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CORONAVIRUS: Thursday 12/17 roundup
December 17, 2020 11:56 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

As usual, we end the night with virus-crisis news:

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

*55,919 people have tested positive, up 707 from yesterday’s total

*976 people have died, up 22 from yesterday’s total

*3,803 people have been hospitalized, up 38 from yesterday’s total

*704,029 people have been tested, up 819 from yesterday’s total

One week ago, those totals were 51,671/920/3,543/675,103.

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

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 74.9 million cases worldwide, 17.2 million of them in the U.S. See the nation-by-nation breakout here.

BACK TO SCHOOLS: Tonight’s Seattle Public Schools board vote starts a process that will likely result in pre-K through 1st graders, and many special-education students, returning to in-person learning by March 1st.

LESS VACCINE? While the first round of vaccinations proceeds, the state said it had been told it’s getting fewer doses – for starters – than previously promised. Pfizer, however, says it’s not having any problems manufacturing or distributing. The governor subsequently said in his afternoon briefing that perhaps it’s just a communication problem.

HELPING: One week until Christmas Eve – still many ways to help, if you can; see the list in our West Seattle Holiday Guide.

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

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UPDATE: Gunfire at Westwood Village, 1 wounded
December 17, 2020 8:52 pm
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

8:52 PM: The day’s second “scenes of violence” dispatch in West Seattle is headed out now, this time to Westwood Village. First police were looking for someone reported to have fired a gun near the closed 24 Hour Fitness; now there’s a report of a man in his 20s with a gunshot wound to the leg. More to come.

(WSB photos)

9:04 PM: At the scene, SFD tells us the wound, to the back of the man’s left thigh, is not life-threatening. He’s being taken to Harborview. We are trying to find out if a suspect is being sought.

9:25 PM: Police say they are still seeking a suspect. Also still piecing together the circumstances; one person is reported to have told police a fight between two men preceded the gunshots.

2:40 PM FRIDAY: We requested the police report this morning; haven’t received it yet, but did notice bullet holes in the ex-24 Hour Fitness window today, so we’ve added that photo above.

ADDED EARLY SATURDAY: SPD has posted the Significant Incident Report summary of the incident, with a few more details, so we’re adding it here:

On 12-17-2020 at 2040 hours, officers were on a call for service at Westwood Village Shopping Center, 2600 SW Barton St when they heard a volley of gunshots from nearby. This was later determined to be at the shuttered gym at this shopping center. The officers determined that a shooting had taken place and a person had fled from the scene on foot. That person (17 years old) returned to the scene and had a gunshot wound to one of his legs. Officers provided life safety first aid including a tourniquet. The victim was transported to the hospital where he was being treated. He was expected to survive. The initial investigation showed that a fight may have broken out between a work crew member that was removing the gym equipment and the person who had a gunshot wound. The victim and work crew were not hostile but were also not uncooperative with the investigation. Evidence was located inside the gym. Bullet holes were located in several exterior facing gym windows. The Gun Violence Reduction unit responded to the scene, took photographs and processed the scene for evidence. No other victims were located. No bystander witnesses. No firearms were located.

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FOLLOWUP: Some Seattle Public Schools students will return by March 1st, board decides
December 17, 2020 8:32 pm
|      43 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

It wasn’t exactly an enthusiastic vote when Seattle Public Schools board members decided tonight to approve a plan that is likely to send about a fifth of the district’s students back into classrooms by March 1st. Board members acknowledged a lot of trepidation among both families and staff. But they also acknowledged that the district should be planning on how to return more, if COVID-19 case levels should drop dramatically. Here’s how the district’s post-meeting announcement describes what’s been decided:

… The plan, first recommended to the board by Superintendent Denise Juneau and staff at a Dec. 5, 2020 board retreat, will initially resume in-person instruction for Preschool through 1st grade students and students enrolled in moderate to intensive special education service pathways (Focus, Moderate/Intensive, Social Emotional Learning, Distinct, Medically Fragile, Bridges, Preschool (Developmental/Seattle Pre-School Program), and continue serving individual students who have had an IEP Team determine in-person services for Resource and Access service pathways. …

Some highlights of Resolution No. 2020/21-4.1:
• Up to five days per week;
• Beginning on March 1, 2021 for PreK-1 and begin bringing back students enrolled in moderate to intensive service pathways before or on March 1;
• Remote learning will continue to be offered for PreK-1 and Special Education families who opt to not return to in-person instruction;
• Continue the remote learning model, until further notice, for all other students not listed above.

Preparation for bringing back additional students:

• SPS staff will begin configuring 75 elementary and K-8 schools to support a 1:15 teacher-student ratio;
• Expansion of Special Education services in secondary schools;
• Bargaining new working conditions with the Seattle Education Association;
• Hiring additional bus drivers and custodial staff;
• Resumption of in-person nutrition services as necessary.

SPS will be conducting, in early January, a survey of families to enroll students for the in-person model and determine how many will opt to continue with remote learning.

As we reported Wednesday, the board was supposed to vote last night but was “blindsided” – as West Seattle/South Park board rep Leslie Harris put it – by Gov. Inslee‘s announcement hours earlier of new recommendations for what COVID-19 levels were acceptable for returning students and staff to in-person education. So they took an extra day for staff and board to review what the governor said. Among other things, they noted, the governor’s new policy changes the acceptable level of cases but doesn’t change what kind of distancing and other safety precautions they need to take, and accommodating all students that way – including transportation – would be prohibitively expensive. Read more about the new plan, including some FAQ, on the district website.

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LIGHTS: West Seattle’s own ‘Charlie Brown Christmas’ carries on
December 17, 2020 7:47 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Tonight’s featured display is an annual favorite that just might be the longest-running one in West Seattle. Don Rice sent the photo of his display on 47th between Walker and Hill [vicinity map] and notes, “Charlie Brown and the gang have lived at this location for more than 40 years.” He added. for those who go to see it, there’s more to admire nearby: “If you head north from Admiral Way on 47th. there are 2+ blocks with lights. Merry Christmas to all!” We’re adding it to our list of lights in the West Seattle Holiday Guide; you can also scroll through our Christmas-lights archive to see every place we’ve featured. Got a suggestion, with or without a photo? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Sent from my iPhone

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HOLIDAY MEALS: 8 West Seattle ways to get yours
December 17, 2020 7:37 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

One week until Christmas Eve, and it’s time to finalize your holiday-food plans. Some options:

MARINATION MA KAI (1660 Harbor SW): The Seacrest eatery is offering a Christmas brunch box for pickup 1-4 pm Christmas Eve, $45 to serve two:

-Monkey Bread
-Choice of Quiche Slices
-Ellenos Yogurt W/ Guava Jam
-House-made Tropical Granola
-Fruit Salad W/ Li Hing Mui

Potential add-ons, too, including beverages. Go here to order.

SALTY’S ON ALKI (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor): Tomorrow (Friday, December 18th) is the deadline to order a Christmas meal kit (featuring ham AND turkey), serving 2 for $70. You can order online or by phone. See the menu here.

PHOENECIA (4717 42nd SW): The Junction bistro is offering a reheatable Christmas dinner for two, $100. The menu:

-Fig and walnut salad
-Trio of spreads
-Roasted fingerling potatoes
-Balsamic-braised lamb shank
-Chocolate panna cotta

Text “reserve” to 206-250-5482.

WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor): Turkey or ham dinners – see the menu here. Sunday (December 20th) by 7 pm is the deadline to order, and the pickup deadline is 7 pm Christmas Eve.

HUSKY DELI (4721 California SW); Monday is the deadline for ordering Christmas dinners – ham or turkey, serving 6 to 8 people. See the menu here. Order by phone at 206-937-2810.

PECOS PIT (4400 35th SW; WSB sponsor): Meals available with smoked turkey, ham, or prime rib. Monday (December 21st) is the ordering deadline. The menu, and ordering info, is here.

METROPOLITAN MARKET (2320 42nd SW; WSB sponsor): Full holiday dinners still available as of a short time ago include ham, turkey, and lamb; ordering deadline is Saturday night. See what’s available here.

WHOLE FOODS (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW): Holiday meals serving from 4 to 12 people are available; the online ordering site says they need qt least 48 hours’ notice (and keep in mind, the store will be closed on Christmas Day).

Others to add? Comment, or email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Shore scenes, and more wind on the way
December 17, 2020 4:48 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

4:48 PM: First, two scenes from West Seattle’s shore:

Thanks to Andrew Murray for that scene from just before sunset. Below, a texter sent this photo from the “king tide” this morning as water slopped over the Alki Beach seawall:

High tide was charted for 12.9 feet just before sunrise; tomorrow morning, it’ll be a little lower, 12.7 feet at 8:22 am.

Meantime, though there’s no official alert, be aware that Friday has more wind in the forecast – similar to last night – with gusts up to 35 mph day time, up to 40 mph Friday night.

ADDED 6:21 PM: More photos of those amazing sunset-reflection colors in the east – first, from David Hutchinson, through the Luna Girls on Alki sculpture:

And from Robert Peckyno:

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HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS: Shop tonight, illuminate Saturday
December 17, 2020 2:16 pm
|    Comments Off on HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS: Shop tonight, illuminate Saturday
 |   Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle online

Two West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays updates:

ONLINE GIFT-GUIDE SHOPPING TONIGHT: In place of Shop Late Thursdays, West Seattle Junction merchants are online again tonight with the season’s second and final live “gift guide” – a chance to spend local, from home, 5-8 pm tonight:

Gather your friends (online) for a fun shopping experience with your favorite merchants. The Junction video crew will be visiting local boutiques and shops to showcase some of the best gift ideas brought to you by the owners of the stores. It can’t get more personal or hometown West Seattle than that! You’ll be able to purchase the items that evening too. Your purchases will be wrapped and ready for either curbside-pick up or free delivery to your local West Seattle door. You’ll also have a chance to win gift cards to each of the businesses! Tune in to see how on Instagram LIVE and Facebook LIVE.

5 PM to 5:30 PM bin41
5:30 PM to 6 PM Wild Rose’s
Pop-in at Carmilia’s
6 PM to 6:30 PM Darby Winery
6:30 PM to 7 PM Fleurt
Pop-in at Carmilia’s
7 PM to 7:30 PM Mystery Made
7:30 PM to 8 PM CAPERS

If you miss this, remember that we have a list of dozens of local independent businesses offering online shopping in our West Seattle Holiday Guide.

‘SPIRIT OF WEST SEATTLE’ LUMINARIAS SATURDAY: As promised, the Junction Association has a list of businesses where you can pick up a free luminaria on Saturday to light at 7 pm that night (as explained here):

City Mouse – 10 AM – 4 PM
CAPERS – 10 AM – 6 PM
Fleurt – 10 AM – 5 PM
Carmilia’s – 11 AM – 6 PM
Curious Kidstuff 10 AM – 6 PM

Light your luminaria at 7 pm Saturday and share photos with the #spiritofwestseattle hashtag.

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UPDATE: Apartment fire in South Delridge
December 17, 2020 12:03 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Apartment fire in South Delridge
 |   Delridge | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Added: WSB photos)

12:03 PM: Seattle Fire has just arrived at a residential-building fire in the 9200 block of 16th SW [map]. It’s reported to be on the multi-unit building’s second floor.

12:07 PM: At least one person is reported to need medical treatment.

12:15 PM: Firefighters tell dispatch the fire is “tapped” (mostly out).

12:20 PM: Our crew on scene confirms even the smoke has dissipated. Avoid the 16th/Barton vicinity for a while, though, since as our newly added photos show, the response is blocking 16th.

12:30 PM: SFD tells us at the scene that the residents of the unit where the fire happened have all been checked out and no one will have to go to the hospital. An investigator is on the way to look into how the fire started.

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FOLLOWUP: Hit-run victim’s family hopes you can help find driver
December 17, 2020 11:56 am
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Sunday)

We reported last Sunday on a hit-run crash at California/Hanford that sent a bicycle rider to the hospital. Today, the rider’s family is circulating video they hope will bring in a tip leading to the driver’s arrest:

As shown at the end of the video, the “best guess” is that it’s a Toyota van, 1998-2003, with running boards and a white separator between the front and rear passenger-side windows. Meantime, we asked the family how the rider, Sean, is doing: “He was literally run over so we are very lucky that doctors found no organ damage, but he will need several surgeries. He just successfully underwent the first surgery on Monday. We are just happy he is alive. We just want to ensure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.” If you have any information, contact police and refer to case 20-342638.

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Overnight wind leaves West Seattle restaurant’s canopies in tatters
December 17, 2020 10:40 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | West Seattle weather

Though there was no storm advisory, the wind kicked up in a big way overnight, and that led to the damage you see above – Rosemary sent the photo, explaining:

Arthur’s in the Admiral District has been working since the pandemic restrictions began, to continue to operate and serve customers. It has been an extremely difficult year. A few weeks ago, tents were erected [photo] to make it possible to eat outside in relative comfort and heaters were also installed. Last night, the tents blew down despite anchoring concrete blocks. Rebecca Rice and her staff have worked so hard to maintain the business and this is yet another devastating blow to their work.

We contacted Rebecca by email to ask if there’s anything the community can do to help; she says she’s “trying to sort it out.” We’ll update when we hear more.

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UPDATE: ‘Scenes of violence’ response after road-rage shooting victims drive to Southwest Precinct
December 17, 2020 8:19 am
|      38 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

8:19 AM: Seattle Fire has a “scenes of violence” response headed to 2300 SW Webster, which is the Southwest Precinct address. The call type indicates two people injured. More shortly.

(WSB photo)

8:32 AM: Attention is focused on a car in the precinct lot. Two people were just “grazed,” SFD tells us, and refused medical treatment.

8:42 AM: As circumstances suggested, this happened elsewhere – near 16th and Holden, we’re told – and the victims then showed up at the precinct. Their car had a clearly visible bullet hole through one window.

9:41 AM: Police now describe this as believed to have been a “road rage” shooting:

Police are investigating after a couple in their 70s were wounded in a suspected road rage shooting this morning in West Seattle. The couple were driving in West Seattle around 8:15 AM when they encountered another motorist in a white van, who was driving slowly in front of them. The male victim honked at the other driver and then drove around the suspect’s van.

The victims then stopped at a red light at the intersection of 16th Avenue SW and SW Holden Street. The suspect pulled up on the passenger’s side of the victims’ car and fired a single shot into their vehicle, grazing the victims.

The suspect sped away, and the victims drove to the nearby Southwest Precinct and flagged down officers to report the incident and receive aid for their injuries. Police searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect. If you have any information about this incident, please call the SPD Violent Crimes tip line at 206-233-5000 or 911.

10:12 AM: A few additional details from Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Kevin Grossman – the white van was described as “dirty”; its driver actually got out and shot into the victims’ car. They described him as a “light-skinned Black man, mid-20s, gray cap, 6′.” Police are still looking around for any security cameras in the area that might at least show the van, so if you’re anywhere near 16th/Holden, take a look.

ADDED: SFD confirms the victims were a 71-year-old woman and 70-year-old man, both with minor injuries.

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ROAD WORK, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: Thursday 12/17 watch
December 17, 2020 6:12 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:12 AM: It’s Thursday, December 17th, the 269th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

ROAD (ETC.) WORK

Delridge project: Here’s the current work plan.

TRANSIT

Metro – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule.

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) – see the closure advisory above. 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.

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CORONAVIRUS: Wednesday 12/16 roundup
December 16, 2020 10:47 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Tonight’s toplines in the pandemic:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: First, from the Seattle-King County Public Health daily-summary dashboard, the cumulative totals:

*55,212 people have tested positive, 363 more than yesterday’s total

*954 people have died, 6 more than yesterday’s total

*3,765 people have been hospitalized, 17 more than yesterday’s total

*703,210 people have been tested, 2,619 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, the four totals we track were 50,970/920/3,523/699,809.

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

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

BACK TO SCHOOL? The governor announced new guidelines today, and the Seattle Public Schools board put off its reopening vote until tomorrow. Here’s our coverage.

VACCINE UPDATE: Hundreds of people have been vaccinated, and tens of thousands more doses are on the way. Here’s the state Health Department‘s update.

GROCERY-STORE CASE: Checking grocery-store websites, we found news of another infected worker at Metropolitan Market-Admiral (WSB sponsor):

One of our Admiral Metropolitan Market team members tested positive for COVID-19 on December 16th. The team member last worked in the store on Saturday, December 12th. We are following the recommended response guidelines from public health authorities, including the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) and the King County Department of Health. In addition to the rigorous sanitation protocols we already have in place, the store undergoes a commercial-grade, electrostatic disinfectant service twice a week, and we are able to safely remain open at this time. All team members who came into close contact with the person who tested positive have been identified, notified, and are required to self-quarantine for 7-days and may return pending a negative COVID-19 test.

The store had a case last week too.

EVICTION MORATORIUM EXTENDED: The city has extended the moratorium on residential, nonprofit, and small-business evictions through March.

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

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Santa and wish-fulfilling helpers @ The Mount
December 16, 2020 9:42 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

Eight days until Christmas Eve, but Santa Claus made an early appearance today at Providence Mount St. Vincent, which sent the photo and report:

Nucor’s Walter Reese and Melody Sarkies were greeted with gratitude today by Santa and team members at Providence Mount St. Vincent, when dropping off gifts to fulfill resident wishes this Christmas.

The team at Nucor has been fulfilling wishes from The Mount’s Giving Tree for the last ten years. The Mount sent a special request for Santa to help thank all of the Nucor team members for their generosity, compassion, and for being wonderful neighbors to so many here in West Seattle. They in turn received a special proclamation from Santa himself, who was determined just Monday by the World Health Organization to be immune to COVID-19 and approved for travel worldwide!

“By the Power Vested in me as Santa Claus, I hereby grant the Nucor Team all of their Christmas wishes for…. Health & Prosperity, Joy & Peace, and a year of blessings and beyond! From our hearts to yours, we wish you the Merriest Christmas!”

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WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Yard full of character(s)
December 16, 2020 8:51 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Yard full of character(s)
 |   West Seattle Christmas lights | West Seattle news

Thanks to Ron and Marie for tonight’s photo! This display is on 50th SW between Hudson and Edmunds [vicinity map]. Lots of friendly characters in the yard! Adding to the list in our West Seattle Holiday Guide – thanks for the continued tips, with or without photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and see everyplace we’ve shown by scrolling through our archive.

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FOLLOWUP: School board delays reopening vote, after governor announces new recommendations
December 16, 2020 6:53 pm
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

The Seattle Public Schools board decided tonight to wait until a special meeting tomorrow to vote on its proposed reopening plan, so board members and staff could review what the governor announced this afternoon. Gov. Inslee said lessons learned elsewhere suggest students and staffers could return to in-person learning safely, sooner – all students, if cases are below 50 per 100,000 population, phased in (starting with the youngest students) if cases are between that point and 350 per 100,000.

(For reference, King County is currently at 420 cases per 100,000.) As the governor pointed out, while he has the authority to close schools, he does not have the authority to order them to reopen, so these are recommendations, not requirements. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, also participating in the briefing, urged districts and their labor organizations to sit down ASAP and start talking about reopening plans. Read more about today’s announcement here; see the briefing video here.

Back to Seattle Public Schools – what they’re considering, unless there’s a major change before tomorrow’s vote, is a plan to bring back preK through first graders, plus some special-education students, starting March 1st. The board was told at tonight’s meeting that the plan would affect about 11,000 students, roughly one-fifth of the current enrollment. The safety plan enabling that would cost $18 million, the board was told. Parents who don’t want to send their children back would have the option of staying with online learning; they would survey parents of potential returnees in January and February to find out their plans. Tomorrow’s meeting is at 4 pm; find the agenda here.

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Here’s how you can give a priceless holiday gift
December 16, 2020 6:08 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

If you can give blood, now’s the time. You can do it right here in West Seattle. Here’s what we just received from Bloodworks Northwest:

Bloodworks Northwest is back at The Sanctuary in West Seattle (2656 42nd Ave SW) next week!

The Sanctuary will host its 2nd pop-up donor center in the Grand Room on December 23, 26, 28 & 29.

All donors will automatically be tested for covid-19 antibodies through (at least) Dec 31. Result mailed within 2 weeks of your donation. More info here.

Give the best gift of all this holiday season – the gift of life! We have lots of open slots! Please sign up here.

Donation is by appointment only. Masks required. Questions? E-mail schedule@bloodworksnw.org or call 800-398-7888.

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WEST SEATTLE SHORE: Low-low tide tonight, ‘king tide’ tomorrow
December 16, 2020 4:44 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SHORE: Low-low tide tonight, ‘king tide’ tomorrow
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Thanks to Mike Burns for the photo from Alki Beach this morning, when high tide was a “king tide,” charted at 12.9 feet, which will be repeated tomorrow morning at 7:37 am, shortly before dawn. That’ll be a big swing from another late-night low-low tide, -2.9 feet at midnight tonight. The weather likely won’t be terribly conducive to beachgoing, but we wanted to let you know anyway. P.S. If you photograph king tides too, here’s our November story about how your photos can help scientists and planners.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car break-ins; porch theft
December 16, 2020 3:25 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

CAR BREAK-IN: From Ashley:

My husband’s car was broken into early Tuesday morning sometime between 2 am and 6 am. We live on 48th right behind Aegis. It was parked in our driveway but unfortunately he accidentally left it unlocked. They destroyed the ignition when they were trying to steal his car. After that failed, they grabbed what they could including his gym bag out of the trunk. Even though it’s a long shot, we’re hoping it might have been dumped somewhere. It’s a small black duffle bag with red trim and strap and has a cobra on it in white.

If you find it, let us know and we will connect you.

ANOTHER CAR BREAK-IN: From Jozie:

In the early hours of Tuesday, December 15, there was a car break-in on 39th and Stevens in the Admiral Junction. The “grinch” stole EVERYTHING in the vehicle. Please be advised that the thief was able to disable the car alarm in a way so that it did not activate. Also, a neighbor had a package stolen off their front porch during that same time frame. ’Tis the season. :/

SPEAKING OF PACKAGE THEFT: This photo and report are from Nancy:

I live in the 2200 block of upper Alki. This person stole my Amazon package at 5:35 pm Dec.15th. He looks like ha is dragging some heavy objects. Maybe other homes got hit as well. Anyway, hopefully he enjoys his 2021 Star Trek Original Series wall calendar.

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Young writer in the family? Southwest Seattle Historical Society contest!
December 16, 2020 1:52 pm
|    Comments Off on Young writer in the family? Southwest Seattle Historical Society contest!
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

Winter break is almost here. Young writers might consider planning/writing an entry for a new contest that the Southwest Seattle Historical Society is launching. We’re happy to play a small part in it, too. Read on for details in SWSHS’s announcement:

The Southwest Seattle Historical Society is pleased to announce its first history essay contest for students in partnership with Paper Boat Booksellers. The theme of our competition is: WOMEN HISTORY MAKERS OF THE DUWAMISH PENINSULA. We encourage students to write an essay that explores the contributions of a specific woman from the Duwamish Peninsula who has made a historical impact on the community, past or present, famous or not-yet-famous. Tell us how the woman you choose to write about inspires you.

This contest is open to all students. Winners will be selected in each grade category outlined below:

● Grades: 3 – 5 250 words maximum
● Grades: 6 — 8 500 words maximum
● Grades: 9 – 12 750 words maximum

Essays will be judged by a panel of SWSHS staff, volunteers, and community partners based on the following criteria:

● Demonstrated understanding of the woman as a person and the role she has played or is playing in the history of the Duwamish Peninsula
● Effective use of descriptive language.
● Correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar
● For grades 6 and up, appropriate citations in any reference style.

Students should include a cover sheet that outlines: the title of the essay, student’s name, grade level, and an email address or telephone number where the student can be notified of the contest results.

Submissions will open 9:00 am on Monday, January 4, 2021 on our website at www.loghousemuseum.org. We encourage students to make use of the Historical Society’s archives and historians. Email Maggie, the museum Programs and Interpretation Coordinator at writingcontest@loghousemuseum.org.

Winners will receive a special certificate and gift from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society and Paper Boat Booksellers. Winning essays will also be published on the Historical Society’s blog and West Seattle Blog. Winners also will be honored at a special event hosted by the Historical Society and have the opportunity to read their essay at the event!

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City extends eviction moratorium for residences, nonprofits, small businesses, and other pandemic-relief measures
December 16, 2020 11:37 am
|      50 COMMENTS
 |   Coronavirus | West Seattle news

The city is extending the eviction moratorium for residences, nonprofits, and small businesses until the end of March. Mayor Jenny Durkan has signed a new executive order (read it here). Here’s an excerpt from the announcement:

While the residential eviction moratorium is in place in Seattle, property owners may not issue notices of termination or otherwise initiate an eviction action with the courts unless there is an imminent threat to the health and safety of the community. Along with halting evictions, the order also prevents tenants from incurring late fees, interest, or other charges due to late payment of rent during the moratorium. However, tenants are still legally obligated to pay rent during the moratorium and landlords are encouraged to offer flexible payment plans. Residential tenants who receive any eviction notice during the moratorium should contact the Renting in Seattle hotline at 206‐684‐5700 or go online to submit a complaint. The City of Seattle has committed $18 million to rental assistance in addition to state and King County resources for landlords and tenants. The City of Seattle is closely following any action taken at the state and federal level regarding moratoriums.

The moratorium on eviction of nonprofit and small business commercial tenants apply to independently owned businesses with 50 employees or fewer per establishment, state nonprofits, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Along with halting evictions, the order also prevents eligible small businesses and nonprofits from incurring late fees, interest, or other charges due to late payment during the moratorium. For additional questions, please see the Office of Economic Development’s COVID-19 Lease Amendment Tool Kit.

The mayor’s order also extends other pandemic-relief measures including suspension of the 72-hour parking rule and continuation of temporary loading/pickup parking zones for restaurants and retailers. The announcement also notes that with City Council approval earlier this week, utility-payment late fees remain suspended.

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About those bus-stop bags on Alki
December 16, 2020 10:39 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | Transportation | West Seattle news

We took that photo along Alki Avenue SW after a reader tip that those yellow bags had appeared on multiple bus stops that served Route 37, suspended since March. Do they represent a permanent shroud for the route? We asked Metro. Spokesperson Jeff Switzer says sign-covering started last weekend and is part of a bigger project:

Countywide, we have 7,800 bus stops. Beginning with the September service change we planned a several-fold approach for handling stop level information for suspended routes.

*At suspended stops with bus stop information holders, we have replaced the stop schedule strips with a suspended route information strip.

*At large information kiosks with suspended routes, we have installed a large information strip with suspended route information.

*At suspended stops without information holders, but with more than one route, but only one suspended route, we have installed a decal on the post indicating one or more routes at this stop are suspended (this work is about 85% complete.

*At suspended route stops serving only one route, we have begun covering the flag with a “suspended” cover. Facilities crews began to install them over the past weekend. As of Tuesday morning 200 have been installed out of about 800 planned locations. The work will be ongoing.

While we realize most customers were able to figure out their route was suspended using other tools and information between March and September 2020, we decided to take this additional step to inform customers under the assumption that we potentially would see rider demand grow back over time.

So if you see these at other stops solely serving suspended routes, that’s why. The suspended routes’ ultimate future has yet to be determined. (Here’s a September recap of which routes countywide remain shelved.)

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Remembering Virgil and Carole Sheppard
December 16, 2020 8:59 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Virgil and Carole Sheppard, and sharing their story with the community:

Virgil and Carole (White) Sheppard, longtime West Seattle and La Conner residents, both passed peacefully during this interesting year of 2020: Virgil (age 98) on February 10th and Carole (age 96) on September 5th — the day after their 78th wedding anniversary.

Both were children of the Yakima Valley. Virgil was born in Parker Heights, WA; Carole in Zillah, WA. They grew up amid fruit trees and loving families, getting to know one another in their teens before eloping to Idaho when they were 18 and 20. (By way of breaking the news, they sent a telegram to Carole’s mother, congratulating her on the arrival of a 6’3” son.)

Carole completed a year at Central Washington College, and Virgil spent a year at the University of Washington. But when WWII began he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, eventually becoming a Link Flight Training instructor in Pecos, Texas. At first Carole remained in Yakima, but she moved down to Pecos after the arrival of their first daughter, Pamela. After the war, they welcomed a second daughter, Rebecca. The young family lived in a simple garage behind Virgil’s parents’ house in Parker Heights until Virgil decided to take advantage of the GI Bill and re-enter the University of Washington to study Pharmacy.

They moved to Kirkland in 1950. Virgil completed his degree while working and supporting his family. In 1956, they purchased a drugstore at the corner of California Ave. SW and SW Admiral Way which, under new ownership, became Sheppard’s West Seattle Drug. And in 1959 they welcomed a third daughter, Megan.

For over forty years they worked together to make the store a success. Carole handled the bookkeeping, delivered prescriptions, and stocked the shelves with tasteful giftware, candles, and jewelry. Virgil (who had more of the public persona) could be found behind the pharmacy counter, in front of the store hosing down the sidewalks, drinking coffee at the Benbow, or at innumerable community meetings.

Virgil was the consummate community activist. He was proud of having won the Bowl of Hygeia award, one of the most prestigious in the pharmacy profession, given to recognize excellence in community service. He served on the Seattle Crime Prevention Advisory Commision, worked closely with the Seattle Police Department, and was known by legions of West Seattle students for his straightforward presentations in junior highs and high schools about drug use. He was instrumental in developing the statewide methadone treatment program and, in the 1970s, was one of the first to use a computer and database system designed especially for pharmacies.

In their family life, Virgil and Carole spent time boating in the San Juans and at the family cabin at Warm Beach. As befits “farm kids,” they also enjoyed working in the yard, growing produce at their Shelter Bay home and harvesting lemons and oranges from trees in their yard in East Mesa, Arizona, where they spent some of their latter years as snowbirds. Carole was a talented seamstress, a consummate cookie baker (she loved her sweets!) and appreciated good grammar and clever word play. She also loved her Mariners, and back in the day she broke her ankle leaping out of a chair when the Supersonics won the championship. Virgil was a hugger, a teller of good (and bad!) jokes, and sucker for any baby who came into view, offering a big grin, a finger wave, and an audible, “Awwww.”

Virgil and Carole are survived by daughters Pam O’Donnell (Mike) of Burlington, WA, Becky McKinnon (Barry) of Meridian, ID, and Megan Sheppard of Normandy Park, WA. Eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren will certainly miss Papa and Gigi/Gammy and Gabump. Carole is also survived by her sister, Lois Sidie Brown of Redmond. And both will be remembered fondly by numerous nieces and nephews. Interment: Evergreen-Washelli, with a private family gathering at a future date.

The family thanks the staff and friends at Mountain Glen Retirement Center in Mount Vernon, with special thanks to Hospice of the Northwest, to which we encourage any memorials: 227 Freeway Dr., Suite A, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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