day : 23/02/2021 11 results

Tonight’s pandemic notes:

NEWEST KING COUNTY NUMBERS: Checking today’s daily summary from Seattle-King County Public Health – the cumulative totals:

*81,379 people have tested positive, 102 more than yesterday’s total

*1,357 people have died, 12 more than yesterday’s total

*5,083 people have been hospitalized, 1 more than yesterday’s total

*895,001 people have been tested, 2,481 more than yesterday’s total

One week ago, the totals were 80.317/1,321/5,008/879,299.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS: See them here.

NATIONAL/WORLDWIDE NUMBERS: 112.1 million cases worldwide, 28.2 million of them in the U.S. – see other nation-by-nation stats by going here.

ANOTHER VARIANT: From the state Health Department:

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) along with Public Heath – Seattle & King County and the UW Medicine Virology Lab, announce that the B.1.351 variant of SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in King County, WA.

The variant, initially identified in South Africa, was identified yesterday through genomic sequencing at the UW Medicine Virology Laboratory. The patient tested positive for COVID-19 on January 29, 2021. Other details about the case, including travel history are not available as the person was not able to be reached through contact tracing efforts.

At the same time, a virology lab found evidence of 19 additional cases of the B.1.1.7 variant strain in Washington state. First identified in the United Kingdom, this brings the total number of known cases of the B.1.1.7 variant in Washington state to 39. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of the P.1 variant that originated in Brazil.

So why does this matter? The announcement quotes King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin as saying, “The B.1.1.7 variant can spread more readily and B.1.351 viruses might reduce vaccine effectiveness.”

VACCINATION SITUATION: Karen emailed today to say she got an appointment at a South King County pharmacy through the volunteer-run covidwa.com – so if you’re still searching, and up for traveling, that might be your breakthrough.

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

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WEST SEATTLE SCOUTING: Troop 284’s weekend welcome

February 23, 2021 8:28 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

West Seattle’s Troop 284 had reason to celebrate this past Saturday. The photos and report are from Eric Linxweiler:

Troop 284 (founded 105 years ago, the oldest in the region) welcomed new Cub Scouts into Scouting BSA. This includes two new young ladies, who continue leading the way for women in scouting. All scouts entered in at the top rank of Cub Scouting as well (Arrow of Light).

Katie Miller (top right in photo above) served as their den leader for all five years they were at Pack 284. We are very excited to continue to prepare our scouts and eager to get outside for fun again.

The photos are in small groups, Eric explains, because they had the new members and their families arrive at staggered times for safe distancing.

The troop then had its regular meeting via conference call last night.

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FUNDRAISERS: Eat pizza, help two West Seattle schools

February 23, 2021 6:47 pm

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| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

If you’re thinking about having pizza before the week’s out, two local schools are getting a slice of the proceeds during separate one-day fundraisers at West Seattle’s MOD Pizza locations:

ALKI CO-OP PRESCHOOL: This Thursday (February 25th), MOD Pizza at 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW will donate a share of what you spend to nonprofit Alki Cooperative Preschool. This is important: “Please use our code (GR176595A) or mention Alki Co-op Preschool in store. NO THIRD-PARTY OR PHONE ORDERS PLEASE!” You can order via the website, though. Hours are 10:30 am-10 pm.

LOUISA BOREN STEM K-8: The STEM K-8 PTA has a fundraiser this Sunday (February 28th) at the MOD Pizza at Westwood Village (2600 SW Barton). The code for this one will be GR179557L – or mention the school – and again, you can order in-store or online, for pickup or delivery, directly from MOD. Same hours, 10:30 am-10 pm.

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PHOTOS: See what’s ‘new’ inside reopened Poggie Tavern

February 23, 2021 3:44 pm

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| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Now that Poggie Tavern in The Junction has reopened, you can get a look at what’s new inside, after some work done during the closure. Co-proprietor Joel Stedman invited us to stop by to see the “aquarium bar” – and we discovered that some of what’s new is also ‘old.” For example, there’s a tribute to Alki Tavern, the legendary dive bar that closed eight years ago to make way for redevelopment:

In that spirit, a souvenir from another West Seattle dive bar that’s had its last call, the Tug Inn, holds a spot at the Poggie too (as shown here last summer):

And then there’s Klaus:

Klaus was a Poggie regular who wanted some of his ashes put in a flask and left at the bar. The flask is placed near the stool he always sat at. Meantime, here’s a wider look behind the bar:

It’s been a year since Joel and wife Margo Beaver took over the Poggie (4717 California SW), whose previous owners had run it for 23 years. The Poggie is open noon-11 pm every day.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Hello, hail – twice! (Sunset & rainbow photos too)

February 23, 2021 2:07 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

2:07 PM: After a sunny morning, an unsettled afternoon – A reader texted that short clip of hail (or something like it – graupel, sleet, etc. …) in the Lincoln Park area. On Twitter, @WestSeaWX described it as a thunderstorm with an “expanded Puget Sound convergence zone” setting up behind it. Other areas including Fairmount Park and High Point reported the icy shower too.

2:36 PM: Classic Seattle almost-spring … the sun’s out again.

ADDED 6:07 PM: Another round of hail this past hour – plus a rainbow – here are some photos we received – first, from Barb in Westwood:

From Brandy, seen over Solstice Park:

And from Fred, the sun/cloud “mashup” before sunset:

(added) More photos! From Mark:

And via text:

Thanks to everyone!

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NOW: Pop-up COVID-19 testing in Delridge

February 23, 2021 1:27 pm

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| Coronavirus | Delridge | West Seattle news

If you’re in need of a COVID-19 test today, one more option – a public pop-up presented by Neighborcare and Seattle Housing Authority at Longfellow Creek Apartments, 5915 Delridge Way SW. They tell us all are welcome – just show up and they’ll register you. If you have health insurance that covers it, they’ll bill it, but if not, the test is free. This is continuing until 4 pm today; here’s the flyer.

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BIZNOTE: Need health insurance?

February 23, 2021 12:28 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Need health insurance? Carol at Financial Designs in West Seattle – a registered agent for the Washington Healthplanfinder – wants to be sure you know about an extended enrollment period that’s now open:

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange will provide a special enrollment period for Washingtonians to enroll in health insurance.

What you need to know

This special enrollment runs through May 15, 2021 and applies to:

-Those currently uninsured

-Those enrolled on short term limited duration plans, health-sharing ministries plans, or COBRA plans

-Current Washington Healthplanfinder enrollees are not eligible and MAY NOT change plans

-Reminder: Enrollment is offered year-round to individuals and families eligible for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid)

Carol is happy to answer questions or help you through the Healthplanfinder – 425-392-7390.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: More catalytic converters targeted

February 23, 2021 11:02 am

| 12 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two more catalytic-converter crimes reported by readers today:

21ST/GENESEE: Zack emailed to say, “I caught someone in the act of stealing the catalytic converter from my wife’s Honda Element this morning- he was cutting it off with a power tool that woke us up. This happened at 5:00 am at 21st + Genesee. Suspect walked south on 21st, then a car with no headlights on followed him – most likely they were working together. The police showed up right away …” The incident number is 21-045060.

BEACH DRIVE: We also heard this morning from Davis: “I am reporting a stolen Catalytic Converter from a Prius. It happened Sunday night from the 5000 block of Beach Drive. The car was parked on the street.”

(It’s a nationwide problem, the NY Times reported recently. Prevention advice is at the end of this report we published last fall.)

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Here’s what’s ahead for your West Seattle Tuesday

February 23, 2021 9:58 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Harley Broe)

A few notes about what’s happening:

PORT COMMISSION: Seattle port commissioners meet at noon online, followed by a 1:30 pm “study session” focused on economic recovery. Here’s the agenda, with viewing and commenting info.

DEMONSTRATE FOR RACIAL JUSTICE: Here’s the announcement of the regular twice-weekly event:

Black Lives Matter sign-waving

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 4 to 6 pm, corner of 16th SW and SW Holden
Thursday, Feb. 25, 4 to 6 pm, corner of 16th SW and SW Holden

Come build awareness that will help tear down the systems that have oppressed Black lives for over 400 years on this continent. Hold signs, meet neighbors, and stand for racial justice. Scott at PR Cohousing, endorsed by Hate-Free Delridge. Signs available.

SCHOOL BUS CUT? The School Board plans a work session at 4:30 pm, online, to talk about possible cuts in transportation services, including the controversial proposal to drop bus service for most “option schools,” including two in West Seattle. Our preview includes a link to the agenda with viewing information.

SUNSET: 5:45 pm.

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Memorial on Friday for Jill S. Knapp, 1955-2021

February 23, 2021 8:59 am

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| Obituaries | West Seattle news

The family of Jill S. Knapp will gather for her memorial this Friday, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:

Jill Suzanne (Saeger) Knapp passed away at the age of 65 on January 28, 2021.

Jill was born on April 13, 1955, in West Seattle to Beverly (Allen) and John Saeger back when the West Seattle Hospital was located in the West Seattle Junction. She was raised not far from where she was born, in the 37th and Dakota neighborhood and later up on 42nd and Dawson. She attended Jefferson Elementary, Madison Junior High, and West Seattle High School, graduating with the class of 1973. She had a passion for art and had fond memories of art class with Mr. Marta.

Jill’s first marriage was at the house on 42nd St and resulted in her oldest daughter, Jessica Mousset, in 1977. Jill then met and married Tony Knapp, who she commonly referred to as “her Tony,” in 1987, and together they had her youngest daughter, Julia Knapp.

Jill worked in the medical field beginning in her early 20s, starting at Virginia Mason hospital and then at Dr’s Springer and Ford’s office in West Seattle.

They moved to Port Orchard in 1988, but Jill continued her commute by ferry to work in West Seattle until her youngest was born in June of 1989. She then went to work for the Doctor’s Clinic in Bremerton and Silverdale for 27 years. She never completely left her roots in West Seattle and continued frequent visits with family and lifelong friends.

She was a loving, devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She loved every holiday, especially Halloween. She loved giving gifts; the most special and cherished were the ones she made by hand. She loved lunch dates, family gatherings, and her art. She loved every living creature, but mostly her cats. Her cats were just like her children to her. Every friend and loved one has gifts, cards, and art made by her. She always showed her love in everything she did and put others first no matter what. She was truly an angel on earth, and she will be missed my many. Her mystical, magical love will live on in our hearts always.

She was preceded in death by both her parents – most recently her mother, Beverly, who she cared for in her elderly years. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Jeanne, who passed away in 2001. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Tony Knapp; two daughters, Jessica (David) Cook of Port Orchard and Julia (Alex) Rosen of Bremerton; Her brother Robert (Casey) Saeger of Las Vegas; Six grandchildren (and the lights of her life) – Shayne, Haley, Matthew, David, Quinn, and Dean; three nieces, Nichole (Darron) Forsell of West Seattle, Marina and Danica Saeger of Las Vegas, and her great-niece and great-nephews, Alyssa, Trevor, and Brandon Forsell.

Due to regulations regarding COVID, a small family service is planned for Friday, February 26, 2021 at Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Seattle. A link to the live stream of her service can be found on Forest Lawn’s website on the morning of her service.

(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, TRAFFIC, TRANSIT: February’s final Tuesday

February 23, 2021 6:12 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:12 AM: Good morning. Another breezy forecast today. Clouds expected too – James Tilley caught the ones reflecting last night’s sunset:

ROAD WORK: Here’s the Delridge project toplines for this week.

TRANSIT: Metro is on its regular routes. … The Water Taxi is on its regular schedule … The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry route has 2 boats but with Sealth still filling in for Cathlamet.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES: 337th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s how things are looking:

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