West Seattle, Washington
28 Thursday
The surge goes on – here are the pandemic toplines:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: Here’s today’s daily summary from Seattle-King County Public Health – the cumulative totals:
*40,736 people have tested positive, 671 more than yesterday’s total
*849 people have died, 14 more than yesterday’s total
*3,030 people have been hospitalized, 10 more than yesterday’s total
*623.494 people have been tested++++
One week ago, the totals were 35,710/833/2,890/600,335.
++++Because of the state test-results backlog first mentioned Saturday, this number will be unchanged TFN.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.
NATIONAL/WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 59.7 million cases worldwide, 12.5 million of them in the U.S. – see other nation-by-nation stats by going here.
OUTBREAK AT THE MOUNT TAKES MORE LIVES: Providence Mount St. Vincent sent an update on their latest outbreak, including three more deaths.
GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING: Gov. Inslee held a media briefing today and reminded people to stay safe through the holiday. He also said vaccinations could start as soon as mid-December. You can watch the video here.
NEED FOOD BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS? Three things to know about tomorrow:
West Seattle Food Bank (35th/Morgan), distributing food 10 am-3 pm
Seattle Public Schools – last meal distribution until Monday, 11:15 am-1:15 pm
Food Lifeline (815 S. 96th) – distributing food boxes 2 pm-5 pm
CAN YOU DONATE? WSFB is still accepting turkeys tomorrow. If you can bring one or more – preferably small/medium – stop by 9 am-2 pm.
GOT SOMETHING TO REPORT? westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302, text/voice – thank you!
Three weeks after the voting ended, the general-election results for King County are now certified. Three notes:
TURNOUT: Countywide, 86.87 percent, breaking the 85 percent record set in 2012. For the city of Seattle, 88.18 percent. For the 34th Legislative District (West Seattle, White Center, Vashon, part of Burien), 87.64 percent.
PRESIDENTIAL VOTING: Countywide, it was 74.95 percent for Biden/Harris, 22.24 percent for Trump/Pence.
HOW BALLOTS WERE TURNED IN: KCE says 73.9 percent of voters used ballot drop boxes, 24.98 percent mailed in their ballots, and 1.1 percent got theirs in by fax.
More stats are in the KCE news release.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Hours after the City Council finalized next year’s budget, West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold was the spotlight guest at last night’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting.
ANA also elected next year’s leadership slate, including a new president, after David Hancock decided not to run for re-election.
We’ll start with the budget discussion.
One week after we reported a new, deadly COVID-19 outbreak at Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle, the facility says three more people have died. Since the pandemic began last spring, The Mount has lost a total of 11 people to COVID-19. Right now, The Mount says in an announcement this afternoon, 15 residents and 11 caregivers have tested positive in the current outbreak. The first outbreak was back in spring, and the facility got it under control by “rapidly implement(ing) screening procedures, visitor restrictions and physical barriers” as well as closing communal dining, and requiring universal masking, as well as facility-wide testing, twice-daily temperature and oxygen monitoring on every resident and patient, and screening and temperature checks of all staff upon entry. No residents tested positive for 6 months, but the current surge led to the return of the virus at The Mount, which describes itself as “a residential community serving nearly 400 elders with an average age of 94. It is challenging to help them follow all precautions, such as mask wearing, social distancing, and staying in their rooms most of the time. Many have some level of dementia which exacerbates this challenge.” So here’s what they’re doing now:
As we face this second outbreak, we are co-horting every resident who has tested positive either in a private room or in a dedicated unit on our 5th floor. This includes any person who may have been exposed, as we presume that they are positive while awaiting test results.
In anticipation of the continued surge in our region over the Thanksgiving holiday, we are increasing our caregiver testing to twice per week.
We are encouraging residents to stay in their rooms, but we must also balance the physical and emotional impact of complete social isolation. Their spirit, heart, cognition and physical well-being must also be supported as we navigate this pandemic.
As a higher number of positive cases occur in the region, it becomes more challenging to prevent it from entering the Mount.
Additionally, as people rush to get tested so that they may justify traveling, they have caused a higher volume of testing and thus a slower turnaround of test results for vulnerable elders in communities such as ours.We believe there is hope on the horizon, but we must shut down the virus at the broader community level first. This requires hard work and a lot of difficult decisions.
The direct caregivers who are working the front lines must be honored for the sacrifices that they are making. Many are facing losses of loved ones as well as detrimental financial impacts in their own families and yet show up to serve every day. The public at large perhaps doesn’t see in full view the tremendous sacrifices and loving care that is taking place.
The announcement concludes with a poignant plea:
“Let’s not forget that we all depend on each other,” said Dr. David Roesel, MD , and provider at Providence Mount St. Vincent. “Every action will affect another person. The elders in our care built the very society that we enjoy. They deserve our very best efforts to keep them safe. Each human life is more important than the economy. We can figure out the finances later, but once a life is gone, it’s gone. Be careful. Wear a mask. Stay at home. These are real human souls among our elders who are bearing the brunt of this pandemic. When you see the finish line, is not the time to stop running.”
The Mount is just south of The Triangle, and along with its health-care services, it’s home to an internationally renowned preschool and hosting community events every year such as an outdoor concert series.
Will the city replace the portable toilet destroyed by fire at 44th/Alaska early Sunday (WSB coverage here)? Seattle Public Utilities spokesperson Sabrina Register tells WSB, “There are discussions around next steps for hygiene resources at the location,” After removal of the controversial “hygiene station” in Junction Plaza Park three weeks ago, the city-funded toilet was the only remaining public restroom in the area; the fire also destroyed the portable sink that had been moved there from the park. SFD tells WSB there’s no information on the fire’s cause; one engine was on scene for about 15 minutes and its investigator was not dispatched. The charred remnants of the toilet have not yet been removed, but Register says SPU is working on that “and is reviewing any actions that can be taken to reduce fire risk.” We researched the portable toilet’s history while covering a Junction safety initiative in 2016; the city told us then that one had been there since the Junction Association requested it in the ’90s.
Yet another local holiday event has reinvented itself for the pandemic – the St. Nicholas Faire, presented every year by First Lutheran Church of West Seattle to benefit local nonprofits. It’s usually a celebration in the church’s festively decorated lower level, centered on silent auctions for potential gifts – specialty baskets put together by church members, and gift cards to businesses. This year, it’s an online auction, and it’s happening Friday night (November 27th), 6-9 pm. All you have to do is register and bid! As organizers note, “This is an excellent opportunity to purchase some gifts without having to leave your home.” Proceeds go to the West Seattle Food Bank. But the bidding will happen just during those three hours Friday night. You can register in advance, and preview some of the items, by going here.
Back on Sunday, West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) launched a new idea for encouraging you to spend local – UR West Seattle (the UR stands for “unique restaurants/retail”). Bring a receipt (dated yesterday or later) from a retail store or restaurant that’s unique to West Seattle, and WSR will give you a 5 percent discount. They’ve invited other West Seattle businesses to join in, and today we got word another has signed on – Seattle Dive Tours (4217 Admiral Way), which sells gear as well as tours, online as well as in person, is offering the discount too. If your business is interested in being part of UR West Seattle, contact WS Runner – here’s how. As proprietors Tim and Lori McConnell said in their announcement, “We know this is a small gesture, but small business is at a crossroads, and we hope this motivates people to think about shopping locally first.”
As Thanksgiving approaches, so does Christmas-lights season. But as with so many things, the pandemic has changed plans.
MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: Usually by now, installation would be well under way at the Menashe Family‘s legendary display on Beach Drive SW. But after driving by a few times in recent days and noting the absence of the requisite bucket truck, we called the family’s shop today to inquire. Josh Menashe tells us they’ve decided to scale way back this year, for obvious reasons – anything that draws a crowd (or requires many helpers to install) is dangerous right now. (And they’ve already been through one COVID-19 scare.) They’ll put up a small amount of decorations this weekend, he told us, but nothing like the usual all-out light show. And after that, if you do go by for a look, the family implores you, please keep moving – don’t get out of your car (or off your bike).
WEST SEATTLE YULETIDE: Ken and Cora Iverson have canceled this annual animated-lights show northeast of The Junction:
It is with a heavy heart that we are announcing that West Seattle Yuletide will be cancelling our Yule light
show for 2020. We had hoped to host a limited display but with the recent increase in cases and the associated increases in restrictions, we feel that we can’t justify the risks involved in attracting crowds. The last thing we would want is to be the reason people, especially the local children getting sick.It’s been a terrible year but we are hopeful that things will change next year and hope to return with a 2021 show. Be safe and stay healthy.
P.S. We’ll be featuring home decorations as we did during Halloween season – info welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Mid-morning music break! Brent Amaker & The Rodeo, electric country-rockers fronted by an Admiral entrepreneur, have a new music video, mostly filmed at Hiawatha Playfield. Starring with Brent and his band in the video “Ugly World” is his dog Frida. The accompanying announcement explains that it’s “the title track from their new EP. “Ugly World” is something of an ode to 2020, with the Rodeo keeping one eye on turning the page to a new year, new horizons, and yes, getting the Rodeo back to a town near you.” The band’s been performing for 15 years.
(Sunny Saturday – photo by Gill Loring)
With two days until the holiday, here’s what’s happening (and not happening) in the hours ahead:
NO SCHOOL: As would also be the case if Seattle Public Schools had in-person classes right now, most elementary/K-8 classes are not meeting this week (and all students are off Thursday/Friday – no meal distribution those days, either, so stock up tomorrow).
NEED FOOD? West Seattle Food Bank‘s pre-holiday distribution continues today, until 2 pm. (35th & Morgan)
CAN YOU DONATE? If you’re not in need and can give, WSFB still needs turkeys. Small/medium frozen turkeys are preferred but they’ll accept whatever you can bring, until 3 pm today.
DEMONSTRATION: As announced by organizer Scott:
Black Lives Matter sign-waving
Tuesday (today) – 4 to 6 pm, corner of 16th SW and SW 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
Thursday – Holiday, no sign-waving. (You could read and acknowledge local tribal histories, or go farther and work on decolonization.)
FINAL ELECTION RESULTS: King County Elections certifies the final November results today, by 4 pm.
Two updates today featuring Dream Dinners-West Seattle (WSB sponsor):
HOLIDAY PARTY ALTERNATIVE: Can’t have a holiday party for your staff this year – so what’s the alternative? Give the gift of ready-to-cook dishes from Dream Dinners. This flyer explains the offer. You can call 206-938-5999 to order and/or find out more.
SCHOOL FUNDRAISER: The Genesee Hill Elementary PTA is partnering with Dream Dinners:
Dine out for December for Genesee Hill Elementary! Enjoy your meals with your family! Let Dream Dinners do the work! Dream Dinners is a local meal-prep business that takes care of menu planning, grocery shopping, and prep so you can enjoy stress-free dinners with your family! Stock your freezer from a menu of 20 chef-crafted meals in December (and potentially beyond) so that you will spend less time worrying about what to make for dinner and more time doing what you love! The dates for meal pick up are listed below along with the hyperlink to order food. The cost is $50 per medium dinner package (3 meals each serving 2-3 people) A family will be able to pick out three meals from the link below, pick them up on that date and store for using at their own convenience! There are 30 slots available (10 per date.) We receive $10 for every family that participates in this fundraiser. Additionally, if you place a full-size order within one week of your pickup, Dream Dinners will donate an extra $20 to Genesee Hill Elementary!!
The families can start reserving their meals now and up to 36 hours prior to the order pickup date. Please see below. The links provide the order form and the menu of dinners available on those dates! Enjoy!
Thursday, December 3rd – order by 12/1
Saturday, December 5th – order by 12/3
Saturday, December 12th – order by 12/10
6:07 AM: Welcome to Tuesday, the 246th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.
ROAD WORK
Delridge project: No work on Thursday and Friday this week. Here’s what’s happening until then (and beyond).
CHECK TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU GO
West Marginal Way/Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Restricted-daytime-access (open to all 9 pm-5 am) low bridge:
The main detour route across the Duwamish River, the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map) . Here are two cameras:
The other major bridge across the river – the South Park Bridge (map). Here’s the nearest camera:
Going through South Park? Don’t speed. (Same goes for the other detour-route neighborhoods, like Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge.)
Checking for bridges’ marine-traffic openings? See the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
You can see all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also shown on this WSB page.
TRANSIT
Metro – Fare collection has resumed.
Water Taxi – Also charging again.
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
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