West Seattle, Washington

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month : 10/2020 330 results

BIZNOTES: New ways to get beignets; ‘shop early’ for games
October 8, 2020 11:29 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

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 game

We 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.

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West Seattle Art Walk & more for your Thursday
October 8, 2020 10:03 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Art Walk & more for your Thursday
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

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.

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YOU CAN HELP: Contribute coats to upcoming Hope Lutheran drive
October 8, 2020 8:59 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Contribute coats to upcoming Hope Lutheran drive
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

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.

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ROAD WORK, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: Thursday 10/8 watch
October 8, 2020 6:07 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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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CORONAVIRUS: Wednesday 10/7 roundup
October 7, 2020 11:56 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Here’s our nightly update with local/regional pandemic-related toplines:

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

*23,419 people have tested positive, 151 more than yesterday’s total

*774 people have died, 5 more than yesterday’s total

*2,410 people have been hospitalized, 17 more than yesterday

*456,822 people have been tested, 1,105 more than yesterday

One week ago, those totals (plus testing) were 22,400/758/2,374/437,985.

ANOTHER LOCAL DEATH: 98116 is now up to 7 deaths as of today. Checking on the other 4 zip codes that are entirely or partly within West Seattle:

-98136: 4
-98106: 4
-98126: 16
-98146: 17

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

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

LIBRARIES OPEN SOON? Though the governor’s new guidelines allow some indoor services, the Seattle Public Library says it’ll take a few weeks for them to figure out their plan.

NEED FOOD? Another food-box distribution is planned by the Greater Seattle Filipino-American SDA Church, 1:30-4 pm Saturday (October 10th), 2620 SW Kenyon.

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

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As West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force gets more repair-vs.-replace info, members suggest something major is missing
October 7, 2020 8:32 pm
|      76 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“This has been bad. It’s been awful for West Seattle. And there’s no immediate fix … no matter what options we take here, we’re in this for a number of years.”

That’s part of what Mayor Jenny Durkan told the West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force today at its 10th meeting, two weeks before she is expected to announce her choice between “repair now and replace later” or “proceed directly to replacement.”

But the centerpiece of the meeting came in toplines from the report that is supposed to shape her decision, along with input from the CTF and the Technical Advisory Panel: The Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA). And members voiced concern that it doesn’t give enough consideration to the misery the mayor mentioned. The toplines presented by SDOT seemed to be leaning toward “proceed directly to replacement,” but without some key information: Cost estimates in dollars, and cost estimates in impacts to area residents and businesses.

Though the mayor spoke first, as one CTF member observed, it would have been more helpful for the CBA toplines to have been presented first, so that’s where we’re starting, right after the meeting video:

(Note: Meeting stopped for 15 minutes starting 55 minutes in due to technical trouble)
Read More

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REOPENING: What Seattle Public Library says about governor’s rule change
October 7, 2020 5:46 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: Social-distancing markings for outdoor services at High Point Library)

As we reported Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Inslee has announced new guidelines for a variety of businesses and institutions – among them, libraries. We asked Seattle Public Library management whether that means they’ll be opening their buildings soon. Today, SPL communications director Andra Addison sent this update:

Gov. Jay Inslee has announced public libraries may allow some indoor service at 25 percent capacity in Phase 2 of his Safe Start reopening plan. Indoor activities were previously slated in Phase 3. The Seattle Public Library currently operates in Phase 2 and is assessing the new reopening requirements with current planning efforts to expand services.

The safety of our patrons and staff is our top priority as we develop and progress carefully and thoughtfully on our reopening plans. It will likely take a few weeks to develop a plan to determine services that can safely adapt to in-building access. All physical distancing and health protocols will remain in place, and as required in the new guidance, cloth masks will be required to access any in-building services. Curbside Pickup Service and online services, classes, programs and activities will continue through all phases. More details will be announced when plans are finalized.

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West Seattle property values drop a bit, but not because of the bridge
October 7, 2020 4:26 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news


(2017 photo by Long Bach Nguyen)

If you’re a property owner, you should get information soon on your next valuation. In a news release today, the King County Assessor says median values in West Seattle dropped a bit. However, that’s NOT because of the bridge closure – as we learned earlier this year in a conversation with the department, all the info going into your valuation for taxes in a given year is compiled before the start of the previous year. In other words, your 2021 taxes are based on what your property was worth January 1, 2020 – before the bridge closure (and the pandemic, for that matter). Keeping that in mind, here’s the Assessor’s news release:

The King County Assessor’s office is wrapping up the annual process of mailing out re-valuation notices to taxpayers. Notices will be arriving in West Seattle soon. Median values fell 1% in West Seattle.

Each year, County Assessors appraise every commercial and residential parcel in the state. These values – set effective as of January 1 by state law – are then applied to the next year’s tax bill. Property values are being set on January 1, 2020, for taxes due in 2021.

Data indicates that home sale prices and overall home values have been relatively flat in the aggregate compared to last year. As always, values vary from city to city and neighborhood to neighborhood – some are up, and some are down. One significant factor in residential home values in King County is the increase in values in suburbs around Seattle, especially in the south end.

The Assessor has been monitoring the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. While housing values have remained relatively steady so far, some commercial sectors have had their values severely impacted. These changes in value will be reflected in the 2021 assessed value for taxes payable in 2022.

“While home values did not rise significantly countywide, some areas, such as Auburn and Kent are seeing a lot of demand and therefore increases in median value, as more and more buyers are being priced out of Seattle and the eastside,” said Wilson.

You can appeal your valuation – as explained here – but not your tax bill.

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UPDATE: West Seattle Water Taxi back to regular vessel
October 7, 2020 2:39 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: West Seattle Water Taxi back to regular vessel
 |   Coronavirus | King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

(Spirit of Kingston – WSB file photo)

2:39 PM: From King County Transportation:

The M/V Spirit of Kingston (social-distancing passenger capacity of 33) will be on the West Seattle Water Taxi route all evening, replacing the Doc Maynard (86-passenger capacity) while it operates on the Vashon route. The Sally Fox will be out of service tonight while a pilot-house window is replaced. Please plan your commute accordingly in the event that West Seattle customer demand exceeds available capacity on any individual sailing.

The water taxi continues to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through regular cleaning and disinfecting between sailings. Masks are required for both passengers and crew.

3:10 PM: Update – back to normal!

essel Maintenance on the M/V Sally Fox completed early, which allows the Water Taxi to operate at the normal social distancing capacity of 86 on both the West Seattle and Vashon routes. Current ridership has been well below this threshold. Thank you to the engineering team for the expedited work!

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HELPING: Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk goes ‘digital’ this year, with participants including a ‘local hero’
October 7, 2020 1:21 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

West Seattleite Stephanie Gerding was in for the fight of her life after two strokes in the middle of the night sent her to the hospital.

While there, she says in this online profile, she wondered if her life was about to end, too soon – until her husband put a photo of their 10-year-old daughter at her bedside. “That was the moment I knew not fighting for my life, not being there as her mom, was not an option. This was not the end for me.”

That was three years ago. But stroke recovery is not the same as simply getting over an illness: “I wish doctors told us recovery is a lifelong journey so we would have a more inclusive and optimistic outlook.” Nonetheless, she sets goals – and one of those was to be in the Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk, raising money for the American Heart Association. Last year was her first one. This year, it’s happening virtually, culminating this Saturday, and she’s participating again. Her husband Patrick Gerding wanted us to know, describing his wife as “a local hero.” You can support her, or participate yourself. As Stephanie describes it, it’s a matter of investing “in hope for a future with fewer strokes.”

P.S. Knowing the symptoms of stroke can save your life or that of someone you love.

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West Seattle-headquartered Bartell Drugs sold to Rite Aid
October 7, 2020 11:35 am
|      83 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Bartell Drugs, headquartered in North Delridge since 2012, has just been sold to Rite Aid. From the announcement on the company website:

… Over the past few years, it has become increasingly difficult for a mid-sized drugstore chain to operate independently. Changes in the pharmacy world, business tax increases and the pandemic created very strong headwinds for us. We knew we needed to do something to re-shape Bartell’s future.

For months now, we have carefully considered the best way to move forward, and we believe we have found the most successful way. Today, we announced our agreement to sell Bartell Drugs to Rite Aid.

This was a well-thought-out decision and we would like to tell you what this means to you.

First, we are thrilled that the Bartell name and heritage will remain. We expect you, as well as our 1,700 employees, to see little or no change in our 67 stores for some time to come. In fact, the change may be hardly noticeable as you will continue to benefit from having our ongoing pharmacy care and support with the same friendly teams and still enjoy our other unique products and services. In addition, Bartell Drugs will be owned by the local Bartell family until the acquisition is approved by financial and regulatory agencies. This process will take us most likely to early December and could be longer.

Second, we are confident Rite Aid is the best choice. Their management team has a fresh vision of how drugstores can best serve health care needs. Of our many options, their strategy and vision best align with our Bartell values and allows Bartells to continue to do what we do best, serve our community. To serve you!

We are excited about this excellent opportunity with Rite Aid, who wants us to continue to do what we do best, to serve you in the “Bartell” way. …

Rite Aid’s announcement says the purchase price is $95 million.

Bartell and Rite Aid have two stores each in West Seattle. We’re checking on the status of the corporate offices.

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WEST SEATTLE WEDNESDAY: Bridge Task Force, District 1 Community Network, microschool fair, more…
October 7, 2020 10:17 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Mount Rainier, photographed recently by Jerry Simmons)

Five events in the hours ahead:

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE COMMUNITY TASK FORCE: Noon-2:30 pm online. Agenda and viewing info are in our Tuesday preview.

FREE BOXES OF FOOD: Drive/ride/walk up to the West Seattle Eagles lot, expected to be available starting just after noon, while they last, All welcome. (4426 California SW) 11:59 AM UPDATE: We’re told the truck is running late and this isn’t expected to start until after 1:30 pm.

WEST SEATTLE MICRO-SCHOOL FAIR: 5 pm today, online. Register here. The announcement:

With some West Seattle schools like Little Pilgrims closing permanently, most others focused on remote learning, and some bigger center-based programs experiencing COVID scares, new neighborhood schooling options are emerging as the community looks for safer options. Parents are invited to a community event to learn about childcare and school options now or to learn about joining the waitlist for programs next year. All featured programs have a 8:1 or smaller child/parent ratio and follow strict CDC guidelines for schools/childcare programs. The event will feature different types of programs with a wide range of rates, including:

-half day/full day outdoor-focused programs (forest school) in Schmitz Park and other local parks
-half day/full day preschool programs
-half day/full day early elementary K-4th grade micro-schools and virtual programs
-virtual micro-school options

To RSVP for the WEST SEATTLE SCHOOL FAIR, click here. For any parents who can’t make the event time, if you register, you’ll get a link to view the event as well as a recap of the full list of all available programs sent to you after the event.

SDOT MEETING ABOUT 26TH SW: As noted in the Delridge road project’s most recent bulletin, a proposal for “diverters” where the 26th SW greenway crosses Brandon and Genesee is back – or, the city could convert that stretch into a no-through-vehicle-traffic “Stay Healthy Street.” An online community meeting is planned tonight at 6:30 pm – find the connection info by scrolling down the project page and looking for the section headed “Upcoming meeting about adjacent Delridge Neighborhood Greenway.”

DISTRICT 1 COMMUNITY NETWORK: 7 pm tonight, this West Seattle/South Park coalition has two major agenda items – talking with City Councilmember Lisa Herbold and discussing the bridge. The meeting link is here, or call 253-215-8782, meeting ID 894 3131 0146 and password 422860 for either option.

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PARTY! ‘Brunch Bash’ with Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, online Sunday
October 7, 2020 9:04 am
|    Comments Off on PARTY! ‘Brunch Bash’ with Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, online Sunday
 |   Delridge | Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

Sunday brunch without leaving home, this weekend! Here’s the announcement:

The Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association will present its first ever Cabin Fever Brunch Bash, a virtual fundraising event, on Sunday, October 11 featuring remarks from Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, music by Clinton Fearon, live art, poetry, and more.

The Cabin Fever Brunch Bash will bring the work of local artists directly to viewers. Brunch options prepared by Chef Mulu Abate of Phresh Eats will be available for delivery or pickup to brunch ticket holders in advance of the event, with gluten- and dairy-free options available for all menu items. Hosted by DNDA’s Executive Director David Bestock, the event allows virtual attendees to experience DNDA’s work, and enjoy sweet music vibes from Clinton Fearon and Daniel Pak, live art by Sophia Trinh, poetry from Jordan Chaney, fun videos, and more, while supporting DNDA’s programs in southwest Seattle.

General admission tickets are $10. Buy before October 7 [today!] to get a single brunch ticket for $125, or brunch for two for $200. Brunch items will be delivered the day before the event, or can be made available for pickup. For tickets and donations, please visit https://dnda.ejoinme.org/brunch.

DNDA has been leading a vision for a vibrant and thriving Delridge since 1996, and was honored as Nonprofit of the Year by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. We work to integrate art, nature, and neighborhood to build and sustain a dynamic Delridge. Support DNDA as we support youth and families, and together we will write a brighter future for us all.

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ROAD WORK, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: Wednesday 10/7 watch
October 7, 2020 6:07 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:07 AM: Welcome to Wednesday – the 198th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

ROAD WORK, ETC.\

*Lander Street Bridge in SODO: Now officially open.

*Southbound 1st Avenue S. Bridge: Short closures for “temporary repairs” today, between 6 am and 3 pm.

*Delridge project: SW Oregon will close again at Delridge this Friday-Sunday. Lots of other project-related news here.

*Olson/1st repaving: This will conclude Saturday and Sunday, with this alert: “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.”

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 – Resumption of fare collection, day 7.

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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CORONAVIRUS: Tuesday 10/6 roundup
October 6, 2020 10:29 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Rather than focusing on phases, the governor says he’s focusing on industries and activities, and announced some changes today:

GOVERNOR’S ANNOUNCEMENT: More activities will be allowed under what Gov. Inslee announced today, though no one is advancing phases (King County remains in Phase 2). From the announcement:

Libraries

These guidelines will align regulations with that of museums, allowing some indoor activity in Phase 2 at 25% capacity.

Youth/Adult Sports

These guidelines will align school-related and non-school-related sports guidance. Tournaments and crowds are prohibited in counties that aren’t in the low-risk category, but these guidelines will allow more school and non-school sports, both indoor and outdoor, according to a combination of local metrics. These metrics are aligned with state metrics for school opening recommendations. It also provides specific protocols for transportation, group size and facial coverings.

Movie Theaters

These guidelines will allow for occupancy in Phase 2 at 25% and 50% in Phase 3. Theater attendees will be required to maintain a 6 feet social distance between households and to wear facial coverings at all times when not eating and drinking.

Restaurants

These guidelines will move alcohol cutoff from 10 PM to 11 PM for Phases 2 and 3, as well as eliminates the indoor household member restriction for indoor dining. Additionally, the guidelines will allow for the increase of table size to six in Phase 2 and eight in Phase 3.

Wedding Receptions

These guidelines will increase the total number of wedding reception attendees to 50 in Phase 3.

Retail Events (craft sales shows, etc.)

These guidelines will expand the miscellaneous venues guidance to allow outdoor retail event shows in Phase 3 only, capping attendance to 200 people.

Real Estate

These guidelines will allow for open houses, but limit attendance by the counties’ gathering size limit in accordance to their Phase.

Outdoor recreation (running/bicycling/etc.)

These guidelines will provide protocols for Phases 2 and 3 for races, bicycle tours and rides, runs, cross country skiing races, biathlons, canoe and kayak races, marathons, cross country running competitions, triathlons, and multi-sport competitions with more than 12 participants.

Water Recreation Facilities

This guidance updates the current guidance for water recreational activities and facilities in Modified Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 counties.

That’s all effective immediately.

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

*23,268 people have tested positive, 119 more than yesterday’s total

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

*2,393 people have been hospitalized, 7 more than yesterday’s total

*455,717 people have been tested, 1,512 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, the totals were 22,263/758/2,369/435,194.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

NATIONAL/WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 35.7 million cases worldwide, 7.5 million of them in the U.S. – see other nation-by-nation stats by going here.

BRIEFING TOMORROW: Want to hear firsthand what state health officials are saying about the pandemic? You can watch tomorrow’s weekly briefing live at 2 pm here.

NEED FOOD? Emergency boxes will be distributed tomorrow afternoon in the West Seattle Eagles parking lot.

‘FRESH BUCKS’ EXPANDING: The project offering vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables will add 1,000 more participants, the city says.

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

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MISSING: Have you seen Gwendolyn – FOUND
October 6, 2020 8:07 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

12:16 PM: Per SPD tweet, this missing woman’s been found.

Earlier:

Read More

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen black Liberty; car thief returns to scene; abandoned Schwinn bicycle
October 6, 2020 7:24 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen black Liberty; car thief returns to scene; abandoned Schwinn bicycle
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:

STOLEN BLACK JEEP LIBERTY: From Grant:

Monday morning between 1 am and 6 am my wife’s 2006 Jeep Liberty was stolen from the corner of Henderson and 30th ave SW. It has a Thule container on top and a spare tire on the back. It has black trims and the license plate frame is rhinestones. License plate is # C00643V. If anyone sees it around, please let us know or call (911).

CAR THIEF RETURNS TO SCENE: On Saturday we reported on M‘s stolen Audi. Today, an update with video:

Last night, car thief came back to the scene in my stolen Audi S4 to reclaim his bicycle he hid in the neighbors’ yard but I had already taken it. Pursued him in my work truck But lost him somewhere around 14th ave SW and Cambridge. Earlier in the day I spotted him parked outside the Walgreens on 15th Ave SW just off Roxbury but he left before I could report it again. Also, plates have been switched at least twice.

ABANDONED BICYCLE: From Kellie:

This Schwinn bike has been lying in the parkway in front of a home on 30th Ave SW just north of Henderson for at least the last 2 days. At this point it’s probably safe to assume that someone stole and dumped it.

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Seattle Fire response in The Junction
October 6, 2020 6:14 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

A midsize Seattle Fire response is at an apartment building in the 4500 block of 42nd SW right now. It’s reported to have been a kitchen fire, already extinguished, but one person suffered hand burns and will be treated.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Repair closures ahead for SB 1st Avenue South Bridge
October 6, 2020 5:22 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Reader photo)

Here’s an alert from WSDOT about the southbound First Avenue South Bridge:

We’re going to have a series of brief daytime closures on the SR 99 southbound Duwamish River starting tomorrow and going for about two weeks. We will have about four closures a day, each lasting about 10 minutes, about the length of time for a bridge opening for marine traffic. Closures will take place between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. During the closures our bridge maintenance crews will make temporary repairs.

So if you’ll be traveling that way – be ready for the possibility of extra delays.

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COVID CHANGES: Governor loosens restrictions on movie theaters, restaurants/bars, libraries, school sports, more
October 6, 2020 3:06 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

3:06 PM: Last week, during a media briefing, Gov. Inslee said that instead of allowing counties to advance “phases,” he expected that he would continue announcing industry-by-industry advances. And that’s what he’s just done in another briefing this afternoon. Among other things, movie theaters will be allowed to reopen in Phase 2 counties – which is where ours is at – at reduced capacity. (We’ll be checking with the Admiral Theater about their plans.) And restaurants/bars will be allowed to extend alcohol service to 11 pm, instead of the 10 pm cutoff that’s been in place for a while, and “greater capacity at tables.” Some real-estate open houses will be allowed. Libraries will be able to open for 25 percent indoor capacity. And the governor also announced that more school sports will be allowed. We’re awaiting details on all of this and will add the document links when they’re available.

4:36 PM: Still awaiting most of the details; here are the sports guidelines, sent by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. Added the archived video of the governor’s briefing, above.

4:50 PM: Here’s the governor’s news release with more details; regarding sports, here’s the WIAA’s news release. One more sports note – the governor’s new guidelines also address outdoor recreation, described as “races, bicycle tours and rides, runs, cross country skiing races, biathlons, canoe and kayak races, marathons, cross country running competitions, triathlons, and multi-sport competitions with more than 12 participants.” Still waiting to hear back on some specific inquiries, including the Seattle Public Library‘s response.

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WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE: Mayor to talk with Community Task Force again
October 6, 2020 1:55 pm
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 |   West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Monday)

As West Seattle Bridge stabilization work continues, so does the road to the repair-or-replace decision. When the Community Task Force meets tomorrow (Wednesday, October 7th, noon) for the 10th time, its three-dozen-plus members are scheduled to talk again with Mayor Jenny Durkan. She last spoke at a CTF meeting in mid-August (WSB coverage here); tomorrow, she will “set expectations/establish goals for bridge repair/replace decision” and define/clarify “the multiple inputs for (the) decision,” according to the agenda. Then in two weeks, she’ll be back to announce/discuss the decision. Since our first preview of tomorrow’s meeting, they’ve dropped plans to break into two discussion groups during tomorrow’s meeting, so this is the only link you’ll need to watch it, live or later.

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UPDATE: Lander Street Bridge to open Wednesday morning
October 6, 2020 11:37 am
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 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

11:37 AM: Once expected to be done in early 2020, the Lander Street Bridge in SODO was estimated in summer to be on the road to a fall completion, and now that’s come true. SDOT announced today that it’s opening at 6 am tomorrow (Wednesday, October 7th). They’ve already had a small, non-public ribboncutting ceremony:

(SDOT photo)

Though it’s in SODO, the $100 million bridge (formerly the Lander Street Overpass) has long been considered a West Seattle-relevant project, since the path between here and downtown goes through SODO for so many. It takes travelers up over busy railroad tracks that are used dozens of times a day, between 1st and 4th Aves. South. The project was proposed in the 2006 “Bridging the Gap” levy but stalled until, in 2015, the project was promised as part of then-Mayor Ed Murray‘s “Move Seattle” levy. Construction started in spring 2018.

4:13 PM: Metro says Route 50 will start using the new bridge tomorrow.

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NEED FOOD? Emergency boxes @ West Seattle Eagles tomorrow
October 6, 2020 10:30 am
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The pandemic-fueled economic crunch means too many are struggling to keep themselves and their families fed. Along with the organizations that fight hunger year-round, other community helpers are doing what they can – like the West Seattle Eagles, who have been receiving periodic deliveries of food to distribute. They’re doing it again tomorrow (Wednesday, October 7th), starting shortly after noon, which is when the distribution truck is scheduled to arrive. Coordinator Doris Goulet says, “The combo boxes will each have dairy, meat, fruit and veggies.” You can drive/ride/walk into the Eagles’ lot at 4426 California SW. (And if you don’t need food but are interested in helping by volunteering or donating, you can email Doris at topstamp (at) msn (dot) com.)

P.S. We also routinely mention distributions and donation drives in our nightly pandemic-news roundups, so check those out if you are looking for ways to help and/or get help.

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