West Seattle, Washington
14 Saturday
39 weeks now since the Friday night announcement of the first King County case of COVID-19 – here’s the latest:
NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily summary:
*42,903 people have tested positive, 800 more than yesterday’s total
*853 people have died, unchanged since Wednesday
*3,129 people have been hospitalized, 65 more than yesterday’s total
*65,644 people have been tested (the county still says this number is “frozen” but we note it’s 798 more than yesterday)
One week ago, those totals were 37,435/835/2,914/612,290.
STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.
WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 61.6 million cases, 1,442,000+ deaths – see the nation-by-nation numbers here.
DONATION DRIVE SATURDAY: If you can give, here’s an opportunity:
West Seattle YMCA Pajama & Toy Drive
Join us for a drive-thru pajama & toy drive on Saturday, November 28, from 12:00 – 3:00 pm at the West Seattle Y [36th/Snoqualmie] to support Y families this holiday season. We are looking for warm pajamas, sizes 5T through size 16, and unwrapped toys. A few favorites include Legos, art kits, board games, Paw Patrol, Hot Wheels, and all kinds of balls. If you are not able to join us for the drive-thru, please see our online wish list.
GOT INFO OR PHOTOS? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text/voice 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Earlier this week, the Southwest Precinct issued an auto-theft alert, noting that it’s up 14 percent in the past month compared to the same time last year. And tonight, we have two reader reports about stolen vehicles:
STOLEN ACCORD: From Josh:
My car was stolen overnight. It’s a beige-colored 1997 Honda Accord. A police report has been filed and we’re hoping to find the car ASAP. Might be good to remind the neighborhood to keep their cars locked. License plate is AJJ1695 and we’re in Fairmount Park on 37th Avenue.
STOLEN CHEVY PICKUP: From Steve:
Stolen ’95 Chevrolet Pickup, stock 4x, WA plate B18708T– from 4800 block 41st Avenue SW sometime last 4 days.
If you see either one – or any other stolen vehicle – call 911.
(Promotional video for FriendlyFace)
We’ve all gotten used to wearing masks. Or – have we? Do you miss seeing people’s smiles?
A West Seattle entrepreneur is trying to fix that with FriendlyFace. It’s a custom-made mask, based on your photo, so your face can be covered by … your face.
“I made this initially as a joke to make my kids laugh — Just put a picture of myself on a mask. It was, of course, hilarious, but I got a ton of interest from other randoms who approached me at the hardware store or the grocery store asking where I got it. I decided to turn it into a project,” explains FriendlyFace’s Ash Bhoopathy. He is a digital product designer and serial entrepreneur, so – why not?
FriendlyFace isn’t the only company to offer a selfie mask, but Ash’s value proposition incorporates a few extras. The masks come with a laundry bag and activated charcoal filters. And the app you can use to order yours can make them extra-true-to-life, though it’s not required that you use the app: “About half of our orders come from the iOS app, and the other half come from the web. The iOS app makes the process of alignment, lighting, and measurement very easy. For those who don’t have an iPhone X or newer, they can place the order from FriendlyFace.com. We have a team of people who can retouch people’s faces – We got this after some excited user feedback we heard a few times (‘I don’t need to wear makeup anymore, I can just do it once and get my pic photoshopped’).”
FriendlyFace’s West Seattle cred is more than just the founder’s residence. Ash explains, “All printing and pressing is done here in West Seattle. Currently we’re working out of a proverbial startup ‘garage.’ For masks, we source from a company in Blaine (northwestern WA). For gaiters, we source fabric from a mill on the East Coast, and our cut and sew team is based in West Seattle.” They have the capacity to produce about 2,000 a day.
The mask can draw more than smiles. We asked Ash about unusual reactions: “The first time I wore one of my gaiters in public, a manager from Costco came running from the back to scold me for not wearing a mask. When they got closer, he started cracking up after realizing that it was actually a face covering. That first weekend I wore it out, 48 people asked me where I got my mask and were super surprised to learn that the photo was actually my face. It still doesn’t register to many people that with computational photography, digital printing technology, that personalized products like these face masks are possible.”
Ash hopes to expand: “Beyond masks, our vision is to create a brand and products that embody happiness, laughter, and joy. Seeing people smile and laugh again is a huge thing for us and, we think, many people.”
P.S. They have a Black Friday promo going – buy 2, get 1 free, with code BLACKFRIDAY – and a program for employers to buy masks for their employees (explained in this video).
(WSB photos)
As noted in our West Seattle Holiday Guide, we’re spotlighting lights again this year. We noticed while out this evening that many have theirs up already – from houses’ yards to apartments’ balconies – not surprisingly (today’s dry weather might have helped). We’ve already received a few spotlight suggestions, including this announcement from Ken Arkills:
“The Arkills home on the corner of 39th Ave SW and SW Trenton in Fauntlee Hills is in full display mode. The response from the children and parents and those walking and driving by has been incredible and has touched our hearts as we see their smiles and hear their words of appreciation during such difficult times. With all the challenges in 2020. we knew we had to turn up the electricity here and deliver for our Community. … We are on a corner off the beaten path and folks are able to walk or drive by and enjoy the display from many vantage points and still maintain social distancing and they do.”
Lots of cheery characters – some animation, too. Here’s a map.
If you have – or know of – decorations/lights to share, let us know! Photos welcome but not required; we’ll be out with our camera many nights. westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Spend local! Three more notes from local businesses, to help you along:
FLOORS PLUS NORTHWEST: This recently opened business in Morgan Junction (6959 California SW) emailed this update: “We just wanted to let you know we are holding a 15%-off sale for materials and labor. If anyone is in need of new carpet right away, we have some Locally Stocked carpet. We can order today and install within the next couple of days. We also have some locally stocked Luxury Vinyl Planks options.”
JET CITY BEIGNET: Updates from this WSB sponsor:
We are SUPER excited to be teaming up with The Good Society Brewery & Public House! Starting in December, (except 12/13 – we’ll be taking a break that weekend) we will be popping up and selling beignets at this award winning brewery every Sunday from 9 am-2 pm. Come visit us and enjoy beignets and beermosas and beignet/beer bundles!
We will be popping up at different WS locations on Saturdays for the foreseeable future (Saturday pre-orders will be put on hold for awhile, but we’ll still have the sauce trios and coffee available at our popups).
Up this weekend:
Small Business Saturday at Alair Gift Shop! Stop by this amazing gift shop on Saturday and get some hot beignets and coffee while supporting local! You are sure to find severely rad and unique gifts for all your peeps…
11/28 – 10 am-3 pm, 3270 California Ave SWSunday popup at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse! Get some shopping in at the WS Farmers Market and then treat yourself to some fresh beignets and a delicious coffee drink!
11/29 – 9 am-2 pm, 4410 California Ave SWAll the info on our pop up locations and dates can be found on our website calendar or social media pages.
CAPERS HOME: The Junction shop (4525 California SW) wants you to know about its new hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am – 6 pm
Sun 10 am – 4 pmPrivate appointments – call to reserve your spot
Sun 4 pm-7 pm
Mon-Thu 8 am-10 am and 6 pm-8 pm
We’re also featuring biznotes in our daily previews and Holiday Guide (see “shopping spotlights”). Info? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
3:35 PM: Thanks for the tip. SFD and SPD had a “scenes of violence” response just before 3 pm at Delridge/Andover. SFD tells us most units were canceled before arrival – the initial report was a woman with a knife injury, which turned out to be minor. Working to find out more.
3:37 PM: Police have already cleared the scene.
3:47 PM: SPD replied to our subsequent email inquiry: “Victim reported he was waiting for the bus when a known male came up to him and they began talking. Victim turned around and then said suspect attacked him, unprovoked, with a knife, then fled in a vehicle. … Victim has a minor injury to his ear and will be transported to the hospital by AMR.”
(Photo added, by Kersti Muul – Mom and son in the sunset. J26 Mike and J16 Slick)
12:36 PM: Southern Resident Killer Whales are back in our area! Kersti Muul of Salish Wildlife Watch reports J-Pod whales are southbound, visible from Alki right now, closer to the Bainbridge Island side of the Sound, so definitely binoculars are needed. Let us know if you see them!
1:24 PM: Donna Sandstrom from The Whale Trail says they’re visible off Alki Point, and if you need a point of reference, researcher Mark Sears has his boat out nearby.
2:32 PM: See comments for updates. Reported off Lowman Beach as of a short time ago.
Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes today:
BURGLARY/HIT-RUN: This diesel pickup truck is being sought in connection with a burglary and hit-run in Highland Park on Wednesday.
If you have any information, the case number is 20-328142.
BURGLARY/CASING: Keep watch along alleys, Andreas advises: “Last Sunday at 0900, my wife and neighbor came upon two men … breaking into my alley garage. They sped away in a white BMW when noticed. They returned Thanksgiving morning, slowly moving down the alleys in a large white van to finish the job. I assume they are still in the area looking for targets of opportunity while people are away.” This happened in a neighborhood near The Junction.
SHOOTING FOLLOWUP: We checked with police earlier this week to follow up on last week’s shooting at a house in the 6900 block of 24th SW. No arrests so far. As for the repeated problems at the house where it happened, Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Sina Ebinger tells us it’s a “complicated” situation. City files show that seven more complaints about the property have been filed since the shooting, mostly complaining about garbage. Both police and neighbors say they have tried to get the property owner to put a dumpster at the site. The owner, meantime, has been pursuing a court action since early October to evict the occupants of the house, which he bought last spring; another hearing is scheduled next week.
Family and friends are remembering Georgette Shaughnessy Johnson, and sharing this with the community:
Georgette Leona Shaughnessy Johnson, 90 years of age, passed away on 11/18/2020 of natural causes. Georgette was born on 9/1/1930 to George and Clara Maes in Seattle. She was a proud big sister to twin brothers Donald and Ronald. Georgette met the love of her life, Patrick Shaughnessy, as he reported to work at the Georgetown Police Precinct, next door to her family home. They were married in 1950 and resided in West Seattle, raising four children, Patrick, Kathleen (Kevin) Hogan, Maureen (Stu) Nelson, and Jeaneen Chapman. Patrick and Georgette were married for 43 years at the time of his death in 1994.
Lucky again in love, she married John Johnson and added another loving daughter, Molly, to her family. Johnny and Georgette loved to travel and built a beautiful home in Magnolia to host celebrations for the family they loved so much. Johnny passed away in 2007.
Faith in God guided Georgette’s life as a devoted and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother (Nanny G). She is survived by her children, 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, beloved sister-in-law Carole Maes (Ronald), and many nieces and nephews. Georgette’s family will always keep her safe in their hearts and cherish all their wonderful memories. A private funeral Mass was held at Holy Family in White Center, with burial at Calvary Cemetery. The Celebration of Life will be held at a later date due to COVID. Share memories of Georgette and visit the obituary page and online guestbook at www.emmickfunerals.com.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
(Luna Girls on Alki, photographed by Marc Milrod)
It’s “Black Friday.” Please spend local. We start today’s preview with some of the ways you can do that – from home OR in-person:
BLACK FRIDAY @ THUNDER ROAD GUITARS & THE BASS SHOP: These WSB sponsors at 6400 California SW welcome you to the showroom starting at 10 this morning. Or:
Up to 15% off most guitars, basses and amplifiers! 15% off all pedals! Sale LIVE now online: www.thunderroadguitars.com. Showroom doors open Friday 10 am.
Worldwide shipping, Curbside Pickup and FREE local delivery (Seattle) available and encouraged. Let us help pair you up with your new guitar this holiday season! Due to current COVID-19 restrictions only 5 customers in store at a time.
BLACK FRIDAY & BEYOND @ KID-FRIENDLY FOOTWEAR: From the shop at 4832 California SW:
Go outside & play!
We are well stocked with what kids & babies need to stay warm & dry.
Now through December 1st mention West Seattle Blog for 20% off new boots including Bogs, Keen, Stride Rite, & Hatley.
Find many other in-store discounts up to 1/2 off.
Shop open 10-5 all weekend, closed Tuesdays.
JUNCTION BLACK FRIDAY/SMALL BIZ SATURDAY DEALS: Some start today – see the full list on the West Seattle Junction Association website.
Also:
OPENING DAY FOR HOLY ROSARY TREE LOT: Special early opening if you’re ready to get your Christmas tree, 9 am-9 pm today. You can even pre-order, or shop without getting out of your car. Delivery available too. All the details are here. (42nd/Dakota)
Plus – today/tonight, online:
ST. NICHOLAS FAIRE: Presented by the First Lutheran Church of West Seattle, online bidding 6-9 pm tonight on unique gift items and more to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank – info here.
KIWANIS CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE AUCTION: Raising money for charity in place of the organization’s usual holiday Pancake Breakfast. “Silent auction” online today through December 5th – go here.
HOLIDAY SHOW: ArtsWest presents “A Very Merry Kraken Tea Party,” available for online access starting today – details in our preview.
Got something for our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:07 AM: Welcome to Friday, November 27th, the 249th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.
NO ROAD WORK
Delridge project: Crews are not scheduled to work today, SDOT says.
TRANSIT
Metro – Regular weekday schedule today.
Water Taxi – No service again today
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.
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
| 4 COMMENTS