day : 18/02/2021 12 results

2021 roundup

February 18, 2021 10:27 pm

| Comments Off on CORONAVIRUS: Thursday 2/18/2021 roundup

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

Here’s what’s new in the pandemic:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: From the Public Health daily-summary dashboard, here are today’s cumulative totals:

*80,635 people have tested positive, 178 more than yesterday’s total

*1,331 people have died, 2 more than yesterday’s total

*5,042 people have been hospitalized, 21 more than yesterday’s total

*884,554 people have been tested, 2,358 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, the four totals we track were 79,233/1,305/4,958/867,522.

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

WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 110.3 million cases worldwide, 27.8 million of them in the U.S. See the nation-by-nation breakout here.

VACCINATION CLINIC: We – along with the mayor and others – visited a pop-up clinic in West Seattle today.

VACCINE DELAY: If you had an appointment canceled or postponed this week, it might be because the winter storms hitting much of the country have affected vaccine shipments.

VACCINATION NUMBERS: During the weekly briefing by state health officials today, they highlighted the latest statewide vaccination report. Toplines: 1.2 million doses have been administered. They’re averaging 26,000 a day. 83 percent of the doses the state has received have been given. But the allotment from the feds is still less than half what providers are requesting.

VACCINE MAP: The map on the state website has a new look, and now it shows one potential West Seattle location, the Junction QFC.

NEED FOOD? 2-5 pm tomorrow at Food Lifeline (815 S. 96th) HQ, it’s the weekly distribution of emergency food boxes. … Also, the Greater Seattle Filipino-American SDA Church will distribute food boxes 2-4 pm Saturday, 2620 SW Kenyon.

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

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Mail-theft suspect charged; Westwood Village burglary suspects out; plus, 2 reader reports

February 18, 2021 8:59 pm

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| Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch tonight, two reader reports and two followups:

STOLEN CAR: From Kim:

My son’s car was stolen today for the second time this month! And it had a club on it and it’s a stick shift. We thought being manual would be a deterrent, but guess not. Luna Park area. 2003 red Subaru Impreza Outback BUZ 7132

Call 911 if you see it. (11:46 PM UPDATE: Found – see comment.)

PACKAGE THIEF: From Kyle:

We captured a porch thief on camera at our house (near 14th/Myrtle) at 3:19 am 2/17/21.

He stole a package of kids’ books that had been delivered at 11:34 pm that evening and was driving a silver sedan with front-door damage and the headlights off. A neighbor who found the empty box near 14th/Holly St this afternoon was kind enough to bring it back to tip us off. We just recently installed brighter driveway lights to try and deter thieves. … It appears it may be the same person who prowled our car on 12/12/20.

Police report # is 21-040361.

Also – updates tonight in two cases we’ve been reporting on:

MAIL-THEFT SUSPECT CHARGED: For the first time, repeat mail-theft suspect Jason A. Turner is facing felony charges. Two days after his latest arrest – third one this month – the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged him today with four counts of possession of stolen mail. The charges cover thefts from residences along more than a mile of Delridge Way plus Myrtle, Juneau, and 23rd, but the investigation documentation also mentions victims on 25th, 26th, and Brandon – dozens of people, and hundreds of pieces of mail. As noted in our report Wednesday, a federal postal inspector is investigating him too. Turner remains in jail tonight, bail set at $2,500.

WESTWOOD VILLAGE BURGLARY SUSPECTS OUT: The two 34-year-old men arrested for allegedly breaking into Westwood Village stores on Wednesday are out of jail. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office asked for $10,000 bail on one, $1,000 the other; in both cases, law enforcement officially opposed their release. But Judge Lisa Paglisotti let both go on personal recognizance, and they were released tonight. That does not mean they won’t eventually be charged. Both have felony records including drug and vehicle-prowling cases. Earlier in the day, police released photos of the damage done to walls in three business spaces at Westwood, at Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor), Sport Clips, and the former Fresh Vitamins space on the building’s north side.

(SPD photo)

The SPD Blotter post also shows the gun police say was stolen from one of the businesses.

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FOLLOWUP: 1 question for City Council Position 8 candidate Mike McQuaid during his West Seattle stop

February 18, 2021 7:45 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

As reported here Wednesday, South Lake Union community activist Mike McQuaid is the second candidate to declare he’s running for Seattle City Council citywide Position 8. He is the first to make a campaign stop in West Seattle. As part of a citywide post-announcement tour today, he stopped at Husky Deli in The Junction:

His campaign announcement didn’t address one major topic that has been on the City Council’s front burner in various ways during the past year – crime and public safety. So we asked about his views on that.

Council Position 8 is one of four citywide positions that’ll be on your ballot in August and November – along with Council Position 9, Mayor, and City Attorney.

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The King County Assessor has sent this year’s property-tax bills. Here’s what’s notable

February 18, 2021 5:27 pm

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| West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

If you own property here (and/or elsewhere in King County), your 2021 bill is arriving this week (either sent to you directly or to your mortgage company). Valuation and bills are calculated by the office of King County Assessor John Wilson, who briefed reporters Wednesday on this year’s key points. First thing to remember – as explained here last fall – your tax bill is based on the property value set on January 1st of the previous year. So what you’re paying this year is what your property was worth at the start of last year. As noted in that report last fall, West Seattle values dropped about 1 percent, but that was based on a pre-bridge assessment.

We asked Wilson at the Wednesday briefing whether the West Seattle Bridge closure has been affecting property values at all since then, and he told us that so far, their continual monitoring of sales data shows “no significant impact” on residential property, though commercial property has been affected by a drop in rental rates. Citywide, the median assessed value is $674,000, and that’s down a little more than two percent from a year earlier. Tax bills continue to rise, though, with major factors including school funding (which we note comprises half of the tax bill for our house) and various voter-approved levies (our bill says that totals almost a third of what we owe). This year, they’re not delaying the due date – first half of the bill is due by April 30th, second half by October 31st. As a notice in the bill reminds you, there’s a tax-relief program for homeowners who are at least 61 years old with annual incomes of $58,423 or less. For others, there is also a payment-plan option. If you have questions about your taxes, go here.

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VIDEO: West Seattle’s COVID-19 test site doubles briefly as vaccination site

February 18, 2021 3:51 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | West Seattle news

3:51 PM: Today the city’s COVID-19 test site in the Southwest Athletic Complex parking lot doubled as a vaccination site. As mentioned in our pandemic-news roundup last night, the city joined with community-partner organizations El Comité, Villa Comunitaria, the Senior Center of West Seattle, and the Seattle Housing Authority to set up a “pop-up” clinic. As with the test site – which has administered more than 71,000 tests since opening in August – the shots were given by firefighters, including West Seattle resident Roger Webber:

Media were invited for a briefing with Mayor Jenny Durkan, Fire Chief Harold Scoggins, City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, and community-org reps including Senior Center of WS director Amy Lee Derenthal (below left).

The mayor reiterated the commitment she had made to Herbold, that the city will open a mass vaccination site in West Seattle (as well as others around the city) when vaccine supplies allow. They’re receiving a sliver of the regional allotment so far – in the coming week, for example, 1,500 first doses and 1,000 second doses. SFD personnel also continue traveling as mobile teams to facilities such as adult-care homes. The pop-up clinic was focused on high-risk older Latinx residents from West Seattle and South Park, the city explains, noting that, “In King County, Latinx residents make up 24.1% of confirmed COVID-19 cases and 17.7% of hospitalizations, despite making up 10% of King County’s population.” Seattle Channel recorded today’s briefing; we’ll add their video when it’s available.

4:27 PM: Added.

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The High Road Consultants: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor!

February 18, 2021 2:20 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today, we welcome a new WSB sponsor – The High Road Consultants, the nation’s very first apology and accountability-based conflicts resolution firm. Here’s what they want you to know about what they do:

Our core qualities for resolving disputes are fast, cheap, and restorative. Our task is educating our clients on effective apology, helping them formulate and deliver a powerful apology to earn forgiveness, and maintain long-term accountability to build relationship trust.

Like a law firm, The High Road Consultants approach cases with the same analytical and negotiations tools employed by the best legal analysts. But our similarities end there. Our founder, Jonathan Bui, graduate of Lewis & Clark Law School, consolidated the firm under the belief that conflict resolution should focus on restoring relationships for all, rather than punishment for one. On top of formulating solutions for our clients, we also equip them with tools so they can resolve their future conflicts themselves.

Examples of our restorative process include: (1) helping an ungrateful spouse understand his own damaging habits and apologizing with demonstrable commitment to change to avoid divorce; (2) helping an estranged grandmother come to terms with the fact her familial bonds supersede her political opinions and bringing her back to holiday dinners; (3) helping an ex-girlfriend apologize to a partner from many years ago to finally alleviate her guilty conscience; and (4) helping a criminal-court defendant favorably demonstrate her remorse and self-betterment.

Our clients come to us because our work has meaningful impact on their lives, whether they seek immediate solutions, long-term coaching, or a means to repent. After working with us, our clients say “they feel good trusting themselves and others feel good trusting them.” And honestly, we would rather our clients not come back over the same issues. We do our job correctly when our client rebuilds and maintains trust so the same mistake is never made again.

To commemorate our arrival in West Seattle and as part of our #LeaveItBehind2021 challenge, we are taking cases for FREE for a limited time. Please follow our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Highroadconsultants and inquire to see if you qualify for a free service. Apologize today and live for tomorrow, together.

We thank The High Road Consultants for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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1ST AVENUE SOUTH BRIDGE: NB work this weekend; start date finally set for 2 weeks of SB lane closures

February 18, 2021 12:39 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSDOT photo)

Two 1st Avenue South Bridge updates today:

NORTHBOUND WORK THIS WEEKEND: WSDOT says grid-deck work will close two northbound lanes of the bridge 6 am-noon this Saturday and Sunday (February 20-21).

DATES FINALLY SET FOR SOUTHBOUND LANE CLOSURES: The southbound 1st Avenue South Bridge work originally planned for January, then postponed to February, and most recently pushed to March, now has a start date: March 4th. From the announcement:

The southbound SR 99 Duwamish River Bridge will be reduced from four to two lanes 24 hours a day for 15 consecutive days starting March 4. The work also will require four overnight closures between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. – two early in the project and two at the end. …

During the lane reductions, crews from Massana Construction Inc. will replace bearing pads and repair some of the steel that supports the bridge. The bearing pads – masonry pads that the girder rests on – were part of the initial construction when the southbound SR 99 Duwamish River Bridge opened in 1996. These pads are worn out and need to be replaced. The pads allow precise setting of the elevation of the bridge’s roadway.

Again, that’s only the SOUTHBOUND side; the northbound side, which is actually a separate, older bridge, is not involved in this project.

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Mars landing watch, West Marginal open house, Alki Community Council, and more for the rest of your West Seattle Thursday

February 18, 2021 11:23 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Tuesday photo by Gene Pavola)

Reminders about what’s happening for the rest of this busy day:

ENDOLYNE JOE’S REOPENS: The restaurant at 9261 45th SW in Fauntleroy reopened today, 11 am-8 pm, with curbside service and limited indoor dining. The new menu includes $5 specials for those short on cash, and ways for those who aren’t to help cover others’ costs.

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE: Noon-1:30 pm online event presented by South Seattle College (WSB sponsor). Here’s the viewing link.

WATCH MARS LANDING WITH ALICE: 12:20-1:15 pm, West Seattle skywatching expert/educator Alice Enevoldsen is hosting an online viewing event for the Perseverance landing – register ASAP! The info’s here.

DEMONSTRATION: Organizer Scott‘s twice-weekly sign-waving for racial justice is 4-6 pm at 16th/Holden; signs available if you don’t bring your own.

WEST MARGINAL WAY OPEN HOUSE: At the heart of SDOT‘s proposal for West Marginal Way north of the Duwamish Longhouse is a two-way protected bicycle lane in what’s currently the outside southbound motor-vehicle lane. Our most recent report is here. Tell SDOT what you think, and/or ask questions, during tonight’s online open house at 6 pm; viewing links are here.

SUMMIT ATLAS OPEN HOUSE: The charter middle/high school in Arbor Heights has an online open house for interested students/families tonight, 6 pm – info (including registration link) here.

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: The community is welcome at tonight’s board meeting, featuring guests from Seattle Parks and Seattle Police, 7 pm online. Here’s the viewing link or call 206-337-9723 – Meeting ID 995 1615 6974 and passcode 638862.

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FOUND BICYCLE: Recognize this?

February 18, 2021 10:40 am

| 7 COMMENTS

| Crime | Seen around town | West Seattle news

Recognize this bicycle? Andy found it “stuffed under the trees on the corner of 45th and Hemlock Way. Still has a lock on it. It’s awfully nice and I’d hate to just leave it out there, so I figured I’d bring it in my garage for now.” Andy has checked the serial number with police, and they said it hasn’t been reported as stolen; he’s going to turn it in to them if possible but for now is circulating the photo in case the owner is in West Seattle and just hasn’t reported it yet. If it’s yours, contact us and we’ll connect you.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Subaru (found); business burglary

February 18, 2021 9:49 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:

STOLEN SUBARU: Reported via email:

Our neighbor’s car was stolen at about 10:30 pm on 2/17. It’s a 1990 Subaru Loyale. License WA 659YTG. Gatewood area.

Call 911 if you see it.

11:01 AM UPDATE: Per comment, it’s been found.

BUSINESS BURGLARY: Reported via text from owner Denise at Seattle Style Salon in Sunrise Heights:

I had a break in through the my back door at 12:21 on February 15th. The police arrived at around 2:00 am. Damaged the door, will need to be replaced. Not usable. Have had it boarded up. I believe the alarm scared the criminals and were only in a short time. Stole about $300-$400 in retail. I have reason to believe the were male do to the footprints left in the snow. Thought I would report so all the neighbors know. My back door has entry through an alley.

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Remembering Robert Brongil

February 18, 2021 8:59 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends are remembering Robert (Bob) Brongil, and sharing this remembrance with his community:

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a beloved father, brother, husband, grandfather, and friend. Bob had an unfortunate battle with cancer that he eventually succumbed to on January 30, 2021. He fought every step of the way because he knew how important he was to his family and friends, who loved him dearly.

Bob was raised on Mercer Island, to Frank and Ramona Brongil. He attended Mercer Island High School and continued his schooling at the University of Puget Sound where he earned his Business degree. After that, he started his own successful construction business. Bob loved to travel, especially snowbirding in Mexico. He was born and raised to a strong Catholic family who was grounded in their faith and he continued that tradition by being an usher at Our Lady of Guadalupe.

He leaves behind his wife Judith Brongil, daughters McKenzie Walsh (Chris Walsh) and Brita Brongil (Shaq Blair), grandsons Kelton and Casen Walsh, granddaughters Evi and Kapri, sister Kathy Stevens (Jeremy and Lindsey), and brother Gary Brongil (Marilyn North), and several other loving family members and friends.

A funeral mass will be celebrated privately at Our Lady of Guadalupe. A celebration of life will be held at a future date to honor Bob’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Our Lady of Guadalupe church in West Seattle.

(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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WEATHER, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: Thursday morning watch

February 18, 2021 6:16 am

| Comments Off on WEATHER, TRANSIT, TRAFFIC: Thursday morning watch

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts | West Seattle weather

6:16 AM: Good morning. Rain in the forecast today.

(Wednesday rainbow, photographed by Jay Gewin)

TRANSIT: Metro is on its regular routes. … The Water Taxi has its regular vessel, regular schedule … The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry route is (UPDATE) down to 1 boat because the Cathlamet needs repairs.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES: 332nd morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how things are looking:

Low Bridge: Sixth week for automated enforcement cameras, while restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily. Here’s a bridge view: