses on two adjacent sites, 9238 20th SW and 9240 20th SW, are in Streamlined Design Review – click the addresses for the notices. Deadline for comments: August 10th.

NEW CITY MAP: The city has upgraded its Shaping Seattle map, which you can use to find out more about building/land-use activity. It’s explained here.

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Another outage: Comcast/Xfinity
July 28, 2020 11:09 am
|      39 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

Thanks for all the tips on this: We don’t know yet if it’s related, but a widespread Comcast/Xfinity outage is reported – we’ve heard from affected customers from Alki to North Delridge to The Junction to Morgan Junction to South Delridge, so far.

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UPDATE: Another West Seattle Junction power outage – 10+ hours this time
July 28, 2020 9:46 am
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

9:44 AM: More than 200 customers in the West Seattle Junction have lost electricity – the Seattle City Light outage map shows it as multiple outages, but they all started within the past half-hour. Thanks to Amy Lee Derenthal at the Senior Center of West Seattle (which is affected) for first word. Updates to come.

10:11 AM: We’re told via text that a few businesses north of SW Oregon – Lady Di and Greentree – are among those affected. This by the way is exactly a week after another Junction outage affected hundreds, lasting five hours for some.

11:30 AM: The outage is now shown at 419 customers, and “equipment failure” is attributed as the cause.

3:37 PM: We checked in with City Light, which hasn’t much to say: “We have a Seattle City Light crew currently on-site investigating the outage right now. They are trying to determine the root cause for the outage.”

5:59 PM: An update from SCL: “The crew is investigating both overhead and underground lines. They are still trying to determine the cause for the outage. The crew plans to restore power in sections in an effort to isolate where the outage is located. Depending on how extensive the problem is, it may take the crew more time to fully restore service.”

8:05 PM: SCL says everyone was back on as of about 15 minutes ago. Still awaiting word on the cause.

8:24 PM: SCL spokesperson Jenny Levesque tells WSB, “The outage was due to a limiter failure; it serves to limit current on the pole. The crew had to do testing to isolate and repair the issue.”

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Remembering Ken Stafford, 1949-2020
July 28, 2020 8:55 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

In memory of Ken Stafford, this remembrance is being shared with the community:

Walking his dog on Alki. More specifically, carrying his treasured dog all over our city, from Alki to Ballard, to Lake Washington and back. That was Ken Stafford, an original Alki gem.

Kenny was born on July 14, 1949 and left this world on July 15th, 2020. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1967 where his band started up and continued to play at old nightspots like the Embers, Alki Tavern, and the Jigsaw. His biggest thrill was performing a tribute to Elvis, his idol.

After a stint in the Navy, Kenny continued to live, and walk, and always enjoy the Alki Beach neighborhood. Now, those that knew him, will miss him and are pretty sure he is up there playing great music, probably Elvis songs. Rest in peace, my friend.

A remembrance for Ken will be held at a later date.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT: Tuesday watch, 19th week of West Seattle Bridge closure
July 28, 2020 6:16 am
|    Comments Off on ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT: Tuesday watch, 19th week of West Seattle Bridge closure
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:16 AM: It’s Tuesday, the 127th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

ROAD WORK/CLOSURES

*The Delridge RapidRide H Line project continues major work along Delridge Way – here’s what is happening this week.

*Today, expect alternating one-lane traffic by the 1250 Alki SW project.

*Another 1st Ave. S. Bridge northbound closure is scheduled tonight, 10 pm-5 am.

CHECK THE TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO

Here’s the 5-way intersection camera (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):

Here’s the restricted-daytime-access (open to all 9 pm-5 am) low bridge:

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). The camera is back:

Going through South Park? Don’t speed.

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 – Still reduced service and distancing – details here.

Water Taxi – Back to its “winter” schedule, with the 773 and 775 shuttles – see the schedule here.

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

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CORONAVIRUS: Monday 7/27 roundup, late edition
July 28, 2020 1:15 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

This one’s a few hours late, as we were out of the house on breaking news, but here’s what’s new in the virus crisis:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: Here’s today’s daily summary from Public Health – the cumulative totals:

*14.619 people have tested positive, 186 more than yesterday’s total

*643 people have died, 3 more than yesterday’s total

*1,896 people have been hospitalized, 5 more than yesterday’s total

*279,762 people have been tested, 8,461 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, the totals were 13,339/635/1,806/247,689.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

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

NEED FOOD? The pandemic economic crunch continues. So does help to prevent hunger. Free boxes of food are available at Food Lifeline‘s South Park-area HQ on Wednesday and Friday this week, 2 pm-5 pm (815 S. 96th).

GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!

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UPDATE: Late-night protest in West Seattle, with visit to city councilmember’s neighborhood
July 27, 2020 9:52 pm
|      234 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

9:52 PM: Thanks for the tips. We are at Madison MS, where a group of protesters is headed south, in vehicles and on foot, after rallying. We are trying to find out if this is the same group that’s been going to City Councilmembers’ houses late at night. Updates to come.

10:13 PM: The protesters are headed toward The Junction, where Council President Lorena González lives, though we don’t know if that’s where they were headed.

We asked about their destination as they were leaving Madison, but they would not answer, and told our photographer to leave. We drove ahead of what we guessed would be their route. They have chanted “Whose lives matter? Black lives matter” and calls for Mayor Jenny Durkan to resign.

10:28 PM: They’re now on California passing Genesee, SB. We count about 40 on foot, plus vehicles.

10:36 PM: As they continue down California, one man broke away to yell at an apartment building that everyone should call the council about Wed’s big budget meeting. (SPD-related proposals will be on the agenda).

10:42 PM: The group has turned off California and is now in the councilmember’s neighborhood.

11:27 PM: González just spent about half an hour talking with and listening to the group. “Thank you for bringing the action to me.” she told them.

11:50 PM: Now that we are back at HQ, we are adding photos and a few more notes. González expressed support for the group, reiterated that SPD cuts will be on the table when the council meets Wednesday as the Select Budget Committee, and said this is the time for community members to let councilmembers know what they want to see. She also urged involvement in the participatory budget process next year.

ADDED WEDNESDAY NIGHT: A reader provided this video of most of the dialogue between Councilmember González and the protesters:

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FRIDAY: Talk with your Seattle Public Schools board rep Leslie Harris
July 27, 2020 8:47 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle online | West Seattle schools

A little over one month until school starts … remotely … for Seattle Public Schools students and staff. You have a chance this Friday to talk with/hear from Leslie Harris, who represents West Seattle and South Park on the SPS Board of Directors. The 6:30 pm meeting July 31st sponsored by the Seattle Council PTSA will be online, and you have to register in advance to get the meeting link – you can do that here.

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ELECTION 2020: Here’s the Seattle Transportation Benefit District tax that’ll be on your November ballot
July 27, 2020 6:15 pm
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

checkbox.jpgFrom today’s City Council meeting, late today – the plan to renew extra bus funding via the Seattle Transportation Benefit District (STBD) is officially headed to the November ballot. The six-year measure that’s expiring this year is a .1% sales tax and a car-tab fee; because of I-976, the renewal just has a sales tax. While there was a proposal to double it to .2%, councilmembers decided on .15% (that means 15 cents on every taxable $100 you spend). They also decided to keep it as a 6-year plan, though there had been a proposal to shorten it to 4 years. With the increase in the proposd tax rate, District 1 Councilmember Lisa Herbold proposed an amendment to increase the “emerging needs” amount expected to help pay for extra West Seattle transit while the bridge is out – that will now be a $9 million fund rather than $6 million, commensurate with the increase in the proposed tax rate. A majority of councilmembers approved that amendment; the final proposal passed unanimously.

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