West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
Our nightly pandemic-related roundup:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard, the cumulative totals:
*23,586 people have tested positive, up 167 from yesterday’s total
*774 people have died, unchanged from yesterday’s total
*2,418 people have been hospitalized, up 8 from yesterday’s total
*467,086 people have been tested, up 10,264 from yesterday’s total
One week ago, those totals were 22,560/758/2,378/441,609.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: Find them, county by county, on the state Department of Health page,.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 36.4 million cases worldwide, 7.6 million of them in the U.S. See the nation-by-nation breakout here.
GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING: Gov. Inslee had another media briefing today, with announcements including an extension of the statewide eviction moratorium to the end of the year, and a new federal grant that’ll fund various business-supporting initiatives. He also urged everyone to “shop locally, shop small business.” You can watch the video here.
CITY HELP FOR IMMIGRANTS: One week from today, applications will open for a city program to provide financial assistance to immigrants who can’t access federal aid. The program is explained here.
NEED FOOD? Free emergency food boxes are available 2-5 pm tomorrow at Food Lifeline HQ (815 S. 96th) and Saturday afternoon at the Greater Seattle Filipino-American Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1:30-4 pm, 2620 SW Kenyon.
GOT PHOTOS/TIPS? 206-293-6302, text or voice, or westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB file photo, Junction dropbox)
One week from today, on Thursday, October 15th, voting begins – as ballots start arriving the day after King County Elections sends out ballots. That’s also when King County opens its ballot drop boxes. The earlier you vote, the better – among other reasons, early voting means your vote will be part of that first count made public on Election Night (Tuesday, November 3rd). But we know that despite exhortations and plans, many people still vote in the final hours/days. That’s why KC Elections has traffic plans for “every single drop box,” says spokesperson Halei Watkins. We checked on those plans after learning the West Seattle Junction Association had been notified of plans for staffing and traffic control at its drop box (SW Alaska, south side, between California and 44th). That ballot dropbox is one of three in West Seattle, along with South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge and the High Point Library. Watkins says the plans will vary by location and typical or projected volume “but the main goal for every single one is to make it accessible and keep traffic moving as much as possible. Every single drop box will also be staffed on the Monday and Tuesday of Election Week by King County Elections staff to help ensure that boxes don’t fill up and there’s someone there who can assist voters as needed. On Monday (11/2), that staffing will largely take place during the day and on Tuesday (11/3) we’ll have someone there all day until boxes close at 8 p.m. sharp.”
While awaiting your ballot, you can preview candidates and ballot measures here.
That’s Natalie Millsap, featured artist at Verity Credit Union (4505 California; WSB sponsor), where you can meet her until 8 pm tonight as part of the West Seattle Art Walk. She’s a painter and printmaker from Bellingham, and Art Walk organizers note, “Her screen-printed clothing has a growing cult following around the U.S., leading to her brand name Cult of Nat.” The Art Walk update on other participating venues is here, from Admiral to Morgan Junction. Look for the sign:
As explained in the WSAW list, some art displays are up all month – so you can enjoy art even if you’re not able to get out tonight.
With rain in the forecast, SDOT says the next Delridge/Oregon closure is postponed – so Oregon west of Delridge will be open tomorrow and this weekend. Provided the weather is favorable, they’re planning to do the work the following Friday-Sunday, October 16-18, instead.
(WSB photo, September)
Three weeks ago, we reported on the West Seattle Junction Association‘s plea to the city regarding escalating concerns at Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska). Days later, WSJA received a reply from the city (scroll down this page to read it) that noted cleanup crews and outreach services but did not address public-safety concerns. So next Tuesday (October 13th), at 2 pm, WSJA takes the next step, with a community meeting (online) including city participants. You are invited to watch and/or participate. Panelists confirmed so far include Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Sina Ebinger, Precinct Liaison (City Attorney’s Office) Joe Everett, and Aaron Burkhalter, project manager with LEAD, which will be expanding into parts of West Seattle including The Junction. Connection information is on the WSJA’s webpage about the ongoing park problems.
(WSB photo, July)
When we reported in July that West Seattle-based Bee’s Plumbing and Heating had bought and moved onto the former Tug Inn site on SW Orchard west of Delridge, we noted that they planned to redevelop the property with a new building for their growing business. Now, the project is on the drawing board, and they’re asking for feedback in the Early Design Review Outreach process. The West Seattle architecture firm Finch Design and Production is handling the project and explains that the site, 2216 & 2228 SW Orchard St., “includes the former Tug Inn and the vacant lot to the west between it and the Vietnamese Cultural Center. … The project is currently in the early stages of design, but at the moment we’re expecting that the building will be 3-4 stories in height. It will include office space and some warehouse space, with surface parking to the sides and behind the building. Site improvements will include a new sidewalk and curb cuts, site drainage and landscaping.” The project is going through the Administrative Design Review process, which means there won’t be a public meeting, but there is an opportunity for public comment. The early stage of that is happening now via this simple survey – they’re requesting your feedback by October 28th.
Toplines from Tuesday’s online meeting of the Admiral Neighborhood Association:
PREPAREDNESS: Fall is time for reminding us all to be ready for storms … and worse. Disaster preparedness, too. Longtime local preparedness advocate Cindi Barker made a guest appearance at ANA to explain the Emergency Communication Hubs, which are volunteer-led. Admiral needs new point people; so far, there are some possible successors. If you’re interested in helping (whether in Admiral or elsewhere), contact info is here.
POLICE: Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Kevin Grossman said West Seattle crime continues to be down overall, which he attributes to the bridge closure and COVID-19. Admiral is down as part of that, but Alki had a summer uptick. He talked about the department’s staffing changes, mostly a repeat of what he said at last week’s Town Hall (WSB coverage here) – that while Chief Adrian Diaz has reassigned some officers to patrol, that’s resulted in some retirements/departures so it hasn’t yet resulted in a staffing increase at any precinct. He’s hopeful that once the process of public-safety reform brings more definition of department changes, and who should take on certain jobs currently assigned to the police, retention and recruitment will improve. What could be offloaded? He offered examples such as neighbor-conflict resolution and homelessness-related issues. (Also of note with regard to SPD staffing – the department’s announcement of the Community Response Group.)
ANA president David Hancock asked about how racism issues are being addressed. Capt. Grossman replied that there’s ongoing training on bias and institutional racism, adding that it’s important to get out to meetings like this to get community’s input and also find out what issues the neighborhood considers important.
He got a question about when to call 911 vs non-emergency – and offered this link. When in doubt, just call – the call-taker will decide how to route you.
LETTERS: Support for two letters to the city was discussed – one asking for full-time staff people to help organize COVID-19 relief efforts that are currently being coordinated by volunteers, and one asking that a percentage of West Seattle Bridge funding be dedicated to bicycle safety.
NEW LEADERSHIP: The ANA board is looking for new members for next year, including a president to succeed Hancock. Interested? Don’t miss the next meeting – email info@admiralneighborhood.org to be sure you’re on the list for the announcement.
Support your local small independent businesses! Two biznotes today:
JET CITY BEIGNET POP-UPS: New ways to get your treats from WSB sponsor Jet City Beignet:
Starting this weekend, we will be taking pre-orders for pickup on Saturdays only, as we are beginning to pop up at various locations on Sundays.
Here’s our pop-up schedule for the next several weeks (start times are listed – we’ll fry them up until we sell out!):
10/11: Best of Hands Barrelhouse @ 1 pm
10/18: Hotwire Coffee @ 9 am
10/25: The Good Society Brewery and Public House @ 9 am
11/8: Ounces Taproom and Beer Garden for the 10 am Seahawks gameWe will be offering beignets in orders of 3 or 6 at our pop-ups; orders of a dozen or more and with gourmet sauce trios will continue to be available to pick up on Saturdays via online pre-order.
The weekly pre-order deadline is 8 pm Friday.
‘SHOP EARLY’ AT MEEPLES GAMES: You’ve probably heard that the pandemic has the holiday-shopping season starting earlier than ever. Meeples Games (3727 California SW) is leading the parade locally, with a full season of discounts, and some charity support too. Here’s the list Meeples sent us:
Through Oct 9: 10% off all Board and Card Games
Oct 10 – Oct 16: 10% off RPGs
Oct 17 – Oct 23: WestSide Baby Diaper Drive
*Bring a package of Diapers and get 20% off Any One Item
Oct 24 – Oct 30: Mystery Games
Oct 31 – Nov 6: Social Media Sharing
Nov 7 – Nov 15: West Seattle Food Bank
*Bring non-perishable food and get 20% off Any One Item
The Meeples website has more details.
It’s the second Thursday in October, and that means West Seattle Art Walk night! That’s where we begin our list of what’s happening:
ART WALK: Both in-person and online, tonight’s the night to enjoy great art by local artists, displayed by local businesses; the full rundown is here. Highlights: Verity Credit Union (4505 California SW; WSB sponsor) is one of the venues where you can meet the artist – distanced, of course (and Verity has a big folding-door facade, so it’s open-air) – Natalie Millsap, 6-8 pm; Canna Culture Shop (5435 California SW; WSB sponsor) features artist Brigitte Halpin starting at 5 pm; that’s also the reception start time at new business Doll Parts Collective (6016 California SW), with artist Kat Honda Whitham. Also tonight: Watch for live updates from The Junction on Instagram.
Also happening today/tonight:
FLU SHOTS: Neighborcare is having a clinic for patients at its High Point clinic, until 4 pm. Call to see if appointments remain – 206-461-6950. (6020 35th SW)
DEMONSTRATION: As announced by organizer Scott:
Black Lives Matter sign-waving
Thursday, October 8, 4 to 6 pm, 16th and Holden
Come show support for BLM and ending systemic racism. Hold signs, meet neighbors, and stand for racial justice. Scott at PR Cohousing, endorsed by Hate-Free Delridge. Signs available.
WORDS, WRITERS, SW STORIES: Tonight – so register ASAP!
‘Words, Writers, & SouthWest Stories,’ a historically based speaker series from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, is excited to announce that it is hosting James Gregory for a live Zoom presentation on Thursday, October 8 at 6:00 PM. Gregory will deliver a presentation titled “The Seattle General Strike.”
Registration is required. Registered participants will be emailed a link to the presentation on the date of the event. Please register here.
That same link has details about the event, too.
APPOINTED SHERIFF, NOT ELECTED? One of the measures on your forthcoming ballot would change the King County Sheriff from elected to appointed. It’s among the topics at tonight’s meeting of the community council for White Center and vicinity, the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, online at 7 pm, with guests including Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht. Our partner site White Center Now has details including how to connect.
(Tuesday’s moon with The Mount’s star, photographed by Jerry Simmons)
SUNSET/MOONRISE: 6:33 pm/10:28 pm.
Nighttime temperatures are starting to dip into the 40s. Like it or not, fall is here, and winter’s approaching. Hope Lutheran invites you to help ensure neighbors stay warm:
Drive-thru coat collection on Saturday, October 17th, from 9:00 am-1:00 pm:
Hope Lutheran Church is hosting a coat drive that emphasizes keeping children warm during the winter months. Help us spread joy over the holiday season by giving to a child in need!
You can help by donating NEW warm coats! Costco has some great deals right now! We are accepting coats for either boys or girls from a children’s size 6 – Adult 2X. In addition, we will also be accepting used men’s coats in sizes M, L, XL. Financial donations are also accepted.
Hope Lutheran Church, 4456 42nd Ave. SW: Enter our parking lot by turning in on 41 st Ave SW and exiting to SW Oregon street. NO CONTACT DONATION – Volunteers will be on hand to unload your backseat or trunk so you don’t even have to get out of your car.
6:07 AM: Welcome to Thursday – the 199th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.
ROAD WORK, ETC.\
*Southbound 1st Avenue S. Bridge: Short closures for “temporary repairs” are expected again today, between 6 am and 3 pm.
*Delridge project: SW Oregon will close again at Delridge tomorrow morning through Sunday night. Other project-related news is here.
*Olson/1st repaving: More work this Saturday and Sunday: “Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction during paving. Work will start in the early morning hours to open the travel lanes back up in the early afternoon both days. A noise variance will be issued to complete the paving.”
*Lander Street Bridge in SODO: This is the second morning that it’s officially open.
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 are two cameras:
The other major bridge across the river is the South Park Bridge (map). Here’s the nearest camera:
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 – Fare collection resumed one week ago.
Water Taxi – Also no longer free.
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
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