West Seattle, Washington

18 Friday

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month : 10/2020 330 results

UPDATE: Seattle Fire ‘full response’ in 5000 block of Delridge Way SW
October 25, 2020 7:11 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

7:11 PM: A “full response” from Seattle Fire is headed to the 5000 block of Delridge Way SW for a reported building fire. Updates to come.

7:16 PM: Firefighters have radioed that it was a small kitchen fire, extinguished by the apartment’s occupant, so they’re downsizing the response.

7:23 PM: Though they’re wrapping up, firefighters radioed that Delridge will be blocked in the area (map) for another 15 minutes or so.

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WEST SEATTLE BIRDS: 10 avians in autumn
October 25, 2020 5:50 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Wildlife

We have a mini-tradition going – if the Seahawks are on TV, we feature birds on WSB. So here’s the latest edition, with 10 views of your feathered neighbors, photographed by WSB readers. Above, Jerry Simmons‘ photo of a Steller’s Jay enjoying peanuts. He also photographed this Anna’s Hummingbird:

Another hummingbird view – video as one tried to ride out the wind for a while, recorded by Troy Sterk:

Mark Wangerin caught one in flight:

He also photographed a Townsend’s Warbler:

And this Northern Flicker:

Here’s a Chestnut-backed Chickadee with a Douglas Fir seed, photographed by Robin Sinner:

Mark MacDonald found a Wilson’s Warbler going after a spider in Arbor Heights:

And a Ruby-crowned Kinglet in Lincoln Park:

Finally, a Gull undaunted by the size of its potential prey, photographed by Stewart L.

And if you haven’t seen the eagle photos featured in today’s daily preview – go here. Thanks to everyone for sharing what they’re seeing – westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, from birds to breaking news!

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SURVEY: Your annual chance to comment on community crime, safety, policing
October 25, 2020 4:00 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Safety | West Seattle news

For the sixth year, Seattle University is conducting the annual Public Safety Survey citywide. As explained here, the goal is to collect “qualitative and quantitative data about perceptions of crime and safety from those who live and/or work in Seattle.” (Here’s how local 2018 results were described in 2019, for example.) While the survey is conducted independently of SPD, the department does get a report on the results, which are used to help shape micro-community policing plans, among other things. The survey is available in 11 languages, linked here. If you don’t have time for it today, it’ll be open until the end of November.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen red Honda motorcycle (found!); another apartment-garage break-in; found red Razor scooter
October 25, 2020 2:07 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon:

STOLEN MOTORCYCLE: The photo and report are from Michelle in Pigeon Point:

During the late Monday, early Tuesday hours of October 20th, at least two people are involved in the theft of a motorcycle from our driveway, where it was parked approximately 6ft from the front door of our home. We live in a small subdivision off of Andover and 22nd, the bike had to be pushed uphill past the doors and windows of 4 surrounding apartments to reach Andover and moved elsewhere. It is a 2005 Honda XR 650L, red and white, plate # 1G1910. It has a missing passenger peg, handwarmers, aftermarket side mirrors and a small cargo platform on the back with several bungee cords attached. When it was stolen it had a full tank of gas, making it weigh around 400lbs, hence our assumption that two people would be needed to push it uphill to the street. We filed a police report.

If you see it, call 911. THURSDAY UPDATE: Recovered in Tukwila.

ANOTHER APARTMENT GARAGE BREAK-IN: From Alyssa at 40th/Edmunds:

Woke up Tuesday morning (10/20/20) to find my lock cut by bolt cutters on my storage unit. Over 50 pounds of collectible coins and baseball cards inherited from my deceased grandfather were taken along with DSLR cameras with extra lenses. They broke into the secure parking garage of Broadstone Sky and took from multiple storage units. Also broke into bike storage and took lots of bikes. Keep an eye on your stuff, by the amount they took it seems like more than one person.

FOUND RAZOR SCOOTER: From the “likely stolen and dumped” file – Lori sent the photo and report:

This red Razor scooter has been sitting under some trees on the corner of Erskine Way SW and 46th Ave. SW for over a week.

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Rotary Club of West Seattle: Anniversary ahead, and a global-health fight
October 25, 2020 12:19 pm
|    Comments Off on Rotary Club of West Seattle: Anniversary ahead, and a global-health fight
 |   Health | Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, 2014 West Seattle Grand Parade)

For the Rotary Club of West Seattle, “End Polio Now” isn’t just a slogan. The club sends this progress report on the weekend of World Polio Day, plus news of an anniversary ahead:

The Rotary Club of West Seattle will mark historic progress toward a polio-free world while urging the community to help end the paralyzing disease

When Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, there were 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries every year. We’ve made great progress against the disease since then. Today, polio cases have been reduced by 99.9 percent, and just two countries continue to report cases of wild poliovirus: Afghanistan and Pakistan. And we remain\ committed to the end.

With polio nearly eradicated, Rotary and its partners must sustain this progress and continue to reach every child with the polio vaccine. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk. Rotary has committed to raising $50 million each year to support global polio eradication efforts. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged to match that 2-to-1, for a total yearly contribution of $150 million.

The Rotary Club of West Seattle will be celebrating 73 years of service to the community on November 6th. Join us as we all work to eradicate Polio for good!

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite and take action to create lasting change in communities around the globe. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to improve lives through service. From promoting literacy and peace to providing clean water and improving health care, Rotary members are always working to better the world. Visit endpolio.org to learn more about Rotary and the fight to eradicate polio.

West Seattle Rotary meets on Tuesdays at noon via Zoom. Email amyleed@soundgenerations.org if you’d like to join as a guest.

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DELRIDGE PROJECT: Another street closure this week
October 25, 2020 10:37 am
|    Comments Off on DELRIDGE PROJECT: Another street closure this week
 |   Delridge | Transportation | West Seattle news

Following this weekend’s closure of SW Edmunds at Delridge, another closure is ahead for the ongoing project (re)paving the way for RapidRide H Line. As announced by SDOT:

Temporary street closure at SW Alaska St and Delridge Way SW

Beginning Monday, October 26, we will be fully closing the east side of SW Alaska St at Delridge Way SW to rebuild the roadway. This closure is expected to last through the end of next week. Please contact us if you have any concerns about accessibility during this work. People wishing to access Delridge Way SW are encouraged to detour to SW Edmunds St via Cottage Pl SW.

Another major work site in the week ahead:

Upcoming night work near SW Brandon St on Tuesday, October 27

We are scheduled to work overnight on October 27 in collaboration with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) to complete underground pipework. SPU will coordinate timing and residents will be notified in advance of impacts to water service. Please contact Seattle Public Utilities’ 24/7 service line at (206) 389-1800 if you experience any issues with your water service. This overnight work is scheduled to last one night.

You can see the full weekly bulletin for the project by going here.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: Here’s what’s happening
October 25, 2020 6:30 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Gary Jones)

What’s ahead for your Sunday, accompanied by three of the photos we’ve received in recent days showing Bald Eagles at Alki Point:

ONLINE CHURCH SERVICES: Updated listings and links for 23 West Seattle churches – find them here.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in The Junction. Scroll down the page at this link to find the vendor list and map for this week. (Enter at California/Alaska; pickups for online orders are at California/Oregon)

TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION: 10 am-1:30 pm near the market’s entrance/exit, look for the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. (California/Alaska)

ALKI UCC DONATION DRIVE: Alki UCC is having another of its periodic donation drives, 10 am-3 pm outside the church , food and clothing:

Food and basic supplies such as toilet paper and diapers are distributed through the White Center Food Bank. We’re accepting school supplies for all grades on behalf of one or more local schools to be distributed when students are back at in-person learning. Donations of clean, new, or used men’s casual/work clothing are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network’s hot lunch program for people experiencing homelessness, The Welcome Table. Thank you again for supporting our most vulnerable neighbors in this challenging time.

(6115 SW Hinds)

(Photo by Jim Borrow)

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 11 am-4 pm – need a tool to fix or improve something? (4408 Delridge Way SW)

FREE TO-GO DINNER: White Center Community Dinner Church will serve to-go meals at 5 pm, outside, near the Bartell Drugs parking lot in White Center. (9600 15th Ave SW)

HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS: The growing list is on our Halloween page.

(Photo by David Hutchinson)

Anything else happening? Let us know – text 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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UPDATE: Crash at West Marginal/Highland Park Way
October 25, 2020 1:46 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

1:46 AM: Seattle Fire has a rescue-extrication response headed to a crash at West Marginal/Highland Park Way. SFD says it’s a three-car collision. Avoid the area.

1:54 AM: SFD says two people are trapped in a vehicle.

2:10 AM: Reported over emergency radio, everyone’s been extricated; SFD says they will be taken to the hospital.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: We asked SFD about the patients’ conditions. Spokesperson David Cuerpo replied, “First patient sustained no injuries and did not require medical treatment. Second patient was a 19 year old female in stable condition and was transported to HMC by our crews.”

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UPDATE: Alki Avenue crash atop the seawall, and aftermath
October 25, 2020 12:47 am
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

12:47 AM: The reader who texted these photos says this crash happened in the vicinity of 1238 Alki Avenue SW, and that the driver took out a “garden, bench, fire hydrant, light pole … hitting the light pole probably saved the car from going into the water.”

No SFD medical dispatch, so apparently no injuries.

10:26 AM: Tweets by Beat confirms this is being investigated as DUI. Meantime, Stewart L. sends photos of the aftermath:

The texter last night mentioned that the driver also took out “Siriya’s garden.” Siriya is a neighborhood resident who tends a path of planting strip there. Stewart sent before/after photos:

Stewart says, “I say hi to Siriya all the time as I stroll past her garden that she lovingly tends to, and to see all of her work plowed over in a second was really upsetting. She works so hard on this to beautify the neighborhood.”

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CORONAVIRUS: Saturday 10/24 roundup, including the weekly West Seattle trend check
October 24, 2020 9:58 pm
|    Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: Saturday 10/24 roundup, including the weekly West Seattle trend check
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

We’re in our 8th month of bringing you nightly news and notes related to the virus crisis:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: First, here are the cumulative totals from Public Health‘s daily-summary dashboard:

*26,181 people have tested positive, 212 more than yesterday’s total

*789 people have died, unchanged from yesterday’s total

*2,527 people have been hospitalized, 2 more than yesterday’s total

*526,121 people have been tested, 2,854 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, those totals were 24,992/785/2,478/501,711.

WEST SEATTLE TREND: Here’s our weekly check of this stat, with numbers accessible in two-week increments via the “geography over time” tab on the daily-summary dashboard, combining the totals from the West Seattle and Delridge “health reporting areas.” In the past 2 weeks, 43 positive test results were reported; 60 in the 2 weeks before that; 50 in the two weeks before that – so we have a downward trend going, which was also the case when we checked this trend last Saturday night.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 42.5 million people have tested positive, and more than 1,149,000 people have died; U.S. deaths have passed 224,000. Most cases: U.S., India, Russia, Brazil, France (which passed Argentina this week to become #5). See the breakdown, nation by nation, here.

DONATION DRIVES TOMORROW: First – the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle is at California/Alaska every Sunday, by the Farmers’ Market entrance, continuing tomorrow, 10 am-1:30 pm, collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. … Second, Alki UCC is having another of its periodic donation drives, 10 am-3 pm outside the church (6115 SW Hinds), food and clothing:

Food and basic supplies such as toilet paper and diapers are distributed through the White Center Food Bank. We’re accepting school supplies for all grades on behalf of one or more local schools to be distributed when students are back at in-person learning. Donations of clean, new, or used men’s casual/work clothing are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network’s hot lunch program for people experiencing homelessness, The Welcome Table. Thank you again for supporting our most vulnerable neighbors in this challenging time.

CONTACT-FREE HALLOWEEN: Local events – and decorations you can enjoy while walking or driving by – are listed on our newly launched Halloween page.

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

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GRATITUDE: Here’s what the West Seattle High School senior-class dine-out fundraiser dished up
October 24, 2020 8:45 pm
|    Comments Off on GRATITUDE: Here’s what the West Seattle High School senior-class dine-out fundraiser dished up
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | West Seattle schools

Last Wednesday, 10 West Seattle food businesses donated part of their proceeds to the West Seattle High School Class of 2021 – and tonight, class president Ella Richardson tells us how it went:

The West Seattle High School Senior ASB wants to thank everyone who supported us by participating in our Dine-Out Day this past Wednesday! We raised $2,788, almost three times our original goal. We are so grateful for the support in our community.

We would to like to give a special thanks to the following local businesses who supported us: Circa, Arthur’s, Lady Jaye, Mission, The Westy, Peel and Press, Bebop Waffle Shop, The Admiral Pub, Ampersand Cafe, Dream Dinners, Vain Salon, and Cre8 Contracting. We would also like to shoutout Gretchen, the owner of Circa, for rallying restaurants to join the fundraiser.

For those who are interested in directly donating to the Senior Class, here is the link to donate . Another way to support us is by purchasing a delicious pre-made frozen meal from Dream Dinners, who will be continuing our partnership until November 14th. Click this link for more information.

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EARLY VOTING: Seattle passes 50% turnout with 10 days to go
October 24, 2020 7:04 pm
|    Comments Off on EARLY VOTING: Seattle passes 50% turnout with 10 days to go
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The collage is by Ruthi Winter of Beach Drive Art Studio, who’s been making art to encourage early voting, and tonight we have word of another milestone – Seattle has passed 50% turnout with 10 days to go until Election Day. Tonight’s tally from King County Elections – 254,593 of 496,224 Seattle ballots already received. That includes ballots from KCE drop boxes (here’s the list/map) and USPS mail. In the drop-box counts – which lag to some degree, only updated in the morning – West Seattle’s leader is The Junction’s drop box (SW Alaska, south side, between California and 44th), with 10,648, followed by High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) with 7,983, and South Seattle College (6000 16th SW, the illuminated signboard points you to the entrance) with 1,385.

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HALLOWEEN: Decoration locations & more on our seasonal page
October 24, 2020 5:18 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Holidays | West Seattle news

(By Christopher Boffoli)

If you missed the mention in today’s event list — this year’s WSB Halloween page is now live. Though many of the traditional seasonal events have been canceled because of the pandemic, some no-contact celebrations are on, so they’re listed, as are the decoration locations suggested by readers. Still plenty of time to add more; email westseattleblog@gmail.com if you have (or have seen) fun decorations or if you know of a distanced event we don’t have yet!

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Seattle Public Library bringing back due dates
October 24, 2020 2:36 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

In case you missed the announcement this past week – the Seattle Public Library is bringing back due dates. Here’s the announcement:

That stack of books and DVDs you’ve had since March? We’re ready for them to come back! Starting Nov. 1, staggered due dates will be applied to all physical materials currently checked out from The Seattle Public Library. Due dates were suspended when Library buildings were closed to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

“Now that Curbside Pickup and book return services are in full swing, it’s important we get books and other materials back to ensure a well-stocked collection for patrons who are ready to check out new items,” said Bo Kinney, managing librarian for the Library’s Circulation Services.

Loan periods will remain the same as they were prior to the Library’s COVID-19 closure: three weeks for most materials and two weeks for DVDs and Peak Picks titles. Patrons will be contacted individually about specific due dates and return options.

BOOK DROPS OPEN DAILY

The Library is now accepting returns at 13 Library locations [in West Seattle – High Point and Southwest]. No appointment is necessary to return materials. Book drops are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or until they are full.

Two weeks before a patron’s due date, a one-time email notice will be sent asking for materials to be returned and providing information about return options. We will also be sending regular due date reminders and other notices, available by email, phone, and text message. See spl.org/notifications for more detail. To pick up new holds while returning books, visit the Library’s Curbside Service page for locations, hours and appointment options.

NO MORE LATE FINES

The Library no longer charges daily late fines for overdue items, thanks to the 2019 Library Levy, and, if no one else is waiting, an item may be renewed up to three times. However, patrons are still responsible for returning items on time. If an item is kept 31 days past the due date, a patron’s Library account will be temporarily suspended and some digital media services will not be accessible until all overdue items are returned. (Normally, a patron’s account would be suspended if an item is kept 14 days past its due date, but that rule has been relaxed during this time.)

As for when SPL will reopen for in-building service – they’re still working on that.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Breezy day with downed tree, toilet; Frost Advisory for tomorrow
October 24, 2020 11:29 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

11:29 AM: On this breezy Saturday, with wind out of the north up to 25 mph, readers have sent these two sightings – above, from Julie, a fallen tree in Schmitz Park, “blocking the trail that leads up to Hinds Street”; below, via text, a toppled toilet at Alki Beach:

The forecast says it’ll stay breezy most of the weekend. The alert for tomorrow, meantime, has changed to a Frost Advisory, 2 am-10 am Sunday, with the morning low possibly dipping into the upper 20s.

P.S. Both of the above are an example of what you can also call in to the Seattle Parks maintenance line to be sure they know too – 206-684-7250.

ADDED 1:50 PM: One more breezy scene – Jerry Simmons caught a kiteboarder off Alki:

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Burglar steals family keepsakes
October 24, 2020 10:15 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Just in case the burglar(s) who hit Tamsen‘s garage in Upper Morgan dumped these priceless items, she is hoping you can keep watch for them:

Our garage was broken into (Thursday) night. All of our garden tools and equipment were stolen. But the most valuable items taken were our Family Bible (that held family history items in it) and 3 photo albums. They were in a black zippered bag. The bible is large, 10″ x 10″, maroon color with gold lettering of “Holy Bible” on it. We’ve filed a police report.

Just hoping the (burglars) tossed the bible and albums. If anyone in the 6300 block in the Morgan Junction area around 38th and Morgan and Graham Street could check their waste containers, we’d be forever grateful.

If you find any of these items, let us know and we’ll connect you.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: Here’s what you can do today/tonight
October 24, 2020 6:30 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: Here’s what you can do today/tonight
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

Here’s what’s ahead today/tonight:

TRAFFIC ALERT: SW Edmunds is closed at Delridge all weekend.

HALLOWEEN GUIDE: Just launched last night – including our list of decoration locations sent by readers so far.

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION HARVEST FEST: Get your scavenger-hunt map, stop at a cider/cocoa location, browse the window displays – it’s a new kind of celebration this year; details here.

REMODELED HOME TOUR: 10 am-5 pm online, with Potter Construction (WSB sponsor) participating – more info here, including the link to use to sign up and take the tour.

FOOD-BOX DISTRIBUTION: The Greater Seattle Filipino-American SDA Church is distributing free boxes of food – dairy, fruit, vegetables, meat, milk, bread – 1-4 pm. Drive up, ride up, walk up. (2620 SW Kenyon)

WINE TIME: 1-4 pm, Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) is open for you to stop by and pick up their wine(s)! (5910 California SW)

SPOOKY TOWN @ STEVE COX MEMORIAL PARK: 2-5 pm, it’s a pre-Halloween “grab and go” event.

Families are welcome to drive or walk through the park to pick up goodie bags packed with face masks, DIY arts and crafts projects, official Spooky Town slime, candy, prizes, and even pumpkins (while supplies last). Don’t miss the “Pumpkin Patch Maze” on the outdoor basketball court, a Dragon Eye hunt on the multipurpose field, the I Spy Spooky Town Adventure in the windows of the Log Cabin, and a step and repeat photo opportunity on the Log Cabin steps.

(1321 SW 102nd)

THE HEEBIE JEEBIES LIVE ONLINE: The quintessential Halloween band will perform at Parliament Tavern, but don’t go there to see them – it’s live online tonight at 7 pm, streaming here.

VOTE! Haven’t sent in/dropped off your ballot yet? Early voting is wildly popular this election. Here’s the map/list of drop boxes.

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UPDATE: Shooting east of The Junction
October 23, 2020 11:46 pm
|      66 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(Reader photo)

11:45 PM: Police and fire are responding right now to a shooting near Fauntleroy and Edmunds. Dispatchers reported 911 calls about shots fired, and a possible victim; first responders on the scene found a man reported to have two gunshot wounds. Updates to come.

11:51 PM: Police are trying to sort out exactly where the man was shot – possibly “a block or two east” of where they found him. They’re also looking for a vehicle that might be related, described as a red Ford F-150.

MIDNIGHT: Added the top photo texted by a reader, showing the emergency response outside The Whittaker; texter says they heard “three loud shots.” The victim is being taken to Harborview.

(Added: Reader photo)

12:26 AM: No new information on the investigation. We asked SFD about the victim; spokesperson David Cuerpo says the 22-year-old man is in serious condition.

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CORONAVIRUS: Friday 10/23 roundup
October 23, 2020 10:16 pm
|    Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: Friday 10/23 roundup
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

34 weeks ago tonight, King County announced its first case of COVID-19. Here’s where we are now:

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

*25,969 people have tested positive, 229 more than yesterday’s total

*789 people have died, unchanged from yesterday’s total

*2,525 people have been hospitalized, 7 more than yesterday’s total

*523.267 people have been tested, 5,631 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, those totals were 24,773/784/2,475/498,283.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 42.1 million cases, 1,143,000+ deaths – see the nation-by-nation numbers here.

NEED TESTING? Our weekly reminder – the city-operated testing site in West Seattle – south side of the Southwest Athletic Complex parking lot (2801 SW Thistle) – is open Saturdays (as well as weekdays). Go here to choose an appointment time before you go.

VACCINE DISTRIBUTION PLAN: The state has come up with its interim plan. It also has two feedback opportunities – one on prioritizing who would get the vaccine early on. Details on all of the above are here.

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE: The district announced today that it will stay with remote learning until at least the end of this year’s first semester, three months away.

NEED FOOD? The Greater Seattle Filipino-American SDA Church (2620 SW Kenyon) is distributing free boxes of food – dairy, fruit, vegetables, meat, milk, bread) 1-4 pm tomorrow (Saturday).

NEW GUIDANCE FOR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS: Here’s the latest from the governor.

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

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FOLLOWUP: West Marginal Way SW traffic cameras now visible
October 23, 2020 7:28 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: West Marginal Way SW traffic cameras now visible
 |   Highland Park | Transportation | West Seattle news

One month ago, SDOT told WSB that a traffic camera for busy West Marginal Way/Highland Park Way would be activated shortly. We checked the Travelers Map every day – no camera. So this week we finally asked SDOT whatever happened to it. Seems it was installed and sending images, but the icon hadn’t been added to the map. Now that’s fixed. There are actually two cameras visible by clicking on the map icon (we’ll of course be adding them both to our West Seattle Traffic Cameras page ASAP), but note that neither has video – just still images – to enable video cameras there, they have to upgrade to a fiber connection, which is under investigation. While we’re talking about SDOT’s map, they asked us to remind you about several useful but hidden features you can access by clicking the “map controls” bar on the left side:

You can use that area to add features to the map such as current travel times and any messages currently displayed on dynamic-message signboards along the roads – plus bridge openings and railroad crossings.

P.S. Next chance to hear from and talk with SDOT about bridge-traffic-related projects is 7 pm Wednesday (October 28th), when they’ll be at the online meeting of HPAC (the community council for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge). Connection information is on this page (scroll to Highland Park community check-in meeting).

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VOTING: Nearly half of Seattle’s registered voters have done it already. What you need to know if you haven’t, yet
October 23, 2020 5:08 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Shawn Marie sent the photo – she’s in it with Joanne, and she explains, “She’s 85 years young, she’s had hip and knee replacements, but she hasn’t let it slow her down. Every afternoon this week she has stood for 3+ hours at the corner of Admiral Junction in West Seattle with her sign encouraging people to vote early!” And they certainly have – we checked the stats this afternoon, and as of King County Elections‘ noon update, they had received 225,017 ballots, from among Seattle’s 496,224 registered voters – almost half!

The tallies for specific ballot drop boxes lag a bit (and remember these numbers don’t include ballots sent by USPS mail, so they don’t reflect what total percentage of people here have voted so far), but as of the morning update:

West Seattle Junction – 9,752
High Point Library – 7,230
South Seattle College – 1,259
White Center Library – 4,975
South Park Library – 967

If you’re among those who have already dropped off or sent your ballot, you can go here to verify whether your ballot’s been received. If you’re still waiting to get a ballot – call KCE at 206-296-VOTE. If you haven’t voted yet, the drop boxes are mapped and listed here (and of course you can use the USPS mail too, no stamp necessary). If you haven’t registered yet – you can do it online until Monday (October 26th), or in-person after that, all the way up to Election Day (Tuesday, November 3rd).

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Seattle Public Schools says no in-person learning for at least three more months
October 23, 2020 3:26 pm
|      56 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

This won’t surprise you, but Seattle Public Schools says it felt the need to make an official announcement that remote learning will continue at least through the end of the current school year’s first semester. From Superintendent Denise Juneau:

We are close to the two-month mark for this school year and while we continue to adjust to this new way of remote learning, we’ve received many questions about when SPS students will be able to return for in-person classes in our buildings. Currently, we’ve prioritized only a small number of students who receive special education services for in-person instruction.

We appreciate and hear your concerns and questions. Seattle Public Schools will remain remote with limited in-person instruction through January 28, the first semester of school. This approach is in response to an increase of COVID-19 cases in King County and after consultation with Seattle Education Association, Seattle Council PTSA, and the Principals’ Association of Seattle Schools.

There is also no guarantee that we will be able to increase in-person instruction next semester. There are many factors that need to be considered, as we closely monitor King County COVID-19 transmission rates as well as disproportionate impacts on communities of color.

Next Steps
The week of October 12, a Re-Entry Leadership Team including the Superintendent, representatives from Seattle Education Association, Principals’ Association of Seattle Schools, Seattle Council PTSA, students, and the School Board reconvened to talk about next steps. This team will meet regularly to discuss in-person learning recommendations, including prioritized students, return criteria and benchmarks, model flexibility, and options for families who aren’t ready to return in-person this school year.

Transparency and making sure families and staff have opportunities for input will be crucial as the School Board makes challenging decisions.

A public work session on in-person learning will be held November 30, 4 – 5:30 p.m. The SPS community is invited to watch online via SPSTV on YouTube, or on television (Comcast channels 26 and 319, Wave channels 26 and 695, and Century Link channels 8008 and 8508).

We are hoping to provide some certainty in this uncertain time by making this announcement today and commit to keeping you informed and included as more decisions are made going forward. Opportunities to provide feedback directly to staff and the School Board will be shared in the next couple weeks.

In-person learning ended on March 11th; the district announced at the time that schools would close for at least 14 days. Across the country, some districts that reopened schools have closed them again, like Boston.

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Community update planned as West Seattle Elementary addition/renovations advance toward construction
October 23, 2020 2:14 pm
|    Comments Off on Community update planned as West Seattle Elementary addition/renovations advance toward construction
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Next school year, West Seattle Elementary will be closed regardless of the pandemic status; construction will be under way on the project that will expand and modernize the school, including a 2-story, 20,000-sf addition east of the current building, with 12 new classrooms and two learning commons, plus a new entrance, upgraded mechanical systems, new play areas/fields, and technology upgrades. The project is in the permit phase, and Seattle Public Schools has scheduled a community-update meeting. It’ll be online at 6 pm Thursday, November 12th; information on how to watch/participate is on the project webpage, where you can also preview more of the design. The BEX V-levy-funded project, designed by Miller Hayashi Architects, is now budgeted at $28 million; when last we wrote about it in July, the cost was listed as $22 million. Assuming in-person learning has resumed by the 2021-2022 school year, WSES students and staff are expected to spend that year at the former Schmitz Park Elementary, returning to their newly expanded school in fall 2022.

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